華嚴經探玄記 18.100

18.100

Second, from "at that time Sudhana" onward, on proceeding in accordance with the teaching, also first recalls the preceding and second gradually proceeds to the subsequent. These may also generally belong to the preceding stage, namely: first, seeing, paying respects, and inquiring is "approaching a good spiritual friend"; second, addressing him and so forth is entirely "hearing the true Dharma"; third, being mindful of the preceding teaching is "attentive contemplation"; fourth, advancing to the subsequent place is "practicing in accordance with what has been taught"—therefore they completely constitute the four practices of approaching. Within being mindful of the preceding teaching there are four: first, being mindful of the samādhis and other teachings previously obtained through the illumination of the indestructible banner. Therein, the śrāvaka's patience is the emptiness of persons, and the patience of non-arising is the emptiness of dharmas. That Sudhana here obtains the patience of non-arising is because it is the benefit of the preceding eighth dwelling stage, hence identical to the eighth bhūmi. Second, from "constantly practicing bodhisattva conduct" onward recalls previously roaming through the abodes of Buddhas to accomplish superior practices. Third, from "in a single thought-moment" onward recalls the previous practice of roaming through seas of Buddha lands. Fourth, from "furthermore knowing immeasurable..." onward recalls the previous practice of seeing Buddhas teaching and transforming sentient beings. That is to say, the various benefits accomplished in the texts are all present here in mindfully retaining the teaching, making them mature, radiant, pure, and ultimately realized. Second, reaching the place can be understood.