廬山蓮宗寶鑑 1.71

1.71

The profound essence of the Great Vehicle is originally never separate from the one mind; the correct cause of pure karma must first be the cultivation of the ten wholesome actions. By severing the seven grave offenses of body and speech, the seven practices are accomplished; by extinguishing the roots of the three poisons in the mental consciousness, the three trainings are naturally complete. This is what those seeking the Pure Land in the Amitābha-sūtra ought to cultivate, and what those on the Immaculate Ground in the Avataṃsaka-sūtra personally realize. Gods and humans up to the Peak of Existence take the ten wholesome actions as the condition for rebirth; śrāvakas up to the Buddha Vehicle rely on the ten wholesome actions as the root of entering the Way. Not complying with the Buddha's regulation is the prime gate to falling into the three wretched paths; even if one attains a human body, one receives two kinds of evil retribution. Not cultivating them constitutes the ten unwholesome paths; upholding them constitutes the Dharma-gate of the ten precepts. Truly they are the foundation of the Pure Land; we universally encourage constant cultivation of this practice. It is the garden of the Dharma for bodhisattvas, wherein they should dwell peacefully; through it one can reach the great city of fearlessness, and mount the stage of non-retrogression. How could its merit be conceived? This is why Buddhist disciples ought to study it.