法界次第初門 3.190

3.190

次八音而辯三念處者，既八音為物開演正法，聽者善惡不同，必有信毀違順之別。若無三念之德，豈能心地坦若虛空，泯無憂喜之相？故次八音而辯三念處也。此三通名念處者，慧心能緣，名之為念。平等之理不增不減，謂之為處。佛以慧心緣於平等不增不減之理，是以違順學者心無憂喜之相，故三通名念處。即是以慈修意，能現平等清淨之意業也。

The reason why the three bases of mindfulness are discussed after the eight voices is that once the eight voices expound the true Dharma for beings, since the listeners differ in goodness and evil, there will inevitably be differences between faith and slander, opposition and compliance. Without the virtue of the three bases of mindfulness, how could the mind-ground be as level as empty space, totally devoid of the marks of sorrow and joy? Therefore, the three bases of mindfulness are discussed after the eight voices. The reason why these three are collectively called 'bases of mindfulness' (smṛty-upasthāna) is that the mind of wisdom able to take [an object] as a condition is called 'mindfulness' (smṛti), while the principle of equality, neither increasing nor decreasing, is called the 'base' (upasthāna). The Buddha, with his mind of wisdom, takes as condition the principle of equality that neither increases nor decreases; thus, in the face of students who oppose or comply, his mind is free of the marks of sorrow and joy. Therefore, all three are called 'bases of mindfulness'. This is to cultivate the mind through compassion, being able to manifest the pure mental action of equality.