成唯識論述記 7.516

7.516

The Commentary states: Below this is the second part, explaining the beneficial purpose of intentionally speaking of the ten āyatanas such as form. The Viṃśikā-vijñaptimātratā further states in verse: "Relying on this teaching one can enter / the selflessness of the individual (pudgala)." Those who are converted relying on this teaching of the twelve āyatanas are able to enter into the selflessness of the individual. That is to say, if they thoroughly understand that from the six pairs of phenomena there is the occurrence of the six consciousnesses, and there is no seer at all, up to no knower, then those who should receive the teaching of the selflessness of sentient beings will be able to awaken and enter into the selflessness of sentient beings. Because it demolishes the conception of a composite, real self, in order to cause them to enter into the emptiness of self, he spoke of the ten [āyatanas] such as form; he did not speak of them as real existing eyes, forms, and so forth apart from consciousness. Question: Stated truthfully, there is only consciousness; why was it necessary to speak separately of twelve āyatanas?