Difference between revisions of "Examination of the Five Aggregates"
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[[File:1ri87.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:1ri87.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
<poem> | <poem> | ||
| − | + | This is a line by line translation of the [[Huayan]] [[Patriarch]] Cheng'guan's work. | |
| + | 五蘊觀 | ||
| − | + | Examination of The [[five aggregates]] | |
| − | Examination of [[ | ||
沙門澄觀述 | 沙門澄觀述 | ||
| + | |||
Written by Śramaṇa Chéngguān | Written by Śramaṇa Chéngguān | ||
問。凡夫之人欲求解脫。當云何修。 | 問。凡夫之人欲求解脫。當云何修。 | ||
| + | |||
Question: The common person seeks [[Liberation]]. How should he practice? | Question: The common person seeks [[Liberation]]. How should he practice? | ||
答曰。當修二觀。 | 答曰。當修二觀。 | ||
| + | |||
Answer: One should practice the two examinations. | Answer: One should practice the two examinations. | ||
二觀者何。一人空觀。二法空觀。 | 二觀者何。一人空觀。二法空觀。 | ||
| − | What are the two examinations? The first is the examination of the [[Emptiness]] of persons. The second is the examination of the [[Emptiness]] of [[Phenomena]] [dharmas]. | + | |
| + | What are the two examinations? The first is the examination of the [[Emptiness]] of persons. The second is the examination of the [[Emptiness]] of [[Phenomena]] [[[dharmas]]]. | ||
夫生死之本莫過人法二執。 | 夫生死之本莫過人法二執。 | ||
| − | The root of [[ | + | |
| + | The root of Saṃsāra – [[nothing]] goes beyond the two attachments to persons and [[Phenomena]]. | ||
迷身心總相。故執人我為實有。 | 迷身心總相。故執人我為實有。 | ||
| − | One misunderstands the [[Body]] and [[Mind]]'s collective characteristic and thus grasps the self of the person as an actual existent. | + | |
| + | One misunderstands the [[Body]] and [[Mind]]'s collective characteristic and thus grasps the [[self]] of the person as an actual existent. | ||
迷五蘊自相。故計法我為實有。 | 迷五蘊自相。故計法我為實有。 | ||
| − | One misunderstands [[ | + | |
| + | One misunderstands The [[five aggregates]]' individual characteristics and thus conceives the [[self]] of a [[Phenomenon]] as an actual existent. | ||
| + | |||
[[File:3406.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:3406.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| + | |||
計人我者。用初觀照之。 | 計人我者。用初觀照之。 | ||
| − | For the conception of the self of person we utilize the first examination and investigate it. | + | |
| + | For the conception of the [[self]] of person we utilize the first examination and investigate it. | ||
知五蘊和合假名為人。 | 知五蘊和合假名為人。 | ||
| − | We then know [[ | + | |
| + | We then know The [[five aggregates]] come together and are provisionally called a person. | ||
一一諦觀。但見五蘊。求人我相終不可得。 | 一一諦觀。但見五蘊。求人我相終不可得。 | ||
| − | Each are carefully examined. We only see [[ | + | |
| + | Each are carefully examined. We only see The [[five aggregates]]. We search for the [[self]]-characteristic of the person and in the end it cannot be obtained. | ||
云何名為五蘊。色受想行識是。 | 云何名為五蘊。色受想行識是。 | ||
| − | What are called [[ | + | |
| + | What are called The [[five aggregates]]? They are Form (Rūpa), [[sensation]] (vedanā), [[Perception]] (saṃjñā), volitional formations (Saṃskāra) and [[Consciousness]] (Vijñāna). | ||
云何觀之。 | 云何觀之。 | ||
| + | |||
How does one examine them? | How does one examine them? | ||
身則色蘊。所謂地水火風是。其相如何。 | 身則色蘊。所謂地水火風是。其相如何。 | ||
| − | The [[Body]] is the [[Aggregate]] of | + | |
| + | The [[Body]] is the [[Aggregate]] of Form, which includes [[earth]], water, [[Fire]] and wind. What are their characteristics? | ||
堅則地。潤則水。煖則火。動則風。 | 堅則地。潤則水。煖則火。動則風。 | ||
| − | Solidity is earth. Moistness is water. Warmth is [[Fire]]. Movement is wind. | + | |
