維摩經略疏垂裕記 8.45

8.45

Question: Various texts sometimes say that noble and pure practices are causes; why are pure practices placed in the effect now? Answer: Both noble and pure practices apply to both cause and effect. In contrast to heavenly practice, both are taken as causes; what doubt is there now in saying they are in the effect? For noble practice is the three trainings, and pure practice is the four immeasurables; hence we know that morality, concentration, loving-kindness, and compassion exist in both cause and effect. Discussing their secondary and primary aspects, one must therefore distinguish them. Jingxi says: Regarding "from the noble arising the heavenly and pure," and so forth, from the cause one realizes the principle, and from the principle one gives rise to function. Function again points back to the cause; hence it says "noble practice... and so on arises."