摩訶止觀 3.234

3.234

答：接得入教，此則屬權；接得入證，此則屬實也。四教論其始終，接但終而無始，故不入四數。諸教皆接，亦應有之。此義不用者，二教明界內理，二教明界外理，兩處交際，須安一接，故但以別接通。若齊通為言，不論破無明，八地名支佛地，從此被接，知有中道。九地伏無明，十地破無明，即名為佛。但一品破，那得是極？故知接入別也。若望別教，是入初地位行也。

Answer: If they are connected so as to enter the teaching, this pertains to the provisional; if they are connected so as to enter realization, this pertains to the real. The four teachings are discussed in terms of their beginnings and ends; connecting has only an end and no beginning, hence it does not enter the count of the four. That all teachings have connection should also be possible. The reason this meaning is not adopted is that two teachings elucidate the principle within the realm, and two teachings elucidate the principle beyond the realm; at the intersection of the two places, a connection must be placed, so the distinctive only connects with the shared. If we speak strictly within the shared, without discussing the destruction of avidyā, the eighth stage is called the pratyekabuddha stage; from here they are connected and come to know of the middle way. At the ninth stage they subdue avidyā, and at the tenth stage they destroy avidyā, which is termed 'Buddha.' But destroying only one grade, how could this be the ultimate? Hence we know they are connected into the distinctive. Viewed from the distinctive teaching, this is entering the practice of the initial bhūmi stage.