法界次第初門 2.51

2.51

The reason why the eight bases of mastery are explained after the eight liberations is that although the liberations have the function of turning the back on and casting off the pure and pleasing five desires, since they are initial contemplations, one has not yet attained sovereignty at will in transforming the cognitive objects. If one wishes to make the contemplative mind seasoned and transformation sovereign, one must advance and cultivate the contemplation of the bases of mastery; hence they are explained next. Thus the *Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa* gives a simile, saying: "Just as a person riding a horse can break through the enemy vanguard and can also control his horse, it is therefore called a base of mastery; it is also called the eight overcoming entries."