Explanation of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination in the Tenth Volume of the Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra (Part IV)

The brief meaning of the birth aggregate (in the twelve links of dependent origination) is as follows: It refers to the intrinsic nature of birth, the stage at which birth occurs, that which is born, that which is encompassed by causes and conditions, that which arises from sustained causal conditions, and that which inherently supports birth. This is called the brief meaning.

What is decline? It means that due to the inferiority of the basis, it causes oneself to become frail and weakened.

What is aging? It means the deterioration of hair and complexion.

What is wrinkling? It means the skin gradually becomes slack and wrinkled.

What is maturation? It means the waning of vital heat, leaving no strength to enjoy objects of desire.

Explanation: The brief meaning of the birth aggregate within the twelve links of dependent origination is this: The brief meaning of birth may refer to the intrinsic nature of birth, the stage at which birth occurs, that which is born, that which is encompassed by causes and conditions, the phenomena arising from spontaneously sustained conditions, or the inherently supporting phenomena coexisting with birth.

What is the intrinsic nature of birth? It is the emergence of something new from non-existence, called "birth."

The stages of birth are divided into several phases, such as the stages within the mother’s womb, birth from the womb, and gradual growth thereafter.

If A gives birth to B, B is "that which is born."

Birth itself is a phenomenon arising from the convergence of causes and conditions; without causes and conditions, there is no birth. Where there is birth, it must be encompassed by causes and conditions; thus, birth is an empty phenomenon.

Birth is also a phenomenon arising from spontaneously sustained conditions. For example, when name-and-form (nāmarūpa) grows spontaneously, the six sense bases arise; when the six sense bases mature, contact arises; when sense faculties and objects come into contact, consciousness arises, and so on.

What is the impairment of vitality? It means that due to frequent illnesses, one lacks the strength and energy to engage in any activity.

What is dark spots appearing on the body? It refers to the emergence of darkness that damages the complexion.

What is a bent spine and labored breathing? It is a state of unsteady posture and bearing, manifested in the body, giving rise to severe panting and coughing.

What is a stooped posture? It refers to a seated position where the body and head are bent forward.

What is relying on a staff? It means that while maintaining an upright posture, one must lean on a staff to stand or walk steadily.

Explanation:

What does "impairment of vitality" mean? It refers to a constitution plagued by various illnesses, leaving no strength or energy to accomplish any task.

What does "dark spots appearing on the body" mean? This describes the appearance of dark patches that mar the complexion.

What is a bent spine and labored breathing? It is a state of physical imbalance and disrupted breath, manifested in the body’s lack of dignified posture in walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, thus leading to severe panting and coughing.

What is the state of a stooped posture? It indicates that while the body is seated with dignified bearing, the body and head are lowered and bent forward.

What does "relying on a staff to stand or walk" mean? It means that although the body maintains a dignified posture, it must rely on the support of a staff to stand or walk steadily.

What is mental dullness? It refers to a state of lying down, with the mind heavily clouded by deep sleep.

What is feebleness? It refers to being in this state, lacking the strength to awaken quickly.

What is diminishment? It means the decline of mindfulness and wisdom.

What is decline? It means that due to the inferiority of mindfulness and wisdom, wholesome dharmas can no longer manifest.

What is the maturation of the faculties? It refers to physical emaciation and frailty.

What is the impairment of function? It means one no longer responds to objects with clarity and acuity.

What is the decay of all activities? It means that at this point, one is nearing the end of life.

Explanation:

What is mental dullness? Mental dullness refers to the body lying down, with the mind heavily clouded and sleep deep.

What is feebleness? Feebleness is the lack of strength for swift awareness, insufficient mental vigor, and diminished capacity for action.

What is diminishment? Diminishment is the decline of both mental focus and wisdom.

What is decline? Decline means that due to the inferiority of mental focus and wisdom, wholesome dharmas can no longer manifest.

What does "maturation of the faculties" mean? This refers to the body becoming emaciated.

What does "impairment of function" mean? It means one is no longer sharp and responsive to objects; reactions become dull.

What does "decay of all activities" mean? It means all physical, verbal, and mental activities are deteriorating, and life will soon end.

Dedication Verse:

By the merit of all Dharma propagation and group practice on our online platform, we dedicate this virtue to all beings throughout the Dharma realm and to the people of the world. May the world be at peace, free from war; may conflict cease and weapons forever rest; may all calamities vanish entirely! May the people of all nations unite in mutual aid, treating one another with compassion; may there be favorable weather and abundant harvests, and may nations prosper and people live in peace! May all beings deeply believe in cause and effect and refrain from killing with compassionate hearts; may they widely form wholesome connections and cultivate virtuous deeds; may they believe in the Buddha, learn the Dharma, and increase their roots of goodness; may they understand suffering, abandon its origins, aspire to cessation, and cultivate the path; may the door to the lower realms close, and the path to Nirvana open! May the Buddha’s teachings flourish eternally, and may the true Dharma abide forever; may the burning house of the three realms transform into the lotus land of Ultimate Bliss!