維摩經略疏垂裕記 2.169

2.169

Second, the gradual Great [Vehicle] has two parts: first, the main explanation. "Being able to hear the four flavors such as the Tripiṭaka": the curd flavor is hearing solely the Tripiṭaka teaching; the raw cheese transforms the Tripiṭaka to become the shared [teaching]; prajñā in principle corresponds to becoming the distinct [teaching]; and the Lotus Sūtra opens and reveals so that all can become perfect. Proceeding from small to great, it is therefore called gradual great. The great that follows the gradual is therefore called gradual great. Under "This is like...", it provides proof. As for the "poison drum", the ninth fascicle of the *Great Sūtra* says: "For example, suppose someone smears a drum with mixed poisons and strikes it in the midst of a crowd; although they have no intention of wanting to hear it, all who hear it die, excepting only those who do not die untimely deaths. This sūtra is also like this: if among the assembly of all practices there are those who hear its sound, all three poisons are completely eradicated. Although they have no thought or reflection, through the power of this sūtra they are able to extinguish afflictions; having heard it, even those who commit grave offenses and perpetrate rebellious acts will also make it a cause and condition for bodhi and gradually sever afflictions, excepting only the group of icchantikas who do not die untimely deaths."