妙法蓮華經玄義 4.204

4.204

That the heights of severance and suppression rely on the three contemplations of the *Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā* is convenient for the meaning of gradual sequence. That the correspondences to the contemplation practice and dharma-gates rely on the five practices of the *Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra* is precisely what is suitable for entry into the path in the final age. Why is that? In the distinctive teaching, the contemplation practices explained are of two kinds: first, those spoken as unshared with the two vehicles, such as the *Daśabhūmika-śāstra* of the *Avataṃsaka*, the nine kinds of morality, concentration, and wisdom in the *Bodhisattvabhūmi*, and the *Mahāyānasaṃgraha*; second, those spoken as shared with the two vehicles, such as the *Vaipulya*, the *Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā*, the *Mūlamadhyamakakārikā*, and the *Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa*. Now, the five practices of the *Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra* extend from the ordinary being to the ultimate; thus they are essential for practice and application in the final age.