大乘起信論義疏 2.17

2.17

Question: If the true is originally one, why is it that when defilement arises, its depth and shallowness differ? Answer: Beginningless ignorance is of equal grade, without coarse or subtle; from the wisdom-consciousness onward, defiled attachment differs because mental deliberations are distinct; from the continuing consciousness onward, arising and completion are deep or shallow; hence karmic retributions are superior or inferior, unequal in high and low, and differentiated as sharp or dull. However, this meaning is not something ordinary beings can know.