宗鏡錄 74.31

74.31

Answer: According to the twenty-four dharmas not associated [with citta], intermediate existence is the single dharma of swift velocity (javanatā). Within swift velocity, there is the swift velocity of human effort. The ancient explanation says: 'swift velocity of human effort' means that when the intermediate existence body proceeds to the place where it is to receive birth, its swiftness is called the swift velocity of human effort. What is called 'intermediate' derives its name in contrast to before and after; 'existence' means that it has its body of sentience and consciousness. For this body of sentient beings of the five destinies, being after the existence of death and before the existence of birth, between the two forms, it is therefore called intermediate existence. It also takes the five karmically ripening aggregates as its substance, because, like the body of fundamental existence, it is incurred by karma. That intermediate existence body assumes the shape of the fundamental existence body that is to be born: for instance, a human intermediate existence resembles a human being, and the same holds for the five destinies. However, it is only about the size of a five- or six-year-old child; although its physical measure is small, yet its faculties are sharp and keen, like the body of fundamental existence, and it can perform various tasks. Toward its parents, it gives rise to inverted notions, generating love and aversion. This intermediate existence body is seen only by those of the same class and those with the pure divine eye. In intermediate existence, it feeds only on fragrance. When dwelling in intermediate existence, those whose nature is neutral—neither wholesome nor unwholesome—are extremely slow in the stage of intermediate existence; receiving birth takes no more than forty-nine days, within which limit none fail to meet conditions. As for an intermediate existence of extreme wholesomeness or extreme unwholesomeness, regardless of proximity or distance, in a single instant it proceeds to receive birth. Giving rise to an inverted mind, it tends toward sensory objects of desire, which is the gate through which the eighth consciousness links rebirth. In intermediate existences of womb-birth and egg-birth, seeing the union of the parents, it gives rise to inverted notions and immediately receives birth. In intermediate existences of moisture-birth and spontaneous birth, due to the power of past karma, without distinguishing near or far, becoming defiled and attached to what suits its inclination, right at the place of the defiling scent it immediately receives birth.