廣弘明集 18.45

18.45

Faxu asked: Respectfully reading your clear treatise, you have illuminated that though the ultimate is subtle, it is realized suddenly in a single awakening. Although pleased by this new analysis, I privately harbor some doubts. Those who are discerning and thoroughly comprehending end desires by embodying principle; those who drift carelessly are entangled in encumbrances through delusion. Ending desires is rooted in seeing principle; being entangled in encumbrances is due to straying from the ultimate. Why do I say this? The sūtra says: 'When beginners depart from prajñā, they are like the blind without a guide.' This means that holding principle sweeps away distress; here it is made manifest. If in treading the path of seeking one has not gradually aspired to the great ultimate, and is still encumbered by dust and defilement, then throughout eternal kalpas one will toil in vain; expecting the fruition will be distant indeed. Having harbored these hesitations, I prostrate and await your fine instruction. First answer: The Dao and the worldly are opposites, and their principles do not interrelate; therefore, one uses the expedient to connect them. Although the expedient is provisional, its intent lies in what is not provisional; although wisdom is true, it can act as what is not true. That which is not true does not harm the true; its foundation lies in rescuing beings. That which is not provisional does not follow the provisional; having rescued, it returns to the root. Thus, through eternal kalpas there is no vain toil; expecting the fruition is as bright as the shining sun.