大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 52.26

52.26

On the Commentary's passage starting from "Question: Why prior to the stages...": The third [part] is the questions, answers, and analytical determinations. First, it asks about the depth and shallowness; next, the answer explains the desire solely to reveal the One Vehicle, having a proposal, an inquiry, and an explanation. Within the explanation there are six [parts]: (1) demonstrating the characteristics of the three and the one; (2) from "if both" downward, inversely presenting what is contrary to reason; (3) from "therefore, prior to the stages" downward, directly answering the objection; (4) from "therefore, empty space" downward, citing scriptural proof; (5) from "therefore, Vajragarbha" downward, concluding the profound depth; and (6) establishing it through texts. Within the fourth, four textual passages are cited as proof: First, the bird's tracks, which is in [the passage] demonstrating the delimitations of the expounding. Second, the great ocean, which is in [the passage on] the images of the stages. Third, the first roll of the sūtra, which says: "A bodhisattva abiding in one stage completely gathers the virtues of all the stages." Fourth, "within each and every passage," which is distinguished within the expounding section; all are as explained below. The fifth, concluding the depth, is explained below.