釋摩訶衍論 7.24

7.24

Having explained the gate of resolving doubts through sūtra passages, I shall next explain the gate of praising the merits of generating the [bodhi] mind. What is the meaning set forth in this gate? It is intended to show that the bodhisattva who has generated the [bodhi] mind is far removed from the two kinds of fear and that their mind is resolute and immovable. What are the two kinds of fear? The first is the fear of lower rebirth, because one greatly fears taking birth in the inferior paths; the second is the fear of higher rebirth, because upon hearing of the supreme realm, one's mind becomes faint-hearted and greatly fears. Being free from these two fears is therefore called the merit of generating the [bodhi] mind. As the root [text] states: "Moreover, once this bodhisattva has generated the mind, they are far removed from faint-heartedness, ultimately not fearing falling into the stage of the two vehicles. Even if they hear that one attains nirvāṇa only after practicing diligent, bitter, and difficult practices for immeasurable and boundless asaṃkhyeya kalpas, they are likewise not faint-hearted." "Because they faithfully know that all dharmas are from the beginning naturally in nirvāṇa" is the general conclusion regarding the causes and conditions of these two kinds of merits. From the above up to here, the section on the definitive selection of generating the mind through the completion of faith has concluded. From here on below, because the text and characteristics of the various gates are clear, they do not require repeated commentary.