大般涅槃經義記 1.4

1.4

菩薩藏中所教之人亦有二種：一漸、二頓。言漸入者，是人過去曾習大法，中間學小，後還入大，大從小入，謂之為漸，故經說言「除先修習學小乘者，我今亦令入是法中」，此是漸入。言頓悟者，有諸眾生久習大乘相應善根，今始見佛則能入大，大不由小，目之為頓，故經說言「或有眾生，世世已來常受我化，始見我身、聞我所說則皆信受，入如來慧」，此是頓悟。漸入菩薩始小終大、頓悟之人一往入深，頓、漸雖殊，以其當時受大處一，是故對斯二人所說為菩薩藏。

The persons taught within the bodhisattva piṭaka are also of two kinds: first, gradual; second, sudden. As for those of gradual entry, this person previously practiced the great dharma in the past, studied the lesser in the interim, and later returned to enter the great. Entering the great by way of the lesser is called 'gradual'; hence the sūtra states: 'Excepting those who previously practiced and studied the Hīnayāna, I now also cause them to enter into this dharma.' This is gradual entry. As for those of sudden awakening, there are sentient beings who have long practiced roots of goodness corresponding to the Mahāyāna; upon first seeing the Buddha now, they are able to enter the great. Entering the great without relying on the lesser is designated as 'sudden'; hence the sūtra states: 'There are sentient beings who, throughout generations until now, have constantly received my transformation; upon first seeing my body and hearing what I preach, they all have faith, accept it, and enter into the Tathāgata's wisdom.' This is sudden awakening. The bodhisattva of gradual entry begins with the lesser and ends with the great; the person of sudden awakening enters the profound all at once. Although sudden and gradual are distinct, because at that time their locus of receiving the great is one, that which is spoken for these two persons is the bodhisattva piṭaka.