華嚴五十要問答 1.38

1.38

Question: Why does the teaching of the Avataṃsaka-sūtra take the bodhi tree and the buddha as the beginning, while other places of preaching the Dharma, bodhisattvas, and sentient beings are all spoken of as the end? Answer: If discussed in terms of delusion, every movement of mind and stirring of thought is parikalpita, which is empty and non-existent. Now, because the buddha's wisdom skilfully realizes the fundamental nature, puts an end to characteristics, and returns to the source, the overarching principles of the established teaching are all the buddha's wisdom. Therefore, it takes the buddha as the beginning; outside of the buddha, there is not a single dharma.