法華遊意 1.33

1.33

Fourth, desiring to preach the Dharma gate of the three purifications, he therefore preached this sūtra. Yet the fundamental nature of sentient beings is tranquil and has never been defiled or pure. Although not defiled or pure, due to the inversion of sentient beings, it therefore becomes defilement. But as this defilement is heavy, sentient beings cannot be suddenly extricated; therefore the Buddhas and bodhisattvas gradually deliver them. For this reason they opened the teaching of the three purifications: first, purifying the three bad destinies by means of the five precepts and ten good deeds; next, preaching the two vehicles to purify the three realms; finally, clarifying the single Way to purify the two vehicles. Taking the three bad destinies as heavy suffering, the three realms as middling suffering, and inconceivable transformation as light suffering, they therefore preached the three gates to purify their three defilements. When the three defilements are extinguished, the three purifications are also forgotten; therefore he preached this sūtra. Now, preaching the three purifications is for the sake of stopping the three defilements; if defilement does not remain, purification likewise ceases. Thoroughly awakening to the fact that all dharmas in their fundamental nature are tranquil and have never been defiled or pure, one then enters the buddha-jñāna and goes directly to the bodhimaṇḍa.