起信論疏筆削記 1.58

1.58

"It may well be called..." and so forth is the third [part]: revealing its efficacy and benefits. It has two [parts]. This first one shows that the abridged can contain the extensive. "It may well be called" is an expression of affirmation and praise. The treatise consists of only one fascicle and twenty-four sheets; hence it is called "concise in text." "Concise" (約) means abridged. The dharmas and meanings it expresses are as complete as the sands of the Ganges; hence it is called "abundant in meaning." "Abundant" (豐) means plentiful. This, then, completely gathers the Dharma treasuries of all the Buddhas of the ten directions and the three times. Thus a subsequent passage states: "The profound and vast meanings of all the Buddhas, / I now expound in accord with dhāraṇī." It also states: "Such is the secret treasury of all the Buddhas of the Mahāyāna, which I have expounded in summary." "Understanding and practice..." and so on: "understanding" refers to the two sections on Setting Forth the Meaning and the Explication, because what they express causes understanding to arise; "practice" refers to the Cultivation of Faith and the Exhortation to Practice and Its Benefits, because what they express causes practice to arise. It also states: "Deep understanding manifests before one within the dharma of tathatā, and what one cultivates is free from marks." It also states: "Knowing that the mind deludedly moves without external objects, one cultivates the dharma of detachment," and so on. "Both" (俱) means "simultaneously" (兼); in sense and intent there is no difference. As understanding and practice are both fulfilled, it is said that "both are encompassed." Alternatively, "both" means being endowed with both understanding and practice, while "simultaneously" means there is practice within understanding, and understanding within practice. Only when eyes and feet mutually assist each other can one arrive at the cool pool.