釋淨土群疑論 7.29

7.29

Explanation: It could happen without inconsistency. Just as when bodhisattvas cultivate all wholesome dharmas, suppressing and counteracting the seeds of the afflictions so that their power becomes weak and unable to manifest, yet later they still have the power to give rise to active manifestations, and through the perfuming force of the active afflictions, the seeds of the afflictions become even more powerful; or just as the two mindless absorptions suppress the six consciousnesses from manifesting, but once one emerges from that absorption, the mind can arise again. Evil karma is also like this: through the power of buddhānusmṛti and the like, the seeds are rendered devoid of the function of bringing about retribution. If one later backslides and does not cultivate good, but further commits evil karma, this also causes the old karma to regain the function of bringing about fruitions continuously. If from then on one constantly encounters superior conditions, evil dharmas will gradually diminish and wholesome dharmas will gradually flourish; one will be able to enter the noble path, and then their substance will be eternally extinguished.