Chih-i’s endeavor to judge the coarse or the subtle is seen in every part of his discussion of the Four Teachings. However, one ought not to mistake the means as the end. The distinction of the coarse and the subtle is the means for Chih-i to confirm various types of the teaching of the Buddha as legitimate and coherent. This is because, Chih-i repeatedly claims that regardless of whether it is coarse or subtle teaching, all of the teachings of the Buddha are suitable to the circumstances and to the capabilities of listeners with the real intention of the Buddha to enlighten all sentient beings. Given that Chih-i never dwells on any fixed view (which reflects the flexible and comprehensive nature of his perfect and harmonizing philosophy) while confirming the existence of all types of the teaching of the Buddha, Chih-i also vehemently stresses the superiority of the subtle teaching of the Perfect in relation to the other coarse teachings, so that the Ultimate Truth can be eventually realized through the Perfect Teaching. (Page 65)