宗鏡錄 46.5

46.5

Answer: It is solely because of their mutual identity that distinction is established. If they were not mutually identical, the general would be outside the particular and therefore not general; the particular would be outside the general and therefore not particular. The characteristic of similarity: the various conditions such as rafters harmoniously unite to make the house without conflicting, and therefore are all called conditions of the house, not making other things; hence this is called the characteristic of similarity. The characteristic of generality is spoken of solely with respect to the single house; now this characteristic of similarity is spoken of in terms of the various conditions such as rafters and wood. Although their substances are distinct, their capacity for completion is equal; therefore it is called the characteristic of similarity. If they were not similar, the various conditions such as rafters would conflict with one another, and none would unite to make a house; the house could not exist, which would be annihilation. If, conflicting and not making a house, one clings to the existence of a house, having a house without causes would be permanence. The characteristic of difference: the various conditions such as rafters, according to their own forms and categories, have distinct characteristics.