大般若波羅蜜多經

03

At that time, Purnamaitrayaniputra said to the Buddha:

“Blessed One! If all dharmas are devoid of true existence, then when bodhisattvas practice giving, what do they relinquish?”

The Buddha said:

“When bodhisattvas practice giving, they relinquish absolutely nothing.”

Purnamaitrayaniputra again said to the Buddha:

“Blessed One! If these bodhisattvas relinquish absolutely nothing when practicing giving, then what do they attain when they realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment?”

The Buddha said:

“When bodhisattvas practice giving in this way, they relinquish absolutely nothing with regard to any dharma. Therefore, when they realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment, they likewise attain nothing with regard to any dharma. Just as bodhisattvas, when practicing giving, cause absolutely no loss to any dharma, so too, when they realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment, they bring no gain to any dharma. The two approaches of loss and gain are established only in mutual dependence.

“Furthermore, Purnamaitrayaniputra! When bodhisattvas practice giving, they know that all dharmas are like illusions and transformations, devoid of reality, and that there is something that may be relinquished. Likewise, when these bodhisattvas realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment, they know that all dharmas are like illusions and transformations, devoid of reality, and that there is something that may be attained.

If, when practicing giving, bodhisattvas truly relinquished something with regard to any dharma, then when they realized unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment, they would also truly attain something with regard to a dharma. However, since bodhisattvas, when practicing giving, truly relinquish nothing with regard to any dharma, when they realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment, they truly attain nothing with regard to any dharma.

“Furthermore, Purnamaitrayaniputra! It is like two illusionists who playfully conduct an exchange: one conjures something valuable, while the other conjures a beautiful object. Neither of these two things truly exists. The same is true when bodhisattvas practice giving: there is no real object relinquished, for it is like an illusion or transformation. Thus, when they realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment, there is no real dharma attained, for it too is like an illusion or transformation. When these bodhisattvas give, there is likewise no real loss, and when they realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment, there is likewise no real gain.

“When these bodhisattvas practice giving, although there appears to be a loss, in reality there is no loss. Therefore, when they are to realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment, although there appears to be a gain, in reality there is no gain. It is just as when that illusionist relinquishes an illusory valuable: although there appears to be a loss, in reality there is no loss.

The same is true when bodhisattvas practice giving. They relinquish unreal objects; although there appears to be a loss, in reality there is no loss. It is also like the beautiful object conjured by that illusionist: although there appears to be a gain, in reality there is no gain.

The same is true when bodhisattvas realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment: although there appears to be a gain, in reality there is no gain. Such are the Dharma and the analogy; cause and effect correspond to one another. Those who are wise should clearly understand this.

“Furthermore, Purnamaitrayaniputra! Suppose a skilled illusionist or his disciple, at a crossroads, conjured a woman who suddenly became pregnant and immediately appeared to give birth to a child. After living only a short while, the child then died. What do you think? Would that woman rejoice at the child’s birth and grieve at its death?”

Purnamaitrayaniputra said to the Buddha:

“Blessed One! Both the woman and her child exist only as illusions and have no real birth or death. Who, then, could feel sorrow or joy on account of whom?”

The Buddha said:

“Exactly so! It is precisely as you have said. The same is true of bodhisattvas. When practicing giving, there is no relinquishment and no loss; therefore, when they realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment, there is no attainment and no gain. Thus, when bodhisattvas practice giving, although there is relinquishment, they feel no sorrow; and when they realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment, although there is attainment, they feel no joy. This is because they know that relinquishment and attainment are like illusions and transformations.

“Furthermore, Purnamaitrayaniputra! What do you think? Do you suppose that the Tathagata has great desire for wholesome dharmas?”

Purnamaitrayaniputra replied:

“No, Blessed One! No, Sugata! Why? Because all dharmas attained by the Tathagata are empty. The dharmas realized by the Tathagata are also empty, and within emptiness there is absolutely neither desire nor anything desired.”

The Buddha said:

“Exactly so! It is precisely as you have said. The Tathagata contemplates all dharmas as empty. Even with regard to wholesome dharmas, he has no great desire. Just as I now have absolutely no desire for any dharma, so too, in the past, when I was a bodhisattva, although I practiced giving, I relinquished absolutely nothing with regard to any dharma, for I thoroughly comprehended that all dharmas are ultimately empty. The Buddhas, the Blessed Ones, neither love nor hate any dharma. Why? Because they fully comprehend that all dharmas are devoid of true existence, empty by nature, and quiescent; therefore, love and hatred have ceased.”

