止觀輔行傳弘決 8.34

8.34

Next, in [the section on] calming the mind, as for the words "understanding the essence" and so forth: whenever one wishes to calm the mind, one must first clearly understand the object, and next arouse the vast vows; therefore, in synthesizing calming the mind, these two dharmas are first reiterated. "Understanding the essence" means knowing the object. "Arousing the aspiration" means giving rise to the vows. "Only calming, only contemplation" means only quiescence and only illumination, seeking nothing else. Next, from "skillfulness" downward, the five hundred and twelve variations are applied. As for the "great medicine": treatment according to the ultimate truth, combined with objectless loving-kindness and compassion, is called the great medicine; there is no need for confused, shifting combinations and mutual adaptations.