The Questions of Brahma­viśeṣacintin

Homage to all buddhas and bodhisattvas!

Thus did I hear at one time. The Blessed One was dwelling in Veṇuvana, at the Kalandakanivāpa, near Rājagṛha, together with a large saṅgha of sixty-four thousand monks and seventy-two thousand bodhisattvas. They were all clairvoyant, having the superknowledges. All of them had attained recollection, had unflinching confidence, had mastered absorption, enjoyed the superknowledges, were endowed with fearless eloquence, were proficient in the teachings on the essence of all things, and had attained acceptance that phenomena are unborn. Among them were youthful Mañjuśrī, youthful Ratnapāṇi, youthful Ratnamudrāhasta, youthful Ratnaśrī, youthful Gaganagañja, youthful Saha­cittotpāda­dharmacakra­pravartin, youthful Jālinīprabha, youthful Vijṛmbhita, youthful Śrīgarbha, youthful Sarva­svaparityāgin, youthful Padmavyūha, youthful Siṃha, youthful Candraprabha, youthful Candra­raśmi­prabha, youthful Agramati, and youthful Svālaṃkāra­vyūha. Present also were the sixteen5 holy beings Bhadrapāla, Ratnākara, Susārthavāha, Naradatta, Guhagupta, Varuṇadatta, Indradatta, Uttaramati, Viśeṣamati, Vardhamānamati, Amoghadarśin, [F.23.b] Susaṃprasthita, Suvi­krānta­vikrāmin, Anantamati, Anikṣiptadhura, Sūryagarbha, and Dharaṇīṃ­dhara, along with other such beings among seventy-two thousand bodhisattvas. There were also the Four Great Kings, the gods of the Heaven of the Thirty-Three, such as Śakra, lord of the gods, and the gods of the Heaven Free from Strife,6 the Heaven of Joy, the Heaven of Delighting in Emanations, and the Heaven of Making Use of Others’ Emanations, as well as a hundred thousand gods of the Brahmā realm, including Brahmā. There were also other humans and nonhuman beings, including various fantastic gods, nāgas, yakṣas, gandharvas, asuras, garuḍas, kinnaras, and mahoragas, who had all gathered together. Amid this assembly of hundreds of thousands of different disciples, the Blessed One was teaching the Dharma.

The bodhisattva youthful Jālinīprabha draped his shawl over one shoulder and knelt on his right knee. With his palms together, he bowed toward the Blessed One. He then shook the worlds in the trichiliocosm and, considering all the beings there, asked the Blessed One, “If I were to ask a question, would the Blessed One offer me an explanation? Could I ask a small question of the blessed, thus-gone, worthy, and perfect Buddha?”

“Jālinīprabha,” replied the Blessed One, “You may ask the Thus-Gone One whatever you please. Then I shall delight your mind by answering your question.” [F.24.a]

The bodhisattva Jālinīprabha then addressed the Blessed One, “When I observe the captivating body of the Blessed One, I see that it is brighter than one septillion suns. Blessed One, to be able to observe or examine the Thus-Gone One’s body is extraordinary. Furthermore, Blessed One, does the ability to observe the body of the Thus-Gone One or to examine it come from the power of the buddhas?”

“Jālinīprabha,” the Blessed One replied, “it is just as you have said. Beings are able to observe or examine the Thus-Gone One’s body only when the Thus-Gone One allows it. You may ask why, Jālinīprabha, thus-gone ones emanate rays of light called unfolding of peace. Sentient beings touched by these light rays are able to observe and examine the body of thus-gone ones with no impairment to their eye faculty. Jālinīprabha, thus-gone ones have rays of light called fearless eloquence. Sentient beings touched by these light rays ask questions of the thus-gone ones, and reply to questions with questions. Jālinīprabha, thus-gone ones have rays of light called accumulation of virtuous roots. Sentient beings touched by these light rays question the thus-gone ones in order to obtain the kingdom of a universal monarch. Likewise, thus-gone ones have rays of light called unfolding of virtue. Sentient beings touched by these light rays question the thus-gone ones in order to become like Śakra. Thus-gone ones have rays of light called boon of sovereignty. Sentient beings touched by these light rays question the thus-gone ones in order to be reborn in the world of Brahmā. Thus-gone ones have rays of light called free of emotional defilements. Sentient beings touched by these light rays question the thus-gone ones about the hearers’ vehicle. Thus-gone ones have rays of light called one-pointed in solitude. [F.24.b] Sentient beings touched by these light rays question the thus-gone ones about the solitary buddhas’ vehicle. Thus-gone ones have rays of light called bestowal of empowerment into the wisdom of omniscience. Sentient beings touched by these light rays question the thus-gone ones about the Great Vehicle of buddhahood. Thus-gone ones have rays of light called special conveyance. Sentient beings touched by these light rays are able to touch the soles of a thus-gone one’s feet as he comes and goes. All such beings will have happy rebirths in higher realms as soon as they die. They have rays of light called array of all ornaments. When thus-gone ones go to a town, they emanate these light rays, and all sentient beings touched by this light of the thus-gone ones gain supreme happiness. And a display of all types of ornaments also adorns the town.

“The thus-gone ones’ rays of light called shaker move infinite, limitless world systems. The rays of light called revealer of happiness eliminate the suffering that hell beings normally endure. The rays of light called sublime love guard beings born in the animal realm from eating one another. The rays of light called refreshment remove the suffering that beings normally endure in the world of Yama. The rays of light called stainless give sight to blind beings. The rays of light called hearing give hearing to deaf beings. The rays of light called abandonment lead beings who follow the path of the ten types of negative actions onto the path of the ten positive actions. The rays of light called modesty grant mindfulness to intoxicated beings. [F.25.a] The rays of light called disappearance bring beings with wrong views to acquire the right view. The rays of light called giving make stingy beings generous. The rays of light called absence of torment lead ill-natured beings to discipline. The rays of light called beneficial grant forbearance and gentleness to beings with harmful intentions. The rays of light called blazing inspire lazy beings with diligence. The rays of light called focus give concentration to beings with weak mindfulness. The rays of light called wisdom give insight to beings with faulty insight. The rays of light called immaculate inspire faith in beings bereft of it. The rays of light called retention expose uneducated beings to the teachings. The rays of light called politeness instill modesty and propriety in shameless and reckless beings. The rays of light called weariness lead beings who act out of desire to overcome their desire. The rays of light called joy make beings who act out of aversion overcome their aversion. The rays of light called clarity lead ignorant beings to understand dependent origination. The rays of light called ubiquitous make beings who act out of an equal measure of the three poisons abandon this way of acting.

“Jālinīprabha, the thus-gone ones also have rays of light called revealing all forms. Beings touched by these light rays can clearly see the thus-gone ones’ bodies in many hundreds of thousands of colors. [F.25.b] Jālinīprabha, if I began to speak about the light rays of the thus-gone ones, I could not complete an explanation about the features of the light rays of the thus-gone ones even if I were to speak for an eon, or even longer. In this way, the thus-gone, worthy, and perfect buddhas have rays of light with infinite and limitless qualities.”

The bodhisattva Jālinīprabha replied to the Blessed One, “Blessed One, it is wonderful that you explain in this way the immeasurable array of the thus-gone ones’ physical features, and that you grant such Dharma teachings with inconceivable skillful means. Blessed One, we have never before heard about these light rays of the buddhas. By my understanding of what the Blessed One has taught, any bodhisattva who acquires faith upon hearing the names of these light rays will gain the power to illuminate with such light rays of the perfect buddhas. Now, Blessed One, please send forth those rays of light by which the Thus-Gone One invites bodhisattvas from other buddha realms to come at once to this Enduring world system. In that way, those bodhisattvas who have reached the culmination of the process of question, answer, and further explanation may come here to confer with the Thus-Gone One, pay their respects to him, and receive further clarification. Please send the light called invitation to the bodhisattvas.”

The Blessed One then issued from his body light rays that illuminate inconceivable, limitless world systems. As soon as the light had invoked the bodhisattvas, [F.26.a] they flocked into this Enduring world system.

To the east of this buddha realm, past as many hundreds of thousands of buddha realms as there are grains of sand in seventy-two Ganges rivers, there lies a buddha realm called Pariśuddha. There at present resides the thus-gone, worthy, and perfect Buddha Candraprabha, alive and well. In that buddha realm he also explains the Dharma, teaching exclusively to bodhisattvas. One of them is a bodhisattva great being irreversible from the path to awakening called Brahma­viśeṣacintin who, as soon as the light touched him, went before the blessed Thus-Gone One Candraprabha. He prostrated to the feet of that blessed one before asking, “Blessed One, what is the cause and what is the condition for such great light to appear in the world?”

That blessed one replied, “Brahmā, to the west of this buddha realm, past as many hundreds of thousands of buddha realms as there are grains of sand in seventy-two Ganges rivers, there is a realm called Enduring, where the thus-gone, worthy, and perfect Buddha Śākyamuni at present resides. Alive and well, he is teaching the Dharma. That thus-gone one has emanated this light from his body to invite the bodhisattvas of the ten directions.”

Then Brahma­viśeṣacintin said to the Blessed One, “Since that blessed, thus-gone one wants to see me, I shall go to the world system called Enduring and see the Blessed One Śākyamuni, prostrate to him, pay homage to him, question him, [F.26.b] and seek clarification from him.”

The Blessed One said, “Brahmā, now millions of bodhisattvas in great number are converging in the Enduring world system. So you should go if you think this is the right time. Brahmā, when you are in this buddha realm, you should abide by ten resolves, which are:

1. Harbor no anger, whether you hear pleasant or negative words.

2. Be loving, whether you hear pleasant or negative words.

3. Have compassion for beings at all times.

4. Care for good and middling as well as lesser beings.

5. Make no distinction when people worship you or disrespect you.

6. Do not look down on others who have faults and are confused.

7. Consider the various vehicles to be of one taste.

8. Do not be afraid when hearing about the suffering in the lower realms.

9. Consider all bodhisattvas as your teachers.

10. Understand the rarity of seeing a thus-gone one in a realm afflicted by the five degenerations.

“Brahmā, as you stay in that buddha realm, abide by these ten resolves.”

Brahma­viśeṣacintin said to the Blessed One, “I am not suitable to speak with a lion’s roar in front of you, Blessed One. Still, the Blessed One clearly knows what I do. Therefore, Blessed One, I will stay in that buddha realm, training and abiding by those ten resolves.”

Other bodhisattvas of the buddha realm of the blessed, thus-gone Candraprabha said to the Thus-Gone One, “Blessed One, it is fortunate that we were not born in that buddha realm, where uncouth beings congregate.” [F.27.a]

The Blessed One replied, “Noble sons, do not say that. Why not? Noble sons, compared to practicing pure conduct for one hundred thousand eons here in this buddha realm, it is much better to remain without anger for one morning in that Enduring world system. This is because, in that world system, there are so many more emotional defilements, so much more harm, and so much more defilement.”

At that point, twelve thousand bodhisattvas from that buddha realm departed with Brahma­viśeṣacintin. They said, “Brahmā, we are also going to the Enduring world system to train in these resolves, to see the Blessed One Śākyamuni, to prostrate before him, and to pay homage to him. Through the different states of equipoise, we shall abide in that buddha realm.”

Brahma­viśeṣacintin and the twelve thousand bodhisattvas prostrated to the feet of the blessed, thus-gone Candraprabha, and then disappeared from their buddha realm and went to the buddha realm of the blessed, thus-gone, worthy, and perfect Buddha Śākyamuni, in the time it takes a strong man to bend a straightened arm or to straighten a bent arm.

At that point, the Blessed One asked the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha, “Jālinīprabha, did you witness the arrival of Brahma­viśeṣacintin?”

“I saw him, Blessed One.”

The Blessed One then said, “Jālinīprabha, Brahma­viśeṣacintin is foremost among the bodhisattvas skilled [F.27.b] in asking questions correctly and thoroughly. He is foremost among those who use appropriate words. He is foremost in terms of speaking the truth. He is foremost among those who speak kindly. He is the foremost in sincere speech. He is foremost among respectful speakers. He is foremost among those whose use of words is unconstrained. He is foremost in formulating the indirect teachings. He is foremost among those who are free of anger. He is foremost among those who are loving. He is foremost among the compassionate. He is foremost among the joyful. He is foremost among those who have equanimity. He is also foremost among all bodhisattvas who have eliminated every doubt and know how to pose questions.”

Brahma­viśeṣacintin, together with the twelve thousand bodhisattvas, now went before the Blessed One. They paid homage by prostrating to the feet of the Blessed One and circumambulated him three times. Then they bowed to the Blessed One with palms joined and praised the Blessed One in many respects through these verses:

Having addressed these verses to the Blessed One, Brahma­viśeṣacintin then asked him, “Blessed One, how do bodhisattvas firmly maintain their resolve without becoming disheartened? Blessed One, how do bodhisattvas speak with certainty while never hurting others with their words? How do they increase their roots of virtue? How are they not corrupted, and how is their conduct not errant? How do they increase virtuous qualities? [F.29.a] How do they progress from level to level? How do they skillfully mature beings? How do they master being of service to beings? How do they guard the mind of awakening? How do they focus their minds one-pointedly and not become distracted? How is it that they are skilled in searching for the Dharma? How is it that they are skilled at escaping downfalls? How is it that they are skilled at taming emotional defilements? How is it that they are skilled at being surrounded by an assembly? How is it that they are skilled at presenting the Dharma? How is it that they have the strength of past causes, and therefore do not exhaust their roots of virtue? How is it that they can practice the perfections, from generosity to insight, without being taught? How is it that they are skilled in turning away from the blissful states of concentration? How is it that they will never be deprived of buddha qualities? How is it that they will never sever the buddhas’ lineage?”

The Blessed One replied to Brahma­viśeṣacintin, “Excellent! Excellent, Brahmā! Brahmā, your motivation for asking the Thus-Gone One about such topics is excellent. Therefore, Brahmā, listen with the greatest care, and keep this in mind. I shall explain.”

“Very well, Blessed One” replied Brahma­viśeṣacintin, and he listened to the Blessed One with full attention.

The Blessed One then said, “Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they have a firm resolve and do not become disheartened. The four qualities are compassion for others [F.29.b], indefatigable diligence, seeing saṃsāra as a dream, and considering the buddhas’ wisdom to be unparalleled. So, Brahmā, bodhisattva great beings endowed with these four qualities have a firm resolve and do not become disheartened.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they speak with certainty and never hurt others with their words. The four qualities are that bodhisattvas declare with certainty that no phenomenon has an individual self, bodhisattvas declare with certainty that all places of birth are bereft of joy, bodhisattvas declare with certainty their praise of the Great Vehicle, and bodhisattvas declare with certainty that the effects of positive and negative actions are never lost. Brahmā, these are the four declarations of certainty of bodhisattva great beings.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they increase their roots of virtue. The four qualities are discipline, learning, generosity, and renunciation.

“Brahmā, bodhisattva great beings are not corrupted and avoid errant conduct when they are unaffected by these four circumstances: loss, criticism, anonymity, and suffering. Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are impervious to these four circumstances, they are not corrupted and avoid errant conduct.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they increase their roots of virtue. The four qualities are leading beings to awakening, giving without expectations of any reward, upholding the sacred Dharma, [F.30.a] and teaching insight to bodhisattvas.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they progress from level to level. The four qualities are that they accumulate roots of virtue, they avoid all negativities, they are skilled at dedication, and they have intense diligence.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they skillfully mature beings. The four qualities are that they act in accordance with beings, they rejoice in the merit of others, they confess negativity, and they supplicate all the buddhas.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they know how to be of service to others. The four qualities are assisting all beings, being unconcerned with their own happiness, being patient and gentle, and having eliminated pride.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they do not squander the mind of awakening. The four qualities are remembering the buddhas, preceding all roots of virtue with the mind of awakening, relying on spiritual friends, and praising the Great Vehicle.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, their minds are focused one-pointedly, and they do not get carried away. The four qualities are that they have abandoned the motivation of the hearers, they have renounced the mindset of solitary buddhas, they search for the Dharma insatiably, and they teach the Dharma as they have heard it.

“Brahmā, [F.30.b] when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they search for the Dharma. The four qualities are that they consider the Dharma as a jewel because it is so difficult to find, they consider the Dharma as a medicine because it cures all ailments, they consider the Dharma as a boon because it cannot be lost, and they consider the Dharma as the pacification of all suffering because it takes beings beyond suffering.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they are skilled at escaping downfalls. The four qualities are an inner acceptance that phenomena are not born, an inner acceptance that phenomena do not cease because they are not transferred, an inner acceptance of dependent arising by analyzing causes, and an inner acceptance of the changing nature of the mind from one moment to the next.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they purify emotional defilements. The four qualities are that they analyze things correctly, they pledge to maintain discipline in the future, they generate the power of virtuous qualities, and they dwell in solitude.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they are skilled at being surrounded by an assembly. The four qualities are that they do not think about seeking conflict since they are only concerned with the Dharma; they are not proud or haughty since they are respectful; they are not ostentatious since they seek all that is virtuous; and they do not act for gain, respect, or praise since their aim is to engage others in roots of virtue.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they share the gift of the Dharma. The four qualities are to uphold the sacred Dharma, to increase their own insight, to carry out holy beings’ activities, and to teach the factors of defilement [F.31.a] and purification.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they have the strength of past causes, and therefore do not exhaust their roots of virtue. The four qualities are to see the confusion of others without condemning them, to maintain love toward those who are angry, to show the causality in phenomena, and to never part from the mind of awakening.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they know the six perfections without having been taught. The four qualities are that they start with generosity, they do not quarrel over transgressions, they master the ways of attracting students in order to mature beings, and they have interest in the profound Dharma.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they turn away from resting in concentration, and they take birth in the desire realm. The four qualities are that their minds are capable, they generate the strength of the roots of virtue, they do not abandon beings, and they cultivate skillful means and insight.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they will never lose the buddhas’ qualities. The four qualities are embracing limitless saṃsāra, making offerings to and worshiping a limitless number of buddhas, cultivating infinite loving kindness, and cultivating infinite compassion.

