本文以聚焦探討《牛的印跡—禪修與開悟見性的道路》一書全體內容的方式，仔細檢視聖嚴法師對於禪宗禪修頓法的解釋，以及如何將漸法與頓法做結合。法師對頓法的核心解釋，可細分成數個面向來進行分析，包括：禪宗頓法的主要特色、頓法與漸法主要不同之處、修行頓法的根器、頓法的實際操作方法、頓法所達到的悟境和禪修體驗、頓法可能呈現的問題、頓法的成功要件，以及現代行者修頓法的限制與困難。根據這些面向，我們可以進一步探詢法師勾勒漸頓結合的關鍵所在。其中，明白表示頓法的層次也是有次第的。然而，修頓法時，為何得到的是漸法次第的歷程？與頓漸結合相關者，為修頓法的過程中會有定境的產生。但是，修頓法（如：默照）而能入定境的說法其根據何在？這些問題皆有待討論。本文最後針對聖嚴法師努力結合漸禪法門與頓禪法門所具有的現代宗風意義，推論其對當代以及後代社會，所帶來的可能影響為何。

This article attempts to focus on a particular book, Hoofprint of the Ox, to discuss in detail about Master Sheng-yen’s interpretation on sudden meditation practice in Chinese Chan School, and his endeavour of integrating gradual and sudden meditation practice. Several aspects are to be mentioned, including main characteristics of sudden practice, its differences with gradual practice, the capacity of potential of sudden practitioner, and actual operation methods; in addition, the experience and achieved enlightenment stages through sudden practice, the essential condition for its success, as well as possible problems and limitation for practitioners in modern times, will be analyzed. Based on these discussions, we can proceed to investigate key factors of integrating sudden and gradual practice prompted by Master Sheng-yen. This study also seeks to inquire how such integration is possible, especially when sudden practice can induce gradual process. Why sudden practice can have the effects of concentration is one important concern. Finally, Master Sheng-yen’s attempt of integrating two types of practices may have influential meaning in constructing school style for Dharma Drum Mountain, as well as impacts to Buddhist society in Taiwan, and these issues will also be considered.