大華嚴經略策 1.7

1.7

First: Explaining the Title of the Sūtra. Question: Various sūtras derive their titles from person, phenomenon, cause, or fruit, with many manners of structure; we do not know from what this sūtra establishes its designation. We look up to you to dissect and explain it to reveal the expressed title. Answer: I have heard that the ultimate purport is wordless, yet without words it cannot be revealed; if one wishes to fathom the wondrous principle, one must rely on the fish trap and hare snare. Therefore, within the nameless, names are forcibly established. 'Great, Broad, and Equal' (dafangguang) is the Dharma that is realized. 'Buddha's Garland of Flowers' (fo huayan) is the person who realizes it. 'Great' encompasses by essence; 'Broad and Equal' is completely pervasive in its activities; 'Buddha' means that the fruit is perfect and awakening is complete; 'Garland of Flowers' is an analogy for the blossoming of the myriad practices; 'Adornment' (yan) means adorning the Dharma to accomplish the person; 'Sūtra' (jing) means that which threads together eternal models. The essence and function of the entire sūtra are fully contained in 'Great, Broad, and Equal'; the causes and fruits of the five cycles are all 'Buddha's Garland of Flowers'. This is a title combining both person and Dharma, presenting both Dharma and metaphor side by side; it possesses essence and function, fruit and cause; its principle is exhausted and its meaning complete, encompassing without remainder. It contains inconceivable principles and meanings and serves as the grand outline of the entire work. Were I to expound it in fine detail, I fear it would weary your sight and hearing. Respectfully responded.