摩訶止觀 3.210

3.210

However, the gradual-gradual is not the perfect-gradual, but can become the perfect-gradual; the gradual-perfect is not the perfect-perfect, and cannot become the perfect-perfect. Why is that? The Lotus Sūtra says: "What you are practicing is the bodhisattva path"; therefore the gradual-gradual becomes the perfect-gradual. The gradual-perfect provisionally establishes the fruits of the three teachings, and cannot further become the Buddha of subtle awakening. By analogy: the small-small is not the great-small, but can become the great-small; the small-great is not the great-great, and cannot become the great-great. The provisional-provisional is not the real-provisional, but can become the real-provisional; the provisional-real is not the real-real, and cannot become the real-real. Why is that? At the summit of the result in the three teachings, there is teaching but no person; therefore the provisional-real cannot become the real-real. Half and full, gradual and sudden, should be distinguished by analogy in this way, without multiplying words.