大乘起信論略述 2.32

2.32

[Treatise:] Regarding differentiated conditions: whether seeing or remembering […]
[Exposition:] Next, the characteristics are differentiated. In this there are two parts: first, clarifying differentiated conditions; next, displaying equal conditions. Within the former there are also two parts: first, general; next, specific. In stating the general, there are also two parts: first, clarifying the cause for evoking the function; next, properly clarifying the characteristics of the function. This is the first. Saying "this person" refers to a person of receptive inclination, namely the differentiated capacities among ordinary persons and Hinayānists. "Buddhas and bodhisattvas" identifies the essence of the external conditions; it means that from the initial stage up to the Buddha fruition, they serve as differentiated conditions for those ordinary persons and Hinayānists. From "initial aspiration" downward clarifies the scope and period of the conditions evoked. "Whether seeing or remembering" clarifies the practitioner's mind as the vessel evoking the function; that is, seeing their bodily forms and remembering their virtues, whereby one can evoke superior functions.
[Treatise:] Or becoming relatives […] conditions of immeasurable practices.
[Exposition:] Below clarifies the function. In this there are two parts: first, clarifying the specific functions; next, differentiating the benefits of the function. This is the first. In the text there are two meanings. First, five phrases unfold the general into the specific: wishing to cause them to receive kindness, they manifest as relatives, gathering sentient beings through affectionate love; wishing to make them rejoice in serving and attending, they manifest as servants, dwelling in low positions to interact with beings; wishing to make them admire righteous conduct, they manifest as friends of the same kind to encourage and inspire them; wishing to make them weary of violation and slander, they manifest as enemies, terrifying them into entering the path; wishing to make them accomplish loving practice in the future, they arouse the four means of embracing to guide them and cause them to cultivate. From "down to" below gathers the specific back into the general: all that is enacted as conditions of immeasurable practices constitutes the power of external conditions for sentient beings.