楞伽阿跋多羅寶經註解 4.42

4.42

Here, two similes are used to show the marks of gain and loss. The first is the simile of pointing at an object with a finger, which illustrates speech and real meaning. The second is the simile of an infant eating cooked food, which illustrates the practice of expedient means. Both have gain and loss, and their principle is clear. Stagnating in speech loses the primary real meaning, just like merely looking at the finger without looking at the object. Failing to skillfully cultivate expedient means fails to accord with the principle of non-arising and non-ceasing, just like an infant eating raw food instead of cooked food; in such a case, how rare it would be not to be driven mad! Therefore, he cautions again: 'Skillfully cultivate expedient means and do not follow speech.'