華嚴一乘法界圖 1.55

1.55

Question: A bodhisattva of first generation of the mind is a bodhisattva on the stage of faith, which is the position of a disciple; one who achieves right awakening is on the Buddha stage, which is the position of the Great Master. The high and low are different, and the stages are distinct; why then are they in the same place side by side, head and foot [together]? Answer: The upāya dharmas of the Three Vehicles and the One Vehicle dharmas of the Perfect Teaching have entirely distinct functions and pedagogical applications; they must not be mixed together. What is their meaning? In the dharmas of the Three Vehicles, head and foot are each distinct. Why? The years and months of father and son are not the same. Why is it like this? Because it is spoken according to characteristics, in order to generate faith. In the One Vehicle dharmas of the Perfect Teaching, head and foot are completely one; father and son, years and months are altogether identical. Why? Because they are formed by conditions, and spoken according to principle.