Commentary on the Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana, Volume 1, Part 1
Compiled by Monk Huiyuan of Jingying Temple
The *Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana* is a profound treatise that reveals the ultimate, profound truth. It is a sharp blade that cuts through erroneous views, a deep abyss that dispels shallow understanding, and a victorious banner that establishes the correct path. Therefore, all Buddhas, with their Dharma bodies, and all Bodhisattvas take this Dharma as their essence. Ordinary beings and those of the Two Vehicles take this principle as their nature. The transformation from an ordinary being to a sage invariably depends on this. Thus, to demonstrate the supreme nature of this Dharma, the Buddha Śākyamuni taught it in the palace of the ten-headed rākṣasa in the city of Laṅkā, atop the Iron Ring Mountains, surpassing the vast ocean and Mount Sumeru. This signifies that the Three Vehicles are ultimately transcended, as discussed in the *Lotus Sūtra Treatise*. The author of that treatise asked, "Why did the Buddha teach this Dharma while residing on Vulture Peak?" The explanation was: "To indicate the supreme nature of the One Vehicle, the teaching location itself signifies this." Also, in the *Daśabhūmika Śāstra*, it is asked: "Why was this teaching given in the Jeweled Palace of the Parinirmita-vaśavartin Heaven?" The explanation was: "To indicate the supreme nature of the Ten Bhūmis teaching, as it surpasses all others through comparison." This case is similar.
Although the teachings expounded in a single Buddha's dispensation are numerous, they can essentially be categorized into two: 1) the Śrāvaka Piṭaka and 2) the Bodhisattva Piṭaka. Teachings for śrāvakas are called the Śrāvaka Piṭaka. Teachings for bodhisattvas are called the Bodhisattva Piṭaka. How do we know the Buddha's teachings are only these two? There is evidence from events and texts.
Regarding evidence from events: After the Buddha's parinirvāṇa, Kāśyapa and Ānanda compiled the Tripiṭaka in Rājagṛha, which is called the Śrāvaka Piṭaka. Mañjuśrī and Ānanda compiled the Mahāyāna teachings on the Iron Ring Mountains, which is called the Bodhisattva Piṭaka. Therefore, we know the Buddha's teachings do not extend beyond these two.
Regarding evidence from texts: The *Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra* states: "Among the twelve divisions of the scriptures, only the Vaipulya (broad) division is upheld by Bodhisattvas. The remaining eleven divisions are upheld by Śrāvakas." The *Bodhisattvabhūmi Śāstra* says the same. It further states: "The path leading śrāvakas and bodhisattvas out of suffering is expounded in the sūtras." Those who compiled the scriptures compiled these two piṭakas. Teachings on śrāvaka conduct constitute the Śrāvaka Piṭaka. Teachings on bodhisattva conduct constitute the Bodhisattva Piṭaka. Therefore, we know the teachings do not extend beyond these two.
They are also called the Great Vehicle (Mahāyāna), the Small Vehicle (Hīnayāna), the Complete Teaching, and the Incomplete Teaching. Although the names differ, their meaning is not different.
Each of these two Piṭakas is further divided into three: Sūtra, Vinaya, and Abhidharma. The three baskets of the Small Vehicle are: the Four Āgamas as the Sūtra Piṭaka; the five sets of precepts as the Vinaya Piṭaka; and the Abhidharma and *Satyasiddhi Śāstra* as the Abhidharma Piṭaka. The three baskets of the Great Vehicle are: sūtras like the *Nirvāṇa* and *Avataṃsaka* as the Sūtra Piṭaka; the *Pure Vinaya* and *Vaipulya Sūtras* as the Vinaya Piṭaka; and treatises like the *Daśabhūmika* and *Bodhisattvabhūmi* as the Abhidharma Piṭaka.
