成唯識論述記 2.89

2.89

The Commentary states: Second is the objection concerning equal quantity and equal marks. The Ālambanaparīkṣā states: "Because there would be no distinction between the cognitive marks of objects such as jars and bowls," and so forth. Here it means: if the quantity of atoms in two objects such as a jar and a bowl is equal, the consciousnesses that apprehend their marks should have no difference. In "jars, bowls, and so forth," "and so forth" includes basins and the like. "Atoms are equal" means they are similar. Suppose both a jar and a bowl are made of one koṭi of atoms; the jar and bowl should have no difference, because the head-count of atoms providing mutual assistance is equal. Since the marks of jars and bowls are distinctly different, we know that mutually assisting [atoms] of equal quantity do not serve as conditions as cognitive objects for the five consciousnesses. An inference is formulated: "The one koṭi of atoms constituting a jar and the like should have no distinction from the bowl constituted by this [other] one koṭi of atoms; because they have the mark of one koṭi of atoms mutually assisting; like the bowl constituted by this one koṭi of atoms." The object-inferential statement being thus, the consciousness-inferential statement is known accordingly; the text of the treatise simply says that the cognising consciousnesses would have no distinction. If the opponent saves his position by saying: "Although the atomic quantities of this jar, bowl, etc., are equal, and the mutual assistance should be equal, it is solely due to the difference in spatial arrangement that different appearances arise."