起信論疏筆削記 14.19

14.19

On the Śāstra's "even unto attaining Buddhahood": there are two meanings. First, within this there are arhats and pratyekabuddhas; hence it says "even unto." Second, here it only speaks of going from initial aspiration up to attaining Buddhahood; since it cannot fully narrate the periods of time and the kalpas passed through midway, or the encounters with external conditions, it speaks by leaping over them, saying "even unto." "Vessel" is a simile: square or round, large or small, each has its capacity; the superior and inferior of the three vehicles can be categorized accordingly, being vessels for receiving the Path.