肇論新疏 2.71

2.71

"Heaven and earth" (lit. "the two appearances") are the shapes and forms of heaven and earth. "Not humane" derives from Laozi, though the intended meaning is different. He says: "Heaven and earth are not humane; they treat the myriad things as straw dogs." The meaning is: heaven and earth are impartial; although with humane kindness they give birth to and mature the myriad things, they expect no recompense from them. Just as when someone binds straw into a dog, they do not hold it responsible for barking and guarding. This is Laozi's idea. The meaning of the treatise is: through great expedient means [the sage] universally delivers [beings], his merit surpassing heaven and earth, yet with unconditional compassion he transforms without transforming and does not abide in the marks of transformation; therefore it is said that he is "not humane." As the Diamond Prajñā says: "Of the four modes of birth and nine classes [of beings], I deliver them all"—this is the surpassingly high merit; "and yet not a single sentient being is truly delivered"—this is being "not humane." "His clarity exceeds..." means that tattva-jñāna illuminates the principle, which is "clarity"; having no discrimination whatsoever is "dimness." Furthermore, clarity exceeding the sun and moon is universal knowing; being ever more dim is being without knowing. The Upādhyāya Guangyao of the Tang had the same intention.