金光明經文句記 4.43

4.43

First, demonstrating the nominal Middle that is refuted. The designation of 'Middle Way' roughly has two [senses]: first, departing from annihilationism and eternalism is called the Middle Way, which has the name but no essence, belonging to the former two teachings; second, Buddha-nature is called the Middle Way, which possesses real essence, belonging to the latter two teachings. Here, treating the double negation of the two views of annihilationism and eternalism receives the name 'Middle Way', yet in truth it is entirely not marvelous form or marvelous mind, and hence lacks the essence of the Middle. Therefore, conceptual thoughts are not forgotten, and they preserve the bias to attain realization; this is mistaking sand and gravel for lapis lazuli gems. Second, from 'therefore for' onward demonstrates the ultimate emptiness capable of refutation. This is precisely the emptiness wherein the extremes themselves are emptiness of the present chapter; if this emptiness arises, the nominal Middle is destroyed—this is emptiness refuting neither-existence-nor-non-existence.