法華玄論 9.79

9.79

Answer: From the preceding deduction, the meaning can be known. Furthermore, the Brahmajāla[-sūtra] says, "I now, Vairocana, sit upon a lotus pedestal," which refers to the Rocana body; "Circling upon the thousand petals, again appear a thousand Śākyamunis," which refers to the Śākyamuni body. It must be known that there is a dharmakāya; this agrees with the intention of the "Belief and Understanding" chapter. Furthermore, the Mahāyānasaṃgraha explains three bodies: first, the dharmakāya; second, the saṃbhogakāya; third, the nirmāṇakāya. The dharmakāya is seen only by Buddhas; the saṃbhogakāya responds to bodhisattvas; the nirmāṇakāya transforms the two vehicles. This is completely identical with the "Belief and Understanding" chapter of the Lotus [Sūtra]. Furthermore, the Sūtra on Resolving Doubts Concerning the Semblance Dharma fully explains the three bodies, as was already cited above, and it also agrees with "Belief and Understanding." Furthermore, the "Nature Arising" chapter of the Avataṃsaka [says that] just as when the sun rises it first shines upon the high mountains, and next reaches the middling and lower ones, so when the Tathāgata appears in the world he first transforms bodhisattvas and next transforms the two vehicles, which tallies with "Belief and Understanding." Furthermore, the "Sun Parable" chapter of the Great [Nirvāṇa] Sūtra explains that the sun has three periods: the winter sun is shortest, symbolizing what is seen by the two vehicles; the spring sun is in the middle, symbolizing what is seen by the great beings; the summer sun is longest, symbolizing what is seen by the Buddha alone. The Buddha's lifespan being immeasurable also contains the meaning of the three bodies, broadly identical with the preceding.