大乘起信論裂網疏 4.45

4.45

自相續中，謂全攬真如以為阿賴耶識，此識無始展轉傳來，依之建立假名眾生，雖念念滅，即念念生，恒轉如流，故名自相續也。有熏習力者，一無始本住種性熏、二積劫聞所成種熏，此二皆名為內因也。諸佛菩薩慈悲攝護者，一平等緣攝護、二差別緣攝護，此二皆名為外緣也。須知必要差別攝護，及聞所成種熏，方能展轉增其勝因、勝緣，以至成佛入大涅槃耳。初釋體熏竟。

"Within one's own continuum" refers to wholly assuming tathatā as the ālayavijñāna; this consciousness has been passed down and transmitted from time without beginning, and based on it, the nominal sentient being is established. Although it ceases from moment to moment, it immediately arises from moment to moment, constantly turning like a torrent; hence it is called "one's own continuum." "There is the power of perfuming" has two aspects: first, the perfuming of the beginningless originally abiding gotra; second, the perfuming of seeds formed by hearing over accumulated kalpas; both of these are called the "internal cause." "With the compassionate embrace and protection of the buddhas and bodhisattvas" has two aspects: first, the embrace and protection of the equal condition; second, the embrace and protection of the differentiated condition; both of these are called the "external condition." One must know that the differentiated embrace and protection, as well as the perfuming of seeds formed by hearing, are definitely necessary for superior causes and superior conditions to be augmented in turn, so as to attain buddhahood and enter great nirvāṇa. The initial explanation of the perfuming of the essence is concluded.