俱舍論疏 7.99

7.99

The treatise says: "Because it causes growth, it is called the nourishing cause." The Nyāyānusāra says: "As for the nourishing cause: because it can foster its growth, just as tree roots are moistened by water. If one wishes to know the different powers and functions of the five causes, one should observe five analogies: the generating cause is like a mother giving birth to a child; the supporting cause is like a student relying on a teacher; the establishing cause is like the earth sustaining objects; the maintaining cause is like food maintaining life; and the nourishing cause is like water moistening tree roots."