大般涅槃經義記 4.161

4.161

就下問答重顯之中，先問，次答，後除闡提。迦葉發問執小徵大，犯四禁等於小乘中名為極惡，名斷多羅，云何能與作菩提因？下佛答之。答意如何？犯四禁等其罪雖重，經之威力能使其人夢墮地獄，生悔發心，是故能與作菩提因。

Regarding the subsequent question-and-answer reiterating and revealing this, first there is a question, next the answer, and finally the exclusion of the icchantika. Kāśyapa raises a question, clinging to the small to challenge the great: transgressing the four prohibitions and the like is called extreme evil in the Hīnayāna, called severing the tāla [palm tree]; how can it serve as a cause of bodhi? Below, the Buddha answers it. What is the intention of the answer? Although the sins of transgressing the four prohibitions and the like are grave, the majestic power of the scripture can cause such persons to dream of falling into hell, so that they generate remorse and arouse the mind [of bodhi]; therefore, it can serve as a cause of bodhi for them.