觀音玄義記 4.11

4.11

Third, universality of practice. Directing to "marvels of practice" refers to where the Great Sūtra explains the sequential and non-sequential in terms of the five practices. As for the sequential five practices: first is holy practice, namely morality, concentration, and wisdom; second is pure practice, namely benevolence, compassion, joy, and equanimity—these two are the practices cultivated as causes prior to the bhūmis. Third is heavenly practice, meaning that from the first bhūmi onward, one realizes the natural principle of the supreme heaven; because practice is accomplished by principle, it is named heavenly practice. Fourth is infant-like practice, meaning manifesting identity with the three vehicles, the practice cultivated by persons of the seven expedient stages. Fifth is diseased practice, meaning manifesting bodies in the nine realms, exhibiting the marks of the three obstacles—these two are practices of arising response from the fruit. The non-sequential five practices are what the Great Sūtra states: "There is furthermore one practice named Tathāgata practice, namely the great vehicle and Mahāparinirvāṇa." The great vehicle is the perfect cause, and nirvāṇa is the perfect fruit. Although the present text indicates sequence, the intention rests on the non-sequential, for the Tathāgata practice is the universality of practice.