2.V 「復次，大慧！有七種性自性，所謂：集性自性、性自性、相性自性、大種性自性、因性自性、緣性自性、成性自性。 Furthermore, Mahāmati: There are seven kinds of the nature of self-nature, which are — the composite nature of self-nature,the essential nature of self-nature,the characteristic nature of self-nature,the elemental nature of self-nature,the causal nature of self-nature,the conditional nature of self-nature, andthe resultant nature of self-nature.
This section of the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra outlines the two modes of arising, abiding, and cessation across all consciousnesses—by characteristic and by continuity. It introduces the eight consciousnesses, divides them into discriminating and conceptualizing functions, and reveals the perfumed nature of ālaya-vijñāna. The Buddha warns Mahāmati against nihilistic misinterpretations, clarifying how consciousness ceases only when its causes and conditions cease—not through metaphysical annihilation. This passage deconstructs false views of external creators and affirms causal interdependence as the true logic of mind-only realization.
In this opening session of a rigorous, practice-rooted translation series on the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra, we explore the structure of arising, abiding, and cessation in Yogācāra terms. Key teachings include the the distinction between discriminating and conceptualizing mind, the nature of ālaya-vijñāna, and the two kinds of cessation: characteristic and continuity.