大華嚴經略策 1.34

1.34

第二十七、法界名體。問：何名法界？法界何義？答：法者，軌持為義。界者有二義：一約事說界即分義，隨事分別故；二者性義約理法界，為諸法性不變易故，此二交絡成理事無礙法界。事攬理成、理由事顯，二互相奪即事理兩亡，若互相成則常事常理。四事事無礙法界，謂由以理融彼事故，義如前說。謹對。

Twenty-seventh: The Name and Substance of the Dharmadhātu. Question: What is called the dharmadhātu? What is the meaning of dharmadhātu? Answer: 'Dharma' has the meaning of standard and holding. 'Dhātu' (realm) has two meanings: first, explained in terms of phenomena, 'realm' has the meaning of division, because they are distinguished according to phenomena; second, it has the meaning of nature, referring to the dharmadhātu of principle, because the nature of all dharmas does not change. These two interweave to form the dharmadhātu of the unhindered interpenetration of principle and phenomena. Phenomena grasp principle to be formed; principle is manifested by means of phenomena. If the two mutually negate each other, then phenomena and principle both perish; if they mutually accomplish each other, then phenomena are constantly phenomena and principle is constantly principle. Fourth is the dharmadhātu of the unhindered interpenetration of phenomena and phenomena, which means that because phenomena are interfused by means of principle, the meaning is as explained before. Respectfully answered.