大乘起信論略述 2.19

2.19

[Treatise:] The perfuming of the essential attribute [...] the nature of objects. [Commentary:] From here downward, the marks are analyzed. There are two parts within this: first explaining separately, and then clarifying together. Within the separate explanation there are also two parts: first clarifying the essence and attributes, and then revealing the greatness of function. Within the first there are also two parts: first correctly revealing it, and then removing doubts. Within the correct revelation there are again two parts: first clarifying the perfuming, and then revealing the functional efficacy. This is the first. "Possessing untainted phenomena" means that the greatness of essence is fully endowed with the untainted inborn virtues, fully possessing inconceivable activity and the like, serving as the causal condition of objects for the greatness of function. "Inconceivable activity" refers to the greatness of function. "Serving as objects" means that the greatness of function can serve as the objects of the six sense faculties for sentient beings. "Nature" means cause. This means that not only does the greatness of essence fully possess untainted phenomena so as to serve as the cause of cognition that perfumes sentient beings, but it also serves as the cause of the objects of the greatness of function to perfume sentient beings.