229 What is
nirodhasamdpatti
or the "absorption of extinction?
Abhidharmakosabhasyam-Vol-1-Vasubandhu-Poussin-Pruden-1991
25).
[Objection. ] In this hypothesis, at the sixteenth moment
(marge'nvayajndna), the saint will be a Prthagjana and not an Aryan,
206 for at this moment, the initial ksanti is lost.
? No, for the non-possession of the ksanti which constitutes the state of Pfthagjana has been absolutely destroyed in the first stage.
[Objection. ] The ksanti in question is threefold: of the family of the Sravakas, of the family of the Pratyekabuddhas, and of the family of the Buddhas (vi. 23). Of which of these three types are you speaking in your definition of the state of Prthagjana?
We mean to speak of three types of ksanti.
Be careful! The Buddha, not possessing the three types of ksanti^ would then be a Prthagjana!
We intend to speak of the non-possession of the ksanti which is not accompanied by possession . . . and thus following, as above, to the example "that which lives solely on water,'" "that which lives solely on wind. "
Hence the effort attempted in order to avoid the objection: "Be careful! To believe you, a person in possession of duhkhe dharma- jnanaksanti would be a Prthagjana . . . " is in vain. The best explana- tion is that of the Sautrantikas. To them, the state of Prthagjana is a
series in which the dharmas of the Aryans have not arisen. ***
How does non-possession perish?
40c-d It is abandoned through acquisition (prdpti), and through passing to another stage.
For example, the non-possession of the Path, which constitutes the
207 and (2) when one passes to another stage. The same holds for the
state of Pjrthagjana, is abandoned (1) when one acquires the Path, 208
209 non-possession of the other dharmas.
[Objection:] Non-possession is abandoned (1) when one produces the non-possession of non-possession, that is to say, when, changing one's stage of existence, one ceases to possess the state of Prthagjana; and (2) when the possession of non-possession is cut off, that is to say, when, acquiring the Path, one cuts off the state of Prthagjana.
Does this mean that there is possession of possession and non-
The lndriyas 217
? 218 Chapter Two
possession, and that there is non-possession of possession and non- possession?
Yes. There is possession and non-possession of possession and non-possession, which is called "secondary possession" (anuprapti), or "secondary non-possession. " One then distinguishes between mula- prdti and anuprdpti or prdptiprdpti.
Doesn't this doctrine lead to infinite progression?
No, for one possessess possession through the fact of possession of
possession and vice versa. There is possession of the one through the
fact of the other. Let us explain. When a certain dharma is produced in
a given person, three dharmas arise together, namely: 1) this dharma
itself, which is called the muladharma', 2) the prdpti of this mula-
dharma', and. 3) the prdpti of this prdpti. The person in question
possesses the muladharma and the prdpti of the prdpti by the fact of
the arising of the prdpti', he possesses this prdpti by the fact of the
arising of the prdpti. TM Hence there is no infinite progression. When a 211
good or a defiled dharma arises, at this very moment three dharmas arise together, inclusive of this good or defiled dharma, namely: the
211 muladharma, its prdpti, and the prdpti of this prdpti which is the
prdpti of the prdptiprdpti of the first moment, plus three anuprdptis through the fact that one is in possession of the three aforementioned prdptis. In this third moment eighteen dharmas arise together, namely nine prdptis: the prdptis of the three dharmas produced in the first moment, prdptis of the six dharmas produced in the second moment, plus nine anuprdptis through the fact that one in in possession of the nine aforementioned prdptis.
Thus the prdptis continue increasing in number from moment to
213
moment.
upaklesa), and of innate {upapattildbhika, ii. 71b) good dharmas with the dharmas that are associated (samprayukta, ii. 53c-d) and co-existent {sahabhu, ii. 50b) with them throughout beginningless and endless transmigration, arise, from moment to moment, in an infinite number. If one considers the series of one single being in the course of transmigration, those prdptis which arise at each moment are infinite in number. Considering all beings together, they (i. e. , the prdptis) are
The prdptis of present and future defilements (klesa and
? without measure, and without limit. Happily, they possess a great quality: they are non-material, and give way one to the other. If they were material, there could not be found enough room in the universe for the praptis of one single being, and even less for the prdptis of two beings!
214
What is "genre" or sameness of class designation?
41a. Sabhdgatd is that which causes resemblance between living
215
beings.
1. There exists an entity called sabhdgatd, a dhanna by virtue of which living beings, as well as the dharmas "that fall into the series of living beings" (sattvasamkhydta, i. 10), have resemblence between them (Vibhdsd, TD 27, p. 138a9). _
2. The Sastra (Jndnaprasthdna, etc. ) designates this entity by the name of nikdyasabhdga: the author uses the term sabhdgatd for metric reasons.
3. Sabhdgatd is of two types, general and particular. The first is found in all living beings: by virtue of it, there is resemblance of any living being with all other living beings. This is called sattvasabhdgatd.
The second has numerous subdivisions: each of these subdivisions
is found only in certain beings. Living beings are differenciated
according to their spheres of existence, the different stages of these
spheres, their realm of rebirth (gati, iii. 4), their wombs (iii. 9), their
caste (jdti, as Brahmins, etc. ), their sex, the state of Upasaka (iv. 14),
216
Bhiksu, Saiksa, or Arhat, etc.
virtue of which each living being of a certain species resembles living beings of this same species.
4. There is, furthermore, sabhdgatd of dharmas that belong to living beings, dharmasabhdgatd, which in turn distinguishes the skandhas, the dyatanas and the dhdtus: skandhasabhdgatd, etc. , rupaskandhasabhdgatd, etc.
This holds as well for sabhdgatds, by
The Indrtyas 219
? 220 Chapter Two
5. In the absence of a separate entity, namely sabhdgatd, how does
one explain general ideas (buddhi) and expressions (prajnapti), such as
"living beings," etc. , applied to some beings that differ one from
another? In this same way, it is solely by reason of dharmasabhdgatd 217
that the ideas and expressions, "skandha" "dhdtus" etc. , are justified. 6. Do we conclude that one transmigrates, that one dies and is born
without abandoning and without taking up a certain sattvasabhagata (state of a human being, etc. )? There are four alternatives: 1. to die in a place (Kamadhatu for example) and be reborn in the same place: the sabhdgatd remains the same, regardless of transmigration; 2. to enter into one's predetermined realm of rebirth (niydmdvakranti, vi. 26a): without there being transmigration, there is yet the abandoning of the sabhdgatd of the Prthagjanas and the acquisition of the sabhdgatd of the Saints; 3. to die in one realm of rebirth, the human realm of rebirth, etc. , and to be reborn in another realm of rebirth; 4. all other cases.
[The Sautrantikas do not admit the existence of a dharma called sabhdgatd and present many objections to it. ]
1. If a certain entity called "the genre of Prthagjana" exists, for what purpose do we imagine the state of Prthagjana consisting of the non-possession of the Aryadharmas (ii. 40c)? Someone will be a Prthagjana through the genre of Prthagjana in the way that someone is a human through the genre "human" for the Vaibhasikas do not imagine a state of human different from the genre "human. "
2. Ordinary people do not recoginize sabhdgatd through the direct preception of the senses (pratyaksa)) they do not infer the existence of the sabhdgatd through an operation of the intelligence (prajnd), for sabhdgatd does not exercise any action by which one could know it: although people do not know anything of sattvasabhagata they recognize the non-difference of the species of beings. Hence, what would be the use in supposing that a sabhdgatd exists?
3. Why does the School refuse sabhdgatd to things that are not living beings, such as rice and corn, gold and iron, mango and bread- fruit trees?
