人天眼目 4.21

4.21

This figure is called the figure of presenting the box to ask for the lid; it is also called the half-moon awaiting the full-moon figure. If someone asks with this figure, one adds another half-moon to answer it; this is called presenting the box to ask for the lid. The respondent covers the box with the lid; therefore it is said that the box and lid match, so as to manifest the full-moon figure. This is called the figure of embracing the jade to seek evaluation. If someone comes to ask with this figure, one writes a certain character within it in answer. This figure is called seeking a good evaluation; the respondent recognizes the jade and forthwith takes action. [○@ㄙ] This is called the figure of hooking in and asking for continuation. If someone comes to ask with this figure, one simply adds the character “亻” to the side of the “厶” character to answer it. This is the questioner hooking in and the respondent asking for continuation; thus it is called the figure of completing a precious vessel. [○@佛] This is called the figure of an already-completed precious vessel. If someone comes to ask with this figure, one simply writes the character “土” inside it to answer. [○@土] This is called the figure of the mysterious seal and mysterious principle. It stands uniquely detached, surpassing all the preceding figures, and is not subsumed under doctrinal intention. If one is a nimble fellow, it is conferred directly face-to-face; if one tries to deliberate, it is not seen. The Third Patriarch said: “A fraction of a millimeter’s difference is as vast as the distance between heaven and earth.” If one does not possess the correct eye, how could one discern this? It is like Ziqi listening to Boya’s zither, or like Deva understanding Nāgārjuna’s appearance; it is like a hen brooding over an egg, peck and tap occurring simultaneously. For the dull-witted and shallow, it is ultimately difficult to comprehend all at once; like the blind looking at color, they only turn into greater confusion.