肇論新疏 3.63

3.63

The first two pairs double-negate existence and non-existence. The two kinds of painful aggregates have already perished, hence it says 'forever extinguished.' Non-existence is also not a realm, but because the territories of existence and non-existence are distinct, it is figuratively called a realm. Prajñā wonderfully persists, hence it says 'inexhaustible.' In dark oneness with principle, it is called 'embracing the One.' The matters of defilement, karma, and suffering are like dust and sand, hence 'myriad entanglements.' 'Completely cast away' is because of true liberation; it can also be that the five aggregates being forever extinguished is bliss. The subtle spirit being inexhaustible is self. Embracing the One with pristine stillness is permanence. The myriad entanglements completely cast away is purity. 'In unison with the Way' is because the three things and four virtues have no distinct essence. From 'embracing the One' downward clarifies the essence. From 'spiritual and' downward reveals the function. 'Without exertion' is because it is spiritual yet ever still. 'Endures forever' is because although called without exertion, its spiritual response never ceases. Therefore the Nirvāṇa Sūtra says it 'can establish great meaning.' The final four phrases clarify non-existence with respect to essence, and clarify non-non-existence with respect to function; essence and function share a single source, and are therefore neither existent nor non-existent. If explained separately: because the five aggregates are extinguished, the myriad entanglements are cast away; because the myriad entanglements are cast away, it is united with the Way; because it is united with the Way, it is profound and unchanging; because it is profound and unchanging, it cannot be considered existent—this step-by-step interpretation completes the preceding 'seek it in the realm of existence,' and so forth. The above is with respect to essence; function can be explained by analogy.