維摩經玄疏 3.2

3.2

Third, clarifying the differentiation of the four teachings: previously it was clarified that the threefold contemplation explains 'pure, stainless, and renown' in terms of the wisdom of principle and the wisdom free of delusion being able to accord with principle and accord with conditions, receiving on this account the title 'pure, stainless, and renown'. However, because the capacities and conditions of sentient beings differ, there result the differences of sudden and gradual, and the distinctions of indeterminate and esoteric. Therefore, masters past and present have each offered interpretations of principle; the meaning established here differs in its purport from previous models. Hence the unexpressed principle, adapting to conditions through the siddhāntas, skillfully states and briefly outlines the four teachings so as to express their central theme and function and to interpret the name Vimalakīrti. If one can master this purport, not only will this sūtra's text and meaning be clear, but the traces of gradual, sudden, indeterminate, and esoteric will all be free of impediment. Clarifying this meaning now briefly opens seven headings: