大般若波羅蜜多經

65

Furthermore, Kausika, if good men and good women and others were to teach and transform all kinds of sentient beings in Jambudvipa, causing them all to abide at the stage of non-retrogressing bodhisattvas, what do you think? Would those good men and good women and others, through this cause and condition, gain 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, with regard to this prajnaparamita, were to expound it extensively to others through immeasurable Dharma methods and with skillful wording and meaning, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might readily understand it; and were further to say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you readily comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

According to the Dharma method 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 such prajnaparamita. If you are able to cultivate and study such prajnaparamita, 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 would attain merit far surpassing the former. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all great bodhisattvas at the stage of non-retrogression arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in Jambudvipa, if good men and good women and others were to teach and transform all kinds of sentient beings throughout both continents, Jambudvipa and Purvavideha, causing them all to abide at the stage of non-retrogressing bodhisattvas, what do you think? Would those good men and good women and others, through this cause and condition, gain 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, with regard to this prajnaparamita, were to expound it extensively to others through immeasurable Dharma methods and with skillful wording and meaning, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might readily understand it; and were further to say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you readily comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

According to the Dharma method 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 such prajnaparamita. If you are able to cultivate and study such prajnaparamita, 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 would attain merit far surpassing the former. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all great bodhisattvas at the stage of non-retrogression arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in the continents of Jambudvipa and Purvavideha, if good men and good women and others were to teach and transform all kinds of sentient beings throughout all three continents—Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, and Aparagodaniya—causing them all to abide at the stage of non-retrogressing bodhisattvas, what do you think? Would those good men and good women and others, through this cause and condition, gain 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, with regard to this prajnaparamita, were to expound it extensively to others through immeasurable Dharma methods and with skillful wording and meaning, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might readily understand it; and were further to say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you readily comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

According to the Dharma method 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 such prajnaparamita. If you are able to cultivate and study such prajnaparamita, 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 would attain merit far surpassing the former. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all great bodhisattvas at the stage of non-retrogression arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in the continents of Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, and Aparagodaniya, if good men and good women and others were to teach and transform all kinds of sentient beings throughout all four continents—Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, Aparagodaniya, and Uttarakuru—causing them all to abide at the stage of non-retrogressing bodhisattvas, what do you think? Would those good men and good women and others, through this cause and condition, gain 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, with regard to this prajnaparamita, were to expound it extensively to others through immeasurable Dharma methods and with skillful wording and meaning, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might readily understand it; and were further to say: ‘Good man, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and retain it, read and recite it until you readily comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

According to the Dharma method 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 such prajnaparamita. If you are able to cultivate and study such prajnaparamita, 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 would attain merit far surpassing the former. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all great bodhisattvas at the stage of non-retrogression arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in the four great continents, if good men and good women and others were to teach and transform all kinds of sentient beings throughout a small chiliocosm, causing them all to abide at the stage of non-retrogressing bodhisattvas, what do you think? Would those good men and good women and others, through this cause and condition, gain 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 gates and with skillful words and meanings, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meaning and purport so that they may easily 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 until you readily comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

You should gain right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma gate taught in this prajnaparamita. If you gain 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 realize the wisdom of all dharmas.

If you are able to realize the wisdom of all dharmas, your cultivation of prajnaparamita will increase and become perfectly complete. If your cultivation of prajnaparamita increases and becomes perfectly complete, you will then realize the unsurpassed fruit of awakening’—then, Kausika, those good men and good women, and so forth, will acquire merit far surpassing the former. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all great bodhisattvas on the stage of non-retrogression arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in a small chiliocosm, suppose 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 abide on the bodhisattva stage of non-retrogression. 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 gates and with skillful words and meanings, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meaning and purport so that they may easily 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 until you readily comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

You should gain right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma gate taught in this prajnaparamita. If you gain 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 realize the wisdom of all dharmas.

If you are able to realize the wisdom of all dharmas, your cultivation of prajnaparamita will increase and become perfectly complete. If your cultivation of prajnaparamita increases and becomes perfectly complete, you will then realize the unsurpassed fruit of awakening’—then, Kausika, those good men and good women, and so forth, will acquire merit far surpassing the former. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all great bodhisattvas on the stage of non-retrogression arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in a medium chiliocosm, suppose 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 abide on the bodhisattva stage of non-retrogression. 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 gates and with skillful words and meanings, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meaning and purport so that they may easily 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 until you readily comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

You should gain right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma gate taught in this prajnaparamita. If you gain 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 realize the wisdom of all dharmas.

