四教義 1.2

1.2

Because sentient beings have different capacities and inclinations, the gates of teaching are manifold and distinct. The sūtra states: "From the night of attaining the Way until the night of nirvāṇa, all the teachings expounded are true and not empty." Contemplating this intention with reverence, its profound import becomes ever more significant. Hence it is said: "The Way excludes dualistic paths; the ultimate is eternal bliss. The Dharma has only a single flavor; those who enter quiescence return to reality." However, with texts from the Deer Park and the Crane Grove, and teachings from the seven locations and eight assemblies, how could there not be differences between sudden and gradual, or distinctions between indeterminate and secret? For this reason, masters of recent generations have each presented their own explanations of principle. The doctrines established here differ in intention from former models; thus I have briefly compiled the gates of the four teachings in order to elucidate the traces of the Great Master's gradual, sudden, indeterminate, and secret [teachings]. If one can comprehend this purport, then indeed the Tathāgata's expedient and ultimate [teachings] will be trusted as limitless, and the origin and trace of the perfected being will be recognized as profound and difficult to plumb. Moreover, the traces of these gradual, sudden, indeterminate, and secret [teachings] will all be free from obstruction. To clarify this doctrine now, seven sections are briefly opened: