淨名玄論 1.18

1.18

These three gates can be analogized to three stages: First, from the ten faiths on up to the dedication [of merit], although they practice the unarisen, they are not yet free of names and characteristics; it is like although they understand nonduality, they have not yet silenced words. Next, from the first bhūmi on up to the seventh bhūmi, although they awaken to the unarisen, there is still effort; it is like although they declare that principle is transcendent, there are still words that transcend principle. Third, beginning from the eighth bhūmi and culminating in buddhahood, having awakened to the unarisen, there is furthermore no effort; it is like having no words regarding nonduality, and furthermore being able to have no words concerning that nonduality.