But can
apparitional
beings be bisexual?
Abhidharmakosabhasyam-Vol-1-Vasubandhu-Poussin-Pruden-1991
).
53
c. According to other masters, the ayuh-samskdras are that by
which existence lasts; the jivita-samskdras are that by which life is prolonged for a little while.
On the second point:
a. The Sutra uses the plural because the Saint extends or casts off many samskdras. There is no advantage, in fact, in extending a moment, or in casting off a moment: it is only by means of a series of moments that the Saint can procure the good of others; on the other hand, a moment cannot be a cause of suffering.
b. According to another opinion, the plural condemns the teaching
teaching of the Sarvastivadins that see an entity or dharma in thejivita and dyus. The terms jivita and dyus designate a number of samskdras existing simultaneously and belonging either to four or five skandhas according to their sphere of existence. If it were otherwise, the Sutra
On the first point:
the expression ayuh-samskdras designates
according to which the jivita or the dyus is an entity susceptible of 54
duration.
c. According to another opinion, the plural condemns the
55
The Indriyas 167
? 168 Chapter Two
would not use the expression "thepvita-skandhar" it would say "The Blessed One extends some jtvitas, and casts off some dyus. "
5. Why does the Blessed One cast off [death] and extend [life]?
With the aim of showing that he possesses mastery over death, he casts off death; with the aim of showing that he possesses mastery over life, he extends it. He extends it for a period of three months, no more, no less; after three months, there is nothing more to do for his followers, after his task is well achieved, for, short of three months, he
56
Or rather,
has well cultivated the four supernormal powers {rddhipdda, vi. 69b),
58
The Vaibhasikas
the aim of showing that he triumphs over the Mara who is the skandhas, and over the Mara who is death. In the first watch of the night, under the Bodhi Tree, he has already triumphed over the Mara who is a demon, and, in the third watch, over the Mara who is the
60
Which twelve?
lOb-c. With the exception of the last eight and dissatisfaction.
With the exception of the vital organ, which is always retribution, and of the nine that will be mentioned below (lOb-c) which are never retribution, the remaining twelve are of two types, sometimes retribu- tion, and sometimes non-retribution. This refers to the seven material organs, to the mental organ and to the four sensations, the sensation of dissatisfaction being excluded.
1. The seven material organs (organ of seeing, . . . male organ) are not retribution to the extent that they arise from accumulation (aupacayika, i. 37). In other cases, they are retribution.
2. The mental organ and the four organs of sensation are not retribution 1. ) when they are good or soiled, for whatever is retribution is morally neutral {avydkrtaji51)\ 2. ) when, still being neutral, they
would leave his task unachieved.
57
with the aim of realizing this vow: "Any Bhiksu who
can live, if he so desires, a kalpa or more. "
59
say: "The Blessed One casts off or extends with
defilements (Ekottarika, TD 2, p. 760b17 and following). " lOa-b. Twelve are of two types.
? 61
are, according to their type, either airyapathika, sailpasthanika, or
nairmanika (ii. 72). In other cases, they are retribution.
3. The last eight, faith, etc. , the anajnatamajnasyamindriya, etc. , are
good and consequently are not retribution.
4. But, we would say, how can one affirm that dissatisfaction is
never retribution? In fact, the Sutra says, "There is an action liable to result in satisfaction, there is an action liable to result in dissatisfaction,
62
[According to the Vaibhasikas,] the expression daurmanasya-
vedantya should be understood not as "an action that should be
experienced, resulting in a sensation of dissatisfaction," but rather as
"an action with which a sensation of dissatisfaction is associated. " In
fact, the Sutra says that contact is sukha-vedaniya: now pleasure
63
(sukha) is not the retribution of contact.
vendantya contact is contact with which a sensation of pleasure is associated. Hence daurmanasya-vedantya action is action with which a sensation of dissatisfaction is associated.
[We would answer:] You should explain the expressions sauma- nasya-vedantya and upeksa-vedaniya as you explain the expression daurmanasya-vendantya, since the three expressions figure in the same context in the Sutra. It follows that a saurmanasya-vedaniya action is an action "with which the sensation of satisfaction is associated," not an action "liable to retribution in satisfaction;" and it follows that as a consequence, the sensation of satisfaction is not retribution.
[The Vaibhasikas:] We see no problem in explaining the expres- sion saurmanasya-vedaniya either as "liable to retribution in satis- faction" or as "that with which satisfaction is associated. " But the second explanation of vedantya is only valid for the expression daurmanasya-vedantya. It refers to an action with which dissatisfaction is associated.
[We answer:] One could admit your interpretation of the Sutra if there were no other issue, that is, if it had been rationally established that dissatisfaction is not retribution.
[The Vaibhasikas:] Dissatisfaction is produced by the imagination, when one thinks of something that he fears; he is assuaged in the same
and there is an action liable to result in a sensation of equanimity. "
The Indriyas 169
From all evidence, sukha-
? 170 Chapter Two
way: when he thinks of something that he desires. Now such is not the case with retribution.
[But, we would say,] this is the case for satisfaction which will consequently not be retribution.
[The Vaibhasikas:] If, as you maintain, dissatisfaction is retribution, when a person has committed a serious transgression and then experiences, with regard to it, dissatisfaction and remorse (kaukrtya, ii. 29d), one could say that the transgression has already brought forth a ripened result--which is inadmissible (ii. 56a).
But you admit that satisfaction is retribution, and we would reason as you have just done: when a person has accomplished a meritorious action and thereby experiences satisfaction, then this action immedi- ately brings forth a result of retribution
[The Vaibhasikas:] Persons detached from desire do not possess 64
the indriya of dissatisfaction; now, they possess the indriyas which are retribution, the organ of seeing, etc. ; hence the indriya of dissatisfaction is not retribution.
[But, we would say,] how could such detached persons possess a
satisfaction which would be retribution by it nature? Without doubt,
they possess a satisfaction that arises from absorption, but this
satisfaction is good, and it is then not retribution. They do not possess
65
any other.
The fact is that persons so detached possess the indriya of
satisfaction, which can be the nature of this indriya, whether it be retribution or not, whereas dissatisfaction is never produced among them. Hence, the Vaibhasikas conclude, the indriya of dissatisfaction is not retribution.
5. Eight indriyas,--the five organs of sense consciousness, the vital organ, and the sexual organs,--are, in a good rebirth, the retribution of good action; in a bad rebirth, they are the retribution of bad action.
The mental organ, in a good rebirth or in a bad rebirth, is retribution for good action or for bad action.
The sensations of pleasure, of satisfaction, and of equanimity are retribution for good actions.
The sensation of dislike is the retribution for a bad action.
66
? The material organs, in a good rebirth, are, we say, retribution for good actions. To an androgyne, in a good rebirth, both organs are the retribution for good action, but the quality of being an androgyne is
67 obtained through bad action.
