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EXAMINATION OF THE PERSON OF SUPER-NORMAL VISION'. 1579
Says the Opponent-"It has been asserted (by Buddhists) that'Cognition never apprehends the external object,-either as manifested or as unmanifested or as envisaging something else'. But how can both views be free from objections ?”
The answer to this is as follows:
TEXT (3646). ANY DISCUSSION REGARDING formlessness AND THE REST IS OF NO USE IN REGARD TO THE OMNISCIENT PERSON. IN FACT, JUST AS YOUR COGNITTON APPEARS IN REGARD TO A CERTAIN OBJECT, SO DOES THE OTHER (SUPERIOR)
COGNITION ALSO.(3646)
End of Chapter
Thus ends the TATTVASANGRAHA by Shāntarakrita.
COMMENTARY.
The discussion that we carried on earlier, regarding the Cognition being formless, etc. etc., from the Idealistic point of view,--can serve no useful purpose on the present occasion, as against you Mimām sakas who are wedded to the External World, when we are proving the existence of the Omniscient Person on the understanding (for the sake of argument) that the external world exists.
Question:-“Why?"
Answer: 'In fact, etc. etc.'--You must assert that there is Cognition of the External object--whether the Cognition be formless or with form; as otherwise the whole external world would disappear. So that, just as there comes about your Cognition of a certain thing.--in the same manner would come about also the other and the superior-Cognition of the Omniscient Person (which is to be construed here).-So that the objection that has been urged has no force at all and should not have been urged.-(3646)
This excellent and extensive, pure and lasting, Teaching) that has been secured by me, -may it become the abode of the magnificence of the unrivalled Jina; and with its effulgence, may it delight the hearts of all men !-May thereby the whole of mankind become like the Buddhist Kamalashila (or, may all men attain the character of the Lotus as blooming under the rays of the sun of the Great Teaching)!
End of the Commentary
by
Kamalashila.
END.
