金剛般若經疏論纂要 2.277

2.277

This passage is explained in three parts: first, explaining in terms of the two treatises. There are nine similes in the Wei translation, where the Wei version states: 'All conditioned dharmas are like a star, a cataract, a lamp, an illusion, dew, a bubble, a dream, lightning, and a cloud; one should view them like this.' / Within this, there are two parts: first, resolving doubts based on the primary treatise [by Vasubandhu]. The verse states: 'Neither conditioned nor unconditioned / Is the nirvāṇa of the Tathāgatas, / Because through wondrous wisdom they correctly view / The nine kinds of conditioned dharmas.' The treatise states: 'The Buddhas attain nirvāṇa and preach the Dharma through their transformation bodies; hence they are neither conditioned nor apart from the conditioned. Why do they manifest in the world yet do not abide in the conditioned? Because through wondrous wisdom they correctly view conditioned dharmas as being unreal and false like the nine similes.' / Second, incorporating Asaṅga's explanation of the marks. Asaṅga states: 'This verse reveals the four marks of the conditioned.' There are four parts to the text: / First, the mark of self-nature, which comprises vision and marks; second, consciousness as their substance, since it is the root of saṃsāra. There are three parts to the text: / First, the star exemplifies vision. Asaṅga states: 'Because in the darkness of ignorance that light exists, whereas in the brilliance of wisdom that light does not exist.' / Second, the cataract exemplifies marks. The treatise states: 'Just as when the eye has a cataract one sees colors such as hair-circles, viewing conditioned dharmas is also like this, because of inverted views.' Asaṅga states: 'Views of a person, dharma, and self are like a cataract, because they grasp at what is meaningless.' / Third, the lamp exemplifies consciousness. The lamp depends on oil and grease, continuing without interruption; consciousness relies on craving and love, revolving in saṃsāra without rest.'