俱舍論記 3.20

3.20

"Objects in relation to consciousness... [up to] the same applies to dharmas": this explains it. Sovereign efficacy means preeminent and self-determined power. The eye is preeminent and self-determined regarding the consciousness that discerns visible form which it engenders. First, because it serves as a common cause for discerning manifold visible forms; that is, a single eye faculty can serve as a common cause for consciousnesses discerning manifold forms. Second, because consciousness varies in clarity and dullness following the eye faculty; that is, when the faculty is strong the consciousness is clear, and when the faculty is weak the consciousness is dull; hence it is called sovereign. Because it serves as a common cause it is called preeminent, and because it determines clarity and dullness it is called self-determined; or, because it determines clarity and dullness it is called preeminent, and because it serves as a common cause it is called self-determined; or both being a common cause and determining clarity and dullness are called preeminent and self-determined. Visible form is not so, because of two contrary facts. First, it is not a common cause: blue form can only generate a consciousness of blue and cannot generate a consciousness of yellow and so forth. Second, consciousness does not vary in clarity and dullness following the object: that is, consciousness does not have clarity or dullness following the strength or weakness of the object; sometimes when the object is weak consciousness is strong, as when viewing blue form; sometimes when the object is strong consciousness is weak, as when looking at the sun and the like. Because of these two contrary facts, it is not established as a faculty; and so on, up to the mind faculty regarding dharmas, which is likewise.