妙法蓮華經玄義 9.14

9.14

Fifth, regarding severing by severing versus severing without severing: The ultimate principle is empty and non-existent; the essence of ignorance is fundamentally non-existent, so why would wisdom be required? Once understanding and delusion are both absent, what use are the distinctive and the perfect? The Nirvāṇa [Sūtra] says: 'Who possesses wisdom? Who possesses afflictions?' The Vimalakīrti [Sūtra] states: 'The nature of lust, anger, and delusion is itself liberation,' and further: 'Without severing delusion and craving, one gives rise to clear liberation.' This is not discussing severing and non-severing. The Great Sūtra says: 'When it is dark, there is no light; when it is light, there is no darkness. When there is wisdom, there are no afflictions.' This refers to using wisdom to sever afflictions.