大般若波羅蜜多經

64

Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in the continents of Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, and Aparagodaniya, suppose good men, good women, and others were to teach and guide the various kinds of sentient beings throughout all four continents—Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, Aparagodaniya, and Uttarakuru—so that they all abided in the fruit of non-returning. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others, through this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!

The Buddha said: Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings, were to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meaning and import so that they could readily understand it; and if they were further to say, “Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and uphold it, read and recite it until you understand it with ease, reflect upon it in accordance with reality, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,” then those good men, good women, and others would gain merit far surpassing the former.

Why? Kausika, because all non-returners and the fruit of non-returning arise from this prajnaparamita.

Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in the four great continents, suppose good men, good women, and others were to teach and guide all the various kinds of sentient beings in a small chiliocosm so that they all abided in the fruit of non-returning. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others, through this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!

The Buddha said: Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings, were to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meaning and import so that they could readily understand it; and if they were further to say, “Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and uphold it, read and recite it until you understand it with ease, reflect upon it in accordance with reality, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,” then those good men, good women, and others would gain merit far surpassing the former.

Why? Kausika, because all non-returners and the fruit of non-returning arise from this prajnaparamita.

Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in a small chiliocosm, suppose good men, good women, and others were to teach and guide all the various kinds of sentient beings in a medium chiliocosm so that they all abided in the fruit of non-returning. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others, through this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!

The Buddha said: Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings, were to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meaning and import so that they could readily understand it; and if they were further to say, “Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and uphold it, read and recite it until you understand it with ease, reflect upon it in accordance with reality, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,” then those good men, good women, and others would gain merit far surpassing the former.

Why? Kausika, because all non-returners and the fruit of non-returning arise from this prajnaparamita.

Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in a medium chiliocosm, suppose good men, good women, and others were to teach and guide all the various kinds of sentient beings in a great trichiliocosm so that they all abided in the fruit of non-returning. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others, through this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!

The Buddha said: Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings, were to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meaning and import so that they could readily understand it; and if they were further to say, “Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and uphold it, read and recite it until you understand it with ease, reflect upon it in accordance with reality, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,” then those good men, good women, and others would gain merit far surpassing the former.

Why? Kausika, because all non-returners and the fruit of non-returning arise from this prajnaparamita.

Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in this great trichiliocosm, suppose good men, good women, and others were to teach and guide the various kinds of sentient beings in innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions so that they all abided in the fruit of non-returning. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others, through this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!

The Buddha said: Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings, were to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meaning and import so that they could readily understand it; and if they were further to say, “Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and uphold it, read and recite it until you understand it with ease, reflect upon it in accordance with reality, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,” then those good men, good women, and others would gain merit far surpassing the former.

Why? Kausika, because all non-returners and the fruit of non-returning arise from this prajnaparamita.

Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in these innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions, suppose good men, good women, and others were to teach and guide the various kinds of sentient beings in all worlds throughout the ten directions so that they all abided in the fruit of non-returning. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others, through this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!

The Buddha said: Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings, were to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meaning and import so that they could readily understand it; and if they were further to say, “Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and uphold it, read and recite it until you understand it with ease, reflect upon it in accordance with reality, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,” then those good men, good women, and others would gain merit far surpassing the former.

Why? Kausika, because all non-returners and the fruit of non-returning arise from this prajnaparamita.

Furthermore, Kausika, suppose good men, good women, and others were to teach and guide the various kinds of sentient beings in the continent of Jambudvipa so that they all securely abided in the fruit of arhatship. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others, through this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, with regard to this prajnaparamita, employ immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings to expound it extensively for others, presenting and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they may readily understand it; and if they further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should wholeheartedly listen to, receive and uphold, read and recite this profound prajnaparamita, so that you may readily comprehend it.

You should contemplate it in accordance with truth and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then those good men, good women, and others will acquire merit far surpassing the former. Why is this? Kausika, it is because all arhats and the fruit of arhatship arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings of Jambudvipa, suppose good men, good women, and others were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings throughout both Jambudvipa and Purvavideha, establishing them all in the fruit of arhatship. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others, by reason of this, acquire much merit?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, with regard to this prajnaparamita, employ immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings to expound it extensively for others, presenting and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they may readily understand it; and if they further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should wholeheartedly listen to, receive and uphold, read and recite this profound prajnaparamita, so that you may readily comprehend it.

