The third group of [lotus flower] analogy is Chih-i’s description of various practices enumerated in the Subtlety of Practice. Although the lotus seed is small, it is equipped with the root, stem, flower, and leaves. This analogizes the Subtlety of Practice. The root is identical to kindness and compassion; leaves are identical to knowledge and wisdom; stamen is identical to samādhi; and blossom is identical to liberation. Furthermore, the lotus is used to analogize the practice of the Six Pāramitās. The root, flower, seed, and leaves that are beneficial to human beings and bees are identical to T’an (giving); the fragrance of the flower is identical to Shi (precepts); the seed that grows in mud without feeling humiliated is identical to Jen (patience); the lotus that grows is identical to Ching-chin (vigor); the leaves that are soft and damp are identical to Ch’an (dhyāna); and the flower that is not tainted is identical to Hui (wisdom). (Page 108)