Two Kinds of avinivartanīya

Abstract

Non-retrogression （avinivartanīya） is indicated as the stage that should be the goal in the practical path of a bodhisattva. However, as stated in Lamotte 1965, the word avinivartanīya in Mahāyāna texts is ambiguous due to its multiple meanings. In order to clarify the semantic content of this non-retrogression, this paper focuses on the classification of non-retrogression shown in the Da zhidu lun. Funahashi 1973, Lamotte 1965/1976, and Gilks 2010 have already pointed out that there are two kinds of non-retrogression in the Da zhidu lun. However, since there are differences in the kinds of non-retrogression they pointed out, I re-examine non-retrogression in the Da zhidu lun.

All three kinds of non-retrgression pointed out by the three scholars are confirmed in the Da zhidu lun: （1） non-retrogression from the mind that aspires to enlightenment （bodhicitta） or from vyākaraṇa; （2） non-retrogression with the same meaning as the freedom from retrogression achieved in the darśana-mārga; and （3） non-retrogression of the avinivartanīya bhūmi, which means never regressing to the stage of śrāvaka or pratyekabuddha. In addition, （1） is only indicated from the perspective of a Buddha who is equipped with spiritual powers （abhijñā）, and is considered to be a non-retrogression of which the practitioner cannot be aware.