You should contemplate it in accordance with truth and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then those good men, good women, and others will acquire merit far surpassing the former. Why is this? Kausika, it is because all arhats and the fruit of arhatship arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings of Jambudvipa and Purvavideha, suppose good men, good women, and others were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings throughout the three continents of Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, and Aparagodaniya, establishing them all in the fruit of arhatship. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others, by reason of this, acquire much merit?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, with regard to this prajnaparamita, employ immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings to expound it extensively for others, presenting and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they may readily understand it; and if they further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should wholeheartedly listen to, receive and uphold, read and recite this profound prajnaparamita, so that you may readily comprehend it.

You should contemplate it in accordance with truth and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then those good men, good women, and others will acquire merit far surpassing the former. Why is this? Kausika, it is because all arhats and the fruit of arhatship arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings of Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, and Aparagodaniya, suppose good men, good women, and others were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings throughout the four continents of Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, Aparagodaniya, and Uttarakuru, establishing them all in the fruit of arhatship. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others, by reason of this, acquire much merit?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, with regard to this prajnaparamita, employ immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings to expound it extensively for others, presenting and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they may readily understand it; and if they further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should wholeheartedly listen to, receive and uphold, read and recite this profound prajnaparamita, so that you may readily comprehend it.

You should contemplate it in accordance with truth and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then those good men, good women, and others will acquire merit far surpassing the former. Why is this? Kausika, it is because all arhats and the fruit of arhatship arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings of the four great continents, suppose good men, good women, and others were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings throughout a small-thousandfold world, establishing them all in the fruit of arhatship. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others, by reason of this, acquire much merit?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, with regard to this prajnaparamita, employ immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings to expound it extensively for others, presenting and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they may readily understand it; and if they further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should wholeheartedly listen to, receive and uphold, read and recite this profound prajnaparamita, so that you may readily comprehend it.

You should contemplate it in accordance with truth and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then those good men, good women, and others will acquire merit far surpassing the former. Why is this? Kausika, it is because all arhats and the fruit of arhatship arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings of a small-thousandfold world, suppose good men, good women, and others were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings throughout a medium-thousandfold world, establishing them all in the fruit of arhatship. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others, by reason of this, acquire much merit?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, with regard to this prajnaparamita, employ immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings to expound it extensively for others, presenting and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they may readily understand it; and if they further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should wholeheartedly listen to, receive and uphold, read and recite this profound prajnaparamita, so that you may readily comprehend it.

You should contemplate it in accordance with truth and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then those good men, good women, and others will acquire merit far surpassing the former. Why is this? Kausika, it is because all arhats and the fruit of arhatship arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings of a medium-thousandfold world, suppose good men, good women, and others were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings throughout a great trichiliocosm, establishing them all in the fruit of arhatship. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others, by reason of this, acquire much merit?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful, wondrous words and meanings, extensively expound this prajnaparamita to others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and discerning its meaning and purport so that they may easily understand it; and further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and uphold it, read and recite it until you readily comprehend it, contemplate it in accordance with reason, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then those good men, good women, and others will acquire merits far surpassing the former.

Why is this? Kausika, it is because all arhats and the fruit of arhatship arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in this trichiliocosm, suppose good men, good women, and others taught and transformed the various sentient beings in innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions, establishing them all in the fruit of arhatship. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others gain much merit through this cause and condition?”

Shakra, Lord of the Devas, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful, wondrous words and meanings, extensively expound this prajnaparamita to others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and discerning its meaning and purport so that they may easily understand it; and further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and uphold it, read and recite it until you readily comprehend it, contemplate it in accordance with reason, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then those good men, good women, and others will acquire merits far surpassing the former.

Why is this? Kausika, it is because all arhats and the fruit of arhatship arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in these innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions, suppose good men, good women, and others taught and transformed the various sentient beings in all worlds throughout the ten directions, establishing them all in the fruit of arhatship. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others gain much merit through this cause and condition?”

