釋摩訶衍論 7.23

7.23

Having explained the portal of distinguishing higher and lower to reveal differences, next is explained the portal of citing sūtra texts to resolve doubts. Within this portal, there are five sūtras that each speak differently. What are the five? First, it is stated thus in the Mañjuśrī-pramodya-dhāraṇī-sūtra: At that time, Mañjuśrī said to the Buddha: 'The World-Honoured One constantly proclaims thus in the great assembly: "The fifty minds of sons adorn the ocean of fruition, being the root of causal practice; all practitioners must traverse this path to achieve equal and perfect awakening." Among these fifty minds of sons, how many are retrogression-shares? How many are determination-shares? We only pray that the World-Honoured One will explain it for me.' Thereupon, the World-Honoured One addressed the Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī, saying: 'Listen closely, listen closely, and reflect well on it; I shall now analyze and explain it for you. Good son! The ten true grounds are called the stage of vajra-prajñā; the preceding forty minds are called the stage of spherical crystal following-transformation dedication. You should know this and contemplate this in this way.' What meaning does this sūtra text clarify? It is intended to show that the ten grounds of the great beings have already attained the realm of true realization and are called the non-retrogression share. The forty kinds of minds prior to this have not yet attained realizing wisdom and are called the retrogression-share. Second, it is stated thus in the Sūtra of the Natural Perfuming of Original Awakening and Great Compassion: 'Furthermore, son of the Buddha! As for what you previously asked about the marks of node-retrogression, this matter is the most wondrous of the inconceivable; it cannot be known by foolish worldlings, newly-resolved bodhisattvas, and the like.' At that time, Bodhisattva Daming earnestly entreated, and the Buddha then told Daming: 'Good son! As for the marks of node-retrogression, it refers to faith, the stage of generating the [bodhi-]mind, the ground of pure mind, and the vajra mind—these four places are all called retrogression-shares; the intervals between each of them are all called non-retrogression shares. Therefore, they are called the marks of node-retrogression.' What meaning does this sūtra text clarify? It is intended to show that the great ocean of the Buddha-Dharma is vast, perfect, and boundless. Third, it is stated thus in the Great Realization Dhāraṇī Sūtra: 'The ten kinds of settled mind are determined not to retrogress; there is no principle of retrogressing or falling.' What meaning does this sūtra text clarify? It is intended to show that because the bodhisattvas of the ten abodes give rise to vast wholesome roots in accordance with the nature of the dharmadhātu, they are definitely settled in the vajra position. Fourth, it is stated thus in the Pañcavidyā Sūtra: 'The ten kinds of fixed mind neither retrogress nor advance, neither come nor go, neither exit nor enter; fulfilling ten thousand virtues without any lack, they are therefore called naturally abiding minds.' What meaning does this sūtra text clarify? It is intended to show that in the position of the ten abodes, the fruition virtues are already perfected; there is no further advancing nor any retrogressing, being naturally eternally abiding without any deficiency. Fifth, it is stated thus in the Great Sūtra on the Original Karmas of the Bodhisattva's Necklaces: 'Good sons! If for one kalpa, two kalpas, or up to ten kalpas, one cultivates the ten faiths and attains entry into the ten abodes, at that time, from the first abode up to the sixth abode, if cultivating the correct contemplation of the sixth prajñāpāramitā appears before them, and they are further protected by good friends such as the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, they emerge and reach the seventh abode, eternally abiding without retrogression; prior to this seventh abode is called the retrogression-share.' What meaning does this sūtra text clarify? It is intended to show that it encourages and spurs inferior and indolent sentient beings in order to make them increase a mind of vigor. In this treatise, a reconciliation is made tentatively based on the Original Karmas [Sūtra]; one should examine it carefully. Thus the original [text] states: 'If it is said in sūtras that some retrogress and fall into evil destinies, it is not an actual retrogression; it is only to frighten beginner bodhisattvas who have not entered the correct position and are indolent, causing them to be vigorous.'