起信論疏筆削記 6.34

6.34

[On the Commentary's] 'First, in terms of essence,' etc.: the second [part], the explanation, has two parts: first, the tathatā aspect, which also has two parts: now first, the correct explanation. 'In terms of essence,' etc., states and establishes [the point]. 'Not defiled,' etc., explains the aforementioned transcendence of marks to reveal the single essence, meaning that defilement and purity, arising and ceasing, motion and turning, and so forth, all pertain to marks; to express that these are completely absent, it says 'not.' 'Equal,' etc., concludes in terms of essence. 'Equal' concludes in terms of the vertical, because there is no high or low; as a sūtra says: 'This Dharma is equal, with neither high nor low.' 'Of one flavor' concludes in terms of a metaphor: like the great ocean sharing a single salty flavor. 'The nature is without distinction' concludes in terms of the horizontal; the Vimalakīrtinirdeśa-sūtra says: 'All sentient beings are as such; all dharmas are also as such; all noble ones and sages are also as such; even Maitreya is also as such.' Furthermore, 'equal and of one flavor' is the transcendence of marks. 'The nature is without distinction' is in terms of essence. Hence it says: 'In terms of essence, it transcends the marks of meaning.'