華嚴一乘教義分齊章 4.28

4.28

Third, the examination of the permutations of propositions: There are two kinds: first, in terms of substance; second, in terms of function. First, in terms of the existence and nonexistence of substance, there are four propositions: 1. existence, namely the meaning of determination; 2. nonexistence, namely the meaning of momentary cessation; 3. both existence and nonexistence, namely the non-dual combination of drawing forth its own effect and co-existence; 4. neither existence nor nonexistence, namely the non-dual combination of continually following and turning and depending on multiple conditions. In terms of function, the four propositions are: because of the non-duality of combining continually following and turning with depending on multiple conditions, it is not self-produced; because of the non-duality of combining momentary cessation with determination, it is not produced from another; because of the non-duality of combining co-existence with drawing forth its own effect, it is not produced from both; because the meaning of cause is accomplished only by possessing the three propositions that combine the six meanings, it is not produced without a cause. Thus, by means of these six meanings, cause and condition totally appropriate each other, revealing the sublime virtue of dependent origination. Therefore, the Daśabhūmika-śāstra states: 'The cause does not produce, because conditions produce; conditions do not produce, because its own cause produces; they do not produce jointly, because there is no knower, and at the time of acting there is no abiding; it is not without cause, because production exists in conformity.' Furthermore, the Abhidharmasamuccaya states: 'Because its own seed exists, it is not produced from another; because it depends on multiple conditions, it is not self-produced; because it is devoid of agency, it is not produced jointly; because it has efficacy, it is not produced without cause.' Question: 'What is the distinction between these six meanings and the eight negations?' Answer: 'The eight negations are based on refutation, while the six meanings are based on affirmation. Furthermore, the eight negations proceed by overturning deluded sentiments so that the principle reveals itself; the six meanings proceed by revealing the principle so that deluded sentiments perish of themselves. There is this complementary relationship.'