宗鏡錄 72.23

72.23

Answer: Because the three conditions possess the meanings of constancy and lordship, they are both conditions and bases. The objective condition all possesses the meaning of constancy, but because it lacks the meaning of lordship, it is merely a condition and not a base. Furthermore, the seed-base possesses six characteristics. The six characteristics are: first, instantaneous cessation; second, co-existence with the fruit; third, constant succession; fourth, determined nature; fifth, awaiting manifold conditions; sixth, inducing its own fruit. 'Instantaneous cessation' means that as soon as its substance is born, it must cease without interval; only when it possesses such superior capacity does it become a seed. 'Co-existence with the fruit' means that it manifests together and harmoniously unites with the active fruit it produces; only then does it become a seed. 'Constant succession' means that it must continue as a single category over a long duration until reaching the ultimate stage; only then does it become a seed. 'Determined nature' means that following the power of the cause, it produces the good, bad, and so forth, with its capacity determined; only then is it called a seed. 'Awaiting manifold conditions' means that it must await the harmonious combination of its own manifold conditions so that its capacity becomes superior; only then does it become a seed. 'Inducing its own fruit' means that regarding distinct fruits such as form, mind, and so forth, it respectively induces each to arise; only then does it become a seed. Furthermore, the 'simultaneous base' means that the basis and that which relies on it exist at the same time. As for a 'base,' all conditioned phenomena of arising and cessation that arise and abide by relying on causes and depending on conditions are termed 'bases.' A base possesses four characteristics: first, determination; second, possessing an object; third, acting as lord; fourth, causing citta and caittas to grasp their own cognitive objects. Only then is it named a 'basis.' These four bases each have what they exclude. First, as for the first characteristic, 'if a phenomenon is determined,' this precisely excludes taking the first five consciousnesses as undetermined bases for the sixth consciousness. Now, to be a basis, it must first be definitely present to qualify; when the sixth [consciousness] is present, the first five are not determinately present. It also excludes taking the five material faculties as a base for the eighth [consciousness], which is also not determinately present—just as when born into the formless realm, the eighth [consciousness] has no material faculties as a base. It also excludes taking the active seventh [consciousness], which can perfume, as the growth base for the seeds that are perfumed, and so forth, because this active consciousness that can perfume is subject to interruption and thus lacks the meaning of determination.