In Chapter XI of the Mahāyānasūtrālaṃkāra, we find an exploration of the simile of māyā. In particular, the interpretation of kk.15–16, which is considered to explain the structure of the Three natures （tri-svabhāva） theory by the simile of māyā, has been debated in previous studies. Regarding this simile, Tsong kha pa’s Drang nges legs bshad snying po gives Tsong kha pa’s interpretation of the simile of māyā from the standpoint of the Mind-Only School. Tsong kha pa explains that what is referred to in kk.15–16 as “like māyā” or “like māyākṛta” is other-powered nature （paratantra-svabhāva）, and that the existence of other-powered nature based on the philosophy of the Mind-Only School is explained by the simile of the māyā. He also explains that the non-existence of the imputational nature （parikalpita-svabhāva） on other-powered nature is the ultimate （paramārtha）, and to understand imputational nature as existing as the ultimate is conventional truth （saṃvṛti-satya）. This interpretation of Tsong kha pa expresses Tsong kha pa’s understanding of other-powered nature. If we can understand the meaning of the simile of māyā in this way, we can understand that what is explained in kk.15–16 is the structure of the Three natures theory, but it is other-powered nature that is likened to māyā, and it can be understood as a simile in which the structure of other-powered nature, and the structure of superimposition （samāropa） and disparagement （apavāda）, are likened to māyā.
