釋摩訶衍論 4.63

4.63

Having explained the root sūtra, next the treatise text is explained. Within this text itself there are two approaches. What are the two? First, the approach of general heading and brief indication; second, the approach of heading and explanation mutually accomplished. That 'because there are conditions of sense objects, six marks are further produced' is the first approach. What meaning does this text elucidate? It is to reveal that the six coarse marks of that single mental consciousness take the six sense objects in the manifesting mirror-consciousness as the arising condition and take the substance of the manifesting mirror-consciousness as the supporting cause, thereby being able to prolong succession and revolve in completeness. If so, why does it only say 'taking sense objects as condition' and not speak of 'taking that fundamental consciousness as cause'? Because the aspect of meaning is already evident, it is merely omitted for brevity, but the principle is not non-existent. If so, the manifesting consciousness would then be manas, as it is the immediate support for that mental consciousness, just like the faculty of mind. In explaining this meaning, there are two intents. What are the two? First, the intent of negation; second, the intent of affirmation. The negation negates distinct seeds. The affirmation affirms the ālaya and manas. Such doubts and objections will become clear of themselves when reaching the Chapter on Determining the Great Manas. From here below, the second approach is explained. Among these six marks, the first two marks are attachment to dharmas; the second two marks are attachment to a person; the third two marks are the distinct marks of karmic causes and retributions. Furthermore, the first two are severed on the bhūmis; the middle two are severed by the three grades of sages; the latter two are abandoned by the ten faiths. Furthermore, the first two are subtle marks, while the subsequent four marks are coarse marks. Furthermore, the first one is a subtle mark, while the subsequent five kinds are coarse marks. Furthermore, the first five are subtle marks, while the latter one is a coarse mark. Furthermore, all six marks are coarse marks. Furthermore, all six marks have neither subtle marks nor coarse marks. These should be carefully contemplated in their proper order.