大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 1.12

1.12

Fourth, in comprehensively revealing the intended purpose of the establishment: as for why the dharmadhātu is recounted first of all, there might be a question: "The commentaries of various masters mostly first recount how the Tathāgata responds to beings and manifests birth, first the Hinayāna and then the Mahāyāna, or appearing with form when formless, showing speech when speechless. Why recount the dharmadhātu right at the very beginning now?" Hence, it is replied now: because it is the central doctrine of this sūtra; again, because it is the common essence of all sūtras; again, because it is the common reliance of all dharmas; because it is the root of delusion and awakening of all sentient beings; because it is that which all Buddhas thoroughly realize; because the practices of all bodhisattvas arise from this; because upon initial awakening it was taught abruptly; and because it is unlike other sūtras that have gradual stages. The very last meaning directly answers the initial question, while the preceding meanings jointly bring about the last meaning.