起信論疏筆削記 20.33

20.33

Under 'prophesied by the Buddha,' etc., the Laṅkāvatāra-sūtra states: 'The bhikṣu Nāgārjuna, abiding in the first stage of joy, able to shatter views of existence and non-existence, is reborn in the Land of Peace and Joy (Sukhāvatī).' 'The latter two positions' refers to those who have fulfilled the ten faiths and those of the three worthies: because they contemplate the tathatā-dharmakāya and diligently cultivate, they vow to be born in that land, which corresponds to the people of the upper three grades among the nine grades. Conversely, we know that the first position, those whose faithful practice is not yet fulfilled, corresponds to the preceding text on constantly seeing the Buddha and ultimately having no regression. However, the present treatise says: 'If one contemplates the tathatā-dharmakāya, one will definitely attain rebirth.' This means that having contemplated it, one is only then reborn, abiding in correct determination. Therefore we know this cannot be interpreted as contemplating only after being born; may the wise examine this.