註華嚴經題法界觀門頌 2.153

2.153

To leave common birth is still easy; to shed one's substance and speak of it must be difficult. In this verse, because phenomena are severed and emotional grasping perishes, there is only the single complete principle, distinguishing non-oneness where there is non-difference. One must understand it subtly and cannot seek it in phenomenal traces; hence it puts forth this meaning of the phrase of non-being within the phrase of being, whose subtlety lies prior to substance. "Third Son Xie" refers to Chan Master Xuansha Shibei of Fuzhou. As a youth he was quick-witted; his family made fishing their occupation, and he often accompanied his father in a small boat on the riverbank. One day, upon seeing the reflection of the moon, he had an awakening, whereupon he abandoned the boat, gave up fishing, left home, and entered the Way. The Master was the Dharma heir of Chan Master Xuefeng Yicun and was his fellow brother in the Dharma. One day the Master showed the assembly, saying: "I participated in the Way together with Śākya." At that time a monk asked: "I have heard the Venerable say, 'I participated in the Way together with Śākya.' I wonder what person you visited?" The Master said: "Third Son Xie on the fishing boat." This is an utterance that transcends emotional views, leaves the entangling lair, collaterally penetrates the secret intent, and subtly accords with the profound school. Later people also called the Master "Third Son Xie."