華嚴一乘教義分齊章 2.43

2.43

問：「若爾，云何說得諸位階降次第？」答：「以此經中安立諸位有二善巧：一、約相就門，分位前後，寄同三乘，引彼方便，是同教也。二、約體就法，前後相入，圓融自在，異彼三乘，是別教也。但以不移門而恒相即，不壞即而恒前後，是故二義融通，不相違也。」

Question: 'If so, how is the gradual progression of attaining the various stages explained?' Answer: 'Because the establishment of the various stages in this sūtra possesses two skillful means: First, in terms of characteristics and regarding approaches, distinguishing the stages into earlier and later, provisionally assimilating them to the Three Vehicles to guide them through expedients—this is the common teaching. Second, in terms of essence and regarding dharmas, earlier and later mutually interpenetrate, perfectly fused and unhindered, distinct from the Three Vehicles—this is the distinct teaching. It is only that without shifting the approaches they are constantly mutually identical, and without destroying identity they are constantly earlier and later. Therefore, the two meanings are fused and completely unobstructed, not contradicting each other.'