法華玄論 1.22

1.22

Answer: This is not the intent of only one scripture; rather, all teachings are like this. As the Nirvāṇa [Sūtra] says, 'Those with an apprehension of attainment are the retinue of Māra.' When one speaks of Māra, it refers to the desire to destroy the Buddhadharma; explaining the Buddhadharma with an apprehension of attainment is therefore named Māra. Furthermore, the Sūtra on Resolving Doubts Concerning the Semblance Dharma says, 'After my extinction, evil monks will adhere rigidly to the words and grasp them with definitive attachments, destroying my Dharma; such persons are called enemies of the Buddhas of the three periods of time.' Furthermore, the Nirvāṇa [Sūtra], in resolving dispute, says, 'If a person conceives doubt regarding this, they can still destroy immeasurable afflictions. If they form a definitive understanding, that is called clinging attachment.' Such clinging attachment can sever wholesome roots. Therefore, those who propagate the Dharma ought to empty their minds and make their illumination real.