金剛般若經疏論纂要 2.282

2.282

Second, revealing the general meaning of these similes of unreality based on various sūtras. When the Buddha spoke of all dharmas being empty, a doubt arose: 'Why are all objects visibly perceived?' Therefore, he said they are like an illusion; although an illusory dharma is non-existent, it is distinctly visible. Another doubt arose: 'Since illusory dharmas are non-existent, why do people cherish and cling to them?' Therefore, he said they are like a mirage: a thirsty deer takes it to be water and rushes toward it in attachment. Another doubt arose: 'A thirsty deer ultimately gets no water; how is it that greedy people can enjoy things?' Therefore, he said they are like a dream: what is seen in a dream can also be enjoyed. Another doubt arose: 'When doing good or evil in a dream, upon waking there is no karmic retribution; if one strikes an elder in a dream, upon waking there is no anxiety or fear.' Therefore, he said they are like a shadow and like an echo: although completely devoid of substance, a bright mirror facing forms and an empty valley facing sounds respond to each and every one—beautiful or ugly, high or low—without confusion, without disparity. Another doubt arose: 'If suffering is entirely unreal, why do bodhisattvas perform deeds of benefit and joy?' Therefore, he said they are like a magical creation: that is, a magician performs magical deeds even while knowing they are unreal.