華嚴一乘教義分齊章 4.60

4.60

Second, the particular characteristic: because the various conditions, such as the rafters, are distinct from the universal. If they were not distinct, the meaning of the universal would not be established, since when there are no particulars there is no universal. What does this mean? Originally, the universal is established through particulars; because there are no particulars, the universal is not established. Therefore, the particular establishes itself as particular through the universal. Question: "If the universal is identical with the particular, should it not fail to be established as the universal?" Answer: "Because the universal is identical with the particular, it is therefore able to be established as the universal. Just as the rafter is identical with the house, it is therefore called the universal characteristic; being identical with the rafter, it is called the particular characteristic. If it were not identical with the house, it would not be a rafter; if it were not identical with the rafter, it would not be a house. The mutual identity of universal and particular can be reflected upon in this way." Question: "If they are mutually identical, how can one speak of particulars?" Answer: "Precisely because of mutual identity, particulars are established. If they were not mutually identical, the universal would exist outside the particulars and thus would not be the universal; the particulars would exist outside the universal and thus would not be particulars. Reflecting on this, it can be understood." Question: "If there were no particulars, what flaw would there be?" Answer: "There would be the flaws of annihilationism and eternalism. If there were no particulars, there would be no distinct rafters and tiles; because there would be no distinct rafters and tiles, the universal house would not be established—hence this is annihilationism. If, without distinct rafters and tiles, there were a universal house, a house would exist without a cause—this is the flaw of eternalism."