The Four Vehicles

One time a monk named Chih-ch'ang came to Tsaohsi Mountain. After paying his respects to the Master, he asked about the meaning of the Four Vehicles.

Chih-ch'ang said, "The Buddha speaks of the Three Vehicles, but he also talks about the Supreme Vehicle. Your disciple doesn't understand this and would appreciate your instruction."

Master Hui-neng said, "Look at your own mind, and don't cling to the external attributes of dharmas. Originally there was no teaching about the Four Vehicles. But because the capacity of the human mind has four levels, the Dharma has the Four Vehicles.




"Observing, listening, reading, and reciting make up the Small Vehicle.

"Becoming aware of dharmas and understanding their meaning make up the Middle Vehicle.

"Putting the Dharma into practice makes up the Great Vehicle.

"And being versed in all teachings and skilled in all practices, avoiding nothing except the attributes of dharmas, and remaining free of attainments make up the Supreme Vehicle.

"The meaning of the Supreme Vehicle consists in the supreme practice. It is nothing to discuss. You have to practice it. Don't ask me about it."

---The Platform Sutra---