釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 2.41

2.41

First, explaining repentance through ritual enactment: because performing wholesome deeds counters evil deeds, it is therefore called repentance. As in the *Vinaya*, this method is used exclusively to eliminate guilt. Why is this? As in the repentance of the second class [of offenses, the *saṅghāvaśeṣa*]: 'When an assembly of twenty monks completes the karma-ritual of separate residence, humble attitude, rehabilitating the offender, and so forth, it is then termed eliminated.' Here there is no discussion of seeing various signs, nor of wisdom contemplating emptiness; thus one knows that it is merely repentance through ritual enactment. *Karma*, this is translated as 'ritual enactment'; likewise down to the lower three classes, they are all ritual enactments. This matter is easily understood, and its meaning is explained extensively in the Vinaya. However, the method for repenting the four grave offenses is not explained [there]. Separately, the *Sūtra of the Most Sublime Initial Teaching* presents the method for repenting the four grave offenses. That sūtra states: 'One should invite thirty pure monks; amidst the great assembly, the monk who committed the offense should reveal it himself. The saṅgha executes the karma-ritual to completion for him, and furthermore before the Three Jewels he performs various practices and recites the precepts a thousand times; he then attains purity.' It also states: 'He is made to obtain a sign as proof, and then his guilt is said to be eliminated and pure.' One should know that although this is not presented in the Vinaya, the sūtra has this explicit text for the karma-ritual; the appearance of the ritual enactment is as explained extensively in that sūtra.