大乘起信論略述 2.185

2.185

[Treatise:] If one cultivates calm, one should sit upright with correct mindfulness. [Exposition:] Next is the second [major section], explaining calm and insight in detail. Here there are two parts: first explaining separate cultivation, then clarifying dual operation. Within the separate [cultivation] there are three: first calm, then insight. Calm has five parts: 1. the method of cultivating calm; 2. clarifying the superior efficacy of calm; 3. identifying demonic events in calm; 4. distinguishing the genuine and false in calm; 5. praising calm and urging cultivation. The first has two: first clarifying that superior persons are able to enter; later showing that those with obstacles cannot. The first part also has two: first, the expedient of relying on quietude to rest the mind and cultivate calm; later, calm being accomplished, attaining samādhi, removing obstacles, and reaching non-retrogression. The first part further has two: first, clarifying the sequence of cultivating calm; this is the first. "Dwelling in a quiet place" is the condition for cultivating calm. Stated fully, there should be five conditions: dwelling idly in a quiet place; maintaining pure discipline; having sufficient clothing and food; obtaining good spiritual friends; and putting an end to all activities and duties. Here it briefly cites the first, stating "dwelling in a quiet place." "Sitting upright" indicates regulating the body: if the body leans back, bends forward, or tilts sideways, it generates laxity and arrogance, and also induces torpor; therefore, one makes the body upright and sits in the full lotus posture. "Correct mindfulness" indicates regulating the mind: among practitioners of the degenerate age, those with correct aspirations are few and those with perverse pursuits are many; merely seeking fame and gain, they present an exterior of quietude. Since the mind has not stopped, there is no way to attain samādhi; departing from these perverse pursuits is called "correct mindfulness." Wishing to make one's mind concord with the principle, liberating oneself and others to reach the unsurpassed path, is called "regulating the mind."