維摩經玄疏 5.46

5.46

Answer: Because the three faculties of this land are dull, they cannot attain the principle of scent, taste, and touch; therefore, the three sense-objects are not called sūtras. If in other Buddha-lands the Buddha's work is performed by scent, or by taste, or by touch, then these three sense-objects are all sūtras. In this sūtra, it is fully stated that in other lands the Buddha's works differ; thus all dharmas can express principle and are all sūtras. As for the question, 'If it is said that because the three faculties of this land are dull, the three sense-objects cannot be teachings': a sūtra says that 'applied and sustained thought are the dharma of speech.' Since contemplating the mind is applied and sustained thought that accords with principle, it is good speech; being able to transform the defilements that are contemplated, it is called a teaching. Therefore, this sūtra says: 'The defilements of the assembly of disciples are transformed according to the mind.'