宗鏡錄 47.25

47.25

Answer: First, because of its mastery: possessing a preeminent capacity, it is called master. Second, because of its proximity: it is able to directly produce the mind and mental factors. Third, because of its universality: not only mental factors, it can also produce the mind. Fourth, because of its continuity: it exists in constant continuity, whereas the object and consciousness do not. Although the substance of the object can produce the mind and mental factors, because it is not the master and also not proximate, it specifically lacks these two meanings and is not called superior. Although the mind is the master and proximately produces mental factors, it cannot produce the mind; because it lacks autonomy, it is not universal; specifically lacking one meaning, it is therefore not superior. The object and consciousness are both non-continuous; consciousness arises only when there is an object; both lacking the meaning of continuity, neither attains the name of superior. Thus the sense faculty alone is superior.