維摩經略疏 8.65

8.65

From "Śāriputra" onward, third, explaining that the dynamic functions of the two liberations are not the same. Having already explained that the essences of the two liberations are different, it stands to reason that all their dynamic functions are not the same. Śāriputra did not understand, which is why he asked; based on the question there is an answer distinguishing the different characteristics. First the question, next the answer. First, Śāriputra's question. He says, "Among the three vehicles, which is it that your aspiration seeks?" This could be a question framed in terms of the Tripiṭaka [teaching]. Now, it is held to be mostly framed in terms of the shared teaching. Why is that? People of the three vehicles equally receive the prajñā of the shared teaching: if one seeks the śrāvaka's [nirvāṇa] with remainder or without remainder, one cannot further cultivate the vehicle of pratyekabuddhas or bodhisattvas. If one seeks the pratyekabuddha vehicle's [nirvāṇa] with remainder or without remainder, one cannot further seek the vehicle of śrāvakas or bodhisattvas. If one seeks the bodhisattva vehicle's compassionate vows to dwell long in saṃsāra to deliver sentient beings, one cannot retreat to seek the two vehicles' [nirvāṇa] without remainder. Although they equally receive prajñā, their aspirational pursuits are each different; this is conceivable. Thus he asks which one she aspires to seek.