法界圖記叢髓錄 1.92

1.92

簡義章云：八尺柱相為事，柱之無生為理者，三乘之義。若一乘中，即此八尺柱相為理，柱之無生為事。又理平等則事亦平等，事差別則理亦差別也。若體解大道，則自事以外何處得理？故至相云：冲宗不遺於玄想，圓道莫簡於始門。蓋在此矣。三乘說平等一心，一乘說種種心，則亦得言三乘理平等、一乘理差別。問：只其名異，所詮則應無別耶？答：須理即理、須事即事，所須緣別，理事有殊。然以一柱隨須立，故全體無二。問：理事平等，差別四句云何？答：立在同教應作四句，此別教中不作四句，以法深言淺故。但一柱言下，須理即理、須事即事，平等差別隨須皆得，是故須而即圓，噵而即是無側無陰，據而中道、約而滿宗，非前非後，一乘幽致厥爾。請虛襟而取焉。

The Chapter on Clarifying Meaning states: Taking the form of an eight-foot pillar as phenomenon and the unarisen nature of the pillar as principle is the doctrine of the three vehicles. If within the One Vehicle, this very form of the eight-foot pillar is principle, and the unarisen nature of the pillar is phenomenon. Furthermore, if principle is equal, then phenomena are also equal; if phenomena are distinct, then principle is also distinct. If one essentially realizes the Great Way, then outside of phenomena themselves, where could one find principle? Therefore Zhixiang says: 'The soaring school does not abandon profound contemplations; the perfect path does not reject preliminary portals.' It rests precisely here! The three vehicles speak of the single equal mind; the One Vehicle speaks of manifold minds. Thus one may also say that in the three vehicles principle is equal, while in the One Vehicle principle is distinct. Question: If only the names differ, should what is expressed not be without difference? Answer: When principle is needed, it is principle; when phenomena are needed, they are phenomena. Because the conditions of what is needed differ, principle and phenomena are distinct. However, because [both] are established in accordance with need based on the single pillar, the entire substance is non-dual. Question: How are the four propositions of equality and distinction between principle and phenomena [formulated]? Answer: Established in the shared teaching, the four propositions should be formulated; within this distinct teaching, the four propositions are not formulated, because the Dharma is profound while words are shallow. Simply under the word 'single pillar', when principle is needed, it is principle; when phenomena are needed, they are phenomena. Both equality and distinction are obtained according to need. Therefore, when needed, it is immediately complete; when expressed, it is right there without bias and without obscurity. Grounded in it, it is the Middle Way; condensed, it fulfills the school; neither before nor after—such is the profound import of the One Vehicle. Please open your mind and grasp it.