大乘法苑義林章 2.31

2.31

First, explaining the names: 'Hindrance' means covering and obstructing. Because the hindrance of the knowable covers the objects of knowledge, it prevents wisdom from arising. Because the affliction hindrance obstructs great nirvāṇa, it prevents it from being realized directly. Due to the meanings of covering and obstructing, the name 'hindrance' is established. 'Severance' means non-continuity. When, by means of the undefiled path, their seeds are severed so that they do not continue, this is called severance. Also, when, by the power of the defiled or undefiled paths, their active manifestations are subdued so that they do not continue, this is also called severance. This explanation uses the severed object to name the severance: the hindrance itself is the severance, called 'severance of hindrances,' which is an appositional compound (karmadhāraya). Another explanation: 'severance' means removing and eradicating. When the undefiled path removes the seeds of the two hindrances, and when the power of the defiled and undefiled paths eradicates their two active manifestations so that they do not arise, this is called severance. This explanation uses the agent of severance to name the severance: the severance of the hindrance is called 'severance of hindrances,' a dependent determinative compound (tatpuruṣa). Another explanation: 'severance' has the intrinsic nature of causing the dharmas of hindrance not to arise; the meaning of non-arising is the meaning of severance. The nature is the true reality: reality is the nature of severance, the path is the function of severance, and the hindrances are what is severed. Thus fascicle nine of the Abhidharmasamuccaya explains the three transformations of the basis, saying: 'Whether it is that which is extinguished, that which extinguishes, or the nature of extinction, these are the three transformations of the basis; true reality is called severance.' The severance of hindrances is called 'severance of hindrances,' which is also a dependent determinative compound (tatpuruṣa). Only when all three meanings are complete can it properly be established under the name 'severance of hindrances.'