維摩經玄疏 4.118

4.118

第五、正辨淨名本迹者，舊云「本是金粟如來，迹居妙喜，為無動補處」，或云「本是八地，迹現毘耶，位居長者」。若執此意，定判其本迹者，金粟為是何位之佛？妙喜補處，復是何位？補處若實是妙覺之金粟，迹為妙喜之補處，此可是本高迹下；若本是初住之金粟，現為十地之補處，此是本下迹高；若是妙覺之金粟法身，又應為妙覺之金粟，是為本迹俱高；若是初住之金粟，應為三藏之補處，是為本迹俱下，豈可定判其優、劣、高、下之位也！大聖以無方之化，豈是凡夫測量、判於深淺！凡夫尚不自識己之業行、果報，何況知其本迹類！若無目指月，判其方圓。今但抑信，本迹雖殊，不思議一也。而文殊既是釋迦左面侍者，此土位行最高，推功稱歎，教迹不宜在八地也。

Fifth, directly distinguishing the origin and trace of the Pure Name: Formerly it was said, "His origin is the Tathāgata Golden Grain, and his trace abides in Abhirati as the successor to Akṣobhya," or it was said, "His origin is the eighth ground, and his trace manifests in Vaiśālī, occupying the position of an elder." If one clings to these ideas to definitively determine his origin and trace: what stage of buddha is Golden Grain? What stage is the successor in Abhirati? If the successor is truly Golden Grain of wondrous enlightenment and his trace is the successor in Abhirati, this would be "origin is higher and trace is lower." If his origin is Golden Grain of the initial dwelling and he manifests as the successor of the tenth ground, this is "origin is lower and trace is higher." If it is the dharmakāya of Golden Grain of wondrous enlightenment, and he also responds as Golden Grain of wondrous enlightenment, this is "both origin and trace are higher." If he is Golden Grain of the initial dwelling and responds as a successor of the Tripiṭaka [teaching], this is "both origin and trace are lower." How could one definitively determine his stage as superior or inferior, higher or lower! The Great Sage acts with directionless transformation—how could ordinary beings fathom and judge its depth? Ordinary beings do not even know their own karmic practices and retributions, let alone know his origin and trace! It is like someone without eyes pointing at the moon to determine whether it is square or round. Now we simply hold in faith that although origin and trace differ, their inconceivability is one. Furthermore, since Mañjuśrī is the attendant on the left side of Śākyamuni and holds the highest stage and practice in this land, when attributing merit and praising him, his instructional trace should not be placed on the eighth ground.