大乘入道次第 1.39

1.39

Second, as for specific cultivation: In the stage of provisioning, among the thirty-seven aids to awakening, one cultivates the four applications of mindfulness, the four right abandonments, and the four bases of supernormal power. What serves as proof? The Madhyāntavibhāga-bhāṣya states: "Due to the four bases of supernormal power, the mind has competence; when the roots of goodness conducive to liberation (mokṣabhāgīya) are fulfilled, one should further cultivate the five predominances." Since it says that due to the four, the mokṣabhāgīya are fulfilled, it is clear that the bases of supernormal power are in the stage of provisioning. The four applications of mindfulness and the four abandonments are prior to the bases of supernormal power; therefore they are also in the stage of provisioning. Question: Among these "three groups of four," which is cultivated first? Answer: First, one cultivates the applications of mindfulness; next, the four right abandonments; and afterwards, the four bases of supernormal power. Question: Why is it so? Answer: From beginningless time, with respect to the objects of the body and so forth, one has constructed differentiated marks of defilement and purity, giving rise to attachment and aversion, sinking in the ocean of suffering. Therefore, one initially contemplates the fourfold body, feelings, mind, and dharmas as being without marks. Thus the Madhyāntavibhāga-bhāṣya states: "If bodhisattvas, with respect to the objects of the body and so forth, contemplate with the mental aspect of non-apprehension and cultivate the antidotes—although contemplating the four objects of the body and so forth as being without marks, they are not yet able to eliminate the obstacles. Next, they cultivate the four abandonments to abandon the obstacles to be abandoned." Thus the Madhyāntavibhāga-bhāṣya states: "Now, in order to abandon the obstacle-dharmas to be counteracted, and in order to cultivate and amass the path of antidotes, they vigorously cultivate the four right abandonments." Although able to subdue obstacles, they are not yet able to accomplish all beneficial and pleasurable matters as they wish; therefore, they next cultivate the four bases of supernormal power. Thus the Madhyāntavibhāga-bhāṣya states: "Cultivating the four bases of supernormal power is the cause of all desired superior matters." Question: Supernormal powers require concentration in order to be aroused. Attaining supernormal powers at this stage clearly shows that there is already concentration. Why do other treatises state that the stage of provisioning abides in external gates, and external gates are not subsumed under concentration? Answer: Other treatises only state that they mostly abide in external gates; they do not say that they are solely external, hence there is also concentration. Because distraction is abundant and concentration is scarce, it is said that they mostly operate abiding in external gates.