Q: What is the meaning of that called “Shared”?

A: Shared means “the same.”
Q: Why is it said to be the same?

A: It is called Shared because those of the three vehicles [Śrāvakas, Pratyekabuddhas, and Bodhisattvas] all accept the same [content].

Q: If those of the three vehicles accept the same, then is it Mahāyāna or Hinayāna?

A: It is actually meant for the Bodhisattvas but also shared on the side with those of the two vehicles. Therefore it is introductory Mahāyāna.

Q: How many types are there of this Shared Teaching?

A: There are many meanings, which can be summarized in eight parts: teaching, reality, wisdom, severance, practice, levels, causes, and results. All of these are shared by those of the three vehicles.

Q: For what reason do you say that these teachings, and so forth through results, are shared?

A: (1) The teachings are shared because those of the three vehicles accept the same teaching concerning the emptiness of that which is conditionally co-arisen. (2) Reality is shared because they share the same one-sided view concerning reality. (3) Wisdom is shared because they are the same in attaining the wisdom [of the emptiness] of all things [so that they are] skillful in saving [sentient beings]. (4) Severance is shared because their severance of the delusions of this triple world is the same. (5) Practice is shared because the practice for [attaining] non-defilement is the same. (6) The levels [of attainment] are shared because the stages from “parched wisdom” to the stage of Buddhahood are all the same. (7) Causes are shared because the nine non-obstructions are the same. (8) Results are shared because the results of the nine liberations and two types of Nirvāṇa are the same.

Q: There are eight meanings to the term “Shared.” Why is one singled out and called “Shared Teaching”?

A: Without the Shared Teaching one cannot know the shared [perception of] reality, and so forth, and one cannot attain the shared results.

Q: Those of the three vehicles all accept these teachings. Why is it not called “Common Teaching”?

A: If it were called “Common,” it would include only the attainment of the closer [Hinayāna] extreme of the two vehicles, and not the further extreme [of the Mahāyāna]. If we use the term “shared,” then this is convenient for both, and it includes the near [Hinayāna Tripiṭaka Teaching] and far [Mahāyāna Distinct and Perfect Teachings].