法苑珠林 70.52

70.52

Question: It is not known on what grounds the Brahmā king is singled out within the first dhyāna, and the Asamjñisattva heaven together with the five Śuddhāvāsa are singled out within the fourth dhyāna, to be established as three states of existence differentiated from the first and fourth dhyānas. What is the reason? Answer: There is a reason: as for that Mahābrahmā heaven of the first dhyāna, non-Buddhists constantly reckon it to be the origin capable of generating all things; disobeying him means undergoing saṃsāra, while obeying him brings liberation. Furthermore, that Brahmā king also reckons himself to be the lord of creation, singular, permanent, and true liberation. Because the Tathāgata wished to break their affective views, he singled it out and taught it as a state of existence. Second, regarding the Asamjñisattva heaven: within that heaven, they all attain a fixed lifespan, the mindless retribution of five hundred mahākalpas. Non-Buddhists do not comprehend this and further reckon it to be real nirvāṇa; therefore, they delight in cultivating the absorption of non-perception, seeking rebirth in that place. Because the Tathāgata wished to break their affective views, he singled it out and taught it as a state of existence. Third, regarding the five Śuddhāvāsa: among them is the station of the heavenly king Maheśvara. Non-Buddhists also reckon that heavenly king to be the origin of creation, such that taking refuge in him brings liberation. To break this view, the Tathāgata singled them out and spoke of them as states of existence. The reason for speaking of them separately is clearly revealed in this.