大方廣佛華嚴經疏 1.24

1.24

Fifth, relying on the manifestation of signs. Although the dharmatā is tranquil and empty of all signs, the sign of signlessness does not obstruct manifold arisings. The launchings of the teaching are manifold, and their signs do not follow a single rule: emitting light, shaking lands, raining flowers, or sending forth fragrant clouds—all serve as initiations. Thus, within the various assemblies, when the Dharma is about to be spoken, light is usually emitted first, generally symbolizing the light of wisdom reaching out to sentient beings. However, there are two kinds: 1. light that does not disrupt the graduated sequence, increasing or decreasing according to the station; 2. light of perfect comprehension and non-obstruction, because each individual light thoroughly links and penetrates. Varying according to the location of emission, there are ten lights in all, each with its symbolic meaning, which will be understood when we come to the text. Earth-shaking and the like mostly occur after the preaching, which merely celebrates what has been heard. In cases like the ten stages, although it celebrates what came before, its meaning also encompasses initiating what follows, thereby serving as a condition for the teaching.