摩訶止觀 5.232

5.232

The Mūlamadhyamakakārikā states: 'Entities do not arise from themselves, nor do they arise from another, nor from both, nor without a cause; therefore they are explained as unarisen.' This is precisely the meaning here. If one examines the four propositions regarding the provisionality of conditioned arising and cannot find arising, one's grasping at intrinsic nature will diminish. There is only a nominal designation, called 'arising of mind.' The name is not internal, external, or in between, nor does it eternally exist of itself. This word does not abide, and its non-abiding possesses no four propositions; nor is it non-non-abiding, and its non-non-abiding lacks the four propositions. Therefore, although the non-abiding mind has the name of mind, the name itself is empty. If through the four propositions one examines intrinsic nature and does not find intrinsic nature, this is the refutation of intrinsic nature by worldly truth, which is also termed 'emptiness of nature.' If through the four propositions one examines names and does not find names, this is the refutation of the provisional by ultimate truth, which is also termed 'emptiness of characteristics.' The emptiness of both nature and characteristics is the general characteristic of the contemplation of entering emptiness from the provisional. Therefore, the Mūlamadhyamakakārikā says: 'Entities do not arise from themselves.' Applying contemplation in this manner accords with the intention of the Mūlamadhyamakakārikā.