大乘起信論裂網疏 1.72

1.72

It is simply this momentary mind present right before sentient beings that lacks no dharma and creates no dharma; that is, according with defiled or pure conditions, it fully creates the ten dharmadhātus and is universally able to produce the causes and effects of the ten realms. Yet speaking in terms of the nine realms: the various evil causes and effects of the three miserable realms and the like, though they are also the function of this mind, are like making a vessel for filth out of gold, cutting mud with a sharp knife, or using a supreme jewel as a sling-stone; they are not called the greatness of function. The causes and effects with outflows of humans and devas, though they are also the function of this mind, are like exchanging a cintāmaṇi pearl merely for a single suit of clothes or a single meal; they are not called the greatness of function. The causes and effects without outflows of the two vehicles, though they are also the function of this mind, are like keeping Jāmbūnada gold in vain without producing profit; they are not called the greatness of function. The causes and effects of the five supernormal powers of provisional vehicle bodhisattvas, though possessing the function of benefiting oneself and others, are like engaging in trade and commerce with Jāmbūnada gold without being able to rule freely; they are also not called the greatness of function; and though they further aspire toward the ultimate fruition, it is like making a king's crown out of Jāmbūnada gold without being able to take one's entire household and ascend into heaven; it is also not called the greatness of function. Only those with the gotra of the Buddha vehicle know that this momentary mind present right before them has tathatā as its essence and possesses boundless merits; they are then able to contemplate all deluded thoughts as markless, pity themselves and pity others, make great vows, cultivate in accord with the nature, eradicate beginningless ignorance, realize the original dharmakāya, spontaneously give rise to inconceivable deeds, and exhibit various differentiated functions of complete mastery, pervading the dharmadhātu and equaling tathatā. For example, it is like refining Jāmbūnada gold into an immortal elixir, whereupon one can immediately take one's entire household, ascend into heaven, and roam freely; hence it is called the greatness of function.