Terms

Jambudvīpa—A term for our world. Literally, Rose Apple Tree (Jambu tree) Continent (Dvīpa). Originally used to refer to India, the Southern Continent, but is used in Buddhist texts to refer to the world in which Śākyamuni Buddha’s teachings spread.

Overall Teaching

The Perfection of Wisdom is the source of all Buddhas, therefore, when one worships (pays respect to) the relics of a Buddha, one is really paying respect to the Perfection of Wisdom from which they arose. Similarly, all Perfections ultimately are dedicated to the Perfection of Wisdom.

Summary

1.     Relative Value of Tathāgata-relics and of Perfect Wisdom

a.     When asked whether he would take the world filled to the top with Buddha relics, or written copies of this sūtra, Śakra says he would take the latter.

i.     Because of his esteem for the Buddhas, whose true body the sūtra is.

ii.     The Buddha affirms that the Dharma Body is his true body, which is brought about by the Perfection of Wisdom.

iii.     Śakra confirms that he does not lack in respect for relics, but respects them inasmuch as they come forth from the Perfection of Wisdom. [94]

iv.     This is just how when Śakra is not in his seat, the other gods honour the seat in his place because he is their teacher: likewise, the Buddhas are not the cause that are worshipped, but are effects of what is truly worshipped. [95]

2.     Simile of the Wishing Jewel

a.     The Perfection if Wisdom is like a jewel that would make ghosts depart and cure any illness or disorders. [97]

b.     Such a jewel exists among the gods, and the basket it is kept in would be desirable after the jewel is removed—likewise, the relics of a Buddha are former repositories of the Perfection of Wisdom, and they give courage, like a king, to many people, and are thus respected. [98]

3.     Supreme Value of the Perfection of Wisdom

a.     Śakra reiterates 1. a.

b.     Someone who wants to see Buddhas should practice and develop the Perfection of Wisdom. [99]

c.     Through practicing the Perfection of Wisdom a bodhisattva knows the thoughts and doings of all beings. [100]

d.     Through the Perfection of Wisdom a bodhisattva practices all Six Perfections—they are ultimately the same as a result, just as the shadows of different kinds of tree are all shadows: all Perfections are dedicated to the Perfection of Wisdom. [101]