大般涅槃經義記 10.2

10.2

From here below is the second [section], explaining the ordinary being who has faith in goodness and seeks [re-]existence. This person has two meanings: first, the meaning of perpetual submergence, perpetually submerged in the three realms of existence; second, the meaning of temporarily emerging and submerging again, submerging again into the three wretched realms. In the text, it first explains the meaning of perpetual submergence; "moreover, there are those who are perpetually submerged and are not icchantikas" distinguishes the preceding and introduces what follows. From "which ones?" onward, it explains; from "this is called..." onward, it concludes. Below, it explains submerging again, having four distinct clauses: First, explaining that four wholesome [practices] obtain unwholesome retributions, which it first presents, next enumerates, and afterward summarizes and concludes. Second, explaining the meaning of emergence and submergence with reference to the person; "if one cultivates these four, it is called having submerged and emerged, and having emerged, submerging again" marks this briefly. Below, it extensively explains this, first explaining the initial submergence, next explaining his emergence, and afterward explaining his submerging again, the text of which is easily understood. Third, citing teachings to corroborate and establish it; in the verse, the first two [lines] explain submergence due to creating karma, and the latter two show submergence due to defilements. Fourth, presenting a simile to match it: first presenting the simile, and from "like the two above..." onward applying the Dharma to match it. Just as the two kinds of persons mentioned in the verse above—[those bound by] defilements and karma—are like the great fish that temporarily emerges and submerges again, therefore it says "so it is."