大乘起信論略述 1.123

1.123

論。同相者至微塵性相　述曰。次下辯相。於有二。初同後異。同中有三。初喻次合。第三引證。此初也。種種瓦器喻染淨法。皆以微塵而為體性喻。染淨法以真為性。性者體也。亦即是性。下准此知。

The treatise says: "As for the aspect of identity: [...] the nature and aspect of fine particles."

The commentary says: Next below is the analysis of the aspects. In this there are two: first identity, and later difference. Within identity there are three: first an analogy, next the application, and third citing proof. This is the first. The manifold earthenware vessels serve as an analogy for defiled and pure phenomena; their all having fine particles as their essence serves as an analogy for defiled and pure phenomena having tathatā as their nature. "Nature" means essence; it is also nature itself. Below should be understood accordingly.