大般涅槃經疏 9.16

9.16

From 'The Buddha addressed Kāśyapa' onward is the second part, the critical analysis. If nirvāṇa is identical to the four characteristics and equal without difference, why critically analyze nirvāṇa and not critically analyze the four characteristics? The names of the four characteristics differ from the past, while the name 'nirvāṇa' is the same as before. In the past, extinguishing causal fetters without environment or sentient beings was called nirvāṇa, so having extinguished the afflictions, there was no separate nirvāṇa; the present nirvāṇa, having extinguished the afflictions, possesses eternal dharmas. The past nirvāṇa extinguished all existences; the present nirvāṇa possesses wondrous existence. The past nirvāṇa had no environmental recompense; the present nirvāṇa possesses a Dharma that is revered as teacher. The past nirvāṇa had no sentient recompense; the present nirvāṇa possesses the Tathāgata. Without critical analysis, there would be no way to draw out the difference. The text has four parts: first, the Buddha's critical analysis; second, Kāśyapa's debate; third, his understanding; fourth, the confirmation.