大乘四法經

Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha dwelt at Śrāvastī, in the grove of Prince Jeta in the garden of Anāthapiṇḍika. Together with a gathering of great Bhikṣus, one thousand two hundred and fifty in number, there were also innumerable Bodhisattva Mahāsattvas.

At that time the World-Honored One addressed the Bhikṣus: There are four kinds of Dharma which the Bodhisattva Mahāsattva should constantly cultivate and practice to the very end of his lifespan. Even should he encounter conditions that would cost him his life, still he must not abandon them.

What are these four?

Bhikṣus! Even when the Bodhisattva's lifespan is exhausted, even when he meets with conditions that would cost him his life, he must by no means abandon the Bodhi Mind.

Bhikṣus! Even when the Bodhisattva's lifespan is exhausted, even when he meets with conditions that would cost him his life, he must by no means abandon the Virtuous Spiritual Friend.

Bhikṣus! Even when the Bodhisattva's lifespan is exhausted, even when he meets with conditions that would cost him his life, he must by no means forsake the practice of patient endurance and forbearance with joy.

Bhikṣus! Even when the Bodhisattva's lifespan is exhausted, even when he meets with conditions that would cost him his life, he must by no means abandon tranquil quietude and purity.

Bhikṣus! Such are these four Dharmas. When the Bodhisattva's lifespan is exhausted, he should constantly hold firm to them, even unto the certain loss of his bodily life, never releasing his grasp upon them.

At that time the World-Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke a verse, saying:

Wisdom illumines the world;

One must give rise to the Bodhi Mind.

Constantly be mindful of all Knowledge,

Constantly draw near to the Virtuous Spiritual Friend.

Abide in patient endurance and joy,

Dwell in reliance upon the Araṇya.

Just like the Lion King,

Be far removed from all fears.

The person of wisdom who clearly and discerningly cultivates these Dharmas is able swiftly to transcend all the nets and snares of Māra, and swiftly to realize Supreme, Perfect Enlightenment.

When the Buddha had finished speaking this sūtra, the assembly of Bhikṣus joyfully and reverently put it into practice.

The Sūtra of the Four Dharmas of the Great Vehicle