法界次第初門 2.236

2.236

Next is the clarification of the characteristics of the twelve links of dependent origination contemplated across two time periods from karmic retribution, which is fully set forth in the Mahāsaṃnipāta Sūtra. Now the text of the sūtra is briefly extracted: these twelve links of dependent origination explain ignorance starting from the kalala; therefore they are called 'karmic retribution.' Clarifying them according to two time periods means that the first ten links belong to the present and the last two links belong to the future; the two time periods together make twelve.