大般涅槃經集解 4.71

4.71

Sengliang comments: When he first attained the Way, he defeated the māra of the heavens and the māra of defilements; today he defeats the māra of the aggregates and the māra of death. Since this merely mentions their major numbers, he speaks generally of all four. Fayao says: This answers the first objection. Indeed, an impermanent body has not yet exited the realm of māras. Why is this? Since it is bound up with defilements, it is the māra of defilements. Because it is conditioned, it is the māra of the aggregates. Because it is subject to death, it is the māra of death. Being the same as the māra of the heavens, how could it have exited their realm? When it is said that he defeated the four māras, does the meaning not reside in eternal permanence? Yet as for this eternal permanence, was it only first attained at the Twin Śāla Trees? It is because it was only first made clear [here] that the meaning of freedom from māras is manifested. Sengzong says: This answers the second objection, which was merely about sentient beings. Delusion obstructs luminosity and is also essential in impelling rebirth. Now, together, they defeat the four [māras], which is why he says they are equal.