The Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra: Volume 34 (38)

Original: Through the power of inferential consideration, by observing the disintegration of conditioned phenomena, one discerns the momentary arising and ceasing of those phenomena, their impermanence through disintegration and destruction, and arrives at certainty. Having attained certainty regarding such matters, one should then correctly apply inference to the arising of phenomena in other lifetimes, which are not presently visible. How does one apply inference? It is observable that sentient beings presently exhibit various distinctions: some possess fine forms, some possess ugly forms; some are of high caste, some of low caste; some are of wealthy families, some of poor families; some belong to great lineages, some to minor lineages; some have long lifespans, some short lifespans; some speak with dignity and solemnity, some without dignity and solemnity; some possess acute faculties, some possess dull faculties. All such distinctions among sentient beings are necessarily established due to distinctions in their performed karma; they do not exist without performed karma. Thus, the distinctions in the types and appearances of such sentient beings are necessarily due to the wholesome and unwholesome karma created in previous lifetimes, which has developed and increased the various categories.

Explanation: Due to the power of inferential consideration, from observing the disintegration of conditioned phenomena, one contemplates the momentary arising and ceasing of phenomena, their impermanence through disintegration and destruction, and arrives at the conclusion: phenomena are mutable and impermanent. Having made this determination regarding these matters, one should then correctly apply inference to the arising of phenomena in previous and future lifetimes, which cannot be presently seen. How does one apply inference? It is observable that sentient beings presently exhibit various distinctions: some have fine appearances, some have ugly appearances; some are of noble family lineage, some of base family lineage; some come from great families, some from small families; some are long-lived, some short-lived; some speak with dignity and solemnity, some speak without dignity and solemnity; some have relatively acute faculties, some have relatively dull faculties.

All such distinctions among sentient beings are necessarily established due to distinctions in their performed karmic actions; it is not without performed karmic actions. Thus, the distinctions in the types and appearances of such sentient beings are necessarily due to the wholesome and unwholesome karma created in previous lifetimes, which has increased the mutual distinctions among the various categories.

Correct inference is the act of comparative reflection based on what has been ascertained through direct perception. If it is not based on direct perception, such comparative reflection is incorrect inference. Incorrect inference is not encompassed by wisdom; correct inference yields wisdom.