金剛三昧經論 2.19

2.19

The commentary states: From here below is the second [part], clarifying the principle of non-arising. Therein are two: first, the metaphor, and next, the application. In the metaphor, there are two: first, clarifying the four negations, and later, revealing the eight negations. Regarding the four negations: depending on conditions, it does not arise from itself; having its own seed, it does not arise from other; lacking agency, it does not arise from both; having efficacy, it is not without arising. Furthermore, prior to arising there is no self, so it does not arise from self. When already arisen, it already exists, so it does not need to arise from self. Since self is not established, depending on what could there be an other? Since self and other are absent, how could there be both? Since arising with a cause is unobtainable, how much less could there be arising without a cause? In this way, seeking arising, nothing is obtained. The statement 'does not arise uncaused, and is without arising' clarifies that it does not arise without a cause, meaning that it is impossible that, when a productive cause is absent, a fruit can arise. From 'Why is this?' onward, it next resolves a latent doubt. The doubter's thought is: The other three may be so, but how is it with the third? He supposes that for a fruit to arise, the seed is the direct cause, and earth and water are the indirect conditions; when these two combine, the fruit arises. Why say it does not arise from both? Therefore, it asks: 'Why is this?' 'Because conditions replace and expire' clarifies that those two conditions, the former being replaced and the latter expiring, cannot pause even for an instant. Since there is no time of pausing, there is no function; because there is no function, neither generates the fruit. As a verse states: 'All conditioned things are momentary; / They do not even abide, let alone have function.' Furthermore, seeking replacing and expiring, there is neither arising nor ceasing. Why is this? Since there is no momentary abiding, there is no arising; since arising does not exist, there is no ceasing. Hence it says: 'Dependent arising is not arising; the expiration of conditions is not cessation.' Seeking in this way, both concealment and manifestation are absent. 'Concealment' refers to the seed being under the soil; 'manifestation' refers to sprouts and stems emerging above ground. 'Roots and trunk are quiescent and extinguished': analyzing the principle of the tree's roots and trunk, seeking the cause that produces the fruit, it ultimately never arises; hence it says 'quiescent and extinguished, it is in no place, and its abiding is not seen.' Why is this? 'Because it is of a determinate nature.' The meaning of determinate nature is as expounded above.