大般涅槃經義記 3.36

3.36

'Anāgāmin' is named here 'non-returner'. According to the Hīnayāna, one is no longer reborn in the desire realm, hence it is called non-returner; if according to the Mahāyāna, one does not return to giving rise to the affliction of attachment to the Buddha, hence it is called non-returner. Where is its stage located? In distinction there are three: first, maintaining the fruit, which is on the eighth bhūmi, because the affliction of attachment to the Buddha is severed here; second, including the cause, from the fourth bhūmi onward they are collectively called anāgāmin, because of cultivating the conformity-forbearance to advance toward the eighth bhūmi; third, advancing toward, extending upward through the ninth bhūmi. Combining the latter two, it is called anāgāmin. Because at this place they equally relinquish effort, and in making offerings to Buddhas and understanding the meaning they surpass the preceding and are inferior to the subsequent, they are therefore made into one.