止觀輔行傳弘決 8.38

8.38

○ Next, explaining the object of karma: first, in explaining the purpose of its introduction, the words "now cultivating calming and contemplation" and so forth mean that calming and contemplation are like sunlight, while the marks of karma are like myriad forms. From "the doubter says" downward, it is a discernment. First, it cites two sūtras to verify that both the great and small [vehicles] possess marks. Next, it cites the *Lotus Sūtra*, [showing that] due to profound comprehension one sees the marks of the ten realms. Next, it cites the *Vimalakīrti-sūtra*, [showing that] based on the ultimate truth one skillfully distinguishes karma. With explicit passages in four sūtras showing that both the great and small possess marks, how could anyone doubt and say that the Mahāyāna is formless? Next, in opening the sections for distinct explanation: in the primary and secondary causes, it first reveals the internal and external causes and conditions. In the internal cause and conditions, as for the words "the mind gradually becomes clear and pure": it can also be said "clear and tranquil"; "clear and pure" is a general term applicable to both calming and contemplation, whereas if one says "clear and tranquil," the two characters correspond separately to calming and contemplation. As for "due to calming and contemplation, good and evil have arising and ceasing": this is because of the good and evil of the two lifetimes—evil having light and heavy, and good having perverse and correct—as well as the cultivation of calming and contemplation stirring past karma. Furthermore, that good and evil arise and cease due to calming and contemplation merely means that due to calming and contemplation one sees the marks of arising and ceasing; it does not mean that calming and contemplation cause good and evil to arise and cease. Therefore, an analogy is drawn to a mirror being polished, and so forth: the nature of principle is like the mirror, darkness and distraction are like dust, calming and contemplation are like the polishing, and karma is like the images appearing.