The Tathāgatas divide [the Dharma] into various teachings, and expound those teachings to all living beings so skillfully and with such gentle voices that living beings are delighted.

It has been stated already that [the Buddha’s teaching methods are] without set patterns, although this statement appears contradictory to [the nature of] li, [which has to do with the One]. It is necessary to explain again the differences between the three vehicles, of which he says here, a variety of. By means of three, One is manifested and this is called skillful preaching. His myriad statements are equally proper; there is no differing taste (rasa); [all] are in accord with it (the One), and there is nothing that goes against it, thus it is called gladdening many hearts. So far [the Buddha] has explicated internal comprehension; now here he talks about external conversion.