觀心論 1.7

1.7

The Mahāprajñāpāramitā Sūtra clarifies forty-two syllable gates, the first stating: 'If one hears the syllable gate A, one immediately understands all meanings, namely that all phenomena are originally unproduced.' Nāgārjuna also composed the Mūlamadhyamakakārikā and the Treatise Explaining the Mahāyāna, whose central intent uses the 'eight negations' such as 'unproduced' to open the treatise. Using a single verse to explain 'originally unproduced', he says: 'Phenomena are not produced from themselves, nor are they produced from other, nor from both, nor without a cause; therefore they are said to be unproduced.' Now, based solely on contemplating the single line 'originally produced from self', I raise thirty-six questions. If one can answer these questions with respect to contemplating the mind without impediment, one should know that among the 'six degrees of identity' this practitioner enters 'identity in contemplation and practice', and among the 'five grades of disciples' this is entering the 'rank of initial rejoicing'. Therefore the scripture states: 'Even hearing a single verse, one thoroughly penetrates immeasurable meanings, expounding them in succession according to the Dharma for a month, four months, up to a year.' The treatise says: