大乘法苑義林章 4.8

4.8

Fifth, the distinctions between paying homage and taking refuge: there are, in brief, seven explanations. First, taking refuge is based on gravity, being restricted to body and speech alone; paying homage extends to lighter [acts], encompassing both mind and form, because it applies to all three karmas. Second, the object of taking refuge is broad, necessarily requiring complete refuge [in all three] to constitute karma; paying homage may be broader, achieving its purpose even if one relies on just one. Only when one completely takes refuge in the Three Jewels is it taking refuge; paying homage to just a single Honored One is already paying homage. Third, taking refuge has a fixed limit, for the uttering of the vow must extend to the end of the future; paying homage is only conditioned on offering sincerity and forming a thought. Because of their permanence versus transience, the words of taking refuge are: 'I vow from this life to the end of the future limit'; as for all who pay homage, raising the mind in devout reverence is itself paying homage. Fourth, taking refuge involves earnest emotion, carrying unmanifest [karma] to serve as refuge; paying homage extends through the mind, or may take only manifest [karma] as its essence. Taking refuge necessarily possesses manifest and unmanifest [karma], whereas merely having wholesome manifest [karma] constitutes paying homage. Fifth, the meaning of taking refuge is weighty, necessarily combining body and speech; paying homage extends to lighter [acts], where a single one is sufficient. Sixth, taking refuge carries phenomenal marks, residing only in the desire and form [realms]; the meaning of paying homage extends broadly, also pervading the formless [realm]. Seventh, the meaning of taking refuge is superior, being fulfilled even when contemplating ultimate truth; paying homage extends to the subtle, esteeming the virtuous and wholesome and encompassing this as well. Serene clarity is faith, while taking refuge and paying homage are karma; their essential natures are vastly distinct, so there is no need to debate them against each other.