大乘起信論內義略探記 1.35

1.35

Question: In the preceding innate awakening in accordance with defilement, what is the difference between pure gnosis and this emergence of the Dharma? Furthermore, what is the difference between the preceding inconceivable activity and this conditioning perfuming? Answer: The preceding was in terms of according with defilement, so returning to purity was spoken of as gnosis; that clarified the function of gnosis, spoken of solely in terms of initial awakening. This is in terms of self-nature, so being free from obstacles reveals the essence of phenomena; this clarifies the function of phenomena, spoken of solely in terms of the essence of phenomena. Therefore, the former was called gnosis and this is called Dharma; the former was called activity and this is called conditions.