Chih-i’s Profound Comparison

The comparison between the Lotus Sūtra and the other sūtras from various perspectives can be seen throughout the Hsüan-I (Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sūtra). This is Chih-i’s endeavor to demonstrate that the Lotus Sūtra is superior to all other sūtras. In the meantime, this comparison provides legitimacy for Chih-i’s own choice of selecting the Lotus Sūtra as the doctrinal foundation for his system of thought. The superiority of the Lotus Sūtra is derived from its reconciling nature of acknowledging the validity of all doctrines that are embraced by the One Vehicle of Buddhahood. The establishment of this superiority in turn sustains Chih-i ‘s own system of thought as perfect and harmonizing. Thus, this technique of comparison exemplifies Chih-i’s perfect harmonization philosophy in terms of its nature of reconciliation and all-embracing nature. (Page 88-89)

The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra: Tien-tai Philosophy of Buddhism