THE GREAT PRAJÑĀPĀRAMITĀ SŪTRA
Volume 581
Chapter on the Perfection of Giving (3)
At that time, Pūrṇa addressed the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, if all dharmas are nonexistent, then when Bodhisattvas practice generosity, what is it that they relinquish?”
The Buddha said:
“When Bodhisattvas practice generosity in this way, they relinquish absolutely nothing.”
Pūrṇa again addressed the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, if Bodhisattvas practicing generosity relinquish absolutely nothing, then when these Bodhisattvas attain the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment, what is it that they attain?”
The Buddha said:
“When Bodhisattvas practice generosity in this way, with regard to all dharmas they relinquish absolutely nothing. Therefore, when they attain the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment, with regard to all dharmas they likewise attain nothing. When Bodhisattvas practice generosity, there is absolutely no loss with respect to any dharma. Likewise, when Bodhisattvas attain the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment, there is likewise no gain with respect to any dharma. Loss and gain are merely opposing concepts established in relation to one another.
“Furthermore, Pūrṇa, if when Bodhisattvas practice generosity they know that all dharmas are like illusions, not truly existent, and therefore there is nothing to relinquish, then when these Bodhisattvas attain the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment, they know that all dharmas are likewise like illusions, not truly existent, and therefore there is nothing to attain. If, when Bodhisattvas practiced generosity, there truly were something to relinquish among all dharmas, then when these Bodhisattvas attained the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment, there would likewise truly be some dharma to attain. However, since when Bodhisattvas practice generosity there is in reality no relinquishment of any dharma, then when these Bodhisattvas attain the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment, there is likewise in reality no attainment of any dharma.
“Furthermore, Pūrṇa, suppose two magicians amuse themselves by exchanging things. One conjures up money, while the other conjures up beautiful objects. Neither of these things truly exists. Bodhisattvas practicing generosity are just like this. Since the thing relinquished is unreal, like an illusion, then upon attaining the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment, the dharma attained is likewise unreal, like an illusion. When these Bodhisattvas give in this way, there is truly no loss; and when they attain the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment, there is truly no gain. Although these Bodhisattvas seem to incur a loss when practicing generosity, in reality there is no loss. Therefore, although upon attaining the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment there appears to be gain, in reality there is no gain. It is like that magician who gives away illusory money. It appears as though there is a loss, but in reality there is none. Bodhisattvas practicing generosity are likewise. They relinquish unreal things. Though there seems to be a loss, in reality there is none. And just as that magician conjures beautiful objects, there appears to be gain, yet in reality there is none. So too, when Bodhisattvas attain the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment, there appears to be gain, but in reality there is none. Such is the analogy. Cause and effect correspond appropriately. The wise should understand this clearly.
“Furthermore, Pūrṇa, suppose a skilled magician or his disciple conjures up a young woman at a crossroads. Suddenly she becomes pregnant, and then immediately gives birth to a child. The child lives only for a moment and then dies. What do you think? Would that woman rejoice at the child’s birth or grieve at its death?”
Pūrṇa said to the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, both the woman and her child are illusory. Since there is in truth neither birth nor death, who could possibly rejoice or grieve for whom?”
The Buddha said:
“Exactly so, exactly so. It is just as you have said. Bodhisattvas are likewise. When practicing generosity, there is no relinquishment and no loss. Therefore, when they attain the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment, there is no attainment and no gain. Thus, although Bodhisattvas practicing generosity seem to relinquish something, no sorrow arises. Likewise, although upon attaining the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment there seems to be attainment, no delight arises, because they know that relinquishment and attainment are like illusions.
“Furthermore, Pūrṇa, what do you think? Do you suppose that the Tathāgata has great longing for wholesome dharmas?”
Pūrṇa replied:
“World-Honored One, no. Blessed One, no. Why? Because the Tathāgata’s realization of all dharmas is emptiness. Even the Tathāgata’s realization of dharmas is emptiness, because within emptiness there is absolutely no longing and no object of longing.”
