大般涅槃經集解 1.9

1.9

Master Fayao: Nirvāṇa is the overarching convergence that exhausts the source, the great return where reckonings end. As for its essence, it wondrously transcends the realm of existence and non-existence, and mysteriously exceeds the bounds of names and calculations; words cannot exhaust it, designations cannot conclude it. Yet without designations there would be no way to approximate the ultimate, so designations are borrowed to approximate it; without words there would be no way to reveal reality, so words are relied upon to reveal it. As for its designation, none is greater in general; hence the designation encompasses the myriad principles, and the name crowns the myriad meanings; thus it is said that within one name there are immeasurable names. Thus the sounds of this land cannot translate its designation, and the language of Jin cannot replace its title; therefore, wishing to match it with this sound loses its purport, and pairing it with this name deviates from its meaning. This is why even the most exhaustive words of designation cannot fathom it, how much less the ultimate that is beyond designation! Therefore, the supreme title of nirvāṇa is broad and rich in its meaning; when unpacked and distinguished, it spans without limit. How could it be that only the three such as prajñā exhaust its import? Merely summarizing its essentials, one directly enters nirvāṇa through these three names. Is not the analogy of the letter "i" truly fitting? However, these three are different in name but identical in reality, not different in essence. If their essences were distinct, then nirvāṇa would be identical to a conditionally established nominal dharma. Being unreal and not true, how could it be called permanence and bliss!