楞伽阿跋多羅寶經註解 4.46

4.46

The above discussion of non-arising and non-ceasing spoke directly in terms of the correct teaching, but did not yet distinguish how it differs from tīrthikas; therefore, Mahāmati again poses questions about similarity and difference. In total there are four challenges: First, challenging by comparing the causes of producing dharmas taught by tīrthikas with the three unconditioned dharmas taught by the Buddha. 'Space' is unconditioned space; 'cessation not through deliberation' is apratisaṃkhyānirodha; 'unconditioned nirvāṇa' is pratisaṃkhyānirodha. Second, challenging by comparing their productive causes with the twelvefold dependent origination taught by the Buddha. Third, challenging by comparing their production through atoms and the like with the Buddha's teaching that all natures are non-arising and non-ceasing. The 'nine entities' are: first, time; second, direction; third, space; fourth, atoms; fifth, the four great elements; sixth, Mahābrahmā; seventh, the Heaven of Excellence; eighth, Maheśvara; ninth, Prajāpati, which is the puruṣa. Fourth, challenging by comparing their assertion of the four great elements with the four great elements spoken of by the World-Honoured One. All of these equate the tīrthika teachings with the Buddha's teachings, as can be seen from the text.