大般涅槃經集解 8.50

8.50

Sengzong states: This marks the beginning of exhausting the purport of the cause. Previously, clarifying the keeping of precepts and protecting the Dharma was not yet the ultimate cause; only when illuminating understanding is complete and clear does it deserve to be called good karma. Within the text answering 'good karma,' there are naturally five successive stages of arising, which are revealed in the text below. This single stage clarifies that if faith arises regarding the nature, that is the beginning of good karma. Zhixiu states: This eleventh question concerns the principle of the buddhadhātu. If sentient beings are without self, then they would end with a single lifespan; how could they perform good karma to advance toward the fruit of buddhahood?