觀心論疏 1.21

1.21

The verse states: 'All who come seeking the Dharma, / Desiring to repent of all transgressions, / If they do not know to inquire into contemplating the mind, / Their transgressions will ultimately be hard to escape.' This single verse explains: without repentance through contemplating the mind, transgressions will ultimately not be extinguished. Now, repentance is of three kinds: first, repentance through ritual action. As explained in the Vinaya, according to the gravity of the transgression committed, one performs the ritual either face-to-face or before twenty monks to remove the offense; when the ritual is accomplished, the transgression is said to be extinguished. This repents transgressions of violating non-informing [form]. Second, repentance through contemplating signs. As in the repentance of half-walking and half-sitting in the vaipulya and the Lotus Sūtra, when one contemplates and sees auspicious signs, or hears a voice in the air proclaiming 'transgressions are extinguished,' the transgression is said to be extinguished. This repents transgressions by nature. Third, repentance through contemplating non-arising. A sūtra states: 'Sit upright and contemplate the true mark; all transgressions are like frost and dew, which the sun of wisdom can melt away.' This repents transgressions of defilement.