Shakra, Lord of the Devas, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful, wondrous words and meanings, extensively expound this prajnaparamita to others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and discerning its meaning and purport so that they may easily understand it; and further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and uphold it, read and recite it until you readily comprehend it, contemplate it in accordance with reason, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then those good men, good women, and others will acquire merits far surpassing the former.

Why is this? Kausika, it is because all arhats and the fruit of arhatship arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, suppose good men, good women, and others taught and transformed all the various sentient beings in Jambudvipa, establishing them in the fruit of a pratyekabuddha. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others gain much merit through this cause and condition?”

Shakra, Lord of the Devas, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful, wondrous words and meanings, extensively expound this prajnaparamita to others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and discerning its meaning and purport so that they may easily understand it; and further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and uphold it, read and recite it until you readily comprehend it, contemplate it in accordance with reason, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then those good men, good women, and others will acquire merits far surpassing the former.

Why is this? Kausika, it is because all pratyekabuddhas and the fruit of a pratyekabuddha arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in Jambudvipa, suppose good men, good women, and others taught and transformed the various sentient beings throughout both continents, Jambudvipa and Purvavideha, establishing them all in the fruit of a pratyekabuddha. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others gain much merit through this cause and condition?”

Shakra, Lord of the Devas, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful, wondrous words and meanings, extensively expound this prajnaparamita to others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and discerning its meaning and purport so that they may easily understand it; and further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and uphold it, read and recite it until you readily comprehend it, contemplate it in accordance with reason, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then those good men, good women, and others will acquire merits far surpassing the former.

Why is this? Kausika, it is because all pratyekabuddhas and the fruit of a pratyekabuddha arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in the continents of Jambudvipa and Purvavideha, suppose good men, good women, and others taught and transformed the various sentient beings throughout all three continents—Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, and Aparagodaniya—establishing them all in the fruit of a pratyekabuddha. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others gain much merit through this cause and condition?”

Shakra, Lord of the Devas, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful, wondrous words and meanings, extensively expound this prajnaparamita to others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and discerning its meaning and purport so that they may easily understand it; and further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and uphold it, read and recite it until you readily comprehend it, contemplate it in accordance with reason, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then those good men, good women, and others will acquire merits far surpassing the former.

Why is this? Kausika, it is because all pratyekabuddhas and the fruit of a pratyekabuddha arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in the continents of Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, and Aparagodaniya, suppose good men, good women, and others taught and transformed the various sentient beings throughout all four continents—Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, Aparagodaniya, and Uttarakuru—establishing them all in the fruit of a pratyekabuddha. What do you think? Would those good men, good women, and others gain much merit through this cause and condition?”

Shakra, Lord of the Devas, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if a good man or good woman, and so forth, employs innumerable Dharma approaches and subtle, skillful expressions and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they may readily understand it; and further says: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you thoroughly comprehend it, contemplate it in accordance with principle, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then that good man or good woman, and so forth, will acquire merit far greater than the former.

Why is this? Kausika, it is because all pratyekabuddhas and the fruit of pratyekabuddhahood arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in the four great continents, suppose a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings in a small chiliocosm, establishing them all in the fruit of pratyekabuddhahood. What do you think? Would that good man or good woman, and so forth, gain much merit from this cause and condition?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if a good man or good woman, and so forth, employs innumerable Dharma approaches and subtle, skillful expressions and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they may readily understand it; and further says: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you thoroughly comprehend it, contemplate it in accordance with principle, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then that good man or good woman, and so forth, will acquire merit far greater than the former.

Why is this? Kausika, it is because all pratyekabuddhas and the fruit of pratyekabuddhahood arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in a small chiliocosm, suppose a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings in a medium chiliocosm, establishing them all in the fruit of pratyekabuddhahood. What do you think? Would that good man or good woman, and so forth, gain much merit from this cause and condition?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if a good man or good woman, and so forth, employs innumerable Dharma approaches and subtle, skillful expressions and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they may readily understand it; and further says: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you thoroughly comprehend it, contemplate it in accordance with principle, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then that good man or good woman, and so forth, will acquire merit far greater than the former.

