金光明經玄義 1.30

1.30

Question: If so, how can 'Golden Light' metaphorically illustrate four bodies, two bodies, one body, and no body? Answer: If one employs meanings and names for the metaphors, expansion and contraction depend entirely on the meaning. If metaphorically illustrating four bodies, one takes the brilliant blaze above the radiant light; the text states: 'The golden light shines brilliantly'—this is the passage illustrating the four bodies. If metaphorically illustrating three bodies, it is as currently employed. If metaphorically illustrating two bodies: gold is the primary substance, and radiant light is merely its function; these serve as the metaphor. If metaphorically illustrating one body, one points solely to gold as the principal metaphor; the radiant light, being incidental, is not what is principally discussed. If metaphorically illustrating no body: the supreme treasure takes freedom from greed as gold; Yang Zhen's 'four knowns' also take freedom from greed as gold. Now, using the supreme treasure of the world to metaphorically illustrate the supreme principle of the supramundane accords even more with the text and its meaning.