金剛經纂要刊定記 1.113

1.113

From "Muni" downward, he directly presents the Three Jewels. That is to say, the Buddha, Dharma, and Saṅgha are fields of merit; since all three are to be treasured, they are called the Three Jewels—this is an appositive compound bearing a numeral. Furthermore, there are three types: First, the Preserving [Three Jewels]. These are sculptured or painted images and the like, which are the image of the Buddha; the canonical texts of the Tripiṭaka, which are the Dharma; and the harmonious assembly of the five groups, which is the Saṅgha. Abiding by the bequeathed teachings and sustaining the semblance dharma is called "preserving." Second, the Differentiated [Three Jewels]: the Buddha is the three bodies; the Dharma is teaching, principle, practice, and fruition; and the Saṅgha is the two vehicles and bodhisattvas. Third, the Identical-Essence [Three Jewels]: awakening illumination is called Buddha, holding to models is called Dharma, and harmony is called Saṅgha. Herein there are also differences in the fusion of fundamental nature and contemplative practice; all are spoken of on the basis of one single dharma, hence they are called "identical-essence." Among the three above, what is now taken refuge in is the Differentiated. Among the five teachings, this corresponds to the Initial Teaching, because this sūtra belongs to the Initial Teaching. Here we take only what pertains to this very lineage: the one capable of expounding prajñā is the Buddha; the expounded prajñā is the Dharma; and those who initiated and disseminated it are the Saṅgha. Thus it is not the other teachings.