華嚴經內章門等雜孔目章 3.36

3.36

Regarding the ten wholesome actions, inverting the preceding ten unwholesome actions constitutes the ten wholesome actions. The meaning of 'wholesome' differs, having five kinds: 1. the ten wholesome actions of humans and devas, 2. the ten wholesome actions of śrāvakas, 3. the ten wholesome actions of pratyekabuddhas, 4. the ten wholesome actions of bodhisattvas, and 5. the ten wholesome actions of buddhas. Question: Since the ten wholesome actions have five tiers, should the ten unwholesome actions not also be the same as the ten wholesome actions? Answer: Because the meaning of wholesome accords with principle, and the principle and dharma are extremely profound, there are five tiers, unlike unwholesome karma. The unwholesome arises from various volitions distinguished by coarse characteristics; therefore, there is only one kind, without the distinction of five tiers. These ten wholesome actions are attached to contemplative wisdom: since wisdom becomes progressively deeper, blessing also becomes progressively subtle; hence they are not the same. Other points are as in the separate chapter.