觀音玄義 1.50

1.50

料簡本迹者，通論本迹俱能拔苦與樂，故〈壽量〉云「聞佛壽無量，得清淨無漏無量之果報。」即是從本得樂。《請觀音》云「或遊戲地獄，大悲代受苦。」此是從迹拔苦。眾生不達本源，後流轉苦惱，若識本理即於苦而得解脫也。眾生若不見迹中施化，不能三業種福，則無功德之因，焉致樂果？非本無以垂迹，非迹無以顯本，前問答是明迹本，後問答是明本迹。

In distinguishing origin and traces: in general terms, both origin and traces can uproot suffering and bestow joy. Therefore the 'Lifespan' chapter says, "Hearing that the Buddha's lifespan is immeasurable, one attains pure, uncontaminated, and immeasurable retribution." This is obtaining joy from the origin. The Invocation of Avalokiteśvara says, "Or sporting in the hells, with great compassion taking on suffering on their behalf." This is uprooting suffering from the traces. Sentient beings do not comprehend the original source, and subsequently transmigrate in suffering and distress; if they recognize the original principle, they attain liberation from suffering. If sentient beings do not see the bestowal of transformation within the traces and cannot plant merit through the three karmas, then they lack the causes of merit; how could they bring about the fruit of joy? Without the origin, there is no way to manifest traces; without traces, there is no way to reveal the origin. The former question-and-answer explains the origin from the traces; the latter question-and-answer explains the traces from the origin.