成唯識論述記 2.336

2.336

The Commentary states: This is the second refutation, showing that nominal entities obstruct rather than real ones. 'Di' means an embankment; 'tang' means a reservoir dike. The meaning here is that for the Sarvāstivādins, subtle atoms (paramāṇu) are real, while composite form is nominal; just as vessels and embankments or dikes, being composite nominal entities, are able to obstruct, whereas subtle atoms, as real dharmas, are unable to obstruct because they are not composite. That nominal dharmas obstruct objects is a well-established fact, and is now cited as an analogy. Here it is shown that nominal dharmas can also obstruct the mind and do not require real entities, just like embankments and dikes. However, when the Kośa says 'like damming a river,' this cites an analogy of another dharma serving as an obstruction, not an analogy of nominal versus real.