Now, this treatise belongs to the Bodhisattva Piṭaka among the two Piṭakas. Among the three baskets, it is the third, the Abhidharma Piṭaka. It is also called the "Mātṛkā" Piṭaka, which translates as "the realm of practice," or "Māṭṛkā," which translates as "the mother of practice." This treatise takes the principle of the eight consciousnesses as its essence and the methods of practice as its main theme. All Bodhisattvas, relying on this principle, can initiate their practice. Relying on practice, they accomplish virtues; hence it is called the Bodhisattva Mātṛkā Piṭaka.
The term "Great" (Mahā) means nothing can surpass it; it is called "Great." Since it is said to be ultimate, how could there be anything superior to it? Therefore, it is called "Great."
The term "Vehicle" (Yāna) means to carry or transport. There are two kinds of vehicles: 1) the Vehicle of Principle (Dharma) and 2) the Vehicle of Practice. The Vehicle of Principle can carry others but does not have the meaning of carrying itself; it is the principle itself. The Vehicle of Practice carries both oneself and others, hence it is called a vehicle. This treatise fully elucidates both principle and practice; therefore, it contains both kinds of vehicles. Speaking comprehensively, it is also called the "One Vehicle" because there is no different destination. It is also called the "Buddha Vehicle" because it is what Buddhas ride. All these names, though different, do not change its reality. Therefore, it is called the "Great Vehicle."
The term "Awakening" (起, Qi) means to establish or arouse. The term "Faith" (信, Xin) means determination or conviction. There are two explanations for this "faith": 1) It refers to arousing the true, constant, verified faith within the Ten Stages of Faith. 2) It is, as the wonderful Dharma teacher said, an exhortation to have faith. The treatise's author, being an ordinary person, expounds a Dharma of extremely profound principle. Fearing that people might not accept it and thus create causes for afflictions, he says, "You should have faith in the Mahāyāna Dharma I expound; you should not slander it." Therefore, at the end of the treatise, he says, "I have now, according to my capacity, finished explaining this summary. You should respectfully believe in it. If anyone can believe in this Dharma, their merit will be boundless. Why? Because the principle is boundless. If anyone slanders it, they will incur great suffering and misfortune." The intention from beginning to end is the same; how could it be otherwise? Just as in the *Bodhicitta Śāstra*, the chapter encouraging the arousal of bodhicitta comes first, explaining the six pāramitās only after first encouraging the arousal of the mind for practice. This case is similar: to explain the profound principle, one first encourages the arousal of faith.
Question: Why must one first encourage the arousal of faith? Answer: Because this faith is the very beginning of entering the Buddha-Dharma. The *Avataṃsaka Sūtra* says: "Faith is the source of the path and the mother of all virtues." Also, a treatise states: "Faith is like hands. A person with hands can enter an ocean treasure trove and pick up jewels at will. A person without hands, even if encountering a treasure trove, cannot pick anything up. Faith is likewise. If a person has faith and enters the treasure of the Buddha-Dharma, they can practice according to their capacity and attain the joy of liberation. If a person lacks faith, even if they encounter the Buddha-Dharma, they gain nothing." Therefore, it is essential to arouse faith.
The term "Treatise" (論, Lun) distinguishes it from the Buddha's sūtras. Speaking broadly, everything can be called a "treatise," such as the treatises of the five sciences. Everything can be called a "sūtra," such as the five classics. Speaking specifically, what the Buddha spoke is called a "sūtra." What others spoke but was verified by the Buddha is also called a "sūtra," such as the *Vimalakīrti* and *Śrīmālā* Sūtras. After the Buddha's parinirvāṇa, treatises composed by sages to explain the Buddha's sūtras are called "śāstras" (treatises). Works composed by ordinary beings are called "explanatory texts." Now, this treatise was composed by a Bodhisattva after the Buddha's parinirvāṇa and is therefore called a "śāstra." A "śāstra" involves discussion between guest and host; hence it is called a "treatise." Therefore, it is called the *Treatise on the Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana*.
