Zi zheng shen, Zì zhèng shēn: 3 definitions

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

自證身 [zi zheng shen]—Self-realized Body — [Term] Refers to the Dainichi Dharma-kāya (大日法身 [da ri fa shen]), which embodies the non-duality of principle and wisdom (理智不二 [li zhi bu er]). Among the Five kinds of Dharma-kāya (五種法身 [wu zhong fa shen]), it is the Dharmadhātu-kāya (法界身 [fa jie shen]); among the Four kinds of Dharma (四種法 [si zhong fa]), it is the Svabhāva-kāya (自性身 [zi xing shen]). It is formed by the Wisdom of the essential nature of the Dharma-realm (法界體性智 [fa jie ti xing zhi]). In the Womb Realm (胎藏界 [tai cang jie]), it is Dainichi within the eight-petaled central womb (八葉中胎 [ba ye zhong tai]); in the Diamond Realm (金剛界 [jin gang jie]), it is Dainichi of the one-mudra assembly (一印會 [yi yin hui]).

According to the ancient meaning (古義 [gu yi]) of the Esoteric school (密家 [mi jia]), this Self-realized Body experiences self-enjoyment of Dharma bliss (自受法樂 [zi shou fa le]), from whose mind flow forth various retinues manifested from inner realization (內證之諸眷屬 [nei zheng zhi zhu juan shu]), and which constantly expounds the two great sutras (兩部之大經 [liang bu zhi da jing]). According to its new meaning (新義 [xin yi]), Dainichi's Self-realized Body possesses the two virtues (二德 [er de]) of self-benefit and benefiting others (自利利他 [zi li li ta]). Through its virtue of benefiting others, it abides in the samadhi of empowerment (加持三昧 [jia chi san mei]) in the self-realization assembly (自證會 [zi zheng hui]), manifesting as the empowered body (加持身 [jia chi shen]), and expounds the two great sutras (兩部之大經 [liang bu zhi da jing]) for beings in the degenerate age (未世眾生 [wei shi zhong sheng]). See the appendix under the entry for Dharma-kāya (法身 [fa shen]).

Commentary on the Mahavairocana Sutra (大日經疏 [da ri jing shu]), Volume 5, states: "The subtle white lotus within the mind (內心妙白蓮 [nei xin miao bai lian]) refers to the original mind of sentient beings (眾生本心 [zhong sheng ben xin]). The subtle Dharma pundarika flower (妙法芬陀利華 [miao fa fen tuo li hua]) is a secret emblem (秘密標幟 [mi mi biao zhi]): its lotus platform (華臺 [hua tai]) has eight petals (八葉 [ba ye]) that are perfectly round and equal (圓滿均等 [yuan man jun deng]), like a fully bloomed flower (正開敷之形 [zheng kai fu zhi xing]). The lotus platform (華蓮臺 [hua lian tai]) represents the natural wisdom of reality (實相自然智慧 [shi xiang zi ran zhi hui]), and the lotus petals (蓮華葉 [lian hua ye]) represent great compassion and skillful means (大悲方便 [da bei fang bian]). This central womb is precisely the essence of the Womb Mandala of Great Compassion (大悲胎藏曼荼羅 [da bei tai cang man tu luo]). The remaining three layers (其餘三重 [qi yu san zhong]) flow forth from the merits of self-realization (自證功德 [zi zheng gong de]), allowing various good spiritual friends (諸善知識 [zhu shan zhi shi]) to enter the Dharma gate (入法門 [ru fa men])."