佛說佛母出生三法藏般若波羅蜜多經

Chapter 5: True Merit and Virtue (Part 2)

Furthermore, Kauśika. If a good man or good woman, for the sake of all sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa, were to teach each and every one of them, causing them to cultivate the four Dhyāna concentrations—Kauśika, what do you think? Would that person, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: Very much, World-Honored One.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this good man or good woman gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, gives rise to a mind of faith and understanding, gives rise to the mind of Bodhi, abides in the Dharma of Bodhi, and for the sake of this Prajñā-pāramitā transcribes it into a scripture, upholds, reads and recites it, gives rise to a joyful mind, expounds it for others, or explains its meaning for them; who, with regard to this True Dharma, gives rise to a pure mind, departs from all doubts, and encourages others, causing them to uphold it, saying thus: "You good men, this Prajñā-pāramitā is the path of the Bodhisattvas; within this Dharma you should cultivate and study as has been expounded.

One who studies thus is called one who attains the Dharma, and can soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, can liberate all kinds of sentient beings, and cause them all to abide peacefully in the Suchness of Reality." Kauśika, this good man or good woman gains very much merit.

Furthermore, Kauśika. Besides the sentient beings throughout this Jambudvīpa, if there were sentient beings throughout the four Great Continents, each and every one of them being guided and taught to cultivate the four Dhyāna concentrations; and beyond this number, if there were sentient beings throughout a Lesser Chiliocosm, each and every one of them being guided and taught to cultivate the four Dhyāna concentrations; and beyond this number, if there were sentient beings throughout a Medial Chiliocosm, each and every one of them being guided and taught to cultivate the four Dhyāna concentrations;

and beyond this number, if there were sentient beings throughout a Trichiliocosm of Great Thousand Worlds, each and every one of them being guided and taught to cultivate the four Dhyāna concentrations; and beyond this number, so on even up to sentient beings throughout immeasurable, innumerable Trichiliocosms of Great Thousand Worlds, each and every one of them being guided and taught to cultivate the four Dhyāna concentrations.

Kauśika, what do you think? Would that person, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: Very much, World-Honored One.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this good man or good woman gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, gives rise to a mind of faith and understanding, gives rise to the mind of Bodhi, abides in the Dharma of Bodhi, upholds, reads and recites it, gives rise to a joyful mind, expounds it for others, or explains this meaning for them; who, with regard to this True Dharma, gives rise to a pure mind, departs from all doubts, and encourages others, causing them to uphold it, saying thus: "You good men, this Prajñā-pāramitā is the path of the Bodhisattvas.

Within this Dharma you should cultivate and study as has been expounded. One who studies thus is called one who attains the Dharma, and can soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, can liberate all realms of sentient beings, and cause them all to abide peacefully in the Suchness of Reality." Kauśika, you should know that this person gains very much merit.

Furthermore, Kauśika. If the sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa were each and every one taught to cultivate the four Immeasurable practices, the four Formless concentrations, even up to cultivating all the supernatural powers, the pure conduct, the various meditative concentrations, and all the meritorious practices. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that person, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: Very much, World-Honored One.

The Buddha said: Although this good man or good woman gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, gives rise to a mind of faith and understanding, gives rise to the mind of Bodhi, abides in the Dharma of Bodhi, and for the sake of this Prajñā-pāramitā transcribes it into a scripture, upholds, reads and recites it, gives rise to a joyful mind, expounds it for others, or explains its meaning for them; who, with regard to this True Dharma, gives rise to a pure mind, departs from all doubts, and encourages others, causing them to uphold it, saying thus: "You good men, this Prajñā-pāramitā is the path of the Bodhisattvas.

Within this Dharma you should cultivate and study as has been expounded. To study thus is what is called attaining the Dharma, and one can soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, can liberate all realms of sentient beings, and cause them all to abide peacefully in the Suchness of Reality." Kauśika, this good man or good woman gains very much merit.

Furthermore, Kauśika. Besides the sentient beings throughout this Jambudvīpa, each and every one being taught to cultivate immeasurable, boundless supernatural powers, pure conduct, the various Dharmas of meditative concentration, and all the meritorious practices. Kauśika, if sentient beings throughout the four Great Continents, throughout a Lesser Chiliocosm, throughout a Medial Chiliocosm, throughout a Trichiliocosm of Great Thousand Worlds, each and every one being taught to cultivate immeasurable, boundless supernatural powers, pure conduct, the various Dharmas of meditative concentration, and all the meritorious practices.

