起信論疏 1.10

1.10

As for what is called a "treatise" (śāstra): establishing decisive, exemplary words and phrases, discerning and expounding the principles and profound marks of phenomena; relying on the meaning of decisive discernment, it is called a treatise. In sum, Mahāyāna is the treatise's essential doctrine, and awakening faith is the treatise's supreme efficacy. Combining essence and function to designate the title, it is therefore called the Treatise on the Awakening of Faith in the Mahāyāna.