維摩經玄疏 4.34

4.34

the three teachings are provisional, and the perfect teaching is ultimate. However, our lineage's explanation of provisional and ultimate has three meanings: first, provisional and ultimate in transforming others; second, provisional and ultimate in both self-practice and transforming others; third, provisional and ultimate in self-practice. As for provisional and ultimate in transforming others, the preceding three teachings are not only provisional, but within these provisional teachings, provisional and ultimate are also each expounded. As for clarifying provisional and ultimate in both self-practice and transforming others, the preceding three teachings are all provisional applications, and what the perfect teaching clarifies is solely ultimate. If we discuss provisional and ultimate in self-practice, it is distinguished according to the stages of the perfect teaching: illuminating the Middle Way is ultimate, and simultaneously illuminating the two truths is provisional.