Diamond Sutra — Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita

Thus have I heard concerning our Lord Buddha:—

Upon a memorable occasion, the Lord Buddha sojourned in the kingdom

of Shravasti, lodging in the grove of Jeta, a park within the

imperial domain, which Jeta, the heir-apparent, bestowed upon

Sutana, a benevolent Minister of State, renowned for his charities

and benefactions.

With the Lord Buddha, there were assembled together twelve hundred and

fifty mendicant disciples, all of whom had attained to eminent

degrees of spiritual wisdom.

As it approached the hour for the morning meal, Lord Buddha, Honoured

of the Worlds, attired himself in a mendicant's robe, and

bearing an alms-bowl in his hands, walked towards the great city of

Shravasti, which he entered to beg for food. Within the city he

proceeded from door to door, and received such donations as the

good people severally bestowed. Concluding this religious

exercise, the Lord Buddha returned to the grove of Jeta, and partook

of the frugal meal received as alms. Thereafter he divested

himself of his mendicant's robe, laid aside the venerated

alms-bowl, bathed his sacred feet, and accepted the honoured seat

reserved for him by his disciples.

Upon that occasion, the venerable Subhuti occupied a place in the

midst of the assembly. Rising from his seat, with cloak arranged in

such manner that his right shoulder was disclosed, Subhuti knelt upon

his right knee, then pressing together the palms of his hands, he

respectfully raised them towards Lord Buddha, saying: "Thou art of

transcendent wisdom, Honoured of the Worlds! With wonderful

solicitude, Thou dost preserve in the faith, and instruct in the Law,

this illustrious assembly of enlightened disciples. Honoured of the

Worlds! if a good disciple, whether man or woman, seeks to obtain

supreme spiritual wisdom, what immutable Law shall sustain the mind

of that disciple, and bring into subjection every inordinate desire?"

The Lord Buddha replied to Subhuti, saying: "Truly a most excellent

theme! As you affirmed, I preserve in the faith, and instruct in the

Law, this illustrious assembly of enlightened disciples. Attend

diligently unto me, and I shall enunciate a Law whereby the mind of a

good disciple, whether man or woman, seeking to obtain supreme

spiritual wisdom, shall be adequately sustained, and enabled to

bring into subjection every inordinate desire." Subhuti was

gratified, and signified glad consent. Thereupon, the Lord Buddha,

with majesty of person, and perfect articulation, proceeded to

deliver the text of this Scripture, saying:—

"By this wisdom shall enlightened disciples be enabled to bring into

subjection every inordinate desire! Every species of life, whether

hatched in the egg, formed in the womb, evolved from spawn, produced

by metamorphosis, with or without form or intelligence, possessing or

devoid of natural instinct—from these changeful conditions of

being, I command you to seek deliverance, in the transcendental

concept of Nirvana. Thus, you shall be delivered from an

immeasurable, innumerable, and illimitable world of sentient life;

but, in reality, there is no world of sentient life from which to

seek deliverance. And why? Because, in the minds of enlightened

disciples there have ceased to exist such arbitrary concepts of

phenomena as an entity, a being, a living being, or a personality."

"Moreover, Subhuti, an enlightened disciple ought to act spontaneously

in the exercise of charity, uninfluenced by sensuous phenomena

such as sound, odour, taste, touch, or Law. Subhuti, it is

imperative that an enlightened disciple, in the exercise of charity,

should act independently of phenomena. And why? Because, acting

without regard to illusive forms of phenomena, he will realise in the

exercise of charity, a merit inestimable and immeasurable."

"Subhuti, what think you? Is it possible to estimate the distance

comprising the illimitable universe of space?" Subhuti replied,

saying: "Honoured of the Worlds! It is impossible to estimate the

distance comprising the illimitable universe of space." The Lord

Buddha thereupon discoursed, saying: "It is equally impossible to

estimate the merit of an enlightened disciple, who discharges the

exercise of charity, unperturbed by the seductive influences of

phenomena. Subhuti, the mind of an enlightened disciple ought thus to

be indoctrinated."

