大乘起信論略述 1.40

1.40

[Treatise:] The mind in terms of suchness […] because of essence, attributes, and function. [Exposition:] This opens up the specific to explain and establish it. The Mahāyāna is solely pure, but its pure attributes and functions must be established in contrast to [defilements]. That is to say, because the one mind fully contains defilement and purity, it can reveal its own essence, attributes, and function. When defilement is dismissed, there are no pure attributes and functions; therefore, that which applies to defilement can reveal the meaning of purity. How can it reveal the meanings of the three greatnesses of the Mahāyāna? When this mind transcends characteristics, it is tathatā. Yet the characteristics of meaning revealed through verbal explanations are the characteristics of suchness of the essence of the one mind; therefore, this true characteristic reveals the essence of the mind. This mind, according with conditions, constitutes arising and ceasing; and the causes and conditions upon which this arising and ceasing rely, as well as the coarse and subtle characteristics of this arising and ceasing, are all established by relying on its own essence. Therefore, arising and ceasing and so forth can reveal their own essence. Since this arising and ceasing and so forth have defiled characteristics, they can reveal the characteristics of inborn virtues upon the essence. The defiled, distinctive activities and functions of this arising and ceasing and so forth can reveal the various pure activities and functions of the essence itself. Since its own essence, attributes, and function thus revealed constitute the meaning of the Mahāyāna, it is said that relying on the mind, the meaning of the Mahāyāna is revealed. Because the mind in terms of suchness is the non-arising aspect and is not distinct from the essence that is revealed, it says 'directly reveals.' With respect to essence, because it lacks defilement, it does not reveal attributes and function. Because arising and ceasing and so forth are the active aspect and that which can reveal is distinct from that which is revealed, it says 'can reveal.' Because it has defilement, it comprehensively reveals the essence, attributes, and function of the Mahāyāna itself.