大乘起信論略述 1.99

1.99

[Treatise:] "Namely, relying on immeasurable… because they attain benefit."

Commentary: This explains and analyzes. 'Namely, immeasurable phases of virtue' horizontally reveals that the virtues of activity are vast and immeasurable. 'Constantly without interruption' vertically reveals that the root of activity and conditions exhaust the three periods of time. 'Naturally according with the faculties of sentient beings' reveals the superior capacity of activity to respond without effort to capacities, manifesting variously. 'Attaining benefit' reveals that the superior benefits of activity provide fruitful enrichment without fail. These phases of virtue are the function of tathatā, arising without waiting for intentional reflection; therefore it is named 'inconceivable activity.' Although this function of tathatā exists in the Buddha's body, it is originally not two from the minds of sentient beings. It is only because of sentient beings' avidyā and non-awakening that, manifesting defilement in accord with conditions, the function does not appear. If that deluded mind feels weary [of saṃsāra], seeks [liberation], and turns back the flow, the true function will gradually become manifest, appearing to that mind in accordance with its faculties; it does not mean there is an inconceivable activity outside the mind.