“Brahmā, when bodhisattva great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they do not sever the buddhas’ lineage. The four qualities are that they do not break promises they have made, they practice what they preach, they have a strong inclination toward roots of virtue, and they abide by persevering effort. Brahmā, when bodhisattva [F.31.b] great beings are endowed with these four qualities, they do not sever the lineage of the buddhas.”

Once the Blessed One had explained these accomplishments of sets of four qualities, thirty-two thousand beings including gods and humans aroused the mind turned toward unsurpassed and perfect awakening. Five thousand bodhisattvas gained acceptance that phenomena are unborn. Furthermore, the bodhisattvas who had gathered from many buddha realms caused divine flowers to fall, covering the worlds of the trichiliocosm to knee height, as an offering to the Blessed One.

Then the youthful Jālinīprabha inquired of Brahma­viśeṣacintin, “Brahmā, the Blessed One said that you are the foremost among those skilled at asking questions. What is the bodhisattvas’ correct way of asking questions?”

Viśeṣacintin replied, “Noble son, queries that reify a self are improperly asked questions. Queries that reify another are improperly asked questions. Queries that reify phenomena are improperly asked questions. Jālinīprabha, queries that do not reify the self, something other, or phenomena are properly asked questions. Furthermore, Jālinīprabha, inquiries with a view of origination are incorrect. Inquiries with a view of cessation are incorrect. Incorrect is any inquiry posed with a view of what is tenable and what is not. Jālinīprabha, the correct way to ask is to question without any view of production, cessation, or what is tenable and what is not.

“Jālinīprabha, furthermore, inquiries with a view of defilement are incorrect. Inquiries with a view of purification are incorrect. Inquiries with a view of saṃsāra [F.32.a] are incorrect. Inquiries with a view of transcending saṃsāra are incorrect. Inquiries with a view of passing beyond suffering are incorrect. Jālinīprabha, to ask questions with no view of defilement, purification, saṃsāra, transcending saṃsāra, or passing beyond suffering is the correct way of asking. Why? This is because phenomena are unchanging; so there are no emotional defilements and there is no purification, no circling in saṃsāra, and no passing beyond suffering.

“Jālinīprabha, furthermore, an inquiry for the sake of gain is incorrect. An inquiry for the sake of reward is incorrect. An inquiry aimed at superknowledge is incorrect. An inquiry for the sake of realization and meditation is incorrect. An inquiry for the sake of being freed from something is incorrect. Jālinīprabha, to ask questions with no limitations, no grasping, no fabrication, no understanding, no superknowledge, no abiding, no meditation, and no view of meditation is the correct way of asking.

“Jālinīprabha, furthermore, an inquiry based on thoughts such as, ‘this is positive,’ ‘this is negative,’ ‘this is defiled,’ ‘this is undefiled,’ ‘this is unwholesome,’ ‘this is not unwholesome,’ ‘this is conditioned,’ ‘this is unconditioned,’ ‘this is worldly,’ or ‘this transcends the world’ is not the proper way to ask questions. Jālinīprabha, as long as questions are formulated with duality in mind, the interrogation is improper. Jālinīprabha, correct questions are asked with no duality, no nonduality, no notion, no name, and no idea in mind.

“Jālinīprabha, furthermore, a question asked by differentiating buddhas, [F.32.b] Dharma teachings, saṅghas, buddha realms, beings, or vehicles is an incorrect way to investigate. Jālinīprabha, questions asked without separating or uniting any phenomena are correct interrogations. Furthermore, Jālinīprabha, all phenomena are proper; all phenomena are improper.”

Jālinīprabha asked, “Brahmā, how is it that all phenomena are proper? How is that all phenomena are improper?”

Brahmā replied, “All phenomena are inconceivable. This is why all phenomena are proper. When those engaged in thought relate to inconceivable phenomena, they become improper. The void characteristic of all phenomena is proper. Those who are not interested in the void become involved in exaggeration. When one exaggerates, one becomes involved in exaggeration; and the greater one’s involvement in exaggeration, the more improper one becomes.”

Jālinīprabha asked, “Brahmā, what is the nature of phenomena?”

Brahmā replied, “Noble son, phenomena are devoid of a domain of their own, which is the ultimate absence of desire.”

Jālinīprabha asked, “Tell me Brahmā, is it not true that very few can understand this: the way all things are?”

Brahmā replied, “Noble son, the ultimate absence of desire is not a singular entity, nor is it a multiplicity. Jālinīprabha, whenever a son or daughter of noble family understands the way things are, he or she does not realize anything. This is how it has always been, and it will always be this way. Why? Because the blessed ones teach that nonunderstanding is knowing all.

“When beings hear this teaching properly and gain trust in it, they are practicing just as it has been taught; they do not conceptually elaborate on any phenomenon. [F.33.a] Whoever does not conceptually elaborate on any phenomenon does not understand anything. Whoever does not understand anything does not wander in saṃsāra, and neither do they have the qualities of nirvāṇa. You may wonder why this is. This is because the blessed ones do not apprehend either saṃsāra or nirvāṇa.”

Jālinīprabha asked, “But do the blessed ones not teach the Dharma so that beings may pass beyond saṃsāra?”

Brahmā responded, “Do the blessed ones teach any Dharma to pass beyond saṃsāra?”

Jālinīprabha replied, “No, they do not.”

Brahmā continued, “Noble son, therefore the blessed ones do not eliminate saṃsāra, and do not lead beings to nirvāṇa. Nevertheless, they teach that nirvāṇa is attained by going beyond dualistic notions. In this, they do not cause anyone to go beyond saṃsāra, nor do they lead beings to nirvāṇa. Why not? This is because in equality, there is no circling in a saṃsāra, no attainment of a nirvāṇa, no defilement, and no purification.”

The Blessed One applauded Brahma­viśeṣacintin, saying, “Excellent, Brahmā, excellent! Brahmā, this point should be explained just as you have done.”

As he correctly delivered this Dharma teaching, two thousand monks freed their minds from contaminations, beyond further grasping.

Then the Blessed One said to Brahmā, “Brahmā, I do not apprehend saṃsāra or nirvāṇa. Why not? Even though the thus-gone ones speak of saṃsāra, there is no saṃsāra to circle in; they teach nirvāṇa, although there is no nirvāṇa to attain. Brahmā, those who understand the meaning of this explanation are neither in saṃsāra nor in nirvāṇa.”

Then [F.33.b] five hundred of the monks in the assembly who had heard this teaching arose to leave and said, “If there is no saṃsāra in which we circle, and if there is no nirvāṇa to attain, then our observation of pure conduct is also pointless. So why then do we need meditation, concentration, absorption, and attainment on the path?”

Youthful Jālinīprabha responded to the Blessed One, “Blessed One, those who pursue the birth or the cessation of anything will not become buddhas. Blessed One, those who try to attain a reified nirvāṇa will not pass beyond saṃsāra. Why not? Blessed One, passing beyond suffering is the quelling of all signs and the end of all movements of thought. But, Blessed One, these foolish people who have gone forth as monks within the well-spoken Dharma-Vinaya now fall into the views of the non-Buddhists as they seek a reified nirvāṇa. Blessed One, when people try to reach a reified nirvāṇa within a total transcendence of all phenomena, like oil pressed out of sesame seeds or butter extracted from milk, they are but proud hearers and non-Buddhists. Blessed One, those who practice correctly do not see any birth or cessation in any phenomenon, do not have anything to attain, and do not seek any realization.”

Then youthful Jālinīprabha said to Brahma­viśeṣacintin, “Brahmā, please give a teaching to these five hundred monks who arose to leave, to inspire them with the Dharma-Vinaya, make them regain their trust, and free them from their unwholesome views.”

“Noble son, they cannot avoid it‍—they cannot avoid it,” he responded.7 [F.34.a] “Even if one were to travel through as many buddha realms as there are grains of sand in the river Ganges, one could not escape this teaching. Noble son, it is like childish beings who are afraid of space and try to escape it; yet everywhere they run, they still see it. Likewise, these monks may go as far as they can, but they cannot escape the characteristics of emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness.

“Now, imagine someone else who says he wants to find space and searches for it. No matter where he goes, and no matter how much he talks about it, he will not find space. Though he moves within space, he cannot see it. Why? Because space is just a name. Noble son, it is the same with these monks who search for a reified nirvāṇa. Even though they function within nirvāṇa, they cannot see it, cannot understand it. Why not? Noble son, because nirvāṇa is just a name. Just as we can utter the word “space,” and yet there is nothing to take hold of, so can we can utter “nirvāṇa, nirvāṇa,” and yet there is nothing to take hold of.”

Upon hearing these explanations, the five hundred monks freed their minds from contaminations beyond further grasping and attained the superknowledges. They said, “Blessed One, beings who search for a real nirvāṇa in a total transcendence of all phenomena cannot reach buddhahood. Blessed One, we are not ordinary beings, nor are we on the path of training, and we are also not worthy ones. We have neither saṃsāric features nor those of nirvāṇa. Why not? Blessed One, to become a buddha, there should be no action, thought, movement of mind, or elaboration.”

Then venerable [F.34.b] Śāriputra said to these monks, “Venerable ones, you understand the spiritual practice. You have accomplished your own benefit.”

The monks replied, “Reverend Śāriputra, we understand defilement. We have accomplished nonaction.”

Śāriputra inquired, “Venerable ones, why do you say this?”

The monks replied, “Reverend Śāriputra, it is because we understand defilement that we are spiritual practitioners. Reverend Śāriputra, nonaction is nirvāṇa; reflecting upon this, we have realized the nature of defilement and say, ‘we have accomplished nonaction.’ ”

Śāriputra assented, “Excellent, excellent, venerable ones! Venerable ones, you are now at the level where you are worthy recipients of offerings.”

The monks replied, “Reverend Śāriputra, just as the Teacher does not partake of offerings, so should we train.”

“Why?”

“Reverend Śāriputra, because the Thus-Gone One naturally knows the realm of phenomena.”

Brahma­viśeṣacintin then inquired of the Blessed One, “Blessed One, who are those who are worthy recipients of offerings?”

The Blessed One replied, “Brahmā, those who are not carried away by worldly concerns.”

“Blessed One, who can partake of offerings?”

“Those who have no grasping to anything.”

“Tell us, who are the fields of merit in the world?”

“Those who do not squander the mind of awakening.”

“Tell us, who are the spiritual teachers?”

“Those who never relinquish loving kindness toward all beings.”

“Tell us, who will repay the thus-gone ones’ deeds?”

“Those who do not sever the buddhas’ lineage.”

“Tell us, who makes offerings to the thus-gone ones?” [F.35.a]

“Those who realize the limit of the absence of birth.”

“Tell us, who attends to the thus-gone ones?”

“Those who abide by the training, even at the cost of their lives.”

“Tell us, who worships the thus-gone ones?”

“Those who control their faculties.”

“Tell us, who is the richest in the world?”

“Those who are endowed with the seven riches.”

“Tell us, who pursues the best in the world?”

“Those in the world who have unsurpassable insight.”

“Tell us, who is disengaged?”

“Those who yearn for nothing in the three realms.”

“Tell us, who in the world is well restrained?”

“Those who have refined away all fetters.”

“Tell us, who is happy in the world?”

“Those who have no grasping.”

“Tell us, who is free of grasping?”

“Those who know the five aggregates.”

“Tell us, who has crossed over?”

“Those who have relinquished the six sense fields.”

“Blessed One, who has gone to the other shore?”

“Brahmā, those who have attained equality.”

“Blessed One, tell us, when does the bodhisattvas’ generosity blossom?”

“When they inspire beings toward the mind of omniscience.”

“Tell us, when are bodhisattvas endowed with discipline?”

“When they do not abandon the mind of omniscience.”

“Tell us, when are bodhisattvas endowed with patience?”

“When they see that [F.35.b] the mind of omniscience is inexhaustible.”

“Tell us, when are bodhisattvas endowed with diligence?”

“When they investigate the mind of omniscience without apprehending it.”

“Tell us, when are bodhisattvas in concentration?”

“When they realize the natural peace of the mind of omniscience.”

“Tell us, when are bodhisattvas endowed with insight?”

“When they do not conceptually elaborate any phenomenon.”

“Tell us, when do they abide in loving kindness?”

“When they do not conceive of beings.”

“Tell us, when do they abide in compassion?”

“When they do not conceive of any phenomenon.”

“Tell us, when do they abide in joy?”

“When they do not conceive of a self.”

“Tell us, when do they abide in equanimity?”

“When they do not conceive of self and other.”

“Tell us, when do they have faith?”

“When they trust in the inexpressibility of all things.”

“Tell us, when are they learned?”

“When they have abandoned attachment to any sound.”

“Tell us, when do they become dignified?”

“When they understand their inner components.”

“Tell us, when do they have perfect propriety?”

“When they abandon the outer sense fields.”

“Blessed One, when do bodhisattvas have qualities that are always present?”

“When they purify the karmic actions of their bodies, speech, and minds,” the Blessed One replied.

At that point the Blessed One spoke the following verses:

Then Brahma­viśeṣacintin said to the Blessed One, [F.36.b] “Blessed One, how do bodhisattva great beings transcend worldly concerns? How, even in the midst of worldly concerns, do these not blight them? How do they deal with worldly concerns, and even seek them out, yet not actually engage with them? How do they liberate beings from worldly concerns by taking on these very worldly concerns? How, having realized the equality of worldly concerns, do they function in the world without eliminating worldly concerns?”

The Blessed One again spoke in verse to answer Brahma­viśeṣacintin:

The Blessed One then said to Brahma­viśeṣacintin, “Brahmā, since the thus-gone ones have gone beyond the domain of the world, they [F.38.a] can speak of the world, the origin of the world, the cessation of the world, and the path that leads to the cessation of the world. Brahmā, the world refers to the five aggregates. Any attachment to them is the origin of the world. The exhaustion and cessation of the aggregates corresponds to the cessation of the world, while the path is the nonduality of searching and not searching for the aggregates. Furthermore, Brahmā, what we call the aggregates are merely different designations. The world is these words and verbalized views. To pursue these views is the origin of the world. The genuine cessation of these views is the cessation of the world. The path through which one stops grasping on to these views is the path that leads to the cessation of the world. Brahmā, having reflected about this, I have designated, in relation to this six-foot-tall body, the world, the origin of the world, the cessation of the world, and the path that leads to the cessation of the world.”

Brahma­viśeṣacintin inquired of the Blessed One, “Blessed One, the thus-gone ones teach the four truths of the noble ones; but what, Blessed One, are the truths of the noble ones?”

The Blessed One replied, “Brahmā, suffering is not a truth of the noble ones. Brahmā, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path that leads to the cessation of suffering are not the truths of the noble ones. Why not? Brahmā, if suffering were a truth of the noble ones, then beasts of burden, like oxen and donkeys, along with all beings in the hell realms, would likewise experience the truth of the noble ones. Why? Because they experience sensations of suffering. Brahmā, if the origin of suffering [F.38.b] were a truth of the noble ones, then all beings, who are born in existences that originate in various ways, would also experience the truths of the noble ones. If the cessation of suffering were a truth of the noble ones, then all those who are seeking nirvāṇa by annihilating things and all the proponents of nihilistic views, who fall into the view of cessation, would also experience the truth of the noble ones. If the path were a truth of the noble ones, then all those who pursue conditioned phenomena, which arise from further conditioned phenomena, and apprehend a conditioned path would also experience the truth of the noble ones. Therefore, Brahmā, through this instruction, you should know that suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path are not the truths of the noble ones. Rather, Brahmā, it is a truth of the noble ones that suffering is unborn. It is a truth of the noble ones that no origin should be engaged with. It is a truth of the noble ones that in the complete cessation of all phenomena, they neither arise nor cease. It is a truth of the noble ones to train on the path where all phenomena are equality and nondual.

“Brahmā, what we call truth is not the truth, but neither is it falsehood. Falsehood refers to apprehending self, sentient being, life, person, annihilation, permanence, origin, decay,9 birth, cessation, saṃsāra, or nirvāṇa‍—these are called “falsehood.” Not grasping on to these and not aggrandizing them‍—this is called “truth.” Suffering should be known is a falsehood, its origin should be abandoned is a falsehood, cessation should be realized is a falsehood, and the path should be cultivated [F.39.a] is a falsehood. Why? These are deviations from remembering the words of the Buddha. That is why they are falsehoods. What does it mean to remember the words of the Buddha? To not remember or keep in mind any phenomenon is to remember the words of the Buddha. When you abide by this remembrance, you do not dwell on any characteristic. When you do not dwell on any characteristic, you dwell on the limit of reality. When you dwell on the limit of reality, the mind does not dwell. When there is no dwelling in this way, there is neither truthful speech nor any deceptive speech. This is why, Brahmā, according to this instruction, you should know that the truths of the noble ones are that which is neither true nor false. Brahmā, these truths are never falsehoods. Whether thus-gone ones appear or not, the realm of phenomena prevails. Likewise, saṃsāra and nirvāṇa also are forever the truths of the noble ones. Why? Brahmā, the truths of the noble ones are not there to abandon saṃsāra. The truths of the noble ones are not there to attain nirvāṇa. Brahmā, if someone realizes and actualizes the four truths of the noble ones in this way, then that person expresses the truth.

