釋摩訶衍論 8.6

8.6

The commentary states: The phrase "Herein, on account of sentient beings who have not yet entered the group of the definitely right" is what is to be remedied, namely the objective sphere of those to be transformed. The phrase "the section on cultivating faith and practice is explained" is the remedy, namely the teaching that is capable of transforming. What is the scope of the objective sphere of those to be transformed? It refers to subsuming sentient beings of two groups. What are the two? First is the group of the definitely wrong; second is the indeterminate group. These are called the two. Why? Because these two [groups of] sentient beings have both not yet entered the group of the definitely right. As for "correspondence", what are its characteristics? It means that the teaching spoken corresponds respectively to the two [groups of] sentient beings. What are the characteristics of this correspondence? It means that on account of sentient beings of the definitely wrong group, the gate of faith is explained; on account of sentient beings of the indeterminate group, the gate of practice is explained. Why? Because the order of entry is intrinsically so. That is, those who lack faith first generate faith, while those who already have faith directly cultivate practice. Furthermore, it is because it universally brings benefit.