大般涅槃經義記 7.3

7.3

In the former [section] there are two clauses: First, adducing the coarse to reveal the subtle, clarifying that form and sound can be seen and heard. Regarding 'all dharmas of form are either visible or invisible': there are three types of form: 1. visible and obstructive, meaning the domain of the eye; 2. invisible and obstructive, meaning the form confronted by the ear, nose, tongue, and body; 3. invisible and non-obstructive, meaning non-informative form among mental objects. Among these three types, the first one is visible and the rest are invisible; hence it says 'either.' Furthermore, among form objects, the present is visible, while the past and future cannot be seen, so one may also say 'either.' Regarding 'sound is likewise, either audible or inaudible': the present is audible, while the past and future cannot be heard. Second, discriminating the subtle from the coarse, clarifying: 'Great nirvāṇa is not identical to form and sound; how can it be said that it can be seen and heard?'