勝鬘寶窟 1.63

1.63

Second, the section explaining the name: it is named the chapter on all vows embracing the great vows, though properly speaking it should be called the three great vows embracing all vows. Longing for and seeking the supramundane path is called a "vow"; also, pledging one's mind is called a "vow." Thus the Daśabhūmikā-śāstra states: "A vow means giving rise to the aspiration to pledge oneself to great bodhi." The meaning of these vows is broad, hence they are called "great." These three great vows comprehensively gather all vows; hence it says "embracing the great vows." Furthermore, these three vows are able to attain the great fruit and bring about great benefit, and moreover are given rise to by a great person; hence they are called "great." Question: What are the similarities and differences between a vow (yuan) and a pledge (shi)? Answer: They are both the same and different. As for their being the same, it is like jñāna and prajñā, or like different words for "eye." As for their difference: taking action based directly on the present matter is a pledge (shi), such as the ten vows, etc.; pledging oneself toward what has not yet been attained is a vow (yuan).