“Furthermore, Brahmā, in the future there will be some monks who fail to cultivate body, mind, and discipline or to develop insight. They will say that due to the birth of suffering, suffering is a truth of the noble ones. They will say that because there is an origin, the origin is a truth of the noble ones. They will say that because things perish, cessation is a truth of the noble ones. They will say that because cessation comes from the path, the path is a truth of the noble ones. Thus, they will speak of the truths in a dualistic way. I say that such foolish people are merely non-Buddhist hearers. [F.39.b] Anyone who says that the truth of cessation of the noble ones is attained through the perishing of anything has set out on the wrong path. I am not their teacher. They are not my hearers. Look, Brahmā! While I sat at the seat of awakening, I comprehended neither truths nor falsehoods. Could something that I do not comprehend be the teaching or explanation held by another thus-gone one?”

“No, Blessed One,” Brahmā replied.

The Blessed One continued, “Awakening is not apprehended by any thus-gone one. Being ungrasped, it is free of any state of cyclic existence.”

Then Brahma­viśeṣacintin said to the Blessed One, “Blessed One, if the thus-gone ones do not apprehend any phenomenon while seated at the seat of awakening, why do we use the expression ‘the thus-gone ones have found awakening and become perfect buddhas’?”

The Blessed One answered in the following manner: “Brahmā, tell me: are the conditioned and unconditioned Dharma teachings that I give real or not?”

“Blessed One, they are not real. Well-Gone One, they are not real.”

The Blessed One then asked, “Brahmā, do those unreal phenomena exist or not?”

“Blessed One, nothing exists, in the sense that one cannot speak of existence or nonexistence.”

The Blessed One said, “No phenomenon exists, and no phenomenon does not exist. So, is there anyone to attain perfect awakening?”

“Blessed One, there is no one who attains perfect awakening.”

The Blessed One continued, “Brahmā, in this way the thus-gone ones who have reached the seat of awakening know that the essence of the defilements‍—which arise from mistakenly conceiving of nonexistence‍—by nature is utterly unborn. It is by not knowing anything [F.40.a] and not apprehending anything that they know. Why? Brahmā, in the same way that I do not see anything that could be complete awakening, neither do I hear it, think about it, realize it, cognize it, apprehend it, unite with it, formulate it verbally, or reach it. It is beyond all objects, inexpressible, utterly inexpressible, beyond investigation, unrealizable, beyond letters, beyond words, and cannot be cognized. Brahmā, is this phenomenon, which is like space, posited as an actual realization?”

“No, Blessed One. Blessed One, the blessed buddhas possess the quality of inconceivable compassion; and thus, as they awaken to the Dharma of complete peace, they lead others to understanding through words and expressions‍—this is extraordinary! Blessed One, beings with faith in the Dharma taught by the blessed ones do not have trifling roots of virtue. Why not? This is because, Blessed One, this Dharma contradicts the whole world.”

The Blessed One asked, “Tell me Brahmā, how is this Dharma in contradiction with the whole world?”

Brahmā answered, “Blessed One, the world is attached to truth. But this Dharma is not a truth. It is not a falsehood either. Although the world is attached to Dharma, this Dharma is not the Dharma, nor is it not the Dharma. Although the world is attached to nirvāṇa, this Dharma has neither saṃsāra nor nirvāṇa. Although the world is attached to virtue, this Dharma has neither virtue nor nonvirtue. Although the world is attached to happiness, this Dharma brings neither happiness nor suffering. Although the world is attached to the emergence of a buddha, [F.40.b] this Dharma leads neither to the emergence of a buddha nor to any nirvāṇa. Although the Dharma is taught, it is beyond speech. Although the saṅgha is taught, no one is assembled. This is why this Dharma is in contradiction with the whole world. Blessed One, as an analogy, fire cannot coexist with water, nor can water with fire. Likewise, emotional defilements are in contradiction with awakening, and awakening with emotional defilements. Why? In the absence of emotional defilements, the thus-gone ones find buddhahood. Although taught, this Dharma does not appear. Even omniscience cannot fathom it. Although it may be practiced, no duality is produced. Although it may be realized, nothing is attained. Although nirvāṇa may be reached, no peace is found.

“Blessed One, sons or daughters of noble family who trust this Dharma way are liberated from all myriad views. They have paid respect to the thus-gone ones and served the victorious ones of the past. Spiritual friends will accept them. They will be devoted to10 what is vast since their roots of virtue multiply. They will find a treasure since they keep the treasury of the thus-gone ones. They will always act properly since they observe wholesome conduct. They will belong to a good family since they uphold the buddhas’ family. They will practice great charity since they let go of all emotional defilements. They will be endowed with the strength of discipline. They will not be disturbed by the force of emotional defilements. They will be endowed with the strength of patience since they are willing to give up their lives. They will be endowed with the strength of diligence since they never grow weary. They will be endowed with the strength of concentration, since they incinerate negative actions. They will be endowed with the strength of insight, since they are free from negative views. [F.41.a]

“It will be very difficult for māras to overcome them. They will not be overcome by opponents. They will never attempt to deceive the thus-gone ones. They will master correct speech since they are skilled in teaching the nature of things. They will speak the truth since they teach the absolute Dharma. They will be cared for by the thus-gone ones. They will be gentle since they bring happiness to those who associate with them. They will be rich with the wealth of the noble ones. Being part of the noble ones’ family, they will strive in what is supreme. They will be easy to nourish and easy to satisfy. They will receive inspiration to cross to the other shore. They will liberate those who have not already crossed over. They will liberate those who are not free. They will inspire those who are not inspired. They will lead to nirvāṇa those who have not passed into nirvāṇa. They will teach the path. They will teach how to pass beyond suffering. They will be the foremost doctors since they find all remedies. They will be like medicines since they cure all sicknesses. They will acquire the strength of wisdom. They will gain great resolve. They will be powerful since they are not dependent on others. They will be like the lion since their hair is always unruffled by fear. They will be like the bull since they are of good breed. They will be like the elephant since their minds are tamed. They will be like great leaders since they gather great assemblies. They will be heroes since they vanquish all māras and opponents. They will be stable since they are free from fear created by their surroundings. They will be invincible since they have gained fearlessness. [F.41.b] They will not be afraid of those who teach the truth.

“They will be like the moon since they shine with white virtues. They will be like the sun since they shine the light of insight. They will be like a lamp since they are devoid of any obscurity. They will be like a foundation since they are free of attachment to friends and aversion toward others. They will be like the earth since they nourish all beings. They will be like the wind since they do not fixate on any phenomenon. They will be like water since they clean all the stains of emotional defilements. They will be like fire since they overcome all forms of haughtiness. They will be like Mount Meru since they are unshakable. They will be like the surrounding mountains, which are as hard as a vajra, since their virtuous resolve is firm and unswerving. No opponent will be able to subdue them. No hearer or solitary buddha will understand their depth. They will be like the great ocean since they contain all the jewels of the Dharma. They will be like the ocean depths since they destroy all negative emotions. They will never be satisfied in their search for the Dharma. Insight will fulfill them. They will be like kings since they turn the wheel of Dharma. They will be like Śakra since they have a wonderful physical appearance. They will be like Brahmā since they have acquired sovereignty. They will be like clouds since they thunder the sound of the Dharma. They will be like the rain since they pour down ambrosia.

“They will increase the faculties, the powers, and the elements of awakening. They will have traversed the mire of saṃsāra. They will experience the buddhas’ wisdom. They will approach the buddhas’ awakening. [F.42.a] They will be unequalled in intellect. In terms of learning, they will be supreme. They will be incomparable, because they are beyond any evaluation. They will have unobstructed eloquence. They will have great memory since they have attained perfect recollection. They will attain realization since they understand the meaning. They will be intelligent since they correctly discern all phenomena. They will know the thoughts of beings. They will be diligent since they work at helping the world. They will transcend the world. They will be like lotuses since they are free from attachment. They will be ungrasped by worldly concerns. They will delight the wise. The learned will hold them in high regard. The erudite will venerate them. Gods and humans will worship them. Worldly beings will prostrate to them. Noble ones will honor them. Hearers and solitary buddhas will admire them. They will not place their hopes in limited activities.11 They will be without hypocrisy since they are without attachment. Their behavior will be delightful. They will have an attractive appearance. Their charisma will enchant others. They will be adorned with the major marks. The excellent minor signs will beautify them. They will uphold the lineage of the Buddha. They will protect the lineage of the Dharma. They will watch over the lineage of the Saṅgha. They will be under the eyes of all buddhas. They will gain the Dharma eye. Their realization of the buddhas’ wisdom will be prophesied. [F.42.b] They will perfect the three types of patience. They will sit at the seat of awakening. They will trounce the factions of māras. They will acquire omniscience. They will turn the wheel of Dharma.

“Blessed One, they will accomplish the activities of the buddhas. Blessed One, whoever hears this profound Dharma way will become confident, undaunted, and fearless. Those who become inspired when hearing the thus-gone ones speak of such a profound awakening, which is so difficult to know, so difficult to see, and so difficult to comprehend, and who remember these teachings, preserve them, spread them among others, take up this Dharma, and lead others to follow it wholeheartedly are worthy of praise. Their qualities are such that, even if I, Blessed One, were to speak of and praise their qualities for an entire eon or even longer, I could not fully express the extraordinary qualities of these sacred beings.”

The Blessed One asked, “Brahmā, what do you know of the praise or excellence of these sacred beings?”

Brahmā replied, “The thus-gone ones know all things with untainted buddha wisdom. Yet the qualities of these beings go beyond this knowledge. They realize the profound meaning, words, and syllables of the thus gone ones’ explanations, and search for the intent behind the teachings, conform to it with no contradiction, absorb it without corrupting it, and understand the meaning without chasing after the words. These beings know clearly what the thus-gone ones convey with the words they use to teach the Dharma, and the indirect formulations the thus-gone ones use to teach the Dharma, as well as the skillful means, the various ways, and the great compassion the thus-gone ones use to teach the Dharma.” [F.43.a]

The Blessed One stated, “Brahmā, if a bodhisattva knows how to apply the five strengths12 of the thus-gone ones, that bodhisattva is said to be dear to beings by performing the deeds of a buddha.”

Brahmā asked, “Blessed One, how are the five strengths of the thus-gone ones applied?”

The Blessed One replied, “They are applied by speaking of the Dharma, teaching using indirect formulations, inspiring others to pursue the skillful Dharma, teaching clearly, and being motivated by great compassion. Brahmā, these are the applications of the five strengths of the thus-gone ones that no one among the hearers and solitary buddhas possesses.”

Brahmā asked, “Blessed One, what are the discourses with which the thus-gone ones teach the Dharma?”

The Blessed One answered, “Brahmā, we speak of the past, the future, the present, defilement, purification, virtue and nonvirtue, the worldly and the supramundane, the defiled and the undefiled, the reprehensible and the nonreprehensible, the conditioned and the unconditioned, the self, beings, vitality, life, the individual, the person, realization, saṃsāra, and nirvāṇa. Such statements, Brahmā, are like illusions, in that they are nonexistent. To speak about something‍—while seeing that there is no such thing‍—is like a dream. These statements are like echoes since they are voiced in the manner of sounds in space. They are manifested by a gathering of conditions, so they are like mirages. They are statements with no transformation of their causes, so they are like reflections. They are like optical illusions since they are taught through mistaken observation. They are presented without arising or disappearing, so they are like space. They are as if unspoken since they resound without speech. [F.43.b] Brahmā, when bodhisattvas know the way of teaching the Dharma that I have just explained, they can make any statements, yet they are not attached to any phenomena. With no attachment to them, they possess the eloquence of uninhibited wisdom to explain the Dharma, even if they must speak continuously for as many eons as there are grains of sand in the river Ganges. They possess the eloquence of uninhibited wisdom that realizes how all words are never different from the realm of phenomena, without having any attachment to this absence of difference regarding phenomena. Brahmā, this is the way the thus-gone ones teach the Dharma.

“Brahmā, you may also ask how bodhisattvas penetrate the indirect teachings of the thus-gone ones. Brahmā, the thus-gone ones teach defilement as purification; they teach purification as defilement. Bodhisattvas must ascertain these indirect teachings. Brahmā, why would the thus-gone ones teach that defilement is purification? In order to avoid mistaken conceptions regarding the essence of defilement, defilement is explained in terms of purification. Why would purification be taught as defilement? To avoid mistaken conception regarding the essence of purification, purification is explained in terms of defilement.

“Brahmā, I teach that giving is nirvāṇa. Immature beings do not understand this, but the bodhisattvas who can relate skillfully to the indirect teachings understand that generosity leads to great happiness in the next life, while nothing is transferred. Since nothing is transferred, it is nirvāṇa. Effortless discipline is nirvāṇa. Instantaneous patience is nirvāṇa. Diligence without adopting or rejecting is nirvāṇa. Nonconceptual concentration is nirvāṇa. [F.44.a] Unimpeded insight is nirvana. Since the realm of phenomena is free from desire, desire is ultimately free from desire. Since the realm of phenomena is free from aggression, aversion is the limit of reality. Since there is no delusion regarding phenomena, ignorance is ultimately without ignorance. Beings circle in saṃsāra without dying, transference, or birth, so saṃsāra is also nirvāṇa. Since nirvāṇa is devoid of attachment, nirvāṇa is also saṃsāra. Truths are false, because they are based on views imputed conventionally. Yet those who are conceited see truth in falsity. This you should understand.

“Brahmā, furthermore, in their indirect teachings, the thus-gone ones say that they are teachers of eternalism. They say, ‘I teach defilement. I teach nihilism. I teach nonaction. I teach wrong views. I teach to have no faith and no gratitude, to interrupt effort, to eat vomit, and to give no opportunity to practice.’ Nevertheless, things do not happen or appear in the way the thus-gone ones teach them. The thus-gone ones present such indirect teachings that satisfy beings who are filled with manifest pride. These are indirect teachings of the thus-gone ones.

“Brahmā, in this way, the thus-gone ones present the Dharma with indirect teachings, which bodhisattvas who master the right conduct are able to determine. With such mastery, they become learned in all the teachings. They have confidence when they think that a buddha has come in a form body to teach beings. They have confidence when they hear that having come from the dharmakāya, a thus-gone one cannot have come. They have confidence when they hear that a thus-gone one teaches the Dharma to beings for whom words are appealing. They have confidence when they hear that having ascertained the inexpressible nature of reality, there is no Dharma to teach. [F.44.b] They have confidence when they hear that there is a nirvāṇa, as beings need to transcend the suffering of emotional defilements that arise from misapprehension. They have confidence when they hear that there is no nirvāṇa since unborn things do not perish. They have confidence when they hear that, from the relative perspective, there are beings. They have confidence when they hear that, in the absolute teachings, there are no beings. Brahmā, in this way the thus-gone ones teach the Dharma using indirect formulations. Bodhisattvas should not be afraid of any teaching.

“Brahmā, in this regard, what are the means that the thus-gone ones use to teach the Dharma to beings? Wealth is acquired through generosity, a higher rebirth through discipline, a beautiful physical appearance through patience, wisdom through diligence, and detachment through concentration. Abandoning emotional defilements and gaining the knowledge derived from listening are acquired through insight. The excellent qualities of gods and humans come from following the path of the ten virtues. Loving kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity bring rebirth in the Brahmā realms. Tranquility leads to extraordinary insight. The levels of the path of learning lead to the level of no more learning. The level of the solitary buddhas leads to the practice of generosity, the level of buddhahood grants boundless wisdom, and nirvāṇa offers the complete pacification of all suffering.

“Brahmā, I skillfully bring beings to this Dharma by explaining these points. The thus-gone ones do not apprehend any self, sentient being, life, or person. Nor do the thus-gone ones apprehend generosity or its result; nor do they apprehend stinginess or its result. They do not apprehend discipline or its result; nor do they apprehend negative ways [F.45.a] or their result. They do not apprehend patience or its result; nor do they apprehend ill-will or its result. They do not apprehend diligence or its result; nor do they apprehend laziness or its result. They do not apprehend concentration or its result; nor do they apprehend distraction or its result. They do not apprehend insight or its result; nor do they apprehend erroneous insight or its result. They do not apprehend happiness or suffering. They do not apprehend the different results on the path, from a stream enterer up to and including awakening. They do not apprehend complete nirvāṇa, either.

“Brahmā, beings who have received such teachings strive to apply and practice them. Yet what do they have to gain from striving to apply and practice the teachings? No realization or attainment derives from application or effort. They will neither realize nor attain the different levels, from a stream enterer to a worthy one, the level of solitary awakening, and up to unexcelled and perfect awakening and nirvāṇa. Brahmā, these are the skillful means used by the thus-gone ones to teach the Dharma. Therefore, bodhisattvas need to become skilled in means in order to help beings connect with the sacred Dharma.

“Brahmā, how do the thus-gone ones teach? The eye is a principle of liberation. Likewise, the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind are all principles of liberation. Why? The eye is empty of me and mine; such is its nature. It is the same for the others, up to and including the mind; they are empty of me and mine. Such is their nature.

“Brahmā, since this is without deception, you should understand how all sense fields are [F.45.b] principles of liberation of beings. Beings who apply themselves to this will infallibly attain liberation; and it is the same for form, sound, smell, taste, texture, and mental phenomena. This is the way all things are, which comprises the ways of emptiness; signlessness; wishlessness; the unconditioned; the unborn; the unceasing; the absence of coming and going; the absence of death, transference, and rebirth; natural luminosity; and detachment. Since syllables are inanimate by nature, they cannot meet each other; so the thus-gone ones speak in a way that is a gate of liberation from all syllables. Brahmā, all their syllables show the truth. All their utterances reveal the thus-gone ones’ teaching of the truth of the principle of liberation. The Dharma taught by the thus-gone ones never turns into defilement. Their Dharma teachings lead to liberation; they reveal nirvāṇa. Brahmā, this is the way the thus-gone ones teach, and bodhisattvas need to learn it.

