起信論疏筆削記 17.22

17.22

Fourth, "Praising the Real Practice":
Regarding the Commentary's "Not longing for what is below": meaning that one does not generate attachment toward the retributions of the two vehicles and ordinary people.
Regarding the Treatise's "If one hears..." and so forth: as the *Lotus Sūtra* says: "The Buddha path is long and distant; only after long enduring diligent suffering can it be accomplished."
Regarding the Commentary's "Not daunted by what is above": one has a mind of vigorous courage toward bodhi and nirvāṇa, cultivating all ascetic practices and not genuinely fearing them. Explaining the reason: this also explains the reason for not longing [for what is below]; knowing that the nirvāṇa of one's own nature is ultimately not obtained from outside, and that slowness or speed depends on oneself, what fixed kalpa duration could there be? Therefore, although hearing such words, one has no fear or cowardice. This means that because one is not daunted by what is above, one does not long for what is below; for this reason, the Commentary only explains the reason for not being daunted, since both of these passages contain the words "not daunted."
Regarding "This is..." below: refuting that [teaching] based on this; this clarifies its reality, as it is not an expedient teaching.