止觀義例科
Outline of Calming and Contemplation
止觀義例
天台沙門 湛然 述
The Tiantai Monk Zhanran wrote this.
- 第一所傳部別例
- 第二所依正教例
- 第三文義消釋例
- 第四大章總別例
- 第五心境釋疑例
- 第六解行相資例
- 第七喻疑顯正例
○第一所傳部別例者
Chapter 1: Classification of the Transmitted Teachings
總指一部以為圓頓佛乘正行之大體也。
This overall points to the entire sutra as the fundamental practice of the complete and immediate Buddha-vehicle.
大意文初雖有數處三止觀結。但泛爾借名結義。非謂即為三種行相。以大意中文略意廣。故用三一收束結撮。
Although the early part of the General Meaning mentions the conclusion of the three kinds of Cessation and Contemplation in a few places, those are merely borrowing names to tie up meanings in a broad sense. They do not refer to the actual three modes of practice. Because the General Meaning text is concise while its meaning is vast, it uses the principle of "three and one" to summarize and conclude everything.
應知部內意唯在頓。
You should understand that the essence within this teaching is solely concerned with sudden enlightenment.
故序中云。大意在一頓。
Translation:
In the preface, it is stated that the primary meaning lies in a single, all-encompassing awakening.
以略冠廣。不可差殊。
Although only a slight difference may set them apart, they must not be confused or mistaken for one another.
又示處中云圓頓文者。如玉泉寺所記。
Further indication, in clear terms, for those who see the text as perfect and sudden, is like the teaching recorded at Yuquan Temple.
下文雖有四教八教。思議不思議。相待絕待。皆為顯於圓頓一實。
Although the text below mentions the Four Teachings and the Eight Teachings, the contemplable and the inconceivable, the relative and the absolute, all of these are simply means to reveal and clarify the one perfect and sudden reality.
故大車文中以思議相待等而為僕從。實相妙理以為車體。無漏妙觀以為白牛。自餘諸法皆莊嚴具。
故知此部更無他趣。