Beyond each of the above numbers, Kauśika, suppose there were sentient beings throughout immeasurable, innumerable Trichiliocosms of Great Thousand Worlds, each and every one being taught to cultivate immeasurable, boundless supernatural powers, pure conduct, the various Dharmas of meditative concentration, and all the meritorious practices. Kauśika, what do you think? Would this person, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: Very much, World-Honored One.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this good man or good woman gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, with regard to Prajñā-pāramitā, gives rise to a mind of faith and understanding, gives rise to the mind of Bodhi, abides in the Dharma of Bodhi; who for the sake of this Prajñā-pāramitā transcribes it into a scripture, upholds, reads and recites it, gives rise in mind to joy, expounds it for others, or explains its meaning for them; who, with regard to the True Dharma, gives rise to a pure mind, departs from all doubts, and encourages others, causing them to uphold it, saying thus: "You good men, this Prajñā-pāramitā is the path of the Bodhisattvas.

You should, within this Dharma, cultivate and study as has been expounded. One who studies thus is what is called one who attains the Dharma, and can soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, can liberate all realms of sentient beings, and cause them all to abide peacefully in the Suchness of Reality." Kauśika, this good man or good woman gains very much merit.

Furthermore, Kauśika. If a good man or good woman takes this Prajñā-pāramitā, transcribes it into a scripture, personally upholds, reads and recites it, and encourages others, causing them to read and recite it—though gaining much merit—it does not compare to one who, using this Dharma-gate of Prajñā-pāramitā, extensively explains its meaning for others. Kauśika, you should know that this good man or good woman gains very much merit.

At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: World-Honored One, for what sort of persons should this Prajñā-pāramitā be expounded?

The Buddha said to Śakra, Lord of the Devas: If there is a good man or good woman who cannot clearly understand this Prajñā-pāramitā, then it should be expounded for them. Why? Kauśika, in ages to come there will be those who speak a counterfeit Prajñā-pāramitā. If a good man or good woman, wishing to realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, hears this counterfeit Prajñā-pāramitā and studies within it, they will thereby be led into error and confusion, and will not be one who truly and clearly understands.

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: World-Honored One, in ages to come, how will that counterfeit Prajñā-pāramitā be spoken? And further, how can one clearly discern and distinguish it?

The Buddha said to Śakra, Lord of the Devas: Kauśika, in ages to come there will be bhikṣus who say that form is impermanent; or that body, or mind, even up to precepts, concentration, and wisdom are all nonexistent, all apart from that which is contemplated. One who speaks thus, you should know, is speaking a counterfeit Prajñā-pāramitā.

Kauśika, what is meant by counterfeit Prajñā-pāramitā? They speak thus: "Because form perishes, therefore contemplate form as impermanent; because feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness perish, therefore contemplate feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness as impermanent; if one seeks in this way, this is practicing Prajñā-pāramitā." Kauśika, you should know that speaking thus is in all cases called a counterfeit Prajñā-pāramitā.

Kauśika, now you should know: because form does not perish, therefore contemplate form as impermanent; because feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness do not perish, therefore contemplate feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness as impermanent; one who speaks thus is expounding the true and real Prajñā-pāramitā. Kauśika, for this very reason, if a good man or good woman is able to expound for others the true and real Prajñā-pāramitā, you should know that this good man or good woman gains very much merit.

Furthermore, Kauśika. If a good man or good woman, for the sake of all sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa, were to cause them all to abide in the fruit of Srotāpanna. Kauśika, what do you think? Would this good man or good woman, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: Very much, World-Honored One.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this good man or good woman gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, gives rise to a mind of faith and understanding, gives rise to the mind of Bodhi, abides in the Dharma of Bodhi, who using this Prajñā-pāramitā transcribes it into a scripture, upholds, reads and recites it, gives rise to a joyful mind, expounds it for others; or explains its meaning for them; who, with regard to the True Dharma, gives rise to a pure mind, departs from all doubts, and encourages others, causing them to uphold it, saying thus: "You good men, this Prajñā-pāramitā is the path of the Bodhisattvas; within it you should cultivate and study as has been expounded.

To study thus is what is called attaining the Dharma, and one can soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, can liberate all realms of sentient beings, and cause them all to abide peacefully in the Suchness of Reality." Kauśika, this good man or good woman gains very much merit. Why? The fruit of Srotāpanna is born from this Prajñā-pāramitā.

