大乘起信論別記 1.3

1.3

Second, interpreting the text: The initial verse of homage and the section on causes and conditions are evident from the text. In the section on establishing the meaning, two headings are established, namely, dharma and meaning. "Dharma" is the dharma-essence of the Mahāyāna; "meaning" is the nominal meaning of the Mahāyāna. First, establishing dharma initiates the subsequent explanatory text that first explains the establishment of dharma; later, establishing meaning initiates the explanatory text from "Furthermore, the self-essence and characteristics of tathatā" onward that explains the establishment of meaning. In the initial establishing of dharma, there are also two establishments: first, establishing comprehensively in terms of essence, which initiates the initial general explanation in the explanation below; second, establishing individually with respect to the gates, which initiates the text below that explains individually from "As for tathatā" onward. In the first part: