法界次第初門 1.137

1.137

Next, the reason why views and craving are distinguished after nāmarūpa, the skandhas, āyatanas, and dhātus, as well as the sixteen [notions] of self and so forth, is that if one is confused about these two classes of dharmas—the designated and the real—inverted thoughts will arise in profusion, and the boundless transmigration across the three realms is entirely driven by afflictions. If we discuss the roots of affliction, they do not exceed views and craving; when divided into branches, the categories are extremely numerous, namely the three poisons, the five hindrances, the ten anuśayas, the ninety-eight afflictions, eighty-four thousand, and up to counts as many as dust and sands. Although these categories vary in number, they are identically the power of afflictions that moistens rebirth; their essence has no distinction. It is merely that the skillful methods of the teachings establish them according to an increase or decrease in numbers. Therefore, the Yingluo jing states: 'The two dharmas of views and attachment confuse the form and mind of the dharmadhātu, widely generating all the afflictions of the three realms.' They are collectively called 'afflictions' (kleśa) because fan means vexing disturbance and nao means oppressive turbulence; dharmas that can cause vexing disturbance and oppressively agitate a practitioner's mind-spirit, preventing the true illumination from unfolding, are therefore called afflictions.