The statement "Composed by Bodhisattva Aśvaghoṣa" identifies the treatise's author. It also explains the standard, like Nāgārjuna's commentary. The reason this Bodhisattva composed this treatise is as follows: After the Buddha's parinirvāṇa, during the period of the True Dharma, the great sage was not long gone, people's faculties were sharp, and faith was strong; thus, there were no heterodox views. After 700 years, the great sage was long gone, his śrāvaka disciples had also passed into parinirvāṇa, people's faculties became dull, and faith became weak. Due to the world's decline, heterodox teachers and deviant views competed in the world. For instance, the Blue-Eyed Ascetic produced the *Gandha Śāstra* in 20 volumes, taking "no cause in the past" as its tenet. The Yellow-Headed Ascetic produced the *Chanda Śāstra*, taking "spontaneity" as its tenet, along with the Vaiśeṣika school and the eighteen sects. At that time, a śramaṇa son of the Śākya, named Dharmottara, to refute the heterodox views, based on the extensive *Vibhāṣā* and drawing from the Western śramaṇas and Sarvāstivādins, compiled 250 verses into a four-volume Abhidharma. However, because people's faculties were dull and minds weak, they could not grasp the extensive *Vibhāṣā*, and the four-volume summary did not capture the full meaning. Therefore, it was necessary to produce another work. Based on the extensive treatise of Dharmatrāta, incorporating the meanings from Western śramaṇas and the *Avadāna* tradition, adding 250 verses, he compiled the *Saṃyuktābhidharma-hṛdaya-śāstra* in eleven volumes. Hence, at the beginning of that treatise, it says: "The extremely brief is hard to understand; the extremely extensive causes wisdom to regress. I now explain a middle way, with extensive explanations adorning the meaning." These two treatise authors both propagated teachings with characteristics to turn back those of heterodox vehicles, taking conditioned co-arising as their tenet. Although they clarified the principle of emptiness, they only refuted the horizontal clinging to determinate or indeterminate nature regarding dharmas' essence.
Later, after 890 years, Harivarman appeared. Although previous treatises refuted heterodox external paths, because they contemplated characteristics, they could not attain the sagely path. Based on the *Vibhāṣā*, the meanings of śramaṇas from this region, and the Dharmaguptaka tradition, he composed the *Satyasiddhi Śāstra* in twenty volumes. Within extensive treatises, it uniquely propagated the teaching of signlessness, clarifying the emptiness of both persons and dharmas, taking "contemplating emptiness to attain the path" as its tenet. Although these three treatise authors composed treatises to propagate the teachings, they still dealt with the name-and-form affairs of the six consciousnesses and did not address the ultimate principle. Yet people competed to study these treatises, clinging to them as ultimate, promoting them widely in the world, nearly causing the Tathāgata's profound intent to become hidden. Therefore, Bodhisattva Aśvaghoṣa appeared. Moved by compassion for sentient beings who were dragged into non-Buddhist streams and grieved that the Buddha's ultimate intent was becoming submerged, he composed the *Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana* in one volume based on the *Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra*. Although the text is brief, its meaning is exhaustive. It takes the eternal abiding of the eight consciousnesses as its essence and the practice leading to entry as its main theme. It explains how the sixth and seventh consciousnesses are false, thus uprooting people's clinging by investigating its fundamental source. It explains how the eighth and ninth consciousnesses are true, thus clearly showing confused beings the direction and entry point. Such was his intention in composing it.
This treatise has three sections clarifying its meaning: First, paying homage to the Three Jewels. Second, from "The Treatise says: There is a Dharma..." onward, presenting the composition. Third, the final two verses summarizing and dedicating the merit. Why these three sections? Because to undertake a great task, one cannot do it lightly; therefore, first pay homage to the Three Jewels. Next, present the task. After the task is completed, dedicate all merit and make vows. Finally, summarize and dedicate. Within the first section, there are three parts: 1) A general explanation of the different ways treatises begin with homage. 2) The intent behind the homage at the treatise's beginning. 3) A detailed explanation following the text.
