摩訶止觀 4.61

4.61

If one commits a grave sin among literal matters, relying on the four kinds of samādhi there are methods of repentance. The Samantabhadra Contemplation Sūtra says: 'Sitting upright and recollecting true reality is called the foremost repentance.' The Miaoshengding says: 'For the four major transgressions and five heinous sins, except for dhyāna-concentration, nothing else can save one.' The Vaipulya says: 'The three refuges, the five precepts, up to the two hundred and fifty precepts—if one repents like this and they are not restored to life, there is no such possibility.' The Qing Guanyin says: 'Even for those who break the brahma-conduct and commit the ten unwholesome deeds, washing away the filth, they are restored to purity.' Therefore we know that the Mahāyāna permits repenting of these sins. Sins arise from heavy conditions, and they can be counteracted by repenting with a profound mind. Without an earnest and profound mind, repentance in vain brings no benefit. If obstacles are not extinguished, calming and contemplation will not be bright. If a person presently gives rise to grave sins and repents with utmost earnestness, they are easily eradicated. Why is this? It is like being near when losing one's way; grave obstacles from the past are inevitably difficult to reverse, because the lost way is deep and distant.