Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra, Volume 34 (55)

Original Text: It should be understood that herein, the knowledge of truth concerning the presently perceived aggregates, and the inferential knowledge of truth concerning non-present objects in different realms that are not directly perceived, are precisely the basis that gives rise to the seeds of dharma-knowledge and analogical-knowledge.

Explanation: Within the observation of these dharmas, if one can correctly observe the presently existing five aggregates and directly perceive the true principle of the Four Noble Truths, dharma-knowledge will arise; this is the basis for the seeds of dharma-knowledge. If, regarding the remaining dharmas beyond the presently existing ones—namely, the five aggregates not presently existing—one engages in inferential observation and gives rise to witnessing wisdom, this is analogical-knowledge; it is the basis for the seeds of analogical-knowledge.

Here, two methods of realizing the Dharma are explained: one is the correct observation of the presently existing five aggregates, and the other is the inferential observation of the non-presently existing five aggregates. Both types of observation can lead to the knowledge of truth. What are the non-presently existing five aggregates? This refers to the five aggregates existing before and after the present moment. If today's aggregates are present, then the aggregates before yesterday and after tomorrow are non-present aggregates, demarcated from the present aggregates by a boundary in time. Although the time points differ, the nature and characteristics of the aggregates are identical; they are of the same category, possessing commonality and comparability.

If this year's aggregates are the present aggregates, then last year's and previous years' aggregates, as well as next year's and future years' aggregates, are non-present aggregates. If the aggregates of this life are the presently visible aggregates, then the aggregates of past and future lives are non-present, non-visible aggregates. Extending this analogy, the aggregates throughout the three great asamkhyeya kalpas all possess the same attributes as the present aggregates. In other words, the aggregates from beginningless kalpas in the past until beginningless kalpas in the future all share common attributes, nature, and characteristics; they are all of the same category and possess comparability.

Correct inference can give rise to dharma-knowledge and analogical-knowledge. Based on the correct and true observation of the presently existing aggregates, one then infers and observes the remaining non-present aggregates; this can give rise to dharma-knowledge and analogical-knowledge, attaining the knowledge of non-arising upon path-seeing. "Different realms" refers to the boundaries and divisions between dharmas of different periods (past and future) and the dharmas of the present moment. Once dharmas have boundaries, the method of observing them differs, and the type of wisdom obtained also differs. Dharmas that can be directly perceived are observed perceptually; dharmas that cannot be directly perceived are observed inferentially. If the observation is correct and true, one will attain the knowledge of truth and the patience with non-arising.