分別功德論 2.20

2.20

What is mindfulness of the Dharma (dharmānusmṛti)? The Dharma refers to anāsrava dharmas, desireless dharmas, dharmas of the path, and unconditioned (asaṃskṛta) dharmas; it is the going from desire to desirelessness. The Buddha is the master of all dharmas, and the Dharma is the master over the fetters. Someone asks: “Is the Dharma first, or is the Buddha first?” The answer is: “The Dharma is first.” How is this known? The sūtra says: “The Dharma produces the Buddhas; the Dharma gives birth to the path of the Buddhas.” Speaking from this, the Dharma is first. He asks again: “If that is so, why not be mindful of the Dharma first, rather than being mindful of the Buddha first?” The answer is: “Although the Dharma is subtle and wondrous, no one is able to know it. It is like precious treasures hidden beneath the earth that exist everywhere, yet people are impoverished and lack the resources for use. A person of spiritual power points out the location, enabling them to provide for themselves and be saved from poverty and lack.” Someone asks: “Is the treasure superior, or is the person superior?” The answer is: “The person is superior.” Why say he is superior? Although the hidden treasures are many, without spiritual power they cannot be seen; it is through the person that the resources for life are obtained—how could the treasure hoard beneath the earth be valuable of itself? The Dharma is also like this: although its principle is profound and subtle, without the Tathāgata it is not distinguished, and without the World-Honoured One it is not proclaimed. Therefore, mindfulness of the Buddha comes first, and the Dharma is next.