大乘起信論義記別記 1.59

1.59

Second, explanation through the Dharma. Question: Does the tathāgatagarbha arise? Answer: No, because conforming to defilement, birth-and-death is not manifested. Question: Since it does not arise, should it cease? Answer: No, because conforming to defilement it produces birth-and-death. Question: Does it both arise and cease? Answer: No, because the nature of the garbha is non-dual. Question: Does it neither arise nor cease? Answer: No, because the nature of the garbha is complete with virtues. Question: Does birth-and-death arise? Answer: No. Since it is identical to tathatā, should it cease? Answer: No, because being identical to tathatā, birth-and-death is formed. A sūtra states: 'Relying on the tathāgatagarbha there is birth-and-death'; hence we know it does not cease. Question: Does it both arise and cease? Answer: No, because birth-and-death conditioned into being is non-dual. Question: Does it neither arise nor cease? Answer: No, because birth-and-death is false and relies on tathatā to be formed; true and false mutually effect each other. Tathatā does not arise, because it conforms to defilement. Birth-and-death does not cease, because it is formed relying on the true. Birth-and-death does not arise, because it is identical to the true. Tathatā does not cease, because its nature does not change. Tathatā arises, because conforming to conditions it produces birth-and-death. Tathatā ceases, because conforming to conditions it is not manifested. Tathatā also arises and ceases, because it is complete with natures that are contrary and accordant. A sūtra states: 'The tathāgatagarbha experiences suffering and pleasure together with its causes, whether arising or ceasing.' It also states: 'All dharmas do not arise; I teach the meaning of the momentary.' It also states: 'Neither arising nor ceasing is the meaning of impermanence, and so forth.' Reflect upon this accordingly. The true neither arises nor ceases. Why is that? Because its nature is free from conceptual discrimination, and not identical to what has been said.