摩訶止觀 4.53

4.53

First, as for both vehicle and precepts being urgent: just as in the characteristics of observance described earlier, the ten kinds are pure, without blemish in literal detail or principle, and contemplative reflection is continuous; thus one should attain the path in this very life. If one has not yet attained the path, this karma is the strongest; the strongest pulls first, and one will definitely ascend to a wholesome destination. If the precepts of restraint are urgent, one is pulled toward humans and gods of the desire realm; if the unadulterated precepts are urgent, one follows [one's attainment] of the dhyāna-brahma worlds. Among the three ranks of the principle-based vehicle, which vehicle is most urgent? If the three ranks of the vehicle identical with the middle are urgent, with a body among humans or gods one encounters Maitreya Buddha, hears the Huayan teaching, and attains the path as one of sharp faculties. If the upper rank of the vehicle of emerging into the provisional is urgent, with a body among humans or gods one encounters Maitreya Buddha, and at the Huayan assembly attains the path as one of dull faculties. If the upper or middle ranks of the vehicle of entering emptiness are urgent, with a body among humans or gods one encounters Maitreya Buddha, hears teachings such as the Vaipulya and Prajñā, and attains paths such as the three vehicles. If the lower rank of the vehicle of entering emptiness is urgent, with a body among humans or gods one encounters Maitreya Buddha, hears the Tripiṭaka sūtras, and attains the path. Attaining a body among humans or gods is the power of observing the literal precepts; seeing the Buddha and attaining the path is the power of cultivating contemplation of the vehicle. Observing both the literal and the principle is supreme among all practices; therefore one must not be slack.