________________
210
FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING,
IV, 18.
gunas: (modifications), therefore all things made by it ought likewise to be free from gunas. 1476
But we see, in fact, that all things in the world are fettered throughout by gunas, therefore, again, we say that self-nature cannot be the cause of
all. 1477
'If, again, you say that that self-nature is different from such qualities (gunas), (we answer), since self-nature must have ever caused, it cannot differ in its nature (from itself); 1478
But if the world (all living things) be different from these qualities (gunas), then self-nature cannot be the cause. Again, if self-nature be unchangeable, so things should also be without decay; 1479
'If we regard self-nature as the cause, then cause and consequence of reason should be one; but because we see decay in all things, we know that they at least are caused. 1480
'Again, if self-nature be the cause, why should we seek to find "escape?" for we ourselves possess this nature; patient then should we endure both birth and death. 1481
'For let us take the case that one may find "escape," self-nature still will re-construct the evil of birth. If self-nature in itself be blind, yet 'tis the maker of the world that sees. 1482
On this account again it cannot be the maker, because, in this case, cause and effect would differ in their character, but in all the world around us, cause and effect go hand in hand. 1483
Again, if self-nature have no purpose(aim), it
· That is, that it is nirguna, devoid of qualities. : No purpose'-no heart; if we take the two powers of soul
Digitized by Google
