金剛般若經疏論纂要 1.53

1.53

The text has two parts: the first clause indicates that all beings throughout the three realms are universally delivered; from "whether born from eggs" onward is the second part, listing them, which has three sections. First, distinctions in mode of birth: gods and beings in the hells are born through apparitional birth; ghosts include both womb-birth and apparitional birth; humans and animals each have all four modes; the remaining subtle ones in water, land, the earth, and the sky cannot be exhaustively classified into categories. That egg-born [beings], which are inferior, come first has two explanations: first, in terms of objects, that which is endowed with more conditions comes first; second, in terms of mind, the sequence proceeds from base to end. Second, distinctions in basis: with form refers to the four dhyānas; without form refers to the four formless [attainments]. Third, distinctions in realm: Guṇada's [commentary] states: "'With perception' refers to the two stations of [infinite] space and [infinite] consciousness; 'without perception' refers to the station of nothingness; 'neither [with nor without perception]' refers to the peak of existence (bhavāgra)."