Kauśika, as has been said above, if a person, for the sake of all sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa, causes them to abide in the fruit of Srotāpanna, creating meritorious practice. Beyond this number, suppose there were sentient beings throughout the four Great Continents, or throughout a Lesser Chiliocosm, or throughout a Medial Chiliocosm, or throughout a Trichiliocosm of Great Thousand Worlds, all caused to abide in the fruit of Srotāpanna, creating meritorious practice. And beyond this number, Kauśika, suppose there were sentient beings throughout immeasurable, innumerable Trichiliocosms of Great Thousand Worlds, all caused to abide in the fruit of Srotāpanna. Kauśika, what do you think? Would this person, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: Very much, World-Honored One.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this good man or good woman gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, gives rise to a mind of faith and understanding, gives rise to the mind of Bodhi, abides in the Dharma of Bodhi, who takes this Prajñā-pāramitā and transcribes it into a scripture, upholds, reads and recites it, gives rise to a joyful mind, expounds it for others; or explains its meaning for them; who, with regard to this True Dharma, gives rise to a pure mind, departs from all doubts, and encourages others, causing them to uphold it, saying thus: "You good men, this Prajñā-pāramitā is the path of the Bodhisattvas; you should cultivate and study this Dharma as has been said.

To study thus is what is called attaining the Dharma, and one can soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, can liberate all realms of sentient beings, and cause them all to abide peacefully in the Suchness of Reality." Kauśika, this good man or good woman gains very much merit. Why? The fruit of Srotāpanna is born from this Prajñā-pāramitā.

Furthermore, Kauśika, if a good man or good woman, for the sake of all sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa, causes them all to abide in the fruit of Sakṛdāgāmin. Kauśika, what do you think? Would this person, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: Very much, World-Honored One.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this good man or good woman gains much merit, it does not compare to one who, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, gives rise to a mind of faith and understanding, gives rise to the mind of Bodhi, abides in the Dharma of Bodhi, who for the sake of this Prajñā-pāramitā transcribes it into a scripture, upholds, reads and recites it, gives rise to a joyful mind, expounds it for others, or explains its meaning for them; who, with regard to the True Dharma, gives rise to a pure mind, departs from all doubts, and encourages others, causing them to uphold it, saying thus: "You good men, this Prajñā-pāramitā is the path of the Bodhisattvas; within it you should cultivate and study as has been expounded.

To study thus is what is called attaining the Dharma, and one can soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, can liberate all realms of sentient beings and cause them all to abide peacefully in the Suchness of Reality." Kauśika, this good man or good woman gains very much merit. Why? The fruit of Sakṛdāgāmin is born from this Prajñā-pāramitā.

Kauśika, as has been said above. If a person, for the sake of all sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa, causes them all to abide in the fruit of Sakṛdāgāmin, performing meritorious practice. Beyond this number, suppose there were sentient beings throughout the four Great Continents, or throughout a Lesser Chiliocosm, or throughout a Medial Chiliocosm, or throughout a Trichiliocosm of Great Thousand Worlds, all caused to abide in the fruit of Sakṛdāgāmin. Beyond this number, Kauśika, suppose there were sentient beings throughout immeasurable, innumerable Trichiliocosms of Great Thousand Worlds, all caused to abide in the fruit of Sakṛdāgāmin. Kauśika, what do you think? Would this person, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: Very much, World-Honored One.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this good man or good woman gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, gives rise to a mind of faith and understanding, gives rise to the mind of Bodhi, abides in the Dharma of Bodhi, who takes this Prajñā-pāramitā and transcribes it into a scripture, upholds, reads and recites it, gives rise to a joyful mind, expounds it for others, or explains its meaning for them; who, with regard to this True Dharma, gives rise to a pure mind, departs from all doubts, and encourages others, causing them to uphold it, saying thus: "You good men, this Prajñā-pāramitā is the path of the Bodhisattvas; within it you should cultivate and study as has been expounded.

To study thus is what is called attaining the Dharma, and one can soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, can liberate all realms of sentient beings, and cause them all to abide peacefully in the Suchness of Reality." Kauśika, this good man or good woman gains very much merit. Why? The fruit of Sakṛdāgāmin is born from this Prajñā-pāramitā.

