花嚴經文義綱目 1.63

1.63

Fourth, the ritual manner of inquiring: there are two [aspects]: first, in terms of speech and thought; second, in terms of general and specific. In the first, generally discussing inquiry, there are two kinds: first, inquiry through speech; second, inquiry through thought. Answering also has two kinds: first, answering through spoken explanation; second, answering through showing marks. These two inquiries and answers can be known as the sequential and interlaced four propositions; these two patterns exist in order to accomplish the three wisdoms. The first two assemblies and the eighth assembly are purely inquiry through thought. The answer extends to two positions: that is, the Buddha answers by showing marks, while the bodhisattvas answer by spoken explanation. Because the inquiry is raised facing the Buddha, the higher can know the lower without waiting for words. It is to reveal that the Buddha's mind can comprehend doubts and his physical marks manifest answers, because of his sovereignty. The seventh assembly has inquiry through speech and answer through speech, because the inquiry is raised toward Samantabhadra, and it is Samantabhadra who answers.