Embedded Files
Fourth Assembly:
Taishō no. 220
Fascicle 541-542
Taishō no. 220
Fascicle 541-542
Translated by Imperial Decree by Tripiṭakācārya Xuanzang
Translated by Imperial Decree by Tripiṭakācārya Xuanzang
Translated into English by Shaku Shingan (12.2025)
Translated into English by Shaku Shingan (12.2025)
Fascicle 541
Fascicle 541
At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, addressed the Buddha, saying: “O Bhagavān! If a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, to respectfully believe and accept with a pure mind, and for the sake of seeking unexcelled perfect bodhi, single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, diligently cultivate and train, contemplate it in accordance with its principles, and extensively proclaim and reveal it for sentient beings, and with superior wisdom, meticulously observe it; and if, for the sake of causing the true Dharma to abide long in the world, for the sake of causing the Buddha-eye to be unbroken, for the sake of causing the true Dharma not to disappear, for the sake of embracing bodhisattvas and causing them to grow, and for the sake of causing the pure Dharma-eye in the world to be without reduction, they write and copy this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorn it with many jewels, and further, with all kinds of supreme and wondrous flower garlands up to lamps, make offerings, pay reverence, revering and praising it; and if they think thus: ‘The profound Prajñā Pāramitā accomplishes vast merits and benefits, is extremely difficult to encounter, and should not be abandoned. I should guard it myself, making offerings and venerating, reading and reciting, and contemplating it.’ If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes and copies this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and gives it to others to take up, bear, and widely disseminate; of these two accumulations of merit, which is greater?”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “I, in turn, ask you. Answer as you please. If a son of good family or daughter of good family requests and receives a Buddha’s śarīra from another, places it in a jewelled reliquary in a pure place, adorns it with many jewels, and further, with all kinds of supreme and wondrous flower garlands up to lamps, makes offerings, pays reverence, respecting and praising it; and if a son of good family or daughter of good family requests and receives a Buddha’s śarīra from another, and gives a portion, even as small as a mustard seed, to another, causing them to respectfully receive it and enthrone it in accordance with the Dharma, and further, with all kinds of supreme and wondrous flower garlands up to lamps, make offerings, pay reverence, respecting and praising it. What do you think? Of these two accumulations of merit, which is superior?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “As I understand the meaning of what the Buddha has said, of these two accumulations of merit, the latter is superior.”
At that time, the Buddha praised Śakra, the Lord of the Devas, saying: “Sādhu! Sādhu! It is just as you have said. O Kauśika! In regard to this Prajñā Pāramitā, if one upholds it oneself, making offerings and paying reverence, or if one gives it to others to be widely disseminated, of these two accumulations of merit, the latter is greater. Why is it so? Because by giving it to others, one can bring benefit and joy to limitless, countless sentient beings.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If there is one who, regarding the meaning and principles explained in this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, truly explains it in detail for others, enabling them to gain correct understanding, the accumulation of merit they obtain is hundreds of thousands of times superior to the merit of giving it to others for dissemination. One should respect this Dharma teacher as one respects the Buddha.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes and bears this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorning it with many jewels, making offerings and paying reverence, and, knowing another to be a Dharma vessel, goes to their place and gives them a portion, enabling them to diligently read and recite it, then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit obtained is limitless and boundless.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family teaches all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome paths of action, what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, to respectfully believe and accept with a pure mind, and for the sake of seeking unexcelled perfect bodhi, write and copy, give it to others, and further, explain it for them, causing them to have no doubts about its profound meaning, instructing and admonishing all sentient beings, saying: ‘You should diligently cultivate the true bodhisattva path, which is called the Prajñā Pāramitā. If you can diligently cultivate and train in this path, you will swiftly realise unexcelled perfect bodhi, and rescue boundless sentient beings, causing them to realise the reality limit, and with all their effluents completely exhausted, enter the nirvāṇa realm without remainder.’ This son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa. If a son of good family or daughter of good family teaches all the sentient beings of the four great continents, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome paths of action, what do you think? As extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of the four great continents. If a son of good family or daughter of good family teaches all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome paths of action, what do you think? As extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family teaches all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome paths of action, what do you think? As extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family teaches all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome paths of action, what do you think? As extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family teaches all the sentient beings in the worlds of the ten directions, each as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome paths of action, what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, to respectfully believe and accept with a pure mind, and for the sake of seeking unexcelled perfect bodhi, write and copy, give it to others, and further, explain it for them, causing them to have no doubts about its profound meaning, instructing and admonishing all sentient beings, saying: ‘You should diligently cultivate the true bodhisattva path, which is called the Prajñā Pāramitā. If you can diligently cultivate and train in this path, you will swiftly realise unexcelled perfect bodhi, and rescue boundless sentient beings, causing them to realise the reality limit, and with all their effluents completely exhausted, enter the nirvāṇa realm without remainder.’ This son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family teaches all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, causing all to abide in the four dhyānas, the four immeasurables, the four formless equipoises, and the five supernormal powers, what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, to respectfully believe and accept with a pure mind, and for the sake of seeking unexcelled perfect bodhi, write and copy, give it to others, and further, explain it for them, causing them to have no doubts about its profound meaning, instructing and admonishing all sentient beings, saying: ‘You should diligently cultivate the true bodhisattva path, which is called the Prajñā Pāramitā. If you can diligently cultivate and train in this path, you will swiftly realise unexcelled perfect bodhi, and rescue boundless sentient beings, causing them to realise the reality limit, and with all their effluents completely exhausted, enter the nirvāṇa realm without remainder.’ This son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa. If a son of good family or daughter of good family teaches all the sentient beings of the four great continents, causing all to abide in the four dhyānas, the four immeasurables, the four formless equipoises, and the five supernormal powers, what do you think? As extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of the four great continents. If a son of good family or daughter of good family teaches all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, causing all to abide in the four dhyānas, the four immeasurables, the four formless equipoises, and the five supernormal powers, what do you think? As extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family teaches all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, causing all to abide in the four dhyānas, the four immeasurables, the four formless equipoises, and the five supernormal powers, what do you think? As extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family teaches all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, causing all to abide in the four dhyānas, the four immeasurables, the four formless equipoises, and the five supernormal powers, what do you think? As extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family universally teaches sentient beings in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in all ten directions, causing all to abide in the four dhyānas, the four immeasurables, the four formless equipoises, and the five supernormal powers, what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, to respectfully believe and accept with a pure mind, and for the sake of seeking unexcelled perfect bodhi, write and copy, give it to others, and further, explain it for them, causing them to have no doubts about its profound meaning, instructing and admonishing all sentient beings, saying: ‘You should diligently cultivate the true bodhisattva path, which is called the Prajñā Pāramitā. If you can diligently cultivate and train in this path, you will swiftly realise unexcelled perfect bodhi, and rescue boundless sentient beings, causing them to realise the reality limit, and with all their effluents completely exhausted, enter the nirvāṇa realm without remainder.’ This son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, to single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, diligently cultivate and train, and contemplate its profound meaning in accordance with its principles, the accumulated merit obtained surpasses the merit of universally teaching and guiding all sentient beings in Jambudvīpa, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome paths of action, the four dhyānas, the four immeasurables, the four formless equipoises, and the five supernormal powers; it also surpasses that of teaching and guiding all sentient beings in the four great continents, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome paths of action, the four dhyānas, the four immeasurables, the four formless equipoises, and the five supernormal powers; it also surpasses that of teaching and guiding all sentient beings in one cosmos of a small thousand worlds, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome paths of action, the four dhyānas, the four immeasurables, the four formless equipoises, and the five supernormal powers; it also surpasses that of teaching and guiding all sentient beings in one cosmos of a medium thousand worlds, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome paths of action, the four dhyānas, the four immeasurables, the four formless equipoises, and the five supernormal powers; it also surpasses that of teaching and guiding all sentient beings in a cosmos of a great thousand worlds, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome paths of action, the four dhyānas, the four immeasurables, the four formless equipoises, and the five supernormal powers; it also surpasses that of teaching and guiding all sentient beings in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in each of the ten directions, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome paths of action, the four dhyānas, the four immeasurables, the four formless equipoises, and the five supernormal powers.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, to extensively, for others, through innumerable gates, teach, proclaim, expound, express, explain, and distinctly clarify its meaning to make it easily understandable, the accumulated merits thus acquired are incomparably greater than merely hearing, taking up and bearing, reading and reciting, diligently cultivating and training, or contemplating, in accordance with its principles, the deeply profound Prajñā Pāramitā; the merits obtained are immeasurably manifold.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family themselves, in regard to the Prajñā Pāramitā, were to single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, diligently cultivate and train, and contemplate it correctly, and through innumerable gates, extensively, for others, teach, proclaim, expound, express, explain, and distinctly clarify its meaning to make it easily understandable, the heap of merits attained immeasurably and boundlessly surpasses the former heap of merits.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, to write and copy, adorn, take up and bear, read and recite; and if a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, to write and copy, adorn, and bestow it upon sentient beings, the heap of merits would immeasurably and boundlessly surpass the former.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, to write and copy, adorn, and bestow it upon sentient beings; and if a son of good family or daughter of good family were, in regard to the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, to skilfully understand its meaning, and be able to explain its meaning to others using various skilful and subtle expressions, the heap of merits attained immeasurably and boundlessly surpasses the former heap of merits.”
