華嚴經探玄記 3.9

3.9

Second, as for the formal model of textual explanation: The fifth fascicle of the Mahāyānasaṃgraha states: 'If one wishes to compose an explanation of the Mahāyāna Dharma, one should compose that explanation briefly through three marks: first, by explaining dependent origination; second, by explaining the characteristics of dharmas that arise from conditions; and third, by explaining the meaning of the words.' Asvabhāva's commentary states: 'In order to enlighten those who compose explanations regarding the principles of interpretation, it is therefore said that [it is done] briefly through three marks, and so forth.' Vasubandhu's commentary states: 'Through these three marks, according to what is appropriate, one should compose an explanation of all Mahāyāna teachings.' I note: First, by extensively explaining dependent origination of inherent nature as the fundamental basis, which is the mutual dependent origination between the ālayavijñāna and all dharmas. Second, based on the transformed consciousnesses and dharmas generated from this, discerning the principles of the three natures upon them—meaning that upon the dependent [nature] the imagined does not exist while the consummate exists, being simultaneously obtained and unobtained, seen and unseen, and so forth, as extensively explained in the treatise. These two gateways interpret by examining the principle. Third, by explaining the meaning of the words, which means revealing the sense and intention behind the Buddha's words. This has two kinds: first, the locus of virtues, which reveals the twenty-one kinds of extraordinary merits of the Buddha's fruit. Asvabhāva's commentary states: 'Already attained within oneself, fully complete and benefiting [others], it is therefore called virtue.' Second, the locus of meaning, which reveals the thirty-two modes of practice of the bodhisattva. Asvabhāva's commentary states: 'Not yet attained within oneself, conforming to and aspiring toward it, it is therefore called meaning.' Both of these expositions present [the topic] with the initial phrase and explain it with the remaining phrases; this is an interpretation that examines the intention of the speaker.