法界次第初門 3.22

3.22

Second, rely on sūtras of definitive meaning, do not rely on sūtras of provisional meaning. 'Relying on sūtras of definitive meaning' means that across the twelve divisions of Mahāyāna and Vaipulya sūtras, all clarify the middle way, the buddha-nature, and the principle of suchness of the real mark. If one relies on this teaching to cultivate the myriad practices and merits of the pāramitās, one's mind will accord with the middle way and be able to see the principle of the buddha-nature and tathāgatagarbha; hence it is said: 'rely on sūtras of definitive meaning'. 'Do not rely on sūtras of provisional meaning' means that among the nine divisions that śrāvakas ought to practice, they do not cultivate the principle of the middle way, the buddha-nature, and the tathāgatagarbha. If one relies on this teaching to cultivate the myriad practices and merits of the pāramitās, one then follows the two extremes and does not see the principle of the buddha-nature and tathāgatagarbha; hence it is said: 'do not rely on sūtras of provisional meaning'.