大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 84.39

84.39

The Commentary states: "Furthermore, all say...", which generally explains the expression 'past events' (pūrvayoga), interpreting it here according to the Dharmatā school. The text has three parts: first, the direct explanation: because dharmatā is permanent, and characteristics are identical with the nature, the characteristics are also permanent. This is being not different from the essence, without destroying the three times; being not one with the essence, nature and characteristics are fundamentally thus. This is the aspect of virtuous characteristics. Causing them to be seen according to capacity is the aspect of functional activities. Thus it concludes that both attain sovereignty. Ordinary beings possess this only in principle; they do not possess the virtuous characteristics that form functional activities. Second, citing evidence from "Therefore the Ghanavyūha [Sūtra]...": first proving functional activities, and then "up to saying 'purifying the basis of support'", proving the aspect of virtuous characteristics. Third, "If principle and phenomenon are cultivated separately...", differentiating it from other schools. That the essence and function of present dharmas both exist, etc., is the Mahāyāna doctrine. "How much more so in the Hīnayāna", which refers to the Sarvāstivāda. "Because for them the past and future have essence but lack function", clarifying the reason for the difference. For the Sarvāstivāda, the past exists latently and the future exists inherently, so they possess essence; unlike the phenomenal existence of present dharmas, they lack function. Now, because essence and nature are interfused, essence and function both exist. This is existence being non-existence, the existence of non-existence.