維摩經略疏 9.11

9.11

問：若此經明如來種與涅槃佛性同者，何故言「若見無為入正位者不能復發菩提心也。猶如根敗。」種義可斷，佛性之義則不可斷，何以得同？答：此帶方便明種性義，於利根菩薩即是究竟。二乘不了故須呵折，呵折其聲聞密有發理。故《法華》云「而昔於菩薩前毀呰聲聞樂小法者，然佛實以大乘教化」，即其義也。

Question: If this sūtra explains that the Tathāgata seed is identical with the buddha-nature of the Nirvāṇa [Sūtra], why does it state: "If one sees the unconditioned and enters the determined stage, one can no longer produce bodhicitta, just as with ruined roots"? The meaning of "seed" can be severed, whereas the meaning of "buddha-nature" cannot be severed; how then can they be identical? Answer: This explains the meaning of seed-nature while incorporating expedient means; for bodhisattvas of sharp faculties, this is precisely the ultimate. Because those of the two vehicles do not understand, it is necessary to rebuke them; rebuking those śrāvakas secretly contains the principle of their producing [bodhicitta]. Therefore, the Lotus Sūtra says: "Yet formerly, before the bodhisattvas, I disparaged the śrāvakas who took pleasure in lesser dharmas; however, the Buddha truly used the Mahāyāna to teach and transform them"—this is precisely that meaning.