All Buddhas appear in the world for one great purpose. Though distinctions are made as to the three vehicles, ultimately [they all] rely on One Vehicle. Therefore Śākyamuni descended to this world to be born in a royal palace, left home, and attained the Path according to his capability. He preached many different sermons; some were at first direct and later gradual, some were at first gradual and later direct, but all were taught as inducements to the Lotus Sūtra. This is the meaning of the Sūtra where it says, “The teachings of expedient means are exposed [like the opening of a gate] and the aspects of true reality revealed.”