The Lord Buddha interrogated Subhuti, saying: "What think you? Is it

possible that by means of his physical body, the Lord Buddha may be

clearly perceived?" Subhuti replied, saying: "No! Honoured of the

Worlds! It is impossible that by means of his physical body, the Lord

Buddha may be clearly perceived. And why? Because, what the Lord

Buddha referred to as a physical body, is in reality not merely a

physical body." Thereupon the Lord Buddha addressed Subhuti, saying:

"Every form or quality is transient and illusory. When this

realisation is gained, that every form and quality is illusory and

unreal, then the real form of the Lord Buddha may be clearly

perceived."

Subhuti enquired of the Lord Buddha, saying: "Honoured of the Worlds!

In future ages, when this scripture is proclaimed, amongst those

beings destined to hear, shall any conceive within their minds a

sincere, unmingled faith?" The Lord Buddha replied to Subhuti,

saying: "Have no such apprehensive thought! In ages to come, yea,

even five hundred years after my decease, there will be many

disciples observing the monastic vows, and assiduously devoted to

good works. These, hearing this scripture proclaimed, will believe in

its immutability, and similarly conceive within their minds a pure,

unmingled faith. Besides, it is important to realise that faith thus

conceived, is not exclusively in virtue of the insular thought of any

particular Buddha, but because of its affiliation with the concrete

thoughts of myriad Buddhas, throughout infinite ages. Therefore,

amongst the beings destined to hear this Scripture proclaimed, many,

by momentary reflection, will intuitively conceive a pure and holy

faith. And is the Lord Buddha, by his Buddhic prescience, entirely

cognisant of all such persons? Are they all intrinsically possessed

of a vast and immeasurable merit?"

"Subhuti, such persons, their minds unswayed by such arbitrary ideas

of phenomena as an entity, a being, a living being, or a personality,

they cherish neither doubts, nor subsidiary ideas. And why?

Because, Subhuti, these cherish ideas of phenomena; and ideas of an

entity, a being, a living being, and a personality, are also ideas of

phenomena. Subhuti, these also cherish ideas of no-phenomena; and

ideas of no-phenomena are also ideas of phenomena."

"And why? Because, Subhuti, if a disciple has attained a clear

comprehension of phenomena, the Lord Buddha would declare him to be

qualified to pursue the path which leads to Nirvana."

The Lord Buddha addressed Subhuti, saying: "What think you? Has the

Lord Buddha taught the consummation of supreme spiritual wisdom? Has

the Lord Buddha expounded any particular Law?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "According to my understanding of the

teaching of the Lord Buddha, there is no consummation of supreme

spiritual wisdom, neither is there any particular exposition of Law.

And why? Because, the Law expounded by the Lord Buddha is not

susceptible to arbitrary conception or enunciation. It is neither a

Law nor a no-Law. In what manner is this? Because all pure and holy

ones are distinguished by virtue of the immutable Law of spontaneous

non-achievement."

"Subhuti, what think you? If one were to fill three thousand spheres

of worlds with the seven treasures, and bestow these in the exercise

of charity, would the merit of such a one be great?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "Most great, Honoured of the Worlds!

Because this merit is not of the nature of merit, the Lord Buddha has

declared the merit of such a one to be great."

"Subhuti, if a good disciple, whether man or woman, who studies and

observes even a stanza of four lines from this Scripture, and widely

explains it to others, the resultant merit will be appreciably

greater than the other. And why? Because, Subhuti, it is out of this

very Scripture that all the Buddhas have evolved, and the Law of

unsurpassable, supreme, perfect wisdom."

"Subhuti, what are designated 'Buddhas' or 'Buddha-Law' are not in

reality Buddhas or Buddha-Law."

"Subhuti, what think you? Is the Srotapatti entitled to make this

self-assertion, that he has attained the grade of Srotapatti?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "No, indeed, Honoured of the Worlds! And

why? Because the Srotapatti is designated one who has entered the

stream, but in reality there is nothing entered; no form, sound,

smell, taste, touch, or Law has been entered. This is therefore the

designation Srotapatti."

"Subhuti, what think you? Is the Sakradagamin entitled to make this

self-assertion, that he has attained the grade of Sakradagamin?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "No, indeed, Honoured of the Worlds! And

why? Because Sakradagamin designates one who has to come and go once

more, but in reality there is neither coming nor going. This

therefore is his designation."

"Subhuti, what think you? Is the Anagamin entitled to make this

self-assertion, that he has attained the grade of Anagamin?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "No, indeed, Honoured of the Worlds! And

why? Because the Anagamin is designated one who is not required to

come back, but in reality there is no non-coming back. This is

therefore his designation."

