成唯識論述記 4.17

4.17

The Commentary states: In the specific explanation below there are two parts: first, explaining the first half; afterwards, explaining the second half. In explaining the first half: first, specifically explaining the two lines; afterwards, concluding what has been clarified. Explaining the first line as the function of cause: The word "realm" (dhātu) is precisely the meaning of cause; hence it constitutes the function of cause. Between the seed and active consciousness, it is the seed-consciousness. Although the active [consciousness] is also called the causal aspect, because it directly produces all phenomena it is directly seed, continually succeeding from beginningless time, uninterrupted from moment to moment, directly producing all phenomena. The phrase "directly producing" indicates the meaning of cause, not an auxiliary condition, because it can directly produce them. "All phenomena" refers to the words "all phenomena" in the second line. This repeats the subsequent "all" by the word "all." This consciousness from beginningless time serves as cause for all phenomena; therefore the sūtra says "realm," which is the function of cause.