“Brahmā, you may wonder about the nature of the compassion with which the thus-gone ones teach the Dharma to beings. The thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for others, which has thirty-two aspects. They are: (1) All phenomena are devoid of a self, but beings are not interested in selflessness; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (2) All phenomena are devoid of beings, yet beings call themselves beings; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (3) All phenomena are devoid of a life principle, but beings think that a life principle exists; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (4) All phenomena are devoid of an individual, [F.46.a] but beings remain fixated on an individual; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (5) All phenomena are devoid of an essential nature, but beings see essences; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (6) All phenomena are without foundation, but beings rely on foundations; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (7) All phenomena are devoid of a substratum, but beings take delight in a substratum; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (8) All phenomena are devoid of something to hold as mine, but beings are fixated on holding to things as mine; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (9) All phenomena are devoid of an owner, but beings strive to hold on to things; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (10) All phenomena are unreal, but beings rely on things as real; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (11) All phenomena are unborn, but beings remain fixated on birth; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (12) All phenomena are devoid of transference and rebirth, but beings are fixated on death, transference, and birth; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (13) All phenomena are devoid of factors of defilement, but beings are defiled; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (14) All phenomena are devoid of desire, but beings are full of attachment; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (15) All phenomena are devoid of aversion, but beings are full of aversion; [F.46.b] this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (16) All phenomena are devoid of ignorance, but beings are ignorant; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (17) All phenomena are devoid of coming, but beings are fixated on coming; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (18) All phenomena are devoid of going, but beings are fixated on going; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (19) All phenomena are devoid of formation, but beings experience formation; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (20) All phenomena are devoid of conceptual elaborations, but beings delight in conceptual elaborations; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (21) All phenomena are emptiness, but beings hold on to views; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (22) All phenomena are signlessness, but beings’ experiences involve signs; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (23) All phenomena are wishlessness, but beings have aspirations; this is why the thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings. (24) The thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings by thinking, ‘Alas, the denizens of this world always fight and rage with malevolence; therefore, I will teach them the Dharma, so that they can abandon the fault of raging with malevolence.’ (25) The thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings by thinking, ‘Alas, the denizens of this world have wrong conceptions and follow perilous routes and mistaken paths; therefore, I shall set them upon the right path.’ [F.47.a] (26) The thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings by thinking, ‘Alas, the denizens of this world are overcome by greed and attachment, they know no contentment, and they carry off others’ belongings; therefore, I shall establish them in the riches of the noble ones‍—faith, discipline, learning, generosity, insight, dignity, and propriety.’ (27) The thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings by thinking, ‘Alas, beings are oppressed by their craving for wealth, harvests, houses, sons, and wives, grasping at an essence where there is no essence; therefore, I shall teach them how everything is impermanent.’ (28) The thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings by thinking, ‘Alas, beings gain their subsistence through ignorance and deceiving one another; therefore, I shall teach them the Dharma, so that they may live by the right livelihood.’ (29) The thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings by thinking, ‘Alas, beings do not like each other, but pretend to be close for gain and praise; therefore, I shall become a genuine spiritual friend who leads them to nirvāṇa, the delightful pacification of all suffering.’ (30) The thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings by thinking, ‘Alas, beings are overwhelmed by emotional defilements and delight in family life, which is the source of so much suffering; therefore, I shall teach them the Dharma, to extricate them from the three realms of existence.’ (31) The thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings by thinking, ‘All phenomena arise from causes‍—this is their defining characteristic‍—but beings are idle when it comes to work at the liberation of the noble ones.’ (32) The thus-gone ones arouse great compassion for beings by thinking, ‘There are beings who reject the perfect nirvāṇa, the supreme wisdom of the buddhas, which is devoid of attachment, and instead seek the lower vehicles of hearers [F.47.b] and solitary buddhas. I shall inspire them toward the vast, so that they may turn their attention toward the wisdom of the buddhas.’

“Brahmā, the compassion that the thus-gone ones arouse for beings has these thirty-two aspects. This is why the thus-gone ones are called great compassionate ones. Brahmā, you should know that the bodhisattva who generates for beings this great compassion endowed with these thirty-two aspects is a bodhisattva great being, who blossoms as a magnificent field of merit, who never falls back, and who strives to accomplish the benefit of beings.”

At the conclusion of this explanation‍—a section that is a Dharma gateway to great compassion‍—thirty-two thousand beings aroused the thought of unexcelled and perfect awakening. A hundred thousand others attained forbearance. Seventy-two thousand gods gained the pure eyes of Dharma, free of dust and specks.

Then the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha addressed the Blessed One, “Blessed One, Brahma­viśeṣacintin has heard this Dharma teaching on the thus-gone ones’ great compassion. But why does this cause no joy or inspiration in him?”

Brahma­viśeṣacintin himself replied, “Noble son, those who have dualistic minds can feel joy and inspiration. However, those who have realized the limit of reality, which is beyond duality, have no such feelings of joy or inspiration. Noble son, it is like someone conjured up by magic. When such an illusory being dances, it engenders no joy or inspiration. Noble son, likewise, since all phenomena have the characteristic of being like magical illusions, I do not feel any joy or inspiration about the Thus-Gone One’s miracles. [F.48.a] Noble son, if the manifestation of a thus-gone one hears the eloquent speech of that thus-gone one, he will not rejoice or be inspired. Likewise, noble son, those who know that phenomena are mere manifestations do not feel any particular joy concerning the thus-gone ones, nor do they disparage beings.”

Then Jālinīprabha asked, “Brahmā, do you see all phenomena as illusory manifestations?”

“Noble son, you should ask that of those who act based on dualistic distinctions.”

“Brahmā, what is your basis for action?”

“I act based on what all immature, ordinary beings act upon.”

“Brahmā, immature, ordinary beings act upon desire, aversion, and ignorance. They act upon personalistic false views, and upon belief in the supremacy of discipline and ascetic practices, as well as acting upon doubt, grasping at me, grasping at mine, desire, craving, and mistaken approaches. Do you do the same?”

“Noble son, do you posit the existence of all the ordinary phenomena of ordinary individuals?”

“I do not even posit the existence of ordinary individuals themselves, so how could I posit the existence of their ordinary phenomena?”

“Noble son, do you posit attachment, aversion, or ignorance toward these things that do not exist at all?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Noble son, all phenomena are characterized as being free of desire, free of aversion, and free of ignorance. Noble son, since noble beings conduct themselves in this way, free of duality, they can also act in the way ordinary beings do. Noble son, any action is no action, any imputation is no imputation, and any going is no going.” [F.48.b]

“Brahmā, why is any action no action?”

“Even if someone works for hundreds of sextillions of eons, one does not apprehend the realm of phenomena being depleted or filled; this is why any action is no action.”

“Brahmā, why is any imputation no imputation?”

“Noble son, all phenomena can be designated, because they are not imputations; this is why the imputation of any phenomenon is no imputation.”

“Brahmā, how is any going no going?”

“Since there is nowhere to go, any going is no going.”

The Blessed One congratulated Brahma­viśeṣacintin: “Brahmā, excellent, excellent! You have explained this point the way it should be explained. Excellent, excellent!”

Youthful Jālinīprabha said to Brahma­viśeṣacintin, “Brahmā, you said, ‘I conduct myself based on the same things as all immature, ordinary beings.’ This means that you also have conduct.”

“Noble son, if I possessed a cause of birth, I would also have conduct.”

“Brahmā, if you are not born, how can you mature beings?”

“Noble son, my birth is just like the manifestations produced by thus-gone ones.”

“Therefore, the manifestations of the thus-gone ones have no birth whatsoever.”

“How do the manifestations of the thus-gone ones appear?”

“They appear through the power of the buddhas.”

“Noble son, my birth also appears through the power of karma.”

“Brahmā, do you produce karma when you act?”

“Noble son, my actions produce no karma.”

“If there is no karma, how can this karma have power?”

“The power is the same as the act [F.49.a]‍—neither is beyond suchness.”

Then the elder Śāriputra spoke to the Blessed One, “Blessed One, those who engage with the indirect teachings of these great elephants produce vast merit. Why? Blessed One, merely to hear the names of these holy beings is already excellent, so what need is there to mention hearing their teachings? Blessed One, imagine a tree that does not stand on the earth, yet it displays roots, a trunk, branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Blessed One, holy beings’ actions are just the same. They do not dwell on these phenomena, yet they display actions, birth, appearances, transference, and death. When they appear in the buddha realms, they teach by means of their insightful eloquence. Blessed One, how could any son or daughter of noble family who witnesses the manifestations of this insightful eloquence not arouse the mind of unexcelled and perfect awakening?” [B3]

Furthermore, in the assembly at that time there was a bodhisattva called Saṃkusuma, who said to the elder Śāriputra, “The Thus-Gone One has said that the elder is foremost among those who possess insight. So why is the elder unable to produce such a manifestation by means of insightful eloquence‍—doesn’t the elder understand the realm of phenomena?”

The elder Śāriputra replied, “Saṃkusuma, the hearers of the Blessed One teach in accordance with their domain.”

“Venerable Śāriputra, is the realm of phenomena your domain?”

“No, it is not.”

“So, elder Śāriputra, how do you teach in accordance with your domain?”

“I simply teach according to a hearer’s understanding.” [F.49.b]

“Elder, are you able to understand the immeasurable aspect of the domain of the realm of phenomena?”

“Yes, noble son.”

“Since the realm of phenomena is devoid of any measure, it is immeasurable. Venerable Śāriputra, just as your comprehension is immeasurable, so is your teaching immeasurable. Just as one understands, so will one’s teaching.”

“Saṃkusuma, the realm of phenomena is not characterized as something that can be realized.”

“Venerable Śāriputra, if the realm of phenomena is not characterized as something that can be realized, is your liberation different from the realm of phenomena?”

“No, it is not.”

“Why not?”

“Because then the realm of phenomena would become different.”

“So, venerable Śāriputra, for that reason your comprehension must be equal to the realm of phenomena.”

“Saṃkusuma, I do not want to teach; I just want to listen.”

“Venerable Śāriputra, how should one deliver or listen to the definitive explanation of how all phenomena never waver from the realm of phenomena?”

“That is not the point.”

“Then why do you feel that you only want to listen, and not teach?”

“Noble son, it is said that when the thus-gone ones teach the Dharma respectfully and someone else listens to the Dharma respectfully, both generate vast merit. That is why I am asking you to explain while I listen.”

“Elder Śāriputra, can you listen to the Dharma while resting in equipoise in the cessation of all perceptions and sensations.”

“Noble son, whoever listens with a dualistic mind is not in cessation.”

“Elder Śāriputra, are all phenomena naturally in cessation?”

“It is like this, noble son: All phenomena are in complete [F.50.a] cessation.”

“Consequently, venerable Śāriputra, there is no opportunity to listen to the Dharma without perpetual termination. Why? Because all phenomena are by nature in cessation.”

“Noble son, can you teach the Dharma without rising from meditative absorption?”

“Venerable Śāriputra, can you apprehend any phenomenon different from meditative equipoise?”

“No.”

“Therefore, this means that all immature, ordinary beings are in equipoise.”

“Noble son, if so, in which type of absorption are immature, ordinary beings resting?”

“The absorption with no disturbance of the realm of phenomena.”

“Saṃkusuma, if that is the case, then there is no difference between ordinary beings and noble ones.”

“Venerable Śāriputra, that is correct; I do not see ordinary beings as different from noble ones. Why not? Noble ones do not end any phenomenon, and immature, ordinary beings do not produce any phenomenon. They do not go beyond the equality of the realm of phenomena.”

“Noble son, what is the equality of phenomena?”

“It is what the elders know and teach. Can the elders also produce the qualities of the noble ones?”

“No.”

“Have you stopped being an ordinary being?”

“No.”

“Well, have you gained the qualities of a noble one?”

“No.”

“So then, do you know the phenomena of ordinary beings?”

“No.”

“So then, what is the realization gained due to the understanding of the elders?”

“The suchness of immature, ordinary beings who have not heard the teachings and the suchness upon liberation are the same. [F.50.b] This is also the suchness of complete nirvāṇa.”

“Venerable Śāriputra, this suchness is unerring suchness, unique suchness, unchanging suchness, and undisturbed suchness. Venerable Śāriputra, this suchness should be understood as being the suchness of all phenomena.”

Venerable Śāriputra now spoke to the Blessed One, “Blessed One, just as a great, blazing fire burns everything, so, Blessed One, do all the teachings presented by these noble sons teach the realm of phenomena. All Dharma teachings incinerate all emotional defilements.”

The Blessed One replied, “That is right, Śāriputra. It is just as you have said. All the teachings of these noble sons reveal the realm of phenomena, and all Dharma teachings incinerate all emotional defilements.”

Youthful Jālinīprabha then said to the elder Śāriputra, “Elder Śāriputra, the Blessed One says that you are foremost among the insightful. Elder Śāriputra, what is this insight that the Blessed One says is supreme?”

“Jālinīprabha, it is the insight that comes from following the words of the hearers. This is the insight of those who have reached liberation based on this specific, limited wisdom. This is the kind of insight in which the Blessed One says I am the foremost, which is not the insight of the bodhisattvas.”

“Is this insight a kind of conceptual elaboration?”

“No.”

“Does it mean that this insight is an experience of equality?”

“That is right, noble son.”

“Elder Śāriputra, how can this insight, which is an experience of equality, [F.51.a] have a measure?”

“Noble son, insight is beyond measure due to the nature of the realm of phenomena. Still, in the way that wisdom knows objects, it can be measured.”

“Venerable Śāriputra, is wisdom immeasurable, or does it have a measure?”

“Noble son, wisdom is beyond measure.”

“So then, if it is immeasurable, why do you say that it can be measured?”

Śāriputra the elder became silent.

At that moment, through the power of the Buddha, venerable Mahākāśyapa asked the Blessed One, “Blessed One, why is youthful Jālinīprabha called Jālinīprabha?”13

The Blessed One said to Jālinīprabha, “Noble son, please explain how you filled this world including the gods with joy and ripened your roots of virtue, and how with your roots of virtue you perfected the light that arouses the mind of unexcelled perfect awakening.”

“Very well!” youthful Jālinīprabha replied to the Blessed One. He then draped his shawl over one shoulder, knelt on his right knee, and joined his palms toward the Blessed One. Then the copper-colored nails on Jālinīprabha’s right hand emitted rays of light. These rays of light traversed immeasurable, infinite world systems and instantly permeated immeasurable buddha realms in the ten directions. In those immeasurable, incalculable world systems in all ten directions, the light reached beings in the hells, those born in the animal realm and in the worlds of Yama, those who were blind, deaf, lame, crippled, sickly, lustful, angry, dull, naked, hungry, thirsty, chained, imprisoned, destitute, [F.51.b] emaciated, old, dying, stingy, mean, malevolent, miserly,14 distracted, and stupid, as well as the ones with no faith, those of little knowledge, those of little merit, the shameless, those with no sense of propriety, and those with dark views. All those beings became filled with happiness as soon as this light touched them. There was no longer anyone tormented by desire, aversion, ignorance, pride, hypocrisy, jealousy, or anger. All beings felt joy and happiness.

All those who had gathered before the Buddha‍—the assembly of bodhisattvas, the assembly of hearers, gods, nāgas, yakṣas, gandharvas, asuras, garuḍas, kinnaras, mahoragas, humans and nonhumans, monks, nuns, male lay practitioners, and female lay practitioners‍—appeared to be the color of gold. All of them possessed this unique coloration of the Thus-Gone One, as well as the same marks and physical features. The tops of their heads were invisible, and they appeared in the Buddha’s supreme physical form. All sat on lotus seats and were covered in lattices of jewels. They all had the same nature‍—the visible nature of the Buddha. They were all experiencing a joy that was like the joy of the bodhisattvas who have reached the absorption called display of joy. The entire assembly was filled with awe, its members inseparable from one another; they did not think of the Teacher as superior, or of themselves as inferior.

As soon as the light was emitted, four bodhisattvas arose from below. [F.52.a] They were the bodhisattva great beings Praṇidhi­samudgata, Viśeṣabhadra, Jñānacandra, and Aparājitadhvaja. With their palms joined, they asked who among these genuine thus-gone ones should be the recipient of their homage, so that they could prostrate and take their seats. At this point, from the sky a voice proclaimed, “All the members of this assembly have but one color, the color of the Thus-Gone One, thanks to youthful Jālinīprabha.”

The four bodhisattvas declared, “If, through the power of truth and the words of truth, everyone in this assembly is of one color and one appearance, and if there is no distinction between them, just as all phenomena are devoid of distinctions, then, through the power of that truth and of those words of truth, may the Blessed One Śākyamuni now appear to us, so that we may present our offerings to the Thus-Gone One!”

At that instant, the Blessed One, along with his lion throne and lotus seat, arose in the sky to the height of a palm tree. The four bodhisattvas bowed their heads to the Blessed One and said to him, “Blessed One, the thus-gone wisdom of the thus-gone ones is inconceivable. Likewise, the merit and aspirations derived from Jālinīprabha’s revelation of happiness to beings are also beyond imagination.”

Then the Blessed One spoke to youthful Jālinīprabha, “Noble son, you have performed the buddhas’ activities; you have led innumerable beings to awakening, so now reabsorb your miraculous power.” [F.52.b]

Consequently, youthful Jālinīprabha reabsorbed the light he had been emanating. As soon as the light disappeared, all the members of the assembly recovered their former appearances. The Blessed One was again a single being, seated upon his lion throne and lotus seat.

