大般涅槃經義記 4.5

4.5

In the first pair, 'if self abides' cites their view of permanence: people holding the view of permanence say there is a spiritual self abiding within the five aggregates, which is termed 'self abiding,' and this is an eternal dharma. 'Does not separate from suffering' reveals the fault based upon it: non-Buddhists proclaim that the spiritual self is eternal, so following their intention it is spoken of as an eternal dharma; the five aggregates are suffering, so the self abiding within the aggregates is called not being separated from suffering. 'If there is no self' cites their view of annihilation: people holding the view of annihilation say that there is no conventional self that arises and ceases, and even that there is no true self of nirvāṇa; this is generally called 'no self.' 'Cultivation is of no benefit' reveals the fault based upon it: because there is no self, there is nothing to be nourished and benefited, hence there is no benefit.