廣弘明集 21.24

21.24

Xiao Li, Heir Apparent of Wuping, inquired: "The general decree states: 'Supreme-meaning truth and worldly truth establish their names by appraisal and depreciation; the two truths of ultimate and conventional establish their names by determining the essence.' Inquiring into the principle of ultimate truth, it is already subtly beyond words and thoughts; I do not yet know how there can be the purpose of determining an essence."
The imperial decree answered: "Speaking of its marklessness, there is neither true nor untrue; relying on names and marks, one speaks of it by determining the essence as true."
[Xiao Li] also inquired: "If ultimate truth has no essence, and now one relies on words to discern its essence, I do not yet know: ultimate truth being without marks, why not rely on words to discern marks?"
The imperial decree answered: "Relying on words to discern essence, one still fears depreciating its virtue; if one furthermore relied on words to discern marks, it would burden the void and profound."
[Xiao Li] also inquired: "Ultimate truth is profound, void, and free from verbal expression. Now since one speaks of having the true, is this not relying on words to discern marks?"
The imperial decree answered: "One borrows the existence of this name; the name itself is a mark. It does no harm to this principle being markless, void, and quiescent."
[Xiao Li] also inquired: "I do not yet know: does this relying on words to discern essence match the principle, or does it not match the principle?"
The imperial decree answered: "Speaking where there are no names, the names do not entirely match the principle."
[Xiao Li] also inquired: "If relying on words to discern names means that names do not match the principle, I do not yet know what this reliance will express."
The imperial decree answered: "Although it does not match the principle, in order to guide and receive sentient beings, one must speak through names and marks."