大乘起信論略述 1.129

1.129

The treatise says: "What does this mean? [...] it is said that avidyā exists."

The commentary says: From here below is the specific explanation. In this there are three: first, explaining reliance on the mind; next, explaining the evolution of manas; finally, the evolution of the consciousness of the mind. This is the first. "What does this mean?" inquires into the meaning of the consciousness of the mind evoluting based on the mind. "Based on the ālayavijñāna" refers to "based on the mind" above; it is the cause of arising and ceasing, which is the meaning of original awakening within the two meanings of the ālaya. "It is said that avidyā exists" is the condition of arising and ceasing, which is the meaning of non-awakening within the two meanings. Wishing to clarify that based on these causes and conditions the manas and consciousness of the mind evolute, it says "because based on the ālayavijñāna," and so forth. In the previous introductory text, it briefly indicated the cause, only saying "based on the mind"; now, based on this specific explanation, it fully reveals cause and condition, and therefore speaks of relying on the mind and on avidyā.