維摩經略疏 3.85

3.85

問：《攝大乘》明八譬各有所譬，今經五譬那並譬身？答：今明通別同異，意正在此。若通圓二教，五譬六譬八譬十譬皆可通譬，如《大品》所明色乃至一切種智皆如幻化。此經亦通，八譬別者即別教意，如以四德對四三昧破四種人。圓義往覈，皆不可解。

Question: In the Mahāyānasaṃgraha, eight similes are clarified, each having its own specific object of comparison; why does the present sūtra use five similes, all of which illustrate the body? Answer: We now clarify that the common and distinct, the identical and different, have their precise intent right here. For both the Shared and Perfect teachings, five similes, six similes, eight similes, or ten similes can all be applied generally, just as the Dàpǐn clarifies that from form up to the knowledge of all aspects, all are like illusions and apparitions. This sūtra also applies them generally; that the eight similes are differentiated belongs to the intent of the Distinct Teaching, just as matching the four virtues against the four samādhis is done to refute the four types of persons. If examined through the principle of the Perfect [Teaching], none can be separated.