Then the elder Mahākāśyapa said to the Blessed One, “Blessed One, where do these four bodhisattvas come from?”

They replied, “We come from a world below.”

“What is the name of this world?”15

“Our world is called Sarvaratnadarśin.”

“What is the name of the thus-gone one who resides there?”

“The name of its buddha is Ekaratna­chattra.

“How far is it from here?”

“The Blessed One knows it.”

“Why did you come here?”

“The bodhisattva Jālinīprabha sent out a light that touched us. As soon as the light touched us, we heard the names of the Blessed One Śākyamuni and the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha. So we came here to see the Blessed One and the holy being, to prostrate to them, and to pay homage to them.”

Then the elder Mahākāśyapa asked the Blessed One, “Blessed One, how distant is the Sarvaratnadarśin world system, the Blessed One Ekaratna­chattra’s buddha realm?”

The Blessed One replied, “From there, the four bodhisattvas had to cross buddha realms numbering seventy-two times the grains of sand in the river Ganges. That is where lies the Sarvaratnadarśin world system, [F.53.a] the Blessed One Ekaratna­chattra’s buddha realm.”

“How long was their journey?”

“In one instant of thought they disappeared there and arrived here.”

“Blessed One, the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha emanates rays of light that reached all the way there, and these noble sons arrived here promptly. The bodhisattvas’ emanations of light and power of miracles are extraordinary.”

The Blessed One replied, “That is right, Kāśyapa; it is just as you have said. The activities of the bodhisattvas are inconceivable. They are unlike those of any hearer or solitary buddha.”

Then venerable Mahākāśyapa said to youthful Jālinīprabha, “Noble son, when your light touched this assembly, all its members became of the same color‍—the color of gold. What caused this?”

“Mahākāśyapa, ask the Blessed One and he will teach you.”

So venerable Mahākāśyapa asked the Blessed One, “Blessed One, the manifestation that just occurred‍—who caused this?”

The Blessed One replied, “Kāśyapa, when Jālinīprabha reaches awakening, his assembly will be of one color, the color of gold. His whole assembly will be oriented toward just one thing, omniscience. Around him, even the names of hearers and solitary buddhas will be unknown, as his saṅgha will be composed exclusively of bodhisattva great beings.”

Mahākāśyapa then said, “If so, Blessed One, then any bodhisattva born in that buddha realm will be seen as a thus-gone one.”

The Blessed One confirmed, “Mahākāśyapa, it is just as you have said. They will be [F.53.b] seen as thus-gone ones.”

At this point, forty-four thousand beings within this assembly aroused the mind of unexcelled and perfect awakening and aspired toward this buddha realm, saying, “Blessed One, when the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha awakens, at that time may we be reborn in his buddha realm!”

Then the elder Mahākāśyapa inquired of the Blessed One, “Blessed One, how long before the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha awakens to unexcelled and perfect buddhahood?”

“Kāśyapa,” the Blessed One answered, “why don’t you ask the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha when he will awaken to unexcelled and perfect buddhahood?”

The elder Mahākāśyapa then asked the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha, “Noble son, how long before you awaken to unexcelled and perfect buddhahood?”

Jālinīprabha replied, “Venerable Mahākāśyapa, if someone asked an illusory man conjured up by magic, ‘Noble son, how long before you awaken to unexcelled and perfect buddhahood?’ what would he reply?”

“Noble son, the illusory man is conjured up by magic; he is not real, so how could he answer?”

“So it is, venerable Mahākāśyapa, no phenomenon exists, just as in the case of the illusory man. So to whom did you pose the question, ‘How long before you awaken to unexcelled and perfect buddhahood?’ ”

“Noble son, an illusory man conjured up by magic is void, [F.54.a] beyond change, without thought, and unable to act. If you too are like that, how can you accomplish the benefit of infinite beings?”

“Venerable Mahākāśyapa, the nature of the illusion is also the nature of awakening. The nature of awakening is also the nature of beings. The nature of illusion, awakening, and beings is also the nature of all phenomena. Venerable Mahākāśyapa, I see neither worth nor worthlessness in anything.”

“Noble son, haven’t you entered buddhahood?”

“Venerable Mahākāśyapa, is the awakening of the thus-gone ones characterized as something one can enter?”

“No.”

“Therefore, I have not entered buddhahood, or become a hearer or a solitary buddha.”

“Noble son, what have you entered then?”

“I have entered suchness: this is what I have entered.”

“Noble son, there is neither entering nor leaving suchness.”

“Venerable Mahākāśyapa, just as I neither enter nor leave suchness, likewise all phenomena neither enter nor leave suchness.”

“Jālinīprabha, if there is neither entering nor leaving suchness, how can you mature beings?”

“Venerable Mahākāśyapa, beings are matured by aspiration prayers, not effort. Not turning away from anything, beings are ripened‍—not through effort.”

“Noble son, don’t you cause beings to leave saṃsāra?”

“I do not apprehend saṃsāra, so how could I turn beings away from saṃsāra?”

“Noble son, [F.54.b] don’t you lead beings to enter nirvāṇa?”

“I see no nirvāṇa, so how could I lead beings there?”

“Noble son, if saṃsāra does not exist and nirvāṇa is also nonexistent, why do bodhisattvas act to lead beings beyond suffering?”

“Venerable Mahākāśyapa, anyone who works toward spiritual awakening based on apprehending saṃsāra, realizing nirvāṇa, and holding sentient beings in their thoughts should not be called a ‘bodhisattva.’ ”

“Noble son, what are you working toward?”

“Venerable Mahākāśyapa, I surely do not act based on holding saṃsāra, nirvāṇa, or sentient beings in my thoughts. And yet, venerable Mahākāśyapa, since you ask me what I work toward, venerable Mahākāśyapa, I engage in the actions of the emanations of the Thus-Gone One; that is what I work toward.”

“Noble son, the emanations of the Thus-Gone One do not engage in anything.”

“Venerable Mahākāśyapa, the characteristic of all beings’ actions is the same.”

“Noble son, if this is the characteristic of all beings’ actions, since the emanations of the Thus-Gone One do not feel attachment, aversion, or ignorance, then where do the desire, aversion, and ignorance that beings experience come from?”

“Elder, let me question you and you may answer according to your conviction. Elder Mahākāśyapa, do you now harbor any desire, aversion, and ignorance?”

“No.”

“So then, have your desire, aversion, and ignorance disappeared? Have they been eliminated?”

“No.”

“If the elder has no desire, aversion, or ignorance, [F.55.a] yet they have not disappeared or been eliminated, then where are your desire, aversion, and ignorance?”

“Noble son, desire, aversion, and ignorance arise in the erroneous thoughts, conceptions, and imaginations of immature, ordinary beings. However, in the Dharma-Vinaya of the noble ones the erroneous is understood, so thoughts, conceptions, and imaginations do not arise. Here, there is also no desire, no aversion, and no ignorance.”

“Venerable Mahākāśyapa, what do you think? The emotional defilements that arise from the erroneous mind‍—are they real?”

“No, they are not real.”

“Venerable Mahākāśyapa, what do you think? Can something that is not real ever become real?”

“No.”

“Would the elder say that nonexistent things produce desire, aversion, and ignorance?”

“No.”

“Venerable Mahākāśyapa, in that case, what are the desire, aversion, and ignorance that defile beings?”

“Noble son, all phenomena are thus by nature free of desire, free of aversion, and free of ignorance.”

“Venerable Mahākāśyapa, this is the reason why I say that all phenomena are illusory emanations by nature.”

Upon hearing these explanations, forty-four thousand bodhisattvas attained the level of concordant acceptance.

Then venerable Mahākāśyapa addressed the Blessed One, “Blessed One, anyone who sees the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha [F.55.b] will not have to fear falling into the lower realms in a bad rebirth. Anyone who hears these Dharma teachings will not have to experience the obstructive activities of the māras. Anyone whom he has matured for awakening will also not strive for the levels of the hearers or solitary buddhas. Blessed One, please explain the array of qualities of the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha’s buddha realm.”

The Blessed One replied, “Kāśyapa, the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha accomplishes the welfare of an immeasurable number of beings in any buddha realms in which he lives. Kāśyapa, do you see the light produced by this noble son?”

“I see it, Blessed One.”

The Blessed One continued, “Kāśyapa, if the entire trichiliocosm were filled with mustard seeds, it would be possible to count them down to the last one. However, Kāśyapa, the beings that the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha directs unfailingly toward the attainment of unexcelled and perfect awakening through this display of light cannot be counted. Kāśyapa, such is the benefit that the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha brings with his display of light alone, not to mention his teachings of the Dharma. Kāśyapa, I will tell you about just a fraction of one particular aspect of the qualities present in this noble son’s buddha realm, so listen well. Kāśyapa, in seven million six hundred thousand incalculable eons, the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha will appear in a world called Viśiṣṭaguṇasaṃ­graha as the thus-gone, worthy, and perfect Buddha Samanta­prabha­vikurvaṇa­rāja. He will approach the tree of awakening, and all māras and [F.56.a] demonic gods in that realm will be irreversibly directed toward unexcelled and perfect awakening, their generosity and open-handedness becoming bountiful. Kāśyapa, the ground in that world will be even like the palm of the hand, soft and pleasant to touch like kācilindika cloth, and bedecked with all precious substances. In that world there will be neither lower realms nor any unfree situations. There will be no stumps or thorns. It will be adorned with lotuses and permeated with the fragrance of great jewel lotuses. That world will be stainless and vast.

“Furthermore, Kāśyapa, the infinite bodhisattva saṅgha of the Thus-Gone One Samanta­prabha­vikurvaṇa­rāja in that Viśiṣṭaguṇasaṃ­graha world will be skilled in conferring the Dharma of accomplishment. Their magical manifestations will be bathed in light; they will have attained the treasury of perfect recollection, will have attained absorption, will possess unhindered eloquence, will be skilled in teaching through wisdom, and will have the superknowledges. They will be clever and fearless and will overcome all māras and opponents. They will be mindful, intelligent, understanding, and dignified, and will possess a sense of propriety. With the wisdom derived from training in insight, they will have developed limitless meditations.

“Also, Kāśyapa, there will be no women in this buddha realm, and all these bodhisattvas will be born miraculously, sitting cross-legged in a lotus. These bodhisattvas’ sustenance will be the joy of concentration. With a mere thought, food, drink, mounts, clothes, walkways, parks, houses, rivers, springs, lakes, ponds, [F.56.b] and pools will appear for them to enjoy. Kāśyapa, the thus-gone, worthy, and perfect Buddha Samanta­prabha­vikurvaṇa­rāja will not teach the Dharma with words and explanations. Rather, as soon as the light of this thus-gone one touches the bodhisattvas, they will gain acceptance that phenomena are unborn. This light will also extend out to other buddha realms unobstructedly. This light will eliminate the emotional defilements of beings, so that they become free from them.

“Furthermore, Kāśyapa, this thus-gone one’s light will produce the thirty-two16 statements that describe the nature of all phenomena. The thirty-two statements are the following: (1) Since they are untarnished by views, all phenomena are empty. (2) Since they are free of all thoughts and concepts, all phenomena are signless. (3) Since they are genuinely beyond the three realms, all phenomena are wishless. (4) Since they are peaceful by nature, all phenomena are free of desire. (5) Since they are characterized by the absence of aspiration, all phenomena are free of aversion. (6) Since they are devoid of dark obscuration, all phenomena are free of ignorance. (7) Since they are unborn from the beginning, all phenomena are without coming. (8) Since they are devoid of transference, all phenomena are without going. (9) Since they are thoroughly without a basis, all phenomena are without abiding. (10) Since they are free from the past, future, or present, all phenomena are beyond the three times. (11) Since they are of one nature, all phenomena have no distinctions. (12) Since they are free from the ripening of karma, all phenomena are unborn. (13) Because one does not apprehend any agent, all phenomena are devoid of karma and its ripening. (14) Since they do not involve formation, all phenomena are devoid of activity. (15) Since they arise without being formed, all phenomena are unconditioned. [F.57.a] (16) Since they are without birth and destruction, all phenomena are unconditioned. (17) Since they do not really arise, all phenomena are not real. (18) Since all things can be realized at once, all phenomena are true. (19) Since no sentient being can be apprehended, all phenomena are devoid of self. (20) Because of the ultimate, all phenomena are devoid of personal identity. (21) Since they are unable to know things, all phenomena are inanimate. (22) Since they have no affection or anger, all phenomena are neutral. (23) Since they cannot be grasped, no phenomenon exists. (24) Since they are naturally devoid of defilement, phenomena lack emotional defilements. (25) Since they are the ultimate isolation, all phenomena are the same. (26) Since they are the fullness of isolation, all phenomena are in isolation. (27) Since they are without disturbance, all phenomena abide within the limit of reality. (28) Since they are without difference, all phenomena are suchness. (29) Since they conform to everything, all phenomena are included within the realm of phenomena. (30) Since they do not interfere with each other, all phenomena are devoid of conditions. (31) Since equality makes them unfold, all phenomena are dependently originated. (32) Since they are revealed when seen as they are, all phenomena are awakening. (33) Since they are not established, all phenomena are nirvāṇa.

“Kāśyapa, in this way, the blessed, worthy, thus-gone Samanta­prabha­vikurvaṇa­rāja’s light will produce thirty-two17 statements in order to present the nature of all phenomena.”

The elder Mahākāśyapa then said, “Blessed One, the buddha will be acting by means of those rays of light.”

The Blessed One replied, “Kāśyapa, the life of this thus-gone one will be limitless. His buddha realm will be free from the obstacles created by the māras.” [F.57.b]

Mahākāśyapa asked, “Blessed One, how will this noble son, most excellent in every aspect, wanting to hold sway over a buddha realm, come to hold sway over such a pure buddha realm?”

The Blessed One answered, “Kāśyapa, the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha has cultivated aspirations before many sextillions of buddhas. Thanks to his aspirations, he will hold sway over a buddha realm endowed with such extraordinary qualities. Therefore, Kāśyapa, a noble son or daughter who wishes to hold sway over such a buddha realm should train in the same way as the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha has trained.”

Then Brahma­viśeṣacintin said to the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha, “Noble son, the Blessed One gave your prophecy.”

“Brahmā, the Blessed One also gave the prophecy of all beings.”

“What did he prophesy?”

“The way karma will ripen.”

“Noble son, what did you do to receive your prophecy?”

“Brahmā, if an action is not done with body, speech, or mind, can it be described?”

“Why not?”

“Is awakening the performance of an action?”

“No,” Brahmā replied,18 “awakening is not a formation of action; awakening is not the performance of an action.”

“Can unconditioned awakening be attained through performing an action?”

“No, it cannot.”

“So it is, Brahmā, that this teaching involves no karma or the result of karma. Nor does it involve engaging in the performance of an action. That is the way awakening is. Just as awakening is attained, so is prophecy. [F.58.a] Through the conditioned, one does not receive any prophecy. You should know this.”

“Noble son, did you not receive your prophecy after practicing the six perfections?”

“That is right, Brahmā. It is after practicing the six perfections that we receive our prophecies. Brahmā, relinquishing all emotional defilements is generosity. Not performing an action is discipline. Not perceiving flaws is patience. Being disengaged is diligence. Being without fixation is concentration. Being without conceptual elaboration is insight. Brahmā, when the bodhisattvas devote themselves to these six perfections, what is the object of their practice?”

“There is no object of practice. Why not? To the extent that someone practices them, he does not practice them. The practice is no practice. No practice is the practice of unexcelled and perfect awakening.

“Brahmā, you should know that, in accordance with this teaching, no practice is the practice of awakening. Brahmā, you asked about the prophecy of my awakening. I was prophesied the way suchness and the realm of phenomena are prophesied.”

“Noble son, suchness and the realm of phenomena cannot be prophesied.”

“And my prophecy is given in just the way suchness and the realm of phenomena are prophesied.”

Then Brahma­viśeṣacintin asked the Blessed One, “Blessed One, how should the bodhisattvas practice in order to receive from the thus-gone ones a prophecy of their unexcelled and perfect awakening?”

The Blessed One said, “Brahmā, when bodhisattvas do not engage in birth, cessation, virtue, nonvirtue, the mundane, the supramundane, the defiled, the undefiled, [F.58.b] the reprehensible, the nonreprehensible, the conditioned, the unconditioned, practice, no practice, abandonment, no abandonment, saṃsāra, nirvāṇa, seeing, hearing, thinking, cognizing, giving, letting go, discipline, vows, patience, stability, diligence, effort, concentration, absorption, insight, persistence, wisdom, or realization, then the thus-gone ones prophesy their unexcelled and perfect awakening. Why is that? Brahmā, to the extent that one engages with something, it involves effort, and effort is not awakening. To the extent that one engages with something, it involves concepts, and concepts are not awakening. To the extent that one engages with something, it involves formations of action, and formations are not awakening. To the extent that one engages with something, it involves conceptual elaboration, and conceptual elaboration is not awakening. Therefore, Brahmā, you should know that those bodhisattvas who transcend all engagements through this teaching receive a prophecy.”

Brahma­viśeṣacintin then asked the Blessed One, “Blessed One, could you please explain the term prophecy?”