***
Among the twenty-two indriyas, how many "have retribution? " How many are "without retribution? "
68 10a. Only one (i. e. , dissatisfaction) has retribution;
1. Dissatisfaction always has retribution, for, on the one hand, it is never neutral, being the result of a concept (vikalpavisesa: the idea of a thing liked, or of a thing hated, etc. , ii. 8c); but, on the other hand, it is never pure, never being produced in a state of absorption.
10b. Ten (namely, the mental organ, the four sensations--with the exception of dissatisfaction--, and faith and its following) are twofold (i. e. , admit of retribution, as well as being without retribution).
2. The first eight indriyas (organ of sight, etc. ; vital organ, sexual organs) never have retribution, because they are neutral; the last three {anajnatamajfkisydmmdriya, etc. ) never have retribution, because they are pure (anasrava, iv. 80).
lla-b. The mental organ (the four sensations, with the excep- tion of dissatisfaction), and faith and its following;
3. As for the ten remaining indriyas:
The mental organ, the sensations of pleasure, satisfaction, and indifference, have retribution when they are bad or good-impure; they are without retribution when they are neutral or pure.
***
Among the twenty-two indriyas, how many are good, how many
The Indriyas 171
? 172 Chapter Two
are bad, and how many are neutral?
69
lie. Eight are good;
Eight, faith, etc. , the andjndVamajnasyamtndriya, etc. , are only good.
good.
lid. Dissatisfaction is of two types;
Dissatisfaction is good or bad (ii. 28).
1le. The mental organ, and the sensations,--with the excep- tion of dissatisfaction,--are of three types.
The mental organ and the four sensations are good, bad, or neutral. llf. The others, of one type.
The organ of sight, etc. , the vital organ, and the sexual organs are neutral.
***
Among the twenty-two indriyas, how many belong to each of the three spheres of existence?
12. The pure indriyas are absent from Kamadhatu;
1. All of the indriyas are in the sphere of Kamadhatu, with the exception of the last three, the immaculate or pure indriyas: these are not connected with the spheres of existence, rather, they transcend the spheres of existence. Thus nineteen indriyas, excluding the last three, are in the sphere of Kamadhatu.
12b-c. The sexual organs and the two disagreeable sensations are absent from Rupadhatu.
2. Excluding furthermore the two sexual organs and the two disagreeable sensations, the sensation of suffering and dissatisfaction, there are fifteen indriyas remaining in Rupadhatu that are common to the first two spheres of existence (viii. l2a-b).
? (a) The sexual organs are absent from Rupadhatu 1. ) because the beings who are born in this sphere have abandoned the desire for sexual union, and 2. ) because these organs are ugly (i. 30b-d).
Nevertheless the Sutra says: "That a female being is Brahma-- such does not happen, that is impossible. That a male being is
70
Brahma--such happens, that is possible/' would pose difficulties.
It appears that this Sutra
No. Beings of Rupadhatu are males without possessing the male organ. They possess the other aspects of masculinity that one sees among the males of Kamadhatu, namely bodily form, sound of the voice, etc. (ii. 2c-d).
(b). The sensation of suffering (duhkha, physical suffering) is absent from Rupadhatu (1) because of the "fluidity" or transparency of the body, from whence there is absence of pain produced by hurt; and (2) because of the absence of bad actions liable to retribution, from whence the absence of suffering "arisen from retribution. "
(c). The sensation of dissatisfaction is absent (1) because beings in Rupadhatu are penetrated by calm; and (2) because all causes of
71
12d. And all the material organs and the two agreeable sensations are absent from Arupyadhatu.
3. Excluding furthermore the material organs (eyes, etc, vii. 3c), and the sensations of pleasure and satisfaction, there remains in Arupya- dhatu the mental organ, the vital organ, the sensation of equanimity, and faith and its following (i. 31).
***
Among the twenty-two indriyas, how many are abandoned through Seeing the Truths? How many through Meditation? How many are not abandoned?
13a. The mental organ and three sensations belong to three
irritation are absent.
categories;
72
The Indriyas 173
? 174 Chapter Two
1. The mental organ, the sensations of pleasure, satisfaction and equanimity, are of three types.
13b. Dissatisfaction is abandoned (through Seeing and Meditation);
2. Dissatisfaction is abandoned through Seeing and through Meditation, for, never being pure, it is always an object of abandoning.
13c. Nine are abandoned through Meditation alone;
3. Nine indriyas, namely the five sense organs and the two sexual organs, the vital organ, and the sensation of dissatisfaction, are only of the class "abandoned through Mediation," for (1) the first eight are not soiled; (2) the ninth does not arise from the mind (asasthaja, 1. 40); and (3) all are always impure.
13d. Five are either abandoned through Meditation or are not abandoned;
4. The five indriyas, the first of which is faith, (1) are not soiled, and hence are not abandoned through Seeing; (2) being able to be pure, they are able to be "not the object of abandoning. "
13e. Three are not abandoned.
5. The last three {anajntamajndsyarnmdriya etc. ) are not aban- doned, (1) because they are pure, and (2) dharmas without defeas are not to be rejected.
***
How many indriyas, having retribution for their nature, do beings in the different spheres of existence possess from their origins?
14a. In the Kamas, beings possess from their origins two 73
indriyas that are from retribution, The organ of touch and the vital organ.
14b. With the exception of apparitional beings.
? 1. In Kamadhatu, beings that are born from a womb, from eggs, and from perspiration (iii. 8) possess from their origin, i. e. , from their conception, two indriyas which are from retribution, namely the organ of touch and the vital organ. It is only gradually that the other indriyas appear among them.
Why is not the mental organ and the sensation of equanimity counted herein?
Because, at conception, both of these are always soiled; hence they are not from retribution, they are not retribution (iii. 38).
How many do apparitional beings possess? 14c. Some possess six;
2. (Apparitional beings, iii. 9, possess six, seven or eight indriyas,) Beings without sex, namely beings at the beginning of the cosmic age (iii. 98), possess six: the five organs of sense consciousness, plus the vital organ.
14d. Or seven.
Beings with sex possess seven indriyas, like the gods.
14e. Or eight
Bisexual beings possess eight indriyas.
But can apparitional beings be bisexual? Yes, in bad rebirths.
I4f. In Rupadhatu, six;
Kamadhatu is called "the Kamas," because of the primary role that
belongs, in this sphere, to the kdmagunas or objects of desire
(i. 22b-d). Rupadhatu is called "the Rupas," because of the primary role 74
of the rupas. The Sutra employs this manner of speaking: "These 75
calm deliverances, beyond the rupas . . . "
3. In Rupadhatu, beings, from their origins, possess six indriyas
which are from retribution, like apparitional beings without sex in Kamadhatu.
14d. Above, one.
The Indriyas 175
? 176 Chapter Two
4. "Above" means in Arupyadhatu. This sphere of existence is not situated above Rupadhatu (iii. 3); but it is said to be above it because it is superior to Rupadhatu from the point of view of absorption: the absorptions of Arupyadhatu are cultivated after those of Rupadhatu; and because it outweights it from the point of view of its mode of existence, from the point of view of the duration of its existence.
In this sphere of existence, beings initially possess one indriya which is of retribution, the vital organ.
***
We have explained how many indriyas, of the nature of retribution, are obtained at conception. Now how many indriyas perish at death?
15a. In Arupyadhatu, dying destroys the vital organ, the mental organ, and the sensation of indifference; in Rupadhatu, it destroys eight indriyas',
In Rupadhatu one must add the five organs of sense consciousness, the organ of sight, etc. In fact, apparitionai beings are born and die with all their organs.
15b. In Kamadhatu, ten, nine, eight;
In Kamadhatu, death takes place either at one stroke or gradually. In the first case, eight, nine or ten indriyas die, accordingly as the being is without sex, with sex, or bisexual.
16a. Or four when death is gradual.
In the second case four indriyas die lastly and together; the organ of touch, the vital organ, the mental organ and the organ of indifference. These four indriyas die at the same time.
The preceding concerns the case where the mind of the dying person is soiled or not-soiled-neutral.
76 16b. In the case of a good death, add all five indriyas.
If ones mind is good, one should, in the three spheres of existence,
? 77 add the five moral faculties, faith, etc.
A being in Arupadhatu, at death, abandons at the last moment the three indriyas named in the Karika.
***
79
In the Teaching of the Indriyas all of the characteristics of the
indriyas are examined, both their natures and their operations. We ask then how many indriyas come into play in the acquisition of the results of the religious life (sramanyaphala, vi. 52).
16c. One obtains the two highest results through nine indriyas\
The highest results are the results of Srotaapanna and Arhat, for these two results are the first and last. The intermediary fruits are found between the the first and the last.
1. The result of Srotaapanna (vi. 35c) is obtained through nine 79
indriyas'. the mental organ, equanimity, and the five moral faculties,
80
faith, etc. ; anajndtamdjnasydmindriya and djnendriya (ii. l0a-b). Andjndtamdjndsyamtndriyaconstitutes dnantaryamarga(vi. 30c),
1
and djna constitutes vimuktimdrga:* it is through these two indriyas
that one obtains the result of Srotaapanna, for the first encourages the
possession of disjunction from the defilements (visamyoga, ii. 55d 1, 82
vi. 52); the second supports and makes firm this possession.
2. The result of Arhat (vi. 45) is obtained through nine indriyas: the
mental organ, either satisfaction, pleasure or indifference, the five moral faculties, djnendriya and djndtavtndriya.
Here djnendriya constitutes dnantaryamarga, and djndtavtndriya 95
constitutes vimuktimdrga.
I6d. The two intermediary results through seven, eight or nine.
3. The result of Sakrdagamin (vi. 36) is obtained either by an dnupurvaka (vi. 33a)--an ascetic who, before pursuing the acquisition of the result of Sakrdagamin, has obtained the result of Srotaapanna; or by a bhuyovttardga (vi. 29c-d)--an ascetic who, before entering into the pure path, i. e. , into the comprehension of the Truths, has freed
The Indriyas 177
? 178 Chapter Two
himself through the impure, worldly path, from the first six categories of defilements of Kamadhatu: consequently, when he has achieved the Path of Seeing the Truths, he becomes a Sakrdagamin without having
84 been a Srotaapanna first.
The anupurvaka--aSrotaapanna--obtains the result of Sakrda- gamin either through a worldly path, which does not admit of Meditation on the Truths, or through the Pure Path. In the first case, he possesses seven indriyas: the mental organ, indifference, and the five moral faculties; in the second case, eight indriyas: the same plus ajnendriya.
The bhuyovitardga--who is a Prthagjana--obtains the result of Sakrdagamin by means of nine indriyas. He realizes the compre- hension of the Truths; he then realizes anajndtamdjndsydmindriya and ajnendriya, as in the acquisition of the result of Srotaapanna.
4. The result of Anagamin is obtained either by an anupurvaka-- the ascetic who has already obtained the previous results,--or by a vitaraga--the ascetic who, without having entered into the Pure Path, has freed himself from the nine categories of defilements of Kama- dhatu, or from the defilements of the higher stages, up to and including Akimcanyayatana.
The anupurvaka obtains the result of Anagamin through seven or eight indriyas, according to whether he uses the worldly path or the Pure Path, as the above anupurvaka obtains the result of Sakrdagamin.
The vitaraga obtains the result of Anagamin through the com- prehension of the truths, through nine indriyas, as the above bhuyovi- tardga obtains the result of Sakrdagamin.
These general definitions call for more precision.
1. The vitaraga obtains the result of Anagamin by "understanding the Truths. " In order to understand the Truths, he places himself either in an absorption of the Third Dhyana, an absorption of either the First or the Second Dhyana, an absorption of andgamya or dhydndntara, or of the Fourth Dhyana: according to the case, his indriya of sensation is the indriya of pleasure, satisfaction, or equanimity.
Contrarily, the bhuyovitardga always obtains the result of Sakrdagamin with the indriya of indifference.
? 2. The dnupurvaka who seeks for the result of Anagamin within the absorption of andgamya, can, when his moral faculties are strong, depart at the last moment (the ninth vimuktimdrga) of the andgamya and enter into the First or Second Dhyana.
When he expels the defilements through the worldly path, it is then through eight, and not seven indriyas, that he obtains the result: in fact, the andgamya to which the next to last moment (ninth dnantaryamdrga) belongs, admits of the sensation of equanimity, and the First or Second Dhyana, within which the last moment takes place, admits of the sensation of satisfaction. Disjunction from the defile- ments results then from equanimity and from satisfaction; in this same way we have seen that disjunction, in the case of the Srotaapanna, results from ajnasydmindriya and djnendriya.
When he expels the defilements through the pure path, that is,
through Meditation on the Truths, one must add the djnendriya as a
ninth indriya. Anantaryamdrga and vimuktimdrga are both two 5
##*
We read in the Mulasastra (Jitdnaprasthana, TD 26, p. 994cl): "Through how many indriyas is the quality of Arhat obtained? By eleven. "
In fact, the quality of Arhat is obtained, as we have said, through nine indriyas. The Sastra answers, "By eleven," for it does not speak with reference to the acquisition of the quality of Arhat, but with respect to the person who acquires this quality.
17a-b. It is said that the quality of Arhat is obtained through eleven indriyas, because a determined person can so obtain them.
A saint can fall many times from the quality of Arhat (vi. 58) and reobtain it by means of diverse absorptions, sometimes with the indriyas of pleasure (Third Dhyana), sometimes with that of satisfac- tion (First and Second Dhyana), or sometimes with that of equanimity
djnendriyas. *
The Indriyas 179
? 180 Chapter Two
(anagamya, etc). But the three indriyas never coexist.
