釋迦譜 1.111

1.111

祐尋。七佛相次化跡各殊。夫法身平等非有優劣。眾生業異故現應不同耳。是以釋迦出世身相紫金。而一千比丘咸見赭容。十六信士偏覩灰色。色自彼異佛恒壹也。類此而言。可無惑矣。

Sengyou investigates: The traces of the transformations of the seven Buddhas were successive, each distinct. Now the dharmakāya is equal, devoid of superiority or inferiority; it is merely that because the karmas of sentient beings differ, their manifested responses are not the same. Hence, when Śākya appeared in the world, his physical marks were purple-gold, yet one thousand bhikṣus all perceived a reddish-brown complexion, and sixteen faithful laymen exclusively beheld a grey colour. The colours differed on their own part; the Buddha was ever one. Speaking by analogy with this, there can be no doubt.