廣弘明集 22.9

22.9

All-knowledge and the sentient beings of the five paths and six destinies share the capacity to receive knowing; there is no division or difference. Question: Is receiving knowing not knowing itself? Answer: It is not. Question: What does this take as its essence? Answer: It is continuity without annihilation. Because of continuity without annihilation, it is able to receive knowing. If in the present life the merit of refinement is gradually accumulated, then the principle cognized in the future fruit becomes increasingly refined. This increasingly refined knowing arrives in response until Buddhahood, without interruption or severance. If in the present life there is ignorance, then the cognition in the future fruit becomes increasingly darkened. This increasingly darkened knowing also arrives in response, down to the six destinies. The instrument that receives knowing receives knowing according to conditions; the quality—good or bad—of knowing has nothing to do with this instrument that receives knowing. Question: I have heard your command regarding knowing and non-knowing. The receiving of knowing is itself continuous and indestructible, while knowing naturally arises from causes and conditions; does it correlate in principle with this instrument that receives knowing? Answer: There is this continuous, indestructible [nature] that naturally arises from causes and effects. Where there are causes and effects, how could there be an absence of good and evil?