四教義 6.4

6.4

Second, explaining the stage of those who follow through the Dharma: this is the designation for sharp-rooted persons entering the path of seeing. What is called 'sharp-rooted' means that perfumed by their own wisdom, they see principle and cut off fetters; hence they are called sharp. Originally within the path of expedients, they were able to use their own contemplative wisdom to contemplate the dharma of the four true truths, but because they had not yet generated truth, it was not called 'following'. Due to the highest mundane dharmas generating the true clarity of patience regarding suffering, progressing through fifteen instants to see the truth, they are called 'those who follow through the Dharma'. Distinguishing the followers through the Dharma is explained by analogy with the previous followers through faith and can be understood. The only difference is that the dull-rooted rely on others to generate understanding and have little contemplation by their own wisdom, whereas the sharp-rooted have much contemplation by their own wisdom.