But, one would say, why does the Sutra not speak from this same
point of view when it speaks of the quality of Anagamin?
The case is different. It does not hold that the saint, fallen from the
result of Anagamin, gains it again by means of the indriya of
8<s
pleasure.
all the defilements of Kamadhatu, and who has obtained the result of Anagamin cannot fall from this result, because his detachment is obtained through two paths: it is produced through the worldly path and confirmed through the Pure Path.
###
How many indriyas does the person possess who possesses such indriyas}
17c-d. He who possesses the mental organ or the vital organ or the organ of equanimity necessarily possesses three indriyas.
He who possesses one of these three organs necessarily possesses the other two: when one of them is absent, the other two are also absent.
The possession of the other indriyas is not so determined. He who possesses these three organs may or may not possess the others.
1. A being born in Arupyadhatu does not possess the organs of seeing, hearing, smelling, or taste. A being in Kamadhatu does not possess these organs when he has not yet acquired them (beginning of embryonic life) or when he has lost them (through blindness, etc. , or through gradual death).
2. A being born in Arupyadhatu does not posses the organ of touch.
3. A being born in Arupyadhatu or Rupadhatu does not possess the female organ. A being born in Kamadhatu cannot possess it when he had not acquired it or when he has lost it. The same for the male organ.
On the other hand, the vttaraga, the person detached from
4. A Prthagjana
87
born in the Fourth Dhyana, in the Second
? 88
or in the Arupyas, does not possess the organ of pleasure.
Dhyana,
5. A Prthagjana born in the Fourth Dhyana, in the Third Dhyana,
or in the Arupyas, does not possess the organ of satisfaction.
6. A being born in Rupadhatu or in Arupyadhatu does not possess
the organ of displeasure.
7. A detached person does not possess the organ of dissatisfaction. 8. A person who has cut off the roots of good (iv. 79) does not
possess the five moral faculties, faith, etc.
9. Neither a Prthagjana nor a Saint in possession of a result
possesses anajndtamdjnasyamindriya,
10. The Prthagjana, the Saint who is in the Path of the Seeing the
Truths (vi. 31a-b) and the Arhat do not possess ajnendriya.
11. The Prthagjana and the Saiksas do not possess djnatavtndriya. This enumeration permits us to establish those indriyas possessed
by those categories of non-specified beings.
18a. He who possesses the organ of pleasure or the organ of touch certainly possesses four organs.
He who possesses the organ of pleasure also possesses the vital organ, the mental organ, and the organ of equanimity. He who possesses the organ of touch does possesses these same three indriyas.
18b. He who possesses one of the organs of sense conscious- ness necessarily possesses five organs.
He who possesses the organ of sight also possesses the vital organ, the mental organ, the organ of indifference and the organ of touch.
The same for him who possesses the organ of hearing, etc.
18c. The same for him who possesses the organ of satisfaction.
He who possesses the organ of satisfaction also possesses the vital organ, the mental organ, the organ of equanimity and the organ of pleasure.
89
But, one would ask,
possess who is born in the heaven of the Second Dhyana and who does not therein cultivate the absorption of the Third Dhyana?
what sort of organ of pleasure can a being
The Indriyas 181
? 182 Chapter Two
He possesses the organ of defiled pleasure of the Third Dhyana.
18. H e who possesses the organ of displeasure certainly possesses seven organs.
This being evidently belongs to Kamadhatu since he possesses the organ of displeasure. He necessarily possesses the vital organ, the mental organ, the organ of touch and four organs of sensation: the organ of dissatisfaction is not in him when he is detached
18d-19a. Whoever possesses the female organ, etc. , necessarily
90
One should understand: Whoever possesses the female organ, or the male organ, or the organ of dissatisfaction, or one of the moral faculties,--faith, force, memory, absorption, and discernment.
He who possesses a sexual organ necessarily possesses, in addition to this organ, seven organs, which have been specified in 18c-d, for this being evidently belongs to Kamadhatu.
He who possesses the organ of dissatisfaction necessarily pos- sesses, in addition to this organ, these same seven organs.
He who possesses one of the moral faculties can be born in any of the three spheres of existence; he necessarily possesses the five moral faculties, which are seen together, plus the vital organ, the mental organ, and the organ of indifference.
19b. He who possesses ajnendriya or ajnatavtndriya necessarily possesses eleven organs.
These are the vital organ, the mental organ, the organs of pleasure,
91
satisfaction, and equanimity; the five moral faculties; and the
eleventh, which is either ajnendriya or ajnatavtndriya.
19c. He who possesses ajnasyamtndriya necessarily possesses
thirteen organs.
In fact, it is only in Kamadhatu that one cultivates the Path of Seeing the Truths (vi. 55). Thus the possessor of this indriya is a being in Kamadhatu. He necessarily possesses the vital organ, the mental
possesses eight organs.
? organ, the organ of touch, the four organs of sensation, the five moral
faculties and djndsyamindriya. He does not necessarily possess the
organ of dissatisfaction, nor the organs of sight, etc. ; in fact, he can be
"detached," in which case dissatisfaction is not in him; he can be blind,
92 etc.
#*#
What is the smallest number of organs it is possible for a being to possess? (Vibhdsd TD 27, p. 767b5-ll).
20a-b. A being who is lacking any good at all possesses a minimum of eight organs, the organ of touch, sensations, the vital organ, and the mental organ.
A being who is lacking good is one who has cut off the roots of good. He necessarily belongs to Kamadhatu (iv. 79); he cannot be "detached. " Thus he necessarily possesses the organs enumerated.
"Sensation" in the Karika is vid. That is, "one who feels" (vedayate) by understanding kartari kvip\ or "sensation" (vedand) (bhdvasddhana: aunddikah kvip).
20c. It is the same with an ignorant person who is born in Arupyadhatu;
The Prthagjana is termed ignorant (because he has not seen the Truths).
20d. He possesses eight organs, namely, equanimity, life, the mental organ, and the good organs.
The good organs are the moral faculties, faith, etc Since it is a question of an ignorant person, and since the total is eight, the pure organs (djndsydmi, etc. ) are not alluded to here by the author.
***
What are the largest number of organs it is possible for a being to
The Indiryas 183
? 184 Chapter Two
possess?
21a-b. At the maximum, nineteen: [a bisexual being,] with the exception of the immaculate organs.
A bisexual being necessarily belongs to Kamadhatu. He is not "detached;" he can possess the moral faculties; and he can possess all the organs of sense consciousness. But he is a Prthagjana: thus he necessarily lacks the pure organs (djndsydmi, etc. ).
The pure organs are termed "immaculate" in the Karika. The djndsydmi, the djnd and the djndtdvin are pure because they are not in relation with the vices either in the quality of an object, or through association (v. 17).
