佛祖統紀 3.36

3.36

Textual evidence for the eight teachings: First, for the four teachings of converting methods: as the Avataṃsaka says, "At the time of first generating the mind, one immediately accomplishes true enlightenment"; the Miaoxuan says, "Like the sun first rising, first illuminating the high mountains"—this, like the conditions of the Avataṃsaka obtaining great benefit, is the mark of the sudden teaching. The Anantanirdeśa Sūtra says, "From the one pure path, two, three, and four are set forth"; the Miaoxuan says, "Next illuminating the dark valleys"—this is like the Tripiṭaka; "Next illuminating the flat earth"—this is like the Vaipulya and Prajñā; these are marks of the gradual teaching. The Great [Nirvāṇa] Sūtra [says], "Sometimes teaching what is deep, sometimes teaching what is shallow"; the Vimalakīrtinirdeśa [says], "The Buddha with a single voice, sentient beings each understand"—this is the indeterminate teaching. The Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā [says], "I see the second wheel of the Dharma being turned in Jambudvīpa"; the Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa says, "This turning resembles the initial turning"—this is the secret teaching. Next, for the four teachings of converting doctrines: the Miaoxuan quotes the Dīrghāgama, "The Buddha spoke of four great teachings"; the Qian says, "There are only four, not necessarily the tripiṭaka and the others." The Samādhirāja Sūtra clarifies four kinds of sūtras, among which there are four kinds of wisdom cutting off ignorance; Zhāng'ān privately interpreted these to correspond to the four teachings; the Qian says, "It corresponds very well with the meaning of the four teachings." However, these all match them according to their meanings, not yet showing precise grounds for establishing the names. Now, following the Sijiaoyi, quoting the Lotus Sūtra: "Those who greedily cling to the Hinayāna and study the Tripiṭaka"; the Tattvasiddhi-śāstra: "I now precisely wish to discuss the true meaning within the Tripiṭaka"—these are the names and meanings of the tripiṭaka teaching. The Avataṃsaka says, "Preaching the complete and perfect sūtras for them"; the Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā says, "Wishing to know all phenomena through sarvākārajñatā, one should study prajñā"; the Lotus [Sutra says], "Preaching for the great assembly with the great wisdom of equality; what has been spoken is all real and true"; the Nirvāṇa Sūtra [says], "There is yet another practice which is the Tathāgata's practice, namely Mahāparinirvāṇa"; the Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa [says], "The three wisdoms are in truth attained within a single mind"—these are the names and meanings of the perfect teaching.