菩薩戒本疏 2.120

2.120

Vows are like a skillful driver leading toward the supreme fruit. If one does not make vows, practice has nothing to rely upon; therefore it was instituted that one must make them. The seven assemblies train together. It is not shared between the Greater and Lesser [Vehicles], because that which they seek differs. In the text, 'you should constantly make all vows' means giving rise to vows according to circumstances without a single one passing in vain, as spoken in the 'Chapter on Pure Practice' of the Avataṃsaka-sūtra. Also, they are the ten great vows, hence it says one should make all vows. The 'ten great vows' are as explained in the Bodhicittotpāda-śāstra. From 'filial and obedient' downward, it raises the essential vows among all vows, briefly presenting three to five. 'To be filial and obedient to your parents, teachers, and assembly' is the vow not to turn away from supreme kindness. Parents have the toil of giving birth and raising, and teachers and the assembly have the merit of instructing and guiding; both possess supreme kindness, therefore one should be obedient and filial. 'Vow to obtain good teachers, fellow students, and kalyāṇamitras' is the vow to encounter supreme conditions. 'Constantly teach me the Mahāyāna sūtras and vinaya' is the vow to rely on and receive supreme teaching. 'The ten determinations' up to 'the ten grounds' is the vow to understand and enter supreme stages. 'Enabling me to attain understanding and cultivate practice in accord with the Dharma' is the vow to assemble supreme practices. 'To firmly uphold the Buddha's precepts' and so forth is the vow to guard and uphold supreme precepts. Precepts are the foundation of practice, hence they are separately singled out.