21c.
53
c. According to other masters, the ayuh-samskdras are that by
which existence lasts; the jivita-samskdras are that by which life is prolonged for a little while.
On the second point:
a. The Sutra uses the plural because the Saint extends or casts off many samskdras. There is no advantage, in fact, in extending a moment, or in casting off a moment: it is only by means of a series of moments that the Saint can procure the good of others; on the other hand, a moment cannot be a cause of suffering.
b. According to another opinion, the plural condemns the teaching
teaching of the Sarvastivadins that see an entity or dharma in thejivita and dyus. The terms jivita and dyus designate a number of samskdras existing simultaneously and belonging either to four or five skandhas according to their sphere of existence. If it were otherwise, the Sutra
On the first point:
the expression ayuh-samskdras designates
according to which the jivita or the dyus is an entity susceptible of 54
duration.
c. According to another opinion, the plural condemns the
55
The Indriyas 167
? 168 Chapter Two
would not use the expression "thepvita-skandhar" it would say "The Blessed One extends some jtvitas, and casts off some dyus. "
5. Why does the Blessed One cast off [death] and extend [life]?
With the aim of showing that he possesses mastery over death, he casts off death; with the aim of showing that he possesses mastery over life, he extends it. He extends it for a period of three months, no more, no less; after three months, there is nothing more to do for his followers, after his task is well achieved, for, short of three months, he
56
Or rather,
has well cultivated the four supernormal powers {rddhipdda, vi. 69b),
58
The Vaibhasikas
the aim of showing that he triumphs over the Mara who is the skandhas, and over the Mara who is death. In the first watch of the night, under the Bodhi Tree, he has already triumphed over the Mara who is a demon, and, in the third watch, over the Mara who is the
60
Which twelve?
lOb-c. With the exception of the last eight and dissatisfaction.
With the exception of the vital organ, which is always retribution, and of the nine that will be mentioned below (lOb-c) which are never retribution, the remaining twelve are of two types, sometimes retribu- tion, and sometimes non-retribution. This refers to the seven material organs, to the mental organ and to the four sensations, the sensation of dissatisfaction being excluded.
1. The seven material organs (organ of seeing, . . . male organ) are not retribution to the extent that they arise from accumulation (aupacayika, i. 37). In other cases, they are retribution.
2. The mental organ and the four organs of sensation are not retribution 1. ) when they are good or soiled, for whatever is retribution is morally neutral {avydkrtaji51)\ 2. ) when, still being neutral, they
would leave his task unachieved.
57
with the aim of realizing this vow: "Any Bhiksu who
can live, if he so desires, a kalpa or more. "
59
say: "The Blessed One casts off or extends with
defilements (Ekottarika, TD 2, p. 760b17 and following). " lOa-b. Twelve are of two types.
? 61
are, according to their type, either airyapathika, sailpasthanika, or
nairmanika (ii. 72). In other cases, they are retribution.
3. The last eight, faith, etc. , the anajnatamajnasyamindriya, etc. , are
good and consequently are not retribution.
4. But, we would say, how can one affirm that dissatisfaction is
never retribution? In fact, the Sutra says, "There is an action liable to result in satisfaction, there is an action liable to result in dissatisfaction,
62
[According to the Vaibhasikas,] the expression daurmanasya-
vedantya should be understood not as "an action that should be
experienced, resulting in a sensation of dissatisfaction," but rather as
"an action with which a sensation of dissatisfaction is associated. " In
fact, the Sutra says that contact is sukha-vedaniya: now pleasure
63
(sukha) is not the retribution of contact.
vendantya contact is contact with which a sensation of pleasure is associated. Hence daurmanasya-vedantya action is action with which a sensation of dissatisfaction is associated.
[We would answer:] You should explain the expressions sauma- nasya-vedantya and upeksa-vedaniya as you explain the expression daurmanasya-vendantya, since the three expressions figure in the same context in the Sutra. It follows that a saurmanasya-vedaniya action is an action "with which the sensation of satisfaction is associated," not an action "liable to retribution in satisfaction;" and it follows that as a consequence, the sensation of satisfaction is not retribution.
[The Vaibhasikas:] We see no problem in explaining the expres- sion saurmanasya-vedaniya either as "liable to retribution in satis- faction" or as "that with which satisfaction is associated. " But the second explanation of vedantya is only valid for the expression daurmanasya-vedantya. It refers to an action with which dissatisfaction is associated.
[We answer:] One could admit your interpretation of the Sutra if there were no other issue, that is, if it had been rationally established that dissatisfaction is not retribution.
[The Vaibhasikas:] Dissatisfaction is produced by the imagination, when one thinks of something that he fears; he is assuaged in the same
and there is an action liable to result in a sensation of equanimity. "
The Indriyas 169
From all evidence, sukha-
? 170 Chapter Two
way: when he thinks of something that he desires. Now such is not the case with retribution.
[But, we would say,] this is the case for satisfaction which will consequently not be retribution.
[The Vaibhasikas:] If, as you maintain, dissatisfaction is retribution, when a person has committed a serious transgression and then experiences, with regard to it, dissatisfaction and remorse (kaukrtya, ii. 29d), one could say that the transgression has already brought forth a ripened result--which is inadmissible (ii. 56a).
But you admit that satisfaction is retribution, and we would reason as you have just done: when a person has accomplished a meritorious action and thereby experiences satisfaction, then this action immedi- ately brings forth a result of retribution
[The Vaibhasikas:] Persons detached from desire do not possess 64
the indriya of dissatisfaction; now, they possess the indriyas which are retribution, the organ of seeing, etc. ; hence the indriya of dissatisfaction is not retribution.
[But, we would say,] how could such detached persons possess a
satisfaction which would be retribution by it nature? Without doubt,
they possess a satisfaction that arises from absorption, but this
satisfaction is good, and it is then not retribution. They do not possess
65
any other.
The fact is that persons so detached possess the indriya of
satisfaction, which can be the nature of this indriya, whether it be retribution or not, whereas dissatisfaction is never produced among them. Hence, the Vaibhasikas conclude, the indriya of dissatisfaction is not retribution.
5. Eight indriyas,--the five organs of sense consciousness, the vital organ, and the sexual organs,--are, in a good rebirth, the retribution of good action; in a bad rebirth, they are the retribution of bad action.
The mental organ, in a good rebirth or in a bad rebirth, is retribution for good action or for bad action.
The sensations of pleasure, of satisfaction, and of equanimity are retribution for good actions.
The sensation of dislike is the retribution for a bad action.
66
? The material organs, in a good rebirth, are, we say, retribution for good actions. To an androgyne, in a good rebirth, both organs are the retribution for good action, but the quality of being an androgyne is
67 obtained through bad action.
