妙法蓮華經文句 3.97

3.97

Fourth, in terms of stages: as for 'such characteristics', all sentient beings possess the real mark, which they possess inherently from the origin; it is the countenance of the tathāgatagarbha. 'Such nature' is the wisdom of inherent virtue, the paramārtha emptiness. 'Such substance' is the principle of the Middle Way's dharma-nature. These are the three virtues, which universally exist in every stage of the ten dharma realms. If one investigates these three virtues and enters the stages of the ten faiths, they are called 'such power' and 'such function'. Entering the forty-one stages, they are called 'such cause' and 'such condition'. If reaching the Buddha stage, they are called 'such effect' and 'such retribution'. The first three are called the origin, and the last three are called the end; the beginning and the end are equally the three virtues, hence it is said that 'they are ultimately equal.' The three virtues of the initial stage apply to evil and apply to good; apply to the worthy and apply to the noble; apply to the small and apply to the great; apply to the beginning and apply to the ultimate. Though residing in evil, they do not sink; though residing in good, they do not rise; though residing in the worthy, they are not low; though residing in the noble, they are not high; though residing in the small, they are not narrow; though residing in the great, they are not broad; though residing in the beginning, they are not new; though residing in the ultimate, they are not old. Therefore, they are inconceivable and impossible to explain; [the Buddha] stopped, stopped, and cut off speech.