妙法蓮華經玄義 10.64

10.64

Second, the gradual contemplation: from the initial aspiration for the sake of the perfect ultimate, one cultivates the twelve dhyānas of ānāpāna, which are the fundamental practices. Therefore it is said: 'Ordinary beings are like milk mixed with blood.' Next, one cultivates the six subtle gates, the sixteen special superiorities, contemplation, refining, perfuming, and cultivation, etc., up to the aids to the path and the contemplation of the four truths, which are the śrāvaka practices, like the practice of pure milk. Next, one cultivates the contemplation of the twelve links of dependent origination, which is the pratyekabuddha [practice], like the practice of coagulated milk. Next, one cultivates the four extensive vows and the six pāramitās, where the practices in principle and phenomena undertaken by bodhisattvas of the shared and tripiṭaka [teachings] are all like the practice of curd. Next, one cultivates the practices performed by bodhisattvas of the distinctive teaching, which are all like refined butter; hence it is said that bodhisattvas are like refined butter. Next, one cultivates the dhyāna of self-nature, enters into all dhyānas, up to the purest pure dhyāna; these dharma gates can enable one to see the buddha-nature, dwell in great nirvāṇa, and fully possess the true and responsive [bodies]; thus it is called the practice of ghee.