瑜伽論記 8.262

8.262

Sixth, the differentiation of the three holdings: The three holdings are of two kinds: first, the three holdings of the initial, the subsequent, and the culminating. According to the new treatise, there are fully four holdings, but here we temporarily set aside the fourth, the holding of sequence. Speaking in terms of reality, these three holdings comprehensively include the ten dharmas. However, among the ten, because the power of cultivation in the first eighteen chapters is weak, the inception of its arising is called the 'initial holding'. From the yoga conforming to the dharma onwards, the four chapters of characteristics and so forth involve stronger effort in cultivation and their active functioning gradually becomes superior, so it is called the 'subsequent holding'. From the yoga of culmination onwards, the five chapters of rebirth and so forth see cultivation gradually reaching fulfillment and the attainment of the fruit drawing nearer, so it is called the 'culminating holding'. Master Yuan also followed this explanation.