"Subhuti, what think you? Is the Arhat entitled to make this

self-assertion, that he has attained the grade of Arhatship?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "No, indeed, Honoured of the Worlds! And

why? Because there is no particular Law which may be designated

Arhatship. Honoured of the Worlds! If an Arhat were to say: 'I have

attained to the grade of Arhatship, that would imply within his mind

a concept of an entity, a being, a living being, or a personality.

Honoured of the Worlds, the Lord Buddha has declared of me that I am

distinguished for my equanimity—that I am the chief of those who are

free from passion. Honoured of the Worlds, I do not say within

myself: 'I am an Arhat free from passion.' Honoured of the Worlds, if

I were to say to myself that I had attained the grade of Arhatship,

the Lord Buddha would not have declared of me: 'Subhuti is

distinguished for his equanimity,' but because Subhuti actually

indulges in no arbitrary conception whatever, therefore is Subhuti

designated as one who delights in equanimity."

"Subhuti, what think you? Whilst the Lord Buddha sojourned with the

Lord Buddha Dipankara, had he any particular Law in mind regarding

the supreme wisdom?"

"No, Honoured of the Worlds! Whilst the Lord Buddha sojourned with

Dipankara, he did not contemplate any particular Law regarding the

supreme wisdom."

"Subhuti, what think you? Does a Bodhisattva create a Paradise of the

Buddha?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "No, Honoured of the Worlds! And why?

Because that which is called a Paradise of the Buddha, is not in

reality a Paradise; it is merely designated as a Paradise of the

Buddha."

"Therefore, Subhuti, all the Bodhisattvas, the great Mahasattvas,

ought thus to conceive a pure and unperturbed mind. They ought not

to form a conception influenced by sound, smell, taste, touch, or

Law. They ought to create a mind which is independent and

uninfluenced by all phenomena."

"Subhuti, suppose a man has a body as lofty as the sacred Mount

Sumeru, would you describe his body as a great body?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "Most great, Honoured of the Worlds!

Because the body which the Lord Buddha has referred to as a great

body, is not a real body; it is merely designated as a body."

"Subhuti, suppose there were as many Ganges rivers as there are

grains of sand in the river Ganges, would the grains of sand in all

those rivers be numerous?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "Most numerous, Honoured of the Worlds!

Those rivers alone are innumerable, much more the grains of sand in

those rivers."

"Subhuti, I now declare the truth—if a good disciple, whether man or

woman, filled those innumerable worlds with the seven treasures, and

bestowed them in the exercise of charity; and if a good disciple,

whether man or woman, in the study of this Scripture, held in mind

even a stanza of four lines, and widely explained it to others; the

cumulative merit of the latter disciple would be greater than that of

the former."

"Moreover, Subhuti, in whatever place this Scripture, or even a stanza

of four lines from it, is expounded or explained, that place ought to

be revered by the whole realm of gods, men, and spirits as a sacred

shrine. How much more ought these same reverences to be offered where

disciples diligently study and observe the whole of this Scripture.

Subhuti, you should know that such a disciple has achieved the

highest and most wonderful acquisition. In that place where this

Scripture is found, the Lord Buddha is there, or one who is

reverently regarded as the Lord Buddha."

At that juncture, Subhuti enquired of the Lord Buddha, saying: "What

shall be the designation of this Scripture, and by what shall it be

known to us?"

The Lord Buddha replied to Subhuti, saying: "This Scripture is

designated _The Diamond of the Transcendence of Wisdom_, and by this

designation shall it be known to you. And why? Because the Lord

Buddha has declared that the Transcendence of Wisdom is not in

reality the Transcendence of Wisdom; it is merely designated as the

Transcendence of Wisdom."

"Subhuti, what think you? Has the Lord Buddha expounded any Law?"

Subhuti replied unto the Lord Buddha, saying: "The Lord Buddha has

not expounded any particular Law."

"Subhuti, what think you? Are the atoms of dust in three thousand

spheres of worlds numerous?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "Most numerous, Honoured of the Worlds!"

"Subhuti, the Lord Buddha has declared that atoms of dust are not in

reality atoms of dust; they are merely designated as atoms of dust.

