大般涅槃經義記 5.36

5.36

In refuting the experiencer, the text has three distinct parts: first, contemplating exhalation and inhalation as not the self: 'if consciousness is not the self, exhalation and inhalation might perhaps be the self' doubts what follows based on what preceded, and 'again thinking: exhalation and inhalation are wind' directly clarifies that they are not the self; second, contemplating the four great elements as not the self: 'wind is of the four great elements' follows what preceded to give rise to what follows, being subsumed under the wind element among the four great elements, and 'among the four great elements, which is the self?' investigates to seek reality, while 'the nature of earth is not the self' directly knows non-self; third, contemplating form and mind as not the self: first it explains in terms of Dharma, 'in this entire body there is no self at all' clarifying that it does not exist in principle, and 'there is only the combination of mind and wind demonstrating [it]' revealing its nominal existence; next is a simile, followed by its application.