首楞嚴義疏注經 7.141

7.141

Nirvāṇa is the ultimate fruit, the destination to which the stages lead. Dry wisdom is the initial cause, the foundation from which the stages arise. Faith, abidings, practices, dedications, and the four aids to penetration are called the forty-four minds; this is the stage of faith, understanding, and practice, called "cultivation". From the first bhūmi's path of seeing up to Equal Awakening is called "realization and entry", which is the partial realization of the fruit. Although Ānanda knew the names of the various stages, he was unable to discern the meaning beneath the names and the characteristics of cultivation and realization; hence he asked this, demonstrating his lack of understanding for the sake of future generations.