起信論疏筆削記 1.56

1.56

"Since the text [is voluminous]" and so forth is the second [part]: the abridged treatise. It has three [parts]. This first one reveals the reason. "Since" (既) means "already" (已), a term confirming what came before. "The text is voluminous" refers to the *Sugar Cane Treatise* being six hundred fascicles, or as some say, one hundred fascicles; as there is no copy here in this land, it is difficult to determine which is correct. "Miao" (邈) means remote. When the text and sentences are already numerous and the meanings are moreover profound and remote, then even though later generations might have faculties of the complete and sudden [teachings], those whose mental strength is inferior cannot fully peruse such an extensive and comprehensive treatise. This does not mean that only those of the provisional and Hinayāna capacities are called "those of shallow discernment"; it is because this abridged treatise is composed precisely for those of sudden Mahāyāna faculties to bring them to awakening and entry. Therefore, a subsequent passage states: "There are sentient beings who find extensive treatises with voluminous texts burdensome, but whose minds delight in dhāraṇī, grasping many meanings through few texts, and who are capable of attaining understanding." It also states: "Desiring to explain the fundamental meaning of the Tathāgata so that all sentient beings may attain correct understanding without error..." and "In order to enable sentient beings whose good roots have matured to become capable of non-retrogressing faith in the Mahāyāna Dharma..." and so on. These, then, act precisely as conditions for those at the stages of faith and understanding in the Mahāyāna. Conversely, we know that merely lacking mental strength regarding this extensive [work] is what is called "shallow discernment."