Purnamaitrayaniputra then said to the Buddha:

“Blessed One! How wondrous! Sugata!

How rare! The great bodhisattvas relinquish in accordance with the principle and essence of the Dharma-nature; understanding in this way, they realize that all is empty. Space has no true existence; its nature is insubstantial, without autonomous activity and without attachment.

As I understand the meaning of the Buddha’s teaching to the great bodhisattvas, although they give sentient beings precious jewels sufficient to fill worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, they do not think, ‘I have given precious jewels.’ Because they have no attachment to the act, they swiftly perfect the paramita of giving. In this way, bodhisattvas use giving to cultivate roots of virtue, impartially dedicate them to all sentient beings, and together with them transfer the merit toward unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment.

Having done so, they further reflect: ‘The Dharma of a bodhisattva is to relinquish everything. Although I now relinquish what should be relinquished, all that has been relinquished is like an illusion or transformation.’ If a great bodhisattva knows in this way, that great bodhisattva is numbered among the bodhisattvas. Although relinquishing everything, such a bodhisattva relinquishes nothing.

Although attaining everything, such a bodhisattva has no attainment. If bodhisattvas do not clearly know this to be so, they are not true bodhisattvas. If they cannot relinquish wealth or give the Dharma, they cannot attain great enlightenment.”

Then Sariputra asked Purnamaitrayaniputra:

“With what states of mind should great bodhisattvas practice giving?”

Purnamaitrayaniputra replied:

“Venerable Sariputra! Please first explain the meaning for us. Afterward, I too shall add something concerning this meaning.”

Sariputra then said to the venerable Purnamaitrayaniputra:

“If great bodhisattvas wish to realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment, they should first contemplate the nature of all dharmas as utterly empty and quiescent. Next, they should contemplate the complete and supreme qualities of the wisdom of omniscience. Furthermore, they should have compassion for all sentient beings who are impoverished, lack possessions, and endure much suffering.

Having reflected in this way, they then relinquish everything that can be relinquished, whether appropriated or unappropriated, giving all internal and external wealth and precious objects to sentient beings with minds free from attachment. They also give the true Dharma to sentient beings. They also respectfully offer limitless varieties of the finest and most exquisite articles to the Jewel of the Buddha, the Jewel of the Dharma, and the Jewel of the Sangha.

When great bodhisattvas practice giving in this way, they take the wisdom of omniscience as their object and practice giving with minds free from attachment. Giving in this way accords with enlightenment, swiftly leads to the attainment of the wisdom of omniscience, and brings great benefit to sentient beings.”

At that time, the Blessed One said to Sariputra:

“Indeed! Indeed! It is just as you have said. Great bodhisattvas who wish to realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment should contemplate the emptiness of phenomena, orient their minds toward omniscience, perfect supreme merits, and, out of compassion for sentient beings, practice giving without attachment. If they practice giving in this way, they will swiftly realize unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment and bring great benefit to sentient beings.

“Furthermore, Shariputra, would you now like to see bodhisattvas practicing giving in the worlds throughout the ten directions?”

Shariputra replied:

“World-Honored One, I earnestly wish to see them.”

Thereupon, through the Buddha’s spiritual power, Shariputra and the great assembly immediately saw, in the east beyond a hundred worlds, a Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly Enlightened One, surrounded by a vast assembly of shravakas and bodhisattvas who were listening as he expounded the perfection of giving, which is replete with supreme merits and yields great fruits. In that realm was a bodhisattva named Unhindered. Although he lived as a householder, he was attached to nothing and relinquished all his possessions, giving everything away.

Heaped up like mountains were riches and precious treasures, all of which he gave according to the needs of sentient beings. He instructed sentient beings to use these things themselves and then to give them to others, their minds free from hindrance. Practicing giving in this way, he remained entirely unattached.

Diligent day and night, he never grew weary. Likewise, he gathered clothing, bedding, food, drink, and other goods into heaps as vast as mountains and gave sentient beings whatever they needed. He instructed them to use these things themselves and then to give them to others, their minds free from hindrance.

Practicing giving in this way, he remained entirely unattached. Diligent day and night, he never grew weary.

Shariputra and the great assembly also saw that Bodhisattva Unhindered had hundreds of thousands of golden carriages adorned with the seven precious substances. Each carriage carried a jewel-like maiden, graceful in appearance and endowed with every beauty. Each such maiden was attended by one hundred female servants, all riding in carriages adorned with precious objects. Upon each carriage were placed hundreds of thousands of pieces of gold and a complete assortment of personal necessities, lacking nothing. The carriages were brought to the marketplace, where this proclamation was made: “Whoever needs anything may take whatever they wish.”