Why is this? Kausika, it is because all pratyekabuddhas and the fruit of pratyekabuddhahood arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in a medium chiliocosm, suppose a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings in a great trichiliocosm, establishing them all in the fruit of pratyekabuddhahood. What do you think? Would that good man or good woman, and so forth, gain much merit from this cause and condition?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if a good man or good woman, and so forth, employs innumerable Dharma approaches and subtle, skillful expressions and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they may readily understand it; and further says: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you thoroughly comprehend it, contemplate it in accordance with principle, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then that good man or good woman, and so forth, will acquire merit far greater than the former.

Why is this? Kausika, it is because all pratyekabuddhas and the fruit of pratyekabuddhahood arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in this great trichiliocosm, suppose a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to teach and transform the various sentient beings in innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions, establishing them all in the fruit of pratyekabuddhahood. What do you think? Would that good man or good woman, and so forth, gain much merit from this cause and condition?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if a good man or good woman, and so forth, employs innumerable Dharma approaches and subtle, skillful expressions and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they may readily understand it; and further says: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you thoroughly comprehend it, contemplate it in accordance with principle, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then that good man or good woman, and so forth, will acquire merit far greater than the former.

Why is this? Kausika, it is because all pratyekabuddhas and the fruit of pratyekabuddhahood arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions, suppose a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to teach and transform the various sentient beings in all worlds throughout the ten directions, establishing them all in the fruit of pratyekabuddhahood. What do you think? Would that good man or good woman, and so forth, gain much merit from this cause and condition?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if a good man or good woman, and so forth, employs innumerable Dharma approaches and subtle, skillful expressions and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they may readily understand it; and further says: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you thoroughly comprehend it, contemplate it in accordance with principle, and diligently cultivate and study according to this Dharma approach,’ then that good man or good woman, and so forth, will acquire merit far greater than the former.

Why is this? Kausika, it is because all pratyekabuddhas and the fruit of pratyekabuddhahood arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, suppose a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings in Jambudvipa, causing them all to arouse the aspiration to seek the fruit of unsurpassed awakening. What do you think? Would that good man or good woman, and so forth, gain much merit from this cause and condition?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men and good women, and others, employ immeasurable Dharma methods and skillful, sublime words and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its import so that they may readily understand it; and if they further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen single-mindedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you thoroughly comprehend it, and reflect upon it in accordance with reason.

According to the Dharma methods taught in this prajnaparamita, you should acquire right faith and understanding. If you acquire right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study prajnaparamita in this manner. If you are able to cultivate and study prajnaparamita in this manner, you will be able to attain the knowledge of all dharmas.

If you are able to attain the knowledge of all dharmas, your cultivation of prajnaparamita will increase and reach perfection. If your cultivation of prajnaparamita increases and reaches perfection, you will then attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment’—then, Kausika, the merit acquired by those good men and good women, and others, is far greater than the former merit. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all those who have newly aroused the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, as well as all great bodhisattvas, arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in Jambudvipa, suppose good men and good women, and others, teach and transform the various sentient beings throughout both continents, Jambudvipa and Purvavideha, causing them all to arouse the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment. What do you think? Would those good men and good women, and others, through this cause and condition, acquire much merit?”

Sakra, Lord of the Devas, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men and good women, and others, employ immeasurable Dharma methods and skillful, sublime words and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its import so that they may readily understand it; and if they further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen single-mindedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you thoroughly comprehend it, and reflect upon it in accordance with reason.

According to the Dharma methods taught in this prajnaparamita, you should acquire right faith and understanding. If you acquire right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study prajnaparamita in this manner. If you are able to cultivate and study prajnaparamita in this manner, you will be able to attain the knowledge of all dharmas.

If you are able to attain the knowledge of all dharmas, your cultivation of prajnaparamita will increase and reach perfection. If your cultivation of prajnaparamita increases and reaches perfection, you will then attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment’—then, Kausika, the merit acquired by those good men and good women, and others, is far greater than the former merit. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all those who have newly aroused the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, as well as all great bodhisattvas, arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in the continents of Jambudvipa and Purvavideha, suppose good men and good women, and others, teach and transform the various sentient beings throughout all three continents—Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, and Aparagodaniya—causing them all to arouse the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment. What do you think? Would those good men and good women, and others, through this cause and condition, acquire much merit?”

