Chih-i’s distinction of coarseness and subtlety is for the purpose of reaching non-distinction by opening the coarse and revealing the subtle. According to Chih-i’s interpretation, opening the coarse and revealing the subtle means that in the Lotus Sūtra, the Buddha made clear that although the three teachings (Tripiṭaka, Common, and Separate) are expedient means, they contain the Ultimate Truth in leading beings to reach the final teaching of the Lotus Sūtra. Therefore, in the Lotus Sūtra, these three teachings enjoy the same status as absolute subtlety like the Perfect Teaching, on the basis of the Ultimate Truth being the underlying principle of all the Four Teachings. (Vol. 2, Page 115)