THE DIAMOND
SUTRA
Translated by A.F.Price and Wong Mou-Lam
---o0o---
Section I. The Convocation of the Assembly
Thus have I heard. Upon a time Buddha
sojourned in Anathapindika's Park by Shravasti with a great company of bhikshus, even
twelve hundred and fifty.
One day, at the time for breaking fast,
the World-honored One enrobed, and carrying His bowl made His way into the great city of
Shravasti to beg for His food. In the midst of the city He begged from door to door
according to rule. This done, He returned to His retreat and took His meal. When He had
finished He put away His robe and begging bowl, washed His feet, arranged His seat, and
sat down.
Section II. Subhuti Makes a Request
Now in the midst of the assembly was the
Venerable Subhuti. Forthwith he arose, uncovered his right shoulder, knelt upon his right
knee, and, respectfully raising his hands with palms joined, addressed Buddha thus:
World-honored One, if good men and good women seek the Consummation of Incomparable
Enlightenment, by what criteria should they abide and how should they control their
thoughts?
Buddha said: Very good, Subhuti! Just as
you say, the Tathagata is ever-mindful of all the Bodhisattvas, protecting and instructing
them well. Now listen and take my words to heart: I will declare to you by what criteria
good men and good women seeking the Consummation of Incomparable Enlightenment should
abide, and how they should control their thoughts.
Said Subhuti: Pray, do, World-honored One.
With joyful anticipation we long to hear.
Section III. The Real Teaching of the
Great Way
Buddha said: Subhuti, all the
Bodhisattva-Heroes should discipline their thoughts as follows: All living creatures of
whatever class, born from eggs, from wombs, from moisture, or by transformation whether
with form or without form, whether in a state of thinking or exempt from
thought-necessity, or wholly beyond all thought realms - all these are caused by Me to
attain Unbounded Liberation Nirvana. Yet when vast, uncountable, immeasurable numbers of
beings have thus been liberated, verily no being has been liberated. Why is this, Subhuti?
It is because no Bodhisattva who is a real Bodhisattva cherishes the idea of an
ego-entity, a personality, a being, or a separated individuality.
Section IV. Even the Most Beneficent
Practices are Relative
Furthermore, Subhuti, in the practice of
charity a Bodhisattva should be detached. That is to say, he should practice charity
without regard to appearances; without regard to sound, odor, touch, flavor or any
quality. Subhuti, thus should the Bodhisattva practice charity without attachment.
Wherefore? In such a case his merit is incalculable.
Subhuti, what do you think? Can you
measure all the space extending eastward?
No, World-honored One, I cannot.
Then can you, Subhuti, measure all the
space extending southward, westward, northward, or in any other direction, including nadir
and zenith?
No, World-honored One, I cannot.
Well, Subhuti, equally incalculable is the
merit of the Bodhisattva who practices charity without any attachment to appearances.
Subhuti, Bodhisattvas should persevere one-pointedly in this instruction.
Section V. Understanding the Ultimate
Principle of Reality
Subhuti, what do you think? Is the
Tathagata to be recognized by some material characteristic?
No, World-honored One; the Tathagata
cannot be recognized by any material characteristic. Wherefore? Because the Tathagata has
said that material characteristics are not, in fact, material characteristics.
Buddha said: Subhuti, wheresoever are
material characteristics there is delusion; but whoso perceives that all characteristics
are in fact no-characteristics, perceives the Tathagata.
Section VI. Rare is True Faith
Subhuti said to Buddha: World-honored One,
will there always be men who will truly believe after coming to hear these teachings?
Buddha answered: Subhuti, do not utter
such words! At the end of the last five-hundred-year period following the passing of the
Tathagata, there will be self-controlled men, rooted in merit, coming to hear these
teachings, who will be inspired with belief. But you should realize that such men have not
strengthened their root of merit under just one Buddha, or two Buddhas, or three, or four,
or five Buddhas, but under countless Buddhas; and their merit is of every kind. Such men,
coming to hear these teachings, will have an immediate uprising of pure faith, Subhuti;
and the Tathagata will recognize them. Yes, He will clearly perceive all these of pure
heart, and the magnitude of their moral excellences. Wherefore? It is because such men
will not fall back to cherishing the idea of an ego-entity, a personality, a being, or a
separated individuality. They will neither fall back to cherishing the idea of things as
having intrinsic qualities, nor even of things as devoid of intrinsic qualities.
