華嚴經探玄記 18.94

18.94

In the eighth dwelling, that of the prince (kumārabhūta), first, in adducing the teaching to encourage cultivation, the country named Ocean Tide (Haichao): although tide-waves arise, the ocean neither increases nor decreases, symbolizing that this stage attains the dharmadhātu without increase or decrease. Furthermore, realizing reality gives rise to compassion, just as the ocean gives rise to tides. Being the same place as before symbolizes that from the seventh [dwelling] upward, they are all equally bodhisattvas. "Rishi" (hermit) symbolizes the clean and pure appearance of the eighth [dwelling of] the prince. It also symbolizes being purely uncontaminated. It also symbolizes having solely the body of transformation, equal to the eighth bhūmi, etc. As for "Bhimuttara" (Pìmùduōluó), the Indian text names him Bhīmottaranirghoṣa, translated here as "Supreme Sound of Fearlessness." The text above, in the place praising the Buddha, says: "Comforting boundless realms of sentient beings with the subtle and marvelous voice of all-knowledge"—this name obtains this meaning. Second, praising his virtue to encourage going and teaching how to inquire can be understood. Third, Sudhana thanking him for his kindness and respectfully taking leave contains eleven sentences: the first sentence is general, and the remaining ten sentences are specific. First, a true friend of the Mahāyāna is difficult to meet even briefly; second, how much more so to dwell together for a long time—these two mean that a good spiritual friend is difficult to encounter; third, if one lacks the capacity for the Mahāyāna oneself, it will also not be accomplished, hence it says that obtaining the faculties of a bodhisattva is difficult; fourth, although one obtains the capacity, it is also difficult to give rise to this upright, true mind; fifth, although possessing this cause, to obtain a companion spiritual friend of identical practice and identical vow is even more difficult—these three mean that the vessel of the Dharma is difficult to manage; sixth, directly obtaining the dharma-body is difficult to realize; seventh, directly expounding the dharma-body is difficult to hear—these two mean that the meaning of the Dharma is difficult to obtain; eighth, generating the great mind is difficult; ninth, seeking the fruit of wisdom is difficult; tenth, nurturing great practice is difficult—these three mean that mind and practice are difficult to have complete.