The Buddha said:
“Exactly so, exactly so. It is just as you have said. The Tathāgata contemplates all dharmas as empty. Therefore, even toward wholesome dharmas there is no great longing. Just as I now have absolutely no longing for any dharma, so in the past, when I was practicing as a Bodhisattva, although I practiced generosity, with regard to all dharmas there was absolutely no relinquishment, because I thoroughly understood that all dharmas are ultimately empty. The Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones, neither love nor hate any dharma. Why? Because they fully comprehend that all dharmas are not truly existent, their fundamental nature is tranquil emptiness, and therefore attachment and aversion come to an end.”
At that time, Pūrṇa addressed the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, how extraordinary! Blessed One, how rare indeed! Great Bodhisattvas should relinquish things in precisely this way. Understanding thus, they know that all things are without falsehood, without inherent nature, without solidity, and without autonomous activity; therefore they do not become attached.
“As I understand the meaning of the Buddha’s teaching to the Great Bodhisattvas, even if they were to give precious jewels to sentient beings throughout worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, they would not think, ‘I have given away these jewels.’ Because they are free from attachment to such acts, they quickly perfect the Perfection of Giving. Such Bodhisattvas cultivate wholesome roots through generosity, giving equally to all sentient beings and together dedicating the merit toward the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment.
“Having reflected in this way, they further think: ‘The Dharma of a Bodhisattva is to relinquish everything. Although I now relinquish what should be relinquished, all that is relinquished is like an illusion.’
“If a Great Bodhisattva understands this, then that Great Bodhisattva has entered the ranks of Bodhisattvas. Although relinquishing everything, there is no relinquishment. Although attaining everything, there is no attainment. If Bodhisattvas do not truly understand this, then they are not genuine Bodhisattvas. They do not truly relinquish attachment to dharmas and possessions, and though they give, they do not attain supreme Bodhi.”
At that time, Śāriputra asked Pūrṇa:
“With what kind of mind should Great Bodhisattvas practice generosity?”
Pūrṇa replied:
“Venerable Śāriputra, first allow me to explain this principle generally. Afterwards I shall speak of a small part of its meaning.”
Śāriputra then asked the Venerable Pūrṇa:
“If a Great Bodhisattva wishes to attain the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment, then first this Bodhisattva should contemplate that the nature of all dharmas is complete emptiness and tranquility. Next, the Bodhisattva should contemplate the supreme virtues of the wisdom of omniscience. Then the Bodhisattva should develop compassion for all sentient beings who are poor, lacking in possessions, and enduring many sufferings. Having reflected thus, the Bodhisattva gives away everything, whether parts of the body or external possessions. Wealth and precious treasures, whether internal or external, are all given to sentient beings with a mind free from attachment. The Bodhisattva also gives the true Dharma to sentient beings. Likewise, the Bodhisattva offers countless excellent offerings with reverence to the Buddha Jewel, the Dharma Jewel, and the Sangha Jewel. When Great Bodhisattvas practice generosity in this way, relying upon the wisdom of omniscience and remaining free from attachment, they practice generosity. Such generosity accords with Bodhi, quickly realizes the wisdom of omniscience, and brings great benefit to sentient beings.”
At that time, the World-Honored One said to Śāriputra:
“Exactly so, exactly so. It is just as you have said. Great Bodhisattvas who wish to attain the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment should contemplate the emptiness of all dharmas, direct their minds toward omniscient wisdom endowed with supreme virtues, cherish sentient beings with compassion, and practice generosity without attachment. If they cultivate generosity in this way, they will quickly attain the unsurpassed state of perfect enlightenment and bring great benefit to sentient beings.
“Furthermore, Śāriputra, do you now wish to see the Bodhisattvas in the worlds of the ten directions?”
“World-Honored One, I humbly beseech you, I wish to see!”
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, immediately saw that in the eastern direction, beyond a hundred worlds, there were countless Śrāvakas, Bodhisattvas, and members of the great assembly surrounding the Thus Come One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, listening as He expounded the Perfection of Giving (Dāna Pāramitā), complete with supreme merits and leading to great rewards. In that world there was a Bodhisattva named Unobstructed, who, although living as a householder, was attached to nothing. He relinquished all his possessions and gave everything away. His wealth and precious jewels were piled as high as mountains, and whatever sentient beings needed, he gave to them. He encouraged them to accept and use the gifts, and then to give them to others, while his own mind remained free from obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, he harbored no attachment. Day and night he diligently persevered, never becoming weary.
