金光明經文句記 1.70

1.70

Second, clarifying the four kinds of "heard." The self is the master of hearing, and hearing is the function of the self; the master is the provisional person, and the function is the actual dharma. If one understands the meaning of "arising," the meaning of "hearing" becomes apparent of itself. However, "arising" is a general discussion of dependent origination, while "hearing" pertains specifically to speaking and listening, so they are not without slight differences. Arising from the causes and conditions of hearing there is further hearing, hence it is called "heard-heard." Since it is produced from conditions, it ultimately reverts to destruction; this is hearing of arising and ceasing. Hearing lacks the four natures and right where it is there is no hearing, hence it is called "heard-unheard"; this is hearing of non-arising. Although in the absolute truth there is no hearing, within conventional truth there is hearing, hence it is called "unheard-heard"; this is hearing of the immeasurable. The two truths are identical to the Middle, hence it is called "unheard"; the Middle is also unattainable, so it is again called "unheard." Over forty-nine years not a single word was spoken; how could there be a middle or an extreme that could be heard? This is hearing of the unconditioned. The meaning of the note is the same as before.