大乘起信論廣釋卷第三．四．五 5.26

5.26

[Treatise:] In accordance with where they are born [… down to:] because of the power of mastery.
[Commentary:] This distinguishes [such a bodhisattva] from ordinary foolish beings. Although, because of not having severed all faults and outflows, through lapse of mindfulness they arouse evil that can incur painful fruits, and temporarily correspond with subtle suffering according to where they are born, they are nevertheless not bound by evil karma. This is because they are sustained by the sovereign power of the great vows arisen from compassion and wisdom. Therefore, the new translation of the treatise states: 'Or, due to evil karma, they experience subtle suffering; yet sustained by the power of vows, they are not long bound.' Thus, they differ from ordinary beings. Therefore, the Yogācārabhūmi reveals this meaning, saying: 'Furthermore, this bodhisattva of initial resolve may at some time be born in the most terrible evil destiny, in the hells (naraka); yet mostly they swiftly attain liberation from there, experience slight suffering, generate great revulsion, and arouse great compassion toward those sentient beings. All such things are due to gathering indestructible, true merit.'