起信論疏筆削記 7.8

7.8

[On] "This one..." below: second, explaining the word "essence" (體). Completely functioning as arising and ceasing, it is the dharmadhātu of phenomena; completely functioning as tathatā, it is the dharmadhātu of principle. Since both are wrought of one essence, they cause the two to be without obstruction, which is the dharmadhātu of the non-obstruction of principle and phenomena. The reason both are said to "function as" (作) is that arising and ceasing change and function according to conditions, while tathatā transforms and changes its name, which is called "functioning"; both meanings lack subject and object, and are conceptually spoken of as "functioning."