摩訶止觀 6.48

6.48

Answer: The sequential distinctions constitute the preceding formulations, but a practitioner does not necessarily enter strictly according to the order of grades. If within the Tripiṭaka [teaching], after the sixteen minds, there is immediately leaping over fruitions in a single thought-moment to [reach] the anāgāmin, or leaping to [reach] the arhat, how could one still proceed gradually through the enumeration as before? Although one does not pass through the grades in sequence, the delusions of all grades are exhausted, and the concentrations of all grades arise, and so forth. Again, like the Buddha of the Tripiṭaka [teaching], who in a single thought-moment of correspondence has views and thoughts completely severed at once, the Buddha's merit and virtue simultaneously manifesting before him. Because faculties are sharp, it does not depend on grades. Although the sharp leap over grades, the grades cannot be abolished. Why is that? Because such is the principle in the Dharma-gates of the various Buddhas.