大乘起信論廣釋卷第三．四．五 4.85

4.85

[Treatise:] Furthermore, [the greatness of activity of] tathatā: [all Buddhas and Tathāgatas, originally while on the causal stage,] give rise to great compassion, [Commentary:] The substance and attributes were explained above; the greatness of activity is elucidated below. In this there are two parts: first general explanation, then specific elucidation. In the general part there are two: first, adducing the cause with respect to the fruit; later, taking up the cause to reveal the fruit. In the first there are also two parts. First, within compassion there are three: first, revealing the cause that initiates activity; next, giving rise to practice on the basis of compassion; finally, establishing [vows] on the basis of compassion. This is the first. "All Buddhas and Tathāgatas": this clarifies the persons capable of initiating the greatness of activity, because the greatness of activity is initiated by Buddhas. "Originally while on the causal stage": this clarifies the time when the greatness of activity is first initiated, namely at the time of generating the aspiration [for awakening] on the stage of ordinary beings. "Give rise to great compassion": this reveals the cause for initiating the greatness of activity, because it is on the basis of great compassion that the greatness of activity is initiated.