大乘起信論裂網疏 2.91

2.91

Question: Since it is said that the entire essence of tathatā constitutes a single speck of dust, then wherever one picks up any single speck of dust, does it also each possess these four kinds of great meaning? Answer: It possesses them. Because if a speck of dust has no spatial divisions, it is not a speck of dust, since it would lack form. If it has spatial divisions, it can be analyzed and is definitely not truly existent. When investigating this speck of dust, since it has no marks, all phenomena are likewise without marks, which is the great meaning of the genuinely empty. Since the marks of a speck of dust cannot be apprehended, it is the indestructible nature that fully accomplishes all phenomena; the marks of all worldly realms are manifested within a speck of dust, neither going out nor coming in, neither perishing nor being destroyed, and even a speck of dust is fully endowed with boundless, untainted merits, which serve as the cause to perfume the minds of all sentient beings—this is the great meaning of the genuinely non-empty. Because realizing the nature of this single speck of dust is itself the genuinely non-empty essence, the two hindrances are forever cut off and the fundamental nature is eternally abiding, which is the great meaning of separation from hindrances. Because this nature of a single speck of dust is separated from the two hindrances, it manifests bodies and expounds the Dharma in response to those to be transformed, causing them to cultivate good roots—the so-called manifesting the jeweled king's realm on the tip of a single hair, and turning the great Dharma wheel while sitting inside a speck of dust—this is the great meaning of manifestation. The Avataṃsaka Sūtra says: 'A single speck of dust fully contains a scripture of the great chiliocosm; as with a single speck of dust, so it is with all specks of dust.' This is what it refers to. Reflect upon this! The first section, explaining the meaning of enlightenment, is concluded.