If you are able to realize the wisdom of all dharmas, your cultivation of prajnaparamita will increase and become perfectly complete. If your cultivation of prajnaparamita increases and becomes perfectly complete, you will then realize the unsurpassed fruit of awakening’—then, Kausika, those good men and good women, and so forth, will acquire merit far surpassing the former. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all great bodhisattvas on the stage of non-retrogression arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in this great trichiliocosm, suppose 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 abide on the bodhisattva stage of non-retrogression. 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 gates and with skillful words and meanings, conveying and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meaning and purport so that they may easily 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 until you readily comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

You should gain right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma gate taught in this prajnaparamita. If you gain 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 realize the wisdom of all dharmas.

If you are able to realize the wisdom of all dharmas, your cultivation of prajnaparamita will increase and become perfectly complete. If your cultivation of prajnaparamita increases and becomes perfectly complete, you will then realize the unsurpassed fruit of awakening’—then, Kausika, those good men and good women, and so forth, will acquire merit far surpassing the former. Why is this?

Kausika, it is because all great bodhisattvas on the stage of non-retrogression arise from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside the various sentient beings in these innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions, suppose 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 abide on the bodhisattva stage of non-retrogression. 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, with regard to this prajnaparamita, employ immeasurable Dharma gates and skillful, wondrous words and meanings to expound it widely for others, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they may easily understand it; and if they further say: ‘Good men, come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and retain it, read and recite it, become thoroughly versed in it, and contemplate it in accordance with principle.

According to the Dharma gate taught in this prajnaparamita, you should develop correct faith and understanding. If you develop correct 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 attain the knowledge of all dharmas.

If you are able to attain the knowledge of all dharmas, your cultivation and study of prajnaparamita will increase and reach perfection. If your cultivation and study of prajnaparamita increase and reach perfection, you will then attain unsurpassed perfect awakening’—then, Kausika, those good men and good women and others acquire merit far exceeding that mentioned before. Why is this?

Kausika, because all great bodhisattvas dwelling on the stage of non-retrogression emerge from this prajnaparamita.

“Furthermore, Kausika, suppose all kinds of sentient beings throughout Jambudvipa were to aspire to unsurpassed perfect awakening; and suppose good men and good women and others, with regard to this prajnaparamita, were to employ immeasurable Dharma gates and skillful, wondrous words and meanings to expound it widely for them, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they might easily understand it; and were further to say: ‘Good men, come here!

You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and retain it, read and recite it, become thoroughly versed in it, and contemplate it in accordance with principle. According to the Dharma gate taught in this prajnaparamita, you should develop correct faith and understanding. If you develop correct 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 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 awakening’—then, Kausika, those good men and good women and others acquire merit far exceeding that mentioned before.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside all kinds of sentient beings in Jambudvipa, suppose all kinds of sentient beings throughout both continents, Jambudvipa and Purvavideha, were to aspire to unsurpassed perfect awakening; and suppose good men and good women and others, with regard to this prajnaparamita, were to employ immeasurable Dharma gates and skillful, wondrous words and meanings to expound it widely for others, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they might easily understand it; and were further to say: ‘Good men, come here!

You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and retain it, read and recite it, become thoroughly versed in it, and contemplate it in accordance with principle. According to the Dharma gate taught in this prajnaparamita, you should develop correct faith and understanding. If you develop correct 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 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 awakening’—then, Kausika, those good men and good women and others acquire merit far exceeding that mentioned before.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside all kinds of sentient beings in the continents of Jambudvipa and Purvavideha, suppose all kinds of sentient beings throughout the three continents of Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, and Aparagodaniya were to aspire to unsurpassed perfect awakening; and suppose good men and good women and others, with regard to this prajnaparamita, were to employ immeasurable Dharma gates and skillful, wondrous words and meanings to expound it widely for them, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they might easily understand it; and were further to say: ‘Good men, come here!

