止觀輔行傳弘決 7.6

7.6

Next, to clarify the harmonizing of the limbs of the path: first, it broadly lists and explains the characteristics of the four [modes of the] limbs of the path. The text has four [points] and the meaning has four [aspects], the intent lying in harmonization. A general discussion of these four pervades both the Great and Small [Vehicles]; speaking distinctively, the third is solely the Small, while the remaining three are in the Great. As to "intrinsic share": they do not rely on each other. Since it is said that one should rely on the stations of mindfulness to attain the path, since the stations of mindfulness are like this, one should know that the remaining limbs are all that which is relied upon and all can attain the path; hence it is called the intrinsic share. From "It also says" downward, it cites proof. One can also take the stations of mindfulness as a precedent for the remaining limbs, hence it says "likewise". This follows the distinctive meaning, and therefore it cites that the stations of mindfulness are the site of awakening, as well as Mahāyāna, and so on. If following the general meaning, within every teaching none of the seven categories is not an intrinsic share. As to "mutual containment": whenever the teachings of the Great and Small Vehicles discuss the limbs of the path, in accordance with their categories and sections, they all subsume each other. Next, citing the treatise for proof, the purport of the text can be known. As to "in terms of stages": just as the Great Master himself has the text of the Four Stations of Mindfulness, each of the four teachings takes the stations of mindfulness as a stage, classified among the outer ordinary beings; hence the stages of the various teachings all correspond to the limbs of the path. This text follows the Small, tentatively matching the stages of the Small. If from a general discussion, the teachings can all take the inner ordinary beings as heat, summit, and so on. As to "mutual generation": as the text says, "The stations of mindfulness generate the right efforts, up to generating the eightfold right [path]." Because of this mutual generation, the subsequent gradual harmonization of the seven categories below is also called mutual generation. Harmonization is precisely the testing and adjusting of the various limbs: whichever corresponds can enter the dharma-nature. Thus these seven categories can be cultivated by the initial mind; although there are four passages of text, there are also only two meanings, because the first three are to accomplish the fourth.