4. The different sabhdgatds that the School recognizes, sabhdgatds
? of living beings, of spheres, of realms of rebirth, etc. , are distinct one from another. Yet one has, for all of them, common ideas and designations: all are sabhdgatds.
5. [The Sarvastivadins are the proponents of the doctrine of the Vaisesikas. ] The Vaisesikas admit a certain entity (paddrtha) called "sameness" {sdmdnya), by virtue of which there is produced, with regard to things, similar ideas and designations; they believe also in another entity, called "difference" {visesa), from whence proceeds specific ideas and designations with regard to different species.
The Vaibhasikas protest that their theory is not to be confused with that of the Vaisesikas, who believe that genre or sameness (sdmdnya) & unique substance {paddrtha), exists in a multitude of individuals. Hence even if they approve of the Vaisesikas admitting genre {sdmdnya), they still condemn their interpretation of it. As for sabhagatd, it exists in and of itself (as a dravya), for the Blessed One, speaking of a murderer who is reborn in hell, continues, saying, "If he
218 is reborn here, if he obtains the sabhagatd of humans . . . "
[The Sautrantikas answer:] By expressing itself in this way, the Sutra does not teach the existence of a thing in and of itself called sabhagatd. What then does the Sutra designate by the word sabhagatd} By the expression sabhagatd of humans," etc. , the Sutra means a similarity in the manner of being: in the same way, sabhagatd of rice, corn, beans, etc.
219 This opinion is not admitted by the Vaibhasikas.
**#
What is non-consciousness {dsamjnika)?
41b-c. Non-consciousness is that which, among the Non-
220 conscious Ones, arrests the mind and its mental states.
Among the beings who take birth among the Non-Conscious Ones, i. e. , the non-conscious gods, there is a dhanna that arrests the mind and its mental states, and which is called "non-consciousness. " By this dharma, the mind and future dharmas are, for a certain time,
The Indriyas 221
? 222 Chapter Two
hindered from being produced and do not have the power to arise. This dharma is similar to what arrests the water of a river, that is, to a dike.
This dharma is exclusively 41d. Retribution.
It is exclusively the retribution of non-conscious absorption
221
Where do these non-conscious gods reside?
41d. They live in Brhatphala.
In the heaven of the Brhatphalas there is a raised place which is
the dwelling of the Non-Conscious Ones, in the same way as the
(asamjnisamdpatti, ii. 42a).
dhydndntarikd, the dwelling of the Mahabrahma gods, is raised within 222
the heaven of the Brahmapurohitas (iii. 2c; Vibhdsd, TD 27, p. 784b5).
Are the Non-Conscious Ones called this because they are always non-conscious, or are they sometimes conscious?
They are conscious at birth and at death (iii. 42; Vibhasd, TD 27, p.
223
784c8);
suspended for a very long time. When, after this long time, they produce a consciousness again, they die. As it says in the Sutra "When they produce consciousness again, they die, like a person awakening after sleep. "
Dying in the non-conscious heaven, they are necessarily reborn in Kamadhatu and nowhere else. (1) In fact, the force of asamjnisamd- patti (ii. 42a), by which these beings are born among the Non- Conscious Ones, is exhausted; they have not been in a position to practice asamjnisamdpatti: hence they die, as arrows fall to the ground when their impetus is spent. (2) On the other hand, beings who are reborn among the Non-Conscious Ones necessarily possess an action "retributive in Kamadhatu" and "retributive in the second existence" (iv. 50b). In this same way beings who are reborn in Uttarakuru (iii. 90c-d) necessarily possesses an action retributive in a heavenly realm of rebirth immediately after their existence in Uttarakuru.
they are called non-conscious because their consciousness is
? The Mulasastra says, "What are the two samapattis or absorp- 224
tions? They are asamjnisamapa&ti, the non-conscious absorption, 225
and nirodhasamdpaPti, the absorption of extinction. "
What is the non-conscious absorption?
In the same way that asamjnika is a dharma that arrests the mind
and its mental states,
42a. The same for the non-conscious absorption.
The non-conscious absorption is an absorption in which the ascetic is non-conscious, or in an absorption free from consciousness.
The word "the same" shows that this absorption, like asamjnika, arrests the mind and its mental states.
To which bhumi does it belong? 42b. In the Fourth Dhyana.
In order to cultivate this absorption, the ascetic should have entered the Fourth Dhyana.
Why does one cultivate it?
42c. Through desire for deliverance.
The ascetic falsely imagines that asamjnika, the non-consciousness that constitutes the result of the non-conscious absorption, is true deliverence.
Asamjnika, being retribution, is necessarily morally neutral. As for the non-conscious absorption, it is
42d. Good.
It produces as its retributive result the five skandhas of a non- conscious god, who, as we know, is conscious at birth and at death.
To what category does it belong from the point of view of retribution?
42e. Solely retribution in the next existence.
The Indfiyas 223
? 224 Chapter Two
It is not "retributive in this life" or "retributive later;" it is no longer of "unnecessary retribution" (iv. 50).
Without doubt, an ascetic can fall from this absorption after having produced it; but, [according to the Vaibhasikas,] he will produce it again and be reborn among the Non-Conscious Ones. This is to say that the ascetic who takes possession of this absorption will certainly
226 not enter into a "predestined" realm of rebirth (vi. 26a).
This absorption is cultivated only by Prthagjanas. 42f. Not by Aryans.
The Aryans consider this absorption as a precipice, a calamity, and do not value entering it.
On the contrary, Prthagjanas identify non-consciousness (asam- jnika) with true deliverance; they have no idea of "going out" with respect to it; hence they cultivate the absorption that leads to it. But Aryans know that the impure cannot be true deliverance. Hence they
do not cultivate this absorption.
When Aryans enter into the Fourth Dhyana, do they obtain the
prdpti of this past and future absorption, the same as one obtains the prdpti of the Fourth Dhyana of the past and the future as soon as one
227 enters into the Fourth Dhyana?
Non-Aryans do not obtain the prdpti of the non-conscious absorption of the past and future.
Why?
Having cultivated it many time previously, this absorption can only be realized through great effort; as it is not mind,
42g. It is obtained in one time period.
One takes possession of this absorption, not in the past, not in the
future, but in one time period, that is, in the present, as is also the case
for the prdtimoksa discipline (iv. 35). In the second moment of this
absorption, and in all the moments that follow the obtaining of this
absorption until the moment when it ends, one possesses it in the past
and in the present. On the other hand, since this absorption is not
mind, it is impossible for one to acquire a future prdpti of this
228 absorption.
?
229 What is nirodhasamdpatti or the "absorption of extinction? "
43a. In the same way, the absorption that bears the name of nirodha or "extinctioa"
That is to say, the absorption of extinction is like asamjnika, the non-conscious absorption: it is a dharma that arrests the mind and its mental states.
What are the differences between the non-conscious absorption and the absorption of extinction?
43b. It is viewed as tranquility;
1. Aryans cultivate this absorption because they consider it as the
230
absorption of tranquility. One cultivates the non-conscious absorp-
tion because one regards non-consciousness as being deliverance
(nihsarana-moksa).
43c. Arisen from Bhavagra;
2. It belongs to the sphere of Bhavagra, that is, one penetrates it upon leaving naivasamjndndsarnjndyatana absorption (viii. 4), whereas the non-conscious absorption belongs to the sphere of the Fourth Dhyana.
43d. Good;
3. It is good; it is not neutral or defiled, for its originating cause is good (iv. 9b).
43e. Of two retributions and neutral;
4. It admits of two types of retribution, being either "retributive in
the next existence," or "retributive later" {aparaparydyavedaniya, 231
iv. 50). Its retribution is also unnecessary, for the ascetic who has practiced it can obtain Nirvana in the present existence.
