金光明最勝王經疏 1.35

1.35

Second, regarding [explaining] according to principle: the "Three Bodies Chapter" says: "Due to three purifications, it is called ultimate purification: first, purification of afflictions; second, purification of suffering; third, purification of marks. For example, when true gold is melted, smelted, and refined, after being fired and beaten it has no more dirt or defilement; this is to reveal that the nature of gold is fundamentally pure, and that the substance of gold is pure does not mean there is no gold." It further says: "This is to reveal that buddha-nature is fundamentally pure, not that there is no substance." This metaphorises principle. Tathatā is fundamentally existent and pure by self-nature; when concealed by obstacles it does not appear, and when separated from obstacles it is revealed—it is not newly emergent purity. Because the principle of tathatā is supreme, like a king serving as a support, there are remaining virtues.