The Lord Buddha has declared that three thousand spheres of worlds

are not in reality three thousand spheres of worlds; they are merely

designated as three thousand spheres of worlds."

"Subhuti, what think you? Is it possible to perceive the Lord Buddha

by his thirty-two physical characteristics?"

"No, Honoured of the Worlds! It is not possible to perceive the Lord

Buddha by his thirty-two physical characteristics, because the Lord

Buddha has declared that the thirty-two physical characteristics are

not in reality thirty-two physical characteristics; they are merely

designated as thirty-two physical characteristics."

"Subhuti, if a good disciple, whether man or woman, sacrifices lives

day by day innumerable as the sands of the Ganges, for ages

innumerable as the sands of the Ganges, and thus without intermission

throughout infinite ages; and if another disciple, hearing this

Scripture proclaimed, steadfastly believed it, his felicity would be

appreciably greater than the other. How much greater still must be the

felicity of a disciple who transcribes, studies, and widely explains

the Scripture to others."

Upon that occasion, the venerable Subhuti, hearing the text of this

scripture proclaimed, and profoundly realising its meaning, was moved

to tears. Addressing the Lord Buddha, he said: "Thou art of

transcendent wisdom, Honoured of the Worlds! The Lord Buddha in

expounding this supreme canon of Scripture, surpassed in perspicuity

every exposition previously heard by me, since my eyes were

privileged to perceive this most excellent wisdom. Honoured of the

Worlds! In years to come, if disciples hearing this scripture

proclaimed, and having within their minds a pure and holy faith,

engender true concepts of the ephemeral nature of phenomena—we ought

to realise that the cumulative merit of such disciples will be

intrinsic and wonderful. Honoured of the Worlds! The true concept of

phenomena is, that these are not essentially phenomena, and hence the

Lord Buddha declared that they are merely termed phenomena."

"Honoured of the Worlds! having heard this unprecedented Scripture,

faith, clear understanding, and firm resolve to observe its precepts,

follow as a natural sequence. If, in future ages, disciples destined

to hear this Scripture, likewise believe, understand, and observe its

precepts, their merit will incite the highest wonder and praise.

And why? Because, the minds of those disciples will have outgrown

such arbitrary ideas of phenomena as an entity, a being, a living

being, or a personality. And why? Because, the entity is in reality

non-entity; and a being, a living being, or a personality, are ideas

equally nebulous and hypothetical. Wherefore, discarding every

arbitrary idea of phenomena, the wise and wholly enlightened were

severally designated Buddha."

The Lord Buddha, assenting, said unto Subhuti: "If, in future ages,

disciples destined to hear this Scripture, neither become perturbed by

its extreme modes of thought, nor alarmed by its lofty

sentiments, nor apprehensive about realising its high

ideals—these disciples also, by their intrinsic merit, will incite

superlative wonder and praise."

"Subhuti, what the Lord Buddha referred to as the first _Paramita_

(charity), is not in reality the first _Paramita_, it is merely termed

the first _Paramita_"

"Subhuti, regarding the third _Paramita_ (endurance), it is not in

reality a _Paramita_, it is merely termed a _Paramita_. And why?

Because, in a previous life, when the Prince of Kalinga

('Kaliradja') severed the flesh from my limbs and body, at that time I

was oblivious to such arbitrary ideas of phenomena as an entity, a

being, a living being, or a personality. And why? Because, upon that

occasion, when my limbs and body were rent asunder, had I not been

oblivious to such arbitrary ideas as an entity, a being, a living

being, or a personality, there would have originated within my mind,

feelings of anger and resentment."

"Subhuti, five hundred incarnations ago, I recollect that as a

recluse practising the ordinances of the Kshanti-Paramita, even

then I had no such arbitrary ideas as an entity, a being, a living

being, or a personality. Therefore, Subhuti, an enlightened disciple

ought to discard as being unreal and illusory, every conceivable form

of phenomena. In aspiring to supreme spiritual wisdom, the mind

ought to be insensible to every sensuous influence, and independent of

everything pertaining to sound, odour, taste, touch, or Law. There

ought to be cultivated a condition of complete independence of mind;

because, if the mind is depending upon any external aid, it is

obviously deluded—there is in reality nothing external to depend

upon. Therefore, the Lord Buddha declared that in the exercise of

charity, the mind of an enlightened disciple ought not to depend upon

any form of phenomena. Subhuti, an enlightened disciple desirous to

confer benefits upon the whole realm of being, ought thus to be

animated in the exercise of charity."

