法苑珠林 5.39

5.39

As explained in the *Vibhāṣā-śāstra*: Humans (*ren*) are called 'those who still the mind' (*zhixi yi*); hence they are named humans. That is to say, among the six destinies, they can still the mind; hence they are named humans. This means that among the six destinies, in being able to still the mind of afflictions, evil, and confusion, none surpasses humans; therefore they are called 'those who still the mind.' Furthermore, humans (*ren*) means endurance (*ren*); that is, regarding the agreeable and contrary conditions in the world, they can peacefully endure them; hence they are named endurance. Furthermore, the *Lokasthitābhidharma-śāstra* states: Why is the human realm called *manuṣya*? It has eight meanings: first, because they are intelligent; second, because they are superior; third, because their minds are subtle; fourth, because of saṃbodhi; fifth, because their wisdom increases; sixth, because they can distinguish the real from the false; seventh, because they are proper vessels for the noble path; eighth, because they are born from intelligent karma. Therefore the human realm is called *manuṣya*. Furthermore, the *New Vibhāṣā-śāstra* asks: Why is this destiny called *manuṣya*? It answers: Long ago there was a cakravartin named Māndhātṛ, who addressed the people, saying, 'If you wish to do something, you should first ponder, deliberate, and observe.' At that time, the people followed the king's instruction: whenever they wished to do something, they all first pondered, deliberated, and observed. Thereupon they attained skillfulness in various crafts and karmic actions. Because they can use their minds to ponder and observe what they do, they are called *manuṣya*. Some say: Having formerly performed and increased subtle good deeds of body, speech, and mind, they go to be born there, causing that birth to continue; therefore it is called the human destiny. Some say: Because they have much arrogance, they are called humans; for among the five destinies, none has as much arrogance as humans. Some say: Because they can tranquilize the mind, they are called humans; for among the five destinies, none can tranquilize the mind like humans. Therefore the sūtra says: Humans surpass the devas in three matters: first, valor; second, mindfulness; third, pure conduct (brahmacarya).