華嚴經探玄記 3.75

3.75

Second, generally explaining the adornments of the ground and sea beneath the mountain: the prose has five phrases: the first two phrases reveal the name of the ground, saying that the surface of the lotus calyx is the ground of precious kings; the second explains that the ground stabilizes the sea; the third, the characteristics of the ground possess virtues; the fourth, the essence of the ground is solid; the fifth explains the superior functions of the ground, wherein the first phrase brings forth Dharma-treasures, and the latter phrase gives rise to the illumination of wisdom. In the verses, there are ten stanzas, divided into two: the first six explain adornments of numerous virtues; the latter four explain adornments of Dharma-practice. Furthermore, the first is the essence equipped with numerous virtues; the latter explains marvelous functions operating with sovereignty. Again, the first is environmental [recompense], the latter primary [recompense]. Again, the first is adornment of concrete phenomena, the latter adornment of Dharma-principles. Again, the first is Dharma, the latter persons. Again, the first versifies the preceding text, the latter clarifies different meanings; all of this can be understood. In the first [part], the first stanza generally explains the causes of adornment; the next two stanzas versify the mountain and ground above. Within that, the first introduces, saying that jewel-wheels and fragrance-wheels are adornments atop the mountain, while pearl-wheels and various jewels are the basis beneath the mountain; the latter one explains, with the first two lines explaining the adornment of jewel-wheels above, the next single line revealing the fragrance-wheels above, and the next single line analyzing the meaning of adornment. In Sanskrit it is *cakra*, translated here as 'encincturing wheel-mountains' (Cakravāḍa). The next single stanza versifies the two adornments of essence and characteristics above, with the first on essence and the latter on characteristics. The next single stanza versifies the fragrant-water sea above. The next single stanza versifies the superior functions of the ground above, which is also that on the precious ground along the coast of the sea there are jewel-trees, and beneath the trees upon seats there are the bodies of buddhas and bodhisattvas. In the second section, there are four stanzas: the first generally explains the dharmacakras of body and speech. The next two specifically distinguish the unobstructed nature of bodily forms, primary, and environmental [recompense], wherein first, one Buddha appears amidst many adornments, and next, many Buddhas appear within a single adornment, which is taming beings as the dharmacakra. Furthermore, previously, bodhisattvas amidst flowers, fragrances, banners, and canopies filled the dharmadhātu; here, within the adornments of precious banners and jewel-trees, clouds of the bodies of all buddhas fill the ten directions, both taking the primary as the environmental. The final single stanza specifically reveals the dharmacakra of speech above; this is the world-realm expounding [the Dharma]. The above generally refers to the complete interpenetration and non-obstruction of the three realms; whichever single doorway one enters, all are fully present; therefore it is thus. Furthermore, in these various texts, what is expounded in prose arranges the order to allow understanding to arise following the phenomena; what is versified in the verses fuses beginning and end, being thoroughly unobstructed in accord with the dharmatā. The prose adapts the Dharma to capacities; the verses gather capacities back to the Dharma. One should understand this characteristic of literary alternating skillfulness.