法界次第初門 1.277

1.277

Fifth is the gate of turning back. Reversing the mind to reflect back upon itself is called 'turning back'. Although the practitioner cultivates contemplative illumination, true illumination has not yet arisen. If one calculates that there is a self capable of contemplating, which analyzes and shatters the inversions, then the delusion of calculating a self arises again clinging to contemplation, becoming identical to non-Buddhists; hence it is said that all these non-Buddhists calculate and cling to the wisdom of contemplating emptiness, failing to attain liberation. If one becomes aware of this danger, one should immediately reverse the mind to reflect back upon the contemplating mind. If one knows that the contemplating mind is deceptive and without reality, then the inversion of grasping at a self by clinging to contemplation naturally perishes, and because of this the untainted skillful means naturally become clear and bright; therefore, turning back is taken as a gate.