大乘起信論義記 1.19

1.19

Question: Suppose an objection is raised: If all sentient beings equally possess the buddha-nature and will definitely attain Buddhahood, then although sentient beings are numerous, they must eventually be exhausted, which would be a great fault. Furthermore, if all possess the nature, it would cause the final bodhisattva to lack the practice of benefiting others, because there would be no sentient beings to convert; and lacking practice while attaining Buddhahood is not reasonable. Furthermore, it would cause the other-benefiting merits of all Buddhas to be severed, because there would be no receptive faculties of those to be converted. How can these three objections be resolved? Answer: The objections raised here all arise from deludedly viewing the realm of sentient beings; it is through this delusion that these objections are raised. Therefore, the Anūnatvāpūrṇatvanirdeśasūtra states: 'Those of great false views see the realm of sentient beings increasing or see the realm of sentient beings decreasing; because they do not know the one dharmadhātu as it truly is, they give rise to views of increase and decrease regarding the realm of sentient beings.'