妙法蓮華經玄義 3.170

3.170

From the precepts endowed with dedication toward the unexcelled path unfold the Mahāyāna, non-retrogressing, conforming, ultimate, and pāramitā-endowed precepts. 'Mahāyāna' means that the bodhisattva maintains the inherently grave [precepts] and those against worldly censure without distinction. Seeking the buddha path for oneself, the inherently grave are urgent; transforming sentient beings, worldly censure is urgent. The Hīnayāna disciplines itself, so the inherently grave are urgent; because they do not liberate others, worldly censure is relaxed. The bodhisattva maintains both completely; hence they are called the Mahāyāna precepts. 'Non-retrogressing' means that when moving among non-paths with skillful means—brothels, taverns, and illegal places—he readily liberates people yet suffers no regression or loss in the prohibitive precepts. Just as a physician treats illness without being contaminated by the illness, it is called non-retrogressing. 'Conforming' means conforming to the capacities of beings and conforming to principle; hence it is called conforming precepts. 'Ultimate' means vertically reaching the supreme unexcelled Dharma. 'Endowed with pāramitās' means horizontally all-complete, with no phenomenon lacking.