廣弘明集 21.28

21.28

Xiao Zhi, Marquis of Chengxiang, inquired, saying: "I do not know: is the designation 'first' relative, or not?"
The Prince's decree replied, saying: "It is precisely relative."
He further inquired: "The ultimate is signless; to what is it relative?"
The decree replied: "Since it is called 'first', how could it not be relative?"
He further inquired: "'First' is relative. Since it is called 'first', the conventional truth is relative to the first—why is it not named 'second'? If the conventional truth is relative but not called 'second', then the ultimate truth, being relative, should likewise not be named 'first'."
The decree replied: "If calling it 'first' is relative, this is already sufficient in meaning; there is no need to speak of the conventional as 'second' for it to constitute relativity."
He further inquired: "If the designation of conventional truth is not called 'second', then the designation 'first' has nothing to which it is relative."
The decree replied: "'First' praises the true. Since it is called relative, the designation 'worldly' is relative; this may be known straightforwardly."