四教義 6.11

6.11

The general explanation of the great import of the stages of the seven worthies and seven sages according to the door of existence in the Abhidharma of the Tripiṭaka teaching is concluded. However, the teachings on worthies and sages involve many matters; although the door of existence in the Abhidharma has many explanations, none exceed this. If one wishes to distinguish and investigate its branches in full, one must read the Vibhāṣā. Question: The earlier explanation of the stage of dry wisdom indeed takes a different path from old interpretations. The subsequent explanation of the stage of nature, seeing, cultivation, and non-learning does not seem to differ from ordinary interpretations. Answer: If dry wisdom is different, then the stage of nature, seeing, cultivation, and non-learning are all different. For example, like a living person and a dead person: if one part of the body is alive, all parts of the body are alive; if one part of the body is dead, all parts of the body are dead. With the difference between life and death, how could not all be different? Now we explain that if dry wisdom is like a living person, then the stage of nature, seeing, cultivation, and non-learning are all like a living person; when others explain dry wisdom as like a dead person, then the stage of nature, seeing, cultivation, and non-learning are all like a dead person. Furthermore, now we explain that if dry wisdom is like a dead person, then the stage of nature, seeing, cultivation, and non-learning are all like a dead person; when others explain dry wisdom as like a living person, then the stage of nature, seeing, cultivation, and non-learning are all like a living person. One should use wisdom and severing to match the analogy from beginning to end; terms and marks are like body parts—how could they not be the same? But wisdom and severing from beginning to end are like the difference between life and death; how could they not differ? One who understands this intent is like a person with eyes, where the light of the sun and moon illuminates and reveals various colors. One who is confused about this intent is like lighting a torch for a blind person; what benefit is it to one who lacks eyes?