Wherefore? Because if such men allowed
their minds to grasp and hold on to anything they would be cherishing the idea of an
ego-entity, a personality, a being, or a separated individuality; and if they grasped and
held on to the notion of things as having intrinsic qualities they would be cherishing the
idea of an ego-entity, a personality, a being, or a separated individuality. Likewise, if
they grasped and held on to the notion of things as devoid of intrinsic qualities they
would be cherishing the idea of an ego-entity, a personality, a being, or a separated
individuality. So you should not be attached to things as being possessed of, or devoid
of, intrinsic qualities.
This is the reason why the Tathagata
always teaches this saying: My teaching of the Good Law is to be likened unto a raft.
[Does a man who has safely crossed a flood upon a raft continue his journey carrying that
raft upon his head?] The Buddha-teaching must be relinquished; how much more so
mis-teaching!
Section VII. Great Ones, Perfect Beyond
Learning, Utter no Words of Teaching
Subhuti, what do you think? Has the
Tathagata attained the Consummation of Incomparable Enlightenment? Has the Tathagata a
teaching to enunciate?
Subhuti answered: As I understand Buddha's
meaning there is no formulation of truth called Consummation of Incomparable
Enlightenment. Moreover, the Tathagata has no formulated teaching to enunciate. Wherefore?
Because the Tathagata has said that truth is uncontainable and inexpressible. It neither
is nor is it not.
Thus it is that this unformulated
Principle is the foundation of the different systems of all the sages.
Section VIII. The Fruits of Meritorious
Action
Subhuti, what do you think? If anyone
filled three thousand galaxies of worlds with the seven treasures and gave all away in
gifts of alms, would he gain great merit?
Subhuti said: Great indeed, World-honored
One! Wherefore? Because merit partakes of the character of no-merit, the Tathagata
characterized the merit as great.
Then Buddha said: On the other hand, if
anyone received and retained even only four lines of this Discourse and taught and
explained them to others, his merit would be the greater.
Wherefore? Because, Subhuti, from this
Discourse issue forth all the Buddhas and the Consummation of Incomparable Enlightenment
teachings of all the Buddhas.
Subhuti, what is called "the Religion
given by Buddha" is not, in fact Buddha-Religion.
Section IX. Real Designation is
Undesignate
Subhuti, what do you think? Does a
disciple who has entered the Stream of the Holy Life say within himself: I obtain the
fruit of a Stream-entrant?
Subhuti said: No, World-honored One.
Wherefore? Because "Stream-entrant" is merely a name. There is no
stream-entering. The disciple who pays no regard to form, sound, odor, taste, touch, or
any quality, is called a Stream-entrant.
Subhuti, what do you think? Does an adept
who is subject to only one more rebirth say within himself: I obtain the fruit of a
Once-to-be-reborn?
Subhuti said: No, World-honored One.
Wherefore? Because "Once-to-be-reborn" is merely a name. There is no passing
away nor coming into existence. [The adept who realizes] this is called
"Once-to-be-reborn."
Subhuti, what do you think? Does a
venerable one who will never more be reborn as a mortal say within himself: I obtain the
fruit of a Non-returner?
Subhuti said: No, World-honored One.
Wherefore? Because "Non-returner" is merely a name. There is no non-returning;
hence the designation "Non-returner."
Subhuti, what do you think? Does a holy
one say within himself: I have obtained Perfective Enlightenment?
Subhuti said: No, World-honored One.
