大乘起信論略述 2.44

2.44

論。復次真如自體相者　述曰。生滅門內有二分中。前來已釋生滅心法。釋立義中是心生滅因緣相竟。次下明其所示之義。釋立義中能示摩訶演自體等義。於中有二。初合釋體相二大。後別釋用大之義。初中亦二。初總標二大之名。後別釋二大之義。此初也。以此體相多凡位說與用別故。二合說。其用大者約佛菩薩悲智而明。是故別開。故言真如自體相也。

[Treatise:] Furthermore, the intrinsic essence and attributes of tathatā […]
[Exposition:] Of the two parts within the aspect of arising and ceasing, the preceding section has already explained the dharmas of the mind of arising and ceasing, completing the explanation of the characteristics of the causes and conditions of this mind's arising and ceasing from the statement of doctrine. Next below clarifies the meaning shown by it, explaining the meaning of "capable of showing the intrinsic essence of the Mahāyāna" and so on from the statement of doctrine. In this there are two parts: first, explaining together the two greatnesses of essence and attributes; next, explaining separately the meaning of the greatness of function. In the former there are also two parts: first, generally designating the names of the two greatnesses; next, explaining separately the meanings of the two greatnesses. This is the first. Because these essence and attributes are mostly explained in reference to ordinary stages and are distinct from function, the two are explained together. The greatness of function is clarified with reference to the compassion and wisdom of buddhas and bodhisattvas, and is therefore treated separately. Hence it says "the intrinsic essence and attributes of tathatā."