You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and retain it, read and recite it, become thoroughly versed in it, and contemplate it in accordance with principle. According to the Dharma gate taught in this prajnaparamita, you should develop correct faith and understanding. If you develop correct 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 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 awakening’—then, Kausika, those good men and good women and others acquire merit far exceeding that mentioned before.

“Furthermore, Kausika, setting aside all kinds of sentient beings in the continents of Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, and Aparagodaniya, suppose all kinds of sentient beings throughout all four continents—Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, Aparagodaniya, and Uttarakuru—were to aspire to unsurpassed perfect awakening; and suppose good men and good women and others, with regard to this prajnaparamita, were to employ immeasurable Dharma gates and skillful, wondrous words and meanings to expound it widely for others, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its meanings and purport so that they might easily understand it; and were further to say: ‘Good men, come here!

You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, accept and retain it, read and recite it, become thoroughly versed in it, and contemplate it in accordance with principle. According to the Dharma gate taught in this prajnaparamita, you should develop correct faith and understanding. If you develop correct 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 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 awakening’—then, Kausika, those good men and good women and others acquire merit far exceeding that mentioned before.”

Furthermore, Kauśika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in the four great continents, suppose that all the various kinds of sentient beings in a small chiliocosm were to aspire to supreme enlightenment; and suppose that a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to employ immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for them, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might easily understand it; and were also to say: “Good people, come here!

You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, uphold and recite it, thoroughly comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason. You should gain correct faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma approach taught in this prajnaparamita. If you gain correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita.

If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, you will be able to attain knowledge of all dharmas. If you are able to 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 supreme enlightenment.” Kauśika, the merit acquired by that good man or good woman, and so forth, would be vastly greater than the merit described before.

Furthermore, Kauśika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in a small chiliocosm, suppose that all the various kinds of sentient beings in a medium chiliocosm were to aspire to supreme enlightenment; and suppose that a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to employ immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for them, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might easily understand it; and were also to say: “Good people, come here!

You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, uphold and recite it, thoroughly comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason. You should gain correct faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma approach taught in this prajnaparamita. If you gain correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita.

If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, you will be able to attain knowledge of all dharmas. If you are able to 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 supreme enlightenment.” Kauśika, the merit acquired by that good man or good woman, and so forth, would be vastly greater than the merit described before.

Furthermore, Kauśika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in a medium chiliocosm, suppose that all the various kinds of sentient beings in this great trichiliocosm were to aspire to supreme enlightenment; and suppose that a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to employ immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for them, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might easily understand it; and were also to say: “Good people, come here!

You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, uphold and recite it, thoroughly comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason. You should gain correct faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma approach taught in this prajnaparamita. If you gain correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita.

If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, you will be able to attain knowledge of all dharmas. If you are able to 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 supreme enlightenment.” Kauśika, the merit acquired by that good man or good woman, and so forth, would be vastly greater than the merit described before.

Furthermore, Kauśika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions, suppose that all the various kinds of sentient beings in all worlds throughout the ten directions were to aspire to supreme enlightenment; and suppose that a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to employ immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for them, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might easily understand it; and were also to say: “Good people, come here!

You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, uphold and recite it, thoroughly comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason. You should gain correct faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma approach taught in this prajnaparamita. If you gain correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita.

If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, you will be able to attain knowledge of all dharmas. If you are able to 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 supreme enlightenment.” Kauśika, the merit acquired by that good man or good woman, and so forth, would be vastly greater than the merit described before.

Furthermore, Kauśika, setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions, suppose that all the various kinds of sentient beings in all worlds throughout the ten directions were to aspire to supreme enlightenment; and suppose that a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to employ immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for them, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might easily understand it; and were also to say: “Good people, come here!

You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, uphold and recite it, thoroughly comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason. You should gain correct faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma approach taught in this prajnaparamita. If you gain correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita.

If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, you will be able to attain knowledge of all dharmas. If you are able to 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 supreme enlightenment.” Kauśika, the merit acquired by that good man or good woman, and so forth, would be vastly greater than the merit described before.

Furthermore, Kauśika, suppose that all the various kinds of sentient beings in Jambudvipa had attained non-retrogression from supreme enlightenment; and suppose that a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to employ immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings to expound this prajnaparamita extensively for them, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might easily understand it; and were also to say: “Good people, come here!