Of what does its retribution consist?
This absorption produces the four skandhas of Bhavagra, i. e. , an existence in Bhavagra (iii. 3).
The Indnyas 225
? 226 Chapter two
A$L Aryans
5. It is produced only by Aryans, not by Pjthagjanas. These latter
232
cannot produce it (1) because they fear annihilation, and (2) because
this absorption can only be produced through the power of the Path:
in fact, it is the ascetic who has seen Nirvana who is determined to
233 obtain it.
43g. It is obtained through effort.
6. Although obtained by the Aryans, it is not obtained merely through the fact of detachment. It is only realized through effort.
One does not possess this absorption in the past or in the future; this point has been explained in the matter of the non-conscious absorption.
44a. In that which concerns the Muni, it is obtained through Bodhi itself.
The Buddha obtains the absorption of extinction at the moment when he becomes a Buddha, that is, at the moment of ksayajndna (vi. 67). No quality of the Buddha is obtained through effort; all of his qualities are acquired through the simple fact of detachment: as soon as
234 he desires it, the mass of qualities arise at will.
How is it that the Blessed One, without having formerly produced this absorption (i. e. , nirodhasamdpatti), would become, at the moment of Bodhi (kfayajnana), "twofold delivered," that is, delivered from the obstacles of the defilements and delivered from the obstacles to absorption (samapattydvarana, vi. 64)?
He becomes "twofold delivered" exactly as if he had previously
produced this absorption, for he possesses the power of realizing this
absorption whenever he wishes (Vibhdsd, TD 27, p. 780b26). 25
The Masters of the West (Pdscdtya) * maintain that the Bodhi- sattva first produced this absorption in the state of Saiksa, and then obtained Bodhi. Why do we not adopt this opinion?
This would be to follow the Netripadasdstra of the Sthavira Upagupta, which says, "One who, after having produced the absorp- tion of extinction, produces ksayajndna, should be called a Tathagata. "
? 44b. But not previously.
The Vaibhasikas of Kasmlr deny that the Bodhisattva produces the
absorption of extinction before producing ksayajndna.
44c. For the Muni conquers Bodhi in thirty-four moments.
The School admits in fact (Vibhdsd TD 7, p. 780bl0) that the Bodhisattva obtains Bodhi in thirty-four moments, namely sixteen moments that constitute the "comprehension of the Truths" (satyd- bhisamaya, vi. 27) and eighteen moments that constitute the abandon- ing of the defilements relative to Bhavagra {-naivasamjndndsam-
jndyatana), i. e. , nine dnantaryamargas and nine vimuktimdrgas (vi. 44). The eighteenth moment is ksayajndna. These thirty-four moments suffice, for, before entering into the "comprehension of the Truths," the Bodhisattva, still a Prthagjana (iii. 41), detaches himself through the worldly path from all spheres, with the exception of Bhavagra. The eighteen moments form a path during the course of which the Saint does not produce a mind of a different nature, that is, a worldly, impure mind, for example the mind entering the absorption of extinction. Hence the Bodhisattva, in the stage of Saiksa, that is, before becoming an Arhat, enters the comprehension of the Truths and the eighteenth moment of the abandoning of Bhavagra, but he does not produce the absorption of extinction.
237
The Foreigners (bahirdesaka) say, "What harm is there in the
Bodhisattva producing this impure mind? "
In this hypothesis, the Bodhisattva oversteps his resolution (yyut-
m
thanasayah sydt); now the Bohisattva does not overstep his
resolution.
This is true, he does not overstep his resolution; but this does not
mean that he would not overstep the Pure Path in producing an impure mind.
How, in this hypothesis, would he not overstep his resolution?
He has taken upon himself the resolution (Madhyamdgama, TD 1,
239
p. 777al2), "I shall not leave this sitting position
destruction of all the defilements. " Now he does not overstep this resolution, for it is in one "sitting" (dsana, vi. 24a-b) that he realizes his
The Indriyas 227
before I obtain the
236
? 228 Chapter Two
240 goal.
Although the two absorptions, the non-conscious absorption and the absorption of extinction, present many differences, they have this in common:
44d. But these two absorptions take place in persons in
241 Kamadhatu and Rupadhatu.
To deny that the non-conscious absorption is produced in Rupa-
242
dhatu is to contradia the Mulasastra, which says, "There is an
245 existence in Rupadhatu that does not admit of the five skandhas,
namely (1) the existence of beings in Rupadhatu who, conscious by
nature, enter into the non-conscious absorption and into the absorp-
244
tion of extinction, and (2) the existence of beings in Rupadhatu who
are in possession of dsamjnika, and who are born among the Non- Conscious Ones. "
From this text it results that the two absorptions are cultivated by beings of Kamadhatu and Rupadhatu.
There is however this difference between the two absorptions:
44e. The absorption of extinction is, for the first time, among humans.
A person who has never produced the non-conscious absorption can produce this absorption either in Kamadhatu or in Rupadhatu; but it is necessary to be a human in order to produce the absorption of extinction for the first time. A human, an Aryan, who has produced this absorption can fall from it, and losing possession (firdpti) of it, can be reborn in Rupadhatu and produce this absorption anew.
But the question is raised whether one can fall from the absorption of extinction, which is similar (sadrsa) to Nirvana.
Yes, [answer the Vaibhasikas;] to deny falling is to contradict the
245
Uddyi-sutra, which says, "Brothers, a Bhiksu is endowed with
morality, with absorption, and with discernment. It is possible for him to enter many times into the absorption of extinction and leave it. If, in
246
this life, he does not attain djnd,
death; but after the destruction of his body, going beyond the gods of
nor attain it at the moment of his
? gross eating, he is reborn in a heavenly mental body; and thus reborn it is possible for him to then enter many times into the absorption of extinction and leave it. "
This text shows in fact that one can fall from nirodhasamapatti. On the one hand the Buddha would have us understand that the
247
mental body that aariputra speaks of belongs to Rupadhatu. On the
other hand, the absorption of extinction is of the realm of Bhavagra, the highest state of Arupyadhatu. If a Bhiksu who possesses it does not fall from it, and if he does not lose it, he will not be able to repeat his
248 birth in Rupadhatu.
249
According to another school,
belongs to the Fourth Dhyana and is not subject to falling.
This opinion is not correct. This absorption does not belong to the
Fourth Dhyana, for the Sutra teaches that one acquires nine absorp-
250 tions one after the other.
How then do you explain the vyukrantaka absorption (viii. l8c) in which the ascetic passes over different stages of absorption?
The rule of the successive production of the absorptions concerns
251
the beginner. He who has acquired mastery passes over the
absorptions at will.
***
There are differences between these two absorptions:
1. from the point of view of their spheres: the first is of the Fourth
Dhyana, the second of Bhavagra (naivasamjnandsamjndyatana)
2. from the point of view of their antecedents or preparations (prayoga): the first proceeds from the idea of deliverance falsely identified with non-consciousness; the second, from the idea of
stillness;
3. from the point of view of the person (samtdna)\ the first is
produced in a Pphagjana; the second, in an Aryan;
4. from the point of view of the nature of their retribution: the first
produces birth among the Non-Conscious Ones; the second, birth in Bhavagra (Kathavatthu, xv. 10);
the absorption of extinction also
The Indriyas 229
? 230 Chapter Two
5. from the point of view of the characteristic of their retribution. The retribution of the first is necessary, and takes place in the next existence; the retribution of the second is necessary in the case of an Anagamin, but not necessary in the case of an Arhat; and when it dqes take place, it takes place in the next existence or later;
6. from the point of view of its production for the first time. The first is indifferently produced within the two spheres of existence; the second, only among humans.
