大乘起信論略述 1.26

1.26

[Treatise:] "Answer: ... the conditions for receiving understanding are distinct." / [Exposition:] The fourth section below resolves the objection. It has two parts: first, briefly resolving the objection; next, extensively demolishing doubts; later, concluding with an explanation of this treatise. This is the first. / "Although these dharmas exist in the sūtras" adduces the questioner's words to concede the objection. / "Sentient beings..." and below answers the objection and refutes their doubts. / "Faculties and practices are not uniform" reveals the differences and similarities of faculties. "Faculties" means root capacities; "practices" means mental actions. Faculties have sharp and dull; minds show broad and concise; hence it says that sentient beings' faculties and practices are not uniform. / "The conditions for receiving understanding are distinct" reveals whether conditions are augmented or meager. Conditions are of two kinds: 1. persons, 2. dharmas. "Persons" refers to the Tathāgata and disciples of the Buddha; "dharmas" refers to the broad and concise texts and meanings of the sūtras and treatises. Relying on these two conditions, one receives understanding through superior conditions or inferior conditions; hence it says that the conditions for receiving understanding are distinct. If the faculties are superior and the conditions strong, although they do not rely on treatises, when the faculties are slight and conditions inferior, how could they cross over without a treatise?