| + | Solidity is [[earth]]. Moistness is water. Warmth is [[Fire]]. Movement is wind. | ||
觀心則四蘊。所謂受想行識是。其相如何。 | 觀心則四蘊。所謂受想行識是。其相如何。 | ||
| − | In examining the [[Mind]] there are four [[Aggregates]], which include sensation, [[Perception]], volitional formations and [[Consciousness]]. What are their characteristics? | + | |
| + | In examining the [[Mind]] there are four [[Aggregates]], which include [[sensation]], [[Perception]], volitional formations and [[Consciousness]]. What are their characteristics? | ||
領納為受。取相為相。造作為行。了別為識。 | 領納為受。取相為相。造作為行。了別為識。 | ||
| − | [[Feeling]] is sensation. Apprehending characteristics is [[Perception]]. Creating actions is volitional formations. Cognition is [[Consciousness]]. | + | |
| + | [[Feeling]] is [[sensation]]. Apprehending characteristics is [[Perception]]. Creating actions is volitional formations. Cognition is [[Consciousness]]. | ||
| + | |||
[[File:3N.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:3N.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| + | |||
若能依此身心相。諦觀分明。於一切處但見五蘊。求人我相終不可得。 | 若能依此身心相。諦觀分明。於一切處但見五蘊。求人我相終不可得。 | ||
| − | If we rely on these characteristics of [[Body]] and [[Mind]], carefully examining and discerning them, then in all places we only see [[ | + | |
| + | If we rely on these characteristics of [[Body]] and [[Mind]], carefully examining and discerning them, then in all places we only see The [[five aggregates]]. We search out the [[self]]-characteristic of the person and in the end it cannot be obtained. | ||
名人空觀。乘此觀。行出分段生死。永處涅槃。名二乘解脫。 | 名人空觀。乘此觀。行出分段生死。永處涅槃。名二乘解脫。 | ||
| − | We call this the examination of the [[Emptiness]] of persons. If one utilizes this examination, one departs | + | |
| + | We call this the examination of the [[Emptiness]] of persons. If one utilizes this examination, one departs Saṃsāra within The [[Six Realms]] and forever abides in Nirvāṇa. We call this the [[Liberation]] of the two vehicles. | ||
計法我者用後觀照之。知一一蘊皆從緣生。都無自性。求蘊相不可得。則五蘊皆空。 | 計法我者用後觀照之。知一一蘊皆從緣生。都無自性。求蘊相不可得。則五蘊皆空。 | ||
| − | For the conception of the self of a [[Phenomenon]] we utilize the latter examination and investigate it. We then know that each of the [[Aggregates]] all emerge from conditions and all are without self-nature [svabhava]. We search for the characteristics of the [[Aggregates]] and they cannot be obtained, and so [[ | + | |
| + | For the conception of the [[self]] of a [[Phenomenon]] we utilize the latter examination and investigate it. We then know that each of the [[Aggregates]] all emerge from conditions and all are without [[self]]-nature [[[svabhava]]]. We search for the characteristics of the [[Aggregates]] and they cannot be obtained, and so The [[five aggregates]] are all empty. | ||
名法空觀。若二觀雙照。了人我法我。畢竟空無所有。 | 名法空觀。若二觀雙照。了人我法我。畢竟空無所有。 | ||
| − | We call this the examination of the [[Emptiness]] of [[Phenomena]]. If we investigate with both examinations we understand the person's self and the [[Phenomenon]]'s self are ultimately empty without existence. | + | |
| + | We call this the examination of the [[Emptiness]] of [[Phenomena]]. If we investigate with both examinations we understand the person's [[self]] and the [[Phenomenon]]'s [[self]] are ultimately empty without [[existence]]. | ||
離諸怖畏。度一切苦厄。出變易生死。名究竟解脫。 | 離諸怖畏。度一切苦厄。出變易生死。名究竟解脫。 | ||
| − | Free from all fears, crossing over all pains and emerging into existence as a [[Bodhisattva]] – we call this ultimate [[Liberation]]. | + | |
