修華嚴奧旨妄盡還源觀 1.23

1.23

First is the virtue of adapting to conditions in marvelous, boundless function. This means that relying on truth one gives rise to function, widely benefiting the multitude of beings. The capacities of sentient beings are not uniform, their receptions and understandings have ten thousand differences, and their desires are distinct; adapting to their capacities, one teaches them the Dharma, giving medicine in accordance with the illness, causing them to take and practice it. This meaning is fully explained in the Vimalakīrti Sūtra. Furthermore, by virtue of great compassion, it is called 'adapting to conditions'; by virtue of great wisdom, it is called 'marvelous function'. Moreover, without destroying provisional designations, one constantly delivers sentient beings, hence 'adapting to conditions'; understanding that the nature of sentient beings is empty and that in truth there is no one who is delivered, is called 'marvelous function'. Moreover, principle being phenomenon is called 'adapting to conditions'; phenomenon being principle is called 'marvelous function'. Moreover, truth not violating the conventional is 'adapting to conditions'; the conventional not violating truth is 'marvelous function'. Moreover, relying on the fundamental to give rise to the derivative is 'adapting to conditions'; gathering the derivative to return to the fundamental is 'marvelous function'. Indeed, because dharmas have no boundaries, their arising is necessarily simultaneous; true principle does not obstruct the ten thousand differences, and manifest responses are nothing other than a single realm. In terms of function, waves surge and cauldrons boil, functioning entirely with the true essence; in terms of essence, the mirror is clean and the water is clear, elevating adaptation to conditions to converge in quiescence. It is like the radiant color of morning sunlight, which without intent illuminates the ten directions; it is like an upright form before a bright mirror, displaying ten thousand images without moving. Therefore it is called the virtue of adapting to conditions in marvelous, boundless function.