Although he practiced giving in this way, he was attached to nothing. Diligent day and night, he never grew weary.

The Buddha then asked Shariputra:

“Do you see Bodhisattva Unhindered in the east practicing giving with a mind free from attachment?”

Shariputra said to the Buddha:

“World-Honored One, I see him. Well-Gone One, I see him.”

The Buddha said:

“Bodhisattvas seeking great enlightenment should all practice giving in this way. Furthermore, Shariputra, what do you think? Is the giving performed by Bodhisattva Unhindered vast?”

Shariputra said to the Buddha:

“World-Honored One, it is vast. Well-Gone One, it is vast. Through his giving, Bodhisattva Unhindered produces immeasurable and boundless roots of virtue.”

The Buddha said:

“Indeed! It is just as you have said. Yet if a bodhisattva contemplates the emptiness of phenomena, orients the mind toward omniscience, perfects supreme merits, and, out of compassion for sentient beings, gives according to their wishes, the merit of such giving surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even by ten thousand kotis of times the merit of giving acquired by Bodhisattva Unhindered in that eastern realm.”

Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, Shariputra and the great assembly then saw hundreds of thousands of worlds in the east. In each world were immeasurable bodhisattvas who relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away. Heaped up like mountains were riches and precious treasures, all of which they gave according to the needs of sentient beings.

They instructed sentient beings to use these things themselves and then to give them to others, their minds free from hindrance. Practicing giving in this way, they remained attached to nothing. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

Likewise, they gathered clothing, bedding, food, drink, and other goods into heaps as vast as mountains and gave sentient beings whatever they needed. They instructed them to use these things themselves and then to give them to others, their minds free from hindrance. Practicing giving in this way, they remained entirely unattached.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

The Buddha asked Shariputra:

“Do you see the hundreds of thousands of worlds in the east, in each of which immeasurable bodhisattvas practice giving with minds free from attachment?”

Shariputra said to the Buddha:

“World-Honored One, I see them. Well-Gone One, I see them.”

The Buddha said:

“Bodhisattvas seeking great enlightenment should all practice giving in this way. Shariputra, what do you think? Is the giving performed by those bodhisattvas vast?”

Shariputra said to the Buddha:

“World-Honored One, it is vast. Well-Gone One, it is vast. Through their giving, those bodhisattvas produce immeasurable and boundless roots of virtue.”

The Buddha said:

“Indeed! It is just as you have said. Yet if a bodhisattva contemplates the emptiness of phenomena, orients the mind toward omniscience, perfects supreme merits, and, out of compassion for sentient beings, gives according to their wishes, the merit of such giving surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even by ten thousand kotis of times the merit of giving acquired by the immeasurable bodhisattvas in each of those hundreds of thousands of eastern worlds.”

Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, Shariputra and the great assembly then saw Buddha-worlds in the east as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. In each world were immeasurable bodhisattvas who relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away. Heaped up like mountains were riches and precious treasures, all of which they gave according to the needs of sentient beings.

They instructed sentient beings to use these things themselves and then to give them to others, their minds free from hindrance. Practicing giving in this way, they remained entirely unattached. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

Likewise, they gathered clothing, bedding, food, drink, and other goods into heaps as vast as mountains and gave them all according to the needs of sentient beings. They instructed sentient beings to use these things themselves and then to give them to others, their minds free from hindrance. Practicing giving in this way, they remained entirely unattached.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

The Buddha again asked Shariputra:

“Do you see the Buddha-worlds in the east as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, in each of which immeasurable bodhisattvas practice giving with minds free from attachment?”

Shariputra said to the Buddha:

“World-Honored One, I see them. Well-Gone One, I see them.”

The Buddha said:

“Bodhisattvas seeking great enlightenment should all practice giving in this way. Furthermore, Shariputra, what do you think? Is the giving performed by those bodhisattvas vast?”

Shariputra replied:

“World-Honored One, it is vast. Well-Gone One, it is vast. Through their giving, those bodhisattvas produce immeasurable and boundless roots of virtue.”

The Buddha said:

“Indeed! It is just as you have said. Yet if a bodhisattva contemplates the emptiness of phenomena, orients the mind toward omniscience, perfects supreme merits, and, out of compassion for sentient beings, gives according to their wishes, the merit of such giving surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even by ten thousand kotis of times the merit of giving acquired by the immeasurable bodhisattvas in each of those eastern Buddha-worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.”

Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw as many worlds in the eastern direction as the sands of ten Ganges Rivers. In each world were innumerable bodhisattvas, all relinquishing everything they possessed and giving it all away. Their wealth and precious treasures were heaped as high as mountains, and they gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings.

They encouraged and instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, with minds free of obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they were without attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

Thus, they gathered garments, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities in heaps as high as mountains, and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged and instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, with minds free of obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they were without attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

At that time, the Buddha asked Śāriputra:

– Do you see as many worlds in the eastern direction as the sands of ten Ganges Rivers, in each of which innumerable bodhisattvas practice generosity with minds free of attachment?

Śāriputra then said to the Buddha:

– World-Honored One! I have seen them. Well-Gone One! I have seen them.

The Buddha said:

– Bodhisattvas seeking great enlightenment should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity practiced by those bodhisattvas vast?

Śāriputra replied:

– World-Honored One! It is vast. Well-Gone One! It is vast. Through their generosity, those bodhisattvas produce immeasurable and boundless roots of virtue.

The Buddha said:

– So it is! It is exactly as you say. Yet if a bodhisattva contemplates dharmas as empty, takes all-knowledge as the object of contemplation, is endowed with supreme merit, has compassion for sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, the merit of such generosity surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even ten thousand kotis of times the merit of generosity attained by the innumerable bodhisattvas in each of the worlds as numerous as the sands of ten Ganges Rivers in the eastern direction.

Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw as many worlds in the eastern direction as the sands of a hundred Ganges Rivers. In each world were innumerable bodhisattvas, all relinquishing everything they possessed and giving it all away. Their wealth and precious treasures were heaped as high as mountains, and they gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings.

They encouraged and instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, with minds free of obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they were without attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

Thus, they gathered garments, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities in heaps as high as mountains, and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged and instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, with minds free of obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they were without attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

At that time, the Buddha asked Śāriputra:

– Do you see as many worlds in the eastern direction as the sands of a hundred Ganges Rivers, in each of which innumerable bodhisattvas practice generosity with minds free of attachment?

Śāriputra then said to the Buddha:

– World-Honored One! I have seen them. Well-Gone One! I have seen them.

The Buddha said:

– Bodhisattvas seeking great enlightenment should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity practiced by those bodhisattvas vast?

Śāriputra replied:

– World-Honored One! It is vast. Well-Gone One! It is vast. Through their generosity, those bodhisattvas produce immeasurable and boundless roots of virtue.

The Buddha said:

– So it is! It is exactly as you say. Yet if a bodhisattva contemplates dharmas as empty, takes all-knowledge as the object of contemplation, is endowed with supreme merit, has compassion for sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, the merit of such generosity surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even ten thousand kotis of times the merit of generosity attained by the innumerable bodhisattvas in each of the worlds as numerous as the sands of a hundred Ganges Rivers in the eastern direction.

Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw as many worlds in the eastern direction as the sands of a thousand Ganges Rivers. In each world were innumerable bodhisattvas, all relinquishing everything they possessed and giving it all away. Their wealth and precious treasures were heaped as high as mountains, and they gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings.

They encouraged and instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, with minds free of obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they were without attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

Thus, they gathered garments, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities in heaps as high as mountains, and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged and instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, with minds free of obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they were without attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

At that time, the Buddha asked Śāriputra:

– Do you see as many worlds in the eastern direction as the sands of a thousand Ganges Rivers, in each of which innumerable bodhisattvas practice generosity with minds free of attachment?

Śāriputra then said to the Buddha:

– World-Honored One! I have seen them. Well-Gone One! I have seen them.

The Buddha said:

– Bodhisattvas seeking great enlightenment should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity practiced by those bodhisattvas vast?

Śāriputra replied:

– World-Honored One! It is vast. Well-Gone One! It is vast. Through their generosity, those bodhisattvas produce immeasurable and boundless roots of virtue.

The Buddha said:

– So it is! It is exactly as you say. Yet if a bodhisattva contemplates dharmas as empty, takes all-knowledge as the object of contemplation, is endowed with supreme merit, has compassion for sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, the merit of such generosity surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even ten thousand kotis of times the merit of generosity attained by the innumerable bodhisattvas in each of the worlds as numerous as the sands of a thousand Ganges Rivers in the eastern direction.

Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw as many worlds in the eastern direction as the sands of a hundred thousand Ganges Rivers. In each world were innumerable bodhisattvas, all relinquishing everything they possessed and giving it all away. Their wealth and precious treasures were heaped as high as mountains, and they gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings.

They encouraged and instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, with minds free of obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they were without attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

Thus, they gathered garments, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities in heaps as high as mountains, and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged and instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, with minds free of obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they were without attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

At that time, the Buddha asked Śāriputra:

– Do you see as many worlds in the eastern direction as the sands of a hundred thousand Ganges Rivers, in each of which innumerable bodhisattvas practice generosity with minds free of attachment?

Śāriputra then said to the Buddha:

– World-Honored One! I have seen them. Well-Gone One! I have seen them.

The Buddha said:

– Bodhisattvas seeking great enlightenment should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity practiced by those bodhisattvas vast?

Śāriputra replied:

– World-Honored One! It is vast. Well-Gone One! It is vast. Through their generosity, those bodhisattvas produce immeasurable and boundless roots of virtue.

The Buddha said:

– Indeed! It is just as you have said. Yet if a bodhisattva contemplates the emptiness of dharmas, takes the knowledge of all modes as the objective condition, is endowed with supreme qualities, has compassion for sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, the merit of this giving surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even by ten thousand kotis of times the merit of giving acquired by the innumerable bodhisattvas in each world throughout hundreds of thousands of worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the eastern direction.

Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, Sariputra and the assembly again saw countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the eastern direction. In each world were innumerable bodhisattvas who relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away. They amassed wealth and precious things into heaps as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings.

They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others without obstruction in their minds. Practicing giving in this way, they were free from attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

Likewise, they gathered clothing, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities into heaps as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, without obstruction in their minds. Practicing giving in this way, they were free from attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

The Buddha then asked Sariputra:

– Do you see those countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the eastern direction, in each of which innumerable bodhisattvas practice giving with minds free from attachment?

Sariputra immediately said to the Buddha:

– World-Honored One, I see them. Well-Gone One, I see them.

The Buddha said:

– All bodhisattvas who seek great enlightenment should practice giving in this way. Furthermore, Sariputra, what do you think? Is the giving of those bodhisattvas vast?

Sariputra replied:

– World-Honored One, it is vast. Well-Gone One, it is vast. Through their giving, those bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of goodness.

The Buddha said:

– Indeed! It is just as you have said. Yet if a bodhisattva contemplates the emptiness of dharmas, takes the knowledge of all modes as the objective condition, is endowed with supreme qualities, has compassion for sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, the merit of this giving surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even by ten thousand kotis of times the merit of giving acquired by the innumerable bodhisattvas in each world throughout countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the eastern direction.

Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, Sariputra and the assembly again saw hundreds of thousands of worlds in the southern direction. In this way, they further saw countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the southern direction. In each world were innumerable bodhisattvas who relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away.

They amassed wealth and precious things into heaps as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others without obstruction in their minds. Practicing giving in this way, they were free from attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary. Likewise, they gathered clothing, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities into heaps as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, without obstruction in their minds.

Practicing giving in this way, they were free from attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

The Buddha then asked Sariputra:

– Do you see those hundreds of thousands of worlds in the southern direction, up to the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the southern direction, in each of which innumerable bodhisattvas practice giving with minds free from attachment?

Sariputra immediately said to the Buddha:

– World-Honored One, I see them. Well-Gone One, I see them.

The Buddha said:

– All bodhisattvas who seek great enlightenment should practice giving in this way. Furthermore, Sariputra, what do you think? Is the giving of those bodhisattvas vast?

Sariputra replied:

– World-Honored One, it is vast. Well-Gone One, it is vast. Through their giving, those bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of goodness.

The Buddha said:

– Indeed! It is just as you have said. Yet if a bodhisattva contemplates the emptiness of dharmas, takes the knowledge of all modes as the objective condition, is endowed with supreme qualities, has compassion for sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, the merit of this giving surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even by ten thousand kotis of times the merit of giving acquired by the innumerable bodhisattvas in each world throughout hundreds of thousands of worlds, up to countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the southern direction.

Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, Sariputra and the assembly again saw hundreds of thousands of worlds in the western direction. In this way, they further saw countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the western direction. In each world were innumerable bodhisattvas who relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away.

They amassed wealth and precious things into heaps as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others without obstruction in their minds. Practicing giving in this way, they were free from attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary. Likewise, they gathered clothing, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities into heaps as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, without obstruction in their minds.

