法界次第初門 2.132

2.132

The explanation of the sixteen aspects following the four noble truths is because the four noble truths are divided and opened into the sixteen aspects. Since the pedagogical gates have the distinction of general and specific, the truths likewise have the difference of being separated and combined. In order that practitioners of contemplation grasp the principle without error, they are distinguished under each of the four noble truths by four aspects, so that the meaning of 'thoroughly verified and real' becomes even clearer and more comprehensible. The name 'aspect' (ākāra / practice) is added because practice (hsing) has the meaning of proceeding toward. Cultivating these sixteen methods of contemplation can lead toward the principle of the four realities; hence they are called 'practices'. Sometimes they take their name from the principle, and are thus the sixteen truths.