大乘法苑義林章 3.15

3.15

Regarding the distinctions in establishing supernormal knowledges (abhijñā), here the eye and ear are established as supernormal knowledges, while the other three are not established. The term "supernormal knowledge" (tong) has the meaning of being free from obstruction and hindrance. Adding the word "spiritual" (shen), they are called the six spiritual supernormal knowledges (ṣaḍ-abhijñā). Being free from all obstructions and hindrances, their wonderful functions are difficult to fathom; hence they are named spiritual supernormal knowledges. The two faculties of the eye and the ear function at a distance without physical contact; their freedom from obstruction is superior and their wonderful function is difficult to fathom, so they are separately established as supernormal knowledges. The other three are not so established. Furthermore, these two kinds are produced through cultivation and skillful means. Those that obtain them by removing barriers and obstructions are termed supernormal knowledges; if this were not the case, their function would be narrow, and they would not be given the designation of supernormal knowledge. Supernormal knowledges exist only in the four dhyānas, whereas non-supernormal knowledges are established across the five stages. Non-supernormal ones arise each only within their own stage, whereas supernormal ones arise from another stage. However, the lower gives rise to the higher, and not the higher to the lower, because [the latter] is not produced through cultivation. These supernormal knowledges include both contaminated and uncontaminated, because the Buddha also has them. Moreover, the supernormal knowledge of the divine eye is also established as a clear vision (vidyā), because it serves as the forerunner to the supernormal knowledge of the cognition of birth and death; it contemplates all karmic forms, seeing the cause and seeking the fruit. Because it is superior to the divine ear, the divine ear is not a clear vision; the divine ear cannot eliminate ignorance concerning the three periods of time. Although the devas of the desire realm and so forth can see through things, their function is not broad, so they are not established as supernormal knowledges. Theirs are eyes and ears obtained through birth, not obtained through eliminating obstructions by cultivation. However, there are sūtras that state: "The five physical faculties are all called supernormal knowledges in the stage of a Buddha, because the Buddha's function is superior; with others it is not so." Now, relying on the supernormal knowledges commonly obtained by the three vehicles, there are only two faculties.