金光明經文句 3.6

3.6

Next, explaining the method of confession: the method is of two kinds: first, the primary method; second, the auxiliary method. The primary method is precisely the wisdom that contemplates dharmatā. Because dharmatā is permanent, this contemplation is also permanent; because dharmatā is bliss, self, and purity, the contemplative wisdom is also like this; because dharmatā is inconceivable, supremely deep, supremely wondrous, unsurpassable, and unequalled, the contemplative wisdom is also like this. The dharma wherein object and wisdom merge seamlessly and are non-dual, being suchness without differentiation: object is like wisdom, and wisdom is like object; hence it is said that suchness is without differentiation. The sūtra says: "Speaking of wisdom and the locus of wisdom, both are called prajñā. Speaking of wisdom and the locus of wisdom, both are called the true mark." Speaking is like not speaking, not speaking is like speaking; speaking and not speaking are non-dual and without distinction. Applying this contemplative wisdom across all dharmas is also like this; hence it is said that Vairocana pervades all places. Whether walking or staying, whether in light or in darkness, one can never be apart from seeing the Buddha, the World-Honoured One; what confronts the six sense faculties is nothing that is not the Buddha Dharma. Jīvaka gathering grasses found nothing that was not medicine, capable of healing all diseases. Whatever sand and gravel Mahānāma grasped all turned to jewels. Aniruddha's empty vessel became completely filled with sweet dew (amṛta). If it is like this, the sin contemplated is no longer sin: sin is the true mark. The blessing contemplated is that blessing is non-blessing: blessing is the true mark. Being purely the true mark, this is called the great confession. As for auxiliary confession: if one purely uses the primary confession, auxiliaries are not needed; if the primary path is dark and unclear, one cultivates auxiliaries to assist it, just like using lye water, cleansing powder, Chinese honey locust, or soapberries to assist clear water. In brief, it is diligently employing body, speech, and mind as auxiliaries: body refers to circumambulation and bowing; speech refers to chanting and reciting; mind refers to stimulating contemplation. These assist in opening the gate, just as going with the current and the wind is assisted by poles and oars—then passage is swift. Thus is the brief discussion of the primary and auxiliary.