大般涅槃經義記 4.42

4.42

Below, it refutes definite non-existence, comprising three distinct clauses. First, refuting non-existence through origination: the words 'how can cheese be originated because of milk?' refute it through origination; that cheese originates from milk shows that it is not inherently non-existent. Second, from 'if originally non-existent' downward, it refutes the notion that non-existence can bring about origination: it first cites the words that what is originally non-existent brings about origination, and from 'why' downward, it subsequently refutes it. If cheese is originally non-existent yet cheese can be produced, grass was also originally non-existent—why is it not produced? Milk does not produce grass, so grass may indeed be originally non-existent; but cheese is produced in milk, showing that cheese is not non-existent.