首楞嚴義疏注經 4.450

4.450

Question: Since the sūtra text says that the worlds interpenetrate, with three times and four directions revolving to make twelve, why is the transformed count discussed solely with regard to the eras (times) and not explained in terms of the directions? Answer: The substance of directions is constantly fixed, while the meaning of eras is flowing and moving. Because it is fixed, it does not change; because it is moving, it shifts. Now, since we are changing ten to a thousand, transforming many from few, it conforms to eras, while the meaning of directions does not accord. Not only does the meaning not accord, but also the count of layers would be difficult to match. The sūtra text clearly states "flowing and transforming in three layers"; how could this not be spoken solely with respect to the three eras?