宗鏡錄 75.3

75.3

答。古釋云。總報唯屬第八識者。以第八最初生起。其前七色心等。皆依他第八方生。即第八能通與前七色心等。為所依。得名總報。別報唯在前六識。受報各別不同。名為別報。若總報定不通今世順現。受唯是順生來世受。若別報即不定。通今世來世。皆受不遮。

Answer: Ancient commentaries state: The universal retribution belongs exclusively to the eighth consciousness. Because the eighth arises first, the preceding seven [consciousnesses], form, mind, and so on, all arise solely depending on other [factors], namely the eighth. That is to say, the eighth can universally serve as the basis for the preceding seven, form, mind, and so on; hence it obtains the name 'universal retribution.' Particular retribution resides exclusively in the first six consciousnesses. Receiving retributions that are each distinct and diverse is called 'particular retribution.' If it is universal retribution, it certainly does not apply to [karma] experienced in the present life; retribution is only experienced when born into a future life. If it is particular retribution, then it is not fixed: it applies to both the present life and future lives; neither experiencing [is] obstructed.