修華嚴奧旨妄盡還源觀 1.11

1.11

First, revealing the one essence refers to the essence of self-nature pure, complete, and luminous. This is none other than the essence of dharma-nature within the tathāgatagarbha: originally and fundamentally self-sufficient in its nature, it is not defiled when dwelling in defilement, nor is it purified through cultivation—hence it is called 'self-nature pure.' The essence of its nature shines everywhere, leaving no darkness unillumined—hence it is called 'complete and luminous.' Furthermore, following the flow to add defilement, it is not stained; going against the flow to eliminate defilement, it is not cleansed. It does not increase in the body of a noble one, nor does it decrease in the body of an ordinary person. Although there is the distinction between concealment and manifestation, there is no difference of variation. When defilements cover it, it is concealed; when wisdom understands it, it is revealed. It is not produced by generative causes; it is only brought to light by illuminating causes. The Awakening of Faith says: The intrinsic essence of tathatā 'has the meaning of great wisdom and luminosity; the meaning of shining throughout the dharma-realm; the meaning of true knowledge; the meaning of the mind of pure self-nature…' It is explained at length therein, and hence it is called the essence of self-nature pure, complete, and luminous.