大乘起信論略述 1.59

1.59

Treatise: "This essence of suchness […] are all identical with suchness." Commentary: This reveals that the true essence is devoid of discarding and establishing. Lest hearing the earlier statement that the name and attribute of the true are discarded causes one to think that the true essence is discarded, forcibly giving rise to the view of emptiness, it refutes this by saying that there is nothing to be discarded. Why is it not discarded? The lower clause explains: because all phenomena are entirely true. Since phenomena lack intrinsic nature and are not false, all are entirely true; hence, regarding the true essence, what more could be discarded? Lest confused persons, hearing that the true essence is not discarded, establish it in accordance with sentiment and forcibly give rise to a view of extinction, it refutes this by saying: nor is there anything to be established. Why is it not established? The lower clause explains: because all phenomena are all identical with suchness. Because all phenomena are empty, devoid of difference and variation, they are all identical with suchness; therefore, regarding this true essence, what more could be established?