宗鏡錄 53.34

53.34

Answer: It is not that the eye sees form, nor that consciousness and so forth [see form], because all dharmas lack active function. It is due to collocation that 'seeing' is metaphorically established. Furthermore, due to six aspects, the eye is supreme in seeing form, not consciousness and so forth; therefore it is said that the eye can see forms. What are the six? First, by being the generating cause (jananahetu), because the eye can generate that [seeing]. Second, by being the locus of reliance (āśraya), because seeing relies upon the eye. Third, by operating without fluctuation, because the eye is always of one uniform category. Fourth, by operating with mastery, because it arises moment to moment without waiting for the combination of conditions. Fifth, by operating as adornment, because this [faculty] adorns the body relied upon. Sixth, by sacred teaching, because it is stated in the sūtras that the eye can see form. The six characteristics stated in this way cannot be found in consciousness and so forth. As for the fluctuation of consciousness, you should know that it arises with multiple distinctions.