大般涅槃經義記 8.282

8.282

第四句中，「若生有性」牒其有義。「何故名為初發心耶」對以徵破。此還約就發心為性故為此徵。性是常法，云何初發？

In the fourth clause, "If sentient beings have a nature" cites his thesis of existence. "Why is it called the first aspiration?": he confronts it to interrogate and refute it. This still interrogates in accordance with taking the aspiration [to bodhi] as the nature: the nature is a permanent dharma, so how could there be a first aspiration?