瑜伽師地論略纂 3.9

3.9

In showing the correct doctrine, "further, an endowed phenomenon within an endowed phenomenon": "an endowed phenomenon" refers to the dependent effect-dharma that possesses characteristics and substance; "within an endowed phenomenon" refers to the supporting cause-dharma that possesses characteristics and substance. Third, "precisely through its own characteristic it can be apprehended, just like the cause's own substance, not through inference": just as the cause's own characteristic has the capability to produce the effect and can be apprehended, it is not that the substance of the effect exists. This cause's own substance is directly perceptible at present, not [known] through inference. Fourth, "it can be apprehended through its own operation," meaning, just as the operation of discerning visible form manifests the visual consciousness and so on. Fifth, "because of the alteration of the cause, the effect becomes altered," and so forth: when the direct cause has altered, the effect also follows it, and conditions are also like this, just as with grain and paddy. It is not that without the cause altering, the effect alone alters; how could your primordial nature (prakṛti) not alter while the other principles transform? The inference states: "Your primordial nature should also alter; because the effects alter; like grain, wheat, and so forth." Concluding the above with four reasons, the text is easy to understand.