法界次第初門 3.106

3.106

Next, explaining the eight kinds of transformations after the six points of reverent harmony: when a bodhisattva abides skillfully in the dharmas of reverent harmony, they blend with all beings just like water and milk. Because the minds of sentient beings are affectionate, they can be easily transformed and saved. If one wishes to produce in beings a rare faith, one must manifest great superknowledges. The great superknowledges are the six superknowledges. Since the items of the six superknowledges have already been listed earlier, they are not repeated now. However, the autonomous functions of the eight kinds of transformations benefit beings with profound efficacy, which cannot be fathomed by the two vehicles; therefore they are explained next after reverent harmony. These eight kinds are collectively called 'transformations'. Since the name 'transformation' is generally identical to that in the previous fourteen, there is no need to explain it again. But the autonomous and skillful power and function of these eight kinds cannot be attained by the two vehicles, and hence they are set forth separately; thus in the Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra these eight dharmas are used to explain the meaning of the self.