楞伽阿跋多羅寶經註解 4.5

4.5

Nirvāṇa is the dharma that is realized, and the Tathāgata is the person who realizes it. Since Mahāmati had already grasped the import of nirvāṇa, he then made an inquiry concerning the Tathāgata. "Samyaksaṃbuddha" is translated here as "rightly all-knowing" and also called "rightly awakened." "Rightly all-knowing" means knowing correctly and knowing completely—knowing correctly in the middle and knowing completely at the extremes. "The Tathāgata's svabhāva" refers to the dharmakāya. Since the Buddha accepted the request, Mahāmati made his inquiry fully using the three epithets. The three epithets are the three virtues: "Tathāgata" is the dharmakāya, the truth of the middle; "Arhat" (One Worthy of Offerings) is liberation, conventional truth; "Samyaksaṃbuddha" (Rightly Awakened One) is prajñā, ultimate truth. While there are ten universal titles, asking specifically about these three highlights what is essential. "Made" refers to practice and deliberate action, its meaning encompassing both cause and effect. "Matters" (vastu) refers to the effect; "characteristic" refers to the bodily form; "spoken" refers to verbal discourse; "awakening" refers to awakening and knowing. The question asks whether the Tathāgata is different or not different from these phrases and expressions.