Regarding the different ways treatises begin with homage: Some fully honor the Three Jewels, like the *Mahāprajñāpāramitā Śāstra* and this treatise. Some honor only the Buddha and Dharma, like the *Daśabhūmika Śāstra*. Some honor only the Buddha, like the *Bodhisattvabhūmi Śāstra*. Each has its reason. Fully honoring is because the field of merit is complete. Why honor only persons and Dharma? Because one relies on the Dharma to become a person (Buddha), thus one must honor the Buddha. The Dharma is the principle being explained, thus one must honor the Dharma. Why honor only the Buddha? Because the Buddha is the teaching master, thus one must honor the Buddha. Others are not teaching masters, thus they are not honored.
The intent behind homage has six aspects: 1) Homage based on reliance and gratitude for what the treatise depends on. 2) Requesting protection and empowerment. 3) To generate faith in beings. 4) The propriety of showing respect. 5) To indicate superior qualities. 6) To open sentient beings' mindfulness of the Buddha, Dharma, and Saṅgha.
First, homage based on reliance and gratitude: If the Buddha had not spoken the sūtras, there would be nothing to explain now. If there were no Dharma, the treatise would have nothing to rely on. If there were no Saṅgha to transmit it, one would not have heard it. Relying on these three, the treatise can now flourish; therefore, one must honor all.
Second, requesting protection: Without empowerment, how could one dare to explain such a profound principle? One needs the Buddha's empowerment to explain this Dharma. Just as when Bodhisattva Vajragarbha was about to explain the Ten Bhūmis, he was empowered with the fourfold fearlessness and the forty unhindered eloquence. Therefore, in the degenerate age of the Dharma, propagating and transforming is not easy. Without the majestic power and protection of the Three Jewels, one cannot succeed on one's own. Therefore, one must pay homage to request assistance.
Third, to generate faith: The treatise's author, being an ordinary person, composes a treatise explaining the sūtras; people mostly do not believe. One must pay homage to show there is a lineage and basis. When one establishes something based on authority, people will accept it with faith. Therefore, one bows.
Fourth, the propriety of respect: Just as in the world, a filial child or loyal minister, before undertaking any task, must first report to their ruler or father. Bodhisattvas are likewise. They revere the Three Jewels more than their father or ruler. Now, wishing to compose a treatise explaining the sūtras, how could they not pay homage and report their intention? Therefore, one must pay homage.
Fifth, to indicate superior qualities: As the *Satyasiddhi Śāstra* says, the Three Jewels are an auspicious realm. Placing them at the treatise's beginning indicates the treatise's superiority; therefore, one first pays homage.
Sixth, to open sentient beings' mindfulness of the Three Jewels: As the *Saṃyuktābhidharma-hṛdaya-śāstra* says, it is to cause sentient beings, regarding the Three Jewels, to arouse their minds, seek, have faith, understand, contemplate, make offerings, and take refuge; therefore, one bows.
Third, the detailed explanation following the text: Within the text, there are two parts: 1) The first two and a half verses properly explain paying homage to the Three Jewels. 2) From "For the sake of causing..." in the next verse, explaining the intent behind composing the treatise.
Within the first part, there are three sections: The first line and one verse explain the Buddha Jewel. From "The Dharma-nature truly..." for two lines explains the Dharma Jewel. "Those who practice according to reality..." and one line explains the Saṅgha Jewel.
Within the first section (Buddha Jewel), there are two parts: 1) One line explains the Nirmāṇakāya (Response Body). 2) One line explains the Dharmakāya (Truth Body).
"Homage" (歸命) is the treatise author's verbal expression of a respectful mind. Among internal positive retributions, the life faculty is most vital. Therefore, offering one's vital life to the Three Jewels is called "taking refuge." It expresses the mind's intent, like physically bowing to the Buddha's feet with the body. The character and its explanation: "Life" (命) means to report. "Utterly" (盡) is a non-restrictive term. "In the ten directions" (十方) indicates the location, showing that the honored Buddha Jewel pervades the ten directions. Therefore, mentioning all directions is a term of reliance. This is the broad meaning. If speaking longitudinally, one should say the three times (past, present, future). The meaning is comprehensive but implicitly stated.