Wherefore? Because there is no such condition as that called "Perfective
Enlightenment." World-honored one, if a holy one of Perfective Enlightenment said to
himself "such am I," he would necessarily partake of the idea of an ego-entity,
a personality, a being, or a separated individuality. World-honored One, when the Buddha
declares that I excel amongst holy men in the Yoga of perfect quiescence, in dwelling in
seclusion, and in freedom from passions, I do not say within myself: I am a holy one of
Perfective Enlightenment, free from passions. World-honored One, if I said within myself:
Such am I; you would not declare: Subhuti finds happiness abiding in peace, in seclusion
in the midst of the forest. This is because Subhuti abides nowhere: therefore he is
called, "Subhuti, Joyful-Abider-in-Peace, Dweller-in-Seclusion-in-the-Forest."
Section X. Setting Forth Pure Lands
Buddha said: Subhuti, what do you think?
In the remote past when the Tathagata was with Dipankara Buddha, did he have any degree of
attainment in the Good Law?
No, World-honored One. When the Tathagata
was with Dipankara Buddha he had no degree of attainment in the Good Law.
Subhuti, what do you think? Does a
Bodhisattva set forth any majestic Buddha-lands?
No, World-honored One. Wherefore? Because
setting forth majestic Buddha-lands is not a majestic setting forth; this is merely a
name.
[Then Buddha continued:] Therefore,
Subhuti, all Bodhisattvas, lesser and great, should develop a pure, lucid mind, not
depending upon sound, flavor, touch, odor, or any quality. A Bodhisattva should develop a
mind which alights upon no thing whatsoever; and so should he establish it.
Subhuti, this may be likened to a human
frame as large as the mighty Mount Sumeru. What do you think? Would such a body be great?
Subhuti replied: Great indeed,
World-honored One. This is because Buddha has explained that no body is called a great
body.
Section XI. The Superiority of
Unformulated Truth
Subhuti, if there were as many Ganges
rivers as the sand-grains of the Ganges, would the sand-grains of them all be many?
Subhuti said: Many indeed, World-honored
One! Even the Ganges rivers would be innumerable; how much more so would be their
sand-grains?
Subhuti, I will declare a truth to you. If
a good man or good woman filled three thousand galaxies of worlds with the seven treasures
for each sand-grain in all those Ganges rivers, and gave all away in gifts of alms, would
he gain great merit?
Subhuti answered: Great indeed,
World-honored One!
Then Buddha declared: Nevertheless,
Subhuti, if a good man or good woman studies this Discourse only so far as to receive and
retain four lines, and teaches and explains them to others, the consequent merit would be
far greater.
Section XII. Veneration of the True
Doctrine
Furthermore, Subhuti, you should know that
wheresoever this Discourse is proclaimed, by even so little as four lines, that place
should be venerated by the whole realms of Gods, Men and Titans as though it were a
Buddha-Shrine. How much more is this so in the case of one who is able to receive and
retain the whole and read and recite it throughout!
Subhuti, you should know that such a one
attains the highest and most wonderful truth. Wheresoever this sacred Discourse may be
found there should you comport yourself as though in the presence of Buddha and disciples
worthy of honor.
Section XIII. How this Teaching should be
Received and Retained
At that time Subhuti addressed Buddha,
saying: World-honored One, by what name should this Discourse be known, and how should we
receive and retain it?
Buddha answered: Subhuti, this Discourse
should be known as "The Diamond of the Perfection of Transcendental Wisdom" -
thus should you receive and retain it. Subhuti, what is the reason herein?
According to the Buddha-teaching the
Perfection of Transcendental Wisdom is not really such. "Perfection of Transcendental
Wisdom" is just the name given to it. Subhuti, what do you think? Has the Tathagata a
teaching to enunciate?
Subhuti replied to the Buddha:
World-honored One, the Tathagata has nothing to teach.
Subhuti, what do you think? Would there be
many molecules in [the composition of] three thousand galaxies of worlds?
Subhuti said: Many indeed, World-honored
One!
Subhuti, the Tathagata declares that all
these molecules are not really such; they are called "molecules." [Furthermore,]
the Tathagata declares that a world is not really a world; it is called "a
world."
