大乘起信論裂網疏 1.50

1.50

Seeing little of the sūtras and being able to understand many meanings is called "holding the meaning" and is also the gotra of practice according to Dharma. Seeing the sūtras extensively and thereby understanding the meanings is called "holding the text" and is also the gotra of practice through faith. These two kinds of people also do not need treatises to be composed. However, according to the Liang version, taking understanding from extensive hearing comes first, which seems to imply holding the text and is thus superior. According to the present version, seeing little and understanding much comes first, which seems to imply practice according to Dharma and is thus superior. To state it definitively: holding the meaning and holding the text, practice through faith and practice according to Dharma, each have their sharp and dull [aspects], and one cannot speak of them in a single way.