Then, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, addressed the Buddha, saying: “Should those sons of good family or daughters of good family, with various skilful and subtle expressions of its meaning, proclaim the immensely profound Prajñā Pāramitā to others?”
The Buddha said: “O Kauśika! Thus it is! Thus it is! If a son of good family or daughter of good family can, using various skilful and subtle expressions of its meaning, proclaim the immensely profound Prajñā Pāramitā to others, they will then obtain a great limitless heap of merit.”
Then, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, again addressed the Buddha, saying: “For what kind of sentient beings should one proclaim the profound meaning of the Prajñā Pāramitā?”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family does not know the profound meaning of the Prajñā Pāramitā, one should, for such a son of good family or daughter of good family, proclaim the profound meaning of the Prajñā Pāramitā. Why is it so? O Kauśika! In the future, if a son of good family or daughter of good family seeks to attain unexcelled perfect bodhi, and hears others proclaim a counterfeit Prajñā Pāramitā, their mind will become confused and they will lose the Middle Way.”
Then, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, again addressed the Buddha, saying: “What is meant by a counterfeit Prajñā Pāramitā, and what is referred to by proclaiming a counterfeit Prajñā Pāramitā?”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “In the future, there will be bhikṣus who cannot well cultivate the body, precepts, mind, and knowledge. Their wisdom will be narrow and inferior, like that of cattle or sheep. Although they wish to proclaim the true Prajñā Pāramitā for sentient beings, they contrarily speak a counterfeit Prajñā Pāramitā. How do bhikṣus contrarily proclaim a counterfeit Prajñā Pāramitā? That is to say, those bhikṣus, for those who have aroused the aspiration for unexcelled bodhi, say that because form is destroyed, it is called impermanent, that because feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness are destroyed, they are called impermanent; and further speak thus: ‘If you seek in this way, this is practising the Prajñā Pāramitā.’ O Kauśika! This is called contrarily proclaiming a counterfeit Prajñā Pāramitā.
“O Kauśika! One should not contemplate form as impermanent because form is destroyed, nor should one contemplate feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness as impermanent because feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness are destroyed. If one contemplates form up to consciousness as impermanent in this way, one should know that they are practising a counterfeit Prajñā Pāramitā.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family, for those who have aroused the aspiration for unexcelled bodhi, proclaims the pāramitās from giving up to the Prajñā Pāramitā, and says these words: ‘Come! O son of good family! I will teach you to cultivate and train in the pāramitās from giving up to the Prajñā Pāramitā. If you cultivate and train relying on my teaching, you will swiftly abide in the bodhisattva’s first stage up to the tenth stage, you will obtain various other limitless Buddha-dharmas, swiftly enter the bodhisattva’s correct nature free from arising, and transcend the stages of all śrāvakas and pratyekabuddhas.’
“O Kauśika! Because they use characteristics and attainment as skilful means and rely on concepts of time and divisions, they teach the cultivation of the pāramitās from giving up to the Prajñā Pāramitā; this is called contrarily proclaiming a counterfeit Prajñā Pāramitā.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family tells those of the bodhisattva lineage, saying: ‘If, in regard to the Prajñā Pāramitā, you single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, diligently cultivate and train, and contemplate it correctly, you will obtain boundless supreme merits.’ O Kauśika! Because they make such a statement using characteristics and attainment as skilful means, it is called, contrarily speaking, a counterfeit Prajñā Pāramitā.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family tells those of the bodhisattva lineage, saying: ‘You should rejoice in all the roots of good of all the buddha-bhagavāns of the past, future, and present, from their initial aspiration up to the ultimate, collect them all together, and for the sake of sentient beings, dedicate them to unexcelled perfect bodhi.’
“O Kauśika! Because they make such a statement using characteristics and attainment as skilful means, it is called, contrarily speaking, a counterfeit Prajñā Pāramitā.
