法苑珠林 24.49

24.49

Furthermore, the Nirvāṇa Sūtra states: “If one could attain nirvāṇa apart from four things, that would be impossible. What are the four? First, drawing near to good friends. Second, single-mindedly listening to the Dharma. Third, focused contemplation. Fourth, practicing in accordance with the Dharma. For this reason, through the condition of listening to the Dharma, one draws close to Mahāparinirvāṇa. Why is this? Because it opens the Dharma eye. There are three kinds of people in the world: the first is without eyes (a metaphor for ordinary persons); the second has one eye (a metaphor for śrāvakas); the third has two eyes (a metaphor for bodhisattvas). One 'without eyes' never hears the Dharma. A person with 'one eye', although hearing the Dharma for a short while, their mind does not abide in it. A person with 'two eyes' single-mindedly listens and receives it, and practices as heard. It is through hearing the Dharma that one comes to know these three kinds of people in the world.”