起信論疏筆削記 6.25

6.25

"Two kinds..." and so forth refers to the two: truly empty and truly not empty. "Empty" means not being associated with delusive defilement; "not empty" means being endowed with the virtues of the nature. Here it follows the latter meaning. Therefore, the later text says: "What is called not empty is because it reveals that the dharma essence is empty and devoid of delusion; that is, the true mind is eternally changeless and complete with pure dharmas, hence it is called not empty." "Not different..." and so forth means that each and every mark of virtue is precisely the essence of the nature, and thus they are not different. It does not mean that the garbha is that which possesses and the virtues are what is possessed; hence the word "nature" is used. Therefore, the later text says: "Endowed with such inconceivable Buddha-dharmas exceeding the sands of the Ganges, which are not separated, not severed, and not different, unlike the marks of arising and ceasing, which are definitely distinct, whose natures and marks differ, and which can be perceived and seen." "Like the eight virtues of water": that is, the water of Lake Anavatapta is endowed with eight virtues: first, sweet; second, cold; third, soft; fourth, light; fifth, clear; sixth, odorless; seventh, drinking it does not harm the throat; eighth, it does not harm the belly. The meaning of "not different" can be understood by applying this to the dharma.