注大乘入楞伽經 3.46

3.46

The four gradual and four sudden explained above mean that in purifying the current manifestation of the own-mind of sentient beings, those whose capacities are large are treated suddenly, while those whose capacities are small are treated gradually. Gradual speaks of the provisional; sudden speaks of the real. The provisional leads to the real, and the real guides the provisional. Thus, when the sages enlighten sentient beings, whether suddenly or gradually, provisional or real, biased or complete, they never fail to look to each other, in hopes that conscious beings may enter according to what is suitable. It is also said that 'gradual' is spoken of in terms of practice prior to realization, meaning that sentient beings' learning of conduct and cessation can only be gradual; 'sudden' is spoken of in terms of practice having already achieved realization.