The Blessed One replied, “All phenomena are devoid of duality‍—this is why [F.59.a] it is called prophecy. It is not an imputation of birth and destruction‍—this is why it is called prophecy. It is devoid of the actions of body, speech, and mind; this is why it is called prophecy. Brahmā, I remember that in the past there was an eon called Beautiful Light, during which seventy-two trillion thus-gone ones came. I paid homage to them, venerated them, worshiped them, and made offerings to them; yet none of these thus-gone ones gave me the prophecy. Later came the eon called Well-Created, during which seven hundred twenty million thus-gone ones came. I paid homage to them, venerated them, worshiped them, and made offerings to them; yet none of these thus-gone ones gave me the prophecy. Then, Brahmā, there followed the eon called Praised by Brahmā, during which eighteen thousand thus-gone ones came. I paid homage to them, venerated them, worshiped them, and made offerings to them; yet none of these thus-gone ones gave me the prophecy. After that, Brahmā, there was the eon called Well-Conducted, during which thirty-two thousand thus-gone ones came. I paid homage to them, venerated them, worshiped them, and made offerings to them; yet none of these thus-gone ones gave me the prophecy. Later still, Brahmā, there was the eon called Array, during which eighty-four thousand thus-gone ones came. I paid homage to them, venerated them, worshiped them, and made offerings to them; yet none of these thus-gone ones gave me the prophecy.

“Brahmā, I worshiped, made offerings, paid homage, and venerated all of them; and then, under their guidance I practiced pure conduct, abandoned all my possessions, trained in discipline, and observed the ascetic practices. [F.59.b] I meditated on patience and loving kindness, without falling prey to anger, jealousy, pride, or hypocrisy. I cultivated concentration and disengagement, and remained on my seat in solitude, without wondering about food or things I heard.19 With this kind of diligence, I came to comprehend all I had heard; yet the thus-gone ones did not prophesy my unexcelled and perfect awakening for an eon or more, even though they voiced my name.20 Why not? Because, Brahmā, I was fixated on practice. So, Brahmā, from this explanation you should know that it is those bodhisattvas who transcend all practices who receive the prophecy.

“Brahmā, the moment I saw the Thus-Gone One Dīpaṃkara, I gained the acceptance that phenomena are unborn. Then the Thus-Gone One Dīpaṃkara said to me, ‘In the future, after an incalculable eon, you will become a thus-gone, worthy, and perfect buddha called Śākyamuni.’ Then I had transcended all practices. Then I had perfected the six perfections. Why? To give up all signs is the perfection of generosity. To pacify all apprehending is the perfection of discipline. To be unchanged by objects is the perfection of patience. To leave all phenomena alone is the perfection of diligence. To not engage in any movement of mind is the perfection of concentration. To accept that phenomena are unborn by nature is the perfection of insight. Brahmā, this is how I perfected the six perfections with the Thus-Gone One Dīpaṃkara. [F.60.a] Brahmā, my practice of generosity from the moment I first generated the mind of awakening does not amount to even one percent of my later nonapprehending practice of generosity. It does not even come close to it as an analogy. The discipline and ascetic practices I first observed do not even come close as an analogy to my purified discipline. The patience and gentleness I observed from the moment I first generated the mind of awakening do not even come close as an analogy to the nature of my extreme patience. The diligence I observed from the moment I first generated the mind of awakening does not even come close as an analogy to my diligence that is free from acceptance and rejection. The concentration and disengagement I maintained from the moment I first generated the mind of awakening do not even come close as an analogy to my complete peace of signlessness. Brahmā, the discernment given by insight that I developed from the moment I first generated the mind of awakening does not even come close as an analogy to my insight free from conceptual elaboration. So, Brahmā, through this explanation, you should know what I mean when I say that I perfected the six perfections at that time.”

“Blessed One,” Brahma­viśeṣacintin asked, “how are the six perfections perfected?”

The Blessed One replied, “Not being conceited about one’s generosity, not fixating on discipline, not conceptualizing patience, not adopting diligence, not remaining in concentration, and avoiding duality in one’s insight: Brahmā, in this way the six perfections are perfected.”

“Blessed One, what is perfected when the six perfections are perfected?”

“Brahmā, once the six perfections are perfected, omniscience is perfected.” [F.60.b]

“Blessed One,” he continued, “how is omniscience perfected when the six perfections are perfected?”

The Blessed One replied, “Brahmā, the equality in the perfection of generosity is the equality of omniscience. The equality in the perfection of discipline is the equality of omniscience. The equality in the perfection of patience is the equality of omniscience. The equality in the perfection of diligence is the equality of omniscience. The equality in the perfection of concentration is the equality of omniscience. The equality in the perfection of insight is the equality of omniscience. Therefore, through this equality, all phenomena are equal. The equality of all phenomena is the equality of omniscience. Furthermore Brahmā, perfecting the notions of generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, concentration, and insight perfects omniscience. Omniscience is free of all notions. Therefore, Brahmā, perfecting the six perfections brings omniscience to perfection.”

Brahmā asked, “Blessed One, what is the perfection of omniscience?”

The Blessed One replied, “Not grasping the eye or form, and so forth, up to not grasping the mind and mental objects. Brahmā, not grasping these six inner and outer sense fields is the perfection of omniscience. Brahmā, when omniscience is perfected in this way, there is no attachment to eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind. Therefore, the omniscient wisdom of all thus-gone ones is devoid of attachment and obscuration. [F.61.a] Brahmā, omniscience does not grasp at anything. Brahmā, in this way omniscience is not a vessel of any phenomenon. Brahmā, not being a vessel means that it is not a real thing. Not a real thing means open space. Omniscience is like open space. This is why there is no grasping on to any phenomenon. Brahmā, take the analogy of space: it is the basis for all action, while it itself has no basis. Likewise, all wisdoms are present in omniscience, yet omniscience is not supported by anything.”

“Blessed One, when we say omniscience, why is it called omniscience?”

“Because, Brahmā, it knows all the practices of hearers and solitary buddhas‍—this is why it is called omniscience. It knows all their thoughts, actions, compassions, trainings, and observances‍—this is why it is called omniscience. It has abandoned all movement and overcome all conceit‍—this is why it is called omniscience. It is free of attainment and knowledge, yet it knows the minds of all beings‍—this is why it is called omniscience. It contains the realization of all wisdoms, all wisdoms of the path of learning, all wisdoms of the path of no more learning, all wisdoms of the solitary buddhas, and also the wisdom of omniscience‍—this is why it is called omniscience. Since its correct application is wisdom, it is called omniscience. Since it knows all remedies, [F.61.b] it is called omniscience. Since it pacifies all disease, it is called omniscience. Since it overcomes all bondage, it is called omniscience. Since it overcomes all rebirth caused by habitual tendencies, it is called omniscience. Since it always abides in equipoise, it is called omniscience. Since it has no doubt regarding any phenomenon, it is called omniscience. All mundane and supramundane wisdoms are present within this omniscience; this is why it is called omniscience. Brahmā, this is why the term omniscience is a wise appellation for the wisdom that knows all things.”

Then Brahma­viśeṣacintin said to the Blessed One, “Blessed One, this is wonderful! In this way, the thus-gone ones know everything that occurs in the minds of beings without ever engaging in mental apprehending. Such is the inconceivable wisdom of the buddhas. Blessed One, what son or daughter of noble family would not arouse the mind of unexcelled and perfect awakening when it is endowed with such immeasurable qualities?”

At that point, the bodhisattva Jālinīprabha addressed the Blessed One, “Blessed One, if a bodhisattva seeks awakening because of the hope to gain certain qualities, he or she is not able to practice the Great Vehicle genuinely. Why not? Blessed One, we should not expect anything in return, as all phenomena are devoid of qualities and have no qualities. Therefore, bodhisattvas should not seek awakening for the sake of gaining qualities or something positive. Rather, motivated by great compassion, Blessed One, bodhisattvas give up hope‍—for both themselves and others‍—to avoid the terrors of suffering, [F.62.a] to generate virtue, to be free from views, to eliminate sickness, to abandon all grasping, to look equally upon loved ones and others, to remain unstained by worldly qualities, to be weary of conditioned things, to settle in happiness in nirvāṇa, to uphold the holy Dharma, and to mature beings. Blessed One, bodhisattvas have no regret concerning what is done or not done. Blessed One, happiness and suffering do not affect bodhisattvas. Nevertheless, Blessed One, how are the bodhisattvas’ roots of virtue pure?”

The Blessed One replied, “Noble son, the pure root of virtue is not the kingdom of a universal monarch, nor is it to be reborn as Śakra or Brahmā. The absence of rebirth and world of rebirth is the bodhisattvas’ pure root of virtue. The bodhisattvas’ pure root of virtue is when they are born in the lower animal realm or higher, even though their roots of virtue have not waned, and they help other sentient beings to produce roots of virtue.21

“Because they do not look for any entities, giving is a root of virtue of bodhisattvas. Because there is no mental anguish, discipline is a root of virtue of bodhisattvas. Because there is no ill will, patience is a root of virtue of the bodhisattvas. Because there is no laziness, diligence is a [F.62.b] root of virtue of bodhisattvas. Because of one-pointedness, concentration is a root of virtue of bodhisattvas. Because there are no views, insight is a root of virtue of bodhisattvas. Due to having an impartial mind, love is a root of virtue of bodhisattvas. Due to having pure motivation, compassion is a root of virtue of bodhisattvas. Due to being inspired to follow the Dharma, joy is a root of virtue of bodhisattvas. Due to not having affection or aversion, impartiality is a root of virtue of bodhisattvas. Due to not wanting the levels of the hearers or solitary buddhas, never abandoning the mind of awakening is a root of virtue of bodhisattvas.” [B4]

Mañjuśrī, who was in the assembly, had remained silent until now. So Brahma­viśeṣacintin remarked to the Blessed One, “Blessed One, youthful Mañjuśrī is in this assembly, yet he has not shared any authentic words of teaching.”

So the Blessed One said to youthful Mañjuśrī, “Mañjuśrī, please say a few words related to this teaching.”

Mañjuśrī asked, “Is there anything to impute onto this Dharma that has been realized by the Blessed One?”

The Blessed One replied, “No, Mañjuśrī, there is nothing to impute onto this Dharma.”

Mañjuśrī asked, “Blessed One, is this Dharma something that can be discussed, spoken about, or taught?”

The Blessed One replied, “No, Mañjuśrī, this Dharma is not something that can be discussed, spoken about, or taught.”

Mañjuśrī asked, “Blessed One, [F.63.a] how then can one explain a Dharma that cannot be discussed, spoken about, or taught?”

Brahma­viśeṣacintin replied, “Mañjuśrī, don’t you teach the Dharma to other beings, to other people?”

“Brahmā, are there dualistic divisions within the realm of phenomena?”

“No.”

“Aren’t all phenomena but the realm of phenomena?”

“They are.”

“Brahmā, if the realm of phenomena is devoid of any duality, and all phenomena are ascertained as the realm of phenomena, how do you teach the Dharma to other beings, to other people?”

“Mañjuśrī, is it possible to teach the Dharma in the absence of duality?”

“Yes, Brahmā, if there are some teachers or hearers.”

“Mañjuśrī, aren’t the thus-gone ones teaching the Dharma?”

“Brahmā, they teach, although there is no duality. Why? Because the thus-gone ones teach without duality, without creating duality.”

“Mañjuśrī, if all phenomena are devoid of duality, how can immature, ordinary beings create duality out of nonduality?”

“Immature, ordinary beings create duality by grasping at a self in their stream of being, but nonduality can never become dual. No matter how much duality has been created, nonduality itself remains nondual.”

“Mañjuśrī, how can we cognize nonduality?”

“If it is something that can be cognized, then it is not nonduality. Nonduality cannot be cognized. Brahmā, duality is cognition. The thus-gone ones teach the Dharma without cognition. Nevertheless, the Dharma is not the way that it is taught. Why is that so? Because the Dharma is beyond syllables.”

“Mañjuśrī, the Dharma taught by the thus-gone ones‍—where does it lead?”

“Brahmā, [F.63.b] the Dharma the thus-gone ones teach does not lead anywhere.”

“Mañjuśrī, don’t the thus-gone ones teach the Dharma to reach nirvāṇa?”

“What nirvāṇa do you apprehend beings going to or arriving at?”

“There is neither arriving at nor going to nirvāṇa.”

“Brahmā, in this case the Dharma of the thus-gone ones leads without leading.”

“How should I listen to such a Dharma?”

“Just the way it is spoken.”

“How is it spoken?”

“As if without cognition, and without listening.”

“Who listens to the Dharma of the thus-gone ones?”

“Those who are undefiled regarding objects.”

“Who will know this Dharma?”

“Those who do not dispute, know, or realize it.”

“Mañjuśrī, why do monks argue so much?”

“To say ‘this is correct’ or ‘this is incorrect’ is arguing. And likewise, to say ‘these are related’ or ‘these are unrelated,’ ‘this is emotional defilement’ or ‘this is purification,’ ‘this is virtue’ or ‘this is nonvirtue,’ ‘this is reprehensible’ or ‘this is not reprehensible,’ ‘this is defiled’ or ‘this is undefiled,’ ‘this is mundane’ or ‘this is not mundane,’ ‘this is conditioned’ or ‘this is unconditioned,’ ‘this is discipline’ or ‘this is a negative behavior,’ ‘this is to be done’ or ‘this is not to be done,’ and ‘this brings attainment’ or ‘this does not bring attainment’ – these are all arguments. Brahmā, merely to be proud of the Dharma or humble about it, or to adopt teachings or reject them, is already arguing. But the thus-gone ones [F.64.a] teach the Dharma without arguing. To be fond of conceptual elaborations is nothing if not argument. One does not become a spiritual practitioner by indulging in arguments. He who wants to be a spiritual practitioner must be free from quarrelling.”

“Mañjuśrī, how does a monk abide by the thus-gone ones’ teachings, and how does he follow their words?”

“Brahmā, when a monk is not affected by praise or criticism, he abides by the teachings of the thus-gone ones. When a monk does not hanker after syllables, he follows the words of the thus-gone ones. When he has quelled all signs, he abides by the teachings. When he is not in conflict with the ultimate, he follows the words of the thus-gone ones. When he protects the Dharma, he abides by the teachings. When he does not conform with the words, he follows the words of the thus-gone ones.”

“Mañjuśrī, how do monks protect the sacred Dharma?”

“When they do not contravene equality, and when they do not disrupt the realm of phenomena, they protect the sacred Dharma.”

“Mañjuśrī, how do monks become close to the thus-gone ones?”

“Brahmā, when a monk sees that there is no closeness or distance in phenomena, he is close to the thus-gone ones.”

“How, Mañjuśrī, do monks worship and pay homage to the thus-gone ones?”

“Brahmā, when a monk makes no effort with body, speech, or mind, that monk worships and pays homage to the thus-gone ones.”

“Mañjuśrī, who makes offerings to the thus-gone ones?”

“Brahmā, those who do not produce any meritorious, non-meritorious, or nontransferring action.”

“Mañjuśrī, who can see the thus-gone ones?” [F.64.b]

“Those who have no attachment to the eye of flesh, the divine eye, the wisdom eye, the Dharma eye, or the Buddha eye.”

“Mañjuśrī, who sees the Dharma?”

“Those who see the dependent origination of things and do not contradict it.”

“Who sees dependent origination?”

“Those who do not produce equality or contradict it.”

“Mañjuśrī, who acquires the superknowledges?”

“Those who do not produce or stop contaminations.”

“Mañjuśrī, who engages in the trainings of the thus-gone ones?”

“Those who do not create, experience, produce, or abandon anything.”

“Mañjuśrī, who is correctly engaged?”

“Those who do not engage in the three realms.”

“Mañjuśrī, who is throughtly tamed?”

“Those who do not take rebirth.”

“Mañjuśrī, who becomes happy?”

“Those who are without a sense of ownership.”

“Mañjuśrī, who is liberated?”

“Those who are not disturbed by apprehending.”

“Mañjuśrī, who has crossed over?”

“Those who abide in neither saṃsāra nor nirvāṇa.”

“Mañjuśrī, the monks who have exhausted contaminations‍—what have they exhausted?”

“Brahmā, if they have exhausted the contaminations, they do not exhaust contaminations. These contaminations are momentary; knowing this is called exhausting the contaminations.”

“Mañjuśrī, who speaks the truth?”

“Those who are beyond all argument.”

“Who sets out on the path?”

“Brahmā, immature, ordinary beings set out on the path.”

“Mañjuśrī, who [F.65.a] sets out on no path?”

“The noble ones who know that all phenomena do not come from anywhere and do not go anywhere.”

“Mañjuśrī, how do we see the truth?”

“By not seeing anything. Why? If you see something, this means it is not true; that is why not seeing is seeing the truth.”

“What do you see when you see the truth?”

“To not see any views is seeing the truth.”

“Where should we search for it?”

“Search for the truth in the four errors.”

“Mañjuśrī, what do you have in mind when you say that?”

“When investigating the four errors, one finds that there is no permanence, happiness, self, or purity. What is not permanent is impermanent. What is not happiness is suffering. What is without self is selfless.22 What is not pure is impure. Brahmā, seek the truth of the nobles ones – that all phenomena are selfless. Those who search for this truth do not know suffering, do not abandon its origin, do not realize cessation, and do not practice the path.”

“Mañjuśrī, how do you practice the path?”

“One should not mistake practice for a thing, mistake practice for a non-thing, or mistake any phenomenon for a thing or for a non-thing. Brahmā, freedom from duality is the path. If one does not apprehend any phenomenon while on the path, then that is the path. The path does not produce or remove anything. Saṃsāra does not exist, nor does nirvāṇa. Why not? There is nothing to obtain, and nothing to eliminate‍—this is the path of the noble ones.”

At this point the great sāla-tree-like brahmin householder Samavartin asked Mañjuśrī, “Youthful Mañjuśrī, how should [F.65.b] a lay practitioner take refuge in the Buddha? How should he take refuge in the Dharma? How should he take refuge in the Saṅgha?”