Subhuti, what do you think? May the
Tathagata be perceived by the thirty-two physical peculiarities [of an outstanding sage]?
No, World-honored One, the Tathagata may
not be perceived by these thirty-two marks. Wherefore? Because the Tathagata has explained
that the thirty-two marks are not really such; they are called "the thirty-two
marks."
Subhuti, if on the one hand a good man or
a good woman sacrifices as many lives as the sand-grains of the Ganges, and on the other
hand anyone receives and retains even only four lines of this Discourse, and teaches and
explains them to others, the merit of the latter will be the greater.
Section XIV. Perfect Peace Lies in Freedom
from Characteristic Distinctions
Upon the occasion of hearing this
Discourse Subhuti had an interior realization of its meaning and was moved to tears.
Whereupon he addressed the Buddha thus: It
is a most precious thing, World-honored One, that you should deliver this supremely
profound Discourse. Never have I heard such an exposition since of old my eye of wisdom
first opened. World-honored One, if anyone listens to this Discourse in faith with a pure,
lucid mind, he will thereupon conceive an idea of Fundamental Reality. We should know that
such a one establishes the most remarkable virtue. World-honored One, such an idea of
Fundamental Reality is not, in fact, a distinctive idea; therefore the Tathagata teaches:
"Idea of Fundamental Reality" is merely a name.
World-honored One, having listened to this
Discourse, I receive and retain it with faith and understanding. This is not difficult for
me, but in ages to come - in the last five-hundred years, if there be men coming to hear
this Discourse who receive and retain it with faith and understanding, they will be
persons of most remarkable achievement. Wherefore? Because they will be free from the idea
of an ego-entity, free from the idea of a personality, free from the idea of a being, and
free from the idea of a separated
individuality. And why? Because the
distinguishing of an ego-entity is erroneous. Likewise the distinguishing of a
personality, or a being, or a separated individuality is erroneous. Consequently those who
have left behind every phenomenal distinction are called Buddhas all.
Buddha said to Subhuti: Just as you say!
If anyone listens to this Discourse and is neither filled with alarm nor awe nor dread, be
it known that such a one is of remarkable achievement. Wherefore? Because, Subhuti, the
Tathagata teaches that the First Perfection [the Perfection of Charity] is not, in fact,
the First Perfection: such is merely a name.
Subhuti, the Tathagata teaches likewise
that the Perfection of Patience is not the Perfection of Patience: such is merely a name.
Why so? It is shown thus, Subhuti: When the Rajah of Kalinga mutilated my body, I was at
that time free from the idea of an ego-entity, a personality, a being, and a separated
individuality. Wherefore? Because then when my limbs were cut away piece by piece, had I
been bound by the distinctions aforesaid, feelings of anger and hatred would have been
aroused in me. Subhuti, I remember that long ago, sometime during my past five-hundred
mortal lives, I was an ascetic practicing patience. Even then was I free from those
distinctions of separated selfhood. Therefore, Subhuti, Bodhisattvas should leave behind
all phenomenal distinctions and awaken the thought of the Consummation of Incomparable
Enlightenment by not allowing the mind to depend upon notions evoked by the sensible world
- by not allowing the mind to depend upon notions evoked by sounds, odors, flavors,
touch-contacts, or any qualities. The mind should be kept independent of any thoughts
which arise within it. If the mind depends upon anything it has no sure haven. This is why
Buddha teaches that the mind of a Bodhisattva should not accept the appearances of things
as a basis when exercising charity. Subhuti, as Bodhisattvas practice charity for the
welfare of all living beings they should do it in this manner. Just as the Tathagata
declares that characteristics are not characteristics, so He declares that all living
beings are not, in fact, living beings.
Subhuti, the Tathagata is He who declares
that which is true; He who declares that which is fundamental; He who declares that which
is ultimate. He does not declare that which is deceitful, nor that which is monstrous.
Subhuti, that Truth to which the Tathagata has attained is neither real nor unreal.
