觀音玄義記 4.29

4.29

問：感應、慈悲為同為異？若其同者，那得分對宗用二章？若其異者，請陳其義。答：法相開合，製立多途。今文既以般若法身合之為體，乃於解脫分出宗用。雖是一德，而有二能：感應則通語關宜，慈悲則別明與拔。若論感應不說慈悲，則似仁王降世而無治理之功。今明感應則收經義盡，故立為宗；次示慈悲則利物義足，故立為用。開一為二，其意略爾。

Question: Are stimulus-and-response and compassion identical or distinct? If they are identical, how can they be separately correlated with the two chapters of central theme and function? If they are distinct, please explain their meaning. Answer: The opening and merging of doctrinal characteristics has many modes of establishment. Now, since the text combines prajñā and the Dharma-body to constitute the substance, it then divides liberation into central theme and function. Although it is a single virtue, it has two capabilities: stimulus and response speaks broadly of connection and suitability, while compassion specifically explains granting [joy] and eradicating [suffering]. If one discusses stimulus and response without speaking of compassion, it would be like a benevolent king descending into the world without the merit of governing. Now, explaining stimulus and response completely gathers the meaning of the sūtra, and is thus established as the central theme; next, showing compassion fully provides the meaning of benefiting beings, and is thus established as function. The intention behind opening one into two is briefly like this.