中觀論疏 2.24

2.24

Third, the verse on the eight negations is the verse on 'originally existing and now non-existing' in the Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra. The verse says: 'Originally existing and now non-existing, originally non-existing and now existing: that there are phenomena across the three times is impossible.' A detailed explanation is as in the Commentary on the Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra. Now it is briefly distinguished: the first half is the meaning of 'the three times being non-three-times', and the second half is the meaning of 'the non-three-times being the three times'. 'The three times being non-three-times' is the meaning of 'arising and ceasing that is non-arising and non-ceasing', which refutes the three times conceived with intrinsic nature, substantiality, and attainment; this is the first tier of the eight negations. The second half clarifies 'the non-three-times being the three times', which is 'non-arising and non-ceasing that is arising and ceasing'; this is the second tier of the eight negations. How could the three times that are non-three-times be the three times? How could the non-three-times that are the three times be the non-three-times? Therefore, it is neither the three times nor the non-three-times; hence it is called the middle way. If one attains this awakening, it is called correct contemplation. Expressing it in words, it is called a treatise. This is the third tier of the eight negations.