大乘起信論裂網疏 4.40

4.40

"Furthermore, all buddhadharmas have causes and conditions; only when causes and conditions are complete is the matter accomplished. For example, the nature of fire within wood is the direct cause of fire; if no one knows of it, or even if someone knows of it but does not apply effort, wishing to cause fire to emerge and burn the wood—this is impossible. Sentient beings are also like this: although they possess the causal power of the perfuming of the essence of tathatā, if they do not encounter the condition of kalyāṇamitras such as the buddhas and bodhisattvas, or even if they encounter the condition but do not cultivate superior practices, do not generate wisdom, and do not sever afflictions, being able to attain nirvāṇa—this is impossible."