金光明經玄義 2.27

2.27

Fourth, explaining the function. Function means dynamic efficacy. Eradicating evil and generating good constitute the dynamic efficacy of the sūtra: eradicating evil is called efficacy; generating good is called dynamic function; eradicating evil is called merit; generating good is called virtue. These [pairs] are each stated from one perspective; when comprehensively discussed, both aspects are complete. Now, the knowledge of all aspects is a virtue on the level of fruition. Fruition-knowledge is adorned by immeasurable merits and virtues, eradicating all suffering and bestowing immeasurable bliss. Suffering is the fruit of evil karma, and greed, anger, and delusion are its evil causes: if the evil causes are not eliminated, the fruit cannot come to an end. The intent of the sage is first to cause the eradication of evil causes; therefore, the 'Chapter on Repentance' comes first. Bliss is the good fruit, while repentance and praise are its causes: through repenting sins and praising the sages, evil is eradicated and good is generated; therefore, the 'Chapter on Praises' comes after. This is also stated from mutually complementary sides. Taking this sublime function to adorn the fruition-knowledge, when knowledge is complete, the substance is manifested. The manifested substance is called gold; the complete fruition is called brilliance; the accomplished efficacy is called light; and benefiting others is called the teaching. However, it is not that the 'Chapter on Repentance' only eradicates evil without generating good, nor that the 'Chapter on Praises' only generates good without eradicating evil; they are merely stated from one side each. The 'Chapter on Emptiness' guides both: if repentance does not attain emptiness, evil will not be eradicated; if praise does not attain emptiness, good will not be pure. As the text states, 'taking the knowledge of all aspects as the root'—this is precisely its meaning. From the 'Chapter on the Four Heavenly Kings' downward, protecting the sūtra to cause it to be proclaimed and circulated is again generating good, while averting calamities to make them depart is again eradicating evil. Comprehending these various passages, it is therefore said that taking the eradication of evil and generation of good is its function.