***
Among the twenty-two indriyas, how many "have retribution? " How many are "without retribution? "
68 10a. Only one (i. e. , dissatisfaction) has retribution;
1. Dissatisfaction always has retribution, for, on the one hand, it is never neutral, being the result of a concept (vikalpavisesa: the idea of a thing liked, or of a thing hated, etc. , ii. 8c); but, on the other hand, it is never pure, never being produced in a state of absorption.
10b. Ten (namely, the mental organ, the four sensations--with the exception of dissatisfaction--, and faith and its following) are twofold (i. e. , admit of retribution, as well as being without retribution).
2. The first eight indriyas (organ of sight, etc. ; vital organ, sexual organs) never have retribution, because they are neutral; the last three {anajnatamajfkisydmmdriya, etc. ) never have retribution, because they are pure (anasrava, iv. 80).
lla-b. The mental organ (the four sensations, with the excep- tion of dissatisfaction), and faith and its following;
3. As for the ten remaining indriyas:
The mental organ, the sensations of pleasure, satisfaction, and indifference, have retribution when they are bad or good-impure; they are without retribution when they are neutral or pure.
***
Among the twenty-two indriyas, how many are good, how many
The Indriyas 171
? 172 Chapter Two
are bad, and how many are neutral?
69
lie. Eight are good;
Eight, faith, etc. , the andjndVamajnasyamtndriya, etc. , are only good.
good.
lid. Dissatisfaction is of two types;
Dissatisfaction is good or bad (ii. 28).
1le. The mental organ, and the sensations,--with the excep- tion of dissatisfaction,--are of three types.
The mental organ and the four sensations are good, bad, or neutral. llf. The others, of one type.
The organ of sight, etc. , the vital organ, and the sexual organs are neutral.
***
Among the twenty-two indriyas, how many belong to each of the three spheres of existence?
12. The pure indriyas are absent from Kamadhatu;
1. All of the indriyas are in the sphere of Kamadhatu, with the exception of the last three, the immaculate or pure indriyas: these are not connected with the spheres of existence, rather, they transcend the spheres of existence. Thus nineteen indriyas, excluding the last three, are in the sphere of Kamadhatu.
12b-c. The sexual organs and the two disagreeable sensations are absent from Rupadhatu.
2. Excluding furthermore the two sexual organs and the two disagreeable sensations, the sensation of suffering and dissatisfaction, there are fifteen indriyas remaining in Rupadhatu that are common to the first two spheres of existence (viii. l2a-b).
? (a) The sexual organs are absent from Rupadhatu 1. ) because the beings who are born in this sphere have abandoned the desire for sexual union, and 2. ) because these organs are ugly (i. 30b-d).
Nevertheless the Sutra says: "That a female being is Brahma-- such does not happen, that is impossible. That a male being is
70
Brahma--such happens, that is possible/' would pose difficulties.
It appears that this Sutra
No. Beings of Rupadhatu are males without possessing the male organ. They possess the other aspects of masculinity that one sees among the males of Kamadhatu, namely bodily form, sound of the voice, etc. (ii. 2c-d).
(b). The sensation of suffering (duhkha, physical suffering) is absent from Rupadhatu (1) because of the "fluidity" or transparency of the body, from whence there is absence of pain produced by hurt; and (2) because of the absence of bad actions liable to retribution, from whence the absence of suffering "arisen from retribution. "
(c). The sensation of dissatisfaction is absent (1) because beings in Rupadhatu are penetrated by calm; and (2) because all causes of
71
12d. And all the material organs and the two agreeable sensations are absent from Arupyadhatu.
3. Excluding furthermore the material organs (eyes, etc, vii. 3c), and the sensations of pleasure and satisfaction, there remains in Arupya- dhatu the mental organ, the vital organ, the sensation of equanimity, and faith and its following (i. 31).
***
Among the twenty-two indriyas, how many are abandoned through Seeing the Truths? How many through Meditation? How many are not abandoned?
13a. The mental organ and three sensations belong to three
irritation are absent.
categories;
72
The Indriyas 173
? 174 Chapter Two
1. The mental organ, the sensations of pleasure, satisfaction and equanimity, are of three types.
13b. Dissatisfaction is abandoned (through Seeing and Meditation);
2. Dissatisfaction is abandoned through Seeing and through Meditation, for, never being pure, it is always an object of abandoning.
13c. Nine are abandoned through Meditation alone;
3. Nine indriyas, namely the five sense organs and the two sexual organs, the vital organ, and the sensation of dissatisfaction, are only of the class "abandoned through Mediation," for (1) the first eight are not soiled; (2) the ninth does not arise from the mind (asasthaja, 1. 40); and (3) all are always impure.
13d. Five are either abandoned through Meditation or are not abandoned;
4. The five indriyas, the first of which is faith, (1) are not soiled, and hence are not abandoned through Seeing; (2) being able to be pure, they are able to be "not the object of abandoning. "
13e. Three are not abandoned.
5. The last three {anajntamajndsyarnmdriya etc. ) are not aban- doned, (1) because they are pure, and (2) dharmas without defeas are not to be rejected.
***
How many indriyas, having retribution for their nature, do beings in the different spheres of existence possess from their origins?
14a. In the Kamas, beings possess from their origins two 73
indriyas that are from retribution, The organ of touch and the vital organ.
14b. With the exception of apparitional beings.
? 1. In Kamadhatu, beings that are born from a womb, from eggs, and from perspiration (iii. 8) possess from their origin, i. e. , from their conception, two indriyas which are from retribution, namely the organ of touch and the vital organ. It is only gradually that the other indriyas appear among them.
Why is not the mental organ and the sensation of equanimity counted herein?
Because, at conception, both of these are always soiled; hence they are not from retribution, they are not retribution (iii. 38).
How many do apparitional beings possess? 14c. Some possess six;
2. (Apparitional beings, iii. 9, possess six, seven or eight indriyas,) Beings without sex, namely beings at the beginning of the cosmic age (iii. 98), possess six: the five organs of sense consciousness, plus the vital organ.
14d. Or seven.
Beings with sex possess seven indriyas, like the gods.
14e. Or eight
Bisexual beings possess eight indriyas.
But can apparitional beings be bisexual? Yes, in bad rebirths.
I4f. In Rupadhatu, six;
Kamadhatu is called "the Kamas," because of the primary role that
belongs, in this sphere, to the kdmagunas or objects of desire
(i. 22b-d). Rupadhatu is called "the Rupas," because of the primary role 74
of the rupas. The Sutra employs this manner of speaking: "These 75
calm deliverances, beyond the rupas . . . "
3. In Rupadhatu, beings, from their origins, possess six indriyas
which are from retribution, like apparitional beings without sex in Kamadhatu.
14d. Above, one.
