宗鏡錄 31.6

31.6

Answer: Because avidyā has power, it gives rise to the nine characteristics; tathatā lacks power and is concealed, hence it cannot manifest its functions. It is like water struck by the wind: it merely gives rise to waves and cannot reflect forms. The Shibiyan Commentary states: 'When the treatise says that original awakening constantly gives rise to function, there are two meanings: First, in terms of internal perfuming, it is the meaning of the perfuming of its own substance and characteristics. The treatise states: "From beginningless time it has been endowed with untainted phenomena, possessing inconceivable activities and acting as the nature of cognitive objects." Relying on these two meanings, it constantly perfumes. Second, in terms of responsive manifestation not arising: it is merely obscured by deluded defilement; it does not mean that original awakening lacks these responsive functions, nor that the citta stubbornly suppresses them so they do not arise. This fault lies in deluded confusion and unawareness; what does it have to do with awakening? For original awakening is constantly endowed and constantly perfuming. It is like tall bamboo possessing the voices of dragons and phoenixes, or a dusty mirror possessing the function of illuminating the liver. Thus we know that the spiritual terrace is exceedingly wondrous, yet sentient beings do not know it. If one briefly turns the light around to reflect backward, there is none who does not obtain it. It is like seeking water in the earth or gold in ore; the only fear is an unwillingness to undertake it, burying the jewel of citta. The detailed specifics of the Mirror of the Source have their intention entrusted here; I universally urge later worthy ones that you must directly know it exists.'