大乘起信論廣釋卷第三．四．五 5.9

5.9

Treatise: If there are sentient beings [...] either advancing or regressing.
Commentary: Below is the second part, adducing the inferior to reveal the superior. In this there are two parts: first, the internal causal power is slight; later, the external condition power is weak. This is the first. "The internal perfuming power is slight" refers to the persons below who are at the initial stage of faith. Regarding "if there are sentient beings," etc.: It generally clarifies the hindrances and perfuming. Because they have just begun to cultivate wholesome practices, it says "scant"; because ancient defilements have not yet been subdued, it is called "deep and thick." Regarding "although encountering the Buddha," etc.: It specifically reveals the shallowness of their stage. Therein, it shows three grades of inferior persons: "Arousing the seeds of humans and gods" refers to the most inferior ones mentioned below, who perversely seek the suffering of birth and death among humans and gods. "Or arousing the seeds of the two vehicles" refers to the moderately inferior ones mentioned in the middle, who arouse a mind to save only themselves and differently seek the lesser fruit. Regarding "even if there are those who seek the Mahāyāna," etc.: In comparison to the former, although higher, they are called "hesitant about the Mahāyāna," and their minds are not determined. Although these three encounter superior conditions and resolve their minds, their wholesomeness is slight and their hindrances are deep, so they only obtain shallow benefits. These are the three grades of persons addressed by the fifth, sixth, and seventh causes among the persons addressed by the eight causes mentioned earlier.