十二門論宗致義記 1.2

1.2

Now, because the profound principle is free from duality, the ultimate and conventional are therefore mutually harmonized; because the pristine paradigm transcends sentiment, emptiness and existence thereby both vanish. Yet, since the emptiness of intrinsic nature has never been non-existent, it is precisely through existence that emptiness is discerned; since illusory existence has never been unempty, it is precisely through emptiness that existence is illumined. Because existence is empty, existence is not existence; because emptiness possesses emptiness, emptiness is not empty. When extreme attachments have perished, seeing and hearing are lost along with them. When the reservoir of errant sources has run dry, the four attachments melt like clouds; when the flawlessness of the true Dharma is made prominent, the two truths are present here. For this reason, when the Tathāgata was in the world, he shone the light of prajñā upon the dark paths; those of the highest capacity tallied with the mysterious crossing beyond all burdens. After the Great Master passed away, contrary attachments arose in confusion, some turning onto deviant paths, others rushing down the lesser trails. Thereupon, the ninety-five varieties vied in fanning the deviant winds; the eighteen sects competed in brandishing their sparks of fire. Consequently, the sun of wisdom of true emptiness concealed its brilliance within gloomy clouds, and the mysterious gem of prajñā was confused with fish eyes. Then there was a great being named Nāgārjuna, who ascended to the stage of Pramuditā-bhūmi, fulfilling the portent of the golden words. Lamenting this fallen standard and grieving over this drowning, he wished to ignite the torch of the true Dharma and overturn the banner of deviant views; therefore, he produced numerous works that overflowed throughout India. Nevertheless, among his essential and wondrous writings, this treatise takes precedence: it sets forth the twelve grand frameworks, smoothing the hidden path and revealing reality, causing one to return to the source through characteristics, harmonize the spirit in wondrous serenity, open one’s inclinations, and illuminate the principle; hence it is called a "gate." Inquiring back and forth with analytical critique, it is further termed a "treatise"; because the gates are twelve, it is named accordingly. The remaining meanings will be explained separately below.