He gathered clothing, bedding, food, and other necessities in quantities as vast as mountains, and whatever sentient beings required, he gave to them. He encouraged them to accept and use these things, then pass them on to others, while his mind remained unobstructed. Practicing generosity in this way, without attachment, he diligently persevered day and night, never growing weary.
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly all saw that the Bodhisattva Unobstructed possessed one hundred thousand golden chariots made of the seven precious substances. Each chariot carried a jewel-like maiden of graceful appearance and perfect beauty. Every maiden was attended by one hundred maidservants, all seated in their own chariots adorned with precious treasures. On each chariot were placed one hundred thousand pieces of gold along with all kinds of personal necessities, and they were brought to the marketplace, proclaiming:
“Whoever needs anything may freely take it.”
Practicing generosity in this way, he remained attached to nothing, diligently persevering day and night, never growing weary.
Then the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
“Do you see the Bodhisattva Unobstructed in the eastern direction, practicing generosity with a mind free from attachment?”
Śāriputra immediately replied to the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, I have seen it! Well-Gone One, I have seen it!”
The Buddha said:
“Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all cultivate generosity in this manner. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of Bodhisattva Unobstructed vast?”
Śāriputra replied to the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! The generosity of Bodhisattva Unobstructed has cultivated immeasurable and boundless roots of merit.”
The Buddha said:
“Indeed, indeed, just as you have said! If there is a Bodhisattva who contemplates the emptiness of phenomena, is in accord with the wisdom of omniscience, is endowed with supreme virtues, cherishes sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, then compared with the Bodhisattva Unobstructed in the eastern direction, the merit gained from such generosity is more than one hundred times greater, one thousand times greater, even up to tens of millions of times greater.”
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, saw one hundred thousand worlds in the eastern direction. In every one of those worlds there were immeasurable Bodhisattvas, all relinquishing their possessions and giving everything away. Their wealth and precious jewels were heaped like mountains, and whatever sentient beings required, they gave to them. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use the gifts, then give them to others with minds free from obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they remained attached to nothing, diligently persevering day and night, never growing weary. Likewise, they gathered clothing, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like quantities. Whatever sentient beings needed, they gave it to them. They encouraged them to accept and use the gifts, then pass them on to others with minds free from obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they remained free from attachment, diligently persevering day and night, never becoming weary.
The Buddha said to Śāriputra:
“Do you see that in those one hundred thousand worlds in the eastern direction, every world contains immeasurable Bodhisattvas who practice generosity with minds free from attachment?”
Śāriputra replied to the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, I have seen it! Well-Gone One, I have seen it!”
The Buddha said:
“Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all cultivate generosity in this way. Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?”
Śāriputra replied to the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas have cultivated immeasurable and boundless roots of merit through generosity.”
The Buddha said:
“Indeed, indeed, just as you have said! If any Bodhisattvas contemplate the emptiness of phenomena, are in accord with the wisdom of omniscience, are endowed with supreme virtues, compassionately care for sentient beings, and give according to their wishes, then compared with the immeasurable Bodhisattvas in each of those one hundred thousand worlds in the eastern direction, the merit gained from such generosity is more than one hundred times greater, one thousand times greater, even tens of millions of times greater.”
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw as many Buddha-worlds in the eastern direction as there are grains of sand in the Ganges. In every one of those worlds there were immeasurable Bodhisattvas, all relinquishing their possessions and giving everything away. Their wealth and precious jewels were piled high like mountains, and whatever sentient beings needed, they gave to them. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use the gifts, then give them to others with minds free from obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment, diligently persevering day and night, never becoming weary. Likewise, they gathered clothing, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like abundance, and according to the needs of sentient beings, they gave everything away. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use the gifts, then pass them on to others with minds free from obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they remained free from attachment, diligently persevering day and night, never growing weary.
The Buddha said to Śāriputra:
“Do you see that in the Buddha-worlds of the eastern direction, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, every world contains immeasurable Bodhisattvas who practice generosity with minds free from attachment?”
Śāriputra immediately replied to the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, I have seen it! Well-Gone One, I have seen it!”
The Buddha said:
“Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all cultivate generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?”
Śāriputra replied:
“World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas have cultivated immeasurable and boundless roots of merit through generosity.”
