大乘起信論略述 1.36

1.36

論。所言法者謂眾生心　述曰。次下第三依名辨相。於中有二。先法。後義。法中有二。初就體總立。後依門別立。總中有三。初總出法體。次辨法功能。後釋其法名。此初也。此中心者。如來藏心而名法者。為乘體故。謂具隨流不變之義。能含二門攝三大故。即大乘體故。名為法。

[Treatise:] That which is called "Dharma" is the mind of sentient beings. [Exposition:] Next below is the third part, distinguishing the characteristics according to the names. Within it there are two parts: first, the Dharma; second, the meaning. Within the Dharma there are two parts: first, generally establishing it with respect to essence; second, specifically establishing it according to the aspects. Within the general, there are three parts: first, generally identifying the essence of the Dharma; second, distinguishing the function of the Dharma; third, explaining the name of the Dharma. This is the first. Here, the "mind" is the tathāgatagarbha mind. That it is called "Dharma" is because it is the essence of the vehicle: that is to say, it possesses the meaning of following the flow while remaining unchanging, and is able to contain the two aspects and gather the three greatnesses. Because it is the essence of the Mahāyāna, it is called "Dharma."