大乘起信論義記 2.251

2.251

In the indication, "causes and conditions" means: the ālaya mind-substance not keeping to its own nature is the cause of arising and ceasing; fundamental avidyā perfuming and stirring the mind-substance is the condition of arising and ceasing. Furthermore, the avidyā-entrenchment as the fundamental root of all defilements is the cause of arising and ceasing; external deluded objects stirring up the waves of consciousness are the condition of arising and ceasing. Based on these two meanings, causes and conditions are demonstrated. The arising and ceasing marks of the consciousnesses assemble and arise, and are therefore called "sentient beings"; yet having no separate substance, they rely solely on the mind-substance, and hence it says "relying on the mind," which is the ālaya's mind of self-characteristic. That which relies, the sentient being, is thought (manas) and mental consciousness (manovijñāna); because they arise relying on the mind-substance, it says "revolve" (zhuan); "revolve" means to arise.