大乘起信論略述 2.45

2.45

論。一切凡夫至畢竟常恒　述曰。次下別釋二大之義。於中二大即分為二。此體大也。人雖就位以分優劣。以體隨人未曾增減。其次二句釋此所以。前際凡位不生故非增。後際佛位不滅故非減。其下一句轉釋此義。常故前際不生。恒故後際不滅。既常恒故從凡至聖其體畢竟。

[Treatise:] All ordinary persons […] are ultimately constant and eternal.
[Exposition:] Next below separately explains the meanings of the two greatnesses. Between the two greatnesses, this is divided into two: this is the greatness of essence. Although persons are divided into superior and inferior according to their stages, because the essence accords with the person, it has never increased or decreased. The next two phrases explain the reason for this: at the prior limit, the ordinary stage, it does not arise, so it does not increase; at the subsequent limit, the Buddha stage, it does not cease, so it does not decrease. The next phrase further explains this meaning: because it is constant, it does not arise at the prior limit; because it is eternal, it does not cease at the subsequent limit. Since it is constant and eternal, from ordinary being to sage its essence is ultimate.