廣弘明集 21.43

21.43

Jing'an of Lingwei Temple inquired, saying: "I do not know whether the Dharma-body manifests responsive [forms] or not?" The directive responded, saying: "The Dharma-body has no response." He also inquired: "Originally, it was on account of response and transformation that it was called the Dharma-body. If there is no response and transformation, how can it be called the Dharma-body?" The directive answered: "Originally, it was named the Dharma-body on account of being a substance that serves as a model. The discussion of response and transformation is not what is currently maintained." He also inquired: "If there is no response and transformation, how can it serve as a model? Since it serves as a model for beings, how could there be no response and transformation?" The directive answered: "Sentient beings look up with reverent reliance and receive benefit; therefore, it is said to be able to serve as a model. Once the conditions for transformation have ended, what response and transformation could there be?" He also inquired: "If it can benefit sentient beings, that constitutes response and transformation. If there is no response and transformation, how can it benefit beings?" The directive answered: "When it can generate reverent reliance, the model is naturally accomplished. Why should the Utmost Person labor to condescend and respond to the defiled world?" He also inquired: "Once reverent reliance is generated, how could there be no response and transformation? If there is no response and transformation, what benefit is reverent reliance?" The directive answered: "Precisely because the World-Honoured One's utmost, consummate spiritual mystery is uniquely profound, if one merely looks up with reverent reliance, one naturally receives protection and blessing. If one responds first and benefits afterward, how could that be called the utmost spirit? Benefiting without responding is therefore the ultimate perfection. If one necessarily requires an actual response, how would it differ from a bodhisattva?"