法界圖記叢髓錄 1.115

1.115

Within the second gate of particular characteristics, there is a distinction into three gates: first, explaining the characteristics of the diagrammatic pattern of the seal; second, clarifying the characteristics of the characters; third, explaining the meaning below the text. First, question: Why does the diagrammatic pattern of the seal have only a single line? Answer: To represent the single voice of the Tathāgata, namely, the single skillful upāya. Why are there many turns and bends? Because it conforms to the different capacities and desires of sentient beings; that is, its meaning corresponds to the three vehicles' teaching. Why does the single line have neither beginning nor end? To manifest that skillful means are without fixed bounds, responding in accordance with the dharmadhātu, and that the ten time-periods correspond in perfect interfusion and fulfillment; that is, its meaning corresponds to the perfect teaching. Why are there four sides and four corners? To reveal the four means of embrace and the four immeasurables; this meaning relies on the three vehicles to manifest the One Vehicle. The characteristics of the seal are like this.