***
The characteristic common to these two absorptions is the arresting of the mind and its mental states.
Why is the first called "absorption free from ideas" (asamjnisama- patti) and the second "absorption of extinction of ideas and sensations"
(samjnaveditanirodhasamdpatti) ?
Because the preparation from the first merely opposes ideas,
whereas preparation for the second opposes both ideas and sensations. In the same way paracittajnana (vii. 5b), "knowledge of the mind of
another," bears on the mental states of someone else: it receives this
restrictive name because its preparation alludes only to the mind of
253 another.
***
254
How, upon coming out of this absorption, can a new mind be born
255 from a mind destroyed for a long time?
The Vaibhasikas find no difficulty in this: past dharmas exist (v. 25). Consequently the mind previous to this absorption, the mind- in-absorption (samapatticitta) or "the mind of entry into the absorp- tion" is the similar and immediate cause (samanantarapratyana, ii. 62) of the mind after the absorption or the "mind-of-leaving" {vyut- thanacitta\ Vibhasa, TD 27, p. 777bl8).
In the two absorptions, the mind is interrupted for a long time.
[The Sautrantikas reason as follows:] When a person is born in
252
? Arupyadhatu, rUpa or matter is cut off for a long period of time (iii. 81b): if this person is then reborn in Kamadhatu or in Rupadhatu, his new rupa does not proceed from the series of rupa previously interrupted for a long time, but rather, from the mind. In the same way, the mind of leaving the absorption does not have for its cause the mind previous to the absorption: it is born from "a body possessing organs". This is why the Ancient Masters said, "Two dharmas are the seed one of the other: these two dharmas are a mind and a body possessing organs. "
256
Vasumitra says in the treatise entitled Pariprccha: "This dif-
ficulty, i. e. , 'How is the mind reborn after absorption? ', interests those who consider the absorption of extinction as free from mind But I maintain that this absorption is accompanied by a subtle mind The
257 difficulty does not exist for me. "
The Bhadanta Ghosaka regards this opinion as wrong. In fact, if any consciousness (vijndna) resides in this absorption, there would be contaa (sparsa) through the coming together of the three, conscious- ness, organ, and object; by reason of contaa, there would be sensation (yedana) and ideas (samjna) (iii. 30b). As the Blessed One teaches, "By reason of the mental organ and the dharmas, mental consciousness arises; by the coming together of these three, there is contaa;
258
sensation, ideas, and volition arise at the same time. " Hence, if one
admits that the mind (yijftana, citta) continues to exist in this absorption, sensation and ideas will not be arrested in it. Now this absorption is called the extinaion of sensation and ideas (samjnavedi- tanirodha).
[Vasumitra answers:] The Sutra says, "By reason of sensation, there is thirst," and yet, although Arhats experience sensation, thirst does not arise in them. The same here: every contaa is not a cause of sensation.
This reasoning is not conclusive. The Sutra, in faa, specifies,
"Thirst arises by reason of sensation born of contact which is
259
accompanied by ignorance" (iii. 27). Whereas it says, "Sensation
arises by reason of contaa. " Hence, say the Vaibhasikas, the mind is interrupted in the absorption of extinction.
The Indrryas 231
? 232 Chapter Two
[Vasumitra asks:] If this absorption is completely free of mind, how is it an absorption (samapatti)?
It is called an absorption because it puts the primary elements into
260
a state of equilibrium contrary to the production of the mind; or
rather because ascetics penetrate (samapadyante) it by the power of their minds: it is for this reason that the Dhyanas, etc. , are called samapattis.
###
Should one consider the two absorptions as existing in and of themselves {dravyatas)?
Yes, [answer the Sarvastivadins,] for they thwart the arising of the mind.
No, [answer the Sautrantikas,] it is not what you term "absorp- tion" that hinders the arising of the mind; rather, it is the "mind in absorption" (samdpatticitta), the mind that preceeds the state of absorption: this mind, being opposed to the arising of the mind, causes other minds to not arise for a certain time. The mind of absorption
261
renders the person
of the mind. What is called "absorption" is simply the non-existence of the mind for a certain period of time; not a thing in and of itself (dravyadharma), but a "thing of designation" (prajnaptidharma).
[The Sarvastivadins:] How can an absorption be conditioned (samskrta) if it is not a thing in and of itself?
This "non-existence of the mind" was not realized before the mind of absorption; it ceases when the ascetic produces anew the mind {vyutthanacitta: the mind leaving the absorption). One can then, in a manner of speaking, designate it as being "conditioned," since it begins and ends. Or rather, what we call "absorption" is the condition of the person, a condition that results from the mind of absorption.
The same holds for non-consciousness {asamjnika, ii. 41b-c). Asamjnika is not a thing in and of itself that hinders the arising of the mind; but we designate by this term the state of non-consciousness of the Non-Conscious gods, a state that results from a certain mind.
or series contrary to, and unfitted to the arising
? The Vaibhasikas do not agree with this opinion; they maintain that
262
asamjnika and the two absorptions are things in and of themselves. ***
What is the vital organ? 45a. Jivita is life (ayus).
264
In fact, the Abhidharma
ayus of the three spheres of existence. "
What sort of dharma is the ayus}
45b. The support of warmth and consciousness.
For the Blessed One said, "When life, warmth and consciousness
265
leave the body, the body lies abandoned, like wood, lacking feeling. There exists then a distinct dharma, a support of warmth and of
266 consciousness, a cause of the duration of the series, named ayus.
***
[The Sautrantikas deny that the vital organ exists in and of itself. ]
[1. The Sautrantikas:] If the ayus supports warmth and conscious- ness, what supports it?
[The Vaibhasikas:] It is supported by warmth and consciousness.
(The Sautrantikas:] If these three dharmas,--life, warmth, and consciousness, --mutually support one another and continue to exist by means of this mutual support, how do they come to an end? Which perishes first, the destruction of which entails the destruction of the others? For if one of them does not perish first, then these three dharmas will be eternal and will not perish.
[The Vaibhasikas:] The ayus is supported by means of actions; the ayus has been projected through actions and continues to exist as long as the projection of action allows it to do so.
[The Sautrantikas:] If this is so, why admit that warmth and consciousness are supported by actions? What do we have to do with
265
says, "What is the jivitendriya? . The
The Indriyas 233
? 234 Chapter Two
the dyus?
[The Vaibhasikas:] That which is supported by action is, in its
nature, retribution. If the consciousness were supported by action, all consciousness from the womb to death, would be retribution: and this is false. Hence the necessity of the dyus, supported by action, the support of warmth and consciousness.
[The Sautrantikas:] You say then that action supports warmth and that warmth supports consciousness. Then the dyus is useless.
[The Vaibhasikas:] The dyus is necessary, for warmth is absent in Arupyadhatu. What is the support of consciousness in Arupyadhatu if the dyus does not exist?
[The Sautrantikas:] In Arupyadhatu, consciousness is supported by action.
[The Vaibhasikas:] Do you have the right to change your mind?
Sometimes you maintain that the consciousness is supported by
267 warmth, and sometimes you maintain that it is supported by actions.
But on the other hand, you have admitted that one should avoid the conclusion that all consciousnesses, from the womb to death, are retribution. Consequently the dyus exists, and it is the support of warmth and consciousness.
[2. The Sautrantikas:] We do not deny the existence of the dyus. We only say that the dyus is not a thing in and of itself.
[The Vaibhasikas:] Then what is the dharma that you call dyus}
[The Sautrantikas:] It is a certain power that the action of a previous existence places in a being at the moment of its conception, a power through which the skandhas renew themsleves for a deter- mined length of time in this homogeneous series that constitutes an existence (nikdyasabhdga, ii. 41), in the same way a seed places a certain power in the sprout by which the plant develops to maturity.
