觀無量壽佛經疏 1.37

1.37

Moreover, observing the meditative goods in this Dhyāna Sūtra and the meaning of the texts on the three ranks above and below, all refer to pṛthagjanas of the five defilements after the Buddha's decease; it is merely that differences in the conditions they meet cause the distinctions of the nine ranks. How so? The three persons of the highest rank are pṛthagjanas who encountered the great. The three persons of the middle rank are pṛthagjanas who encountered the lesser. The three persons of the lowest rank are pṛthagjanas who encountered evil. Because of evil karma, they rely on goodness at the verge of death and, riding the Buddha's vow-power, only then attain rebirth. Only when the lotus blossoms there do they first give rise to the aspiration [for bodhi]. How can one say that they are persons beginning to study the Great Vehicle? If one adopts this view, one harms oneself and misleads others, which is an exceedingly great injury. Now, by citing texts one by one, clear proof is revealed. We desire to let ordinary beings of both good and evil today equally share in the nine ranks, generate faith without doubt, and, riding the Buddha's vow-power, all attain rebirth.