Chapter One - Personal History Platform Sutra

according traditional interpretation, based on guifeng zongmi, fifth-generation successor of shenhui, 2 verses represent respectively gradual , sudden approach. according mcrae, incorrect understanding:

[t]he verse attributed shenxiu not in fact refer gradual or progressive endeavor, constant practice of cleaning mirror [...] [h]is basic message of constant , perfect teaching, endless personal manifestation of bodhisattva ideal.

huineng s verse not stand alone, forms pair shenxiu s verse:

huineng s verse(s) apply rhetoric of emptiness undercut substantiality of terms of formulation. however, basic meaning of first proposition still remains .

mcrae notes similarity in reasoning oxhead school, used threefold structure of absolute, relative , middle , or thesis-antithesis-synthesis . according mcrae, platform sutra synthesis in threefold structure, giving balance between need of constant practice , insight absolute.