Furthermore, Kauśika. If there is a good man or good woman who, for the sake of all sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa, causes them all to abide in the fruit of Anāgāmin. Kauśika, what do you think? Would this person, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: Very much, World-Honored One.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this good man or good woman gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, gives rise to a mind of faith and understanding, gives rise to the mind of Bodhi, abides in the Dharma of the Bodhisattva; who for the sake of this Prajñā-pāramitā transcribes it into a scripture, upholds, reads and recites it, gives rise to a joyful mind; expounds it for others, or explains its meaning for them; who, with regard to this True Dharma, gives rise to a pure mind, departs from all doubts, and encourages others, causing them to uphold it, saying thus: "You good men, this Prajñā-pāramitā is the path of the Bodhisattvas; within it you should cultivate and study as has been expounded.

To study thus is what is called attaining the Dharma, and one can soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, can liberate all realms of sentient beings, and cause them all to abide peacefully in the Suchness of Reality." Kauśika, this good man or good woman gains very much merit. Why? The fruit of Anāgāmin is born from this Prajñā-pāramitā.

Kauśika, as has been said above, if a person, for the sake of all sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa, causes them all to abide in the fruit of Anāgāmin, creating meritorious practice; beyond the above number, suppose there were sentient beings throughout the four Great Continents, or throughout a Lesser Chiliocosm, or throughout a Medial Chiliocosm, or throughout a Trichiliocosm of Great Thousand Worlds, all caused to abide in the fruit of Anāgāmin. Beyond this number, Kauśika, suppose there were a person who, for the sake of sentient beings throughout immeasurable, innumerable Trichiliocosms of Great Thousand Worlds, caused them all to abide in the fruit of Anāgāmin. Kauśika, what do you think? Would this good man or good woman, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: Very much, World-Honored One.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this good man or good woman gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, gives rise to a mind of faith and understanding, gives rise to the mind of Bodhi, abides in the Dharma of Bodhi; who takes this Prajñā-pāramitā and transcribes it into a scripture, upholds, reads and recites it, gives rise to a joyful mind, expounds it for others, or explains its meaning for them; who, with regard to this True Dharma, gives rise to a pure mind, departs from all doubts, and encourages others, causing them to uphold it, saying thus: "You good men, this Prajñā-pāramitā is the path of the Bodhisattvas; within it you should cultivate and study as has been expounded.

To study thus is what is called attaining the Dharma, and one can soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, can liberate all realms of sentient beings, and cause them all to abide peacefully in the Suchness of Reality." Kauśika, this good man or good woman gains very much merit. Why? The fruit of Anāgāmin is born from this Prajñā-pāramitā.

Furthermore, Kauśika. If a good man or good woman, for the sake of all sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa, causes them all to abide in the fruit of Arhat. Kauśika, what do you think? Would this person, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: Very much, World-Honored One.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this good man or good woman gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, gives rise to a mind of faith and understanding, gives rise to the mind of Bodhi, abides in the Dharma of the Bodhisattva; who for the sake of this Prajñā-pāramitā transcribes it into a scripture, upholds, reads and recites it, gives rise to a joyful mind, expounds it for others, or explains its meaning for them; who, with regard to this True Dharma, gives rise to a pure mind, departs from all doubts, and encourages others, causing them to uphold it, saying thus: "You good men, this Prajñā-pāramitā is the path of the Bodhisattvas; within it you should cultivate and study as has been expounded.

To study thus is what is called attaining the Dharma, and one can soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, can liberate all realms of sentient beings, and cause them all to abide peacefully in the Suchness of Reality." Kauśika, this good man or good woman gains very much merit. Why? The fruit of Arhat is born from this Prajñā-pāramitā.

Furthermore, this good man or good woman, relying upon the Prajñā-pāramitā that has been expounded, is thereby able to turn in accordance with it. Because they turn in accordance with it, as it has been expounded, they are thereby able to cultivate and study, attaining the Dharma of the Buddhas of former times, accomplishing Supreme Perfect Enlightenment. Therefore the Srotāpanna, the Sakṛdāgāmin, the Anāgāmin, the Arhat, the Pratyekabuddha, even up to the Tathāgata, the Worthy of Offerings, the Perfectly Enlightened One, are all born from this Prajñā-pāramitā; being born thus, they realize attainment in accordance with principle.

