華嚴經探玄記 16.49

16.49

Sixth is the practice of nature manifestation. The realm upon which wisdom relies was explained previously; now the practice accomplished by relying on the realm is analyzed, hence it is explained next. In the analysis and explanation, within the prose there are three parts: the statement, the explanation, and the conclusion. In the first, two practices are stated. Ancient commentators explained: unobstructed practice explains practice of the conventional truth; second, practice of suchness explains practice of the ultimate truth. Now it is further explained: the first is integrating phenomena into principle, where principle does not obstruct phenomena, which is unobstructed practice; second, phenomena are exhausted and principle manifests, which is called practice of suchness. Another interpretation: the first is quantitative wisdom, which is unobstructed in external phenomenal functions; the second is qualitative wisdom, which internally realizes suchness. Second, in the explanation from 'Suchness past' onward, there are five similes: 1) The simile of the true having no transition or change, illustrating the Buddha's practice of reaching beyond the three temporal limits, which explains the practice of suchness. The following four explain unobstructed practice. 2) The simile of this dharmadhātu having no form, illustrating the Buddha's practice of an essence free from limits or obstructions. 3) The simile of a flying bird soaring in space, illustrating the Buddha's practice of roundness without division or boundary. 4) The simile of the garuḍa striking the ocean, illustrating the Buddha's practice of superior function to save sentient beings. 5) The simile of the sun and moon coursing through the sky, illustrating the Buddha's practice of accomplishing matters without effort. In all cases, the latter explains the former, which can be understood. Third, the concluding text can be understood. In the verses, ten gāthās praise the five similes, two gāthās praising each simile, which can be understood. The response on practice is finished.