[Objection. ] In this hypothesis, at the sixteenth moment
(marge'nvayajndna), the saint will be a Prthagjana and not an Aryan,
206 for at this moment, the initial ksanti is lost.
? No, for the non-possession of the ksanti which constitutes the state of Pfthagjana has been absolutely destroyed in the first stage.
[Objection. ] The ksanti in question is threefold: of the family of the Sravakas, of the family of the Pratyekabuddhas, and of the family of the Buddhas (vi. 23). Of which of these three types are you speaking in your definition of the state of Prthagjana?
We mean to speak of three types of ksanti.
Be careful! The Buddha, not possessing the three types of ksanti^ would then be a Prthagjana!
We intend to speak of the non-possession of the ksanti which is not accompanied by possession . . . and thus following, as above, to the example "that which lives solely on water,'" "that which lives solely on wind. "
Hence the effort attempted in order to avoid the objection: "Be careful! To believe you, a person in possession of duhkhe dharma- jnanaksanti would be a Prthagjana . . . " is in vain. The best explana- tion is that of the Sautrantikas. To them, the state of Prthagjana is a
series in which the dharmas of the Aryans have not arisen. ***
How does non-possession perish?
40c-d It is abandoned through acquisition (prdpti), and through passing to another stage.
For example, the non-possession of the Path, which constitutes the
207 and (2) when one passes to another stage. The same holds for the
state of Pjrthagjana, is abandoned (1) when one acquires the Path, 208
209 non-possession of the other dharmas.
[Objection:] Non-possession is abandoned (1) when one produces the non-possession of non-possession, that is to say, when, changing one's stage of existence, one ceases to possess the state of Prthagjana; and (2) when the possession of non-possession is cut off, that is to say, when, acquiring the Path, one cuts off the state of Prthagjana.
Does this mean that there is possession of possession and non-
The lndriyas 217
? 218 Chapter Two
possession, and that there is non-possession of possession and non- possession?
Yes. There is possession and non-possession of possession and non-possession, which is called "secondary possession" (anuprapti), or "secondary non-possession. " One then distinguishes between mula- prdti and anuprdpti or prdptiprdpti.
Doesn't this doctrine lead to infinite progression?
No, for one possessess possession through the fact of possession of
possession and vice versa. There is possession of the one through the
fact of the other. Let us explain. When a certain dharma is produced in
a given person, three dharmas arise together, namely: 1) this dharma
itself, which is called the muladharma', 2) the prdpti of this mula-
dharma', and. 3) the prdpti of this prdpti. The person in question
possesses the muladharma and the prdpti of the prdpti by the fact of
the arising of the prdpti', he possesses this prdpti by the fact of the
arising of the prdpti. TM Hence there is no infinite progression. When a 211
good or a defiled dharma arises, at this very moment three dharmas arise together, inclusive of this good or defiled dharma, namely: the
211 muladharma, its prdpti, and the prdpti of this prdpti which is the
prdpti of the prdptiprdpti of the first moment, plus three anuprdptis through the fact that one is in possession of the three aforementioned prdptis. In this third moment eighteen dharmas arise together, namely nine prdptis: the prdptis of the three dharmas produced in the first moment, prdptis of the six dharmas produced in the second moment, plus nine anuprdptis through the fact that one in in possession of the nine aforementioned prdptis.
Thus the prdptis continue increasing in number from moment to
213
moment.
upaklesa), and of innate {upapattildbhika, ii. 71b) good dharmas with the dharmas that are associated (samprayukta, ii. 53c-d) and co-existent {sahabhu, ii. 50b) with them throughout beginningless and endless transmigration, arise, from moment to moment, in an infinite number. If one considers the series of one single being in the course of transmigration, those prdptis which arise at each moment are infinite in number. Considering all beings together, they (i. e. , the prdptis) are
The prdptis of present and future defilements (klesa and
? without measure, and without limit. Happily, they possess a great quality: they are non-material, and give way one to the other. If they were material, there could not be found enough room in the universe for the praptis of one single being, and even less for the prdptis of two beings!
214
What is "genre" or sameness of class designation?
41a. Sabhdgatd is that which causes resemblance between living
215
beings.
1. There exists an entity called sabhdgatd, a dhanna by virtue of which living beings, as well as the dharmas "that fall into the series of living beings" (sattvasamkhydta, i. 10), have resemblence between them (Vibhdsd, TD 27, p. 138a9). _
2. The Sastra (Jndnaprasthdna, etc. ) designates this entity by the name of nikdyasabhdga: the author uses the term sabhdgatd for metric reasons.
3. Sabhdgatd is of two types, general and particular. The first is found in all living beings: by virtue of it, there is resemblance of any living being with all other living beings. This is called sattvasabhdgatd.
The second has numerous subdivisions: each of these subdivisions
is found only in certain beings. Living beings are differenciated
according to their spheres of existence, the different stages of these
spheres, their realm of rebirth (gati, iii. 4), their wombs (iii. 9), their
caste (jdti, as Brahmins, etc. ), their sex, the state of Upasaka (iv. 14),
216
Bhiksu, Saiksa, or Arhat, etc.
virtue of which each living being of a certain species resembles living beings of this same species.
4. There is, furthermore, sabhdgatd of dharmas that belong to living beings, dharmasabhdgatd, which in turn distinguishes the skandhas, the dyatanas and the dhdtus: skandhasabhdgatd, etc. , rupaskandhasabhdgatd, etc.
This holds as well for sabhdgatds, by
The Indrtyas 219
? 220 Chapter Two
5. In the absence of a separate entity, namely sabhdgatd, how does
one explain general ideas (buddhi) and expressions (prajnapti), such as
"living beings," etc. , applied to some beings that differ one from
another? In this same way, it is solely by reason of dharmasabhdgatd 217
that the ideas and expressions, "skandha" "dhdtus" etc. , are justified. 6. Do we conclude that one transmigrates, that one dies and is born
without abandoning and without taking up a certain sattvasabhagata (state of a human being, etc. )? There are four alternatives: 1. to die in a place (Kamadhatu for example) and be reborn in the same place: the sabhdgatd remains the same, regardless of transmigration; 2. to enter into one's predetermined realm of rebirth (niydmdvakranti, vi. 26a): without there being transmigration, there is yet the abandoning of the sabhdgatd of the Prthagjanas and the acquisition of the sabhdgatd of the Saints; 3. to die in one realm of rebirth, the human realm of rebirth, etc. , and to be reborn in another realm of rebirth; 4. all other cases.
[The Sautrantikas do not admit the existence of a dharma called sabhdgatd and present many objections to it. ]
1. If a certain entity called "the genre of Prthagjana" exists, for what purpose do we imagine the state of Prthagjana consisting of the non-possession of the Aryadharmas (ii. 40c)? Someone will be a Prthagjana through the genre of Prthagjana in the way that someone is a human through the genre "human" for the Vaibhasikas do not imagine a state of human different from the genre "human. "
2. Ordinary people do not recoginize sabhdgatd through the direct preception of the senses (pratyaksa)) they do not infer the existence of the sabhdgatd through an operation of the intelligence (prajnd), for sabhdgatd does not exercise any action by which one could know it: although people do not know anything of sattvasabhagata they recognize the non-difference of the species of beings. Hence, what would be the use in supposing that a sabhdgatd exists?
3. Why does the School refuse sabhdgatd to things that are not living beings, such as rice and corn, gold and iron, mango and bread- fruit trees?
