起信論註 1.1

1.1

[Treatise:] There is a teaching that can arouse the faculty of faith in the Mahāyāna; therefore, it should be expounded. [Commentary:] Next, the second part clarifies the main body section. Within this, there are two parts: first, stating the benefit and promising the exposition; later, properly explaining what is expounded. This is the first part. As for "Treatise:", it distinguishes the treatise from the sūtras to differentiate the signifier teaching. As for "There is a teaching...", it brings forward the signified doctrine to show that it possesses superior benefit. ([Interlinear note:] "Distinguishes the treatise from the sūtras to differentiate the signifier teaching": Answer: Treatises are distinct and sūtras are distinct. A treatise is secondary; a treatise is merely teaching, whereas sūtras are the profound principle. Therefore, this treatise is distinct in each respect. Thus it is said that it distinguishes the treatise from the sūtras to differentiate the signifier teaching; a treatise is merely the signifier teaching. As for "There is a teaching...", it brings forward the signified doctrine: the treatise is the signifier teaching, and "There is a teaching..." is the signified principle; thus they are called signifier and signified. This teaching signifies the principle, being already the signifier teaching; the teaching signifies the principle; hence it is called signifier and signified. "There is a teaching that can arouse [faith in] the Mahāyāna; therefore, it should be expounded": Answer: As for the Mahāyāna, Question: Is it the Mahāyāna mind of sentient beings? Answer: Sentient beings can arouse the mind of faith toward the Mahāyāna; this reveals that it has great and superior benefit. Therefore, [...] reveals the signifier teaching, which should be expounded first).