Practicing giving in this way, they were free from attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

The Buddha then asked Sariputra:

– Do you see those hundreds of thousands of worlds in the western direction, up to the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the western direction, in each of which innumerable bodhisattvas practice giving with minds free from attachment?

Sariputra immediately said to the Buddha:

– World-Honored One, I see them. Well-Gone One, I see them.

The Buddha said:

– All bodhisattvas who seek great enlightenment should practice giving in this way. Furthermore, Sariputra, what do you think? Is the giving of those bodhisattvas vast?

Sariputra replied:

– World-Honored One, it is vast. Well-Gone One, it is vast. Through their giving, those bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of goodness.

The Buddha said:

– Indeed! It is just as you have said. Yet if a bodhisattva contemplates the emptiness of dharmas, takes the knowledge of all modes as the objective condition, is endowed with supreme qualities, has compassion for sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, the merit of this giving surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even by ten thousand kotis of times the merit of giving acquired by the innumerable bodhisattvas in each world throughout hundreds of thousands of worlds, up to countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the western direction.

Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, Sariputra and the assembly again saw hundreds of thousands of worlds in the northern direction. In this way, they further saw countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the northern direction. In each world were innumerable bodhisattvas who relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away.

They amassed wealth and precious things into heaps as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others without obstruction in their minds. Practicing giving in this way, they were free from attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary. Likewise, they gathered clothing, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities into heaps as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, without obstruction in their minds.

Practicing giving in this way, they were free from attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

The Buddha then asked Sariputra:

– Do you see these hundreds of thousands of worlds in the north, extending to innumerable worlds in the north, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, in each of which there are immeasurable bodhisattvas practicing generosity with minds free from attachment?

Shariputra immediately said to the Buddha:

– World-Honored One! I have seen them. Sugata! I have seen them.

The Buddha said:

– Bodhisattvas seeking great bodhi should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Shariputra, what do you think? Is the generosity practiced by those bodhisattvas vast?

Shariputra replied:

– World-Honored One! It is vast. Sugata! It is vast. Through their generosity, those bodhisattvas produce immeasurable, boundless roots of virtue.

The Buddha said:

– So it is! It is exactly as you say. If any bodhisattvas contemplate dharmas as empty, direct their minds toward the wisdom of all-knowledge, are endowed with supreme merit, have compassion for sentient beings, and give according to their wishes, the merit of such generosity surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even by ten thousand kotis of times the merit of generosity attained by the immeasurable bodhisattvas in each world throughout the hundreds of thousands of worlds, extending to the innumerable worlds in the north, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.

Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, Shariputra and the great assembly again saw hundreds of thousands of worlds in the southeast. In this way, they even saw innumerable worlds in the southeast, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. In each world there were immeasurable bodhisattvas who relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away.

Their wealth and precious treasures were piled as high as mountains, and they gave them all to sentient beings according to their needs. They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then to give them to others, their minds remaining unobstructed. In practicing generosity in this way, they had no attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary. Likewise, they gathered clothing, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities in quantities as great as mountains and gave them all to sentient beings according to their needs. They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then to give them to others, their minds remaining unobstructed.

In practicing generosity in this way, they had no attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

At that time, the Buddha asked Shariputra:

– Do you see these hundreds of thousands of worlds in the southeast, extending to innumerable worlds in the southeast, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, in each of which there are immeasurable bodhisattvas practicing generosity with minds free from attachment?

Shariputra immediately said to the Buddha:

– World-Honored One! I have seen them. Sugata! I have seen them.

The Buddha said:

– Bodhisattvas seeking great bodhi should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Shariputra, what do you think? Is the generosity practiced by those bodhisattvas vast?

Shariputra replied:

– World-Honored One! It is vast. Sugata! It is vast. Through their generosity, those bodhisattvas produce immeasurable, boundless roots of virtue.

The Buddha said:

– So it is! It is exactly as you say. Yet if any bodhisattva contemplates dharmas as empty, directs the mind toward the wisdom of all-knowledge, is endowed with supreme merit, has compassion for sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, the merit of such generosity surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even by ten thousand kotis of times the merit of generosity attained by the immeasurable bodhisattvas in each world throughout the hundreds of thousands of worlds, extending to the innumerable worlds in the southeast, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.

Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, Shariputra and the great assembly again saw hundreds of thousands of worlds in the southwest. In this way, they even saw innumerable worlds in the southwest, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. In each world there were immeasurable bodhisattvas who relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away.

