中觀論疏 3.32

3.32

The prose has five parts: [First,] "If conditions could give rise to an effect"—this cites [the opponent's claim]. [Second,] from "there should be three kinds" downward—this establishes [the thesis] via the three checkpoints. [Third,] "As explained in the preceding verse"—this refutes it. Now, in refuting these three lines, one merely interrogates the principle of the effect's existence within the cause. If the principle of the effect is present within the cause, it has already emerged from non-being and entered into being, and it need not be produced. If there is no principle of the effect, it has not yet emerged from non-being and entered into being; it is no different from empty space or the horns of a hare, and cannot be produced. Being half-existent is identical to being; being half-non-existent is identical to non-being. If one does not accept the two halves and asserts only a single principle, [then] a principle of being cannot be non-being, and a principle of non-being cannot be being; because they are mutually exclusive, both being and non-being are negated. [Fourth,] "Seeking in these three ways, none can be found"—this concludes [the analysis]. [Fifth,] "How can one say there are causes and conditions?"—this rebukes [them], which explains the fourth line of the verse.