大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 32.23

32.23

Regarding the commentary's statement, "This is according to the specific meaning," it reveals the meanings of general and specific. The sixty-third fascicle of the Yogācāra[-bhūmi] also only has the specific names, largely identical to the Weishi [lun], and does not offer a separate explanation below. In "Generally, then, the eight consciousnesses," it generally sets forth the characteristics whereby all eight consciousnesses obtain all three names. The speaker should say: If one explains mind by gathering and arising, the eighth alone is named mind. If one explains mind by accumulation, all eight consciousnesses are named mind. If one explains thought by deliberation, the seventh alone is named thought. If one explains thought by equal and immediate [antecedent], all eight consciousnesses are named thought. If one explains consciousness by discerning distinct objects, the first six alone are named consciousness, meaning they discern the distinctive realms of the six dusts. If one explains consciousness by discernment [in general], all eight consciousnesses are named consciousness. This is the meaning of distinct consciousnesses, and its meaning is well established. The first fascicle of the Weishi [lun] says: "Discerning distinct objects and coarse, manifest objects belongs only to the first six, because the six consciousnesses are spoken of in relation to these six dusts." This is precisely that meaning. The general and specific designations are manifestly easy to understand.