華嚴一乘法界圖 1.31

1.31

Being about to explain the text, there are two gates of distinction: first, explaining the general intent of the seal-diagram; second, explaining the specific characteristics of the seal-diagram separately. Question: Why is it based on a seal-diagram? Answer: It is intended to express how the three realms embraced within Śākyamuni Tathāgata's net of teachings emerge and are revealed from the basis of the ocean-seal samādhi. The so-called three realms are: first, the receptacle world; second, the realm of sentient beings; and third, the realm of enlightened wisdom. The 'realm of enlightened wisdom' refers to buddhas and bodhisattvas. Because the three realms encompass all dharmas exhaustively, others are not discussed. The detailed meaning is as expounded in the Avataṃsaka Sūtra.