四教義 1.5

1.5

First, properly explaining the names of the four teachings. This consists of four parts: first, explaining the name of the Tripiṭaka teaching; second, explaining the name of the shared teaching; third, explaining the name of the distinctive teaching; and fourth, explaining the name of the perfect teaching. First, regarding explaining the name of the Tripiṭaka teaching: this teaching elucidates the principle of the four noble truths of arising and ceasing through causes and conditions, fundamentally instructing the Hīnayāna and collaterally transforming bodhisattvas. What is called the "Tripiṭaka teaching" comprises: first, the Sūtra-piṭaka; second, the Vinaya-piṭaka; and third, the Abhidharma-piṭaka. First, regarding the Sūtra-piṭaka: sūtra is said by some to have a translation and by others to have none. As for having a translation, there are various differing traditions; however, most use "root of the Dharma"—the root of the verbal teachings of world-transcending wholesome dharmas. Thus it is called "root of the Dharma," which refers to the Four Āgamas. Second, regarding the Vinaya-piṭaka: vinaya is translated here as "extinction." The Buddha expounded active and non-active precepts capable of extinguishing the evils of body and speech; therefore it is called "extinction," which refers to the Vinaya in Eighty Recitations. Third, regarding the Abhidharma-piṭaka: abhidharma is translated here as "incomparable dharma." The wisdom of the sage discriminates the meanings of dharmas, incomparable in the world; hence it is called "incomparable dharma." Whether the Buddha himself discriminated the meanings of dharmas, or the Buddha's disciples discriminated the meanings of dharmas, both are termed abhidharma. These three dharmas are collectively called "piṭaka" (treasury) because a treasury has the meaning of containing; however, commentators differ. Some say: "The text can contain the principle; therefore it is called a treasury." Others say: "The principle can contain the text; therefore it is called a treasury." Now I say: "The names of the three dharmas are each a single phrase, and each of the three names contains all text and principle; therefore it is called a treasury." The Āgama is the treasury of concentration, for the Four Āgamas mostly clarify methods of practice. The Vinaya is the treasury of precepts, properly clarifying the establishment of precepts in response to events to guard against evil dharmas of body and speech. The Abhidharma is the treasury of wisdom, discriminating untainted dharmas of wisdom, which are beyond compare. This Tripiṭaka teaching definitely belongs to the Hīnayāna; hence the Lotus Sūtra says: "greedy for and attached to the Hīnayāna, learners of the three collections."