成唯識論掌中樞要 2.83

2.83

Regarding 'Seeds of consciousness cannot presently grasp their own cognitive objects, yet they may have the sense of being a reliance': In the Commentary there are two interpretations: One says that the former master allows that seeds of consciousness rely on the root consciousness. The root consciousness possesses the three criteria, so it can serve as a basis (āśraya) for the seeds. The fruition of the seeds cannot presently grasp its own cognitive object, because the fruition has no cognitive object of its own. The fruition-consciousness serves as a reliance (yī) for them, not as a basis (suǒyī). Therefore it is said that seeds have a reliance (yī), but not that they have a basis (suǒyī). Another interpretation: this explains that seeds of consciousness cannot serve as a basis (suǒyī) for actual manifestations; although they may have determinateness in status difference and act as master, they lack possessing an object. Thus they may have the sense of being a consciousness-reliance (shíyī), yet not a consciousness-basis (shísuǒyī). Above, status difference is precisely the defiled/pure basis; being given a distinct name, it is named status difference.