大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 2.5

2.5

Regarding the commentary's "The one and the many are unobstructed, equal to a thousand lamps in an empty room": this is the fifth approach, the mutual containment of the one and the many without identity. Because the one and the many are mutual conditions for arising and their dynamic functions mutually penetrate, they can mutually interpenetrate; this is called mutual containment. Not destroying their characteristics is why it says "without identity." Like a thousand lamps shining together in a single room: the lamps differ according to their basins, each and every one being distinct; the lamps pervade according to their light, light and light interpenetrating, constantly distinct and constantly entering. The sūtra says: "Within the one, understand the measureless; within the measureless, understand the one. Comprehending their mutual arising, one will attain fearlessness." This metaphor of the lamps can also serve as a metaphor for mutual identity. Looking directly at the light, one does not see distinct characteristics, because there is only a single light.