Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra, Volume Ten: Explanation of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination (4)

Original text:此生支略义者。谓若生自性。若生处位。若所生。若因缘所摄。若任持所引。若俱生依持。是名略义。衰云何。谓依止劣故。令彼掉动。老云何。谓发色衰变。摄云何。谓皮肤缓皱。熟云何。谓火力衰减。无复势力受用欲尘。

Explanation: The general meaning of the link of birth among the twelve links of dependent origination is as follows: the general meaning of birth may refer to the self-nature of birth, or to the stage or position where birth takes place, or to that which is born, or to that which is embraced by causes and conditions, or to the dharmas brought forth by spontaneous sustaining, or to the dharmas that serve as the basis sustained from birth onward. These are called the general meanings. What is decline? Decline means that because the basis one relies upon is inferior and weak, one is made restless and unstable. What is aging? Aging means the deterioration of the hair and complexion. What is withering? Withering means the skin becoming slack and wrinkled. What is ripening? Ripening means the decline of the fire element within, no longer having the vigor to enjoy the objects of desire.

The self-nature of birth is coming into existence from non-existence; newly appearing is called birth. The stages of birth are divided into several phases, for example the several phases within the mother's womb, emerging from the womb, and then gradually growing up. If A gives birth to B, then B is that which is born. Birth is a dharma that arises from the combination of causes and conditions; without causes and conditions there would be no birth. Where there is birth, there must be the embrace of causes and conditions; therefore birth is an empty dharma. Birth is also a dharma brought forth by spontaneous sustaining; for example, when nāma-rūpa spontaneously grows, the six sense bases are born; when the six sense bases mature, contact is born; when the faculties and objects make contact, consciousness is born, and so on.

Original text:气力损坏云何。谓性多疾病故。无有势力能作事业。黑黡间身云何。谓黯黑出现。损其容色。身脊伛曲。喘息奔急云何。谓行步威仪。身形所显。由此发起极重喘嗽。形貌偻前云何。谓坐威仪位。身首低曲。凭据杖策云何。谓住威仪位。依杖力而住。

Explanation: What does the impairment of vigor mean? It means that the nature is afflicted with many illnesses, lacking the strength and power to accomplish any undertakings. What does darkness interspersing the body mean? It means that a dark blackness appears, damaging one's complexion. What does it mean that the body's spine becomes bent and breathing becomes rapid and labored? This refers to the phenomenon of a hunched back and disordered breath, manifested through the body's form in walking, standing, sitting, and lying down without dignity, and consequently severe panting and coughing arise. What is the state of the body's appearance stooping forward? This indicates that although the body sits with dignified posture, the body and head are lowered and bent. What does leaning on a staff mean? It means that although the body maintains dignified posture while standing, one can only stand and walk steadily by relying on the support of a staff.

Original text:昏昧云何。谓卧威仪位。数重睡眠。羸劣云何。谓即于此位。无力速觉。损减云何。谓念慧衰退。衰退云何。谓念慧劣故。至于善法不能现行。诸根耄熟云何。谓身体尪羸。功用破坏云何。谓彼于境不复明利。诸行朽故云何。谓彼于后将欲终时。

Explanation: What does dullness mean? Dullness refers to the body being in a lying position, with the mind very torpid and sleep very heavy. What does feebleness mean? Feebleness means lacking the power to quickly awaken and perceive, with insufficient mental strength and insufficient capacity for action. What is diminution? Diminution means that both the power of mindfulness and the power of wisdom have declined. What is decline? Decline means that because both the power of mindfulness and the power of wisdom are inferior, wholesome dharmas can no longer manifest. What does the senescence of the faculties mean? It means the body has become emaciated and frail. What does the breakdown of function mean? It means one is no longer sharp and quick with respect to sense objects, and one's reactions have become sluggish. What does the decay of all formations mean? It means that all bodily, verbal, and mental actions have deteriorated, and one will soon pass away.