Sakra, Lord of the Devas, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men and good women, and others, employ immeasurable Dharma methods and skillful, sublime words and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its import so that they may readily understand it; and if they further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen single-mindedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you thoroughly comprehend it, and reflect upon it in accordance with reason.

According to the Dharma methods taught in this prajnaparamita, you should acquire right faith and understanding. If you acquire right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study prajnaparamita in this manner. If you are able to cultivate and study prajnaparamita in this manner, you will be able to attain the knowledge of all dharmas.

If you are able to attain the knowledge of all dharmas, your cultivation of prajnaparamita will increase and reach perfection. If your cultivation of prajnaparamita increases and reaches perfection, you will then attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment’—then, Kausika, the merit acquired by those good men and good women, and others, is far greater than the former merit. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all those who have newly aroused the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, as well as all great bodhisattvas, arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in the continents of Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, and Aparagodaniya, suppose good men and good women, and others, teach and transform the various sentient beings throughout all four continents—Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, Aparagodaniya, and Uttarakuru—causing them all to arouse the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment. What do you think? Would those good men and good women, and others, through this cause and condition, acquire much merit?”

Sakra, Lord of the Devas, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men and good women, and others, employ immeasurable Dharma methods and skillful, sublime words and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its import so that they may readily understand it; and if they further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen single-mindedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you thoroughly comprehend it, and reflect upon it in accordance with reason.

According to the Dharma methods taught in this prajnaparamita, you should acquire right faith and understanding. If you acquire right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study prajnaparamita in this manner. If you are able to cultivate and study prajnaparamita in this manner, you will be able to attain the knowledge of all dharmas.

If you are able to attain the knowledge of all dharmas, your cultivation of prajnaparamita will increase and reach perfection. If your cultivation of prajnaparamita increases and reaches perfection, you will then attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment’—then, Kausika, the merit acquired by those good men and good women, and others, is far greater than the former merit. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all those who have newly aroused the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, as well as all great bodhisattvas, arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in the four great continents, suppose good men and good women, and others, teach and transform all the various sentient beings throughout a small-thousandfold world, causing them all to arouse the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment. What do you think? Would those good men and good women, and others, through this cause and condition, acquire much merit?”

Sakra, Lord of the Devas, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men and good women, and so forth, expound this Prajnaparamita extensively to others through immeasurable Dharma approaches and with skillful wording and meaning; elucidate and reveal it, explain it clearly, and distinguish its import so that they may easily understand it; and further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound Prajnaparamita, uphold it, read and recite it until you comprehend it with ease, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

You should acquire right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma approach taught in this Prajnaparamita. If you acquire right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study Prajnaparamita in this way. If you can cultivate and study Prajnaparamita in this way, you will be able to attain knowledge of all dharmas.

If you can attain knowledge of all dharmas, your cultivation of Prajnaparamita will increase and reach perfection. If your cultivation of Prajnaparamita increases and reaches perfection, you will then attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment’—then, Kausika, the merit acquired by those good men and good women, and so forth, will be vastly greater than the former. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all those who have first aroused the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, as well as all great bodhisattvas, emerge from this Prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, leaving aside the various sentient beings in a small chiliocosm, if good men and good women, and so forth, were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings in a medium chiliocosm, causing them all to arouse the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, what do you think? Would those good men and good women, and so forth, gain much merit through this cause and condition?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men and good women, and so forth, expound this Prajnaparamita extensively to others through immeasurable Dharma approaches and with skillful wording and meaning; elucidate and reveal it, explain it clearly, and distinguish its import so that they may easily understand it; and further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound Prajnaparamita, uphold it, read and recite it until you comprehend it with ease, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

You should acquire right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma approach taught in this Prajnaparamita. If you acquire right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study Prajnaparamita in this way. If you can study Prajnaparamita in this way, you will be able to attain knowledge of all dharmas.