“Noble son, a lay practitioner should avoid grasping these dualistic views: the view of a self and the view of an other, the view of a self and the Buddha, the view of a self and the Dharma, and the view of a self and the Saṅgha. Lay practitioners thereby take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Saṅgha. Furthermore, noble son, when lay practitioners do not relate to the Thus-Gone One as form, feeling, perception, formation, or consciousness, they have taken refuge in the Buddha. When lay practitioners do not conceptualize or elaborate any phenomenon, they have taken refuge in the Dharma. When lay practitioners consider the Saṅgha as unconditioned, while not negating its conditioned nature, they take refuge in the Saṅgha. Moreover, noble son, lay practitioners who do not apprehend the Buddha, the Dharma, or the Saṅgha take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Saṅgha.”

Samavartin then asked, “Mañjuśrī, the bodhisattvas who have entered awakening‍—where have they entered?”

“They have entered open space. Why? Awakening is like open space.”

“Mañjuśrī, why do we then say that ‘a bodhisattva has entered awakening’?”

“Noble son, bodhisattvas know that all entering is not entering. They know that all phenomena are not phenomena. They know that all beings [F.66.a] are not beings. This, noble son, is when we say that ‘a bodhisattva has entered awakening.’”

Then the great sāla-tree-like brahmin householder Samavartin asked the Blessed One, “Blessed One, why are bodhisattvas called bodhisattvas?”

“Noble son,” the Blessed One replied, “when bodhisattvas generate compassion for beings stuck in their wrong ways, while arousing no favoritism for beings who are firmly engaged in correct ways, they are called bodhisattvas. Why? Noble son, bodhisattvas do not make aspirations toward awakening for the sake of beings who are firmly engaged or those who are undetermined. Their aspirations toward awakening are reserved for those beings who are stuck in their wrong ways‍—this is why they are called bodhisattvas. Therefore, noble son, bodhisattvas make their aspirations toward awakening out of compassion for beings who are stuck in wrong ways‍—this is why they are called bodhisattvas.”

Then a bodhisattva called Bodhi addressed the Blessed One, “Blessed One, I would like to explain why they are called bodhisattvas.”

“Bodhi, please do so,” replied the Blessed One.

“Blessed One,” said Bodhi, “when a man or a woman follows the eight vows of fasting as they are instructed‍—without breaking them‍—we say that they have taken those vows properly. Likewise, Blessed One, from the first arousing of the mind of awakening until reaching the seat of awakening, bodhisattvas never waver from the mind of awakening. This is the reason why they are called bodhisattvas.” [F.66.b]

Then the bodhisattva Dṛḍhamati said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas have a firm resolve that instils in them loving kindness that does not apprehend sentient beings, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Sattvatara said, “Blessed One, bridges or boats let beings cross to the other shore without growing weary and without conceptualizing it. Likewise, Blessed One, when bodhisattvas’ minds are like that regarding the liberation of all beings, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Apāyavidhama said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas set foot in a buddha realm and all its lower abodes are instantly pacified, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara said, “Blessed One, when the mere sight of a bodhisattva causes sentient beings to firmly set out on the path to awakening, or when they need only hear the name of a bodhisattva to be freed from all their fears, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Mahāsthāma­prāpta said, “Whenever bodhisattvas step on the ground or walk, and all the māras’ worlds in the trichiliocosm are shaken, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Aparikheda said, “Blessed One, imagine that as many eons as there are grains of sand in the river Ganges constituted one single day. Fifteen of these days make a fortnight, thirty days make a month, and twelve such months make a year. If bodhisattvas serve a buddha who appears for one trillion such years, untiringly observing pure conduct in as many buddha realms as there are grains of sand in the river Ganges [F.67.a] before finally receiving the prophecy, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Susārthavāha said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas see beings stuck on the wrong path and generate the great compassion of wishing to lead them on the right path without hoping for any reward, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Sumeru said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas nonconceptually know all phenomena, equal to Mount Meru, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Nārāyaṇa said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas are not overwhelmed by any emotional defilement, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Citta said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas can accommodate all mental phenomena in their minds without being harmed or impaired by them, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Siṃhavikrāntagāmin said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas can bear the profound Dharma without being afraid or scared, so that they are dreaded by the non-Buddhists, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Acintya said, “Blessed One, when they relate to the inconceivability of mind without thought, and without ever producing thoughts, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The god Susīma said, “When they are free from attachment, no matter which divine paradise they may be born in, and when they do not engage with the nature of nonattachment as something to understand, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Satyavādin said, [F.67.b] “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas always abide by the truth and never lie, even in dreams, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Priyadarśana said, “When they see all forms as the physical form of the buddha, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Nityakṛpa said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas behold the sufferings of beings who live in saṃsāra, and thereby feel no happiness in any pleasure other than the joy of the Dharma and the joy of maturing beings, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Apratihatacitta said, “Blessed One, when no emotional defilements and no māras hamper them, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Nityamuditendriya said, “Blessed One, when the power of constant joy and laughter makes them fulfill their intentions and activities, now and in the future, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The woman Vimati­vidhvaṃsana said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas have no doubt or hesitation regarding any phenomenon, they are called bodhisattvas.”

Siṃhakumārī said, “Blessed One, when they are without feminine or masculine characteristics, but manifest in various forms to mature beings, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The girl Ratna said, “Blessed One, when the jewels of the Buddha, Dharma, and Saṅgha [F.68.a] are the only jewels bodhisattvas delight in, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The lay practitioner Viśākhadattā said, “Blessed One, awakening does not exist for one who apprehends. Those who do not apprehend phenomena and who do not produce or stop anything, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The householder Bhadrapāla said, “Blessed One, when merely remembering the name of the bodhisattvas awakens beings, they are called bodhisattvas.”

Youthful Ratnacandra said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas continuously maintain pure conduct, and never entertain desirous thoughts, not to mention actually indulging in lustful acts, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The god Mandārava­puṣpa­gandha said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas have the fragrance of discipline, and thereby exude the fragrance of discipline, so that no other odor can be smelled, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Nandaka said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas relish three things‍—paying homage to the buddhas, upholding the Dharma, and maturing beings‍—they are called bodhisattvas.”

Brahma­viśeṣacintin said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas say that there is not a single phenomenon that is not a quality of the buddha, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Maitreya said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas cause beings to gain the loving-kindness absorption as soon as they are seen, they are called bodhisattvas.”

Youthful Mañjuśrī [F.68.b] said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas teach the Dharma without considering their teaching as Dharma or not Dharma, and have no ideas of self or others, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Jālinīprabha said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas quell all the emotional defilements of beings with their light, they are called bodhisattvas.”

The bodhisattva Saṃkusuma said, “Blessed One, when bodhisattvas see all the buddha realms in the ten directions as flowers that are brought to full bloom by the thus-gone ones, they are called bodhisattvas.”

In this way the bodhisattvas spoke according to their individual eloquence. Then the Blessed One said to the great sāla-tree-like brahmin householder Samavartin, “When bodhisattvas delight in liberating all suffering beings, and give all their roots of virtue to all beings, they are called bodhisattvas.”

Then Brahma­viśeṣacintin asked youthful Mañjuśrī, “Noble son, what do you abide by?”

“I abide by the same principles as all the beings who engage with all conditioned phenomena.”

“What do all beings who engage with all conditioned phenomena abide by?”

“They abide by the same principles as all the thus-gone ones.”

“What do all the thus-gone ones abide by?”

“They abide by emptiness, which is the ultimate.”

“If, noble son, [F.69.a] all immature, ordinary beings abide by the same thing as the thus-gone ones, what makes the thus-gone ones superior?”

“Brahmā, do you think there are differences within emptiness?”

“No, Mañjuśrī.”

“Has the Blessed One not taught that all phenomena are empty?” Mañjuśrī continued.

“That is correct.”

“Brahmā, that is why all phenomena are devoid of distinctions, and this is the character of how they abide. Brahmā, the thus-gone ones superimpose no differences on phenomena.”

“Mañjuśrī, why is there the expression abiding?”

“Brahmā, abiding refers to abiding in the four abodes of Brahmā. Brahmā, those who do not abide in the four abodes of Brahmā are not abiding in the abodes. Whoever abides in the abodes perfects the four abodes of Brahmā. This type of abiding is called abiding in the abodes. Brahmā, you may abide in a hermitage or out in the open, but if you lack the four abodes of Brahmā, you are not really abiding in the abodes. You are not skilled in abiding.” He continued, “However, even if you sit in a lofty mansion on a golden throne bedecked with cushions and covers, if you possess the four abodes of Brahmā, then you are abiding in the abodes, and you are skilled in abiding.”

“By abiding in which abode will we gain wisdom vision?”

“By abiding in the abodes that purify the view of a self.”

“Mañjuśrī, do you mean that when one sees the self, one sees wisdom?”

“That is right, Brahmā. He who sees the self, sees wisdom. Brahmā, take this analogy: A man who knows how to assess gold can tell what a good ore is by knowing what a bad one is. Likewise, one can see wisdom purely by seeing the self.”

“Tell me Mañjuśrī, what is the view of the self like?” [F.69.b]

“It is seeing the selfless nature; Brahmā, the self is utterly unreal. To be certain of its nonexistence is to see the self.”

“Mañjuśrī, if I understand correctly, what you say is that by seeing the self, one sees the Buddha. Why? Is it because the essence of the self is the essence of the Buddha?”

“That’s right, Brahmā.”

“Mañjuśrī, how do we see the Thus-Gone One?”

“By not modifying the view of the self. Why? The view of the self is seeing phenomena, and by the view of phenomena, one sees the Buddha.”

“Mañjuśrī, is it possible to engage correctly without engaging with any teaching?”

“Brahmā, one who does not engage with any conditioned entity engages correctly.”

“How does one engage when one ‘engages correctly’?”

“When one does not seek to eliminate or actualize anything, that is the correct view.”

“Mañjuśrī, is it possible that noble ones who have developed the eye of insight are unable to see the thus-gone ones?”

“Brahmā, the eye of insight of the noble ones is perfected when the thus-gone ones are seen without duality.”

“Mañjuśrī, what does the eye of insight see?”

“Brahmā, if it were to see any particular thing, it would not be the eye of insight. Brahmā, the eye of insight sees neither conditioned phenomena nor unconditioned ones. Why not? Insight is nonconceptual, so it cannot see anything conditioned. It also does not see unconditioned things, since these cannot be seen by the eyes.”

“Mañjuśrī, can a monk who engages correctly fail to attain the fruition?”

“Brahmā, in correct practice [F.70.a] there is no attainment of fruition. In correct practice there is no practice. Here, there is also no concept of attaining fruition. Brahmā, in nonattainment one sees attainment. Any attainment involves overt pride. But in correct practice there is neither overt pride nor the lack of overt pride. There is no attainment either. There is no realization.”

“Mañjuśrī, realization is characterized by realizing what phenomenon?”

“Brahmā, any phenomenon is without production in the past, present, and future. When someone realizes this, he or she is said to have gained realization.”

“Mañjuśrī, how do we realize that phenomena are unproduced?”

“By realizing that there is no production of anything. That is why it is explained as seeing how all conditioned phenomena are unborn, and as ascertaining reality.”

“Mañjuśrī, to what does ascertaining reality refer?”

“Ascertaining the correct view is to recognize that the self and nirvāṇa are alike, that they are not two different things, and that they cannot be separated. Because it engages with reality, it is called ascertaining correctly. Since equality is ascertained through equality, it is called ascertaining correctly. Since it leads to the definitive meaning, it is called ascertaining correctly. Since there is no reification of any absorption, it is called ascertaining correctly.”

Then the Blessed One congratulated youthful Mañjuśrī, “Mañjuśrī, what you have said is excellent; it is just as you have explained. Hearing your explanation of the teaching, seven thousand monks liberated their minds from contaminations, with no further grasping. Thirty-two thousand gods gained the pure eyes of Dharma, free of dust and specks. [F.70.b] Ten thousand living beings gained freedom from desire. Two hundred living beings generated the mind of unexcelled and perfect awakening. Five thousand bodhisattvas gained acceptance that phenomena are unborn.”

Then Brahma­viśeṣacintin addressed the Blessed One, saying, “Blessed One, youthful Mañjuśrī acts as a buddha.”

Mañjuśrī replied, “Brahmā, the coming of a buddha brings no benefit nor harm.”

“Mañjuśrī, the Blessed One brings beings beyond measure to nirvāṇa. Don’t you likewise lead beings beyond measure to nirvāṇa?”

“Brahmā, are you positing beings where no sentient beings exist?”

“No, I am not.”

“Brahmā, are you describing beings where there is no sentient being? Are you positing the existence of beings where there is no sentient being?”

“No, I am not.”

“Brahmā, do you claim that the thus-gone ones appear or disappear?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Who are the beings that the thus-gone ones lead to nirvāṇa?”

“Youthful Mañjuśrī, things are just the way you have explained them. Here there is neither saṃsāra nor nirvāṇa.”

“That’s right, Brahmā. The thus-gone ones apprehend neither saṃsāra nor nirvāṇa. Brahmā, the hearers tamed by the Blessed One also apprehend neither saṃsāra nor nirvāṇa. Brahmā, nirvāṇa is nothing more than a convention, a mere imputation. But here there is neither saṃsāra nor any nirvāṇa.”

“Mañjuśrī, who will place their trust in this?”

“Those who have no attachment to phenomena.” [F.71.a]

“Mañjuśrī, when you say attachment, to what precise attachment are you referring?”

“Brahmā, attachment refers to attachment to nonexistence. If, Brahmā, there is attachment to existence, one cannot be free from overt pride. In this way one becomes attached to nonexistence. Therefore, as one realizes ‘this does not exist,’ one is not attached. When one is not attached, one does not circle in saṃsāra. When one does not circle, one does not transmigrate. When one does not transmigrate, that is nirvāṇa.”

“Mañjuśrī, what does nirvāṇa remedy in order to be called nirvāṇa, beyond suffering?”

“Brahmā, nirvāṇa is so-called because it does not misconstrue mutually dependent conditions. Ignorance does not form. With no formation, nothing is joined together. When nothing is joined together, there is no origin. This absence of origin is called nirvāṇa. To experience this absence of origin is cessation. The path to cessation is the realization of the utterly unborn. These are the four truths of the noble ones.”

Then the great sāla-tree-like brahmin householder Samavartin spoke to youthful Mañjuśrī, “Mañjuśrī, all that you have taught are true teachings.”

“Noble son, all words are true.”

“Mañjuśrī, do you mean that no false words exist‍—all that is incorrect is correct?”

“Noble son, that is correct. You may wonder why. It is because all speech is dependent; it does not abide in any place, in any direction. Whatever is dependent and does not abide in any place or direction is nonexistent, and therefore it is true. This is why all words are also said to be true. [F.71.b] Devadatta’s words and the Thus-Gone One’s words are not different. Why not? All words are the words of the Thus-Gone One. All words are always only suchness. Any forms of words that convey meaning do not have meaning. This is why they convey meaning. That being so, all words are equal in being letters, similar in being letters, and empty of letters. Hence, all words are similar.”

“Mañjuśrī,” said Samavartin, “didn’t the Thus-Gone One speak about the conventions of the noble ones and the conventions of ordinary beings?”

“Noble son, aren’t the words used to express the conventions of the noble ones the same words used to express the conventions of ordinary beings?”

“That’s right, Mañjuśrī.”

“Do you think that there are words of noble ones and words of ordinary beings?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Words themselves do not think or conceptualize. Likewise, noble ones are free from all thoughts and concepts. They have no discursive conventions, so noble ones do not conventionally label things by means of linguistic conceptions. They do not conceive of Dharma. They do not conceive of non-Dharma. They do not conceive of the self. They do not conceive of the other. As an analogy, cymbals, drums, hand drums, and horns all provide the conditions for the arising of sounds without concepts. In a similar vein, the noble ones see the conditions from which things arise, so they have no attachment to conventional labels‍—no attachment at all.”

Then the bodhisattva Samavartin said to Mañjuśrī, “Mañjuśrī, the Blessed One has said that when monks gather, they should do one of two things: they should discuss the Dharma, or they should keep noble [F.72.a] silence. Mañjuśrī, can you clarify what it means to discuss the Dharma and to keep the noble silence?”

Mañjuśrī replied, “To discuss the Dharma is to speak of things that do not conflict with the Buddha, the Dharma, or the Saṅgha. To keep the noble silence is to be devoted to the Buddha as the nature of reality, the Dharma as freedom from desire, and the Saṅgha as what is unconditioned. Further, noble son, discussing the Dharma consists in discussing the application of the four applications of mindfulness. Keeping the noble silence consists in neither reflecting upon nor mentally engaging in any phenomena. Discussing the Dharma consists in discussing the application of the four correct abandonments. Keeping the noble silence consists in transcending similarity or dissimilarity on the basis of equality. Discussing the Dharma consists in discussing the application of the four bases of miraculous powers. Keeping the noble silence consists in making no deliberate efforts with body, speech, or mind. Discussing the Dharma consists in discussing the application of the five powers and the five strengths. Keeping the noble silence consists in not having any faith in any phenomena due to faith in anything, and neither accepting nor rejecting any phenomena. Keeping the noble silence also consists in being dedicated to maintaining mindfulness, one-pointed concentration, freedom from vain thoughts, and the natural equipoise of all things‍—which becomes the condition for not relying on any conceptual elaboration. Discussing the Dharma consists in discussing the application of the seven branches of awakening. Keeping the noble silence consists in remaining, through meditative equipoise, in a state without postulation, devoid of any superimpositions or anything to acquire or remove. Discussing the Dharma consists in the application of the eightfold path of the noble ones. [F.72.b] Keeping the noble silence consists in not being dependent either on Dharma or non-Dharma through realizing that the Dharma is like a raft.