The Buddha said:
“Yes, yes, exactly as you have said! If there is any Bodhisattva who contemplates the emptiness of all phenomena, is in accord with the wisdom of Omniscience, possesses supreme virtues, has compassion for sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, then compared with the merit gained by the Bodhisattvas in as many Buddha worlds in the eastern direction as there are grains of sand in the Ganges River, the merit obtained from such generosity is more than a hundred times, a thousand times, and ten thousand million times greater.
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, through the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw what appeared to be ten Ganges-sand worlds in the eastern direction. In each world there were innumerable Bodhisattvas who renounced all their possessions and gave everything away. Wealth and precious jewels were piled up like mountains, and they gave them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept what they needed and then to give it to others, with minds free from obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they had no attachment. They were diligent day and night, never growing weary. They gathered clothing, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like quantities and gave them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept what they needed and then give it to others with minds free from obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they had no attachment. They were diligent day and night, never becoming weary.
Then the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
‘Do you see that in those ten Ganges-sand worlds in the eastern direction, each world contains innumerable Bodhisattvas who practice generosity with minds free from attachment?’
Śāriputra replied to the Buddha:
‘World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!’
The Buddha said:
‘Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?’
Śāriputra replied:
‘World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of goodness through their generosity.’
The Buddha said:
‘Yes, yes, exactly as you have said! If any Bodhisattva contemplates the emptiness of all phenomena, is in accord with the wisdom of Omniscience, possesses supreme virtues, cherishes sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, then compared with the innumerable Bodhisattvas in each of the ten-direction Ganges-sand worlds in the eastern direction, the merit gained from such generosity is more than a hundred times, a thousand times, and ten thousand million times greater.
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, through the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw what appeared to be one hundred Ganges-sand worlds in the eastern direction. In each world there were innumerable Bodhisattvas who renounced all their possessions and gave everything away. Wealth and precious jewels were piled up like mountains, and they gave them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept what they needed and then give to others with minds free from obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they had no attachment. They were diligent day and night, never growing weary. They gathered clothing, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like quantities and gave them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept what they needed and then give it to others with minds free from any obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they had no attachment. They were diligent day and night, never becoming weary.
Then the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
‘Do you see that in those one hundred Ganges-sand worlds in the eastern direction, each world contains innumerable Bodhisattvas who practice generosity with minds free from attachment?’
Śāriputra replied to the Buddha:
‘World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!’
The Buddha said:
‘Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?’
Śāriputra replied:
‘World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of goodness through their generosity.’
The Buddha said:
‘Yes, yes, exactly as you have said! If any Bodhisattva contemplates the emptiness of all phenomena, is in accord with the wisdom of Omniscience, possesses supreme virtues, has compassion for sentient beings, and gives according to their wishes, then compared with the innumerable Bodhisattvas in each of the one hundred Ganges-sand worlds in the eastern direction, the merit gained from such generosity is more than a hundred times, a thousand times, and ten thousand million times greater.
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, through the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw one thousand Ganges-sand worlds in the eastern direction. In each world there were innumerable Bodhisattvas who renounced all their possessions and gave everything away. Wealth and precious jewels were piled up like mountains, and they gave them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept what they needed and then give to others with minds free from obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they had no attachment. They were diligent day and night, never growing weary. They gathered clothing, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like quantities and gave them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept what they needed and then give them to others with minds free from obstruction.
Practicing generosity in this way, they are free from attachment. Day and night they diligently persevere, never growing weary.
At that time, the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
“Do you see the thousand Ganges River sand worlds in the eastern direction, each world having countless Bodhisattvas who practice generosity without attachment?”
Śāriputra immediately addressed the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!”
The Buddha said:
“Bodhisattvas who seek supreme Bodhi should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?”
Śāriputra replied:
“World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of merit through generosity.”
The Buddha said:
“Indeed, indeed, just as you have said! If any Bodhisattvas contemplate the emptiness of phenomena, are in harmony with the wisdom of omniscience, possess complete and excellent virtues, cherish all sentient beings, and give according to their wishes, then compared with the countless Bodhisattvas in each of the thousand Ganges River sand worlds in the eastern direction, the merit obtained from their generosity surpasses theirs by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and tens of millions of times.”
