Chih-i’s system of classification conveys that the Tripitaka Teaching can be regarded as representing purely the Śrāvakayāna, and the Separate Teaching purely the Mahāyāna. The Common Teaching is the bridge connecting these two teachings, as it contains both elements of Śrāvakayāna and Mahāyāna. Its Śrāvakayāna element is reflected by its goal of reaching emptiness like that of Śrāvakayāna, and its Mahāyāna element is reflected by its way of perceiving emptiness. Different from the disciples of the Tripiṭaka Teaching who reach emptiness by extinguishing existence, i.e., analyzing and disintegrating dharmas until nothing is left, the disciples of the Common Teaching perceive emptiness by embodying dharmas, i.e., existence is illusory and thus empty.28 Finally, the Perfect Teaching transcends the difference of the former three teachings, and unifies Śrāvakayāna and Mahāyāna with its doctrine of the Ultimate Truth of Buddhahood. That is, all different types of the teaching are the necessary progressions leading to the final teaching of Buddhahood. (Vol. 2, Page 465)