維摩經略疏 6.16

6.16

From "If Maitreya" to "not further extinguished" is the second [section], concluding the explanation in terms of refuting the virtue of severance. It also implicitly concerns the three teachings. First, refuting the Common: since the suchness of nirvāṇa and that of sentient beings are not different, both are extinguished and delivered. Hence Vimalakīrti personally explains: "All buddhas know that all sentient beings are the characteristic of nirvāṇa, which cannot be extinguished again." Sentient beings are fundamentally endowed with the characteristic of nirvāṇa; since suchness is devoid of extinction, there is no extinction of the fruition's virtue of severance that could be prophesied. Second, in terms of refuting the Distinct Teaching: if the suchness of sentient beings is the characteristic of nirvāṇa and cannot be extinguished, then there is no extinction of the ultimate virtue of severance of nirvāṇa in the final thought of the tenth bhūmi where ignorance [is severed]. As for refuting attachment, the Perfect Teaching can also be known by analogy with the Common. The refutation of the teaching, person, and practice of the former teachings can be seen by analogy with the above. This explains that if true suchness is not extinguished, there is no virtue of severance; therefore, one cannot receive the prophecy of great nirvāṇa.