The Lord Buddha, in declaring the "unreality of phenomena," also

affirmed "that the whole realm of sentient life is ephemeral and

illusory."

"Subhuti, the sayings of the Lord Buddha are true, credible, and

immutable. His utterances are neither extravagant nor chimerical.

Subhuti, the plane of thought to which the Lord Buddha attained,

cannot be explained in terms synonymous with reality or non-reality."

"Subhuti, in the exercise of charity, if the mind of an enlightened

disciple is not independent of every Law, he is like unto a person

having entered impenetrable darkness, and to whom every object is

invisible. But an enlightened disciple, discharging the exercise of

charity with a mind independent of every Law, is like unto a person

having the power of vision, in the meridian glory of the sunlight, and

to whom every object is visible."

"Subhuti, in future ages, if a good disciple, whether man or woman,

rigorously studies and observes the text of this Scripture; the Lord

Buddha, by means of his Buddhic wisdom, entirely knows and

perceives that for such a disciple there is reserved a cumulative

merit, immeasurable and illimitable."

The Lord Buddha addressed Subhuti, saying: "If a good disciple,

whether man or woman, in the morning, at noonday, and at eventide,

sacrificed lives innumerable as the sands of the Ganges, and thus

without intermission throughout infinite ages; and if another

disciple, hearing this Scripture proclaimed, steadfastly believed it,

his felicity would be appreciably greater than the other. But how much

greater must be the felicity of a disciple who transcribes the sacred

text, observes its precepts, studies its Laws, and repeats the

Scripture that others may be edified thereby?"

"Subhuti, the relative importance of this Scripture may thus be

summarily stated: its truth is infinite; its worth incomparable; and

its merit interminable."

"The Lord Buddha delivered this Scripture specifically for those who

are entered upon the path which leads to Nirvana, and for those who

are attaining to the ultimate plane of Buddhic thought. If a

disciple rigorously observes, studies, and widely disseminates the

knowledge of this Scripture, the Lord Buddha entirely knows and

perceives that for such an one there will be a cumulative merit,

immeasurable, incomparable, illimitable, and inconceivable. All such

disciples will be endowed with transcendent Buddhic wisdom and

enlightenment. And why? Because, Subhuti, if a disciple takes

pleasure in a narrow or exclusive form of the Law, he cannot

receive with gratification the instruction of this Scripture, or

delight in its study, or fervently explain it to others. Subhuti, in

whatever place there is a repository for this Scripture, the whole

realm of spiritual beings ought to adore it; and reverencing it as a

sacred shrine, ceremoniously surround it, scattering profusely

sweet-scented flowers, and pure odours of fragrant incense."

The Lord Buddha, continuing, addressed Subhuti, saying: "If a good

disciple, whether man or woman, devoted to the observance and study of

this Scripture, is thereby despised, or lightly regarded by others,

that disciple, through whose previous actions evil destinies would

otherwise have accrued, being despised by others for devotion to this

Scripture, will by the merit of that devotion be released from all

evil destinies."

"Subhuti, I recall that in times antecedent to the Lord Buddha

Dipankara, through innumerable ages, I showed unwavering devotion to

eight hundred and four thousand myriad Buddhas, without exception,

and without neglect. And notwithstanding the immeasurable felicity

accruing from this unwavering devotion, the felicity to be obtained

in the future ages of degeneration, by a disciple who observes and

studies this Scripture, will be in comparison incalculably greater.

The Lord Buddha entirely knows and perceives that the merit obtained

by such a disciple, is wholly inconceivable and incomparable."

"Subhuti, in future ages of degeneration, a good disciple who

observes and studies this Scripture, will be regarded by others as

inferior or of no importance. And why? Because, Subhuti, the

supreme spiritual wisdom to be found in this Scripture, is not

susceptible to ordinary conceptions, and would not be believed by the

ordinary person, in ordinary ages."

Then the venerable Subhuti enquired of the Lord Buddha, saying: "How

should a good disciple, whether man or woman, who aspires to supreme

spiritual wisdom, direct their thoughts, and bring into subjection

every inordinate desire?"

