大乘義章 2.11

2.11

In the sixth section, their sequence is clarified. The sequence is threefold: First, the sequence of cultivation and entry. First, the wishless [gate] is taught to make one revulse from saṃsāra; next, the signless [gate] is taught to make one seek nirvāṇa; afterward, the emptiness gate is taught to make one realize and accord with it. Second, the sequence of root and branch based on final completion. Emptiness is the root of virtues, which bodhisattvas contemplate first; therefore, emptiness is clarified first. Because one sees emptiness, one does not see saṃsāra as something that could be greedily sought; therefore, wishlessness is expounded second. Because one realizes the meaning of emptiness and does not see saṃsāra, one then accords with the signlessness of nirvāṇa; therefore, signlessness is expounded third. Third, their sequence is clarified in terms of the substance, characteristics, functions, and so forth that are emptied. First, the emptiness gate is taught to empty the substance of all dharmas; next, the signless [gate] is taught to empty the characteristics of all dharmas; afterward, the unconstructed [gate] is taught to empty the functions of all dharmas. The sequence is like this.