大般涅槃經義記 3.12

3.12

Regarding the first question below: "If nirvāṇa, buddha-nature, the decisive, and the Tathāgata are of one meaning, why speak of three?" This clings to unity and doubts the three. Earlier, seven dharmas were proclaimed to be mutually identical, but now only four are adduced; this question is incomplete. Fully stated, it should ask: Since the refuges are distinct, how can they be identical to that nirvāṇa and so forth? Following the answer, this ought to be present; it merely raises one side, and the other side can be known.