The Lord Buddha replied to Subhuti, saying: "Thus, Subhuti, should a

good disciple, whether man or woman, aspiring to supreme spiritual

wisdom, direct their thoughts: 'All living beings—whether born from

eggs, from wombs, from spawn, or from metamorphosis—whether

possessed of form or formless, whether possessed of perception or

without perception, or whether it cannot be said of them either that

they are possessed of perception, or that they are without

perception—all these I command to enter into the state of perfect

Nirvana and thus to be delivered from the conditions of being. Even

though innumerable, immeasurable, and illimitable beings are thus

delivered, in reality no beings are delivered.' And why? Because,

Subhuti, if a Bodhisattva, in his mind, discriminates between such

concepts as an entity, a being, a living being, or a personality, he

is not a true Bodhisattva."

"Subhuti, what think you? While the Lord Buddha sojourned with the

Lord Buddha Dipankara, had he any particular Law in mind regarding

supreme spiritual wisdom?"

"No, Honoured of the Worlds!"

"Subhuti, so it is. So it truly is. In reality the Lord Buddha did not

conceive any particular Law regarding the attainment of supreme

spiritual wisdom. If the Lord Buddha had conceived any particular Law

as the means of attaining supreme spiritual wisdom, the Lord Buddha

Dipankara would not have predicted that in a future life the Lord

Buddha would become the fully enlightened. No, Subhuti, in reality

there is nothing in the nature of a particular Law by the conception

of which supreme spiritual wisdom may be attained, and hence the Lord

Buddha Dipankara predicted: 'In a future life thou shalt become the

Lord Buddha, the fully enlightened.'"

"And why? Because, Subhuti, the term 'Lord Buddha' signifies the Law

of all Buddhas."

"Subhuti, what think you? Does the Lord Buddha comprehend the whole

Law?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "Honoured of the Worlds! The teaching of the

Lord Buddha is incomprehensible and indescribable. It is neither a

Law, nor a no-Law; therefore it is the Law of all the Buddhas. All

pure and holy disciples, through the medium of the immutable, are

enabled to differentiate."

"Subhuti, what think you? Has the Lord Buddha a material eye?"

"Yes, Honoured of the Worlds! The Lord Buddha has a material eye."

"Subhuti, what think you? Has the Lord Buddha a Heavenly eye?"

"Yes, Honoured of the Worlds! The Lord Buddha has a Heavenly eye."

"Subhuti, what think you? Has the Lord Buddha a Wisdom eye?"

"Yes, Honoured of the Worlds! The Lord Buddha has a Wisdom eye."

"Subhuti, what think you? Has the Lord Buddha a Dharma eye?"

"Yes, Honoured of the Worlds! The Lord Buddha has a Dharma eye."

"Subhuti, what think you? Has the Lord Buddha a Buddha eye?"

"Yes, Honoured of the Worlds! The Lord Buddha has a Buddha eye."

"Subhuti, what think you? Has the Lord Buddha, regarding the sands

in the river Ganges, declared these to be sands?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "Yes, Honoured of the Worlds! The Lord

Buddha has declared these to be sands."

"Subhuti, what think you? If there were as many Ganges rivers as there

are grains of sand in the Ganges river, would the combined grains of

sand in all those rivers be numerous?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "Most numerous, Honoured of the Worlds!"

"Subhuti, I now declare the truth—if there were as many spheres of

worlds as those sands, and a good disciple, whether man or woman,

having filled those innumerable worlds with the seven treasures,

bestowed these in the exercise of charity; the Lord Buddha entirely

knows and perceives that the merit of such a disciple will be great.

Moreover, Subhuti, if a good disciple, whether man or woman, in

studying this Scripture, holds in mind even a stanza of four lines,

and widely explains it to others, the resultant merit will be

appreciably greater."

"Subhuti, what think you? Is it possible that the Lord Buddha, by

reason of his pure and perfect wisdom, derives satisfaction from

reflection?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "No, Honoured of the Worlds! The Lord

Buddha does not derive satisfaction from reflection, and does not

conceive that he is satisfied through reflection. And why? Because

the Lord Buddha has declared that satisfaction from reflection does

not in reality exist; it is merely designated as satisfaction from

reflection."

