起信論疏筆削記 13.20

13.20

In the simile, the Treatise has two parts. First, generally establishing the basis of the simile.

Commentary: Regarding "the simile of avidyā and so forth": it was previously doubted that if the essence of mind ceased, the three marks of avidyā could not continue. Now, presenting the simile of the mutual dependence of wind and water reveals that the essence of mind does not cease, so the three marks can continue without interruption, just as wind depends on water to have waves. From "This shows..." downward clarifies that avidyā depends on the real to manifest production and cessation, which is why the previous text stated: "Mind and avidyā both lack form and characteristics."