大乘起信論義記 3.28

3.28

When persons of the two vehicles reach the rank of non-learning (aśaikṣa), the afflictions of view and cultivation are ultimately separated. "Conjoined with faith": from the ten understandings onward, the faculties of faith are perfected and there is no falling back, which is named being conjoined with faith. Therefore in the Daśabhūmikaśāstra, those before the grounds are collectively named bodhisattvas of the stage of faith-practice. In Asanga's treatise it is also stated in this way. This bodhisattva attains the emptiness of persons, and the afflictions of view and cultivation cannot become active, hence it is said to be "distantly separated". This is not in terms of dormant tendencies (anuśaya), because delusion is retained. Thus the Mahāyānasaṃgraha says: "If one does not sever the active mind, one is not different from ordinary persons; if one does not retain the seeds, one is not different from the two vehicles." Furthermore, there are two meanings: retaining delusion is for the sake of oneself and others; this is spoken according to the final teaching; according to the initial teaching, only from the first ground onward is it said to retain delusion, as explained in other treatises. Now, this bodhisattva not only severs the personal clinging of the four abiding stages, but also partially severs the abiding stage of avidyā; therefore the lower text of this treatise says: "One who does not comprehend the meaning of the single dharmadhātu observes and learns to sever it from the stage conjoined with faith." Now, merely to reveal the coarse clinging to a personal self, that is not discussed.