釋門歸敬儀 1.43

1.43

Third, explaining the Three Jewels as transformation characteristics: Śākyamuni Tathāgata is the Buddha Jewel; the truth of cessation spoken by him is the Dharma Jewel; those of prior wisdom whose suffering was exhausted are the Saṅgha Jewel. These Three Jewels of transformation characteristics are also called 'distinct characteristics'. Their substance is impermanent, altered by the four characteristics; their passing into extinction has surpassed a thousand years, and one can only long for them from afar to increase one's eager veneration. In the Bhadrakalpa, three Buddhas have already passed away, and without our fourth, upon whom could living beings rely? Perpetually sinking in the ocean of suffering, there would be no road to liberation. Therefore the Benevolent One, responding to his appointed time, appeared in the world, expounding the Dharma to deliver people, opening the wondrous gate of the Eightfold Path, showing the one straight, level road, nearby leading out of the desire-mud of humans and gods, far off mounting the ford and raft of the worthy and noble. About to proceed along this Way, the gradual steps have their source; explaining the Three Jewels of principle causes beings to take refuge and turn toward them. Is it not that the true principle is permanently abiding, employing the expedient to steer the real, untying the knots of form and mind, so that one is called a disciple of the Buddha? The guest who receives the Way realizes the fundamental purity of clear non-existence; the metaphor of the fish trap and rabbit snare reveals the profound principle of nature-emptiness. The phenomenal meaning is radiant, and the spiritual functioning is clear! Living beings rely on this support, and birth and death are brought to an end. Once his great work was accomplished, he announced the period when his allotted lifespan would end. Manifesting physical matter though not material expresses that the dharmakāya does not perish; leaving bones though formless shows that the transformation traces do not vanish. Therefore, shattering his body to generate living beings' faith, leaving his whole eye to guide spiritual efficacy, this Way is inconceivable, and his benevolent grace cannot be repaid with thanks. Therefore one must revere and care for stupas and images to arouse the roots of faith; one must first prepare this mind, and only then will one know its origin and details.