In terms of “explaining retinues that are formed by individual supramundane powers” (Ming Shen-t ‘ung-sheng Chüan-shu), this category of retinues is referred by Chih-i to the practitioners, who, in their previous lives, brought forth real non-defilement, and perceived truth by being present in hearing the teaching of the Buddha. Nevertheless, since they have not removed themselves from the rebirth of the realm of desire in the lower-realm, they are reborn in the realms of form and formlessness in the upper-realm. When the Buddha is present in the mundane world, they acquire the power of vows to be reborn in the lower-realm, carrying out various practices in assisting the Buddha’s teaching career, so that they can eliminate the last bit of delusions, and gain freedom from the three realms of transmigration. Even if they haven’t yet completely overcome their delusions, they can still complete their task by themselves upon the extinction of the Buddha or accomplish it when the future Buddha comes. (Vol. 2, Page 291-292)