大乘入道次第 1.5

1.5

Second, the stage of preparatory application is also divided into general and specific [explanations]. In general, 'preparatory application' (prayoga) means intensifying effort and practice to proceed toward the path of seeing; hence it is called preparatory application. Thus the Cheng weishi lun says: 'Because it is proximate to the path of seeing, it receives the name preparatory application.' This is also named 'the aids to definitive discernment' (nirvedha-bhāgīya). 'Definitive discernment' (nirvedha): its essence is wisdom. 'Definitive' excludes doubt, because doubt is indecisive. 'Discernment' excludes wrong views, because wrong views do not discern [properly]. Wisdom is distinct from these; hence it is called definitive discernment. 'Aid' (bhāga) means constituent limb; the essence of this definitive discernment is the path of seeing itself. Among the seven limbs of awakening, it is one limb; hence it is called an aid. 'Accordance' (anukūla) has the sense of heading toward and yearning for. In the stage of preparatory application, the wholesome roots such as heat yearn for and head toward that factor of definitive discernment; hence the wholesome roots of heat and the rest are called aids to definitive discernment. Thus the Cheng weishi lun says: 'These four are collectively named the aids to definitive discernment because they accord with and proceed toward the factor of real definitive discernment.' As for their specific names: First, 'heat'. At this stage, the bodhisattva first attains the signs of the fire of the path of seeing before [the fire itself]; hence it is called heat. The essence of the path of seeing can sever afflictions just as fire burns firewood; thus it is compared to fire. The bodhisattva at the stage of heat has not yet attained the substance of the fire, but has attained the signs of the fire; hence it is called heat. Second, 'summit'. At this stage, the bodhisattva relies on the wisdom of investigative search to contemplate the grasped object as empty. The achievement of this stage reaches the culmination; hence it is called the summit. 'Summit' means culmination, like the summit of a mountain, the utmost peak. Third, 'patience'. 'Patience' means approval and comprehension. At this stage, the bodhisattva knows that both the consciousness clinging to delusions and the objects external to mind are empty in their essence; hence it is called patience. Fourth, 'the supreme worldly dharmas'. Among all worldly dharmas, the wisdom and other qualities attained by the bodhisattva at this stage have none superior to them; hence they are called the supreme worldly [dharmas].