維摩義記 4.18

4.18

From here below is the second [part], where the bodhisattvas ask, and Mañjuśrī responds by using words to eliminate words, thereby revealing non-duality. Therein, first is the question. "These bodhisattvas" identifies the questioners. "Having each spoken" concludes what precedes and introduces what follows. From "asked Mañjuśrī" down, the words of the question are formally stated. From "What is a bodhisattva's entrance into the gate of non-duality?" down, Mañjuśrī answers. "As for what is in my mind" shows that Mañjuśrī is speaking according to his own thought, not following others. "In all dharmas, there is no speech..." and so forth formally distinguishes its characteristics. Dharmas are of two kinds: first, conventional truth; second, the truth of the ultimate meaning. Taken broadly, both have senses of being expressible and inexpressible. Subsuming dharmas under names, dharmas turn along with names, and all can be expressed. Because they can be expressed, when the buddhas preach the Dharma, they always rely on the two truths. Inquiring into them according to the real, dharmas are all free from names. Because they are without names, all are inexpressible. Therefore the *Bodhisattvabhūmi* states: "All dharmas are free from speech and free from the nature of provisional designations." Distinguishing them individually within this, the conventional truth can be expressed, while the ultimate truth cannot be expressed. Therefore Nāgārjuna said: "For the ultimate meaning, the path of words is cut off, and the sphere of mental activity is extinguished." Now it is based on the latter. In the gate of distinguishing characteristics, it clarifies that the ultimate meaning is wondrous, quiescent, and free from words; therefore, it says that there being no speech down to being free from answers is true non-duality.