“Noble son, in this way, when bodhisattvas speak about these thirty-seven elements of awakening and explain, teach, present, engage with, comment on, analyze, clarify, and correctly propound them, that is discussing the Dharma. In this way, when the Dharma is experienced directly, one does not see the Dharma as being separate from the body, or the body as being separate from the Dharma. Thus, to neither see them as dual or as nondual is the way they are seen. When seen in this way, even the seeing of the direct perception of wisdom is not seeing. This not seeing anything is keeping the noble silence. Furthermore, noble son, to not discuss in such a way that you impute a self, impute others, impute the Dharma, or impute non-Dharma‍—this is discussing the Dharma. To remain unmoved, without uttering any words, speech, sounds, or voices as a result of having reached the inexpressible nature, and to be subdued by the mind’s void nature‍—this is keeping the noble silence. Noble son, to speak in accordance with an understanding of the different capacities of beings, superior or inferior, is to discuss the Dharma. To transcend both equipoise and distraction is to keep the noble silence.”

The great sāla-tree-like brahmin householder Samavartin now said to youthful Mañjuśrī, “Mañjuśrī, if I understand your explanation correctly, hearers and solitary buddhas neither discuss the Dharma nor keep the noble silence. This is because they are not skilled in knowing the different capacities, superior or inferior, and they do not remain continuously in equipoise. Mañjuśrī, if truthful people were to tell who [F.73.a] discusses the Dharma and who keeps the noble silence, then, Mañjuśrī, they would say that it is the Thus-Gone One. This is because the Blessed Buddha knows the individual faculties of every sentient being and always remains in equipoise.”

The Blessed One told youthful Mañjuśrī, “Mañjuśrī, it is as the noble son Samavartin has explained. This is the intent of the blessed buddhas.”

At this point the elder Subhūti addressed the Blessed One, “Blessed One, I remember hearing the Blessed One say that when monks gather, they should do two things: they should discuss the Dharma or keep the noble silence. Blessed One, if hearers cannot practice these two, why does the Thus-Gone One teach this to them, saying to them, ‘Discuss the Dharma or keep the noble silence’?”

“What do you think, Subhūti?” the Blessed One replied, “If hearers have not heard the Dharma, can they discuss the Dharma and can they remain one-pointedly in the noble silence?”

“No, they cannot.”

“Subhūti,” the Blessed One continued, “you should know that the hearers and solitary buddhas do not discuss the Dharma or keep the noble silence in the way it has just been described.”

Next, youthful Mañjuśrī said to the venerable Subhūti, “Subhūti, the eighty-four thousand behaviors of beings are known to the Thus-Gone One. Do the elders know them? Are they able to explain them? Can the wisdom of the elders penetrate teachings related to these topics?”

“No, Mañjuśrī.”

Mañjuśrī continued, “Elder [F.73.b] Subhūti, can you rest in absorption to see what happens in the minds of beings, and can you rest in absorption to look at the minds of all beings, whereby yours and those of others appear clearly to you?”

“No, Mañjuśrī.”

“Venerable Subhūti, the thus-gone ones discuss the Dharma by teaching the remedies for each of the eighty-four thousand behaviors of beings. Without moving from the equipoise of absorption, they also know the behaviors of all beings. Venerable Subhūti, from this presentation you should know that this is not the domain of hearers and solitary buddhas. Venerable Subhūti, those beings with a preponderance of desire are liberated by what is beautiful, and not by the repulsive. This, the thus-gone ones also know. Those beings who have a preponderance of aversion are liberated by seeing faults, and not by kindness‍—the thus-gone ones also know this. Those beings who have a preponderance of ignorance are liberated by criticism, and not by teaching them the Dharma‍—the thus-gone ones also know this. Those beings for whom the three poisons are in equal proportions are not liberated by what is attractive or by what is repulsive, they are not liberated by kindness or by faults, and they are also not liberated by being taught the Dharma or by being criticized. For them, the thus-gone ones with equanimity teach specific Dharma teachings to liberate them in accordance with their dispositions. This, the thus-gone ones also know. Subhūti, thanks to this explanation you should know that the Dharma presentations of the thus-gone ones are supreme, that their mental absorption is supreme, and that their joy in remaining silent [F.74.a] is supreme.”

Venerable Subhūti said to youthful Mañjuśrī, “Mañjuśrī, if hearers and solitary buddhas cannot speak the Dharma or keep the noble silence, what are the bodhisattvas’ qualities that enable them to speak the Dharma and keep the noble silence in this way?”

“Venerable Subhūti,” Mañjuśrī answered, “The Thus-Gone One knows this, as he perceives it directly. Since this is therefore known to the Thus-Gone One, you should ask him.”

At that time the Blessed One replied to the venerable Subhūti saying, “Subhūti, there is an absorption called the undistracted mind penetrating the Dharma of all the buddhas. All bodhisattvas who have attained this absorption possess the qualities to speak the Dharma and keep the noble silence.”

At this point youthful Mañjuśrī addressed the bodhisattva Samavartin, “Noble son, to teach the eighty-four thousand sections of the Dharma in accordance with the eighty-four thousand behaviors is to discuss the Dharma. To enter the equipoise where perceptions and sensations have ceased is to keep the noble silence. Noble son, even if I were to speak for an eon or more about discussing the Dharma and keeping the noble silence, I would not run out of things to say.”

The Blessed One then said to the great sāla-tree-like brahmin householder Samavartin, “Noble son, in the past, before an utterly incalculable and immeasurably vast number of eons, there was an eon called Vighuṣṭakīrti. At that time, on that occasion, there was a world called Priyadarśana, home to the thus-gone, worthy, and perfect Buddha Samantaraśmi. He was one with proper knowledge and conduct, [F.74.b] a well-gone one, a knower of the world, a person to train beings, a guide, a most excellent one, a teacher of gods and humans, and a blessed buddha. The Priyadarśana world system of the thus-gone Blessed One Samantaraśmi was ripe with jewels, prosperous, joyful, abundant in crops, delightful, and filled with gods and humans. The fragrances of many types of incense permeated this world, and everything was as soft as cotton, smooth like kācilindika cloth, and exquisitely adorned with the seven precious substances. This Priyadarśana world was composed of forty million four-continent systems, where each of the great continents measured eighty-four thousand leagues. Each of its cities was ornamented with all types of precious substances and measured about one league. Each city was surrounded by five hundred villages, hamlets, districts, and markets. In each town, village, market, and district lived many hundreds of thousands of beings. Whatever appeared before the eyes of these people was always attractive and pleasing, and they saw nothing unpleasant. These people had also developed the absorption of remembering the buddha. That is why this world was called Priyadarśana‍—Delightful to Behold.

“Bodhisattvas from other buddha realms also came to this world and, when they too saw this Priyadarśana world, it filled them with delight in a way that no other world had. The Thus-Gone One Samantaraśmi taught the Dharma to beings there by presenting the three vehicles. For the most part, he explained in great detail the statement, ‘Noble sons, you need to abide by these two practices: discuss the Dharma or remain in peace by keeping the noble silence.’ [F.75.a] [B5] Noble son, in the zenith direction, two bodhisattvas called Akṣayamati and Viśeṣamati left the buddha realm of the Thus-Gone One Bhaiṣajyarāja and went to meet the Thus-Gone One Samantaraśmi. They prostrated to the Blessed One’s feet and circumambulated him three times. Then they took places by his side. At that point, the Thus-Gone One taught them, extensively and perfectly, the absorption called pure light in the following way: ‘Why is this absorption called pure light? It is called pure light because bodhisattvas who have attained this absorption are liberated from all signs and emotional defilements and have reached clarity concerning all buddha qualities. All phenomena within the past are pure, all phenomena within the future are pure, and all phenomena within the present are pure‍—this is the purity of the three times. Since they are pure, they cannot be turned into something impure. Pure things are pure by nature, so they are thoroughly pure. This is why all phenomena are said to be luminous by nature.

“ ‘What is the nature of all phenomena? All phenomena have emptiness as their nature and are thus free from apprehending. All phenomena are signless by nature, so they are free of thoughts and concepts. All phenomena are wishless by nature, so they are free of accepting, rejecting, intending, and functioning, and are utterly devoid of inherent essence. They are naturally luminous. The nature of saṃsāra is the nature of nirvāṇa. The nature of nirvāṇa is the nature of all phenomena. This is why the nature of mind is said to be naturally luminous. [F.75.b] Noble sons, as an analogy, it is untenable and impossible for open space to become defiled. Noble sons, likewise, it is untenable and impossible for the nature of mind to become defiled. Noble sons, as an analogy, clouds, smoke, or dust may appear in the sky, reducing the sky’s beauty, purity, and clarity. Yet, they do not defile the nature of the sky. If the sky itself were defiled, it could never become pure. Since, in this way, it never becomes defiled, it is designated as the sky. Noble sons, likewise, immature, ordinary beings, who direct their minds inappropriately, generate emotional defilements, but they never defile the nature of mind. If it could become defiled, it could not be thoroughly pure. Since, in this way, it never becomes defiled, it is liberated by being naturally liberated. Noble sons, this is an introduction to the absorption called pure light.’ Thus taught the Thus-Gone One to the two bodhisattvas. Upon hearing about that absorption, the two attained Dharma insight regarding the inconceivable Dharma.

“Then the bodhisattva Akṣayamati said to the blessed Thus-Gone One Samantaraśmi, ‘Blessed One, now that we have heard your introduction to this absorption, how should we abide?’

“ ‘Noble sons,’ replied the Blessed One to the two bodhisattvas, ‘discuss the Dharma by teaching it genuinely or abide in the noble silence.’ When these two bodhisattvas heard the pronouncement ‘Excellent, excellent!’ from that buddha, [F.76.a] they prostrated to his feet and circumambulated him three times. Then they left that blessed one for a pleasant grove, where they took up residence in a mansion that they magically manifested. The god Bhadraraśmi from the heaven of Great Brahmā went to meet the bodhisattvas at their dwelling with an assembly of seven million two hundred thousand Brahmā gods. These gods prostrated to the feet of the two bodhisattvas, circumambulated them three times, and then asked them, ‘Noble sons, the blessed Thus-Gone One Samantaraśmi said that when monks have gathered and are together, they have two things to do: discuss the Dharma discourses or keep the noble silence. So what does it mean to discourse upon the Dharma and keep the noble silence?’

“The two bodhisattvas replied to Brahmā Bhadraraśmi’s query, ‘Brahmā, we are going to explain a little of the teachings on this question, so listen well. About this the thus-gone ones have direct perception and full realization.’ Noble son, amid the gathering assembled around them, the two bodhisattvas taught extensively the meaning of discoursing upon the Dharma and keeping the noble silence. At that time, the seven million two hundred thousand Brahmā gods gained acceptance that phenomena are unborn. Brahmā Bhadraraśmi also attained the absorption of pure light. Noble son, the two bodhisattvas, who had uninterrupted eloquence, then taught correctly about discoursing upon the Dharma and keeping the noble silence. They taught for seventy-six thousand years, elucidating these two topics and [F.76.b] answering the gods’ questions, with no end to their exchange.

“Then, from the sky where he sat, that thus-gone one spoke to both of them saying, ‘Supreme noble sons, do not speak to argue; do not speak to create disputes. Rather, see all words as echoes, for all words are like reverberating sounds. You should understand that you have accomplished the unfailing mastery of eloquence. Should you wish to explain these two topics for an eon or more, your eloquence would still not be exhausted. Nevertheless, the words of the buddhas are complete peacefulness; they are peace, utter peace, complete peace, the meaning beyond words, and the inexpressible meaning. The more this is expressed, the further it is from the meaning. Therefore, rely on the meaning and not the words.’ The two bodhisattvas heard that thus-gone one’s exhortation and remained silent. Noble son, based on this explanation you should know that bodhisattvas can teach eloquently in this way for a hundred thousand eons or more. Noble son, you should not think that at that time, on that occasion, these two bodhisattvas were some other persons. Why not? Because at that time youthful Mañjuśrī was the bodhisattva Akṣayamati. And Samavartin, at that time, on that occasion, you were the bodhisattva Viśeṣamati. At that time, on that occasion, Mahā­brahma­viśeṣacintin was the Brahmā god Bhadraraśmi.”

The great sāla-tree-like brahmin householder Samavartin said to the Blessed One, “Blessed One, those who apply diligence to what has been said here will gain the supreme benefit: the thus-gone ones’ awakening. By contrast, those who have no diligence could not be helped even by hundreds of thousands of blessed ones. [F.77.a] Blessed one, awakening comes from diligence.”

Youthful Mañjuśrī asked the great sāla-tree-like brahmin householder Samavartin, “What is the diligence practiced by bodhisattvas?”

“Diligence is the way they exert themselves that leads to realization.”

“Again, how does this exertion lead to realization?”

“Exerting oneself without conceptualizing any phenomenon leads to realization.”

“What is realization?”

“Realization is seeing the equality of all phenomena.”

“Noble son, can equality be seen?”

“No, it cannot.”

“If it cannot, then it becomes difference since it cannot be equality.”

Brahma­viśeṣacintin then spoke, “Mañjuśrī, not seeing any phenomenon due to equality‍—that is realization.”

“Why would nothing be seen?” Mañjuśrī replied.

“Nothing is seen because one is free of duality. Mañjuśrī, not seeing is true seeing.”

“Brahmā, who sees the equality of the world?”

“The thus-gone ones do.”

“What do they see?”

“They see the suchness of form, without construing it as anything different. They see the suchness of feeling, of perception, of formation, and of consciousness, without construing them as anything different. Mañjuśrī, seeing the suchness of the five aggregates exactly as it is, they see the world as it is.”

“Brahmā, what is the unique character of the world?”

“Extinction is the unique character of the world.”

“If the world is characterized by extinction, Brahmā, [F.77.b] will the characteristics of the world be extinguished?”

“Mañjuśrī, the characteristics of the world do not become extinguished.”

“Well then, why do you say that the unique characteristic of the world is extinction?”

“Mañjuśrī, thorough extinction does not become extinguished. Why? Because what is extinguished cannot become extinguished.”

“Brahmā, don’t the thus-gone ones teach that conditioned phenomena are subject to extinction?”

“Mañjuśrī, the nature of extinction is never exhausted. It is with this in mind that the thus-gone ones say that conditioned phenomena are subject to extinction.”

“Brahmā, what makes something a conditioned phenomenon?”

“Mañjuśrī, it is due to having the nature of extinction that it is called a conditioned phenomenon.”

“Brahmā, where do conditioned phenomena rest?”

“They rest upon the unconditioned nature.”

“Brahmā, what is the difference between conditioned and unconditioned phenomena?”

“Mañjuśrī, the difference between conditioned and unconditioned phenomena is a convention. Why? Because it is conventions that assert ‘this is conditioned’ and ‘this is unconditioned.’ And the nature of the conditioned is the nature of the unconditioned, as there is, in reality, no difference.”

“Brahmā, to what does reality refer?”

“Mañjuśrī, reality refers to the phenomena that are indistinguishable from the unconditioned.”

“What is the meaning behind ascribing names?”

“Names are given to communicate to others. Why? All names are exaggerations and thus also superimpositions. So that is why, when the thus-gone ones teach without making superimpositions or exaggerations, their teachings are called the superior words. Furthermore, Mañjuśrī, because it is not the case that all words are words, the words of the buddhas are called inexpressible. [F.78.a] Why? Because the perfect buddhas are precisely those who are not distinguished by verbal expression.”

“How then are the perfect buddhas distinguished?”

“They are not distinguished through their form either, nor through their name or their nature.”

“Can they be distinguished through something of a character other than their form?”

“No, they cannot.” He continued, “The thus-gone ones cannot be distinguished based on the nature of phenomena such as their physical characteristics, nor can they be distinguished based on something else‍—this is the way that they are distinguished. Thus, they teach by means of suchness and without losing sight of it‍—this is the way they are distinguished.”

“That being so, why are the thus-gone ones called perfectly awakened?”

“Mañjuśrī, the thus-gone ones have perfectly awakened to and have realized phenomena as they really are in terms of their nature and essence. That is why they are called perfectly awakened.”

Then the great sāla-tree-like brahmin householder Samavartin said to the Blessed One, “Blessed One, how do bodhisattvas enter the Great Vehicle?”

At that moment the Blessed One answered in these verses:

With the explanation offered in these perfectly crafted verses, five thousand gods aroused the mind of awakening. Two thousand bodhisattvas gained acceptance that phenomena are unborn. The minds of more than one thousand monks were freed of contamination, without further clinging. Thirty-two thousand living beings gained the pure eyes of Dharma, free of dust and specks.

At this point youthful Mañjuśrī said to the Blessed One, “If I understand correctly what you have explained, Blessed One, the aspiration toward awakening is an aspiration toward wrong view. Why is this? Because, Blessed One, apprehending is wrong. In this regard, the effort made by those who apprehend awakening and who thus aspire toward what is apprehended is wrong. Why? Blessed One, awakening is not in the desire realm, awakening is not in the form realm, and awakening is not in the formless realm. Blessed One, since awakening is nowhere, there is no way to aspire to it. Blessed One, it is like people who say they will grab the sky. Will this aspiration they have for the sky give them the sky?”

The Thus-Gone One replied, “No, Mañjuśrī, it will not.”

Mañjuśrī continued, “Blessed One, similarly, the aspiration toward space-like awakening is like aspiring for the sky. Blessed One, [F.81.b] awakening is not an object of aspiration. It is beyond the three times; it cannot be approached. Blessed One, if bodhisattvas consider things in a d