妙法蓮華經玄義 4.8

4.8

Nirvāṇa is subtle; these six are able to lead through to it, hence they are called the six subtle gates. These three methods are for three capacities: for those with more wisdom capacity, the six subtle gates are taught; each and every one of these gates can activate the taintless right within the desire realm. For those with more concentration capacity, the sixteen superior attainments are taught; therefore, in the lower stages the taintless is not activated, and only when the dhyāna of the higher stages is complete can one attain awakening. For those whose concentration and wisdom capacities are equal, thorough clarity is taught; the contemplative wisdom of thorough clarity is deep and subtle, capable of activating the taintless from the lower to the higher. These are explanations in accordance with spiritual capacity; if treated as antidotes, there are other methods, and so forth. If explained broadly, their cultivation encompasses all concentrations. Here, we merely take their sequential arising as a single vertical trajectory of meaning. Cultivating these six gates, combining cultivation and realization, yields twelve dharmas. The Buddha said: 'Dwelling in the three and the four produces the twelve.' That is precisely this cultivating counting and realizing counting, up to cultivating purity and realizing purity.