大乘起信論廣釋卷第三．四．五 3.74

3.74

[Treatise:] Furthermore, relying on avidyā [...] only a Buddha can exhaustively understand. [Commentary:] Above clarified the meaning of arising and ceasing relying on causes and conditions. Next below perfumes and reveals the substance and characteristics of causes and conditions. Herein there are two parts: first, briefly clarifying the extremely profound characteristic of dependent origination; second, extensively revealing the distinct meanings of dependent origination. The first also has two parts: first, stating and praising the profound depth; second, explaining the reason for the profound depth. This is the first. Previously, the meaning of dependent origination was directly clarified; here below, it is repeatedly revealed with reference to its profound depth; hence it says "Furthermore, the perfuming of avidyā," etc. "The consciousness arisen from the perfuming of avidyā" states the substance of dependent origination: that is, the fundamentally pure mind is the substance of dependent origination. The consciousness arisen from the perfuming of avidyā states the substance of dependent origination: that is, the fundamentally pure mind is the substance of dependent origination; all false consciousnesses arisen from the perfuming of avidyā are collectively named the consciousness arisen from the perfuming of avidyā, not meaning to take exclusively either the true or false aspect. "Cannot be known by ordinary persons," etc.: this means ordinary persons and the Hinayāna are excluded. Regarding this fundamental principle of dependent origination, ordinary persons of karmic faith possess those five abidings and two obstructions, hence they cannot know it. Although the two vehicles have realized [cessation], due to the obstruction of wisdom by the ground of abiding in avidyā, they also cannot be awakened to it. It is precisely due to this principle that the sūtra says: "The ādānavijñāna is extremely profound and subtle; I do not disclose it to the foolish ordinary persons." "Referred to as bodhisattvas" down to the bodhisattvas knowing it partially: Bodhisattvas, from their initial stage of resolute faith in correct determination, resolve and cultivate through inferential contemplation and observation; upon reaching the bhūmis, they realize it stage by stage, knowing that based on tathatā, following conditions, it becomes consciousness. Since they are able to contemplate and realize it, the Buddha taught it to them. The sūtra has a verse based on this meaning saying: "Therefore it is named the ālaya; to the excellent ones I disclose it." Because the bodhisattvas have not yet completely severed the ground of abiding in avidyā, the karmic consciousness has not perished; even reaching the tenth, ultimate bhūmi, they still do not fully know the principle of dependent origination. "Only a Buddha can exhaustively understand" clarifies that the Buddha is able to know it: avidyā being severed completely, the path of awakening is perfectly luminous, so he can fully know the dependent origination of the one mind.