Subhuti, if a Bodhisattva practices
charity with mind attached to formal notions he is like unto a man groping sightless in
the gloom; but a Bodhisattva who practices charity with mind detached from any formal
notions is like unto a man with open eyes in the radiant glory of the morning, to whom all
kinds of objects are clearly visible.
Subhuti, if there be good men and good
women in future ages, able to receive, read and recite this Discourse in its entirety, the
Tathagata will clearly perceive and recognize them by means of His Buddha-knowledge; and
each one of them will bring immeasurable and incalculable merit to fruition.
Section XV. The Incomparable Value of This
Teaching
Subhuti, if on one hand, a good man or a
good woman performs in the morning as many charitable acts of self-denial as the
sand-grains of the Ganges, and performs as many again in the noonday and as many again in
the evening, and continues so doing throughout numberless ages, and, on the other hand,
anyone listens to this Discourse with heart of faith and without contention, the latter
would be the more blessed. But how can any comparison be made with one who writes it down,
receives it, retains it, and explains it to others!
Subhuti, we can summarize the matter by
saying that the full value of this Discourse can neither be conceived nor estimated, nor
can any limit be set to it. The Tathagata has declared this teaching for the benefit of
initiates of the Great Way; He has declared it for the benefit of initiates of the Supreme
Way. Whosoever can receive and retain this teaching, study it, recite it and spread it
abroad will be clearly perceived and recognized by the Tathagata and will achieve a
perfection of merit beyond measurement or calculation - a perfection of merit unlimited
and inconceivable. In every case such a one will exemplify the Tathagata-Consummation of
the Incomparable Enlightenment. Wherefore? Because, Subhuti, those who find consolation in
limited doctrines involving the conception of an ego-entity, a personality, a being, or a
separated individuality are unable to accept, receive, study, recite and openly explain
this Discourse.
Subhuti, in every place where this
Discourse is to be found the whole realms of Gods, Men and Titans should offer worship;
for you must know that such a place is sanctified like a shrine, and should properly be
venerated by all with ceremonial obeisance and circumambulation and with offerings of
flowers and incense.
Section XVI. Purgation through Suffering
the Retribution for Past Sins
Furthermore, Subhuti, if it be that good
men and good women who receive and retain this Discourse are downtrodden, their evil
destiny is the inevitable retributive result of sins committed in their past mortal lives.
By virtue of their present misfortunes the reacting effects of their past will be thereby
worked out, and they will be in a position to attain the Consummation of Incomparable
Enlightenment.
Subhuti, I remember the infinitely remote
past before Dipankara Buddha. There were 84,000 myriads of multimillions of Buddhas and to
all these I made offerings; yes, all these I served without the least trace of fault.
Nevertheless, if anyone is able to receive, retain, study and recite this Discourse at the
end of the last [500-year] period, he will gain such a merit that mine in the service of
all the Buddhas could not be reckoned as one-hundredth part of it, not even one thousand
myriad multimillionth part of it - indeed, no such comparison is possible.
Subhuti, if I fully detailed the merit
gained by good men and good women coming to receive, retain, study and recite this
Discourse in the last period, my hearers would be filled with doubt and might become
disordered in mind, suspicious and unbelieving. You should know, Subhuti, that the
significance of this Discourse is beyond conception; likewise the fruit of its rewards is
beyond conception.
Section XVII. No One Attains
Transcendental Wisdom
At that time Subhuti addressed Buddha,
saying: World-honored One, if good men and good women seek the Consummation of
Incomparable Enlightenment, by what criteria should they abide and how should they control
their thoughts?
Buddha replied to Subhuti: Good men and
good women seeking the Consummation of Incomparable Enlightenment must create this
resolved attitude of mind: I must liberate all living beings, yet when all have been
liberated, verily not any one is liberated. Wherefore? If a Bodhisattva cherishes the idea
of an ego-entity, a personality, a being, or a separated individuality, he is consequently
not a Bodhisattva, Subhuti. This is because in reality there is no formula which gives
rise to the Consummation of Incomparable Enlightenment.
