Metaphor and Literalism in Buddhism: The ... - misterdanger.net

SELECTED SOURCES FOR THE NIRVANA CONCEPT
without a remainder of clinging (nir/an-upadhiUeLa). 19 The author [of the
JñAnaprasthAna] here wants to establish the difference between the two.
Alternatively, it is to refute other systems’ opinions and to establish the
correct theory. That is to say, [1] some say wrongly that nirvana with a
remainder of clinging should be regarded as a real existent while nirvana
without a remainder of clinging should not. The author refutes this opinion
and makes clear that both nirvana elements should be regarded as a real
existent. [2] Some say wrongly that the first is impure while the second is
pure. The author refutes this opinion and makes it clear that both nirvana
elements are pure. [3] Some say wrongly that the first is a conditioned thing
while the second is an unconditioned thing. The author refutes this opinion
and makes it clear that both nirvana elements are unconditioned things.
[4] Some say wrongly that the first is good while the second is indefinable.
The author refutes this opinion and makes it clear that both nirvana elements
are in nature good. [5] Some say wrongly that the first is the path (mArga)
while the second is the result of the path. The author refutes this opinion
and makes it clear that both nirvana elements are the result of the path.
[6] Some say wrongly that the first is the result of the path while the second
is not. The author refutes this opinion and makes it clear that both nirvana
elements are the result of the path. [7] Some say wrongly that the first is
included in the noble truths (satyasaNgKhCta) while the second is not. The
author refutes this opinion and makes it clear that both nirvana elements
are included in the noble truths. [8] Some say wrongly that the first is aUaikLa
while the second is naivaUaikLanAUaikLa. The author refutes this opinion
and makes it clear that both nirvana elements are naivaUaikLanAUaikLa. For
every reason mentioned above, the author [of the JñAnaprasthAna] made this
discourse.
Nirvana with a remainder of clinging
What is nirvana with a remainder of clinging (sopadhiUeLanirvAOadhAtu)? A
saint (arahant) has completely extinguished his impurity (kLCOAsrava); his
vitality (Ayus) alone exists; the series of primary elements (mahAbhEtAni)
and secondary matter (upAdAyarEpa) have not yet become extinct; the mental
series supported by the five faculties is active as there is still a remainder
of clinging. The complete cessation of all fetters (saNyojana) which is
obtained (prApta), possessed (pratilabdha), touched (spKLMa), and realised
(sAkLAtkKta) [by this Arahant] is what is called nirvana with a remainder of
clinging. 20
When saying vitality, the life faculty ( jCvitendriya) 21 is meant here.
Question: Why is the homogeneous character of the group (nikAyasabhAga) 22
not mentioned?
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