大般涅槃經疏 27.10

27.10

「若如是」下，第二番問答，明業不定，可得修道。問意有兩：一以惡業不定，何用梵行求於涅槃？二以善業不定故，亦何用梵行求於涅槃？佛答此問，其文甚廣，所破疑惑處多，故不可不委。若不曉此，一切行不成。是故此文，文相稍長。文為四：一正明業不定故修道、二明業定有多過、三雙明業定不定、四結不定故修道。

From "If it is so" onward is the second round of questions and answers, explaining that because karma is indeterminate, one can cultivate the path. The intention of the question is twofold: first, if unwholesome karma is indeterminate, what is the use of the holy life to seek nirvāṇa? Second, if wholesome karma is indeterminate, why likewise use the holy life to seek nirvāṇa? The Buddha's answer to this question is extremely extensive; because the doubts and confusions it shatters are numerous, it cannot but be detailed. If one does not comprehend this, none of the practices will be accomplished. Therefore, the text of this passage is somewhat long. The text has four parts: first, directly explaining that because karma is indeterminate, one cultivates the path; second, explaining that if karma were determinate, there would be many faults; third, explaining both the determinate and indeterminate natures of karma; fourth, concluding that because it is indeterminate, one cultivates the path.