維摩經玄疏 3.69

3.69

Next, following this, two chapters are expounded. The first chapter says: "Question: We already know that the Mahāyāna enters into the ultimate truth; now we wish to hear how the śrāvaka sūtras enter into the ultimate truth." The treatise master fully clarifies the twelve links of dependent origination with arising and ceasing, refutes the sixty-two views, and enters into the ultimate truth; this is to speak the characteristics of arising and ceasing of causes and conditions for disciples who are dull-rooted śrāvakas. The arising and ceasing of causes and conditions is precisely the arising and ceasing of the four truths, the four fruits of the recluse, and the Three Jewels. The *Mūlamadhyamakakārikā* earlier explained the three kinds of four truths, four fruits of the recluse, and Three Jewels of the three Mahāyāna teachings—shared, distinctive, and perfect; that the later two chapters explain the arising and ceasing four truths, four fruits of the recluse, and Three Jewels of the Tripiṭaka is because the capacities of people in later ages would become progressively duller, and they would need to use this teaching again. Thus the *Mūlamadhyamakakārikā* has concise text but rich meaning; having clearly explained the Buddha's four teachings, the principle of the four truths is already revealed, and hence it says that there are four truths. It is indeed a jewel-like treatise that fulfills wishes, not a treatise that mere water-sippers peck at. If one does not understand this meaning, single and compound woven provisionals remain unknown; if one attempts to penetrate the sūtras, the intention of the four provisionals penetrating the sūtras will in the end be difficult to see.