4. The different sabhdgatds that the School recognizes, sabhdgatds
? of living beings, of spheres, of realms of rebirth, etc. , are distinct one from another. Yet one has, for all of them, common ideas and designations: all are sabhdgatds.
5. [The Sarvastivadins are the proponents of the doctrine of the Vaisesikas. ] The Vaisesikas admit a certain entity (paddrtha) called "sameness" {sdmdnya), by virtue of which there is produced, with regard to things, similar ideas and designations; they believe also in another entity, called "difference" {visesa), from whence proceeds specific ideas and designations with regard to different species.
The Vaibhasikas protest that their theory is not to be confused with that of the Vaisesikas, who believe that genre or sameness (sdmdnya) & unique substance {paddrtha), exists in a multitude of individuals. Hence even if they approve of the Vaisesikas admitting genre {sdmdnya), they still condemn their interpretation of it. As for sabhagatd, it exists in and of itself (as a dravya), for the Blessed One, speaking of a murderer who is reborn in hell, continues, saying, "If he
218 is reborn here, if he obtains the sabhagatd of humans . . . "
[The Sautrantikas answer:] By expressing itself in this way, the Sutra does not teach the existence of a thing in and of itself called sabhagatd. What then does the Sutra designate by the word sabhagatd} By the expression sabhagatd of humans," etc. , the Sutra means a similarity in the manner of being: in the same way, sabhagatd of rice, corn, beans, etc.
219 This opinion is not admitted by the Vaibhasikas.
**#
What is non-consciousness {dsamjnika)?
41b-c. Non-consciousness is that which, among the Non-
220 conscious Ones, arrests the mind and its mental states.
Among the beings who take birth among the Non-Conscious Ones, i. e. , the non-conscious gods, there is a dhanna that arrests the mind and its mental states, and which is called "non-consciousness. " By this dharma, the mind and future dharmas are, for a certain time,
The Indriyas 221
? 222 Chapter Two
hindered from being produced and do not have the power to arise. This dharma is similar to what arrests the water of a river, that is, to a dike.
This dharma is exclusively 41d. Retribution.
It is exclusively the retribution of non-conscious absorption
221
Where do these non-conscious gods reside?
41d. They live in Brhatphala.
In the heaven of the Brhatphalas there is a raised place which is
the dwelling of the Non-Conscious Ones, in the same way as the
(asamjnisamdpatti, ii. 42a).
dhydndntarikd, the dwelling of the Mahabrahma gods, is raised within 222
the heaven of the Brahmapurohitas (iii. 2c; Vibhdsd, TD 27, p. 784b5).
Are the Non-Conscious Ones called this because they are always non-conscious, or are they sometimes conscious?
They are conscious at birth and at death (iii. 42; Vibhasd, TD 27, p.
223
784c8);
suspended for a very long time. When, after this long time, they produce a consciousness again, they die. As it says in the Sutra "When they produce consciousness again, they die, like a person awakening after sleep. "
Dying in the non-conscious heaven, they are necessarily reborn in Kamadhatu and nowhere else. (1) In fact, the force of asamjnisamd- patti (ii. 42a), by which these beings are born among the Non- Conscious Ones, is exhausted; they have not been in a position to practice asamjnisamdpatti: hence they die, as arrows fall to the ground when their impetus is spent. (2) On the other hand, beings who are reborn among the Non-Conscious Ones necessarily possess an action "retributive in Kamadhatu" and "retributive in the second existence" (iv. 50b). In this same way beings who are reborn in Uttarakuru (iii. 90c-d) necessarily possesses an action retributive in a heavenly realm of rebirth immediately after their existence in Uttarakuru.
they are called non-conscious because their consciousness is
? The Mulasastra says, "What are the two samapattis or absorp- 224
tions? They are asamjnisamapa&ti, the non-conscious absorption, 225
and nirodhasamdpaPti, the absorption of extinction. "
What is the non-conscious absorption?
In the same way that asamjnika is a dharma that arrests the mind
and its mental states,
42a. The same for the non-conscious absorption.
The non-conscious absorption is an absorption in which the ascetic is non-conscious, or in an absorption free from consciousness.
The word "the same" shows that this absorption, like asamjnika, arrests the mind and its mental states.
To which bhumi does it belong? 42b. In the Fourth Dhyana.
In order to cultivate this absorption, the ascetic should have entered the Fourth Dhyana.
Why does one cultivate it?
42c. Through desire for deliverance.
The ascetic falsely imagines that asamjnika, the non-consciousness that constitutes the result of the non-conscious absorption, is true deliverence.
Asamjnika, being retribution, is necessarily morally neutral. As for the non-conscious absorption, it is
42d. Good.
It produces as its retributive result the five skandhas of a non- conscious god, who, as we know, is conscious at birth and at death.
To what category does it belong from the point of view of retribution?
42e. Solely retribution in the next existence.
The Indfiyas 223
? 224 Chapter Two
It is not "retributive in this life" or "retributive later;" it is no longer of "unnecessary retribution" (iv. 50).
Without doubt, an ascetic can fall from this absorption after having produced it; but, [according to the Vaibhasikas,] he will produce it again and be reborn among the Non-Conscious Ones. This is to say that the ascetic who takes possession of this absorption will certainly
226 not enter into a "predestined" realm of rebirth (vi. 26a).
This absorption is cultivated only by Prthagjanas. 42f. Not by Aryans.
The Aryans consider this absorption as a precipice, a calamity, and do not value entering it.
On the contrary, Prthagjanas identify non-consciousness (asam- jnika) with true deliverance; they have no idea of "going out" with respect to it; hence they cultivate the absorption that leads to it. But Aryans know that the impure cannot be true deliverance. Hence they
do not cultivate this absorption.
When Aryans enter into the Fourth Dhyana, do they obtain the
prdpti of this past and future absorption, the same as one obtains the prdpti of the Fourth Dhyana of the past and the future as soon as one
227 enters into the Fourth Dhyana?
Non-Aryans do not obtain the prdpti of the non-conscious absorption of the past and future.
Why?
Having cultivated it many time previously, this absorption can only be realized through great effort; as it is not mind,
42g. It is obtained in one time period.
One takes possession of this absorption, not in the past, not in the
future, but in one time period, that is, in the present, as is also the case
for the prdtimoksa discipline (iv. 35). In the second moment of this
absorption, and in all the moments that follow the obtaining of this
absorption until the moment when it ends, one possesses it in the past
and in the present. On the other hand, since this absorption is not
mind, it is impossible for one to acquire a future prdpti of this
228 absorption.
?
229 What is nirodhasamdpatti or the "absorption of extinction? "
43a. In the same way, the absorption that bears the name of nirodha or "extinctioa"
That is to say, the absorption of extinction is like asamjnika, the non-conscious absorption: it is a dharma that arrests the mind and its mental states.
What are the differences between the non-conscious absorption and the absorption of extinction?
43b. It is viewed as tranquility;
1. Aryans cultivate this absorption because they consider it as the
230
absorption of tranquility. One cultivates the non-conscious absorp-
tion because one regards non-consciousness as being deliverance
(nihsarana-moksa).
43c. Arisen from Bhavagra;
2. It belongs to the sphere of Bhavagra, that is, one penetrates it upon leaving naivasamjndndsarnjndyatana absorption (viii. 4), whereas the non-conscious absorption belongs to the sphere of the Fourth Dhyana.
43d. Good;
3. It is good; it is not neutral or defiled, for its originating cause is good (iv. 9b).
43e. Of two retributions and neutral;
4. It admits of two types of retribution, being either "retributive in
the next existence," or "retributive later" {aparaparydyavedaniya, 231
iv. 50). Its retribution is also unnecessary, for the ascetic who has practiced it can obtain Nirvana in the present existence.
