起信論疏筆削記 14.7

14.7

On the Śāstra's text from "Exceeding the sands of the Ganges" onward: Second, on the difference in the two obscurations that rely on [ignorance], in two parts: first, the cognitive obscuration. "And beyond": this means to clarify that the number of afflictions exceeds the sands of the Ganges and beyond. Furthermore, viewed in terms of the great number of dharma gates that are obstructed, the delusions capable of obstructing them consequently become immeasurable; hence it says "the sands of the Ganges and beyond." "And beyond" means equal to fine dust motes; examine this closely. On the Commentary's "Unknowing": this is confusion regarding phenomenal dharmas within the gate of conventional truth, because of not being able to know them correctly and not being able to know them exhaustively. "Coarse portion": because within the cognitive [obscuration] there are two portions: first, confusion regarding principle is subtle; second, confusion regarding phenomena is coarse. Tiantai calls it "sands of dust," while the Hīnayāna terms it "untainted unknowing"; here it is this portion.