By his systematized elaboration of [the] four categories, different divisions of Buddhist doctrines and practices become a coherent whole, and can coexist without confusion and contradiction. While confirming the diversity of the Buddha’s teaching, Chih-i conveys the real intention of the Buddha that lies in his teachings, which is for the sake of leading all sentient beings to attain Buddhahood. This ultimate purpose of attaining Buddhahood becomes more transparent in Chih-i’s system of positions: regardless of whether one’s position is inferior or superior, all practitioners of various positions can eventually reach the goal of Buddhahood. Chih-i’s justification for the disclosure of the “Subtlety of Positions” can be detected from the following paragraph:

“Since truth as principle is merged, knowledge is perfect without any interval; [when] practice is guided [by knowledge], it becomes subtle. [Upon] a manifestation of these three meanings (i.e., truth, knowledge, and practice), the substance, gist, and function [of the Lotus Sūtra] are complete. Furthermore, the Subtlety of Positions should be exposed.”

This implies that related to truth that is perfect, knowledge is perfect as well. The perfect knowledge can guide practice to its completion. When all these three categories, truth, knowledge, and practice are realized, the level of attainment arises. (Vol. 2, Page 196)