“Therefore, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family, using non-attainment as a skilful means, unerringly proclaims the true meaning of the profound Prajñā Pāramitā for sentient beings, the heap of merit they obtain is limitless and boundless, able to bring benefit, peace, and joy to sentient beings.”
Fascicle 542
Fascicle 542
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, causing them all to abide in the fruit of the stream-enterer, the fruit of once-returning, the fruit of non-returning, or the fruit of the arhat; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, with a pure mind, to respectfully believe and accept, and for the sake of seeking unexcelled perfect bodhi, write and copy, give it to others, and further, explain it for them, causing them to have no doubts about its profound meaning, instructing and admonishing all sentient beings, saying: ‘You should diligently cultivate the true bodhisattva path, which is the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you can diligently cultivate and train in this path, you will quickly realise unexcelled perfect bodhi, rescue boundless sentient beings, causing them to realise the reality limit, and with all their effluents completely exhausted, enter the nirvāṇa realm without remainder.’ Then this son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former. Why is it so?
“O Kauśika! All stream-enterers, once-returners, non-returners, and arhats all flow forth from the Prajñā Pāramitā. Those sons of good family or daughters of good family, having heard the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, instructing and admonishing them, and endeavouring in ardent cultivation in its training, will gradually perfect all Buddha-dharmas, until they realise the knowledge of all knowledge, and transform all sentient beings, causing them to attain the fruit of the stream-enterer, once-returning, non-returning, the fruit of the arhat, and the pratyekabuddha’s bodhi, to enter into the bodhisattva’s correct nature free from arising, until they realise the Buddha’s bodhi.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of the four great continents, causing them all to abide in the fruit of the stream-enterer, the fruit of once-returning, the fruit of non-returning, or the fruit of the arhat; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of the four great continents. If a son of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, causing them all to abide in the fruit of the stream-enterer, the fruit of once-returning, the fruit of non-returning, or the fruit of the arhat; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, causing them all to abide in the fruit of the stream-enterer, the fruit of once-returning, the fruit of non-returning, or the fruit of the arhat; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, causing them all to abide in the fruit of the stream-enterer, the fruit of once-returning, the fruit of non-returning, or the fruit of the arhat; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach and transform all sentient beings in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in all ten directions, causing them all to abide in the fruit of the stream-enterer, the fruit of once-returning, the fruit of non-returning, or the fruit of the arhat; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, with a pure mind, to respectfully believe and accept, and for the sake of seeking unexcelled perfect bodhi, write and copy, give it to others, and further, explain it for them, causing them to have no doubts about its profound meaning, instructing and admonishing all sentient beings, saying: ‘You should diligently cultivate the true bodhisattva path, which is the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you can diligently cultivate and train in this path, you will quickly realise unexcelled perfect bodhi, rescue boundless sentient beings, causing them to realise the reality limit, and with all their effluents completely exhausted, enter the nirvāṇa realm without remainder.’ Then this son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former. Why is it so?
“O Kauśika! All stream-enterers, once-returners, non-returners, and arhats all flow forth from the Prajñā Pāramitā. Those sons of good family or daughters of good family, having heard the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, instructing and admonishing them, and endeavouring in ardent cultivation in its training, will gradually perfect all Buddha-dharmas, until they realise the knowledge of all knowledge, and transform all sentient beings, causing them to attain the fruit of the stream-enterer, once-returning, non-returning, the fruit of the arhat, and the pratyekabuddha’s bodhi, to enter into the bodhisattva’s correct nature free from arising, until they realise the Buddha’s bodhi.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, causing them all to peacefully abide in the pratyekabuddha’s bodhi; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, with a pure mind, to respectfully believe and accept, and for the sake of seeking unexcelled perfect bodhi, write and copy, give it to others, and further, explain it for them, causing them to have no doubts about its profound meaning, instructing and admonishing all sentient beings, saying: ‘You should diligently cultivate the true bodhisattva path, which is the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you can diligently cultivate and train in this path, you will quickly realise unexcelled perfect bodhi, rescue boundless sentient beings, causing them to realise the reality limit, and with all their effluents completely exhausted, enter the nirvāṇa realm without remainder.’ Then this son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former. Why is it so?
