翻譯名義集 2.60

2.60

【Mātaṅgī】 Changshui says: “In terms of its meaning, it is translated as ‘Original Nature’ (Běnxìng). The Śūraṅgama Sūtra states: ‘The bhikṣuṇī Nature is she.’ Furthermore, in the past she was the daughter of a brāhmaṇa named Original Nature. Now following her former designation, she is called the bhikṣuṇī Nature.” Gushan says: “Because she first perceived the intrinsically pure and luminous substance of nature, this fine name was established.” Jingjue says: “That her name is Original Nature comes from the Mātaṅgī Sūtra. According to the Módèng Nǚ Jīng, the mother of the woman was named Módèng. It is also written Módēng. These are all phonetic variations in Sanskrit transcription.” Dharma Master Xuanfan says: “Mātaṅgī, fully stated, is Asita-Mātaṅgī-Caṇḍāla. Mātaṅgī is the general designation for the caste/woman; Asita is the personal name of the woman. This woman was of lowly station, regularly sweeping the market as her profession to provide herself with food and clothing.”