俱舍論頌疏論本 9.76

9.76

"The principle of the links of existence is solely this" directly resolves the objection. The principle behind establishing the links of existence is just this: When it is taught that name-and-form gives rise to the six sense bases, and feeling gives rise to craving, it is already shown that aging-and-death is the cause of entities and defilements, since name-and-form and feeling are [the same as] aging-and-death. Since feeling gives rise to craving, and craving gives rise to grasping, it is already demonstrated that ignorance is the result of entities and defilements, since craving and grasping are [the same as] ignorance. Ignorance has a cause, so cyclic existence is without beginning; aging-and-death has a result, so cyclic existence is without end; therefore there is no need to establish further links of dependent origination. Hence the sūtra states: "Thus is the arising of this entire great mass of suffering." The explanation states: "Thus" refers to such twelve links of dependent origination. Because there is no self or mine, it is called "entire." In terms of the aspect of result, it is called the "mass of suffering"; in terms of the aspect of cause, it is called "arising." This mass of suffering and arising is without beginning and without end, hence called "great." Since all twelve links are called suffering and its arising, we know that ignorance has a cause and aging-and-death has a result; if it were not so, what purpose would these words of the sūtra serve?