觀無量壽佛經疏 4.23

4.23

Answer: 'The Buddha's teachings and practices exceed the sands of the Ganges in number; the faculties and dispositions of sentient beings that receive them are, in accordance with their inclinations, not of a single kind. For example, in what the eyes of worldly people can see and believe: light can dispel darkness; space can contain existence; earth can bear and nurture; water can moisten and sustain; fire can bring to completion or destruction. Such phenomena are all called conditioned opposites, visible directly to the eye, with a thousand differences and myriad distinctions. How much more so with the inconceivable power of the Buddha-Dharma—could it lack various kinds of benefits? Whenever one emerges from a single gate, one emerges from a single gate of afflictions; whenever one enters into a single gate, one enters into a single gate of liberation and wisdom. For this reason, one arouses practice according to conditions, each seeking liberation. Why do you use essential practices with which I have no karmic affinity to obstruct and confuse me? That which I cherish is the practice with which I have affinity, which is not what you seek. That which you cherish is the practice with which you have affinity, which is also not what I seek. Therefore, if each cultivates practice according to what one delights in, one will surely attain liberation quickly. Practitioners should know: if one wishes to learn understanding, from ordinary being to sage and up to the fruit of Buddhahood, one may study everything without obstruction. If one wishes to practice, one must rely upon teachings with which one has affinity; then with little effort, one will gain great benefit.'