宗鏡錄 34.19

34.19

Answer: In general, stating a metaphor is done to illuminate the correct meaning. It is also said: 'Whenever one wishes to establish a proposition, one should rely on four kinds of knowing and seeing. What are the four? First, direct perception; second, inference; third, knowledge by metaphor; fourth, following scriptural teachings.' Furthermore, the Lotus Sūtra says: 'The wise can attain understanding through metaphors.' Now we only seek for correct understanding to be perfectly luminous, without debating doctrinal explanation or metaphorical explanation. If one does not awaken to the Way, one vainly clings to the transcendence of words. What is spoken here are all words that raise the source and proclaim the Way, explanations that reach the utmost wonder and fathom the origin. As it is said: 'Ten thousand sentences of superficial words are not equal to one phrase of marvelous principle; a thousand varieties of fish eyes are not equal to an inch-wide luminous pearl.' Now, 'one phrase of marvelous principle' is precisely the words of the Mirror of the Source. These words cannot be debated yet they naturally penetrate; they cannot be explicated yet they naturally resolve. Therefore it is said: 'Good words do not dispute; disputatious words are not good.'