(4) The characteristics of the Ten Suchnesses are defined in the group of bodhisattvas and Buddhas

The meaning of the Ten Suchnesses concerning the fourth group of bodhisattvas and Buddhas (P’u-sa Fo) is described in three categories regarding the bodhisattvas of various levels of attainment: the bodhisattva of the Tripiṭaka Teaching, the bodhisattva of the Common Teaching, and the bodhisattvas of the Separate Teaching.

With regard to the bodhisattva of the Six Perfections” (Liu-tu P’usa) (of the Tripitaka Teaching), “appearance,” “nature,” “substance,” “power,” and “function” are discussed in terms of the bodhisattva’s blessings and virtues, which are derived from practicing the Six Perfections (pāramitās). “Causes” refers to wholesome karman, for the bodhisattva still abides in the human world. “Conditions” refers to affliction (Ch., Fa-nao; Skt., kleśa), for the bodhisattva has not severed defilement. “Effects” refers to the bodhisattva’s severance of bonds by means of thirty-four mental states. “Suchness of its retributions” refers to the Ten Suchnesses the bodhisattva is endowed with.” With regard to the bodhisattva of the Common Teaching (T’ung-chiao P’u-sa), “appearance,” “nature,” “substance,” “power,” “function,” “causes,” “conditions,” and “effects” are discussed from the perspective of non-defilement. “Retributions” means that the bodhisattva receives retribution before the sixth of the Ten Stages, and does not receive any retribution starting from the sixth of the Ten Stages. This is because on the Sixth Stage, the bodhisattva completely severs wrong attitudes and do not receive any rebirth, given that the action of their vow to assist sentient beings is not the retribution per se resulted from real karman. Thus, he is endowed with nine suchnesses but not ten (e.g. “retributions” is not included).

With regard to the bodhisattva of the Separate Teaching (Piehchiao P’u-sa), because of his cultivation of the Middle Way, and his gradual progress in contemplation, the bodhisattva embraces the Ten Dharma-realms. (Vol. 2, Page 78)