華嚴經探玄記 4.6

4.6

Third, explaining the central thesis and purpose, also has three [parts]: First, explaining the central thesis of the section: throughout up to the sixth assembly, it is uniformly a single sequence of questions and answers; thus they must be explained together. It consists of two rounds of cause and effect: first the characteristics, and later the essence; the former is the dependent arising of cause and effect, and the latter is the reality of principle. Second, regarding the assembly, there are also two [aspects]: namely, persons and dharmas. As for persons, there are also two: namely, that which is believed and that which can believe. Within that which is believed: the internal realization of the ocean of lands by the host of transformation is the essence; the seven days of contemplation are the characteristic. Furthermore, conforming to its image is the characteristic; the empowered preaching is the function; and manifesting supernormal powers and radiance of light are also the functions. Within the assistants to transformation: Mañjuśrī has the wonderful wisdom within faith as the essence, auspicious supreme virtue as the characteristic, and being omnipresent in all places as the characteristic; what is preached to benefit beings is the function, referring to preaching gāthās and the like. Second, within that which can believe, there are also two: first, regarding the cause, realizing purity is the essence, possessing virtues is the characteristic, and extraordinary meritorious activities are the function, all as stated in the "Chapter on Bhadraśrī", examine and extract it (and so forth); second, regarding the fruit, the inexhaustible dharmadhātu revealed within faith is the essence, the supreme virtues of the ten bodies are the characteristic, and responding to capacities to transform and benefit is the function, also as stated in the "[Chapter on] Bhadraśrī". As for dharmas, there are also two: first, regarding the objective realm, the equal ocean of lands within faith is the essence; speaking of the ten according to capacities and supreme virtues is the characteristic; and being in accord with practice and teaching is the function; second, regarding practice, internal realization of the practice of faith is the essence, interpenetrating and subsuming the various stages is the characteristic, and attaining Buddhahood to benefit sentient beings is the function. Question: It is not yet known, which stage's Buddha is this Rocana Buddha? Answer: If preaching the Dharma of faith, he is the Buddha within faith; the other stages are likewise, reflect upon this. Third, regarding the chapter, there are also two: (1) regarding characteristics, taking the Tathāgata's body and names universally responding and broadly benefiting the multitude of sentient beings as the central thesis; (2) regarding reality, taking the ocean of lands of the ten Buddhas as the central thesis.