起信論疏筆削記 12.34

12.34

Commentary: "These bodhisattvas..." Below, second: contrasting with the two vehicles to reveal the severance of delusion, which also has two parts: first, examining the inferior to clarify coarse delusion, which also has two parts: first, distinguishing from ordinary beings and Hinayāna followers. "Attaining the emptiness of persons": because these bodhisattvas attain this contemplation, they can subdue active manifestation, differing from ordinary beings; yet they do not completely eradicate the seeds, differing from the two vehicles. As for "dormancy" (anuśaya), it is another name for seeds, meaning that they follow sentient beings and lie dormant in the storehouse consciousness. Now in this treatise, it is spoken of in terms of active manifestation, called "departing from," and not in terms of seeds. "The Mahāyānasaṃgraha..." Below, citing proof. "Top mind" is active manifestation. "Two intentions": retaining the seeds of these delusions to moisten old karma and receive a body of samsaric death in portions. Cultivating the wisdom of all species and cutting off the cognitive hindrance is benefiting oneself; simultaneously accommodating all categories of beings and gathering and transforming them to benefit them is benefiting others. If one does not retain the seeds of delusion, one would be identical to the two vehicles in independently exiting the three realms, and both benefits would be lost. Therefore the Yuanjue jing says: "Bodhisattvas manifesting in the world do not take attachment as fundamental, but purely through compassion cause others to abandon attachment, provisionally utilizing various greeds and desires to enter saṃsāra." Question: Since the bodhisattva retains the seeds of delusion and later gives rise to active manifestations to receive a body of samsaric death in portions, how does this differ from ordinary beings? Answer: The previously cited Yuanjue jing is sufficient to discern the difference. Although retaining the seeds of delusion and receiving a body of samsaric death in portions, because they possess wisdom, they ultimately never produce transgressions. Utilizing this portioned body as support, they broadly cultivate the wisdom of all species and practice great compassion, never letting this give rise to new karma. Just as in the art of charming snakes, though they are not killed, neither do they bite people; hence the Mahāyānasaṃgraha says: "Afflictions are subdued and do not arise, like being harmed by a poison spell. Delusion (affliction) is retained until delusion is exhausted (cognitive [hindrance]), realizing the Buddha's all-encompassing wisdom."