You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, uphold and recite it, thoroughly comprehend it, and contemplate it in accordance with reason. You should gain correct faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma approach taught in this prajnaparamita. If you gain correct faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita.

If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, you will be able to attain knowledge of all dharmas. If you are able to 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 supreme enlightenment.” Kauśika, the merit acquired by that good man or good woman, and so forth, would be vastly greater than the merit described before.

Furthermore, Kausika! Setting aside the various sentient beings in Jambudvipa, suppose that all the various sentient beings throughout both continents, Jambudvipa and Purvavideha, had attained irreversibility from unsurpassed perfect enlightenment; and suppose a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to expound this prajnaparamita extensively to them through immeasurable Dharma gateways and with skillful words and meanings, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might readily understand it; and were further to say: “Good men!

Come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and uphold it, read and recite it until you comprehend it with ease, and contemplate it in accordance with reason. You should gain right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma gateway taught in this prajnaparamita.

If you gain right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita. If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, 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 unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.” Kausika, the merit attained by that good man or good woman, and so forth, would be vastly greater than before.

Furthermore, Kausika! Setting aside the various sentient beings in the continents of Jambudvipa and Purvavideha, suppose that all the various sentient beings throughout the three continents of Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, and Aparagodaniya had attained irreversibility from unsurpassed perfect enlightenment; and suppose a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to expound this prajnaparamita extensively to them through immeasurable Dharma gateways and with skillful words and meanings, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might readily understand it; and were further to say: “Good men!

Come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and uphold it, read and recite it until you comprehend it with ease, and contemplate it in accordance with reason. You should gain right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma gateway taught in this prajnaparamita.

If you gain right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita. If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, 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 unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.” Kausika, the merit attained by that good man or good woman, and so forth, would be vastly greater than before.

Furthermore, Kausika! Setting aside the various sentient beings in the continents of Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, and Aparagodaniya, suppose that all the various sentient beings throughout the four continents of Jambudvipa, Purvavideha, Aparagodaniya, and Uttarakuru had attained irreversibility from unsurpassed perfect enlightenment; and suppose a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to expound this prajnaparamita extensively to them through immeasurable Dharma gateways and with skillful words and meanings, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might readily understand it; and were further to say: “Good men!

Come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and uphold it, read and recite it until you comprehend it with ease, and contemplate it in accordance with reason. You should gain right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma gateway taught in this prajnaparamita.

If you gain right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita. If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, 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 unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.” Kausika, the merit attained by that good man or good woman, and so forth, would be vastly greater than before.

Furthermore, Kausika! Setting aside the various sentient beings in the four great continents, suppose that all the various sentient beings throughout a small chiliocosm had attained irreversibility from unsurpassed perfect enlightenment; and suppose a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to expound this prajnaparamita extensively to them through immeasurable Dharma gateways and with skillful words and meanings, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might readily understand it; and were further to say: “Good men!

Come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and uphold it, read and recite it until you comprehend it with ease, and contemplate it in accordance with reason. You should gain right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma gateway taught in this prajnaparamita.

If you gain right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita. If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, 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 unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.” Kausika, the merit attained by that good man or good woman, and so forth, would be vastly greater than before.

Furthermore, Kausika! Setting aside the various sentient beings in a small chiliocosm, suppose that all the various sentient beings throughout a medium chiliocosm had attained irreversibility from unsurpassed perfect enlightenment; and suppose a good man or good woman, and so forth, were to expound this prajnaparamita extensively to them through immeasurable Dharma gateways and with skillful words and meanings, elucidating and revealing it, explaining it clearly, and distinguishing its purport so that they might readily understand it; and were further to say: “Good men!

Come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and uphold it, read and recite it until you comprehend it with ease, and contemplate it in accordance with reason. You should gain right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma gateway taught in this prajnaparamita.

If you gain right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita. If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, 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 unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.” Kausika, the merit attained by that good man or good woman, and so forth, would be vastly greater than before.

Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in the middle-thousand world-system, suppose that all the various kinds of sentient beings in this trichiliocosm had attained irreversibility from unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment; and suppose that good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings concerning this prajnaparamita, extensively expounded it for them, communicated and revealed it, explained it clearly, and distinguished its meanings and purport so that they could readily understand it.

