Q: What is the essence of the One Vehicle?

A: There are two: the common essence and the distinctive essence.

Q: What are the meanings of “common essence” and “distinctive essence”?

A: The common essence is the true aspect of reality. The distinctive essences are the four categories of oneness.

Q: The common essence is understood, but what is meant by “the four categories of oneness” of the distinctive essences?

A: Oneness of reality, oneness of teaching, oneness of practice, and oneness of persons.

Q: What is the meaning of “the oneness of reality,” and so forth?

A: Exposing the reality of the three vehicles as manifested in the reality of the One Vehicle is called “the oneness of reality.” Exposing the teaching of the three vehicles as manifested in the teaching of the One Vehicle is called “the oneness of teaching.” The practice of the three vehicles is brought in harmony with the practice of the One Vehicle; this is called “the oneness of practice.” The people in the three vehicles are brought in harmony with those in the One Vehicle; this is called “the oneness of persons.”

Q: Why is it said that the reality of the three vehicles is brought into harmony with the reality of the One Vehicle, and so forth?

A: Because the three vehicles are not the fundamental intent of the Buddha. The One Vehicle is the fundamental import of the Buddha.