金剛經纂要刊定記 3.38

3.38

"Correct vow" is simply mindfulness. If explained separately, a vow is an aspiration, meaning the aspiration to abide in facing-mindfulness. Mindfulness is what is vowed. However, prior to samādhi it is distinct; otherwise, it is not a correct vow. As for "abiding in facing-mindfulness": the face is the metaphor, mindfulness is the Dharma, and the two words "abiding facing" apply to both Dharma and metaphor. Now, between the Dharma and the metaphor, each lacks one item: the Dharma lacks the principle that is illuminated, and the metaphor lacks the mirror that can illuminate. When the mirror abides facing the face, the face naturally becomes clear; when mindfulness abides facing the principle, the principle naturally manifests. The omission in Dharma and metaphor is due to the text using ellipsis. Alternatively, it might not be so: as long as the contemplation of the principle is distinct, like the face beholding direct perception, the metaphor of water is also acceptable.