大乘起信論義記 2.129

2.129

In presenting the fault, 'for this reason' means: because the aforementioned thoughtlessness is called enlightenment, this reveals that having thoughts cannot be called enlightenment. 'Because from the beginning' and so forth reveals the reason for non-enlightenment: that is, from before the vajra[-like samādhi] backward, all sentient beings have not been free from the thoughts of beginningless avidyā, and therefore do not obtain the name of enlightenment. Thus, previously, in contrast to the differences among the dreams of the four marks, gradual enlightenment was spoken of; now, in terms of the non-difference of the sleep of avidyā, non-enlightenment is spoken of. As the Renwang jing says: 'From the forbearance of subduing up to the summit samādhi, illumining the ultimate truth is not called seeing. What is called seeing is sarvajñatā.' This is what it means. 'Therefore it is called beginningless avidyā' concludes and establishes the meaning of non-enlightenment. This reveals that there is no defiled dharma that begins prior to avidyā; hence it says 'beginningless.' Furthermore, avidyā relies on the real, and likewise has no primary origin.