大乘起信論義記 1.9

1.9

Question: In chapter 81 of the *Yogācārabhūmiśāstra*, it is said: 'That which cyclically investigates and examines the various canonical scriptures is called the mātṛkā.' And as all definitive sūtras are called mātṛkā, it refers to those places where the World-Honoured One himself broadly analyzes phenomenal marks. According to this textual evidence, even the Abhidharmapiṭaka was spoken by the Buddha. Since this treatise was composed by a bodhisattva after the Tathāgata's extinction, how can it also be included in the Dharmapiṭaka? Answer: There are two meanings: 1. According to the *Yogācārabhūmiśāstra*, it is of that kind, and therefore is subsumed under it. 2. According to the *Mahāmāyāsūtra*, the Buddha declared that Aśvaghoṣa would skillfully explain the essentials of the Dharma. Since he said 'skillfully explain', this is what the Tathāgata sealed in advance as his teaching; therefore, we know it can also be included in this piṭaka.