弘明集 6.16

6.16

Rectification: The fundamental aim of the Buddhist scriptures is to illuminate the ultimate teaching. Yet across the three times there is nothing to be attained; conventional realizations of the path of awakening cannot be manifested through physical affairs. However, where the refined and deep converge, meditative concentration and wisdom have evidence within; where conditions and stimuli respond, cause and effect are never false without. Śākyamuni uttered the true proclamation that exhausts the source to illuminate that which the spiritual Dao penetrates. Therefore, his refining of essence and investigating with illumination are not the work of nurturing vital breath; minute goods stepping to the ultimate are different from barely approaching the edge; the Dao rescues through forgetting the corporeal form, and what is valued is not preserving life. Generating life after life is not valued, and persisting in existence after existence—what merit has it? Forgetting merit, his merit is conspicuous; in tranquil cessation, his Dao is constant. Emerging from the beginningless and entering the endless, there is no response that is not his body, and dust-particle kalpas are not distant. This is why it serves as the teaching.