起信論註 1.2

1.2

[...] the signifier teaching contains this signified [doctrine]—the teachings of the one mind, the two aspects, the three greatnesses, and so forth—which can arouse the faculty of faith in the Mahāyāna in sentient beings. This signifier teaching definitely should be expounded. Faith in the Mahāyāna means to have faith in one's own nature, knowing that when the mind is deludedly activated there are no external sensory objects. (Answer: That is, having faith in one's own nature [...], having faith that the tathatā of the mind within oneself is of the same kind as the Buddha's; one knows that the mind's [...] activation has no external sensory objects. Within [...] one can be vigorous and never turn back.) This faith definitely can maintain and grow one's own and other wholesome [qualities]; hence it is called the faculty of faith. (Question: What is meant by "can maintain and grow"? Answer: If a sentient being has faith, it can augment all wholesome practices; hence it is called "one's own and other wholesome [qualities]". It is just like raising a small tree: if one can nourish its root, the shoots will naturally be accomplished; hence it is called "can maintain and grow".) Hence it is called the faculty of faith.