妙法蓮華經玄贊 4.49

4.49

Inclusion and exclusion: Why are only five defilements established, neither more nor less? Answer: Sentient beings are twofold: first, those of evil conduct, namely laypersons in white robes; second, those of deviant conduct, namely renouncers among outsiders. White-robed laypersons lack wisdom; when their afflictions increase, it is called the defilement of afflictions. Outsiders hold deviant understanding; when they engage in wild speculations, it is established as the defilement of views. Furthermore, all blunt defilements are called the defilement of afflictions, while all sharp defilements are called the defilement of views. Due to these two causes, when their future fruits are obtained, they are further divided into two defilements according to combination or separation: combining the two internal fruits is called the defilement of sentient beings, because they are evil sentient beings; combining the two external fruits is called the defilement of the kalpa, because they are evil receptacles. 'Kalpa' refers to a period of time; time has no separate reality of its own, being distinguished on the basis of dharmas. Therefore, the defilement of the kalpa takes the evil receptacle as its essential nature. Although these evil sentient beings and external fruits are stated collectively as the fruits of these two defilements, it has not yet been distinguished which is the primary essential nature of the evil fruit. Now, to reveal the root, the defilement of lifespan is established; or, the internal evil fruit is called the defilement of lifespan, and the external evil fruit is called the defilement of the kalpa. Through whom do these evil causes and fruits exist? Namely, through evil sentient beings; therefore it is called the defilement of sentient beings. Thus, these five defilements are based on the increasing aspects of conduct; wishing to generate aversion, five are specifically taught.