大般涅槃經義記 2.36

2.36

In the first part, the Tathāgata first commands them to listen attentively, and then expounds it for them. In the exposition, there are two parts: first, stripping away the past false cultivation; second, from 'What is the meaning? Non-self is called birth and death...' downward, teaching them true cultivation. In the first part, there are again two sections: first, clarifying that because the monks possess the eight inversions, their cultivation is not real; second, from 'In the world there are also permanence, bliss, self...' downward, revealing that those eight inversions arise based on the three inversions. In the first part, there are again two sections: first, in response to the monks' prior affirming themselves and faulting others, he clarifies that the monks possess all four inversions regarding unconditioned dharmas; second, from 'If you say, "I also cultivate..."' downward, in response to the monks producing an error on the basis of words, he clarifies that the monks possess all four inversions regarding conditioned dharmas. Given that the four inversions regarding the conditioned have not yet been eliminated, how can they praise themselves, saying 'We cultivate well impermanence, suffering, and so forth'? In the first part, there are three sections: first, citing it to reprimand them in general; second, from 'What is the meaning...' downward, extensively revealing their failure to comprehend; third, from 'You monks, why do you say that one who conceives a self...' downward, concluding with a general reprimand. In the first part: 'The metaphor of the drunkard that you cited just now' cites the monks' previous words faulting others. 'Only knowing the letters and not comprehending the meaning' reprimands them to reveal their fault; that is to say, they only know the terms of 'turning around,' but do not comprehend the meaning of 'non-turning around' underlying the terms. In the second, extensive part, 'What is the meaning?' raises an inquiry to open the topic. This question is incomplete; if complete, it should say: 'How is it that they do not comprehend? What is called the meaning that has not yet been comprehended?' Judging from the answer, it should be so. Below, he reveals it in response: first, in response to the question that was lacking just now, he clarifies their failure to comprehend; from 'Self' downward, in response to the question present in the text above, he discerns its meaning. In the first part, it first clarifies that the monks themselves turn around, next clarifies their failure to comprehend, and afterwards affixes a metaphor. In clarifying the turning around: 'Just as that drunk person sees the sun and moon above, which in fact are not turning around, and conceives the thought that they are turning around' cites the monks' previous words faulting others. The monks previously spoke of seeing the mountains, rivers, and so on all turning around; why does this text now only mention the sun and moon? Explanation: The mountains, rivers, and even houses are metaphors for the five aggregates of worldlings; the sun, moon, stars, and constellations are metaphors for the Buddha's five aggregates. Grasping permanence, bliss, and so forth regarding the five aggregates of worldlings is called 'turning around'; this is entirely correct in principle and does not need to be criticized, which is why it is not cited. Seeing the Buddha's five aggregates as permanent, blissful, and so forth and calling it 'turning around' is contrary to the principle of the Dharma; therefore it is cited in particular, pointing out the monks' error. From 'Sentient beings also...' downward, applying the previous metaphor, it clarifies that the monks themselves turn around. 'Sentient beings are also like this' matches the drunk person above; this calls the monks 'sentient beings.' 'Covered by the afflictions and ignorance' matches the substance of drunkenness above. The afflictions are the four entrenchments, and ignorance is the ground of ignorance. From 'Produce inverted...' downward matches the previous 'turning around.' 'Producing an inverted mind' explains the turning around in general; 'conceiving non-self where there is self, up to conceiving suffering' explains the turning around in particular. Below, it clarifies their failure to comprehend: 'Because of being covered by distress' is the reason for not comprehending. 'Although producing these conceptions, they do not comprehend the meaning' directly clarifies their failure to comprehend. Although they produce the conceptions of impermanence, non-self, and so forth, they do not comprehend the meanings of permanence, bliss, self, and purity. 'Just like that drunkard' brings up the metaphor to affix it. The above clarifies their failure to comprehend.