勝鬘寶窟 2.3

2.3

Second, the approach of the stage of embracing [the saddharma]. In Jiangnan there are generally three explanations:

1. Master Bin says: "Starting from the external ordinary person, embracing and practicing the ten thousand goods, teaching and transforming sentient beings to give rise to the roots of goodness of the five vehicles—this is embracing the saddharma." Master Qu of Zhuangyan specifically transmitted this meaning.
2. Master Zong says: "From ascending the bhūmis and above, genuinely attaining the ten thousand practices, embracing and bringing forth the five vehicles—this serves as its stage." Those who transmit this explanation are very numerous.
3. Master Tanda explains: "Starting from the beginning of the eighth bhūmi, with one mind being endowed with the ten thousand practices, teaching and transforming sentient beings." Master Zhongbiao of Zhongxing Temple, as well as Master An and Master Min of Zhuangyan, extensively transmitted this explanation.

Now, what is clarified is that from the initial mind one immediately practices embracing the saddharma. Therefore the Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra states: "The initial resolve and ultimate [enlightenment] are not two or different." The Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā-prajñāpāramitā-sūtra states: "A bodhisattva, from the initial resolve of the mind, immediately practices unapprehendability." Therefore we know that starting from the initial resolve of the mind, one immediately practices unapprehendability; hence we know it begins from the initial mind. However, its completion is at the first bhūmi; hence the earlier text states: "If one forgets and loses the saddharma, one cannot transcend the stage of an ordinary person." Thus we know that not forgetting the saddharma enables one to transcend the ordinary person, which is the first bhūmi. The Kāruṇikarāja-sūtra states: "At the first bhūmi, one mind is endowed with the eighty thousand pāramitās." Therefore we know its completion is at the first bhūmi. Effortlessly appearing before oneself, it then abides at the eighth bhūmi; complete and fully perfected, it lies in the Buddha-stage. Therefore the text below states: "Embracing the saddharma, relinquishing three and obtaining three"—that is the Buddha-stage.