Kauśika, as has been said above. If a person, for the sake of all sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa, causes them all to abide in the fruit of Arhat; beyond this number, suppose there were sentient beings throughout the four Great Continents, or throughout a Lesser Chiliocosm, or throughout a Medial Chiliocosm, or throughout a Trichiliocosm of Great Thousand Worlds, all caused to abide in the fruit of Arhat. Beyond this number, Kauśika, suppose there were sentient beings throughout Trichiliocosms of Great Thousand Worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, all caused to abide in the fruit of Arhat. Kauśika, what do you think? Would this person, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: World-Honored One, the merit attained by this good man or good woman becomes very much, such that by counting, calculation, or analogy it cannot be known.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this good man or good woman gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, gives rise to a mind of faith and understanding, gives rise to the mind of Bodhi, abides in the Dharma of Bodhi; who for the sake of this Prajñā-pāramitā transcribes it into a scripture, upholds, reads and recites it, gives rise to a joyful mind; expounds it for others, or explains its meaning for them; who, with regard to this True Dharma, gives rise to a pure mind, departs from all doubts, and encourages others, causing them to uphold it, saying thus: "You good men, this Prajñā-pāramitā is the path of the Bodhisattvas; within it you should cultivate and study as has been expounded.

To study thus is what is called attaining the Dharma, and one can soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, can liberate all realms of sentient beings, and cause them all to abide peacefully in the Suchness of Reality." Kauśika, this good man or good woman gains very much merit. Why? The fruit of Arhat is born from this Prajñā-pāramitā.

Furthermore, this good man or good woman, relying upon the Prajñā-pāramitā that has been expounded, is thereby able to turn in accordance with it. Because they turn in accordance with it, as it has been expounded, they are thereby able to cultivate and study, attaining the Dharma of the Buddhas of former times, accomplishing Supreme Perfect Enlightenment. Therefore that Srotāpanna, Sakṛdāgāmin, Anāgāmin, Arhat, Pratyekabuddha, and Tathāgata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly Enlightened One, are all born from this Prajñā-pāramitā; being born thus, they realize attainment in accordance with principle.

Furthermore, Kauśika. If a good man or good woman, for the sake of sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa, or throughout the four Great Continents, or throughout a Lesser Chiliocosm, or throughout a Medial Chiliocosm, or throughout a Trichiliocosm of Great Thousand Worlds, even up to sentient beings throughout Trichiliocosms of Great Thousand Worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, causes them all to abide in the fruits of Pratyekabuddha. Kauśika, what do you think? Would this person, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: Very much, World-Honored One.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this good man or good woman gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, gives rise to a mind of faith and understanding, gives rise to the mind of Bodhi, abides in the Dharma of the Bodhisattva; who takes this Prajñā-pāramitā and transcribes it into a scripture, upholds, reads and recites it, gives rise to a joyful mind; expounds it for others, or explains its meaning for them; who, with regard to this True Dharma, gives rise to a pure mind, departs from all doubts, and encourages others, causing them to uphold it, saying thus: "You good men, this Prajñā-pāramitā is the path of the Bodhisattvas; within it you should cultivate and study as has been expounded.

To study thus is what is called attaining the Dharma, and one can soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, can liberate all realms of sentient beings, causing them all to abide peacefully in the Suchness of Reality." Kauśika, this good man or good woman gains very much merit. Why? The fruit of Pratyekabuddha is born from this Prajñā-pāramitā.

Furthermore, this good man or good woman, relying upon the Prajñā-pāramitā that has been expounded, is thereby able to turn in accordance with it. Because they are able to turn in accordance with it, they are thereby able to cultivate and study, attaining the Dharma of the Buddhas of former times, accomplishing Supreme Perfect Enlightenment. Therefore the Srotāpanna even up to the Tathāgata, the Worthy of Offerings, the Perfectly Enlightened One, are all born from this Prajñā-pāramitā; being born thus, they realize attainment in accordance with principle.

Furthermore, Kauśika. If the sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa all gave rise to the mind of Supreme Perfect Enlightenment; if there were a good man or good woman who, for the sake of this Prajñā-pāramitā, transcribed it into a scripture and bestowed it upon them all, causing them to uphold it—this does not compare to one who takes this Prajñā-pāramitā, transcribes it into a scripture, and gives it to a Bodhisattva Mahāsattva who has already abided in non-retrogression, causing them, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, to cultivate and study in correspondence with it, firmly and steadily increasing and growing, accomplishing the vast, complete, and perfect Buddha Dharma.

Kauśika, you should know that this good man or good woman gains very much merit. Why? This Prajñā-pāramitā gives birth to Supreme Perfect Enlightenment.

