諸經要抄 1.45

1.45

The Laṅkāvatāra-sūtra says: "At that time Mahāmati again requested the Buddha, saying: 'I only pray that you will explain the characteristics of the siddhānta, so that I and the other bodhisattvas may thoroughly penetrate this meaning, not follow all the mistaken understandings of the heterodox, and swiftly attain anuttarā samyaksambodhi.' The Buddha said: 'Listen attentively, and I shall explain it for you.' Mahāmati said, 'Please do.' The Buddha said: 'Mahāmati, for all the two vehicles and the bodhisattvas there are two kinds of characteristics of the teaching. What are the two? They are the characteristics of the siddhānta and the characteristics of verbal teaching. The characteristics of the siddhānta refer to the superior characteristics of what one has personally realized: detached from written words, spoken language, and conceptual discrimination; entering the realm of no outflows; accomplishing the practice of one's own stage; transcending all incorrect thought and evaluation; subduing Māras and tīrthikas; and generating the light of wisdom. This is called the characteristics of the siddhānta. The characteristics of verbal teaching refer to expounding the various doctrines of the nine divisions: detached from the characteristics of oneness and difference, existence and non-existence, and so on; with skillful expedients adapting to the minds of sentient beings to cause them to enter this Dharma. This is called the characteristics of verbal teaching. You and the bodhisattvas should diligently cultivate and study them.' At that time the World-Honoured One restated the verse, saying:
'The siddhānta and verbal teachings,
Personal realization and doctrinal instruction:
If one can skillfully know and see them,
One does not fall into others' mistaken understandings.'"