釋摩訶衍論 4.77

4.77

Having explained the approach of subsuming the meaning to reveal the central tenet and generate understanding, the approach of resolving doubts through a detailed explanation following the text is explained next. In this, there are two approaches. What are the two? The first is the approach of general presentation; the second is the approach of detailed explanation. "Furthermore, regarding the causes and conditions of arising and ceasing, it is that sentient beings rely on the mind, whereby the manas and manovijñāna evolve" is the first approach. What meaning does this text intend to clarify? It is to reveal the distinction between that which is relied upon and that which relies. What is that which is relied upon? It is the mind of original awakening. What is that which relies? It is none other than sentient beings. When it says "sentient beings," to what dharmas does this correspond? It refers to the manas and the manovijñāna. Why are the manas and the manovijñāna named "sentient beings" (sattva, literally "living beings/born together")? Because the manas and the manovijñāna are born from the aggregation of all defilements, they are called "sentient beings." Yet they have no separate intrinsic substance, but rely solely on the mind as their substance; therefore, it is said that they evolve relying on the mind.