摩訶止觀 4.132

4.132

此則三三合九句，就前為十二句。前三、次三，是事知識；餘六句，是理知識。若將此約三諦者：入空觀時，眾聖為外護；即空道品為同行；真諦為教授。亦具六事、六理。假、中兩觀，亦復如是。三諦合有三十六番，十八事、十八理。若歷四悉檀，即有眾多知識義也。若能了此知識法門，善財入法界意則可解。

These three times three make nine phrases; together with the previous ones, there are twelve phrases. The first three and the next three are phenomenal good friends; the remaining six phrases are principle good friends. If one applies this to the three truths: when entering the contemplation of emptiness, the multitude of sages are the external protectors; the aids to the path that are identical with emptiness are the fellow practitioners; the truth of emptiness is the teacher. This also possesses six phenomenal and six principle [aspects]. The two contemplations of the provisional and the middle are likewise. The three truths together have thirty-six turns, eighteen phenomenal and eighteen of principle. If applied across the four siddhāntas, there are numerous meanings of good friends. If one can understand this Dharma-gate of good friends, Sudhana's intent in entering the dharmadhātu can be understood.