俱舍論記 12.112

12.112

「各別極微至理亦應爾」者，通伏難。伏難云：各別極微既越根境，故知細極微外有麁事，一火光等為眼等境。為通此難，故作是言：各別極微一一別住雖越根境，眾微共聚可現根境，證如彼外道勝論所宗火鑽等合能生火果，非獨能生。又解：二微等合能生麁果，非獨能生。或如眼、色、明、空等緣合能發識，非獨能生。又如翳目觀散髮時，相隣即見，別住不見。極微對根，理亦應爾。

Regarding [the text from] “Individual atoms…” up to “…the principle should also be like this”: this resolves a hidden objection. The hidden objection says: since individual atoms transcend the sensory domain of the faculties, we know that apart from subtle atoms there is a gross object, a single firelight, etc., that serves as the sensory domain of the eye, etc. To resolve this objection, [the author] speaks thus: although individual atoms dwelling separately transcend the domain of the faculties, when many atoms gather together they can appear as the domain of the faculties; as proof, in the doctrine of that heterodox Vaiśeṣika, the fire-drill and other factors in combination are able to produce the result of fire, whereas [one] alone cannot produce it. Another explanation: two atoms in combination are able to produce a gross result, whereas [one] alone cannot produce it. Or it is like the eye, visible form, light, and space combining as conditions to arouse consciousness, whereas [one] alone cannot produce it. It is also like when an eye with cataracts views scattered hairs: when they are adjacent, it sees them, but when they dwell separately, it does not see them. The relation of atoms to the faculties should, in principle, also be like this.