摩訶止觀 7.59

7.59

If explaining the tree of the path in a general manner: as the Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra explains, leaving behind the three evil destinies is termed the 'benefit of leaves', obtaining a human or heavenly body is termed the 'benefit of blossoms', and obtaining the four fruits of the path is termed the 'benefit of fruit'; this is explained solely with respect to emptiness. Escaping the stage of the two vehicles is the benefit of leaves, obtaining the body of metamorphic penetrations is the benefit of blossoms, and possessing the knowledge of the aspects of the path is the benefit of fruit; this is explained solely with respect to the provisional. Escaping the fetters of the two extremes is the benefit of leaves, receiving the body of dharmatā is the benefit of blossoms, and realizing entry into the Buddha-nature is the benefit of fruit; this is explained solely with respect to the middle. If taken comprehensively with respect to the three contemplations, identity-with-emptiness is termed the 'benefit of leaves', identity-with-the-provisional is termed the 'benefit of blossoms', and identity-with-the-middle is termed the 'benefit of fruit' (and so forth).