俱舍論頌疏論本 26.98

26.98

"The three subsequent knowledges cultivate in addition the conventional knowledge bordering direct realization": at the time of the three subsequent knowledges of suffering, origin, and cessation, one can cultivate in addition the future conventional knowledge bordering direct realization. This conventional knowledge can be cultivated in addition only at the end of the direct realization of each truth; hence it is designated 'conventional knowledge bordering direct realization'. 'Bordering direct realization' refers to the three subsequent knowledges: conventional knowledge from beginningless time has previously known suffering, abandoned origin, and realized cessation; now the three subsequent knowledges also know suffering, abandon origin, and realize cessation, performing the same task as conventional knowledge. Because there is direct realization of the task, on the margin of the three subsequent knowledges one is able to cultivate conventional knowledge. Question: "Why does one not cultivate conventional knowledge at the time of the subsequent knowledge of the path?" Answer: "Conventional knowledge has never had a direct realization of the task with respect to the path; therefore the subsequent knowledge of the path does not cultivate conventional knowledge. Furthermore, there is definitely no comprehensive direct realization of the task with respect to the path: with respect to the [first] three truths, suffering can be comprehensively known, origin can be comprehensively abandoned, and cessation can be comprehensively realized; the task of that truth is completed, so one cultivates conventional knowledge. But with respect to the path, it is definitely impossible to cultivate it comprehensively, because there are many spiritual families. Therefore, the subsequent knowledge of the path does not cultivate conventional knowledge." Question: "Why is the word 'comprehensive' used for the three truths, but not for the truth of the path?" Answer: "Because one can know all suffering, abandon all origin, and realize all cessation, yet no one can cultivate all of the truth of the path. Even the Buddha has not exhausted both cultivation by acquisition and cultivation by practice with respect to the path; therefore the word 'comprehensive' is not used."