大乘義章 4.44

4.44

七方便者，先就色論、後類諸法。七名是何？一者觀色、二觀色集、三觀色滅、四觀色道、五觀色味、六觀過、七觀色出。言觀色者，觀色果報，苦諦觀也。觀色集者，觀色因緣，集諦觀也。觀色滅者，觀色盡處數滅無為，滅諦觀也。觀色道者，觀色對治無漏之道，道諦觀也。觀色味者，觀察前色能生愛味。觀色過者，觀察前色能生苦過。觀色出者，觀色得滅，出離生死。何故不說觀色生道？釋言：生道即是第八第一義觀，為是不論。色中既然，諸法同爾。此七能與第一義觀為方便故，名為方便。此之七種，位在何處？若依《毘曇》，前四方便有四現忍及見道中，後三在於修道之中。依如《成實》，此七門在聞思地中（此二門竟）。

Regarding the seven skillful means, they are first discussed with respect to form (rūpa), and subsequently applied analogously to all dharmas. What are the seven names? First, contemplating form; second, contemplating the origination of form; third, contemplating the cessation of form; fourth, contemplating the path to the cessation of form; fifth, contemplating the gratification of form; sixth, contemplating the danger of form; seventh, contemplating the escape from form. Contemplating form means contemplating the retribution of form; this is the contemplation of the truth of suffering. Contemplating the origination of form means contemplating the causes and conditions of form; this is the contemplation of the truth of origination. Contemplating the cessation of form means contemplating the unconditioned cessation through deliberation where form is exhausted; this is the contemplation of the truth of cessation. Contemplating the path to the cessation of form means contemplating the untainted path that serves as the antidote to form; this is the contemplation of the truth of the path. Contemplating the gratification of form means contemplating that the aforementioned form can produce attachment and gratification. Contemplating the danger of form means contemplating that the aforementioned form can produce the faults of suffering. Contemplating the escape from form means contemplating that form attains cessation and escapes saṃsāra. Why is contemplating the path of the arising of form not mentioned? Explanation: The path of arising is precisely the eighth, the contemplation of the ultimate truth; for this reason it is not discussed. Just as it is with form, so it is with all dharmas. Because these seven can serve as skillful means for the contemplation of the ultimate truth, they are called skillful means. Where are these seven kinds located in terms of stages? If according to the *Abhidharma*, the first four skillful means are present in the four present forbearances and in the path of seeing; the latter three are in the path of cultivation. According to the *Tattvasiddhi*, these seven gateways are within the stages of hearing and thinking (this concludes the second gateway).