楞伽阿跋多羅寶經註解 4.24

4.24

In the sūtras, mentions of 'neither arising nor cessation' are not one; the principles they explain are not without similarities and differences, as in saying, 'The sūtras embrace neither arising nor cessation.' 'Embrace' means to contain its principle. And it also says, 'This is an alternative name for the Tathāgata.' Mahāmati took 'neither arising nor cessation' to mean naturelessness, asking why it is called an alternative name—could the Tathāgata also be natureless? The Buddha replied that 'neither arising nor cessation' is being free from existence and nonexistence, hence saying 'the category of existence and nonexistence does not manifest.' With this one answer, he addressed both of his questions. Mahāmati again took 'not manifesting' to mean non-arising: if all dharmas do not arise, how could it be an alternative name for the Tathāgata? If it is an alternative name, could there also be an unarisen dharma-meaning within names? Thus he asked again. In the reply, saying 'not natureless' means that the Tathāgata is not a non-dharma, nor does it grasp neither arising nor cessation, nor does it depend on the conditions of arising and cessation to be neither arising nor cessation. Saying 'nor is it meaningless' introduces the subsequent direct reply.