Q: Is this [doctrine of] the Ten Suchlikes [the direct teaching of] the Dharma [as it truly is], or is it just [a teaching by] analogy?

A: This is [a direct teaching of] the Dharma, not just an analogy

Q: What if it were taught by analogy?

A: There is the text in the chapter of “Parables” in the Lotus Sutra concerning the Great White Bull Cart.

Q: What if [the Ten Suchlikes as] both [the direct teaching of] the Dharma and as analogy are harmonized?

A: That which is called “suchlike appearance” in the text, which is the direct teaching of the Dharma, is explained as “adorned with a multitude of jewels” in the analogy. The Dharma of “suchlike nature” is analogously explained as “there was a Great White Bull Cart.” The Dharma of “suchlike essence” is analogously explained as “that cart was high and vast.” The Dharma of “suchlike power” is analogously explained as “also, on its top are spread out parasols and canopies.” The Dharma of “suchlike activity” is analogously explained as “swift as the wind.” The Dharma of “suchlike causes” is analogously explained as “mounting the jeweled cart, they played in all four directions.” The Dharma of “suchlike conditions” is analogously explained as “there are also many attendants serving and guarding it.” The Dharma of “suchlike results” is analogously explained as “leading directly to the seat of enlightenment.”

Q: What is utilized to harmonize the [direct] teaching of the Dharma and [the teaching] as an analogy with regard to these Ten Suchlikes?

A: The texts that explain the Dharma [directly] refer to the fruit of Buddhahood as the true aspect of reality. The analogous explanation refers to the “grandly adorned great cart” as that which leads directly to the seat of enlightenment. The section concerning past lives [the first half of the Lotus Sūtra] teaches the ultimate fruit of Buddhahood as the exposition of the tentative and the manifestation of the real. The section on the original basis [of the Buddha] [the second half of the Lotus Sūtra teaches] that the eternally enlightened Buddha corresponds to the subtle Dharma. How can it be referred to as merely a harmonization [of the direct teaching] of the Dharma and [teaching through] analogy? This meaning is common to all from the stories of past lives to [the explanation of original Buddhahood in] the last half of the Lotus Sūtra.