俱舍論頌疏論本 30.1

30.1

From here on is the third section: setting aside answers to benefit sentient beings, first presenting an objection and then replying. The Vātsīputrīyas object: If the person is identical to the aggregates, why did the World-Honoured One not state that the life-principle (jīva) is identical to the body? The author of the treatise answers: "Because he took into consideration the disposition (āśaya; here translated as 'inclination') of the questioner. That is to say, because the questioner grasped at a single, real self called a 'life-principle', based on this he asked the Buddha whether the life-principle and the body are identical or different. Therefore the Buddha replied: Since a self has no real entity, being identical or different cannot be established. Just as one cannot answer whether the hair of a turtle is hard or soft—since the hair of a turtle does not exist to begin with, what hardness or softness could one answer?—so the life-principle fundamentally does not exist, so what identity or difference could one answer?" Considering the intention of the questioner, the Buddha therefore did not answer.