Subhuti, what do you think? When the
Tathagata was with Dipankara Buddha was there any formula for the attainment of the
Consummation of Incomparable Enlightenment?
No, World-honored One, as I understand
Buddha's meaning, there was no formula by which the Tathagata attained the Consummation of
Incomparable Enlightenment.
Buddha said: You are right, Subhuti!
Verily there was no formula by which the Tathagata attained the Consummation of
Incomparable Enlightenment. Subhuti, had there been any such formula, Dipankara Buddha
would not have predicted concerning me: "In the ages of the future you will come to
be a Buddha called Shakyamuni"; but Dipankara Buddha made that prediction concerning
me because there is actually no formula for the attainment of the Consummation of
Incomparable Enlightenment. The reason herein is that Tathagata is a signification
implying all formulas. In case anyone says that the Tathagata attained the Consummation of
Incomparable Enlightenment, I tell you truly, Subhuti, that there is no formula by which
the Buddha attained it. Subhuti, the basis of Tathagata's attainment of the Consummation
of Incomparable Enlightenment is wholly beyond; it is neither real nor unreal. Hence I say
that the whole realm of formulations is not really such, therefore it is called
"Realm of formulations."
Subhuti, a comparison may be made with
[the idea of] a gigantic human frame.
Then Subhuti said: The World-honored One
has declared that such is not a great body; "a great body" is just the name
given to it.
Subhuti, it is the same concerning
Bodhisattvas. If a Bodhisattva announces: I will liberate all living creatures, he is not
rightly called a Bodhisattva. Wherefore? Because, Subhuti, there is really no such
condition as that called Bodhisattvaship, because Buddha teaches that all things are
devoid of selfhood, devoid of separate individuality. Subhuti, if a Bodhisattva announces:
I will set forth majestic Buddha-lands, one does not call him a Bodhisattva, because the
Tathagata has declared that the setting forth of majestic Buddha-lands is not really such:
"a majestic setting forth" is just the name given to it.
Subhuti, Bodhisattvas who are wholly
devoid of any conception of separate selfhood are truthfully called Bodhisattvas.
Section XVIII. All Modes of mind are
Really Only Mind
Subhuti, what do you think? Does the
Tathagata possess the human eye?
Yes, World-honored One, He does.
Well, do you think the Tathagata possesses
the divine eye?
Yes, World-honored One, He does.
And do you think the Tathagata possesses
the gnostic eye?
Yes, World-honored One, He does.
And do you think the Tathagata possesses
the eye of transcendent wisdom?
Yes, World-honored One, He does.
And do you think the Tathagata possesses
the Buddha-eye of omniscience?
Yes, World-honored One, He does.
Subhuti, what do you think? Concerning the
sand-grains of the Ganges, has the Buddha taught about them?
Yes, World-honored One, the Tathagata has
taught concerning these grains.
Well, Subhuti, if there were as many
Ganges rivers as the sand-grains of the Ganges and there was a Buddha-land for each
sand-grain in all those Ganges rivers, would those Buddha-lands be many?
[Subhuti replied]: Many indeed,
World-honored One!
Then Buddha said: Subhuti, however many
living beings there are in all those Buddha-lands, though they have manifold modes of
mind, the Tathagata understands them all.Wherefore? Because the Tathagata teaches that all
these are not Mind; they are merely called "mind". Subhuti, it is impossible to
retain past mind, impossible to hold on to present mind, and impossible to grasp future
mind.
Section XIX. Absolute Reality is the Only
Foundation
Subhuti, what do you think? If anyone
filled three thousand galaxies of worlds with the seven treasures and gave all away in
gifts of alms, would he gain great merit?
Yes, indeed, World-honored One, he would
gain great merit!
Subhuti, if such merit was Real, the
Tathagata would not have declared it to be great, but because it is without a foundation
the Tathagata characterized it as "great."
