摩訶止觀 1.9

1.9

天台傳南岳三種止觀：一、漸次，二、不定，三、圓頓，皆是大乘，俱緣實相，同名止觀。「漸」則初淺後深，如彼梯隥；「不定」前後更互，如金剛寶置之日中；「圓頓」初後不二，如通者騰空。為三根性，說三法門、引三譬喻。略說竟，更廣說。

Tiantai transmitted three kinds of calming and contemplation from Nanyue: first, the gradual; second, the indeterminate; third, the perfect and sudden. All are Mahāyāna, all take true reality as their object, and all are equally named calming and contemplation. The "gradual" is shallow at first and deep later, like climbing stairs. The "indeterminate" alternates earlier and later, like a diamond jewel placed in the sun. The "perfect and sudden" is non-dual from beginning to end, like one with supernormal powers soaring into the empty sky. For three faculties and natures, three Dharma gates are expounded and three analogies are cited. The brief explanation is finished; now to explain them extensively.