妙法蓮華經玄義 7.50

7.50

Fifth, clarifying the original source and the traces in terms of the real and the provisional: as for the real, originally and long ago truly attaining both the dharma and response bodies is named the original source; intermediate times of repeatedly declaring birth and declaring extinction, provisionally applying both the dharma and response bodies in various ways, are therefore named traces. Were it not for the original source of first attaining the dharma and response [bodies], there would be no intermediate traces of the dharma and response [bodies]. Through the traces the original source is revealed; although original source and traces are distinct, they are an inconceivable unity. The text says: "These are my expedient means; so too with the other buddhas."