大乘起信論略述 2.45

2.45

[Treatise:] All ordinary persons […] are ultimately constant and eternal.
[Exposition:] Next below separately explains the meanings of the two greatnesses. Between the two greatnesses, this is divided into two: this is the greatness of essence. Although persons are divided into superior and inferior according to their stages, because the essence accords with the person, it has never increased or decreased. The next two phrases explain the reason for this: at the prior limit, the ordinary stage, it does not arise, so it does not increase; at the subsequent limit, the Buddha stage, it does not cease, so it does not decrease. The next phrase further explains this meaning: because it is constant, it does not arise at the prior limit; because it is eternal, it does not cease at the subsequent limit. Since it is constant and eternal, from ordinary being to sage its essence is ultimate.