俱舍論記 8.170

8.170

「由至界位至故有三品」者，此下別解。此釋壽量中間有其三種：一由至界位，界謂惑種；二由至想位，想謂染想；三由至尋位，尋謂尋求。而般涅槃，故有三品。故《正理》二十四云「有說：諸有壽量中間斷餘煩惱，皆名中般。由至界位、或想、或尋而般涅槃，故說三品。彼謂煩惱隨眠位中修斷加行，名至界位。此中意顯有種未行說名果位，即利根者。創起煩惱便能精勤修斷加行，名至想位。此中意顯染想初行說名想位，即中根者。起煩惱久方能精勤修斷加行，名至尋位。此中意顯由煩惱力令心於境種種尋求說名尋位，即鈍根者。又解：近天中間說有三種，還約界、想、尋位分為三種。

"Due to reaching the stage of the element [...] hence there are three grades" onwards is the specific analysis. This explains the three types within the middle of the lifespan: first, due to reaching the stage of the element—"element" means the seeds of defilement; second, due to reaching the stage of ideation—"ideation" means defiled ideation; third, due to reaching the stage of discursive thought—"discursive thought" means investigation. One attains parinirvāṇa [thereby], so there are three grades. Thus Nyāyānusāra fascicle twenty-four says: "Some say: all who sever remaining defilements midway through the lifespan are called 'attaining parinirvāṇa in the intermediate state.' Because they attain parinirvāṇa upon reaching the stage of the element, or of ideation, or of discursive thought, three grades are spoken of. They mean that cultivating the preparatory application to sever [defilements] during the stage of defilement anuśayas is called 'reaching the stage of the element.' Here the meaning indicated is that seeds exist but have not yet become active, which is called the causal stage; this refers to those of sharp faculties. When defilement first arises and one is immediately able to vigorously cultivate the preparatory application to sever it, this is called 'reaching the stage of ideation.' Here the meaning indicated is that defiled ideation first becomes active, which is called the stage of ideation; this refers to those of medium faculties. After defilements have arisen for a long time, one is only then able to vigorously cultivate the preparatory application to sever them; this is called 'reaching the stage of discursive thought.' Here the meaning indicated is that, through the power of defilement, the mind engages in various investigations regarding objects, which is called the stage of discursive thought; this refers to those of dull faculties." Another explanation: within "midway near the heaven" three types are spoken of, which are also divided into three types according to the stages of element, ideation, and discursive thought.