四教義 1.4

1.4

First, explaining the names of the four teachings. The four teachings are: first, the Tripiṭaka teaching; second, the shared teaching; third, the distinctive teaching; and fourth, the perfect teaching. These four are all termed "teachings" because a teaching has the meaning of elucidating principle and transforming beings. In relation to the four ineffables, the Great Sage applied the four siddhāntas to respond to conditions, thereby giving four expositions. The expositions are capable of elucidating principle and transforming beings' minds, which is why they are called teachings. Transforming has three meanings: first, transforming evil into good; second, transforming delusion into awakening; and third, transforming ordinary beings into sages. Thus, a teaching has the meaning of elucidating principle and transforming beings. This is briefly divided into five points: first, properly explaining the names of the four teachings; second, examining and defining the four teachings; third, citing scriptural evidence; fourth, critical discrimination; and fifth, clarifying the varying extent to which sūtras and treatises employ the teachings.