大乘起信論略述 1.56

1.56

Treatise: "Therefore, all […] is named suchness." Commentary: This concludes phenomena back to the ultimate. There are ten clauses, grouped overall into three sections. The first two clauses bring up the phenomena being reconciled. Saying "therefore" means that because the preceding deluded objective realms are produced by the deluded mind, all phenomena are originally empty. Next, there are six clauses explaining the meaning of their emptiness. The first three clauses reveal that because the nature is free from delusion, its essence is true. The latter three clauses reveal that because it is free from differing attributes, its essence is such. Being "free from the attributes of verbal explanation" is because it does not exist like sounds. Being "free from the attributes of names" is because there is no inherent nature that can be expressed. Being "free from the attributes of mental conditionings" is because there is nothing that can be grasped at. The path of awakening through words is cut off, and the place of mental activity is extinguished—all are precisely the true. Being "ultimately equal" is because there is nothing to be differentiated. Having "no alteration" is because there is nothing that can transform. Being "indestructible" is because it cannot be counteracted. Since all are equal and without difference, the essence is entirely such. Below are two clauses concluding back [to the ultimate]: "Suchness is only the one mind" means that phenomena arise based on phenomena, and thoughts do not depart from the mind; therefore, all phenomena are only the one mind. Since the essence of this one mind is precisely suchness, all phenomena are named suchness.