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The **Prajñāpanā Sūtra** reveals the understanding of multiple religions within the human realm, despite the singular nature of the human being. In the world, we use singular terms for practical purposes. In such a situation, is the use of singular forms appropriate for a language that emphasizes unity, like the one used for humans and other beings? The Lord's answer is that terms like "human" and "ant" are all indicative of unity. This means that the meaning of words is subject to the speaker's intention, which can vary depending on the context and purpose. For example, the same person can be referred to as "father" by his son and "teacher" by his student. Similarly, when the focus is on the individual (the **dharmi**) and the religions (the **dharma**) are secondary, the singular form is used because the individual is one. In this case, all religions are encompassed within the individual, leading to a comprehensive understanding. However, when the focus shifts to the religions and the individual becomes secondary, the plural form is used because there are many religions, even though the individual is one. In conclusion, the singular form is used when the focus is on the unity of the individual and the religions, while the plural form is used when the focus is on the multiplicity of religions, with the individual being secondary. Even in the case of beings with infinite religions, like humans, the singular form can be used to represent their unity as individuals. Therefore, this language emphasizes unity.
(2) The question posed in **Sūtra 850** is whether terms like "humans" and "ants," which are plural, are indicative of multiplicity. This implies that these terms are generic and refer to a common essence. It is said that this essence is one, eternal, indivisible, inactive, and omnipresent. In this case, how can these generic terms be plural? This is the reason for the question. The Lord's answer is that terms like "humans" and "ants" are indicative of multiplicity. This is because, although these terms are generic, the essence they represent is a result of similar characteristics, and similar characteristics are inseparable from dissimilar characteristics. In other words, common characteristics and uncommon characteristics coexist and are somewhat inseparable. Therefore, when the focus is on the common characteristics, which are accompanied by dissimilar characteristics that vary in each individual, the use of the plural form is appropriate, similar to the use of the plural form for "pots" and other objects. When the focus is solely on the common characteristics, with dissimilar characteristics being secondary, the common characteristics are one and the same everywhere, making the use of the singular form appropriate. For example, "All pots are thick and round-bellied." In the case of terms like "humans," the focus is on the common characteristics accompanied by dissimilar characteristics, which are numerous.