金光明經文句 1.16

1.16

Regarding "Tathāgata": this is the first of the ten epithets. The Tripiṭaka master's explanation of Tathāgata is extensive and not recorded here. Now we say: His wisdom illuminating principle is equal to all Buddhas, hence termed tathā ("thus"); his loving-kindness and compassion are equal to all Buddhas, hence termed āgata ("come"). The Buddhas should dwell in the secret treasury; why do they appear in the world? Solely because of loving-kindness and compassion do they come. The Tattvasiddhi-śāstra states: "Riding the path of suchness, he comes to realize correct awakening." The Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra states: "Coming from the eleven emptinesses"—this discusses "coming" in terms of wisdom; "coming from the six pāramitās"—this discusses "coming" in terms of practice. The Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa clarifies that understanding in accordance with the marks of dharmas is tathā, and proclaiming in accordance with the marks of dharmas is āgata. Now we clarify: understanding in accordance with the marks of dharmas of the three truths is named tathā; proclaiming in accordance with the marks of dharmas of the three truths is named āgata; hence he is called the Tathāgata.