"Subhuti, what think you? Is it possible to perceive the Lord Buddha

in his material body, perfect and complete?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "No, Honoured of the Worlds! The Lord

Buddha in his material body, perfect and complete, cannot be

perceived. And why? Because the Lord Buddha has declared that the

material body, perfect and complete, is not in reality the material

body; it is merely designated as the material body, perfect and

complete."

"Subhuti, what think you? Can the Lord Buddha be perceived through

all his physical characteristics?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "No, Honoured of the Worlds! The Lord

Buddha cannot be perceived through all his physical characteristics.

And why? Because the Lord Buddha has declared that all physical

characteristics are not in reality physical characteristics; they are

merely designated as physical characteristics."

"Subhuti, you ought not to say that the Lord Buddha conceived this

thought: 'I will expound a Law.' Do not have any such thought.

And why? Because, if any person should say that the Lord Buddha

expounded a Law, that would be a dishonour to the Lord Buddha, through

an inability to comprehend the teaching of the Lord Buddha. Subhuti,

the 'expounding of a Law' is, in reality, indescribable; there is no

particular Law which can be designated as the expounding of a Law."

At that time the venerable Subhuti enquired of the Lord Buddha: "Are

there beings in a future age who, upon hearing this teaching, will

conceive therein a sincere faith?"

The Lord Buddha replied: "Subhuti, those are not 'beings,' nor are

they 'no-beings.' And why? Because those 'beings'—'beings'—the

Lord Buddha has declared these to be no-beings. Therefore they are

designated as 'beings.'"

Subhuti enquired of the Lord Buddha, saying: "Honoured of the Worlds!

Did the Lord Buddha attain the consummation of supreme spiritual

wisdom, through having nothing to appropriate?"

The Lord Buddha replied: "So it is, Subhuti! Even so! I have not

appropriated even the least particle of the supreme spiritual wisdom,

and therefore it is designated the consummation of supreme spiritual

wisdom."

"Moreover, Subhuti, this supreme spiritual wisdom is equal and

impartial; it neither exalts nor depreciates anything. All good

disciples ought to observe this Truth, diligently maintaining a

mind that is equable, and absolutely free from arbitrary

conceptions. And why? Because, what the Lord Buddha has referred to

as good works, are not in reality good works; they are merely

designated as good works."

"Subhuti, suppose a good disciple, whether man or woman, were to

fill as many worlds with the seven treasures as there are grains of

sand in as many Ganges rivers as there are grains of sand in the

Ganges river, and bestow these in the exercise of charity; and if a

good disciple, whether man or woman, from the teaching of this

Scripture, studied even a stanza of four lines, and widely explained

it to others—the cumulative merit of the latter disciple would

immeasurably and incomparably exceed the former."

"Subhuti, what think you? Ought any one to say that the Lord Buddha

creates beings in the condition of perfect liberation?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "No, Honoured of the Worlds! And why?

Because there are, in reality, no beings for the Lord Buddha to

deliver. If there were beings for the Lord Buddha to deliver, the

Lord Buddha would be cherishing within his mind such arbitrary

ideas as an entity, a being, a living being, or a personality. The

Lord Buddha has declared that there is no self. And why? Because, if

in reality there were a Lord Buddha, he would not be the possessor of

the real self, he would merely be an ordinary person. The Lord Buddha

has declared that ordinary persons are not ordinary persons; they are

merely designated ordinary persons."

"Subhuti, what think you? Is it possible to perceive the Lord Buddha

by his thirty-two physical characteristics?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "Yes, it is possible to perceive the Lord

Buddha by his thirty-two physical characteristics."

The Lord Buddha replied: "Subhuti, if it were possible to perceive

the Lord Buddha by his thirty-two physical characteristics, then it

would also be possible for a Wheel-Turning Monarch to be a Lord

Buddha."

The venerable Subhuti declared to the Lord Buddha: "Honoured of the

Worlds! As I comprehend the teaching of the Lord Buddha, it is not

possible to perceive the Lord Buddha by his thirty-two physical

characteristics."

Then the Lord Buddha declared in verse:—

Those who perceived me from my form,

And those who pursued me with my voice,

These were engaged in false endeavours,

And shall not find the Lord Buddha.

One ought to perceive the Lord Buddha from the Law,

For the Dharmakaya is the Teacher.

Yet the true nature of the Law cannot be perceived,

Nor is it possible to consciously perceive it.