"Most Supreme" (最勝) is the first among the ten epithets of the Nirmāṇakāya Buddha. Unmatched by any other class, thus "Most Supreme." Riding the path of reality, he came and attained perfect enlightenment—is this not most supreme? "Of perfect knowledge and conduct" (業遍知) refers to the two virtues of merit and wisdom in the Nirmāṇakāya. Due to perfection of merit, he is worthy of offerings by all. Due to perfection of all-knowing wisdom, he is called "Rightly and Perfectly Enlightened." Among the ten epithets, three are briefly mentioned here. Sūtras often mention these three because they are the essence among the ten epithets. The *Nirvāṇa Sūtra's* introductory chapter says: "Today the Tathāgata, the Arhat, the Samyaksaṃbuddha, will enter parinirvāṇa." The *Śrīmālā Sūtra* also says similarly. This one line praises the name and merit of the Nirmāṇakāya.
The next line praises the virtue of his form body. "Form" (色) refers to his body adorned with the thirty-two major marks, hence called "form." "Unobstructed" (無礙) praises its extraordinary nature. For ordinary beings, "form" means material obstruction. The Tathāgata's body has no obstruction, thus it is extraordinary. "Freely manifesting" (自在) praises its superiority. A cakravartin king, though possessing the thirty-two marks of a great man, does not have such freedom; he is still subject to suffering and lacks self-mastery. The Nirmāṇakāya Buddha is not like this; his freedom is limitless. This one line praises the form body.
The next line praises the virtue of his mental activity. "Savior of the world" (救世): "Save" means to cover, to cover and give rise to goodness. That is, giving happiness and the cause for attaining happiness—this is compassion (maitrī). "Of great compassion" (大悲): "Compassion" means to protect, to protect and stop evil. Compassion can eradicate suffering. The Nirmāṇakāya's mind does not go beyond these two. This one line praises the virtue of his mental activity.
The following line combines homage to the True Body (Dharmakāya). "And to his" (及彼): Having honored the Nirmāṇakāya, one also honors the True Body, hence "and." Contrasted with this Nirmāṇakāya, whose essence and function differ, it is called "that." "Essence-body" (身體) is the Dharma Buddha (Dharmakāya). The accumulation of myriad virtues is called "body." The Dharma does not rely on another, hence called "essence." Alternatively, it is the basis upon which the function relies, hence called "essence-body." "Manifesting marks" (相) is the Saṃbhogakāya (Reward Body). It is the mark of the Dharma essence, hence called the Reward Buddha. This one line jointly explains the Dharmakāya.
Question: Why are the three virtues fully explained regarding the Nirmāṇakāya, while the True Body is summarized? Answer: The Nirmāṇakāya is the teaching master; therefore, it is praised extensively. The True Body is not the master; therefore, it is praised summarily. In principle, both should be discussed equally. The homage to the Buddha Jewel is finished.
Next, explaining the Dharma. "Dharma-nature" (法性): This true reality has its own essence, called "dharma," because it fully contains the meaning of the countless Buddha-dharmas. It does not change, hence "nature"; the principle's essence is constant. The *Mahāprajñāpāramitā Śāstra* says: "White stone has the nature of silver, yellow stone has the nature of gold, water has the nature of wetness, fire has the nature of heat, all sentient beings have the nature of nirvāṇa." Hence, it is called "Dharma-nature."
"True Suchness" (真如): This true emptiness cannot be false, hence "true." Nothing is established, hence "such." This Dharma transcends all dualities, surpassing all negations, hence "True Suchness." Therefore, the *Daśabhūmika Śāstra* says: "Its own essence is originally empty." "Own essence" here is like the previous "Dharma-nature." "Empty" is like "True Suchness."
"Ocean" (海) is named from a metaphor; one should not take it literally as the Dharma. Therefore, a superior analogy is used. Profound and difficult to fathom, like a great ocean. Hence, a great sūtra says: "Just as the great ocean has eight inconceivable qualities, so does nirvāṇa." This one line praises the principle's nature.
