起信論註 1.34

1.34

Because the essence of enlightenment has four great pure meanings, it is equal to empty space and like a clear mirror. The four meanings of original enlightenment will be spoken of below. Regarding the four meanings of empty space: first, being empty and devoid of any single mark, yet able to contain all things. (Answer: Regarding 'first, being empty and devoid of any single mark, yet able to contain all things': Answer: Because the essence of all sentient beings has defilement, forms and images do not appear; hence it is said to be 'empty and devoid of any single mark'.) Then it can contain all things. Answer: If the essence of sentient beings is pure, all worldly spheres of cognition appear within it, just as in a mirror: if the mirror has dirt, forms and images do not appear; if the mirror is pure, all forms and images appear within it. Question: The second meaning of empty space is leaving defilement to reveal the pure space, manifesting all things. (Answer: If the minds of sentient beings leave defilement, then they can manifest all things; worldly) spheres of cognition all appear within it. Answer: The mind of sentient beings is like empty space: if in empty space there are no clouds, wind, or dust, then all worldly spheres of cognition appear within it, also like a clear mirror. Question: The third meaning of empty space. Regarding the four meanings of the mirror: Answer: being empty of external objects, its essence contains all images, emerging from all dirt and dust, and manifesting images as the function for beings. Answer: 'Being empty of external objects' means merely that within the essence of tathatā there are originally no delusory marks. Delusory marks cannot enter the essence of tathatā. Only because there is no delusion do all spheres of cognition appear upon the mind of tathatā. Hence it says 'its essence contains all images, emerging from all dirt and dust, and manifesting images as the function for beings'. Answer: The various kinds of minds all appear upon the mind of tathatā; following the minds of sentient beings, it displays myriad transformations, all able to benefit all sentient beings; hence it is called 'the function for beings'. The fourth meaning of empty space is concluded. Through this empty space and mirror, the real is illustrated.)