大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 59.32

59.32

Regarding the Commentary's statement: "The characteristics, the fruit attained," and so forth: these are the characteristics of the attained Dharma. The text of the Commentary has three parts: first, explaining the characteristics according to the treatise; second, pointing out their essence; third, re-elucidating the essence of the Dharma. Regarding the Commentary's statement: "Characteristics are expedient cognition" and so forth: the Commentary points out their essence, which is identical to the three gradations in the Tathāgata's empowerment and request. As for the words "characteristics of that which contemplates and that which is contemplated": "characteristic" has two meanings. First, because of the distinction of characteristics; second, because of being able to reach the reality of the ground, they are called characteristics. That is, the gradation of contemplation. Contemplation precisely brings forth the obstacles to reveal the characteristics of the antidotes; thus both that which [contemplates] and that which is [contemplated] are characteristics. Second, "attainment" is the gradation of realization. Third, "fruit" is the gradation of cultivation. Regarding the Commentary's statement: "Moreover, these three" and so forth: third, it re-elucidates the essence of the Dharma. It opens fundamental cognition to form the two paths; thus it does not take preparatory application. As for the statement: "Preparatory application on the grounds is subsumed under superior progression": as when wishing to enter the second ground one generates ten types of mind, this is preparatory application, yet it is the superior progression of the first ground. The intended meaning is: since superior progression is subsequent attainment, it is not expedient means.