大方廣佛華嚴經隨疏演義鈔 36.64

36.64

Regarding the Commentary's statement, "As for the direct cause," and so on: this explains both together. However, if one wishes to understand the various causes, one must first know the text of that sūtra. Fascicle 28 states: "Good son! Causes are of two kinds: first, generative causes; second, revealing causes. That which can generate dharmas is called a generative cause; a lamp being able to illuminate objects is called a revealing cause. Afflictions and the fetters are called generative causes; parents of sentient beings are called revealing causes. Grain seed is called generative; water and earth are called revealing. The six pāramitās for anuttarasamyaksaṃbodhi are called generative causes; the Buddha-nature for anuttarasamyaksaṃbodhi is called a revealing cause. Furthermore, there is a revealing cause, which is the Buddha-nature of the six pāramitās; furthermore, there is a generative cause, which is the Śūraṅgama-samādhi for anuttarasamyaksaṃbodhi. Furthermore, there is a revealing cause, which is the eightfold noble [path] for anuttarasamyaksaṃbodhi; furthermore, there is a generative cause, which is the mind of faith and the six pāramitās." It also states: "Good son! Causes are of two kinds: first, direct causes; second, contributory causes. The direct cause is like milk producing curd; contributory causes are like yeast, warmth, and the like." It also states: "The direct cause is called Buddha-nature; the contributory cause is giving rise to bodhicitta." It also states: "The direct cause refers to all sentient beings. Good son! Saṅgha means harmony; harmony means the twelve links of dependent origination. Within the twelve links of dependent origination, there is also Buddha-nature. The twelve links of dependent origination are permanent, and Buddha-nature is also permanent; therefore, I say that the Saṅgha has Buddha-nature." Therefore, the Commentary below states: "However, generative must be paired with revealing, and direct must be paired with contributory." Having cited the sūtra text, next the Commentary should be explained. The statement, "The direct cause is the meaning of the Middle Way, and the Middle Way is precisely Buddha-nature," generally indicates its essence. Thus, Fascicle 27 states: "Buddha-nature is precisely the Middle Way seed of anuttarabodhi."