釋摩訶衍論 7.22

7.22

Having explained the portal of revealing the merits of generating the [bodhi-]mind, next is explained the portal of distinguishing higher and lower to reveal differences. Within this portal, there are two portals. What are the two? First, the portal of distinguishing differences from [bodhisattvas] on the grounds; second, the portal of distinguishing differences from those bound by all fetters. These are the two. As for the portal of distinguishing differences from [bodhisattvas] on the grounds, it means that a bodhisattva of the stage of generating the [bodhi-]mind is only called an illusory, shadowy body, and cannot be called a tathatā-dharmakāya bodhisattva. Why is that? This bodhisattva has not yet escaped the residual karma from beginningless time; in accordance with the place of rebirth, they are associated with subtle suffering and not separated from it, whereas bodhisattvas on the grounds are contrary to this mark. Thus the original [text] states: 'Yet this bodhisattva is not yet called the dharmakāya, because they have not yet severed the outflow-associated karma from immeasurable lifetimes in the past, and in accordance with where they are born, they are associated with subtle suffering.' As for the portal of distinguishing differences from those bound by all fetters, it refers to the bodhisattva of the stage of the initial generation of the [bodhi-]mind having no karmic causal marks that co-arise with fetters, and having no fruition of receiving rebirth bound by fetters. Why is that? Because the great vows and skillful means operate in complete fulfillment. Thus the original [text] states: 'Nor are they bound by karma, because they possess the sovereign power of great vows.'