大般涅槃經集解 67.1

67.1

Broadly clarifying that in the middle way cause and effect mutually generate, using milk and curd as a simile. Broadly analyzing the seven types of expressions: cause expressions, fruit expressions, and so forth. Citing the simile of the seven types of sentient beings in the Gaṅgā River. Explaining the first, constantly submerged, namely icchantikas. Explaining the second, temporarily emerging and returning to submergence, meaning lacking complete faith, and so forth. Explaining the third, having emerged then remaining, meaning hearing the Dharma, contemplating, and dwelling in accordance with the Dharma, and so forth. Explaining the fourth, having emerged, surveying the four quarters, broadly explaining the sixteen mental activities of warmth, summits, and patiences. Explaining the afflictions severed by a srotāpanna as being like forty li of water, with the remainder like a drop on a single hair, up to similes like firmly holding an object in the mouth. Explaining the fifth, having surveyed then progressing, namely the sakṛdāgāmin.