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw one hundred thousand Ganges River sand worlds in the eastern direction. In every one of those worlds, countless Bodhisattvas relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away. Their wealth and jewels were piled as high as mountains, and they gave them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use them, and then to give them to others without any obstruction in their minds. Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never growing weary. They gathered robes, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like quantities, giving them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use them, then give them to others without any hindrance in their minds. Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never growing weary.
The Buddha said to Śāriputra:
“Do you see the one hundred thousand Ganges River sand worlds in the eastern direction, each world having countless Bodhisattvas who practice generosity without attachment?”
Śāriputra immediately addressed the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!”
The Buddha said:
“Bodhisattvas who seek supreme Bodhi should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?”
Śāriputra replied:
“World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of merit through generosity.”
The Buddha said:
“Indeed, indeed, just as you have said! If any Bodhisattvas contemplate the emptiness of phenomena, are in harmony with the wisdom of omniscience, possess complete and excellent virtues, cherish all sentient beings, and give according to their wishes, then compared with the countless Bodhisattvas in each of the one hundred thousand Ganges River sand worlds in the eastern direction, the merit obtained from their generosity surpasses theirs by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and tens of millions of times.”
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw innumerable Ganges River sand worlds in the eastern direction. In every one of those worlds, countless Bodhisattvas relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away. Their wealth and jewels were piled as high as mountains, and they gave them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use them, and then to give them to others without any obstruction in their minds. Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never growing weary. They gathered robes, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like quantities, giving them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use them, then give them to others without any obstruction in their minds. Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never growing weary.
At that time, the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
“Do you see the innumerable Ganges River sand worlds in the eastern direction, each world having countless Bodhisattvas who practice generosity without attachment?”
Śāriputra immediately addressed the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!”
The Buddha said:
“Bodhisattvas who seek supreme Bodhi should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?”
Śāriputra replied:
“World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of merit through generosity.”
The Buddha said:
“Indeed, indeed, just as you have said! If any Bodhisattvas contemplate the emptiness of phenomena, are in harmony with the wisdom of omniscience, possess complete and excellent virtues, cherish all sentient beings, and give according to their wishes, then compared with the countless Bodhisattvas in each of the innumerable Ganges River sand worlds in the eastern direction, the merit obtained from their generosity surpasses theirs by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and tens of millions of times.”
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw one hundred thousand worlds in the southern direction. Likewise, they saw innumerable Ganges River sand worlds in the southern direction. In every one of those worlds, countless Bodhisattvas relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away. Their wealth and jewels were piled as high as mountains, and they gave them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use them, and then to give them to others without any obstruction in their minds. Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never growing weary. They gathered robes, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like quantities, giving them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use them, then give them to others without any obstruction in their minds. Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never growing weary.
At that time, the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
“Do you see the hundreds of thousands of worlds in the southern direction, and further, the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the southern direction, where in each world there are immeasurable Bodhisattvas who practice generosity with minds free from attachment?”
Śāriputra immediately addressed the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!”
The Buddha said:
“Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all cultivate generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?”
Śāriputra replied:
“World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of goodness through their generosity.”
The Buddha said:
“Indeed, indeed, exactly as you have said! If any Bodhisattvas contemplate the emptiness of phenomena, are in accord with the wisdom of omniscience, possess complete and excellent merits, have compassion for sentient beings, and give according to their wishes, then compared with the Bodhisattvas in the hundreds of thousands of worlds in the southern direction, and even the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the southern direction, each containing immeasurable Bodhisattvas, the merit gained from their generosity is more than a hundred times, a thousand times, and ten thousand million times greater.”
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw hundreds of thousands of worlds in the western direction. Likewise, they saw countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the western direction. In every one of those worlds, immeasurable Bodhisattvas relinquished all their possessions in generosity. Wealth and precious jewels were piled as high as mountains, and they gave them away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use them, and then to give them to others, with minds free from hindrance. They practiced generosity in this way without attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never growing weary. They gathered clothing, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like abundance and gave them away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use them, then to give them to others without any obstruction in mind. They practiced generosity in this way without attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never becoming weary.
At that time, the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
“Do you see the hundreds of thousands of worlds in the western direction, and further, the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the western direction, where in each world there are immeasurable Bodhisattvas who practice generosity with minds free from attachment?”
Śāriputra immediately addressed the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!”
The Buddha said:
“Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all cultivate generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?”
Śāriputra replied:
“World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of goodness through their generosity.”