Section XX. The Unreality of Phenomenal
Distinctions
Subhuti, what do you think? Can the Buddha
be perceived by His perfectly-formed body?
No, World-honored One, the Tathagata
cannot be perceived by His perfectly-formed body, because the Tathagata teaches that a
perfectly-formed body is not really such; it is merely called "a perfectly-formed
body."
Subhuti, what do you think? Can the
Tathagata be perceived by means of any phenomenal characteristic?
No, World-honored One, the Tathagata may
not be perceived by any phenomenal characteristic, because the Tathagata teaches that
phenomenal characteristics are not really such; they are merely termed "phenomenal
characteristics."
Section XXI. Words cannot express Truth.
That which Words Express is not Truth
Subhuti, do not say that the Tathagata
conceives the idea: I must set forth a Teaching. For if anyone says that the Tathagata
sets forth a Teaching he really slanders Buddha and is unable to explain what I teach. As
to any Truth-declaring system, Truth is undeclarable; so "an enunciation of
Truth" is just the name given to it.
Thereupon, Subhuti spoke these words to
Buddha: World-honored One, in the ages of the future will there be men coming to hear a
declaration of this Teaching who will be inspired with belief?
And Buddha answered: Subhuti, those to
whom you refer are neither living beings nor not-living beings. Wherefore? Because
"living beings," Subhuti, these "living beings" are not really such;
they are just called by that name.
Section XXII. It Cannot be Said that
Anything is Attainable
Then Subhuti asked Buddha: World-honored
One, in the attainment of the Consummation of Incomparable Enlightenment did Buddha make
no acquisition whatsoever?
Buddha replied: Just so, Subhuti. Through
the Consummation of Incomparable Enlightenment I acquired not even the least thing;
therefore it is called "Consummation of Incomparable Enlightenment."
Section XXIII. The Practice of Good Works
Purifies the Mind
Furthermore, Subhuti, This is altogether
everywhere, without differentiation or degree; therefore it is called "Consummation
of Incomparable Enlightenment." It is straightly attained by freedom from separate
personal selfhood and by cultivating all kinds of goodness.
Subhuti, though we speak of
"goodness", the Tathagata declares that there is no goodness; such is merely a
name.
Section XXIV. The Incomparable Merit of
This Teaching
Subhuti, if there be one who gives away in
gifts of alms a mass of the seven treasures equal in extent to as many mighty Mount
Sumerus as there would be in three thousand galaxies of worlds, and if there be another
who selects even only four lines from this Discourse upon the Perfection of Transcendental
Wisdom, receives and retains them, and clearly expounds them to others, the merit of the
latter will be so far greater than that of the former that no conceivable comparison can
be made between them.
Section XXV. The Illusion of Ego
Subhuti, what do you think? Let no one say
the Tathagata cherishes the idea: I must liberate all living beings. Allow no such
thought, Subhuti. Wherefore? Because in reality there are no living beings to be liberated
by the Tathagata. If there were living beings for the Tathagata to liberate, He would
partake in the idea of selfhood, personality entity, and separate individuality.
Subhuti, though the common people accept
egoity as real, the Tathagata declares that ego is not different from non-ego. Subhuti,
those whom the Tathagata referred to as "common people" are not really common
people; such is merely a name.
Section XXVI. The Body of Truth has no
Marks
Subhuti, what do you think? May the
Tathagata be perceived by the thirty-two marks [of a great man]?
Subhuti answered: No, the Tathagata may
not be perceived thereby.
Then Buddha said: Subhuti, if the
Tathagata may be perceived by such marks, any great imperial ruler is the same as the
Tathagata.
Subhuti then said to Buddha: World-honored
One, as I understand the meaning of Buddha's words, the Tathagata may not be perceived by
the thirty-two marks.
Whereupon the World-honored One uttered
this verse:
Who sees Me by form,
Who seeks Me in sound,
Perverted are his footsteps upon the Way,
For he cannot perceive the Tathagata.
