大乘起信論義記 3.48

3.48

In the former part, 'defiled mind' refers to the six defiled minds. 'Can obstruct the fundamental cognition of tathatā' reveals the meaning of hindrance. That is, the wondrous discernment that illuminates tranquility, the cognition of what is as-it-is, is called fundamental cognition—namely, the mark of cognitive purity mentioned above. Defiled mind is clamorous and agitated, conflicting with this tranquility; therefore defiled mind is named the affliction hindrance, because it causes affliction and perturbation. Here, relying for now on the gate of mutual dependence between root and branch, the arisen defiled mind is taken as the affliction hindrance, and avidyā which gives rise to the defiled mind is taken as the hindrance to cognition. It does not explain the two hindrances in terms of the two attachments to self and dharmas.