Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra, Volume X (The Twelve Nidānas)

(3) Original Text: What is the acquisition of aggregates? It refers to the operation of the five grasping aggregates—form, feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness—in all states of arising. What is the acquisition of elements? It refers to the nature characterized by the causes and conditions pertaining to those aggregates (e.g., faculties have their own nature, objects have their nature, consciousness has its nature). What is the acquisition of bases? It refers to the nature characterized by the other conditions pertaining to those aggregates, such as the internal six sense bases, the external six sense bases, and the contact point where faculties and objects come together. What is the arising of the five grasping aggregates? It is the daily sustenance through food and drink that nourishes and maintains the life faculty, preventing its extinction. What is appearance? After the birth of a living being, it is the remaining life force within the five grasping aggregates that causes the living being to continue abiding. The general meaning of this branch of birth (within the twelve links of dependent origination) is as follows: it refers to the intrinsic nature of birth; or the stage where birth occurs; or that which is born; or that which is characterized by causes and conditions; or the dharmas sustained and induced by natural function; or the dharmas inherently relied upon and sustained concurrently. This is the general meaning.

Explanation: What is decay? Decay means that due to the inferiority of the supporting basis, it causes one to fall or decline. What is aging? Aging refers to the deterioration and change in hair and complexion. What is withering? Withering means the skin gradually becomes slack and wrinkled. What is ripening? Ripening means the diminishment of the vital heat (within the body), no longer possessing the vigor to enjoy objects of the five desires and six sense objects. What is the impairment of strength? It means the fundamental constitution is afflicted by many illnesses, leaving no energy or capacity to engage in activities. What is the appearance of dark spots on the body? It means darkness appears on the body, damaging the complexion. What is having a bent spine and rapid, labored breathing? This is the phenomenon of a bent back and uneven breath, manifesting physically as a lack of dignity in walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, thereby giving rise to severe panting and coughing. What is a forward-bent physical appearance? This indicates the body is seated in a posture of dignity, yet the body and head are lowered and bent. What is standing or walking relying on a staff? It means although the body maintains a dignified posture, it must rely on the support of a staff to stand or walk steadily.

Original Text: What is decay? It refers to causing it to fall or shake due to an inferior support. What is aging? It refers to the deterioration of hair and complexion. What is withering? It refers to the slackening and wrinkling of the skin. What is ripening? It refers to the diminishment of vital heat, no longer having the strength to enjoy sense objects. What is the impairment of strength? It refers to having a constitution prone to many illnesses, thus lacking the strength to perform tasks. What is the appearance of dark spots on the body? It refers to the emergence of darkness that damages the complexion. What is having a bent spine and rapid, labored breathing? It refers to the physical appearance displayed in the deportment of walking, whereby extremely heavy panting and coughing arise. What is a forward-bent physical appearance? It refers to the posture in the seated position, where the body and head are lowered and bent. What is relying on a staff? It refers to the posture in the standing position, abiding by relying on the strength of a staff.

Explanation: What is decay? Decay means that due to the inferiority of the supported dharmas, it causes oneself to fall or decline. What is aging? Aging refers to the deterioration and change in hair and complexion. What is withering? Withering means the skin gradually slackens and wrinkles appear. What is ripening? Ripening means the vital heat within the form body diminishes, no longer possessing the vigorous energy to enjoy objects of the five desires and six sense objects. What is the impairment of strength? It means the fundamental nature is afflicted by many illnesses, leaving no strength or capacity to engage in any activities. What is the appearance of dark spots on the body? It means darkness appears on the body, damaging the complexion. What is the phenomenon of a bent spine and rapid, labored breathing? This is the phenomenon of being hunched over, with uneven breath, manifesting physically as a lack of dignity in walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, thus giving rise to severe panting and coughing. What is the state of a forward-bent physical appearance? This indicates the body is seated in a posture of dignity, yet the body and head are lowered and bent. What does it mean to stand or walk relying on a staff? It means although the body maintains a posture of dignity, it must hold a staff to stand steadily or walk steadily.