釋摩訶衍論 3.26

3.26

The treatise states: This is the extensive explanation of the section on determining initial awakening. In this text there are two approaches. What are the two? First is the approach of establishing the four characteristics; second is the approach of establishing corresponding awakening. Within the approach of the four characteristics, there are four kinds. What are the four? First are the four characteristics of coarse faults; second are the four characteristics of subtle faults; third are the four characteristics of impermanent virtues; fourth are the four characteristics of eternally abiding virtues. The coarse four characteristics are of long duration. The subtle four characteristics are of short duration. The impermanent characteristics are virtues newly arisen that oppose faults. The eternally abiding characteristics are virtues eternally existent that oppose faults. Within the approach of corresponding awakening, there are two approaches. What are the two? First is the approach of full awakening; second is the approach of partial awakening. The approach of full awakening illuminates one awakening. The approach of partial awakening fully demonstrates awakening and non-awakening. What are called the four characteristics of long duration? Because they are only ultimately abandoned from the ranks of the ten faiths up to the time of the ultimate path of liberation. What are called the four characteristics of short duration? Because dharmas existent through causes and conditions do not exceed a single kṣaṇa. What are called the four newly arisen characteristics? Arising cessation to cease cessation, arising difference to differentiate difference, arising dwelling to dwell in virtue, and arising production to produce virtue; therefore they are called the four newly arisen characteristics. Because they reverse faults, they are called virtues; because they newly arise now, they are called impermanent. What are called the four eternally abiding characteristics? Because the virtues that newly arise now have existed fundamentally. What is called a single awakening? Because awakening and non-awakening are not two. What are called awakening and non-awakening? Because awakening either receives the perfuming of defilement or does not. In their proper order, the characteristics explained can be observed. Herein, the four characteristics have two sequences. What are the two? First is sequential order of before and after; second is simultaneous order. Sequential before and after is because there are distinctions of before and after in their absence of time. Simultaneous order is because before and after are at a single time in their presence of time. Their absence of time is based on the time of severance; their presence of time is based on the time of confusion. What are the characteristics of the simultaneous order? A verse states: