法華玄論 4.95

4.95

Answer: They do not contradict one another. Saying that the first bhūmi is simultaneous means that from the initial aspiration one practices simultaneous contemplation, but up to the stages before the bhūmis one is still an ordinary person, so one cannot achieve simultaneity; ascending the bhūmis is called noble, so it is called simultaneous. Furthermore, before the bhūmis is called the patient acceptance of compliance, and ascending the bhūmis is called the patient acceptance of the non-arising of dharmas; therefore, the first bhūmi is simultaneous. Saying that the seventh bhūmi is simultaneous is distinguishing it internally according to the stages. From the first bhūmi to the sixth bhūmi is called the patient acceptance of compliance, and the seventh bhūmi is called the patient acceptance of the non-arising of dharmas. Although the patient acceptance of compliance is simultaneous, its simultaneity is inferior and so is not called simultaneous; the simultaneity of the seventh bhūmi is superior and so is termed simultaneous.