Of what does its retribution consist?
This absorption produces the four skandhas of Bhavagra, i. e. , an existence in Bhavagra (iii. 3).
The Indnyas 225
? 226 Chapter two
A$L Aryans
5. It is produced only by Aryans, not by Pjthagjanas. These latter
232
cannot produce it (1) because they fear annihilation, and (2) because
this absorption can only be produced through the power of the Path:
in fact, it is the ascetic who has seen Nirvana who is determined to
233 obtain it.
43g. It is obtained through effort.
6. Although obtained by the Aryans, it is not obtained merely through the fact of detachment. It is only realized through effort.
One does not possess this absorption in the past or in the future; this point has been explained in the matter of the non-conscious absorption.
44a. In that which concerns the Muni, it is obtained through Bodhi itself.
The Buddha obtains the absorption of extinction at the moment when he becomes a Buddha, that is, at the moment of ksayajndna (vi. 67). No quality of the Buddha is obtained through effort; all of his qualities are acquired through the simple fact of detachment: as soon as
234 he desires it, the mass of qualities arise at will.
How is it that the Blessed One, without having formerly produced this absorption (i. e. , nirodhasamdpatti), would become, at the moment of Bodhi (kfayajnana), "twofold delivered," that is, delivered from the obstacles of the defilements and delivered from the obstacles to absorption (samapattydvarana, vi. 64)?
He becomes "twofold delivered" exactly as if he had previously
produced this absorption, for he possesses the power of realizing this
absorption whenever he wishes (Vibhdsd, TD 27, p. 780b26). 25
The Masters of the West (Pdscdtya) * maintain that the Bodhi- sattva first produced this absorption in the state of Saiksa, and then obtained Bodhi. Why do we not adopt this opinion?
This would be to follow the Netripadasdstra of the Sthavira Upagupta, which says, "One who, after having produced the absorp- tion of extinction, produces ksayajndna, should be called a Tathagata. "
? 44b. But not previously.
The Vaibhasikas of Kasmlr deny that the Bodhisattva produces the
absorption of extinction before producing ksayajndna.
44c. For the Muni conquers Bodhi in thirty-four moments.
The School admits in fact (Vibhdsd TD 7, p. 780bl0) that the Bodhisattva obtains Bodhi in thirty-four moments, namely sixteen moments that constitute the "comprehension of the Truths" (satyd- bhisamaya, vi. 27) and eighteen moments that constitute the abandon- ing of the defilements relative to Bhavagra {-naivasamjndndsam-
jndyatana), i. e. , nine dnantaryamargas and nine vimuktimdrgas (vi. 44). The eighteenth moment is ksayajndna. These thirty-four moments suffice, for, before entering into the "comprehension of the Truths," the Bodhisattva, still a Prthagjana (iii. 41), detaches himself through the worldly path from all spheres, with the exception of Bhavagra. The eighteen moments form a path during the course of which the Saint does not produce a mind of a different nature, that is, a worldly, impure mind, for example the mind entering the absorption of extinction. Hence the Bodhisattva, in the stage of Saiksa, that is, before becoming an Arhat, enters the comprehension of the Truths and the eighteenth moment of the abandoning of Bhavagra, but he does not produce the absorption of extinction.
237
The Foreigners (bahirdesaka) say, "What harm is there in the
Bodhisattva producing this impure mind? "
In this hypothesis, the Bodhisattva oversteps his resolution (yyut-
m
thanasayah sydt); now the Bohisattva does not overstep his
resolution.
This is true, he does not overstep his resolution; but this does not
mean that he would not overstep the Pure Path in producing an impure mind.
How, in this hypothesis, would he not overstep his resolution?
He has taken upon himself the resolution (Madhyamdgama, TD 1,
239
p. 777al2), "I shall not leave this sitting position
destruction of all the defilements. " Now he does not overstep this resolution, for it is in one "sitting" (dsana, vi. 24a-b) that he realizes his
The Indriyas 227
before I obtain the
236
? 228 Chapter Two
240 goal.
Although the two absorptions, the non-conscious absorption and the absorption of extinction, present many differences, they have this in common:
44d. But these two absorptions take place in persons in
241 Kamadhatu and Rupadhatu.
To deny that the non-conscious absorption is produced in Rupa-
242
dhatu is to contradia the Mulasastra, which says, "There is an
245 existence in Rupadhatu that does not admit of the five skandhas,
namely (1) the existence of beings in Rupadhatu who, conscious by
nature, enter into the non-conscious absorption and into the absorp-
244
tion of extinction, and (2) the existence of beings in Rupadhatu who
are in possession of dsamjnika, and who are born among the Non- Conscious Ones. "
From this text it results that the two absorptions are cultivated by beings of Kamadhatu and Rupadhatu.
There is however this difference between the two absorptions:
44e. The absorption of extinction is, for the first time, among humans.
A person who has never produced the non-conscious absorption can produce this absorption either in Kamadhatu or in Rupadhatu; but it is necessary to be a human in order to produce the absorption of extinction for the first time. A human, an Aryan, who has produced this absorption can fall from it, and losing possession (firdpti) of it, can be reborn in Rupadhatu and produce this absorption anew.
But the question is raised whether one can fall from the absorption of extinction, which is similar (sadrsa) to Nirvana.
Yes, [answer the Vaibhasikas;] to deny falling is to contradict the
245
Uddyi-sutra, which says, "Brothers, a Bhiksu is endowed with
morality, with absorption, and with discernment. It is possible for him to enter many times into the absorption of extinction and leave it. If, in
246
this life, he does not attain djnd,
death; but after the destruction of his body, going beyond the gods of
nor attain it at the moment of his
? gross eating, he is reborn in a heavenly mental body; and thus reborn it is possible for him to then enter many times into the absorption of extinction and leave it. "
This text shows in fact that one can fall from nirodhasamapatti. On the one hand the Buddha would have us understand that the
247
mental body that aariputra speaks of belongs to Rupadhatu. On the
other hand, the absorption of extinction is of the realm of Bhavagra, the highest state of Arupyadhatu. If a Bhiksu who possesses it does not fall from it, and if he does not lose it, he will not be able to repeat his
248 birth in Rupadhatu.
249
According to another school,
belongs to the Fourth Dhyana and is not subject to falling.
This opinion is not correct. This absorption does not belong to the
Fourth Dhyana, for the Sutra teaches that one acquires nine absorp-
250 tions one after the other.
How then do you explain the vyukrantaka absorption (viii. l8c) in which the ascetic passes over different stages of absorption?
The rule of the successive production of the absorptions concerns
251
the beginner. He who has acquired mastery passes over the
absorptions at will.
***
There are differences between these two absorptions:
1. from the point of view of their spheres: the first is of the Fourth
Dhyana, the second of Bhavagra (naivasamjnandsamjndyatana)
2. from the point of view of their antecedents or preparations (prayoga): the first proceeds from the idea of deliverance falsely identified with non-consciousness; the second, from the idea of
stillness;
3. from the point of view of the person (samtdna)\ the first is
produced in a Pphagjana; the second, in an Aryan;
4. from the point of view of the nature of their retribution: the first
produces birth among the Non-Conscious Ones; the second, birth in Bhavagra (Kathavatthu, xv. 10);
the absorption of extinction also
The Indriyas 229
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5. from the point of view of the characteristic of their retribution. The retribution of the first is necessary, and takes place in the next existence; the retribution of the second is necessary in the case of an Anagamin, but not necessary in the case of an Arhat; and when it dqes take place, it takes place in the next existence or later;
6. from the point of view of its production for the first time. The first is indifferently produced within the two spheres of existence; the second, only among humans.
