瑜伽論記 1.76

1.76

The question arises from three causes: First, it is said that the questioner, having previously heard what was taught in the sūtras, did not yet fully understand the meaning of the stages of a yoga practitioner, and therefore posed this question. Or, the author of the treatise, having initially accepted a general request and wishing to explain it, himself artificially raised the question. Furthermore, questioners are of five kinds: first, asking because of non-comprehension; second, asking because of doubt; third, asking by way of a test; fourth, asking with contemptuous intent; fifth, asking out of a desire to benefit and bring joy to sentient beings. The present question is of the fifth kind. It answers only [with the number] seventeen, explains the third interrogation—'What are the seventeen?'—and interprets the verse text.