大乘起信論義記 3.89

3.89

In the second part, saying 'pure phenomena, named tathatā': this is tathatā within the gate of arising and ceasing. Due to three meanings, it is called pure phenomena: 1. In terms of substance, because it is originally pure. 2. In terms of substance and marks, because through internal perfuming, it causes defilement to be reversed into incipient purity. The Liang translation of the Saṃgraha says: 'That which can establish refers to the ten kinds of dharmas of merit of tathatā; that which is established refers to the ten kinds of newly arisen correct practices.' 3. In terms of function, through perfuming, it accords with capacities to become the pure condition. 'The cause of defilement, named avidyā': the six defilements and nine marks, etc., all exist because of avidyā. 'The false mind' universally covers the empirical consciousness and the karmic consciousness; now taking its fundamental basis, it only says 'karmic consciousness'. 'False perceptual objects, namely the six sensory dusts': these are the objects perceived by the empirical consciousness. These three are all defiled phenomena. Because the intrinsic natures of these defiled phenomena differ and rely upon causes and conditions, three kinds are fully spoken of. Although pure phenomena constitute the meaning of perfuming in contrast to defilement, their substance and function have never been different; hence only one kind is clarified.