大乘起信論內義略探記 1.22

1.22

問：既泯相不存故示體者，亦可攬理，理不存故，但示相用？答：不例。凡生滅起必賴真攬理，理不失真未必由生滅，故泯相不存。泯相不存故示體，理不失故示三大，是攝義是齊，示義是別也。

Question: Since eliminating attributes without retaining them means demonstrating essence, could it also be that in gathering principle, principle is not retained, and thus it only demonstrates attributes and function? Answer: It is not parallel. Whenever arising and ceasing arises, it must rely on the real and gather principle, and principle is not lost; the real does not necessarily rely on arising and ceasing, and thus it eliminates attributes without retaining them. Because it eliminates attributes without retaining them, it demonstrates essence; because principle is not lost, it demonstrates the three greatnesses. The sense of subsuming is equal; the sense of demonstrating is distinct.