中觀論疏 2.4

2.4

The first is the section on the general meaning. The eight negations are the ultimate objective of right contemplation and the core marrow of the vaipulya [sūtras]; they determine whether the Buddha Dharma is biased or correct, and show the root source of gain and loss. If one is deluded about them, the eighty thousand Dharma treasuries are as obscure as walking in the night; if one is awakened to them, the twelve divisions of scripture are like facing the bright daylight. Formerly, I engaged in deep inquiry south of the Yangtze for consecutive years, and before dwelling west of the Yellow River I used them as a mirror for my mind. Although the east and the west were separated by obstacles, there was never any divergence [in this view]; travelling between the south and the north, when did I ever make the journey in vain? I briefly set down my past notes to leave behind for my disciples. How could this be called fathoming the utmost subtleties? It is merely marking out the path of my own mind.