華嚴五十要問答 1.22

1.22

Question: What is the difference regarding the mutual interpenetration and mutual functioning of the Buddha's faculties and senses?

Answer: According to the Hīnayāna teaching, the mutual functioning of the faculties of buddhas, bodhisattvas, and so forth is accomplished only through transformation, not by altering their nature. According to the triyāna teaching, transformation and altering nature are both masterfully attained. The triyāna has two meanings: first, based on original nature, which is the Mahāyāna bodhisattva, pratyekabuddha, and śrāvaka. If based on present study, they are collectively called Mahāyāna bodhisattva persons. Now, subsuming original nature and distinguishing it from the Mahāyāna, the two meanings of transformation and altering nature are both established. According to the Ekayāna teaching, both transformation and altering nature are manifested based on the fundamental dharma of pratītyasamutpāda; there is also no distinct nature that can be transformed or altered. If manifested, it is subsumed under transformation as before; furthermore, the essence of the Ekayāna possesses that ordinary existent body and also possesses those noble virtues. Direct-advancement Mahāyāna possesses those noble virtues but lacks the ordinary existent body. Gradual awakening and the Hīnayāna possess that ordinary body and possess noble virtues, but the ordinary body is not a noble dharma.