華嚴經明法品內立三寶章 1.26

1.26

Third, regarding being gathered within the perpetuating representation, here perpetuating representation has two meanings: First, that which is perpetuated: due to the residual influence of the preceding true Three Jewels of common characteristic and distinct characteristics, relics, images, sūtra scrolls, and ordinary monks continue without interruption; hence it is called perpetuating representation. Since that sustains this, this gathers those two dharmas. Because these are all coarse and derivative characteristics manifested in accordance with capacities stamped in the Tathāgata's round wisdom, just as the leaves of a great tree do not depart from the main stem, and so on. Second, that which can perpetuate: relying on these images, sūtra scrolls, and ordinary monks to perpetuate the Three Jewels of common characteristic and distinct characteristics, their power continues so that they are not cut off, providing a refuge for sentient beings and causing them to practice gradually and attain those two; hence it is called perpetuating representation. Therefore, those two are established through this, gathered within this, and latently brought to completion. Why is this so? Because if they were not what is perpetuated by that, they could not perpetuate that; therefore the two meanings are not two, mutually gathering and melting together.