華嚴經探玄記 3.23

3.23

4. The protocol of requesting: There are two aspects: first, in terms of speech versus thought; second, in terms of general versus specific. Regarding the former, generally speaking, requests are of two kinds: 1. request by speech, 2. request by thought. Answers are also of two kinds: 1. answer by spoken word, 2. answer by manifesting signs. These two kinds of questions and answers, taken in sequence and crisscrossed, form four alternatives, as can be known. To accomplish the three wisdoms, there are these two patterns. The first two assemblies and the eighth have requests solely by thought. The answers encompass both: the Buddha answers by manifesting signs, and the bodhisattvas answer by words, because facing the Buddha, raising a request does not wait upon speech, showing that the Buddha's wisdom perceives the doubt and his physical signs manifest the response with complete mastery. The seventh has requests solely by words and answers by words, because for the Dharma of practice, explanation through words is clear and evident; furthermore, the inquiry is raised facing Samantabhadra, and Samantabhadra in turn responds. Second, regarding general versus specific: the first assembly and the eighth have specific questions and general answers; the second and seventh have specific questions and specific answers, as can all be known.