大乘起信論義疏 1.22

1.22

Next, the second part explains the decline. As for "If after the Tathāgata's parinirvāṇa": this presents the decline of the times. As for "there may be sentient beings": those for whom it was made are unequal. There are two pairs and four propositions, namely those with capacity and those without capacity. The first two propositions are those with capacity; the latter two propositions are those without capacity. In the first [pair], broad hearing with little understanding, and little hearing with much understanding, form one pair. From "Or there may be sentient beings who lack their own mental capacity" downward, it clarifies those without capacity. Here there are two propositions: first, due to lack of capacity, those who hear broadly and attain understanding; in the second proposition, due to lack of capacity, those who hear broadly do not attain it, but whose minds delight in concise text and attain much understanding—these form one pair. From "A treatise such as this" downward, it clarifies those truly suited to the teaching. This is like the fourth person before. The text of this treatise is concise, yet its meaning is exhaustive; therefore it says, "because it completely subsumes the vast, profound Dharma and boundless meanings of the Tathāgata." It is not the narrow and small principle of the Hīnayāna, hence it says vast. Only a Buddha can fathom it, hence it says profound Dharma; the principle is limitless, hence it says boundless. "One should expound this treatise" concludes the presentation of the intention for composing it. The initial introductory section is concluded.