They would further say: “Good men! Come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and uphold it, read and recite it, master it with ease, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

You should gain right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma approach taught in this prajnaparamita. If you gain right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita. If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, 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 unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment.” Kauśika, the merit acquired by those good men, good women, and others would be vastly greater than the former merit.

Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in this trichiliocosm, suppose that all the various kinds of sentient beings in innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions had attained irreversibility from unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment; and suppose that good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings concerning this prajnaparamita, extensively expounded it for them, communicated and revealed it, explained it clearly, and distinguished its meanings and purport so that they could readily understand it.

They would further say: “Good men! Come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and uphold it, read and recite it, master it with ease, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

You should gain right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma approach taught in this prajnaparamita. If you gain right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita. If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, 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 unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment.” Kauśika, the merit acquired by those good men, good women, and others would be vastly greater than the former merit.

Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions, suppose that all the various kinds of sentient beings in all worlds throughout the ten directions had attained irreversibility from unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment; and suppose that good men, good women, and others, using immeasurable Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings concerning this prajnaparamita, extensively expounded it for them, communicated and revealed it, explained it clearly, and distinguished its meanings and purport so that they could readily understand it.

They would further say: “Good men! Come here! You should listen wholeheartedly to this profound prajnaparamita, receive and uphold it, read and recite it, master it with ease, and contemplate it in accordance with reason.

You should gain right faith and understanding in accordance with the Dharma approach taught in this prajnaparamita. If you gain right faith and understanding, you will be able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita. If you are able to cultivate and study this prajnaparamita, 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 unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment.” Kauśika, the merit acquired by those good men, good women, and others would be vastly greater than the former merit.

Furthermore, Kauśika! Suppose that good men, good women, and others taught and transformed all the various kinds of sentient beings in Jambudvipa, directing them all toward unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment; and, using immeasurable prajnaparamita Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings, extensively expounded them for those beings, communicated and revealed them, explained them clearly, and distinguished their meanings and purport so that those beings could readily understand them.

Suppose, moreover, that other good men, good women, and others taught and transformed a single sentient being, enabling that being to attain irreversibility from unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment; and, using immeasurable prajnaparamita Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings, extensively expounded them for that being, communicated and revealed them, explained them clearly, and distinguished their meanings and purport so that the being could readily understand them.

Kauśika, the merit acquired by the latter good men, good women, and others would be vastly greater than the former merit.

Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in Jambudvipa, suppose that good men, good women, and others taught and transformed all the various kinds of sentient beings throughout both continents, Jambudvipa and Pūrvavideha, directing them all toward unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment; and, using immeasurable prajnaparamita Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings, extensively expounded them for those beings, communicated and revealed them, explained them clearly, and distinguished their meanings and purport so that those beings could readily understand them.

Suppose, moreover, that other good men, good women, and others taught and transformed a single sentient being, enabling that being to attain irreversibility from unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment; and, using immeasurable prajnaparamita Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings, extensively expounded them for that being, communicated and revealed them, explained them clearly, and distinguished their meanings and purport so that the being could readily understand them.

Kauśika, the merit acquired by the latter good men, good women, and others would be vastly greater than the former merit.

Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the various kinds of sentient beings in the continents of Jambudvipa and Pūrvavideha, suppose that good men, good women, and others taught and transformed all the various kinds of sentient beings throughout the three continents of Jambudvipa, Pūrvavideha, and Aparagodānīya, directing them all toward unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment; and, using immeasurable prajnaparamita Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings, extensively expounded them for those beings, communicated and revealed them, explained them clearly, and distinguished their meanings and purport so that those beings could readily understand them.

Suppose, moreover, that other good men, good women, and others taught and transformed a single sentient being, enabling that being to attain irreversibility from unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment; and, using immeasurable prajnaparamita Dharma approaches and skillful words and meanings, extensively expounded them for that being, communicated and revealed them, explained them clearly, and distinguished their meanings and purport so that the being could readily understand them.

Kauśika, the merit acquired by the latter good men, good women, and others would be vastly greater than the former merit.

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