The general analogy with the lotus indicates that regardless of whether it is the beginning stage of an ignorant being or the final stage of the Buddha, all of them possess the Buddha-nature, and are all characterized by the Ten Suchnesses. Therefore, the subtle dharma is always there, embedded within living beings. Through such a general analogy, Chih-i emphasizes that the beginning and final stages of Buddhahood are the same reality. Chih-i argues that the initial stage of Buddhahood (that is analogous with the lotus root) all the way up to the final stage of Buddhahood (that is analogous with the formation of the seed) serves as a metaphor for the subtle dharma. The beginning and final stages of Buddhahood do not differ (which are analogous with the beginning and end of the lotus) and are replete with the meanings of the Ten Suchnesses. This analogizes that although living beings in the Buddha-realm start from ignorance, they will eventually reach Buddhahood, the stage of perfection. (Vol. 2, Page 387)