成唯識論述記 3.102

3.102

Question: If it has nine grades, why is it called of 'one uniform category'? Answer: 'One uniform category' has multiple meanings: first, no change in the three feelings; second, no change in the three natures; third, no change in the cognitive object; fourth, no change in continuous succession. Therefore, prior to transformation it is called of one uniform category, not that lacking nine grades is called of one uniform category. By virtue of this meaning, it is maintained that from beginningless time up to today, today represents an increase; only then is the previous explanation established. If one claims that because the seventh [consciousness] of a sentient being lacking the [enlightenment-]nature is of the same class as those possessing the nature, it therefore has increase and decrease, that is not so. The seven consciousnesses of the Buddha-fruit, being of the class of the causal seven, would also have to be capable of perfuming. If on the grounds of defiled and undefiled one says they cannot be equated, one could likewise take possessing the nature and lacking the nature as an analogy; one should not say that being of that class makes it capable of perfuming. When the treatise states that 'the seventh is equal to the lowest-of-the-lowest afflictions of the Summit-of-Existence ground,' they are called equal in power because they equally obstruct the [stage of] no-further-learning; because they are severed simultaneously and instantaneously in the vajropama-citta, they are called equal in power, not that having identical grades is called equal in power. Furthermore, just as the cognitive hindrances severed in the first ground extend throughout the three realms, there is no contradiction in the first grade of cognitive hindrances in the desire realm comprehensively obstructing the ten grounds, being severed separately across the ten grounds; how could severance across multiple grades imply that the obstruction has many grades, or severance in a single grade imply that there are no graded classes? Hence, whatever subtle [affliction] can first obstruct this, upon realizing this it is severed, without needing to discuss grades. Here, the preceding four should each be raised by asking an inquiring question in accordance with [the section on] that which is perfumed, and then the treatise cited.