If you can attain knowledge of all dharmas, your cultivation of Prajnaparamita will increase and reach perfection. If your cultivation of Prajnaparamita increases and reaches perfection, you will then attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment’—then, Kausika, the merit acquired by those good men and good women, and so forth, will be vastly greater than the former. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all those who have first aroused the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, as well as all great bodhisattvas, emerge from this Prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, leaving aside the various sentient beings in a medium chiliocosm, if good men and good women, and so forth, were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings in a great trichiliocosm, causing them all to arouse the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, what do you think? Would those good men and good women, and so forth, gain much merit through this cause and condition?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men and good women, and so forth, expound this Prajnaparamita extensively to others through immeasurable Dharma approaches and with skillful wording and meaning; elucidate and reveal it, explain it clearly, and distinguish its import so that they may easily understand it; and further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound Prajnaparamita, uphold it, read and recite it until you comprehend it with ease, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

You should acquire right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma approach taught in this Prajnaparamita. If you acquire right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study Prajnaparamita in this way. If you can study Prajnaparamita in this way, you will be able to attain knowledge of all dharmas.

If you can attain knowledge of all dharmas, your cultivation of Prajnaparamita will increase and reach perfection. If your cultivation of Prajnaparamita increases and reaches perfection, you will then attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment’—then, Kausika, the merit acquired by those good men and good women, and so forth, will be vastly greater than the former. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all those who have first aroused the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, as well as all great bodhisattvas, emerge from this Prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, leaving aside the various sentient beings in this great trichiliocosm, if good men and good women, and so forth, were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings in innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions, causing them all to arouse the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, what do you think? Would those good men and good women, and so forth, gain much merit through this cause and condition?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men and good women, and so forth, expound this Prajnaparamita extensively to others through immeasurable Dharma approaches and with skillful wording and meaning; elucidate and reveal it, explain it clearly, and distinguish its import so that they may easily understand it; and further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound Prajnaparamita, uphold it, read and recite it until you comprehend it with ease, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

You should acquire right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma approach taught in this Prajnaparamita. If you acquire right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study Prajnaparamita in this way. If you can cultivate and study Prajnaparamita in this way, you will be able to attain knowledge of all dharmas.

If you can attain knowledge of all dharmas, your cultivation of Prajnaparamita will increase and reach perfection. If your cultivation of Prajnaparamita increases and reaches perfection, you will then attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment’—then, Kausika, the merit acquired by those good men and good women, and so forth, will be vastly greater than the former. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all those who have first aroused the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, as well as all great bodhisattvas, emerge from this Prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, leaving aside the various sentient beings in these innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions, if good men and good women, and so forth, were to teach and transform all the various sentient beings in all worlds throughout the ten directions, causing them all to arouse the aspiration to seek unsurpassed perfect enlightenment, what do you think? Would those good men and good women, and so forth, gain much merit through this cause and condition?”

Sakra, Lord of the Gods, replied: “World-Honored One, very much indeed! Sugata, very much indeed!”

The Buddha said: “Kausika, if good men and good women, and others, employ immeasurable Dharma-gates and skillful, wondrous expressions of text and meaning to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for others, conveying, demonstrating, and explaining it clearly, and discerning its meanings and purport so that they may readily understand it; and if they further say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it, gain ready mastery of it, and contemplate it in accordance with principle.

In accordance with the Dharma-gates taught in this prajnaparamita, you should develop right faith and understanding. If you develop right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study prajnaparamita in this way. If you are able to cultivate and study prajnaparamita in this way, you will be able to realize the knowledge of all dharmas.

If you are able to realize the knowledge of all dharmas, your cultivation of prajnaparamita will increase and become perfect. If your cultivation of prajnaparamita increases and becomes perfect, you will then realize the fruit of unsurpassed enlightenment’—then, Kausika, those good men and good women, and others, will acquire merits far surpassing the former. Why?

Kausika, because all those who have newly generated the aspiration to seek unsurpassed enlightenment, as well as all great bodhisattvas, issue forth from this prajnaparamita.

Fascicle 166

End