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## The Doctrine of Existence: Either Eternal Existence or Eternal Non-Existence
**(53)** In the previous chapter, it was stated that if a thing is considered to be eternally destroyed, then it cannot even exist for a moment. Therefore, the momentarists argue that destruction is a characteristic of momentary existence.
In response, the scholars state: (1) Even in the subsequent moments, the characteristic of momentary existence, which you claim, will cease to exist. Therefore, in the subsequent moments, this characteristic of momentary existence will arise again. Thus, the eternal non-existence will continue for an infinite number of moments. After that, what moment will be devoid of the characteristic of momentary existence? Show that. In other words, an eternal state of existence in all three times will be attained. Thus, when the uninterrupted existence of a thing is established, where will the momentariness remain? (2) Or, if you say that destruction, which has the characteristic of momentary existence, will exist for a moment, then in the subsequent moments, that destruction with the characteristic of momentary existence will be attained. Therefore, tell me, what moment will be devoid of the destruction that you believe has the characteristic of momentary existence? There will not be a single moment when destruction does not exist, meaning that destruction will always be attained, and the thing will not exist even for a moment. Thus, either eternal existence will be attained, or eternal non-existence will be attained. Therefore, in any case, your momentarism will not stand even for a moment. And thus, what was said above is all correct, and it is confirmed here.
How? It is said:
**क्षणस्थितौ तदैवास्य नास्थितियुक्त्यसंगतेः । न पश्चादपि सेत्येवं सतेोऽसत्त्वं व्यवस्थितम् ॥ १९७॥**
**kshaṇasthitau tadaiva asya nāstiti yuktyasangateḥ | na paścādapi seti evam satō'sattvaṁ vyavasthitam || 197 ||**
**Meaning:** When there is momentary existence, then there is no non-existence of the intended object, due to the inconsistency of the logic. And even later, there is no non-existence. Thus, the non-existence of existence is established.
**Explanation:** When there is momentary existence, then there is no non-existence of the intended object at that moment, due to the inconsistency of the logic. And even later, there is no non-existence. Thus, the non-existence of existence is established.
**Commentary:** When there is momentary existence, then there is no non-existence of the intended object at that moment, due to the inconsistency of the logic. And even later, there is no non-existence. Thus, the non-existence of existence is established.
The sutra states that the non-existence of existence is established. And therefore, the production, etc., of existence is also non-existent.