The Significance of the Peak of Dharma and Wholesome Roots

Volume 23 of the Abhidharmakośa-śāstra (Part 3)

Original Text: This wholesome root of the heat stage, from inferior to middling, and from middling to superior, gradually increases. When it reaches the time of perfection, another wholesome root arises, called the summit stage. As this becomes increasingly superior, it receives a different name. Among the progressing wholesome roots, this stage is the most supreme. It is called the summit stage because it resembles the crown of a person's head. Alternatively, it is called the summit because this stage is at the juncture between advancement and regression, like a mountain peak. This summit stage, like the heat stage, fully contemplates the Four Noble Truths and is capable of fully cultivating the sixteen aspects.

Explanation: When this wholesome root of the heat stage gradually increases from inferior to middling, then to superior, reaching perfection, another wholesome root arises, called the wholesome root of the summit stage. As the wholesome root of the summit stage becomes increasingly superior, it is given another name. Among these progressing wholesome roots, the summit stage is the most supreme; it is named the summit stage because it resembles the crown of a person's head. It is also named the summit stage because it stands at the boundary between advancement and regression, like a mountain peak, hence called the summit. The summit stage, like the heat stage, is capable of fully contemplating the Four Noble Truths and fully cultivating the sixteen aspects.

Original Text: These two wholesome roots, the heat and summit stages, at the initial stage of establishment, pertain only to the mindfulness of dharma. For what reason is it called the initial establishment? It means that whatever wholesome root, with the sixteen aspects, initially traverses the path of the Four Noble Truths. Later, during advancement, they encompass the four foundations of mindfulness. The previously attained [stages] do not reappear subsequently, because the mind does not generate reverence for them.

Explanation: Such wholesome roots of the heat and summit stages, at the time of their initial arising, only occur while cultivating the mindfulness of dharma. For what reason is it called the initial establishment? This means that accompanying whatever wholesome root, with the sixteen aspects, one initially enters the contemplation of the Four Noble Truths. After the wholesome roots of the heat and summit stages advance, they encompass the cultivation of the four foundations of mindfulness. The dharmas attained previously will not reappear subsequently, because the mind does not generate any special regard for those dharmas; there is no attachment to them.

Dedication Verse: We dedicate all the merit from propagating the Dharma and group practice on our online platform to all beings in the Dharma realm, and to the people of the world. We pray for world peace, that war may not arise; may the flames of war be extinguished and weapons laid down forever; may all disasters completely subside! We pray that the people of all nations unite in mutual aid, treating each other with compassion; may the winds and rains be favorable, and the nation be prosperous and the people at peace! May all sentient beings deeply believe in cause and effect, harbor compassionate hearts and refrain from killing; may they widely form good affinities and cultivate wholesome deeds; may they believe in the Buddha, learn the Dharma, and increase their wholesome roots; may they understand suffering, abandon its origin, aspire to cessation, and cultivate the path; may the door to the evil destinies be closed, and the path to Nirvana opened! We pray that the Buddha's teachings may flourish eternally and the true Dharma abide forever; may the burning house of the three realms be transformed into the lotus land of Ultimate Bliss!