Their wealth and precious treasures were piled as high as mountains, and they gave them all to sentient beings according to their needs. They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then to give them to others, their minds remaining unobstructed. In practicing generosity in this way, they had no attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary. Likewise, they gathered clothing, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities in quantities as great as mountains and gave them all to sentient beings according to their needs. They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then to give them to others, their minds remaining unobstructed.

In practicing generosity in this way, they had no attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

At that time, the Buddha asked Shariputra:

– Do you see these hundreds of thousands of worlds in the southwest, extending to innumerable worlds in the southwest, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, in each of which there are immeasurable bodhisattvas practicing generosity with minds free from attachment?

Shariputra immediately said to the Buddha:

– World-Honored One! I have seen them. Sugata! I have seen them.

The Buddha said:

– Bodhisattvas seeking great bodhi should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Shariputra, what do you think? Is the generosity practiced by those bodhisattvas vast?

Shariputra replied:

– World-Honored One! It is vast. Sugata! It is vast. Through their generosity, those bodhisattvas produce immeasurable, boundless roots of virtue.

The Buddha said:

– So it is! It is exactly as you say. Yet if any bodhisattva contemplates dharmas as empty, directs the mind toward the wisdom of all-knowledge, is endowed with supreme merit, has compassion for sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, the merit of such generosity surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even by ten thousand kotis of times the merit of generosity attained by the immeasurable bodhisattvas in each world throughout the hundreds of thousands of worlds, extending to the innumerable worlds in the southwest, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.

Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, Shariputra and the great assembly again saw hundreds of thousands of worlds in the northwest. In this way, they even saw innumerable worlds in the northwest, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. In each world there were immeasurable bodhisattvas who relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away.

Their wealth and precious treasures were piled as high as mountains, and they gave them all to sentient beings according to their needs. They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then to give them to others, their minds remaining unobstructed. In practicing generosity in this way, they had no attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary. Likewise, they gathered clothing, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities in quantities as great as mountains and gave them all to sentient beings according to their needs. They instructed sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then to give them to others, their minds remaining unobstructed.

In practicing generosity in this way, they had no attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

At that time, the Buddha asked Shariputra:

– Do you see these hundreds of thousands of worlds in the northwest, extending to innumerable worlds in the northwest, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, in each of which there are immeasurable bodhisattvas practicing generosity with minds free from attachment?

Shariputra immediately said to the Buddha:

– World-Honored One! I have seen them. Sugata! I have seen them.

The Buddha said:

– Bodhisattvas seeking great bodhi should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Shariputra, what do you think? Is the generosity practiced by those bodhisattvas vast?

Shariputra replied:

– World-Honored One! It is vast. Sugata! It is vast. Through their generosity, those bodhisattvas produce immeasurable, boundless roots of virtue.

The Buddha said:

– So it is! It is exactly as you say. Yet if any bodhisattva contemplates dharmas as empty, directs the mind toward the wisdom of all-knowledge, is endowed with supreme merit, has compassion for sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, the merit of such generosity surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even by ten thousand kotis of times the merit of generosity attained by the immeasurable bodhisattvas in each world throughout the hundreds of thousands of worlds, extending to the innumerable worlds in the northwest, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.

Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw hundreds of thousands of worlds in the northeast. In this way, they further saw innumerable worlds in the northeast, as many as the sands of the Ganges. In each world were immeasurable bodhisattvas, all of whom relinquished their possessions and gave everything away.

They amassed wealth and precious objects as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged and taught sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, without any obstruction in their minds. Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary. Likewise, they amassed clothing, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged and taught sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, without any obstruction in their minds.

Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

At that time, the Buddha asked Śāriputra:

– Do you see these hundreds of thousands of worlds in the northeast, extending to innumerable worlds in the northeast as many as the sands of the Ganges, in each of which immeasurable bodhisattvas practice generosity with minds free from attachment?

Śāriputra immediately addressed the Buddha:

– World-Honored One, I have seen them. Sugata, I have seen them.

The Buddha said:

– Bodhisattvas who seek great enlightenment should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity practiced by those bodhisattvas vast?

Śāriputra replied:

– World-Honored One, it is vast. Sugata, it is vast. Through their generosity, those bodhisattvas acquire immeasurable and boundless roots of virtue.

