The story of the previous existence of Great-Universally-Excelling-Wisdom Buddha is followed by Sakyamuni’s disclosure that the various teachings expounded since he attained enlightenment were really only expedients designed to lead people to the Lotus Sutra. In this connection, the Buddha tells the parable of the magic city, or as it is often called, “A Treasure Palace in a Magic City.”
Introduction to the Lotus Sutra