大般涅槃經義記 5.281

5.281

Question: If one does not see the mark of sentient beings, how does one practice loving-kindness? There are two explanations: First, mindfully considering that sentient beings are falsely bound by [the notions of] self and person is deeply pitiable, and therefore loving-kindness arises. Second, preaching such a Dharma for sentient beings is to grant them the bliss of ultimate truth, hence it is called loving-kindness. Not abiding in the marks of dharmas or the marks of sentient beings is called having no conditions. Here, what is the difference between not abiding in the mark of sentient beings and previously not seeing father, mother, wife, children, and relatives? The former shatters the nature of sentient beings, whereas this shatters the mark of sentient beings. Because one sees the emptiness of dharmas, the nominal sentient beings constructed based on dharmas also do not exist; therefore it says one does not abide in the mark of sentient beings. If one does not abide in the marks of dharmas, how does one practice loving-kindness? There are likewise two meanings: First, mindfully considering that sentient beings are falsely bound by existent dharmas is deeply pitiable, and therefore loving-kindness arises. Second, mindfully considering preaching such a Dharma for sentient beings is to grant them the bliss of ultimate truth, hence it is called loving-kindness.