“O Kauśika! Because the bodhi realised by all pratyekabuddhas flows forth from the Prajñā Pāramitā. Those sons of good family or daughters of good family, having heard the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, instructing and admonishing them, and endeavouring in ardent cultivation in its training, will gradually perfect all Buddha-dharmas, until they realise the knowledge of all knowledge, and transform all sentient beings, causing them to attain the fruit of the stream-enterer, once-returning, non-returning, the fruit of the arhat, and the pratyekabuddha’s bodhi, to enter into the bodhisattva’s correct nature free from arising, until they realise the Buddha’s bodhi.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of the four great continents, causing them all to peacefully abide in the pratyekabuddha’s bodhi; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of the four great continents. If a son of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, causing them all to peacefully abide in the pratyekabuddha’s bodhi; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, causing them all to peacefully abide in the pratyekabuddha’s bodhi; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, causing them all to peacefully abide in the pratyekabuddha’s bodhi; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to universally teach all the sentient beings in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in all ten directions, causing them all to peacefully abide in the pratyekabuddha’s bodhi; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family were, regarding this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, with a pure mind, to respectfully believe and accept, and for the sake of seeking unexcelled perfect bodhi, write and copy, give it to others, and further, explain it for them, causing them to have no doubts about its profound meaning, instructing and admonishing all sentient beings, saying: ‘You should diligently cultivate the true bodhisattva path, which is the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you can diligently cultivate and train in this path, you will quickly realise unexcelled perfect bodhi, rescue boundless sentient beings, causing them to realise the reality limit, and with all their effluents completely exhausted, enter the nirvāṇa realm without remainder.’ Then this son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former. Why is it so?
“O Kauśika! Because the bodhi realised by all pratyekabuddhas flows forth from the Prajñā Pāramitā. Those sons of good family or daughters of good family, having heard the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, instructing and admonishing them, and endeavouring in ardent cultivation in its training, will gradually perfect all Buddha-dharmas, until they realise the knowledge of all knowledge, and transform all sentient beings, causing them to attain the fruit of the stream-enterer, once-returning, non-returning, the fruit of the arhat, and the pratyekabuddha’s bodhi, to enter into the bodhisattva’s correct nature free from arising, until they realise the Buddha’s bodhi.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, causing them all to arouse the aspiration for unexcelled perfect bodhi; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and gives it to one who has already aroused the aspiration for unexcelled bodhi to take up, bear, read and recite, and further says these words: ‘Come! O son of good family! You should, in regard to this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and accord with this Dharma gate with correct faith and understanding. If you possess correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you are able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge. If you can realise the knowledge of all knowledge, then your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā will swiftly be perfected. If your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā is swiftly perfected, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge.’ Then this son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of the four great continents, causing them all to arouse the aspiration for unexcelled perfect bodhi; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of the four great continents. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, causing them all to arouse the aspiration for unexcelled perfect bodhi; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, causing them all to arouse the aspiration for unexcelled perfect bodhi; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, causing them all to arouse the aspiration for unexcelled perfect bodhi; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to universally teach sentient beings in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in all ten directions, causing them all to arouse the aspiration for unexcelled perfect bodhi; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and gives it to one who has already aroused the aspiration for unexcelled bodhi to take up, bear, read and recite, and further says these words: ‘Come! O son of good family! You should, in regard to this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and accord with this Dharma gate with correct faith and understanding. If you possess correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you are able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge. If you can realise the knowledge of all knowledge, then your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā will swiftly be perfected. If your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā is swiftly perfected, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge.’ Then this son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and gives it to one who has already attained non-retrogression in unexcelled perfect bodhi to take up, bear, read and recite, and further says these words: ‘Come! O son of good family! You should, in regard to this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and accord with this Dharma gate with correct faith and understanding. If you possess correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you are able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge. If you can realise the knowledge of all knowledge, then your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā will swiftly be perfected. If your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā is swiftly perfected, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge.’ Then this son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of the four great continents, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of the four great continents. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to teach all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi; what do you think? It is as extensively elaborated before.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds. If a son of good family or daughter of good family were to universally teach sentient beings in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in all ten directions, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and gives it to one who has already attained non-retrogression in unexcelled perfect bodhi to take up, bear, read and recite, and further says these words: ‘Come! O son of good family! You should, in regard to this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and accord with this Dharma gate with correct faith and understanding. If you possess correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you are able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge. If you can realise the knowledge of all knowledge, then your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā will swiftly be perfected. If your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā is swiftly perfected, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge.’ Then this son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa have all aroused the aspiration for unexcelled perfect bodhi, and if a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and universally gives it to them to take up, bear, read and recite, and further says these words: ‘Come! O son of good family! You should, in regard to this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and accord with this Dharma gate with correct faith and understanding. If you possess correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you are able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge. If you can realise the knowledge of all knowledge, then your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā will swiftly be perfected. If your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā is swiftly perfected, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge.’ What do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and gives it to one who has already attained non-retrogression in unexcelled perfect bodhi to take up, bear, read and recite, and further says these words: ‘Come! O son of good family! You should, in regard to this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and accord with this Dharma gate with correct faith and understanding. If you possess correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you are able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge. If you can realise the knowledge of all knowledge, then your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā will swiftly be perfected. If your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā is swiftly perfected, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge.’ Then this son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former. Why is that so? Because that bodhisattva mahāsattva will definitely realise unexcelled perfect bodhi, and will put an end to suffering for all sentient beings, causing them to swiftly realise the nirvāṇa of the Three Vehicles.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa. If all the sentient beings of the four great continents, if all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, or if all the sentient beings in the worlds of the ten directions, each as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, have all aroused the aspiration for unexcelled perfect bodhi, and if a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and universally gives it to them to take up, bear, read and recite, and further says these words: ‘Come! O son of good family! You should, in regard to this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and accord with this Dharma gate with correct faith and understanding. If you possess correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you are able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge. If you can realise the knowledge of all knowledge, then your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā will swiftly be perfected. If your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā is swiftly perfected, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge.’ What do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and gives it to one who has already attained non-retrogression in unexcelled perfect bodhi to take up, bear, read and recite, and further says these words: ‘Come! O son of good family! You should, in regard to this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and accord with this Dharma gate with correct faith and understanding. If you possess correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you are able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge. If you can realise the knowledge of all knowledge, then your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā will swiftly be perfected. If your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā is swiftly perfected, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge.’ Then this son of good family or daughter of good family would obtain a heap of merit profoundly greater than that of the former. Why is that so? Because that bodhisattva mahāsattva will definitely realise unexcelled perfect bodhi, and will put an end to suffering for all sentient beings, causing them to swiftly realise the nirvāṇa of the Three Vehicles.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi, and if a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and universally gives it to them to take up, bear, read and recite, and further says these words: ‘Come! O son of good family! You should, in regard to this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and accord with this Dharma gate with correct faith and understanding. If you possess correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you are able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge. If you can realise the knowledge of all knowledge, then your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā will swiftly be perfected. If your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā is swiftly perfected, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge.’ What do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “Among the bodhisattvas who have already attained non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi, there is one bodhisattva who speaks thus: ‘I now delight in swiftly realising unexcelled perfect bodhi, to rescue sentient beings from the various sufferings of birth and death, causing them to obtain supreme and ultimate peace and joy.’
“If a son of good family or daughter of good family, for the sake of accomplishing that matter, writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and gives it to that person to take up, bear, read and recite, and further says these words: ‘Come! O son of good family! You should, in regard to this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and accord with this Dharma gate with correct faith and understanding. If you possess correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you are able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge. If you can realise the knowledge of all knowledge, then your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā will swiftly be perfected. If your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā is swiftly perfected, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge.’ Then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit is very much greater than that of the former, immeasurable, boundless, and beyond calculation.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa. If all the sentient beings of the four great continents, if all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, or if all the sentient beings in the worlds of the ten directions, each as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi; and if a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and universally gives it to them to take up, bear, read and recite, and further says these words: ‘Come! O son of good family! You should, in regard to this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and accord with this Dharma gate with correct faith and understanding. If you possess correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you are able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge. If you can realise the knowledge of all knowledge, then your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā will swiftly be perfected. If your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā is swiftly perfected, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge.’ What do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “Among the bodhisattvas who have already attained non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi, there is one bodhisattva who speaks thus: ‘I now delight in swiftly realising unexcelled perfect bodhi, to rescue sentient beings from the various sufferings of birth and death, causing them to obtain supreme and ultimate peace and joy.’
