釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 2.89

2.89

First, abandoning sensual desire: previously it was spoken of desires arising in the external five dusts (sense objects); now it is described in terms of desire arising from the internal mental faculty. Specifically, when the practitioner sits upright cultivating dhyāna, thoughts of desire arise in the mind, continuing thought after thought, covering the wholesome mind so that it does not grow. Having become aware of them, one should abandon them. Why? Just as when Śubhākara's lust arose from within, it could still burn his body, how much more so when the fire of desire arises in the mind could it fail to burn all wholesome dharmas? Furthermore, a person of sensual desire is very far from the Path. Why? Desire is the dwelling place of various afflictions and turmoil; if the mind clings to desire, there is no way to draw near to the Path. As the verse on removing hindrances says: