天台菩薩戒疏 1.12

1.12

Fifth, Arousing the Mind. As for 'arousing the mind', it means generating the bodhimind. 'Bodhi' is a Sanskrit word; here it is translated as 'the Way'. While the phrase 'mind of the Way' is broad, we now arouse the perfect mind of the Way in reliance upon the perfect Buddha. As for the perfect mind of the Way: my mind, the Buddha's mind, and the minds of sentient beings—these three are without difference. Though in principle there is no difference, in phenomenal realization they are heaven and earth apart. Therefore, learning the Buddha's compassion and generating the Buddha's vast vows, extinguishing evil and giving rise to the good, the achievement lies solely in bodhi. Like the bowstring of lion's sinew, it is heard everywhere by all, generating all good. Like Nārāyaṇa's arrow, it pierces through the Cakravāḍa iron mountains, everywhere extinguishing all evils. Therefore the Mizang jing says: 'If one generates the provisional mind of the Way, the layers upon layers of the ten unwholesome deeds are extinguished entirely without remainder; how much more so if one generates the perfect mind!' The foremost of all generations, generating where there is nothing to generate, generating throughout the dharmadhātu—this is called the perfect generation. First, the vow to save boundless sentient beings, because one saves the sentient beings of the ten realms; second, the vow to sever countless afflictions, because one severs the three delusions of the ten realms; third, the vow to learn measureless Dharma doors, because right within delusion one achieves wisdom; fourth, the vow to attain the unsurpassable Buddha Way, because right within birth one accomplishes cessation. These four minds are the seeds of all Buddhas, continuing the lineage of the Three Jewels; all Buddhas equally realize the three bodies, and none do so without depending on this. Once generated, until reaching nirvāṇa, one vows never to fall back. Furthermore, there are four minds that a bodhisattva must generate: first, viewing sentient beings as the Buddha; second, as a sovereign; third, as father and mother; fourth, as the great assembly. Are you able to generate these minds?