“If a son of good family or daughter of good family, for the sake of accomplishing that matter, writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and gives it to that person to take up, bear, read and recite, and further says these words: ‘Come! O son of good family! You should, in regard to this profound Prajñā Pāramitā, single-mindedly listen, take up and bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and accord with this Dharma gate with correct faith and understanding. If you possess correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā. If you are able to cultivate and train in the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge. If you can realise the knowledge of all knowledge, then your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā will swiftly be perfected. If your cultivation of the Prajñā Pāramitā is swiftly perfected, you will be able to realise the knowledge of all knowledge.’ Then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit is very much greater than that of the former, immeasurable, boundless, and beyond calculation.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa have all aroused the aspiration for unexcelled perfect bodhi, and if a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and universally gives it to them to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and in that assembly gives it to one person to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and further, with various skilful means, explains the text and meaning in detail, analysing its principles and causing them to understand, instructing and admonishing them to diligently cultivate and train; then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit is very much greater than that of the former, immeasurable, boundless, and beyond calculation.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa. If all the sentient beings of the four great continents, if all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, or if all the sentient beings in the worlds of the ten directions, each as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, have all aroused the aspiration for unexcelled perfect bodhi, and if a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and universally gives it to them to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and in that assembly gives it to one person to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and further, with various skilful means, explains the text and meaning in detail, analysing its principles and causing them to understand, instructing and admonishing them to diligently cultivate and train; then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit is very much greater than that of the former, immeasurable, boundless, and beyond calculation.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa are caused to all to attain non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi, and if a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and universally gives it to them to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and in that assembly gives it to one person to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and further, with various skilful means, explains the text and meaning in detail, analysing its principles and causing them to understand, instructing and admonishing them to diligently cultivate and train; then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit is very much greater than that of the former, immeasurable, boundless, and beyond calculation.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa. If all the sentient beings of the four great continents, if all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, or if all the sentient beings in the worlds of the ten directions, each as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi, and if a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and universally gives it to them to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and in that assembly gives it to one person to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and further, with various skilful means, explains the text and meaning in detail, analysing its principles and causing them to understand, instructing and admonishing them to diligently cultivate and train; then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit is very much greater than that of the former, immeasurable, boundless, and beyond calculation.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa have all aroused the aspiration for unexcelled perfect bodhi, and having aroused the aspiration for unexcelled bodhi, they all speak thus: ‘I now delight in swiftly realising unexcelled perfect bodhi, to rescue sentient beings from the various sufferings of birth and death, causing them to obtain supreme and ultimate peace and joy;’ and if a son of good family or daughter of good family, for the sake of accomplishing that matter, writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and universally gives it to them to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and in that assembly gives it to one person to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and with innumerable gates and skilful and subtle texts and meanings, explains it in detail, analysing its principles and causing them to understand, instructing and admonishing them to diligently cultivate and train, then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit is very much greater than that of the former, immeasurable, boundless, and beyond calculation.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa. If all the sentient beings of the four great continents, if all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, or if all the sentient beings in the worlds of the ten directions, each as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, have all aroused the aspiration for unexcelled perfect bodhi, and having aroused the aspiration for unexcelled bodhi, they all speak thus: ‘I now delight in swiftly realising unexcelled perfect bodhi, to rescue sentient beings from the various sufferings of birth and death, causing them to obtain supreme and ultimate peace and joy;’ and if a son of good family or daughter of good family, for the sake of accomplishing that matter, writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and universally gives it to them to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and in that assembly gives it to one person to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and with innumerable gates and skilful and subtle texts and meanings, explains it in detail, analysing its principles and causing them to understand, instructing and admonishing them to diligently cultivate and train; then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit is very much greater than that of the former, immeasurable, boundless, and beyond calculation.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa have all attained non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi, and they all speak thus: ‘I now delight in swiftly realising unexcelled perfect bodhi, to rescue sentient beings from the various sufferings of birth and death, causing them to obtain supreme and ultimate peace and joy;’ and if a son of good family or daughter of good family, for the sake of accomplishing that matter, writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and universally gives it to them to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and in that assembly gives it to one person to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and with innumerable gates and skilful and subtle texts and meanings, explains it in detail, analysing its principles and causing them to understand, instructing and admonishing them to diligently cultivate and train, then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit is very much greater than that of the former, immeasurable, boundless, and beyond calculation.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! Set aside all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa. If all the sentient beings of the four great continents, if all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, or if all the sentient beings in the worlds of the ten directions, each as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, have all attained non-retrogression from unexcelled perfect bodhi, and they all speak thus: ‘I now delight in swiftly realising unexcelled perfect bodhi, to rescue sentient beings from the various sufferings of birth and death, causing them to obtain supreme and ultimate peace and joy;’ and if a son of good family or daughter of good family, for the sake of accomplishing that matter, writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and universally gives it to them to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly; what do you think? Does this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it with many jewels, making offerings and venerating, respecting and praising it, and in that assembly gives it to one person to take up, bear, read and recite, become skilled in penetrating it well, and contemplate it correctly, and with innumerable gates and skilful and subtle texts and meanings, explains it in detail, analysing its principles and causing them to understand, instructing and admonishing them to diligently cultivate and train, then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit is very much greater than that of the former, immeasurable, boundless, and beyond calculation.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it in various ways, makes offerings, respects and praises it, and gives it to all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa; would this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family, for one sentient being, in regard to this Prajñā Pāramitā, were to explain the profound meaning in detail, causing them to understand; then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit is very much greater than that of the former, immeasurable, boundless, and beyond calculation.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family writes down the profound Prajñā Pāramitā, adorns it in various ways, makes offerings, respecting and praising it, and gives it to all the sentient beings of the four great continents, if all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, or if all the sentient beings in the worlds of the ten directions, each as numerous as the sands of the Ganges; would this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family, for one sentient being, in regard to this Prajñā Pāramitā, were to explain the profound meaning in detail, causing them to understand, then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit is very much greater than that of the former, immeasurable, boundless, and beyond calculation.
“Moreover, O Kauśika! If a son of good family or daughter of good family, for all the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, if all the sentient beings of the four great continents, if all the sentient beings of a small thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a medium thousand worlds, if all the sentient beings of a great thousand worlds, or if all the sentient beings in the worlds of the ten directions, each as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, in regard to this Prajñā Pāramitā, were to explain the profound meaning in detail, causing them to understand; would this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, obtain great merit or not?”
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: “Very great! O Bhagavān! Very numerous! O Sugata!”
At that time, the Buddha addressed Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: “If a son of good family or daughter of good family, for one sentient being, in regard to this Prajñā Pāramitā, with a mind free from defilement, were to explain the profound meaning in detail, causing them to understand, instructing and admonishing them to diligently cultivate and train. Then this son of good family or daughter of good family’s accumulation of merit is very much greater than that of the former, immeasurable, boundless, and beyond calculation.”
Then, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, addressed the Buddha, saying: “Just as a bodhisattva mahāsattva draws closer to unexcelled perfect bodhi, so should one, with the profound meaning of the Prajñā Pāramitā, instruct and admonish them, causing them to skilfully penetrate the true thusness of all dharmas; one should, with supreme and wondrous robes, food and drink, beds and seats, medicines, and other requisites, make offerings and pay reverence, ensuring they lack nothing. If a son of good family or daughter of good family is able, with such gifts of Dharma and material gifts, to embrace and serve with offerings that bodhisattva mahāsattva, then this son of good family or daughter of good family, due to these causes and conditions, will obtain great fruit and results, acquiring great benefits, immeasurable and boundless. Why is that so? That bodhisattva mahāsattva must be embraced and served with offerings with such gifts of Dharma and material gifts, and they will be able to swiftly realise the knowledge of all knowledge.”
At that time, Subhūti praised Śakra, saying: “Sādhu! Sādhu! O Kauśika! You are skilfully able to encourage, embrace, and assist the bodhisattva mahāsattvas, enabling them to swiftly realise the knowledge of all knowledge. You have now done what a noble disciple of the Buddha should do. Why is that so?
“O Kauśika! All the noble disciples of all tathāgatas, desiring to bring benefit and joy to sentient beings, skilfully encourage, embrace, and assist the bodhisattva mahāsattvas, enabling them to swiftly realise the knowledge of all knowledge. Why is that so? All the tathāgatas, śrāvakas, and pratyekabuddhas, and the supreme matters of the world, all appear due to the assembly of bodhisattva mahāsattvas. Why is it so?
“O Kauśika! If there were no bodhisattva mahāsattvas who aroused bodhicitta, then there would be no bodhisattva mahāsattvas able to learn the pāramitās, from giving, up to the Prajñā Pāramitā. If there were no bodhisattva mahāsattvas able to learn the pāramitās, from giving, up to the Prajñā Pāramitā, then there would be no bodhisattva mahāsattvas able to realise unexcelled perfect bodhi. If there were no bodhisattva mahāsattvas who realised unexcelled perfect bodhi, then there would be no tathāgatas, śrāvakas, or pratyekabuddhas, or supreme matters of the world. Therefore, one should encourage, embrace, and assist the bodhisattva mahāsattvas, causing them to learn the six pāramitās until ultimate perfection, and quickly realise unexcelled perfect bodhi, turn the wondrous Dharma-wheel, and liberate the multitudes of sentient beings.”
Chapter 6 Forthcoming
Notes
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse