How is this characteristic of the True Reality, which cannot be conceptualized either vertically or horizontally, reflected? Such a characteristic can be revealed through the synonymous terms of the True Reality such as the “Supreme Meaning of Emptiness” and “tathāgatagarbha.” Chih-i reiterates that the True Reality is specified in the Perfect Teaching as the “Supreme Meaning of Emptiness,” which indicates “constant quiescence and luminosity” embodied by the Track of the Illumination of Wisdom. “Constant quiescence and luminosity” are the meaning expressed in the passage of the Lotus Sūtra:

“Adorned with the power of concentration and wisdom, the Buddha dwells at the Greater Vehicle, and liberates sentient beings according to the dharma he attains.”

This passage implies that upon the attainment of Buddhahood, the Buddha-vehicle does not cease to be executed (i.e., illuminated) in order to liberate others, even in the state of quiescence. In fact, the Buddha continues his endless career of saving beings, but his action is non-action, which is spontaneous and natural according to conditions. As a result, the Buddha-vehicle is still executed. Such a state of quiescence and luminosity designates the depth of the execution of the Buddha-vehicle incalculable. (Vol. 2, Page 249-250)