The next line discusses practice and teaching together. "Immeasurable" (無量) is the ultimate in numbers. This is not the "immeasurable" in numbers from the *Avataṃsaka Sūtra*; it is called "immeasurable" because it is beyond quantification. "Virtues" (功德): Attained through function and effort, hence "virtues." "Virtue" means attainment. What is attained through practice is beyond quantification, hence "immeasurable virtues." This refers to the methods of practice.
"Store" (藏) refers to the teaching here. The teaching can contain the principles and methods of practice, hence called a "store." Therefore, the text speaks of the "Three Baskets of Teaching." It can also be a "store of practice": the accumulation of immeasurable virtues is called a "store." The principle is like an ocean; the practice is like a store. The teaching itself is not separately honored. Why not? The teaching has no separate essence; its essence is sound. Therefore, it is not an object of homage. These two lines explain the Dharma Jewel.
The next line praises the Saṅgha Jewel. "According to reality" (如實): Dispelling the wrong and grasping the right, hence "according to reality." "Those who practice" (修行者): In the stage of incompleteness, diligently studying and advancing superiorly, hence "practice." "And others" (等): This category is not singular, hence "and others."
The next verse explains the intent behind composing the treatise. This has two parts: 1) Half a verse dispels the wrong. 2) Half a verse establishes the right. "For the sake of causing sentient beings" (為欲令眾生) clarifies the people for whom it is done. Not for oneself, but specifically for sentient beings. The intent behind composing the treatise is mental activity, hence "for the sake of." Because they are formed by evil dharmas, they undergo birth everywhere, hence called "sentient beings."
The next line clarifies what is to be removed. "Dispelling doubts" (除疑): Hesitation is called doubt. Counteracting it with correct faith is called dispelling. Why dispel it? Because sentient beings fail to attain the sagely path and give rise to various afflictions all due to doubt. Therefore, it must be dispelled. "Dispel" means to remove.
"Abandoning wrong attachments" (捨邪執): Sentient beings, due to the view of self, have wrong attachments. Now, indicating the correct meaning, they abandon wrong attachments. "Abandon" means to depart from. Why abandon? The view of self is the root of all afflictions. If there is no view of self, afflictions have no basis.
Question: If so, why does the Abhidharma say the view of self is not an affliction? Explanation: This refers to desire-realm sentient beings who, due to the view of self, initiate the practice of the path. Therefore, it is said this way, but it is not the ultimate principle.
The next two lines establish the right. "Arousing correct faith in the Great Vehicle" (起大乘正信): "Correct" means not crooked. Other meanings are explained as before. Why arouse this faith? The intent is indicated below: so that the Buddha-seed is not cut off. Those who establish faith can, through practice, attain the eternal Buddha-fruit. Therefore, a sūtra says: "Those who give rise to faith are born into the Buddha's family and have already planted the Buddha-seed." Among the four kinds of true children in the *Śrīmālā Sūtra*, the first true child refers precisely to this. Succeeding to the Buddha's position, they are called true children. This concludes the first section.
Next is the second section, properly presenting the composition. This has three parts: 1) The introductory section. 2) From the "Establishing Meaning" section onward, establishing the main doctrinal section. 3) From the "Encouraging Practice and Benefits" section onward, the section on transmitting and upholding for future generations. A treatise necessarily has a cause; therefore, first clarify the introduction. Since the introduction has arisen, what is to be explained should be presented; therefore, next, the second part clarifies the main doctrinal section. Sages compose treatises to benefit beings. Once the composition is complete, they praise its superiority, encourage study, and cause it not to be cut off; therefore, the third part clarifies the transmission and upholding section.
Within the initial introduction, two topics are distinguished: 1) Clarifying the differences between sūtra and treatise introductions. 2) A detailed explanation following the text.
Regarding the differences: The introductions of sūtras and treatises differ in form but are the same in intent. The forms differ: In sūtras, the introduction generally has two types: 1) The Faith-Establishing Introduction and 2) The Circum
Commentary on the Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana, Volume 1, Part 1
Commentary on the Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana, Part 1, Volume 2
Compiled by Monk Huiyuan of Jingying Temple