大般涅槃經集解 48.26

48.26

Sengliang comments: The fifth metaphor. Severing the fetters of cultivation in the two realms, relying upon one's prior understanding as the cause, and advancing to seek the higher fruit is symbolized by hearing the voice in the air. Stating one's prior understanding is symbolized by having no residents. Being stained by and attached to nominal designations is symbolized by 'tonight'. Because internal afflictions exist, external sense-objects are able to enter, which is symbolized by the six thieves. Being able to give rise to multiple fetters is symbolized by life not being preserved. Severing conceit and realizing the fruit is symbolized by abandoning [it] and departing. Baoliang comments: After attaining the fruit of srotāpanna, within the mind emerged from contemplation, afflictions of the domain of cultivation arise and one undergoes rebirth. Since one relies upon the original undefiled understanding of seeing the truths and sees that undergoing rebirth within the domain of cultivation is a fault of delusion, one further contemplates the six sense-objects as empty, advancing to sever the remaining fetters; hence it is expressed as being like hearing a voice in the air.