大乘起信論廣釋卷第三．四．五 3.37

3.37

[Treatise:] Because there are object-fields [… down to …] six kinds of characteristics arise.
[Commentary:] It reveals the intention of the subtle characteristics in order to reveal the coarse characteristics. In this there are two: first, the general indication; later, the explanation. This is the first. It means that stirred by the wind of object-fields, the various waves of consciousness surge and turn to arise. In the new translation, the word 'fictitious' is added to 'objects', with the intention of differentiating them from the real object of tathatā. Since tathatā is said not to be the characteristic of an object, merely saying 'object-fields' reveals their falsity. However, the six coarse characteristics below are bundled into three pairs: the first two give rise to attachment based on objects, which are subtle afflictions of attachment to dharmas, severed on the [bodhisattva] stages; the next two give rise to afflictions based on attachment, which are middling afflictions of attachment to self, severed by the Two Vehicles; the final two receive retribution based on karma, which are superior coarse afflictions known by ordinary beings.