大乘百法明門論解 1.17

1.17

In Puruṣapura in North India—which here translates as "city of heroes"—there was a state preceptor of the country, a Brahmin of the Kauśika gotra, who fathered three sons, all named Vasubandhu. This translates as "Kin of the Gods" (Tianqin), [being named after] the younger brother of Śakra and descendant of King Viṣṇu. Although they shared the same name, they also had separate designations: the eldest was named Asaṅga, which translates as "Unattached," who was of the bodhisattva disposition; the youngest son's separate name was Viriñcivatsa, which translates as "Mother's Child," for viriñci translates as mother and vatsa translates as son, or also child. The middle son was broadly learned and heard much, completely penetrating the ancient records; his spiritual talent was outstanding and brilliant, his moral conduct pure and spotless, without match. Because the other brothers both had separate designations, the Dharma Master was simply named Vasubandhu, so there was no confusion. Relying on the Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra, he extensively composed treatises to explain the Mahāyāna and elucidate the Middle Way teaching of neither empty nor existent. (Detailed in the Life of Vasubandhu in the "Shen" case of the old canon).