華嚴經明法品內立三寶章 2.46

2.46

Question: Regarding such principle and phenomena, is principle without delimitation while phenomena have delimitation, or is it not so? Answer: Here, principle and phenomena each have four propositions. As for principle: 1. It is without delimitation, because it pervades all; 2. It is not without delimitation, because within a single phenomenon it is completely present without lack; 3. It possesses both delimitation and non-delimitation in a single taste, because its entire essence is within a single phenomenon while perpetually filling all places, just as when contemplating a single dust mote, one sees the dharmadhātu of all places; 4. It is neither delimited nor non-delimited, because its own essence transcends duality, because it perfectly interpenetrates, and because the two meanings have a single characteristic and are not two distinct gates. Among phenomena: 1. They have delimitation, because in accordance with their own phenomenal characteristics they possess boundaries; 2. They are without delimitation, because their entire essence is identical to principle, as the *Larger Prajñāpāramitā* states: 'The prior limit of form cannot be apprehended, and the subsequent limit cannot be apprehended,' which means non-delimitation; 3. Both, because the preceding two meanings are unobstructed and complete, and only by possessing these two meanings is it a single phenomenon; 4. Neither, because the two meanings are harmonious, equal, and devoid of dual characteristics. By virtue of the above meanings, therefore, the nature of principle, not being merely without delimitation, resides at the site of all phenomena yet its entire essence is inside one; not being merely delimited, it is constantly inside one yet entirely outside one. Phenomenal entities, not being merely delimited, are constantly in this place yet perpetually in another place; not being merely without delimitation, they pervade all yet do not move from their original position. Furthermore, because principle is not merely without delimitation, it is not outside a single phenomenon; because it is not merely delimited, it is not inside a single phenomenon. Phenomena, not being merely delimited, are constantly in this place yet have no location; not being merely without delimitation, they are constantly in another place yet have no location. Therefore, being neither located nor non-located, they are both here and there without obstruction.