大般涅槃經集解 68.52

68.52

Sengliang notes: Space exists with respect to sentient beings, but being permanent, it cannot be seen; buddhadhātu also exists, and is seen by cultivating the path. That it is not non-existent like a rabbit's horns means: a rabbit's horns are presently non-existent and cannot be attained through upāya; buddhadhātu is also non-existent [in the present], but can be attained through upāya. As for 'because space is permanent': being permanent, it cannot be seen. As for 'because a rabbit's horns are non-existent': being non-existent, they cannot be produced. 'Both existent and non-existent': existence refers to what will exist; non-existence refers to present non-existence. 'Because it exists, it refutes the rabbit's horns': what will exist can exist, unlike a rabbit's horns. 'Because it is non-existent, it refutes space': although it is not seen at present, it will ultimately be seen, unlike space.