| + | Free from all {{Wiki|fears}}, crossing over all [[pains]] and emerging into [[existence]] as a [[Bodhisattva]] – we call this ultimate [[Liberation]]. | ||
問。夫求解脫。祗是了妄證真。但能契真如理。寂然無念則便離縛。何假興心觀蘊方求解脫。豈不乖理哉。 | 問。夫求解脫。祗是了妄證真。但能契真如理。寂然無念則便離縛。何假興心觀蘊方求解脫。豈不乖理哉。 | ||
| − | Question: Seeking [[Liberation]] is only just understanding [[Delusion]] and realizing the [[Truth]]. It is merely being able to realize the principle of tathātā – in quietude without thoughts, one is then free of bondage. How does one provisionally arouse the [[Mind]], examine the [[Aggregates]] and then seek [[Liberation]]? Is this not in opposition to the principle? | + | |
| + | Question: Seeking [[Liberation]] is only just understanding [[Delusion]] and [[realizing]] the [[Truth]]. It is merely being able to realize the principle of tathātā – in quietude without [[thoughts]], one is then free of bondage. How does one provisionally arouse the [[Mind]], examine the [[Aggregates]] and then seek [[Liberation]]? Is this not in opposition to the principle? | ||
答。離蘊真妄約何而立。且五蘊者身心之異名。行人若不識身心真妄。何能懸契。 | 答。離蘊真妄約何而立。且五蘊者身心之異名。行人若不識身心真妄。何能懸契。 | ||
| − | Answer: What is there to be established without [[Aggregates]], [[Truth]] and [[Delusion]]? Moreover, [[ | + | |
| + | Answer: What is there to be established without [[Aggregates]], [[Truth]] and [[Delusion]]? Moreover, The [[five aggregates]] are a different name for the [[Body]] and [[Mind]]. Supposing the practitioner is not aware of the [[Truth]] and [[delusions]] of [[Body]] and [[Mind]], how could they completely understand them? | ||
不達真妄之本。諸行徒施。 | 不達真妄之本。諸行徒施。 | ||
| + | |||
They do not reach the root of [[Truth]] and [[Delusion]], and practices are vainly undertaken. | They do not reach the root of [[Truth]] and [[Delusion]], and practices are vainly undertaken. | ||
故經云。若於虗空終不能成。斯之謂也。 | 故經云。若於虗空終不能成。斯之謂也。 | ||
| − | Thus the scripture states, “It is like in [[Emptiness]] ultimately nothing being able to be established.” | + | |
| + | Thus the [[scripture]] states, “It is like in [[Emptiness]] ultimately [[nothing]] being able to be established.” | ||
且計人我者。凡夫之執也。計法我者。二乘之滯也。 | 且計人我者。凡夫之執也。計法我者。二乘之滯也。 | ||
| − | Moreover, the conception of the self of the person is a delusional [[Attachment]] of the ordinary person. The conception of the self of a [[Phenomenon]] is a hindrance of the two vehicles. | + | |
| + | Moreover, the conception of the [[self]] of the person is a delusional [[Attachment]] of the ordinary person. The conception of the [[self]] of a [[Phenomenon]] is a [[hindrance]] of the two vehicles. | ||
故令修二觀。方能了妄證真。豈可離也。 | 故令修二觀。方能了妄證真。豈可離也。 | ||
| + | |||
Thus we have them practice the two examinations and they are then able to understand [[Delusion]] and realize the [[Truth]]. How could you do without this? | Thus we have them practice the two examinations and they are then able to understand [[Delusion]] and realize the [[Truth]]. How could you do without this? | ||
| + | |||
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
Revision as of 06:11, 31 July 2013
This is a line by line translation of the Huayan Patriarch Cheng'guan's work.
五蘊觀
Examination of The five aggregates
沙門澄觀述
Written by Śramaṇa Chéngguān
問。凡夫之人欲求解脫。當云何修。
Question: The common person seeks Liberation. How should he practice?
答曰。當修二觀。
Answer: One should practice the two examinations.
二觀者何。一人空觀。二法空觀。
What are the two examinations? The first is the examination of the Emptiness of persons. The second is the examination of the Emptiness of Phenomena [[[dharmas]]].
夫生死之本莫過人法二執。
The root of Saṃsāra – nothing goes beyond the two attachments to persons and Phenomena.
