大般涅槃經集解 7.74

7.74

Daosheng states: Practicing in accordance with the teaching is compared to entering the water calmly and slowly. The essential point lies in cultivating the four dharmas of self, permanence, and so forth, yet in truth does not abandon the meaning of skillful means. Only after cultivating permanence does one understand impermanence; when its principle first comes to reside within oneself, this is called 'wise'. Sengliang states: This is a metaphor for renouncing the past and cultivating the present. Fayao states: The 'wise person' refers to a bodhisattva. Cultivating without confounding it with impermanence, one only then attains permanence, compared to entering the water and obtaining the pearl. Because cultivation finds its proper place and does not churn up turbidity, it is 'calm and slow'. The Record of Jingyi notes that Sengzong stated: Those who are deluded are many and those who awaken are few; being precious and revered, it therefore speaks of 'one person'. Using good skillful means to engage gently with the savor of principle, the teaching is not confused or turbid, because the wisdom of superior cultivation resides in oneself. Just as entering the water calmly and slowly does not disturb the water, one therefore obtains the pearl. The Record of Jingyi notes that Sengzong stated: One person illustrates a bodhisattva. Not clinging to annihilation or permanence, and calmly grasping the middle, is compared to 'calm and slow'. In what Daohui compiled, it says: Gathering the mind in principle is called 'calm and slow'.