Kauśika, as has been said above, if the sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa all gave rise to the mind of Supreme Perfect Enlightenment. Beyond this number, suppose the sentient beings throughout the four Great Continents, or throughout a Lesser Chiliocosm, or throughout a Medial Chiliocosm, or throughout a Trichiliocosm of Great Thousand Worlds, even up to Trichiliocosms of Great Thousand Worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, all gave rise to the mind of Supreme Perfect Enlightenment.

If a good man or good woman took this Prajñā-pāramitā, transcribed it into a scripture, and bestowed it upon them all, causing them to uphold it—then, Kauśika, this does not compare to one who takes this Prajñā-pāramitā, transcribes it into a scripture, and gives it to a Bodhisattva Mahāsattva who has already abided in non-retrogression, causing them, with regard to this Prajñā-pāramitā, to cultivate and study in correspondence with it, firmly and steadily increasing and growing, accomplishing the vast, complete, and perfect Buddha Dharma.

Kauśika, you should know that this good man or good woman gains very much merit. Why? This Prajñā-pāramitā gives birth to Supreme Perfect Enlightenment.

Furthermore, Kauśika. If the sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa all abided in non-retrogression. If there were a good man or good woman who took this Dharma-gate of Prajñā-pāramitā and, for the sake of all, explained its meaning. Kauśika, what do you think? Would this person, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: World-Honored One, the merit and virtue attained by this good man or good woman becomes very much, immeasurable and boundless; by counting, calculation, or analogy it cannot be known.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this person gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, for the sake of a single person about to realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, takes this Dharma-gate of Prajñā-pāramitā and explains its meaning. You should know that this person gains very much merit. Kauśika, as has been said above, if the sentient beings throughout Jambudvīpa all abided in the ground of non-retrogression, and there were a person who, for their sake, explained this meaning.

Beyond this number, suppose there were sentient beings throughout the four Great Continents, or throughout a Lesser Chiliocosm, or throughout a Medial Chiliocosm, or throughout a Trichiliocosm of Great Thousand Worlds, even up to Trichiliocosms of Great Thousand Worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, all abiding in the ground of non-retrogression. If a good man or good woman took this Dharma-gate of Prajñā-pāramitā and, for the sake of all, explained this meaning.

Kauśika, what do you think? Would this person, by reason of this cause and condition, gain much merit?

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: World-Honored One, this good man or good woman gains merit and virtue immeasurable and boundless; by counting, calculation, or analogy it cannot be known.

The Buddha said: Kauśika, although this person gains much merit by reason of this cause and condition, it does not compare to one who, for the sake of a single person about to realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, takes this Dharma-gate of Prajñā-pāramitā and explains this meaning; you should know that this person gains very much merit. Kauśika, because the Bodhisattva Mahāsattva cultivates and studies this Prajñā-pāramitā, they therefore soon realize Supreme Perfect Enlightenment.

At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to the Buddha: World-Honored One, the Bodhisattva Mahāsattva, relying upon Prajñā-pāramitā and turning accordingly, therefore draws near to Supreme Perfect Enlightenment; because they are near to Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, they rely upon the Prajñā-pāramitā that has been taught and received it; because they are taught and receive it thus, they draw near to Omniscience. Therefore one should, with all manner of provisions—food, clothing, bedding, and medicine—make offerings to Prajñā-pāramitā, and relying upon it create all meritorious practices. That person gains merit and virtue immeasurable and boundless. Why? They draw near to Supreme Perfect Enlightenment and accomplish Omniscience.

At that time, the Venerable Subhūti praised Śakra, Lord of the Devas: Excellent! Excellent! Kauśika, you skillfully open the way for the Bodhisattva Mahāsattvas; and you are further able to protect and be mindful of the Bodhisattva Mahāsattvas.

Kauśika, the disciples of the Buddha all, for the sake of the Dharma of Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, protect and are mindful of the Bodhisattva Mahāsattvas, causing them to give rise to the mind of Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, causing them to abide in the fruit of Supreme Perfect Enlightenment. Why? The Bodhisattva Mahāsattvas of the past all, because they studied these six Pāramitās, gave rise to the mind of Bodhi and abided in the fruit of Bodhi.

Now the Buddha, the World-Honored One, also studied these six Pāramitās and thereby attained the fruit of Bodhi; the Bodhisattva Mahāsattvas of the future are likewise so. Therefore, Kauśika, if a Bodhisattva Mahāsattva does not study these six Pāramitās, they cannot attain the fruit of Supreme Perfect Enlightenment.