維摩經略疏 9.38

9.38

Question: Here it says that ground with manure and soil can flourish luxuriantly, while the *Dàpǐn* says planting trees in empty space; what are these two meanings regarding entering the provisional? Answer: At first glance they seem different, but the general meaning is the same. Here it explains that the bodhisattva realizes that the principle of the unwholesome can produce the Buddha Dharma, and evil dharmas serve as seeds to support and accomplish the dharmakāya; thus it explains entering the provisional in terms of manure. The *Dàpǐn* means non-severance yet severance: severing defilements and entering emptiness, one can proceed from emptiness into the provisional, learn all Buddha Dharmas, and transform and deliver sentient beings, just as mundane magical arts can plant trees in empty space; thus it explains entering the provisional in terms of emptiness. If interpreted this way, the two vehicles already possess the meaning of entering the provisional, but because they have not awakened, they cannot alter their contemplation; only upon reaching the *Lotus Sūtra* are they brought into convergence; the *Dàpǐn* converges the teachings, but does not converge the persons.