宗鏡錄 78.41

78.41

Answer: The metaphors presented are all for the sake of those who lack faith, using this provisionally to illuminate [the truth]. Therefore, the wise do not find fault with the metaphor, but only seek to see the path and verify their own citta. What need is there to scrutinize the provisional expression and cling to the principle of the perfect and eternal? This single metaphor of a dream is the most immediate verification. The Vijñaptimātratāsiddhiśāstra answers an external objection: 'You say that the food, drink, hunger, satiation, swords, clubs, and poisons seen in a dream are all ineffective, whereas such things seen when awake are all effective. This argument is not correct. A verse says: / "Just as in a dream where there is no woman, / One moves one's body and emits impurity—" / As when dreaming of intercourse one discharges impurity, sentient beings are likewise: since beginningless time, the external objects such as form, sound, and fragrance that they falsely experience are all likewise so—they are accomplished though nonexistent in reality.'