大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 31.40

31.40

Regarding the commentary’s “Fourth, depending on the earth there is sustaining,” it has an introduction, an explanation, and a conclusion. In the second part there are three meanings. The name established for the first meaning is slightly different from the preceding: previously it said “first, only flowing, only flame, only moving,” whereas now the first says “depending on the earth realm,” so the metaphor’s thrust is slightly different. The statement “first, in terms of its own category” is like stacked adobe bricks. The rest can all be understood. The statement “Thus it richly bears the ten thousand things yet is not benevolent” means it does not rely on benevolent virtue. The Laozi says: “Heaven and earth are not benevolent; they treat the ten thousand things as straw dogs.” A sūtra says: “Like the great earth, which shoulders four heavy burdens without weariness.” Next, from “Master Sengzhao” downward, it is also from the Treatise on the Immutability of Things, which concludes at the end of the treatise: “Thus, heaven and earth turning upside down does not mean they are not quiet; a great torrent surging to the heavens does not mean it moves. If one can accord one’s spirit with things as they are, this is not far off and can be known.” Kun is the earth, so it is appropriate to cite it.