維摩經略疏 9.15

9.15

From "At that time" onward is the third part: entering the text. The text has three parts: first, explaining the Buddha's path; second, explaining the Tathāgata seed; third, explaining the retinue. These three differ in phraseology but are identical in intent; all are the contemplation of entering the provisional with general characteristics. If taken in terms of awakening to and knowing the principle of the non-ways so that it is penetrated without obstruction, it is called the Buddha's path. This principle being revealed is capable of producing the Tathāgata; it is called the Tathāgata seed. The merit and wisdom produced, which are one's own practice of the two adornments, can produce the dharmakāya and all virtues; this is taken as the retinue. As for transforming others, all are provisional designations without obstruction. Although the three passages differ, they are identically entering the provisional from emptiness with general characteristics. Therefore the Dàpǐn says: "A bodhisattva can, by means of all paths, give rise to all path-seeds; this is called the wisdom of the aspects of the path." This is precisely the wisdom of entering the provisional from emptiness. The first passage has four parts: 1. Mañjuśrī's brief question; 2. Vimalakīrti's brief answer; 3. Mañjuśrī's repeated question; 4. Vimalakīrti's extensive answer. The reason the first text stays on this question is that the provisional designation discriminates the immeasurable Buddha's path as concealed within the non-ways; when beginning bodhisattvas heard the "Chapter on Inquiring after the Illness" explain the inconceivable entry into the provisional with general characteristics, none could understand it. Therefore he asks: "How does a bodhisattva penetrate the Buddha's path?"