大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 60.65

60.65

Regarding the Commentary's statement "Furthermore, the preceding three" below: second, in terms of assigned stages. That is, the First Ground is giving, the Second Ground is morality, and the Third Ground is cultivation. Why these three are called "mundane" is because mundane sentient beings mostly practice them. Thus the Kośa says: "The sūtras say that there are three bases of meritorious deeds: first, the basis of meritorious deeds of the category of giving; second, the basis of meritorious deeds of the category of morality; third, the basis of meritorious deeds of the category of cultivation. How is the name 'basis of meritorious deeds' established for these? The verse says: 'Giving, morality, and cultivation, these three categories, / Each according to what is appropriate, / Receive the name of a basis of meritorious deeds, / Their distinction being like the courses of karma.'" Explanation: "Category" refers to the nature and kind; these three are distinct, each being a kind of nature. Why concentration is called "cultivation": the verse says, "Equipoised wholesome [states] are called cultivation, / Because they intensely perfume the mind." That is, freedom from sinking and agitation is called "equi-"; drawing forth and generating virtues is called "poise." This wholesome state of the stage of concentration can intensely perfume the mind to bring about kinds of virtue, so it alone is named "cultivation."