二諦義 3.31

3.31

Fourth, explaining the cutting off of the two truths: the two truths themselves are simply cut off, which is different from the previous. Previously, looking toward expressing the path, the two truths were cut off; now it is clarified that the two truths themselves are simply cut off—mere words and speech are themselves cut off. As in the Vimalakīrtinirdeśa Sūtra, where the devī discusses the characteristics of liberation with Śāriputra, the Guanzhong [commentary] says: 'Although Śāriputra knew that liberation is without words, he did not know that words are themselves liberation.' Mere speech and written words are themselves liberation. Liberation is not inside, not outside, and not in between the two; written words are also like this: not inside, not outside, and not in between the two. Therefore, written words are themselves liberation; mere written words are themselves cut off. The four kinds of meanings of cutting off are briefly explained in this way. These four kinds of cutting off subsume all cutting off. The Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra explains absolute bliss: bliss explained in contrast to suffering is not fine bliss; absence of suffering and absence of bliss is truly great bliss. 'Great' also has two kinds: relative great and absolute great. What kind of cutting off is this? Explanation: This is cutting off by gradual renunciation. Previously it was explained that relative bliss is not fine bliss, whereas the bliss of neither suffering nor bliss is truly fine bliss; hence it is cutting off by gradual renunciation.