瑜伽師地論略纂 14.18

14.18

The treatise says: "If based on inclusion by non-separation, it possesses seven substances, namely this very eye," etc. This means that, for example, the seven subtle atoms belonging to a single eye faculty occupy the same locus at the same time without mutual obstruction. For instance, a subtle atom of the eye faculty is as large as a grape; within it, what is fine and minute can fully accommodate the remaining subtle atoms, and so on, turning successively up to the detailed explanation that within a single conglomerate there are those seven substances. If one speaks according to reality, since there is no separate substance of a subtle atom, why can there be seven substances? The meaning is: because the matter shaped like a grape is pure matter, serving the function of the eye, it is called "eye," up to: serving the function of touch, it is called "tangible"; each is separately broken down to subtle atoms, and therefore it is said that within one conglomerate there are seven subtle atoms, but it is not that seven substances exist as real subtle atoms. Is this not the second [kind], non-separation in the same locus? Just as an array of pearls collectively emits light, and each light does not obstruct another, this is also like that. Like stones ground into powder, this is called non-separation by combination, which is the first kind, as explained in fascicle three of the Maulī Bhūmi. Like a heap of beans and the like, this is called non-separation with separation, which is the third [kind of] matter, as explained in separate texts elsewhere. It does not speak of the six kinds of matter of the sphere of phenomena, the primary substance, and so on, which should be known by analogy with external things.