華嚴經義海百門 1.121

1.121

Third, contemplating essence and function: fully comprehending that the dust mote is anutpāda, lacks intrinsic nature, and is of one taste is essence; when wisdom illuminates principle without obstructing the vivid presence of phenomenal marks, that is function. Although phenomena are vividly present, they are constantly non-existent; therefore function is essence, like converging the hundred rivers to return to the sea. Although principle is of one taste, it constantly accords with conditions; therefore essence is function, like pointing to the great ocean to illuminate the hundred rivers. Because principle and phenomena mutually blend, essence and function are completely unhindered. If they interpenetrate, then function unfolds distinctions; if they are mutually identical, then essence is constantly of one taste. Constantly one and constantly two—such are essence and function.