起信論疏筆削記 20.20

20.20

Concluding generally, the Commentary says: "Not that one does not delight in the world": the meaning is that only when not delighting in the world can one cultivate wholesomeness; this is calming accomplishing insight. "Not that one is not terrified..." The meaning is that only when not terrified of saṃsāra can one give rise to compassion; this is insight accomplishing calming. It is just like braiding a rope: at first it seems contradictory, but ultimately it accords. Thus the Saṃyuktāgama states: The Buddha was in the country of Ghositārāma. Ānanda asked a senior monk: "If a bhikṣu reflects in an empty place, under a tree, or in a quiet room, with what dharmas should he exclusively and diligently train?" The senior monk said: "He should do so with two dharmas, namely calming and insight." Ānanda asked: "Having practiced much, what will be accomplished?" The senior monk said: "Cultivating calming, in the end one accomplishes insight; having cultivated insight, in the end one accomplishes calming. Practicing calming and insight together, one attains all liberations." Ānanda also asked five hundred bhikṣus, and they spoke likewise. Ānanda rejoiced and asked the Buddha, and the Buddha deeply verified and approved it. "Calming and insight mutually rely on each other..." This is also like a rope: only when joined together can it be of use. Hence the Nirvāṇa-sūtra states: "Because those of the two vehicles and bodhisattvas do not cultivate them equally, they do not see the Buddha-nature; ignorance and wrong views arise from this, and unsurpassable bodhi is difficult to enter because of this. If one can fully cultivate them without separating them, one can swiftly reach the ocean of sarvajñā." Hence the Nirvāṇa[-sūtra] says: "Studying concentration and wisdom equally, one clearly sees the Buddha-nature." The Lotus Sūtra also says: "In accordance with the Dharma they have attained, adorned with the power of concentration and wisdom, by this they cross over sentient beings and personally realize the unsurpassable Path."