According to the theory of Gojihakkyosetsu, Shakyamuni preached by dividing his teachings into five periods of time: Kegon, Agon, Hoto, Hannya, and Hokke Nehan, and in the category of Hoto, Shakyamuni preached four items of 'Zo, Tsu, Betsu, En.'
五時八教の教判では、釈迦仏は華厳・阿含・方等・般若・法華涅槃の五時に分けて教えを説いたが、方等時で「蔵・通・別・円」の四教を並説したとされる。