妙法蓮華經玄義 3.54

3.54

As for the phenomenon of Foremost worldly phenomena: these mind and mental factors, in relation to other phenomena, are the most, the supreme, the greatest, the venerable, the highest, and the wonderful. It is both partial and total. 'Partial' means it surpasses worldly phenomena, but does not surpass the seeing of the truths. Because the retinues of the seeing of the truths are inseparable, because the power of wisdom is predominantly greater, and because through perfumed dhyāna one does not take birth in the same place as ordinary beings. Because at the time of the knowledge of exhaustion, all wholesome roots are permanently separated from all defilements and hindrances. The three samādhis even despise the undefiled, let alone the defiled—how could it be totally superior? Partially superior to those phenomena of Heat, Summit, and Acceptance, it should also be called foremost; it should be said to be partially superior, surpassing Heat, Summit, Acceptance, the dhyānas attained by all ordinary beings, and the immeasurable liberations and [eight] spheres of subjugation. Or it is said to be totally superior, not meaning superior in all operations, but simply because it can open the gate of the noble path. The seeing of the truths and so forth cannot open the gate of the noble path; because the phenomenon of Foremost worldly phenomena opens the gate of the noble path, those phenomena of the seeing of the truths and so forth are able to cultivate the seeing of the truths and so forth. That they are able to cultivate them is entirely the efficacy of the phenomenon of Foremost worldly phenomena. As for the meaning of the name of this phenomenon of Foremost worldly phenomena: the supreme meaning is the primary meaning; attaining the wonderful fruit is the primary meaning; like the peak of a high banner, with nothing higher above it, this is the primary meaning.