大乘起信論義記 1.32

1.32

馬鳴之名，依諸傳記，略有三釋：一、以此菩薩初生之時，感動諸馬悲鳴不息故，立此名也。二、此菩薩善能撫琴，以宣法音，諸馬聞已咸悉悲鳴，故立此名。三、此菩薩善能說法，能令諸馬悲鳴垂淚不食七日，因此為名也。言菩薩者，依諸論解，亦有三釋：一云、若具言之，應云菩提薩埵。菩提，此云大覺，即所求也；薩埵，此云有情，即所度也，從境為名耳。若從心說，即唯悲與智也。二云、菩提是所求法，薩埵是能求人，心境合明、人法雙稱，故云菩提薩埵。三云、薩埵名勇猛，謂有志有能，於大菩提勇猛求，故立此名也。言造者，製作也。

Regarding the name Aśvaghoṣa ('Horse-Neigh'), according to various biographies, there are roughly three explanations: First, because when this bodhisattva was newly born, he moved horses to neigh plaintively without ceasing; hence this name was established. Second, this bodhisattva was skilled at playing the lute to proclaim the Dharma sound, and when horses heard it, they all neighed plaintively; hence this name was established. Third, this bodhisattva was skilled at expounding the Dharma, able to cause horses to neigh plaintively, shed tears, and not eat for seven days; because of this, it became his name. As for the term 'bodhisattva', according to the explanations of various treatises, there are also three interpretations: One says that if stated in full, it should be called bodhisattva. Bodhi is translated here as 'great awakening', which is that which is sought; sattva is translated here as 'sentient being', which is that which is saved; the name is taken from the object. If spoken of from the mind, it is solely compassion and wisdom. A second says: bodhi is the Dharma that is sought, and sattva is the person capable of seeking; mind and object are illuminated together, and person and Dharma are both named; hence it is called bodhisattva. A third says: sattva is named 'valiant', meaning having determination and ability, valiantly seeking great bodhi; hence this name was established. The word 'composed' means fabricated and authored.