觀音玄義記 4.29

4.29

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.