大乘起信論義記別記 1.42

1.42

Question: If original enlightenment can eradicate delusion, what is the use of initial enlightenment? Answer: Because delusion has two meanings: first, the meaning of being non-existent in principle; second, the meaning of being existent in emotional attachment. In contrast to the first meaning, it is called original enlightenment; in contrast to the latter meaning, it is called initial enlightenment. Hence the *Fo xing lun* says: 'Afflictions have two kinds of cessation: first, cessation by self-nature; second, cessation through antidotes.' In contrast to these two cessations, there are the two enlightenments of initial and original. Furthermore, this initial enlightenment is also the function of original enlightenment. How so? Because depending on original enlightenment there is non-enlightenment, and because there is non-enlightenment there is initial enlightenment; therefore, initial enlightenment is itself original enlightenment, with no distinct essence, only the single original enlightenment eradicating afflictions. In the mutual relation of initial and original, each has two meanings: within the original, the first is the meaning of being potent, because it can accomplish the initial; the second is the meaning of being impotent, because it is named 'original' in contrast to the initial. Within the initial, the first is the meaning of being potent, because it can reveal the original; the second is the meaning of being impotent, because it is accomplished by the original.