大乘起信論義疏 2.23

2.23

Question: If it is so, why does the Great Sūtra [Nirvāṇa Sūtra], in the 'Bodhisattva Chapter,' say: "If one says that within the bodies of sentient beings the ten powers, four fearlessnesses, and so forth are fully present, that person is not my disciple; this is great wrong view"? And below, it further says: "Sentient beings possess the nature because they will see it in the future"? These two sūtras contradict each other; how are they reconciled? Answer: These sūtra passages are all speaking of practiced virtues. If spoken in terms of practiced virtues, to hold that the ten powers and fearlessnesses are present now is a great wrong view; however, it is not that the principle is absent. Moreover, the nature of fruition is called 'seeing in the future' because it will be attained in the future. Thus this sūtra says: "Like the poor woman's treasure, or treasure in the dark, it is originally possessed inherently, not newly acquired now." This speaks of the principle. These sūtra passages are not merely of one kind; therefore there is no contradiction.