華嚴一乘法界圖 1.33

1.33

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.