大乘起信論裂網疏 4.23

4.23

"Tathatā" refers to the untainted seeds in the fundamental consciousness and the superior functions in the fruition stage of the buddhas and bodhisattvas; both of these accord with the dharmatā of tathatā, and so are both called tathatā. The internal perfuming of seeds is the cause, and the external perfuming by the buddhas and bodhisattvas is the condition; yet this internal cause and external condition are not separate from the momentary, infinitesimal mind presently before the sentient being. This is because this mind-nature is truly without an exterior; because the beginningless untainted seeds are not separate from the present mind-nature; and because the buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions have all realized the mind-nature of sentient beings and are not outside the mind-nature of sentient beings. When it says "perfuming ignorance," one aspect is the external perfuming by the buddhas and bodhisattvas, which perfumes the sixth consciousness and the five prior consciousnesses, causing them to see sights, hear sounds, smell fragrances, and recite texts, or having their bodies illuminated by rays of light, or having their heads stroked by hands, or having their bodies covered with robes, which the mental consciousness receives, thereby perfuming and forming seeds through these active manifestations; the second aspect is the internal perfuming by the untainted seeds, causing them to faithfully accept without doubt or slander. As for making the mind of false thoughts "loathe the suffering of birth and death and seek the bliss of nirvāṇa," this refers to generating the tainted wisdom born of hearing, thinking, and cultivation. As for "because this false mind perfumes tathatā in turn through the conditions of loathing and seeking," this means that the tainted wisdom born of hearing, thinking, and cultivation internally augments the power of the untainted seeds, and externally evokes the compassion of the buddhas and bodhisattvas. "Comes to have faith that one's own body possesses the dharma of tathatā," and so forth, refers to the aspiration born of the accomplishment of faith. "Because it is able to know truly in this way," and so forth, refers to the aspiration born of understanding and practice. "Having no discrimination," and so forth, refers to the aspiration born of realization. "Because ignorance is extinguished, the marks of the mind do not arise," and so forth, refers to realizing the fundamental wisdom of a buddha. "Accomplishing various kinds of sovereign karmic functions" refers to realizing the subsequently attained wisdom of a buddha.