The Buddha said:

– So it is! It is exactly as you have said. Yet suppose a bodhisattva contemplates the emptiness of dharmas, takes the knowledge of all things as the object of contemplation, is fully endowed with supreme merit and virtue, has compassion for sentient beings, and practices generosity according to their wishes. The merit of this generosity surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even ten thousand kotis of times the merit of generosity acquired by the immeasurable bodhisattvas in each world throughout the hundreds of thousands of worlds, extending to innumerable worlds in the northeast as many as the sands of the Ganges.

Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw hundreds of thousands of worlds below. In this way, they further saw innumerable worlds below, as many as the sands of the Ganges. In each world were immeasurable bodhisattvas, all of whom relinquished their possessions and gave everything away.

They amassed wealth and precious objects as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged and taught sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, without any obstruction in their minds. Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary. Likewise, they amassed clothing, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged and taught sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, without any obstruction in their minds.

Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

At that time, the Buddha asked Śāriputra:

– Do you see these hundreds of thousands of worlds below, extending to innumerable worlds below as many as the sands of the Ganges, in each of which immeasurable bodhisattvas practice generosity with minds free from attachment?

Śāriputra immediately addressed the Buddha:

– World-Honored One, I have seen them. Sugata, I have seen them.

The Buddha said:

– Bodhisattvas who seek great enlightenment should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity practiced by those bodhisattvas vast?

Śāriputra replied:

– World-Honored One, it is vast. Sugata, it is vast. Through their generosity, those bodhisattvas acquire immeasurable and boundless roots of virtue.

The Buddha said:

– So it is! It is exactly as you have said. Yet suppose a bodhisattva contemplates the emptiness of dharmas, takes the knowledge of all things as the object of contemplation, is fully endowed with supreme merit and virtue, has compassion for sentient beings, and practices generosity according to their wishes. The merit of this generosity surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even ten thousand kotis of times the merit of generosity acquired by the immeasurable bodhisattvas in each world throughout the hundreds of thousands of worlds, extending to innumerable worlds below as many as the sands of the Ganges.

Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw hundreds of thousands of worlds above. In this way, they further saw innumerable worlds above, as many as the sands of the Ganges. In each world were immeasurable bodhisattvas, all of whom relinquished their possessions and gave everything away.

They amassed wealth and precious objects as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged and taught sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, without any obstruction in their minds. Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment.

Diligent day and night, they never grew weary. Likewise, they amassed clothing, bedding, food, drink, and other necessities as high as mountains and gave them all away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged and taught sentient beings to make use of these things themselves and then give them to others, without any obstruction in their minds.

Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment. Diligent day and night, they never grew weary.

At that time, the Buddha asked Śāriputra:

– Do you see these hundreds of thousands of worlds above, extending to innumerable worlds above as many as the sands of the Ganges, in each of which immeasurable bodhisattvas practice generosity with minds free from attachment?

Śāriputra immediately addressed the Buddha:

– World-Honored One, I have seen them. Sugata, I have seen them.

The Buddha said:

– Bodhisattvas who seek great enlightenment should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity practiced by those bodhisattvas vast?

Śāriputra replied:

– World-Honored One, it is vast. Sugata, it is vast. Through their generosity, those bodhisattvas acquire immeasurable and boundless roots of virtue.

The Buddha said:

– So it is! It is exactly as you have said. Yet suppose a bodhisattva contemplates the emptiness of dharmas, takes the knowledge of all things as the object of contemplation, is fully endowed with supreme merit and virtue, has compassion for sentient beings, and practices generosity according to their wishes. The merit of this generosity surpasses by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and even ten thousand kotis of times the merit of generosity acquired by the immeasurable bodhisattvas in each world throughout the hundreds of thousands of worlds, extending to innumerable worlds above as many as the sands of the Ganges.

Furthermore, Śāriputra, if a great bodhisattva wishes swiftly to attain the knowledge of all knowledge and to bring benefit and happiness to sentient beings until the end of the future, that bodhisattva should contemplate the emptiness of dharmas, take the knowledge of all things as the object of contemplation, be fully endowed with supreme merit and virtue, have compassion for sentient beings who endure much suffering and deprivation, and practice the perfection of generosity.

The bodhisattva should universally dedicate these roots of virtue to all beings, helping them escape the evil destinies and the sufferings of birth and death, and should make this vow: “Through the majestic power of the merit and roots of virtue I have cultivated, may all sentient beings throughout the worlds of the ten directions who have not yet aroused the aspiration for unsurpassed enlightenment swiftly arouse that aspiration.

May those who have already aroused the aspiration for unsurpassed enlightenment never regress. Those who are irreversible from unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment shall swiftly perfect the knowledge of all knowledge.”

Scroll 581

THE END