大乘起信論別記 1.121

1.121

「住持」以下，約其功能釋相續名。此識能起愛取故，能引持過去無明所發諸行，令成堪任來果之有，故言住持過去之果，令不失故。此義具如《瑜伽論》說。又識能起潤生煩惱，能使業果續生不絕，故言「成就現未等報無差違故」。如是三世因果流轉不絕，功在意識，故名相續。

From 'maintaining' onward, the name 'continuity' is explained in terms of its functions. Because this consciousness can give rise to craving and grasping, it can attract and maintain the karmic formations produced by past avidyā, causing them to form an existence capable of yielding future fruit; hence it is said to maintain the fruits of the past so that they are not lost. This meaning is fully explained in the Yogācārabhūmiśāstra. Furthermore, this consciousness can give rise to afflictions that moisten rebirth and can cause karmic fruit to arise continuously without interruption; hence it is said: 'because it accomplishes present and future retributions without discrepancies.' In this way, the cycle of cause and effect across the three times continues without end; the function lies in the manovijñāna, and therefore it is named 'continuity.'