The Buddha said:
“Indeed, indeed, exactly as you have said! If any Bodhisattvas contemplate the emptiness of phenomena, are in accord with the wisdom of omniscience, possess complete and excellent merits, cherish sentient beings, and give according to their wishes, then compared with the Bodhisattvas in the hundreds of thousands of worlds in the western direction, and even the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the western direction, each containing immeasurable Bodhisattvas, the merit gained from their generosity is more than a hundred times, a thousand times, and ten thousand million times greater.”
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw hundreds of thousands of worlds in the northern direction. Likewise, they saw countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the northern direction. In every one of those worlds, immeasurable Bodhisattvas relinquished all their possessions in generosity. Wealth and precious jewels were piled as high as mountains, and they gave them away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use them, then to give them to others with minds free from hindrance. They practiced generosity in this way without attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never becoming weary. They gathered clothing, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like abundance and gave them away according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to receive and use them, then to give them to others with minds free from obstruction. They practiced generosity in this way without attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never becoming weary.
At that time, the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
“Do you see the hundreds of thousands of worlds in the northern direction, and further, the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the northern direction, where in each world there are immeasurable Bodhisattvas who practice generosity with minds free from attachment?”
Śāriputra immediately addressed the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!”
The Buddha said:
“Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all cultivate generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?”
Śāriputra replied:
“World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of goodness through their generosity.”
The Buddha said:
“Yes, indeed, exactly as you have said! If any Bodhisattvas contemplate the emptiness of all phenomena, are in accord with the wisdom of omniscience, are endowed with supreme merits, cherish sentient beings, and give according to their wishes, then compared with the giving performed by the Bodhisattvas in a hundred thousand worlds to the north, and even in countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the northern direction, each world containing immeasurable Bodhisattvas, the merit gained from their giving surpasses it by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and ten thousand millionfold.
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw a hundred thousand worlds in the southeast. Likewise, they saw countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the southeast, each world containing immeasurable Bodhisattvas who renounced all their possessions and gave everything away. Their wealth and precious jewels were piled as high as mountains, and they gave them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use these gifts, and then to give them to others with minds free from obstruction. They practiced generosity in this way without attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never growing weary. They gathered robes, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like heaps, and distributed them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to use them and then pass them on to others without any mental hindrance. They practiced generosity in this way without clinging. Day and night they remained diligent, never becoming tired.
Then the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
‘Do you see these hundred thousand worlds in the southeast, and even the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the southeast, each containing immeasurable Bodhisattvas who practice generosity without attachment?’
Śāriputra replied to the Buddha:
‘World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!’
The Buddha said:
‘Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all cultivate generosity in this manner. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?’
Śāriputra replied:
‘World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of goodness through their generosity.’
The Buddha said:
‘Yes, indeed, exactly as you have said! If any Bodhisattvas contemplate the emptiness of all phenomena, are in accord with the wisdom of omniscience, possess supreme merits, have compassion for sentient beings, and give according to their wishes, then compared with the Bodhisattvas in a hundred thousand worlds in the southeast, and even in countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the southeast, each containing immeasurable Bodhisattvas, the merit gained from their giving surpasses it by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and ten thousand millionfold.
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw a hundred thousand worlds in the southwest. Likewise, they saw countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the southwest, each world containing immeasurable Bodhisattvas who renounced all their possessions and gave everything away. Their wealth and precious jewels were piled high like mountains, and they distributed them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use them, and then to give them to others with minds free from obstruction. They practiced generosity in this way without attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never growing weary. They gathered robes, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like heaps and distributed them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to use them and then give them to others without any mental hindrance. They practiced generosity in this way without attachment. Day and night they remained diligent, never becoming tired.
Then the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
‘Do you see these hundred thousand worlds in the southwest, and even the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the southwest, each…’
‘World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!’
The Buddha said:
‘Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all cultivate generosity in this manner. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?’
Śāriputra replied:
‘World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of goodness through their generosity.’
The Buddha said:
‘Yes, indeed, exactly as you have said! If any Bodhisattvas contemplate the emptiness of all phenomena, are in accord with the wisdom of omniscience, possess supreme merits, have compassion for sentient beings, and give according to their wishes, then compared with the Bodhisattvas in a hundred thousand worlds in the southwest, and even in countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the southwest, each containing immeasurable Bodhisattvas, the merit gained from their giving surpasses it by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and ten thousand millionfold.