***
The characteristic common to these two absorptions is the arresting of the mind and its mental states.
Why is the first called "absorption free from ideas" (asamjnisama- patti) and the second "absorption of extinction of ideas and sensations"
(samjnaveditanirodhasamdpatti) ?
Because the preparation from the first merely opposes ideas,
whereas preparation for the second opposes both ideas and sensations. In the same way paracittajnana (vii. 5b), "knowledge of the mind of
another," bears on the mental states of someone else: it receives this
restrictive name because its preparation alludes only to the mind of
253 another.
***
254
How, upon coming out of this absorption, can a new mind be born
255 from a mind destroyed for a long time?
The Vaibhasikas find no difficulty in this: past dharmas exist (v. 25). Consequently the mind previous to this absorption, the mind- in-absorption (samapatticitta) or "the mind of entry into the absorp- tion" is the similar and immediate cause (samanantarapratyana, ii. 62) of the mind after the absorption or the "mind-of-leaving" {vyut- thanacitta\ Vibhasa, TD 27, p. 777bl8).
In the two absorptions, the mind is interrupted for a long time.
[The Sautrantikas reason as follows:] When a person is born in
252
? Arupyadhatu, rUpa or matter is cut off for a long period of time (iii. 81b): if this person is then reborn in Kamadhatu or in Rupadhatu, his new rupa does not proceed from the series of rupa previously interrupted for a long time, but rather, from the mind. In the same way, the mind of leaving the absorption does not have for its cause the mind previous to the absorption: it is born from "a body possessing organs". This is why the Ancient Masters said, "Two dharmas are the seed one of the other: these two dharmas are a mind and a body possessing organs. "
256
Vasumitra says in the treatise entitled Pariprccha: "This dif-
ficulty, i. e. , 'How is the mind reborn after absorption? ', interests those who consider the absorption of extinction as free from mind But I maintain that this absorption is accompanied by a subtle mind The
257 difficulty does not exist for me. "
The Bhadanta Ghosaka regards this opinion as wrong. In fact, if any consciousness (vijndna) resides in this absorption, there would be contaa (sparsa) through the coming together of the three, conscious- ness, organ, and object; by reason of contaa, there would be sensation (yedana) and ideas (samjna) (iii. 30b). As the Blessed One teaches, "By reason of the mental organ and the dharmas, mental consciousness arises; by the coming together of these three, there is contaa;
258
sensation, ideas, and volition arise at the same time. " Hence, if one
admits that the mind (yijftana, citta) continues to exist in this absorption, sensation and ideas will not be arrested in it. Now this absorption is called the extinaion of sensation and ideas (samjnavedi- tanirodha).
[Vasumitra answers:] The Sutra says, "By reason of sensation, there is thirst," and yet, although Arhats experience sensation, thirst does not arise in them. The same here: every contaa is not a cause of sensation.
This reasoning is not conclusive. The Sutra, in faa, specifies,
"Thirst arises by reason of sensation born of contact which is
259
accompanied by ignorance" (iii. 27). Whereas it says, "Sensation
arises by reason of contaa. " Hence, say the Vaibhasikas, the mind is interrupted in the absorption of extinction.
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[Vasumitra asks:] If this absorption is completely free of mind, how is it an absorption (samapatti)?
It is called an absorption because it puts the primary elements into
260
a state of equilibrium contrary to the production of the mind; or
rather because ascetics penetrate (samapadyante) it by the power of their minds: it is for this reason that the Dhyanas, etc. , are called samapattis.
###
Should one consider the two absorptions as existing in and of themselves {dravyatas)?
Yes, [answer the Sarvastivadins,] for they thwart the arising of the mind.
No, [answer the Sautrantikas,] it is not what you term "absorp- tion" that hinders the arising of the mind; rather, it is the "mind in absorption" (samdpatticitta), the mind that preceeds the state of absorption: this mind, being opposed to the arising of the mind, causes other minds to not arise for a certain time. The mind of absorption
261
renders the person
of the mind. What is called "absorption" is simply the non-existence of the mind for a certain period of time; not a thing in and of itself (dravyadharma), but a "thing of designation" (prajnaptidharma).
[The Sarvastivadins:] How can an absorption be conditioned (samskrta) if it is not a thing in and of itself?
This "non-existence of the mind" was not realized before the mind of absorption; it ceases when the ascetic produces anew the mind {vyutthanacitta: the mind leaving the absorption). One can then, in a manner of speaking, designate it as being "conditioned," since it begins and ends. Or rather, what we call "absorption" is the condition of the person, a condition that results from the mind of absorption.
The same holds for non-consciousness {asamjnika, ii. 41b-c). Asamjnika is not a thing in and of itself that hinders the arising of the mind; but we designate by this term the state of non-consciousness of the Non-Conscious gods, a state that results from a certain mind.
or series contrary to, and unfitted to the arising
? The Vaibhasikas do not agree with this opinion; they maintain that
262
asamjnika and the two absorptions are things in and of themselves. ***
What is the vital organ? 45a. Jivita is life (ayus).
264
In fact, the Abhidharma
ayus of the three spheres of existence. "
What sort of dharma is the ayus}
45b. The support of warmth and consciousness.
For the Blessed One said, "When life, warmth and consciousness
265
leave the body, the body lies abandoned, like wood, lacking feeling. There exists then a distinct dharma, a support of warmth and of
266 consciousness, a cause of the duration of the series, named ayus.
***
[The Sautrantikas deny that the vital organ exists in and of itself. ]
[1. The Sautrantikas:] If the ayus supports warmth and conscious- ness, what supports it?
[The Vaibhasikas:] It is supported by warmth and consciousness.
(The Sautrantikas:] If these three dharmas,--life, warmth, and consciousness, --mutually support one another and continue to exist by means of this mutual support, how do they come to an end? Which perishes first, the destruction of which entails the destruction of the others? For if one of them does not perish first, then these three dharmas will be eternal and will not perish.
[The Vaibhasikas:] The ayus is supported by means of actions; the ayus has been projected through actions and continues to exist as long as the projection of action allows it to do so.
[The Sautrantikas:] If this is so, why admit that warmth and consciousness are supported by actions? What do we have to do with
265
says, "What is the jivitendriya? . The
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the dyus?
[The Vaibhasikas:] That which is supported by action is, in its
nature, retribution. If the consciousness were supported by action, all consciousness from the womb to death, would be retribution: and this is false. Hence the necessity of the dyus, supported by action, the support of warmth and consciousness.
[The Sautrantikas:] You say then that action supports warmth and that warmth supports consciousness. Then the dyus is useless.
[The Vaibhasikas:] The dyus is necessary, for warmth is absent in Arupyadhatu. What is the support of consciousness in Arupyadhatu if the dyus does not exist?
[The Sautrantikas:] In Arupyadhatu, consciousness is supported by action.
[The Vaibhasikas:] Do you have the right to change your mind?
Sometimes you maintain that the consciousness is supported by
267 warmth, and sometimes you maintain that it is supported by actions.
But on the other hand, you have admitted that one should avoid the conclusion that all consciousnesses, from the womb to death, are retribution. Consequently the dyus exists, and it is the support of warmth and consciousness.
[2. The Sautrantikas:] We do not deny the existence of the dyus. We only say that the dyus is not a thing in and of itself.
[The Vaibhasikas:] Then what is the dharma that you call dyus}
[The Sautrantikas:] It is a certain power that the action of a previous existence places in a being at the moment of its conception, a power through which the skandhas renew themsleves for a deter- mined length of time in this homogeneous series that constitutes an existence (nikdyasabhdga, ii. 41), in the same way a seed places a certain power in the sprout by which the plant develops to maturity.