The Indriyas 175
? 176 Chapter Two
4. "Above" means in Arupyadhatu. This sphere of existence is not situated above Rupadhatu (iii. 3); but it is said to be above it because it is superior to Rupadhatu from the point of view of absorption: the absorptions of Arupyadhatu are cultivated after those of Rupadhatu; and because it outweights it from the point of view of its mode of existence, from the point of view of the duration of its existence.
In this sphere of existence, beings initially possess one indriya which is of retribution, the vital organ.
***
We have explained how many indriyas, of the nature of retribution, are obtained at conception. Now how many indriyas perish at death?
15a. In Arupyadhatu, dying destroys the vital organ, the mental organ, and the sensation of indifference; in Rupadhatu, it destroys eight indriyas',
In Rupadhatu one must add the five organs of sense consciousness, the organ of sight, etc. In fact, apparitionai beings are born and die with all their organs.
15b. In Kamadhatu, ten, nine, eight;
In Kamadhatu, death takes place either at one stroke or gradually. In the first case, eight, nine or ten indriyas die, accordingly as the being is without sex, with sex, or bisexual.
16a. Or four when death is gradual.
In the second case four indriyas die lastly and together; the organ of touch, the vital organ, the mental organ and the organ of indifference. These four indriyas die at the same time.
The preceding concerns the case where the mind of the dying person is soiled or not-soiled-neutral.
76 16b. In the case of a good death, add all five indriyas.
If ones mind is good, one should, in the three spheres of existence,
? 77 add the five moral faculties, faith, etc.
A being in Arupadhatu, at death, abandons at the last moment the three indriyas named in the Karika.
***
79
In the Teaching of the Indriyas all of the characteristics of the
indriyas are examined, both their natures and their operations. We ask then how many indriyas come into play in the acquisition of the results of the religious life (sramanyaphala, vi. 52).
16c. One obtains the two highest results through nine indriyas\
The highest results are the results of Srotaapanna and Arhat, for these two results are the first and last. The intermediary fruits are found between the the first and the last.
1. The result of Srotaapanna (vi. 35c) is obtained through nine 79
indriyas'. the mental organ, equanimity, and the five moral faculties,
80
faith, etc. ; anajndtamdjnasydmindriya and djnendriya (ii. l0a-b). Andjndtamdjndsyamtndriyaconstitutes dnantaryamarga(vi. 30c),
1
and djna constitutes vimuktimdrga:* it is through these two indriyas
that one obtains the result of Srotaapanna, for the first encourages the
possession of disjunction from the defilements (visamyoga, ii. 55d 1, 82
vi. 52); the second supports and makes firm this possession.
2. The result of Arhat (vi. 45) is obtained through nine indriyas: the
mental organ, either satisfaction, pleasure or indifference, the five moral faculties, djnendriya and djndtavtndriya.
Here djnendriya constitutes dnantaryamarga, and djndtavtndriya 95
constitutes vimuktimdrga.
I6d. The two intermediary results through seven, eight or nine.
3. The result of Sakrdagamin (vi. 36) is obtained either by an dnupurvaka (vi. 33a)--an ascetic who, before pursuing the acquisition of the result of Sakrdagamin, has obtained the result of Srotaapanna; or by a bhuyovttardga (vi. 29c-d)--an ascetic who, before entering into the pure path, i. e. , into the comprehension of the Truths, has freed
The Indriyas 177
? 178 Chapter Two
himself through the impure, worldly path, from the first six categories of defilements of Kamadhatu: consequently, when he has achieved the Path of Seeing the Truths, he becomes a Sakrdagamin without having
84 been a Srotaapanna first.
The anupurvaka--aSrotaapanna--obtains the result of Sakrda- gamin either through a worldly path, which does not admit of Meditation on the Truths, or through the Pure Path. In the first case, he possesses seven indriyas: the mental organ, indifference, and the five moral faculties; in the second case, eight indriyas: the same plus ajnendriya.
The bhuyovitardga--who is a Prthagjana--obtains the result of Sakrdagamin by means of nine indriyas. He realizes the compre- hension of the Truths; he then realizes anajndtamdjndsydmindriya and ajnendriya, as in the acquisition of the result of Srotaapanna.
4. The result of Anagamin is obtained either by an anupurvaka-- the ascetic who has already obtained the previous results,--or by a vitaraga--the ascetic who, without having entered into the Pure Path, has freed himself from the nine categories of defilements of Kama- dhatu, or from the defilements of the higher stages, up to and including Akimcanyayatana.
The anupurvaka obtains the result of Anagamin through seven or eight indriyas, according to whether he uses the worldly path or the Pure Path, as the above anupurvaka obtains the result of Sakrdagamin.
The vitaraga obtains the result of Anagamin through the com- prehension of the truths, through nine indriyas, as the above bhuyovi- tardga obtains the result of Sakrdagamin.
These general definitions call for more precision.
1. The vitaraga obtains the result of Anagamin by "understanding the Truths. " In order to understand the Truths, he places himself either in an absorption of the Third Dhyana, an absorption of either the First or the Second Dhyana, an absorption of andgamya or dhydndntara, or of the Fourth Dhyana: according to the case, his indriya of sensation is the indriya of pleasure, satisfaction, or equanimity.
Contrarily, the bhuyovitardga always obtains the result of Sakrdagamin with the indriya of indifference.
? 2. The dnupurvaka who seeks for the result of Anagamin within the absorption of andgamya, can, when his moral faculties are strong, depart at the last moment (the ninth vimuktimdrga) of the andgamya and enter into the First or Second Dhyana.
When he expels the defilements through the worldly path, it is then through eight, and not seven indriyas, that he obtains the result: in fact, the andgamya to which the next to last moment (ninth dnantaryamdrga) belongs, admits of the sensation of equanimity, and the First or Second Dhyana, within which the last moment takes place, admits of the sensation of satisfaction. Disjunction from the defile- ments results then from equanimity and from satisfaction; in this same way we have seen that disjunction, in the case of the Srotaapanna, results from ajnasydmindriya and djnendriya.
When he expels the defilements through the pure path, that is,
through Meditation on the Truths, one must add the djnendriya as a
ninth indriya. Anantaryamdrga and vimuktimdrga are both two 5
##*
We read in the Mulasastra (Jitdnaprasthana, TD 26, p. 994cl): "Through how many indriyas is the quality of Arhat obtained? By eleven. "
In fact, the quality of Arhat is obtained, as we have said, through nine indriyas. The Sastra answers, "By eleven," for it does not speak with reference to the acquisition of the quality of Arhat, but with respect to the person who acquires this quality.
17a-b. It is said that the quality of Arhat is obtained through eleven indriyas, because a determined person can so obtain them.
A saint can fall many times from the quality of Arhat (vi. 58) and reobtain it by means of diverse absorptions, sometimes with the indriyas of pleasure (Third Dhyana), sometimes with that of satisfac- tion (First and Second Dhyana), or sometimes with that of equanimity
djnendriyas. *
The Indriyas 179
? 180 Chapter Two
(anagamya, etc). But the three indriyas never coexist.
