 This may seem like a clever analysis without significant practical ramifications. After all, I have no way of knowing whether I took a vow in a previous lifetime, and I cannot inform my future rebirth about whether I have taken a vow in this life. But notice that the vows systems are distinguished by indicating the specific causes and results on the path to liberation. Sapaṇ’s basic point is that Disciples’ vows and Great Vehicle vows operate differently. The practical benefit from such a “differentiation”, then, is the ability to articulate the different paths to liberation clearly and accurately.