大般涅槃經集解 31.4

31.4

Sengliang comments: 'Craving again for existence' refers to the three realms of existence. Sengzong comments: Previously this was explained briefly; now it is explained extensively. Next comes reconciliation, and finally the meditative practice is clarified. 'These causal conditions of the aggregates' means that on account of karma and defilements, one obtains the future fruit of the aggregates. 'Craving again for existence' means: previously, on account of karma and defilements, one obtained a body; now, again craving the three realms of existence, this must again pull one into rebirth. 'Craving conditioned by karma' means giving rise to craving on account of past karma, according to what one has practiced. 'Craving conditioned by defilements' is like a person with much anger who always loves weapons. 'Craving conditioned by suffering' is like a person afflicted by illness who loves needles and moxibustion. Baoliang comments: Next, explaining the truth of origination, it clarifies that karma and defilements can construct the continuous arising of future retributions of saṃsāric fruits; this is called 'origination'. In distinguishing the truth of origination here, there are also three points, though in the text they fluctuate slightly and are not as orderly as in the truth of suffering: first, explaining the characteristics of the truth of origination; second, reconciliation; third, contemplating the faults. Now, in distinguishing the truth of origination here, all is based on the latent tendency of craving as the source. Why is this so? Because subsequently it can moisten rebirth, and obtaining rebirth depends on it; thus without craving, karma is not completed. For this reason, taking craving as the basis, the conditions that collect, record, and induce the aggregates are exhaustively accounted for. Now, the nature of craving is defiling and encumbering, and there is nothing that does not stem from it; therefore, the text extensively manifests and describes craving as the foremost among the many conditions. 'Craving one's own body' refers to primary retribution; 'craving necessities' is called dependent retribution. Such things as handicrafts, when accomplished, bring about protective attachment and joyful fondness in the mind; this is called 'craving conditioned by karma'. If, upon meeting an adverse object, the mind arises and again matches past resentment, continuing to cultivate this mind as good—this is 'craving conditioned by defilements'. When afflicted by suffering and wishing to turn away from it, if being free of the self accords with one's wish, and the mind is delighted in the absence of this suffering, this is called 'craving conditioned by suffering'.