Section XXVII. It is Erroneous to Affirm
that All Things are Ever Extinguished
Subhuti, if you should conceive the idea
that the Tathagata attained the Consummation of Incomparable Enlightenment by reason of
His perfect form, do not countenance such thoughts. The Tathagata's attainment was not by
reason of His perfect form. [On the other hand] Subhuti, if you should conceive the idea
that anyone in whom dawns the Consummation of Incomparable Enlightenment declares that all
manifest standards are ended and extinguished, do not countenance such thoughts.
Wherefore? Because the man in whom the Consummation of Incomparable Enlightenment dawns
does not affirm concerning any formula that it is finally extinguished.
Section XXVIII. Attachment to Rewards of
Merit
Subhuti, if one Bodhisattva bestows in
charity sufficient of the seven treasures to fill as many worlds as there are sand-grains
in the river Ganges, and another, realizing that all things are egoless, attains
perfection through patient forbearance, the merit of the latter will far exceed that of
the former. Why is this, Subhuti? It is because all Bodhisattvas are insentient as to the
rewards of merit.
Then Subhuti said to Buddha: What is this
saying, World-honored One, that Bodhisattvas are insentient as to rewards of merit?
[And Buddha answered]: Subhuti,
Bodhisattvas who achieve merit should not be fettered with desire for rewards. Thus it is
said that the rewards of merit are not received.
Section XXIX. Perfect Tranquility
Subhuti, if anyone should say that the
Tathagata comes or goes or sits or reclines, he fails to understand my teaching. Why?
Because TATHAGATA has neither whence nor whither, therefore is He called
"Tathagata".
Section XXX. The Integral Principle
Subhuti, if a good man or a good woman
ground an infinite number of galaxies of worlds to dust, would the resulting minute
particles be many?
Subhuti replied: Many indeed,
World-honored One! Wherefore? Because if such were really minute particles Buddha would
not have spoken of them as minute particles. For as to this, Buddha has declared that they
are not really such. "Minute particles" is just the name given to them. Also,
World-honored One, when the Tathagata speaks of galaxies of worlds, these are not worlds;
for if reality could be predicated of a world it would be a self-existent cosmos and the
Tathagata teaches that there is really no such thing. "Cosmos" is merely a
figure of speech.
[Then Buddha said]: Subhuti, words cannot
explain the real nature of a cosmos. Only common people fettered with desire make use of
this arbitrary method.
Section XXXI. Conventional Truth Should be
Cut Off
Subhuti, if anyone should say that Buddha
declares any conception of egoity do you consider he would understand my teaching
correctly?
No, World-honored One, such a man would
not have any sound understanding of the Tathagata's teaching, because the World-honored
One declares that notions of selfhood, personality, entity and separate individuality, as
really existing, are erroneous - these terms are merely figures of speech.
[Thereupon Buddha said]: Subhuti, those
who aspire to the Consummation of Incomparable Enlightenment should recognize and
understand all varieties of things in the same way and cut off the arising of [views which
are mere] aspects. Subhuti, as regards aspects, the Tathagata declares that in reality
they are not such. They are called "aspects".
Section XXXII. The Delusion of Appearances
Subhuti, someone might fill innumerable
worlds with the seven treasures and give all away in gifts of alms, but if any good man or
any good woman awakens the thought of Enlightenment and takes even only four lines from
this Discourse, reciting, using, receiving, retaining and spreading them abroad and
explaining them for the benefit of others, it will be far more meritorious.
Now in what manner may he explain them to
others? By detachment from appearances - abiding in Real Truth. - So I tell you -
Thus shall ye think of all this fleeting
world:
A star at dawn, a bubble in a stream;
A flash of lightning in a summer cloud,
A flickering lamp, a phantom, and a dream.
When the Buddha finished this Discourse
the venerable Subhuti, together with the bhikshus, bhikshunis, lay-brothers and sisters,
and the whole realms of Gods, Men and Titans, were filled with joy by His teaching, and,
taking it sincerely to heart they went their ways.
---o0o---
Update: 01-12-2001