迷身心總相。故執人我為實有。
One misunderstands the Body and Mind's collective characteristic and thus grasps the self of the person as an actual existent.
迷五蘊自相。故計法我為實有。
One misunderstands The five aggregates' individual characteristics and thus conceives the self of a Phenomenon as an actual existent.
計人我者。用初觀照之。
For the conception of the self of person we utilize the first examination and investigate it.
知五蘊和合假名為人。
We then know The five aggregates come together and are provisionally called a person.
一一諦觀。但見五蘊。求人我相終不可得。
Each are carefully examined. We only see The five aggregates. We search for the self-characteristic of the person and in the end it cannot be obtained.
云何名為五蘊。色受想行識是。
What are called The five aggregates? They are Form (Rūpa), sensation (vedanā), Perception (saṃjñā), volitional formations (Saṃskāra) and Consciousness (Vijñāna).
云何觀之。
How does one examine them?
身則色蘊。所謂地水火風是。其相如何。
The Body is the Aggregate of Form, which includes earth, water, Fire and wind. What are their characteristics?
堅則地。潤則水。煖則火。動則風。
Solidity is earth. Moistness is water. Warmth is Fire. Movement is wind.
觀心則四蘊。所謂受想行識是。其相如何。
In examining the Mind there are four Aggregates, which include sensation, Perception, volitional formations and Consciousness. What are their characteristics?
領納為受。取相為相。造作為行。了別為識。
Feeling is sensation. Apprehending characteristics is Perception. Creating actions is volitional formations. Cognition is Consciousness.
若能依此身心相。諦觀分明。於一切處但見五蘊。求人我相終不可得。
If we rely on these characteristics of Body and Mind, carefully examining and discerning them, then in all places we only see The five aggregates. We search out the self-characteristic of the person and in the end it cannot be obtained.
名人空觀。乘此觀。行出分段生死。永處涅槃。名二乘解脫。
We call this the examination of the Emptiness of persons. If one utilizes this examination, one departs Saṃsāra within The Six Realms and forever abides in Nirvāṇa. We call this the Liberation of the two vehicles.
計法我者用後觀照之。知一一蘊皆從緣生。都無自性。求蘊相不可得。則五蘊皆空。
For the conception of the self of a Phenomenon we utilize the latter examination and investigate it. We then know that each of the Aggregates all emerge from conditions and all are without self-nature [[[svabhava]]]. We search for the characteristics of the Aggregates and they cannot be obtained, and so The five aggregates are all empty.
名法空觀。若二觀雙照。了人我法我。畢竟空無所有。
We call this the examination of the Emptiness of Phenomena. If we investigate with both examinations we understand the person's self and the Phenomenon's self are ultimately empty without existence.
離諸怖畏。度一切苦厄。出變易生死。名究竟解脫。
Free from all fears, crossing over all pains and emerging into existence as a Bodhisattva – we call this ultimate Liberation.
問。夫求解脫。祗是了妄證真。但能契真如理。寂然無念則便離縛。何假興心觀蘊方求解脫。豈不乖理哉。
Question: Seeking Liberation is only just understanding Delusion and realizing the Truth. It is merely being able to realize the principle of tathātā – in quietude without thoughts, one is then free of bondage. How does one provisionally arouse the Mind, examine the Aggregates and then seek Liberation? Is this not in opposition to the principle?
答。離蘊真妄約何而立。且五蘊者身心之異名。行人若不識身心真妄。何能懸契。
Answer: What is there to be established without Aggregates, Truth and Delusion? Moreover, The five aggregates are a different name for the Body and Mind. Supposing the practitioner is not aware of the Truth and delusions of Body and Mind, how could they completely understand them?
不達真妄之本。諸行徒施。
They do not reach the root of Truth and Delusion, and practices are vainly undertaken.
故經云。若於虗空終不能成。斯之謂也。
Thus the scripture states, “It is like in Emptiness ultimately nothing being able to be established.”
且計人我者。凡夫之執也。計法我者。二乘之滯也。
Moreover, the conception of the self of the person is a delusional Attachment of the ordinary person. The conception of the self of a Phenomenon is a hindrance of the two vehicles.
故令修二觀。方能了妄證真。豈可離也。
Thus we have them practice the two examinations and they are then able to understand Delusion and realize the Truth. How could you do without this?
