妙法蓮華經玄贊 2.28

2.28

Below, it separately explains the two clauses: first, manifesting the grounds; second, integrating superior virtues, unlike the virtues of the two vehicles. Therefore, among the thirteen clauses, the first four clauses manifest the grounds, and the latter nine clauses integrate superior virtues. As for the first four clauses manifesting the grounds: the one clause 'all not retrogressing in unexcelled bodhi' is the eighth ground; the next two clauses are the ninth ground; the next one clause is the tenth ground. Therefore, the Treatise below explains manifesting the grounds, saying: 'The effortless wisdom of the eighth ground is unlike what is below and above.' 'Unlike what is below' means the lower practice with effort cannot move it; 'unlike what is above' means the upper signless practice cannot move it, because it operates spontaneously. 'Above' refers to superior practice, which is signless practice; 'below' refers to inferior practice, which is practice with effort. The Cheng Weishi Lun explains the Immovable Ground, saying: 'Because signs, effort, and afflictions cannot move it.' This Treatise explains non-retrogression as being unmoved by effort, unmoved by signless practice, spontaneously progressing in cultivation, realizing both emptiness and existence simultaneously, not being moved by the two—hence named non-retrogression. On the ninth ground, one attains the gate of superior progress dhāraṇī, being endowed with mastery of the four unhindered knowledges; on the ninth ground, fulfilling the retention of what is heard and so forth is called superior progress, possessing the sevenfold eloquence and so forth to expound the Dharma for others. Although on the previous third ground one attained the retention of what is heard, it was not yet perfected; here it speaks of the stage of fulfillment. On the tenth ground, one turns the non-retrogressing wheel of the Dharma and attains the consecration of the buddha-stage like the son of a wheel-turning king, because the eighth, ninth, and tenth grounds together manifest the grounds. The Treatise itself concludes: 'The lower nine clauses are called integrating virtues, which all three upper grounds together obtain.'