大般涅槃經義記 4.45

4.45

Next, it refutes definite non-existence, first citing and then refuting. 'Why are rabbit horns not produced in milk?' By the fact that what is non-existent is not produced, it reveals that what is produced is not non-existent. What is the meaning of this? If milk lacked cheese yet cheese could be produced, then since milk lacks rabbit horns, why are they not produced? Since milk lacks rabbit horns, horns cannot be produced; that milk produces cheese shows that cheese is not non-existent. 'If poison is placed in milk, the cheese kills people' verifies the beginning by the end, revealing that it is not inherently non-existent. From 'therefore' downward is the conclusion.