起信論疏筆削記 3.36

3.36

In "Moreover, great..." below, second, specifically explaining Mahāyāna. As for "in terms of meaning, etc.": the treatise states, "What is called meaning has three kinds. What are the three? First is the greatness of essence, meaning that the tathatā of all dharmas is equal, neither increasing nor decreasing; second is the greatness of attributes, meaning that the tathāgatagarbha is replete with immeasurable virtues of its nature; third is the greatness of function, being able to produce all mundane and supramundane wholesome causes and effects." As for "in terms of persons, etc.": the treatise states, "Because it is what all Buddhas originally rode; because all bodhisattvas ride this dharma to arrive at the Tathāgata ground." According to the root commentary, among the three greatnesses, essence and attributes are what is ridden, while the greatness of function is that which rides. Among the three greatnesses, only the One Mind turns; therefore it is both great and a vehicle, an appositional compound (karmadhāraya).