十不二門指要鈔 2.58

2.58

Answer: "Since this passage distinguishes the two functions, having [the character yu] makes the meaning even clearer. Why? For yu means 'to lend to,' 'to bestow upon,' and also 'to assist.' Since Dharma-nature and ignorance mutually invert each other to form the two functions, they have the meaning of mutually borrowing power and assisting in accomplishment, wherein the weaker borrows power to assist the stronger. If the internal perfuming of Dharma-nature is powerless while the defiled function of ignorance is strong, then Dharma-nature lends power to ignorance to produce all defiled dharmas. If the grasping sentiment of ignorance is powerless while the internal perfuming of Dharma-nature is powerful, then ignorance lends power to Dharma-nature to give rise to all pure responses. Because although ignorance has the function of bringing things to pass, because its substance is empty it cannot produce and create by itself; it must rely on Dharma-nature lending power to assist it before defiled dharmas are accomplished. Although Dharma-nature inherently possesses the pure function of the three thousand [realms], its manifestation arises from cultivation. Even if true cultivation does not rely on ignorance, how could conditioning cultivation be without longing and aversion? Hence the text below says: 'It must rely on conditioning and revealing causes to serve as the power for benefiting others.' Ignorance lending power to assist Dharma-nature only then accomplishes the pure function. Since Jingxi accepted the meaning of 'according with conditions,' he necessarily accepted that Dharma-nature and ignorance mutually serve as causes and conditions; but clarifying according with conditions in terms of inherent possession in the substance is naturally distinct from the expedient teachings."