English
English version Regarding ‘earth’. If it refers to the Nirmanakaya Buddha (the emanation body of the Buddha manifested to liberate sentient beings), or is named Mahavairocana (the primordial Buddha of the universe), the light of the emanation universally illuminates the Dharma realm, hence this name. Therefore, the sutra says, sometimes named Sakyamuni (the founder of Buddhism), sometimes named Vairocana (the one who illuminates everywhere). The Mahavairocana Sutra says, ‘In countless hundreds of thousands of kotinayutas (extremely large units of time), the long body nourished by the merits of the six paramitas (giving, morality, patience, diligence, meditation, wisdom).’ This explains the body and land of the Nirmanakaya Buddha's vows and practices. If it refers to the Nisyanda-kaya (the body flowing forth, similar to the Sambhogakaya, but manifested to teach sentient beings of different capacities), it is also named Mahavairocana, sharing this meaning. Therefore, the sutra says, ‘Appearing immediately,’ this explains the Nisyanda-kaya appearing temporarily and quickly disappearing. Since there is a body, how could there be no land? This explains the body and land of the Nisyanda-kaya. The dependent and adorned lands mentioned above are all connected to the four bodies (Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, Nirmanakaya, Nisyanda-kaya). If viewed vertically, there are differences in size and coarseness; if viewed horizontally, they are equal and the same. Such body and land both have two meanings: natural (Dharmata) and conditioned (Pratityasamutpada). Therefore, it is said, ‘Existing naturally and conditionally.’ Like this, all dharmas of form possess three types of form (manifest form, shape form, expressive form), mutually serving as dependent and adorned retinue. This is only explained from the Buddha's perspective. If explained from the perspective of sentient beings, it is also the same. If it is said that sentient beings also have the Svabhavakakaya (self-nature body), equal to the Buddha, then this body and this land exist naturally. The bodies and lands of the three realms and six paths (Desire Realm, Form Realm, Formless Realm; hells, hungry ghosts, animals, asuras, humans, devas) exist according to karma and conditions, which is called the conditioned existence of sentient beings. Furthermore, the sutra says, ‘Imbue that realm of sentient beings with the flavor of the Dharma realm,’ flavor means form, like adding the flavor of sand. This also explains natural form. Like this, various internal and external forms are poison for the foolish and medicine for the wise, therefore it is said, ‘Can delude and can enlighten.’ Like this, what are the various internal forms that exist naturally, the creator and the created? What gives rise are the five great elements (earth, water, fire, wind, space) and the five colors (blue, yellow, red, white, black), and what is created are the three worlds (sentient world, container world, world of wisdom and correct enlightenment). These are the boundless differences of the three worlds, which is called natural and conditioned language. The section on Rupa-dhatu (form realm) has been explained. The True Meaning of Sound and Letters --------------------------------------------------------------------------------