起信論疏筆削記 13.45

13.45

In directly clarifying, regarding the treatise's "What is called..." and so forth: tathatā is that which perfumes, and avidyā is that which is perfumed. Tathatā in its own essence is real, beginninglessly and inherently possessed, not relying on other causes; hence it is not like the above, where that upon which it relies is mentioned together with it. Regarding "Because of perfuming..." below: this clarifies the effect of the real's perfuming. Although avidyā is a defiled dharma that flows along [with saṃsāra], being perfumed by the pure dharma of tathatā, it can then turn around and conform with tathatā, giving rise to this joy and revulsion: knowing that what was loved in the past is suffering, one is revulsed by it; knowing that what was turned away from possesses bliss, one rejoices in it. It is like the previous evil person being exhorted and guided by a good person, and subsequently performing the conduct of a noble person. Regarding "Because of this..." below: the deluded mind is that which perfumes, and tathatā is that which is perfumed.