31. Benefits

Overall Teaching

In this chapter, the Buddha teaches that a bodhisattva who upholds this Samādhi gains deep understanding of sentient beings and shares the Dharma skilfully. Through disciplined practice, they attain wisdom, equanimity, and boundless merit, earning respect from humans and non-human beings alike, spreading virtue and benefit to all.

Summary

• The Buddha addresses Candraprabha, explaining the purpose of the Samādhi:

  • Bodhisattva mahāsattvas aspiring to understand sentient beings’ speech, faculties, and distinctions in past and future lives should cultivate this Samādhi. Upholding, reciting, and teaching this Samādhi are a means of benefiting all sentient beings.

• In verse, the Buddha recounts the benefits of bearing this Samādhi:

  • • Supreme Wisdom and Imperturbability: Those who have inquired from countless Buddhas about this Samādhi dwell immovably in virtue and wisdom.

    • Rewards in Human and Deva Realms: Enjoyment of bliss, high regard from others, and the joy of meditation and nirvāṇa.

    • Unmoved by Worldly Praise or Insult: Neither elated by praise nor angered by insults, showing stability amidst the eight worldly concerns.

    • Controlled Speech and Compassion: Speech remains purposeful and gentle, free from anger and arrogance; patience brings inner joy.

    • Soft and Truthful Communication: Words are soft, sincere, and considerate, always offering comfort to others.

    • Selflessness in Giving: Engages in generous giving without attachment, satisfying the needs of the hungry and thirsty.

    • Unattached to Self-Benefit: Finds joy in others’ happiness without seeking personal gain, embodying upright virtue.

    • Esteemed by Devas, Yakṣas, Asuras, and Nāgas: Held in reverence by non-human beings who protect and respect them, even in solitude.

    • Preference for Silence and Tranquility: Finds peace in tranquility and is fearless, frequently visited by nāgas and asuras due to their steady samādhi.

    • Divine Voice and Sound: Their voice resembles Brahmā’s, swans, and harmonious melodies, spreading their fame throughout the world.

    • Unmatched Treasury of Merit: The merit accumulated through samādhi surpasses the earth's dust in number, creating a treasury of merit that benefits all beings.

Commentary

Thrangu Rinpoche's commentary says that this chapter is similar to previous chapters on the benefits of this Samādhi. But he emphasises that this chapter is on the temporary (or relative) benefits, whereas chapter 32 is on the ultimate benefits of beraing this Samādhi.

Discussion

Discussion on this is saved for Chapter 32.