大般涅槃經集解 61.96

61.96

Sengliang comments: "This is a metaphor for the nature of the cause obtaining the fruit. That 'karma is neither internal nor external': like giving, it is not solely oneself, hence not internal; the attainment is not the recipient, hence not external. Because it cannot be found between these two, it is neither existent nor non-existent. Giving is obtained from a cause, so it is not that it previously did not exist and now exists. It does not come from outside, so it does not arise without a cause. Because it perishes, it is not identical, so it is not that this one acts and this one receives. Because of continuity, it is not different, so it is not that this one acts and that one receives. Obtaining the fruit due to the cause, it is not without acting and without receiving. Because 'the seasons and conditions harmonize,' it requires the harmony of multiple conditions to obtain the retribution."