大乘起信論廣釋卷第三．四．五 5.3

5.3

Commentary: Below is the separate opening [of the topic]. Within this there are two parts: first, indicating the number and listing the names; second, analyzing them according to the names. This is the first. Here, one position holds: regarding the aspiration through the perfection of faith, it properly establishes the ten faiths; in the final, fulfilled stage of this stage, one attains the perfection of faith and generates three kinds of mind, entering the ten abodes. The aspiration through understanding and practice establishes only the ten practices; in the final, fulfilled stage, when understanding and practice are perfected, one generates the mind of dedication and enters the ten dedications. Another position holds: the initial mind also encompasses the stages of abode; in the ten stages of the ten faiths, one cultivates faith, and when faith is perfected, one generates a resolute mind and immediately enters the first abode of the ten abodes, the abode of initial resolve; relying on the perfection of faith, one generates the three kinds of mind and abides in correct determination; were it not so, how could the ten abodes lack this? Therefore, both stages are called aspiration through the perfection of faith. Extending to the dedications refers to the stage of the ten practices: being able to understand the emptiness of phenomena, one accords with and practices the six perfections; when the practice of the perfections matures, one generates the mind of dedication and enters the stage of the ten dedications, and again relies on understanding and practice to perform dedication; were it not so, how could the ten dedications lack understanding and practice, and how could they fail to generate the mind of dedication again? The aspiration through realization is located in the bhūmis; relying on the previous two kinds of mutually accordant resolve, one realizes tathatā and generates the true mind; that is, the opening and developing of noble wisdom is called the aspiration through realization. If one follows this meaning, it also extends to the Buddha-fruition. Or, in each and every stage, generating that mind of applied effort and superior progress is also called aspiration; this meaning extends to the stages prior to equal awakening, and so on.