維摩經義記卷第四 4.72

4.72

The third clause, from "according with the characteristics of phenomena" downward to "this is called the supreme Dharma offering," explains presenting the understanding of principle and elimination of delusions to conclude the superior offering of a person of cultivation wisdom. "According with the characteristics of phenomena without anywhere to return": non-Buddhists reckon that five subtle dusts form the five great elements, and the five great elements form the five sense faculties, having an initial entry and a final return. In the principle of the characteristics of phenomena, one does not see an origin. Entering into saṃsāra is called "entry"; separating from characteristics and dispersing back to the source is called "final [return]"; returning into saṃsāra is the final return. Another explanation: the twelve links of dependent origination do not enter saṃsāra to return to the five destinies. Because ignorance is ultimately extinguished, old age and death are also ultimately extinguished; this explains that the essence of dependent origination is empty. "Practicing such contemplation that the essence of the twelve links of dependent origination is empty and without characteristics of exhaustion, and no longer giving rise to views": having contemplated that the essence of dependent origination is empty and without exhaustion or extinction, one then no longer gives rise to the five heterodox views and all [other] views. "This is called the Dharma offering" reveals that for a person of cultivation wisdom, this is the superior offering.