大乘起信論義記 1.30

1.30

Furthermore, there are seven meanings that explain the Mahāyāna, as analyzed in the Dvādaśanikāyaśāstra. 'Awakening' means giving rise to: taking the internal perfuming of innate enlightenment as the cause, and the great function of hearing the perfuming from good friends as the condition, one gives rise to rare faith regarding this supreme object, which can cause the mind to be pure, like a water-clearing pearl. In the Vijñaptimātratāsiddhi: 'Faith distinctly has three kinds: first, faith in real existence, meaning deep faith and endurance regarding the real facts and principles of all phenomena; second, faith in possession of virtues, meaning deep faith and delight regarding the true and pure virtues of the three jewels; third, faith in capability, meaning, regarding all worldly and world-transcending wholesome [dharmas], deep faith that there is abundant strength capable of attaining and accomplishing them, giving rise to aspiration.' According to Paramārtha's translation of the Mahāyānasaṃgraha, there are also three kinds: first, faith in real existence, namely the Buddha-nature abiding in self-nature; second, faith in obtainability, because of bringing forth the Buddha-nature; third, faith in inexhaustible merit, namely the Buddha-nature of attaining the fruit. Furthermore, the four kinds of faithful mind in the text below may be thoroughly investigated and discerned. Why does it only explain faith and not speak of the remaining practices? Because it is the root of practice, and the treatise is for beginners. Therefore the text below says: 'having faith in one's own nature, knowing that the mind moves falsely, cultivating the practice of detachment', and so forth. Moreover, the Avataṃsakasūtra says: 'Faith is the source of the path and the mother of merit', and so forth. Here, 'awakening faith' is spoken of according to the place where faith is perfected, meaning entering the stage of non-retrogression and causing the previous faithful mind to become a faculty and not be lost. A 'treatise' (śāstra) is a collected discussion. That is, provisionally establishing host and guest, exchanging refutations and inquiries to measure the correct principle; hence it is called a treatise. Therefore it is named the Mahāyānaśraddhotpādaśāstra.