向法次法

Skt. dharmānudharma pratipat, P. dhammānudhamma paṭapajjati

Ch. 向法次法, 法次法向, 法法成就 (early), 法隨法行 (later)

Literal meaning: "to go dharma to consecutive dharma"

Basic meaning: "to go from dharma to dharma"

In Pali sources, this expression is interpreted to mean practicing according to the Dhamma. In Sarvâstivāda sources preserved in Chinese, it appears to mean practicing a series of teachings or passing through consecutive stages towards liberation.

Important sutras glossing this expression can be found at T99.27 and 364. In Abhidharma sources, glosses can be found at T1543.781c14-15 and 900a24-28 and T1581.905a10 (note: add Xuanzang's parallel passages at some point). There's also a gloss in a Chinese glossary at T2128.787c16.