大乘義章 10.11

10.11

次明三寶次第之義。次第不同，略有三義：一起化次第，先明佛寶、次法、後僧。佛為化本，故先明之；由佛起說，故次明法；依法化成三乘諸眾，故後明僧。二化益次第，亦先明佛、次法、後僧。先明佛寶，化人生信；次明法寶，變，化人生解；後明僧寶，人起行，化令供養起福行故，又欲令人學之行故。三修成次第，或先明法、次僧、後佛，或先明僧、次法、後佛。於中若以行儀為法，先明法寶；依法集起僧寶行德，故次明僧；僧行成滿便得成佛，故後明佛。若就理性以為法寶，則先明僧；僧行成就便證法性，故次明法；證法窮滿便得成佛，故後明佛。所歸如是。

Next, the meaning of the sequence of the Three Jewels is explained. There are variations in sequence, which broadly have three meanings. First is the sequence of initiating transformation: first the Buddha Jewel is explained, next the Dharma, and afterward the Saṅgha. The Buddha is the root of transformation, so he is explained first; from the Buddha teaching arises, so next the Dharma is explained; relying on the Dharma, the various assemblies of the three vehicles are transformed and accomplished, so the Saṅgha is explained afterward. Second is the sequence of transformative benefit: also first the Buddha is explained, next the Dharma, and afterward the Saṅgha. First explaining the Buddha Jewel transforms people to produce faith; next explaining the Dharma Jewel transforms people to produce understanding; afterward explaining the Saṅgha Jewel inspires people to undertake practice, transforming them to make offerings and produce meritorious practice, and also desiring to make people emulate and practice it. Third is the sequence of cultivation and accomplishment: either first the Dharma is explained, next the Saṅgha, and afterward the Buddha; or first the Saṅgha is explained, next the Dharma, and afterward the Buddha. Therein, if one takes behavioral decorum as the Dharma, one first explains the Dharma Jewel; relying on the Dharma, the Saṅgha Jewel's virtuous practice is gathered and raised, so next the Saṅgha is explained; when the Saṅgha's practice is completed and perfected, one then attains Buddhahood, so afterward the Buddha is explained. If one takes the principle-nature as the Dharma Jewel, then one first explains the Saṅgha; when the Saṅgha's practice is accomplished, one then realizes the dharmatā, so next the Dharma is explained; when realization of the Dharma reaches its culmination, one then attains Buddhahood, so afterward the Buddha is explained. Such is that which is taken refuge in.