諸經要集 12.76

12.76

Next, relying on the treatise, it is asked: Where does the intermediate state [being] enter the mother's womb? Some say: The intermediate state is unimpeded; wherever it pleases, it enters the womb there. Question: If the body of the intermediate state cannot be obstructed, how does it rely upon and remain in this mother's womb? Answer: It is bound by the power of karma, and therefore relies upon and remains here. The karmic power of sentient beings is inconceivable; it causes that which is unobstructed to have obstruction. Therefore, one should not raise an objection against this. It should be said: When the intermediate state enters the womb, it must do so through the birth canal, because that is what it craves. Following this reasoning, among twins, the one born later is the elder. Why is this? Because the one who entered the womb first must come out last. Question: Where does the intermediate state of a bodhisattva enter the womb? Answer: It enters from the right flank, entering the womb with right awareness, regarding the mother with the thought of a mother, because there is no lustful affection. Others say: It enters through the birth canal, because such must be the rule for all egg-born and womb-born beings. Question: In the previous intermediate state of a wheel-turning king or a pratyekabuddha, where does it enter the womb? Answer: It enters from the right flank, entering the womb with right awareness, regarding the mother with the thought of a mother, because there is no lustful affection. Others say: It enters through the birth canal, because such must be the rule for all egg-born and womb-born beings. Other teachers say: Because the merit and wisdom of a bodhisattva are exceedingly predominant, when about to enter the womb, they have no inverted thoughts and do not give rise to lustful affection. Although wheel-turning kings and pratyekabuddhas possess merit and wisdom, these are not exceedingly predominant; when about to enter the womb, although they have no inverted thoughts, they still give rise to lustful affection. Therefore, when entering the womb, they must enter through the birth canal.