起信論疏筆削記 18.47

18.47

Under obstacles: Treatise: "If a person...": this refers to the lower grade of the initial mind of the ten faiths. Commentary: "Karmic obstacles": there are also afflictive obstacles; here only the coarse is cited. Treatise: "Evil māras and so forth": "evil" refers to external paths; "māra" refers to heavenly māras; "various ghosts" refers to dūtī and so forth, as explained below. "Worldly affairs": all public and private worldly affairs are numerous in number; therefore it says "various kinds." Commentary: "Retributive obstacles induced externally": because internally there are karmic obstacles. Previously it was explained that the perfuming of wholesome roots leads to seeing the Buddha's body; now it clarifies that the causes and conditions of unwholesome karma lead to seeing māras and ghosts. From this one realizes external conditions all stem from the internal mind, just as an upright form makes a straight shadow, and a turbid source makes a murky stream.