大乘起信論廣釋卷第三．四．五 3.47

3.47

[Treatise:] The characteristic of identity [… down to …] nature and characteristic of fine dust.
[Commentary:] Next, it distinguishes the characteristics. In this there are two: first, identity; later, difference. Within identity there are three: first, offering an analogy; next, applying it to dharma; finally, citing scriptural evidence. This is the first. Various earthenware vessels serve as an analogy for defiled and pure dharmas; all having fine dust as their nature and characteristic serves as an analogy for defiled and pure dharmas having tathatā as their nature. 'Characteristic' means substance; it is also nature. It is not that because the words 'nature and characteristic' are used here, fine dust is spoken of as the nature of the vessels, and earthenware vessels are spoken of as the characteristic of the dust. The new translation merely says 'all share the characteristic of fine dust', which reveals that here nature and characteristic are not different.