金剛經纂要刊定記 1.9

1.9

Regarding the three meanings of vajra: because the myriad things cannot destroy it, while it can destroy the myriad things, and moreover it possesses an illuminating function, it can serve as a metaphor for the three kinds of prajñā. Hardness is a metaphor for ultimate-reality [prajñā]; because, though passing through many kalpas drifting through the six destinies, it has never been born or extinguished, never diminished or lacked, it is called hard. Thus the Heart Sūtra says: "All dharmas are characterized by śūnyatā; they are neither born nor extinguished, neither defiled nor pure, neither increasing nor decreasing," and so forth. Sharpness is a metaphor for contemplative prajñā; when this manifests, it illuminates the emptiness of all dharmas, hence it is said to be sharp. Thus the Heart Sūtra says: "When the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara practiced the deep prajñāpāramitā, he illuminated and saw that the five aggregates are all empty, thereby crossing beyond all suffering and distress," down to saying, "There is neither wisdom nor attainment," and so forth. Brightness is a metaphor for literary prajñā; because words can signify and display, making clear ultimate-reality and contemplative illumination so that they manifest. Due to these three meanings being similar to that vajra, vajra is adduced as a metaphor for prajñā.