大乘起信論裂網疏 4.45

4.45

"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.