起信論疏筆削記 19.3

19.3

Regarding calmnes (śamatha), in the Commentary, the phrase 'First, due to...' explains [the state] prior to cultivating practice. From 'Now' onward, it directly explains the cultivation of calmness, meaning that by means of actualized enlightenment one realizes that all the sensory realm-objects are only manifested by consciousness and there are no external marks of objects. Since the sensory objects are stilled, conceptual differentiation does not arise, and both mind and objects are calmed. That is, destroying the marks of dust constitutes the calming of objects, and being without conceptual differentiation constitutes the calming of the mind; when both mind and objects are forgotten, the calm, eternal mind appears. This is identical to the Zen tradition's meaning of 'no-thought,' which means not deliberating on any good or evil at all, so that beneath the words, thoughts are spontaneously cut off. The *Yuanjue jing* says: 'One should, with right mindfulness, distance oneself from all illusions.' 'Expedient means' refers to the expedient means of cultivating calmness; therefore, ancient masters of virtue said: 'Before proceeding to quiescence, the myriad objects are completely obliterated; after generating wisdom, everything is entirely as such.'