釋摩訶衍論 7.9

7.9

Having explained the two approaches of the second tier, next is explained the approach of raising questions and answers to resolve doubts. Within this approach there are two approaches. What are the two? The first is the approach of objection and inquiry based on contradiction between earlier and later statements; the second is the approach of opening up, reconciling, explaining, and dispelling the objection: these are the two. As for the approach of objection and inquiry based on contradiction between earlier and later statements, it means adducing the contradiction between the earlier and later texts to challenge their difference in characteristics. How are they contradictory? In the earlier text, it is said: "The meaning of awakening is that the substance of the mind is free from the marks of conceptual thought; being free from the marks of conceptual thought is equal to the realm of empty space, omnipresent, having the single characteristic of the dharmadhātu, which is the Tathāgata's equal dharmakāya; relying on this dharmakāya it is named original awakening." In the later text, it is said: "Second is the profound mind, because it delights in gathering all good practices." The earlier and later texts contradict each other in this way; therefore, the question is raised to challenge their disparate characteristics. This should be carefully contemplated. As the root text says: "Question: The earlier text said that the dharmadhātu has a single characteristic and the Buddha's substance is non-dual; why do you not solely contemplate tathatā, but additionally resort to seeking and learning all good practices?"