首楞嚴義疏注經 4.37

4.37

This single question determines his understanding or confusion: if he understands, it is not fitting to give rise to doubt; if he is confused, this is not a proper question. The intention of the question is: When you hear me speak of nature-awakening being wondrously bright, what understanding do you form? Is it that the essence of this awakening is fundamentally and naturally bright, and so named awakening-brightness? Or is it that awakening is of itself unbright, and by awakening to an 'other' brightness, brightness and awakening being distinct, it is named brightening awakening? By whom was the designation 'awakening-brightness' established? Hence he says: 'When you speak of...', and so on. Between these two meanings, one is correct and one is perverse, determining which meaning Pūrṇa's answer grasps. Grasping the former leaves no doubt; seizing upon the perverse gives rise to falsity; hence this single question determines his understanding or confusion.