起信論疏筆削記 18.5

18.5

Revealing the fault. In the treatise's text here, there are two points that reverse the preceding correct principles, thus constituting the fault of not knowing: First, deluded regarding the fundamental true mind; hence the treatise says “Because sentient beings” and so forth. All dharmas are fundamentally mind-only; because sentient beings are deluded regarding the fundamental mind-only, they falsely see external objects, and because false seeing has limits, it consequently causes objects to have delimitations; therefore they cannot know universally. This precisely contrasts with the first [principle] above—fundamentally mind-only—to reveal its fault. Commentary: Regarding “Seeing has limits” and so forth: The objects are boundless; it is merely that the cognizing mind has limits; hence the treatise says “the mind has delimitations,” and does not say that the objects have delimitations. Second, falsely giving rise to thoughts and conceptualizations; hence the treatise says “Because of falsely giving rise” and so forth. That is, the One True Mind is fundamentally free of delusion, an ever-abiding dharmatā; because sentient beings falsely give rise to thoughts and conceptualizations, they contravene non-delusion and do not accord with the true nature; therefore they cannot know universally. This precisely contrasts with the second [principle] above—freedom from deluded thought—to reveal its fault. Commentary: Regarding “The two explain and establish” and so forth: In terms of the treatise's two passages, both serve to contrast with the preceding so as to explain and establish the meaning of the fault, not merely this text; this is clear upon careful examination. Regarding “Precisely clarifies” and so forth: Nature is fundamentally free from thought; falsely giving rise to thoughts and conceptualizations is precisely contrary to the real. Because it is contrary to the real, one cannot fully know; the phrase “cannot fully know” runs through the preceding passage, and the meaning is thus evident.