起信論疏筆削記 1.46

1.46

"Or proceeding..." onward explains their inferior characteristics. "Or" is an indeterminate word. Since the faculties of these beings were already inferior, they either followed sharp or dull proclivities to become ordinary beings or non-Buddhists, or heard the provisional and shallow teachings to become Hīnayānists. Ordinary beings and non-Buddhists do not belong to the Buddha's True Dharma; hence they are called "deviant paths." The schools they practice and turn toward are termed "proceeding toward." As for "narrow paths," having already abandoned self-grasping, they are not called deviant; but not having attained the emptiness of dharmas, they are not called the Great Path. Proceeding toward principle in a biased manner, weary of the toil of mental cultivation, they urgently aspire to the conjured city and do not seek the place of jewels; coveting only self-benefit, how could they convey others? Since it is not the grand thoroughfare, it is called a "narrow path."