大般涅槃經義記 3.332

3.332

上來彰己不識真歸，自下半偈反歸昔別，「我今無預知」彼未來成與不成，「當行次第」別相三歸。於別相中，佛上、法中、僧以為下，故云次第。

The above reveals that he himself does not recognize the true refuge; the next half-verse turns back to taking refuge in the distinct [Three Jewels] of the past: "I now do not foresee" whether in the future it will be accomplished or not; "I shall practice in sequence" the three refuges of distinct aspects. Among the distinct aspects, the Buddha is superior, the Dharma is middling, and the Saṃgha is considered inferior; hence he says "in sequence."