華嚴一乘法界圖 1.33

1.33

一問：何故印文唯有一道？答：表如來一音故，所謂一善巧方便。何故多有繁迴屈曲？以隨眾生機欲不同故，即是當三乘教。何故一道無有始終，顯示善巧無方、應稱法界，十世相應圓融滿足故，即是義當圓教。何故有四面四角？彰四攝、四無量故。此義依三乘顯一乘，印相如是。

First, Question: Why do the lines of the seal-diagram consist of only a single path? Answer: Because they express the Tathāgata's single voice, namely the one skillful upāya. Why are there many windings and turnings? Because they accord with the varying capacities and desires of sentient beings; this corresponds to the teaching of the Three Vehicles. Why does the single path have neither beginning nor end? To show that skillful upāya is boundless, corresponds to and accords with the dharmadhātu, and that the ten periods of time correspond, interpenetrate harmoniously, and are completely fulfilled; this meaning corresponds to the Perfect Teaching. Why are there four sides and four corners? Because they manifest the four means of embracing and the four immeasurables. This meaning reveals the One Vehicle by relying on the Three Vehicles; such are the characteristics of the seal-diagram.