大乘起信論別記 1.24

1.24

From "the mind as tathatā" onward is the second part, elaborating on the specific formulations above. Elaborating on the two gates comprises two parts. In the first, it is divided into two: first, elaborating on tathatā; second, from "furthermore" onward, elaborating on the characteristics of tathatā. The reason the import of these two passages differs is that the first is a general explanation, and the second is a specific analysis. Furthermore, the first passage clarifies that it is ineffable, showing that principle transcends words; the second passage explains that characteristics can be spoken of, showing that it does not transcend words. Therefore, in the first passage: