維摩經略疏垂裕記 5.24

5.24

Second, analysis, in two [parts]: first, regarding "Question: Are not all sentient beings sons of the Buddha?": because the minds of sentient beings and the mind of the Buddha, as well as the principle of sages and ordinary people, are identical, like father and son linked by inborn nature; hence, sentient beings in delusion are like sons, and the Buddhas in awakening are like a father. Second, regarding "Answer: Crown prince": by Han dynasty regulation, the direct heir of the Son of Heaven was called "crown prince" (taizi), and the direct heir of a feudal king was called "heir apparent" (shizi). Regarding "this is in terms of principle": looking from the perspective of the conventional it is called "principle", but in reality it is in terms of phenomena. Regarding "mundane and supramundane": being a crown prince is mundane, while accomplishing the Buddha-path is supramundane. Regarding "conforming to the conventional without dispute": as the Great Sūtra says, "If the world says there is, I also say there is. If the world says there is not, I also say there is not." Therefore, here one may conform to the teachings of Confucius to explain "disciples".