"Subhuti, if you were to conceive this thought: 'The Lord Buddha

does not require the possession of physical characteristics to attain

supreme spiritual wisdom.' Subhuti, do not conceive this thought:

'The Lord Buddha does not require the possession of physical

characteristics to attain supreme spiritual wisdom.'"

"Subhuti, if you were to aspire to supreme spiritual wisdom, you

would not say of the Dharma that the Dharma is extinct. Do not have

any such thought. And why? Because, one who aspires to supreme

spiritual wisdom would not declare that a Law is extinct."

"Subhuti, suppose a Bodhisattva were to fill worlds as numerous as

the sands of the Ganges with the seven treasures, and bestow these in

the exercise of charity; and another were to comprehend that all

Laws are without a self—thus attaining to a patient acquiescence in

the Dharma—the cumulative merit of the latter would surpass the merit

of the former. Subhuti, the reason is that a Bodhisattva does not

appropriate the merit of a charitable deed."

The venerable Subhuti enquired of the Lord Buddha: "Honoured of the

Worlds! Why does not a Bodhisattva appropriate the merit of a

charitable deed?"

"Subhuti, a Bodhisattva does not appropriate the merit of a

charitable deed for his own personal benefit; this is why it is said

that he does not appropriate the merit. However, he does rejoice in

those meritorious deeds."

"Subhuti, if any were to say that the Lord Buddha, the Tathagata,

either comes or goes, or sits or lies down, that one does not

understand the teaching. And why? Because, that which is designated

Tathagata (the Lord Buddha) comes from nowhere, and goes to nowhere;

therefore he is designated the Tathagata."

"Subhuti, if a good disciple, whether man or woman, were to grind

into atoms three thousand spheres of worlds, what think you, would

those atoms be numerous?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "Most numerous, Honoured of the Worlds!"

"Subhuti, the Lord Buddha has declared that atoms are not in reality

atoms; they are merely designated as atoms. The Lord Buddha has

declared that three thousand spheres of worlds are not in reality

three thousand spheres of worlds; they are merely designated as three

thousand spheres of worlds."

"And why? Because, Subhuti, if these worlds had any real existence,

they would represent a composite existence; and what the Lord Buddha

has referred to as a composite existence, is not in reality a

composite existence. It is merely designated as a composite

existence."

"Subhuti, a composite existence is inexpressible in common

language. Only ordinary persons, through intellectual infatuation,

are attached to such things."

"Subhuti, if any person were to allege that the Lord Buddha had

taught the doctrine of a self, a being, a living being, or a

personality—Subhuti, what think you? Would that person correctly

understand the teaching?"

Subhuti replied, saying: "No, Honoured of the Worlds! That person

would not correctly understand the teaching. And why? Because, the

Lord Buddha has declared that the doctrines of a self, a being, a

living being, and a personality, are not in reality these doctrines;

they are merely designated as these doctrines."

"Subhuti, one who aspires to supreme spiritual wisdom ought to

comprehend that all Laws are thus constituted, that all Laws are thus

understood, that all Laws are thus believed, and that all Laws are

thus attained. Subhuti, what the Lord Buddha has referred to as a

conceptual Law, is not in reality a conceptual Law; it is merely

designated as a conceptual Law."

The Lord Buddha addressed Subhuti, saying: "If a disciple, having

immeasurable spheres filled with the seven treasures, bestowed

these in the exercise of charity; and if a disciple, whether man or

woman, having aspired to supreme spiritual wisdom, selected from this

Scripture a stanza comprising four lines, then rigorously observed it,

studied it, and diligently explained it to others; the cumulative

merit of such a disciple would be relatively greater than the other."

"In what attitude of mind should it be diligently explained to

others? Not assuming the permanency or the reality of earthly

phenomena, but in the conscious blessedness of a mind at perfect

rest. And why? Because, the phenomena of life may be likened unto a

dream, a phantasm, a bubble, a shadow, the glistening dew, or

lightning flash, and thus they ought to be contemplated."

When the Lord Buddha concluded his enunciation of this Scripture,

the venerable Subhuti, the monks, nuns, lay-brethren and sisters,

all mortals, and the whole realm of spiritual beings, rejoiced

exceedingly, and consecrated to its practice, they received it and

departed.