Samdhinirmocana-sutra

Chapter VIIThe Stages and PerfectionsAt that time the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara addressed theBuddha and said: "World-honored One, you have taught thebodhisattva stages, which are the stage of utmost joy, the stage ofpurification, the stage of expanding light, the stage of flamingwisdom, the stage of invincibility, the stage of presence, the stagefar-reaching, the stage unshakable, the stage of wisdom discernment,and the stage of the doctrine cloud. You have furthermoredescribed the Buddha stage as an eleventh stage. What are thepurifications of these stages? In what [stages] are [thosepurifications] included?"At that time the Buddha addressed the BodhisattvaAvalokitesvara and said: "Good son, you should understand thatall these stages are included in the four purifications and the elevenaspects. The four purifications are able to encompass the ten stagesbecause the purification of superior intention encompasses the firststage, the purification of superior discipline encompasses the secondstage, the purification of superior thought encompasses thethird stage, and the purification of superior wisdom encompassesthe excellences evolved in the subsequent stages. You should understandthat [this purification] is able to encompass all the stagesfrom the fourth to the last Buddha stage. You should understandthat in this fashion these four purifications are able to encompassall the stages."How do the eleven aspects encompass all these stages? In thefirst stage of practicing commitment, the bodhisattvas well cultivatepatience in their commitment by relying upon the ten practices77