But, one would say, why does the Sutra not speak from this same
point of view when it speaks of the quality of Anagamin?
The case is different. It does not hold that the saint, fallen from the
result of Anagamin, gains it again by means of the indriya of
8<s
pleasure.
all the defilements of Kamadhatu, and who has obtained the result of Anagamin cannot fall from this result, because his detachment is obtained through two paths: it is produced through the worldly path and confirmed through the Pure Path.
###
How many indriyas does the person possess who possesses such indriyas}
17c-d. He who possesses the mental organ or the vital organ or the organ of equanimity necessarily possesses three indriyas.
He who possesses one of these three organs necessarily possesses the other two: when one of them is absent, the other two are also absent.
The possession of the other indriyas is not so determined. He who possesses these three organs may or may not possess the others.
1. A being born in Arupyadhatu does not possess the organs of seeing, hearing, smelling, or taste. A being in Kamadhatu does not possess these organs when he has not yet acquired them (beginning of embryonic life) or when he has lost them (through blindness, etc. , or through gradual death).
2. A being born in Arupyadhatu does not posses the organ of touch.
3. A being born in Arupyadhatu or Rupadhatu does not possess the female organ. A being born in Kamadhatu cannot possess it when he had not acquired it or when he has lost it. The same for the male organ.
On the other hand, the vttaraga, the person detached from
4. A Prthagjana
87
born in the Fourth Dhyana, in the Second
? 88
or in the Arupyas, does not possess the organ of pleasure.
Dhyana,
5. A Prthagjana born in the Fourth Dhyana, in the Third Dhyana,
or in the Arupyas, does not possess the organ of satisfaction.
6. A being born in Rupadhatu or in Arupyadhatu does not possess
the organ of displeasure.
7. A detached person does not possess the organ of dissatisfaction. 8. A person who has cut off the roots of good (iv. 79) does not
possess the five moral faculties, faith, etc.
9. Neither a Prthagjana nor a Saint in possession of a result
possesses anajndtamdjnasyamindriya,
10. The Prthagjana, the Saint who is in the Path of the Seeing the
Truths (vi. 31a-b) and the Arhat do not possess ajnendriya.
11. The Prthagjana and the Saiksas do not possess djnatavtndriya. This enumeration permits us to establish those indriyas possessed
by those categories of non-specified beings.
18a. He who possesses the organ of pleasure or the organ of touch certainly possesses four organs.
He who possesses the organ of pleasure also possesses the vital organ, the mental organ, and the organ of equanimity. He who possesses the organ of touch does possesses these same three indriyas.
18b. He who possesses one of the organs of sense conscious- ness necessarily possesses five organs.
He who possesses the organ of sight also possesses the vital organ, the mental organ, the organ of indifference and the organ of touch.
The same for him who possesses the organ of hearing, etc.
18c. The same for him who possesses the organ of satisfaction.
He who possesses the organ of satisfaction also possesses the vital organ, the mental organ, the organ of equanimity and the organ of pleasure.
89
But, one would ask,
possess who is born in the heaven of the Second Dhyana and who does not therein cultivate the absorption of the Third Dhyana?
what sort of organ of pleasure can a being
The Indriyas 181
? 182 Chapter Two
He possesses the organ of defiled pleasure of the Third Dhyana.
18. H e who possesses the organ of displeasure certainly possesses seven organs.
This being evidently belongs to Kamadhatu since he possesses the organ of displeasure. He necessarily possesses the vital organ, the mental organ, the organ of touch and four organs of sensation: the organ of dissatisfaction is not in him when he is detached
18d-19a. Whoever possesses the female organ, etc. , necessarily
90
One should understand: Whoever possesses the female organ, or the male organ, or the organ of dissatisfaction, or one of the moral faculties,--faith, force, memory, absorption, and discernment.
He who possesses a sexual organ necessarily possesses, in addition to this organ, seven organs, which have been specified in 18c-d, for this being evidently belongs to Kamadhatu.
He who possesses the organ of dissatisfaction necessarily pos- sesses, in addition to this organ, these same seven organs.
He who possesses one of the moral faculties can be born in any of the three spheres of existence; he necessarily possesses the five moral faculties, which are seen together, plus the vital organ, the mental organ, and the organ of indifference.
19b. He who possesses ajnendriya or ajnatavtndriya necessarily possesses eleven organs.
These are the vital organ, the mental organ, the organs of pleasure,
91
satisfaction, and equanimity; the five moral faculties; and the
eleventh, which is either ajnendriya or ajnatavtndriya.
19c. He who possesses ajnasyamtndriya necessarily possesses
thirteen organs.
In fact, it is only in Kamadhatu that one cultivates the Path of Seeing the Truths (vi. 55). Thus the possessor of this indriya is a being in Kamadhatu. He necessarily possesses the vital organ, the mental
possesses eight organs.
? organ, the organ of touch, the four organs of sensation, the five moral
faculties and djndsyamindriya. He does not necessarily possess the
organ of dissatisfaction, nor the organs of sight, etc. ; in fact, he can be
"detached," in which case dissatisfaction is not in him; he can be blind,
92 etc.
#*#
What is the smallest number of organs it is possible for a being to possess? (Vibhdsd TD 27, p. 767b5-ll).
20a-b. A being who is lacking any good at all possesses a minimum of eight organs, the organ of touch, sensations, the vital organ, and the mental organ.
A being who is lacking good is one who has cut off the roots of good. He necessarily belongs to Kamadhatu (iv. 79); he cannot be "detached. " Thus he necessarily possesses the organs enumerated.
"Sensation" in the Karika is vid. That is, "one who feels" (vedayate) by understanding kartari kvip\ or "sensation" (vedand) (bhdvasddhana: aunddikah kvip).
20c. It is the same with an ignorant person who is born in Arupyadhatu;
The Prthagjana is termed ignorant (because he has not seen the Truths).
20d. He possesses eight organs, namely, equanimity, life, the mental organ, and the good organs.
The good organs are the moral faculties, faith, etc Since it is a question of an ignorant person, and since the total is eight, the pure organs (djndsydmi, etc. ) are not alluded to here by the author.
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What are the largest number of organs it is possible for a being to
The Indiryas 183
? 184 Chapter Two
possess?
21a-b. At the maximum, nineteen: [a bisexual being,] with the exception of the immaculate organs.
A bisexual being necessarily belongs to Kamadhatu. He is not "detached;" he can possess the moral faculties; and he can possess all the organs of sense consciousness. But he is a Prthagjana: thus he necessarily lacks the pure organs (djndsydmi, etc. ).
The pure organs are termed "immaculate" in the Karika. The djndsydmi, the djnd and the djndtdvin are pure because they are not in relation with the vices either in the quality of an object, or through association (v. 17).
21c.
