On the Eighteen Perfections Chapter8

“Next, regarding the five major principles as they pertain to the capacity and feelings of the individual believer, Myoho-renge-kyo as it is expounded for the sake of the capacities of all persons is what is meant by the five major principles of the capacity and feelings. Since there are five characters in the title Myoho-renge-kyo, there are accordingly five types of threefold contemplation in a single mind. They are explained as follows in the transmitted teachings:

“Myō　The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is inconceivable. Because it is natural enlightenment that is bright in and of itself, it is inconceivable.
“Hō　The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is unification [of the three truths]. The universal truth [in which the three truths are] unified includes within it all the nine subdivisions.²²
“Ren　The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is comprehension [of the unification of the three truths]. The effect of Buddhahood.
“Ge　The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is once more broken down into categories.²³ The practice in the state of original enlightenment.
“Kyō　The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is easily understood.²⁴ Discussion of the teachings.

“The second volume of The Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra discusses these five types of threefold contemplation in a single mind. Let us explain them in the light of that passage.

“The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is inconceivable is the embodiment of the enlightenment gained by the Great Teacher T’ien-t’ai Chih-che, the eternal truth that is truth uncreated. This cannot be expressed by the names or characteristics of the three truths; the only name or characteristic that could express it at all would be ‘inconceivable.’

“The threefold contemplation in a single mind that is unification [of the three truths] is the principle of the three truths, which from the beginning has existed in the phenomenal world [as a manifestation] of the universal truth. So the three truths achieve unification with one another and include the nine subdivisions.

“As to the threefold contemplation in a single mind that is comprehension: the threefold contemplation in a single mind that is inconceivable and the threefold contemplation in a single mind that is unification [of the three truths] are not something that can be grasped by the mind of an ordinary person, but can only be comprehended through the wisdom the sages freely receive and use. Therefore it is called comprehension.

“As to the threefold contemplation in a single mind that is once more broken down into categories, the three truths that are uncreated apply to all phenomena and represent the basic nature that is constantly abiding. They are not the same as the universal truth [in which the three truths are] unified, and therefore they are spoken of as being once more broken down into categories.

“As to the threefold contemplation in a single mind that is easily understood, one finds it difficult to understand the doctrine of the unification of the three truths and similar doctrines. Therefore one approaches them through the three successive views represented by the three truths and analyzes the doctrines in this way. Hence it is spoken of as being easily understood. These are the five types of threefold contemplation in a single mind as they are described in the text.

“Next, in the threefold contemplation in a single mind as it applies to the Buddha’s intention, there are also five types of threefold contemplation in a single mind.

“First, there is the threefold contemplation in a single mind (which applies to the capacity to enter the gate of tranquillity).²⁵

“Second, there is the threefold contemplation in a single mind (which applies to the capacity to enter the gate of brightness or understanding).²⁶

“Third, there is the threefold contemplation in a single mind that abides in the effect of the achievement of Buddhahood but returns [to the practice of threefold contemplation in a single mind]. When one has superior capacities and hears a good friend expounding the doctrine that all phenomena are manifestations of the Buddhist Law, one then becomes aware of the truth. After one has once entered into the truth, one then practices the threefold contemplation in a single mind, enjoying its blessing to the fullest.²⁷

“Fourth, there is the threefold contemplation in a single mind that serves as the cause for the achievement of the effect. One hears about the wonderful effect of the achievement of Buddhahood, and in order to achieve this effect, one practices the various views associated with the three truths.²⁸

“Fifth, there is the threefold contemplation in a single mind that concerns doctrines. One hears the various doctrines such as those pertaining to the five periods and the eight teachings, and after storing these doctrines in the mind, one carries out meditative practice. Therefore it is called the threefold contemplation ‘that concerns doctrines.’²⁹

“The patriarch of the Mountain school [T’ien-t’ai] says (words from the treasure tower)³⁰: ‘Again, according to the forms of practice I [T’ien-t’ai] received [from the Buddha], I carry out the wonderful practices of three thousand realms in a single moment of life and the threefold contemplation in a single mind, and through the thoroughness and precision of understanding and practice, I enter deeply into the gate of self-attainment of enlightenment. With regard to the state of this enlightenment, the Buddha gives the name concentration to the tranquillity of the essential nature of all phenomena. And he gives the name insight to [the wisdom that is] tranquil and constantly in a state of brightness.’