阿彌陀經通贊疏 3.88

3.88

Fourth, rejection and establishment. Why establish only five defilements without addition or reduction? Answer: Sentient beings are of two kinds: first, those of evil conduct, namely householders in white robes; second, those of deviant conduct, namely non-Buddhists who have left home. When those in white robes lack wisdom and their afflictions increase, it is called the defilement of afflictions. When non-Buddhists form false understandings and make reckless inquiries, it is established as the defilement of views. Furthermore, all dull afflictions are called the defilement of afflictions, while all other sharp afflictions are called the defilement of views. When obtaining future fruits due to these two causes, based on different separations and combinations, they are again divided into two defilements: combining the two internal fruits is called the defilement of sentient beings, because they are evil sentient beings; combining the two external fruits is collectively called the defilement of the kalpa, because it is an evil container. 'Kalpa' refers to time periods; as there is no separate time apart from things, it is distinguished on the basis of phenomena. Therefore, the defilement of the kalpa takes the evil container as its essential nature. Although these evil sentient beings and the external fruits are stated in summary, the fruit of these two defilements has not yet been distinguished. Which is it? The essential nature of the direct evil fruit is now revealed as the root, so the defilement of lifespan is established; or the internal evil fruit is called the defilement of lifespan, while the external evil fruit is called the defilement of the kalpa. From whom do these evil causes and fruits come to exist? They are due to evil sentient beings, and therefore it is called the defilement of sentient beings.