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw a hundred thousand worlds in the northwest. Likewise, they saw countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the northwest, each world containing immeasurable Bodhisattvas who renounced all their possessions and gave everything away. Their wealth and precious jewels were piled high like mountains, and they distributed them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use them, and then to give them to others with minds free from obstruction. They practiced generosity in this way without attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never growing weary. They gathered robes, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like heaps and distributed them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to use them and then give them to others without any mental hindrance. They practiced generosity in this way without attachment. Day and night they remained diligent, never becoming tired.
Then the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
‘Do you see these hundred thousand worlds in the northwest, and even the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the northwest, each containing immeasurable Bodhisattvas who practice generosity without attachment?’
Śāriputra immediately replied to the Buddha:
‘World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!’
The Buddha said:
‘Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all cultivate generosity in this manner. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?’
Śāriputra replied:
‘World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of goodness through their generosity.’
The Buddha said:
‘Yes, indeed, exactly as you have said! If any Bodhisattvas contemplate the emptiness of all phenomena, are in accord with the wisdom of omniscience, possess supreme merits, cherish sentient beings, and give according to their wishes, then compared with the Bodhisattvas in a hundred thousand worlds in the northwest, and even in countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the northwest, each containing immeasurable Bodhisattvas, the merit gained from their giving surpasses it by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and ten thousand millionfold.
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw a hundred thousand worlds in the northeast. Likewise, they saw countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the northeast, each world containing immeasurable Bodhisattvas who renounced all their possessions and gave everything away. Their wealth and precious jewels were piled high like mountains, and they distributed them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to accept and use them, and then to give them to others with minds free from obstruction. They practiced generosity in this way without attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered, never growing weary. They gathered robes, bedding, food, and other necessities in mountain-like heaps and distributed them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to use them and then give them to others without any mental hindrance. They practiced generosity in this way without attachment. Day and night they remained diligent, never becoming tired.
Then the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
“Do you see the hundreds of thousands of worlds in the northeastern direction, and beyond them the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the northeast?”
Śāriputra replied:
“World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!”
The Buddha said:
“Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?”
Śāriputra replied:
“World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of merit through their generosity.”
The Buddha said:
“Indeed, indeed, just as you have said! If any Bodhisattvas contemplate the emptiness of phenomena, are in accord with the wisdom of omniscience, possess complete and unsurpassed virtues, and, out of compassion for sentient beings, give according to their needs and inclinations, then compared with the generosity practiced by the immeasurable Bodhisattvas in the hundreds of thousands of worlds in the northeastern direction, extending to the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, the merit they obtain from giving surpasses it by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and ten thousand millionfold.”
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, through the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw hundreds of thousands of worlds below. Likewise, they saw countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges below. In every one of those worlds, immeasurable Bodhisattvas relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away. Wealth and jewels were piled as high as mountains, and they distributed them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to receive and use these gifts, and then to give them to others, with minds free from obstruction. Practicing generosity in this way, they were free from attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered without ever growing weary. They gathered robes, bedding, food, and other necessities in quantities as great as mountains and gave them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to make use of them and then give them to others, without any hindrance in their minds. They practiced generosity without attachment, diligently day and night, never becoming weary.
Then the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
“Do you see the hundreds of thousands of worlds below, extending to the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges below, where every world contains immeasurable Bodhisattvas who, free from attachment, practice generosity?”
Śāriputra immediately replied to the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!”
The Buddha said:
“Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?”
Śāriputra replied:
“World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of merit through their generosity.”
The Buddha said:
“Indeed, indeed, just as you have said! If any Bodhisattvas contemplate the emptiness of phenomena, are in accord with the wisdom of omniscience, possess complete and unsurpassed virtues, cherish sentient beings, and give according to their inclinations, then compared with the generosity practiced by the immeasurable Bodhisattvas in the hundreds of thousands of worlds below, extending to the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, the merit they obtain from giving surpasses it by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and ten thousand millionfold.”
At that time, Śāriputra and the great assembly, through the Buddha’s spiritual power, again saw hundreds of thousands of worlds above. Likewise, they saw countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges above. In every one of those worlds, immeasurable Bodhisattvas relinquished all their possessions and gave everything away. Wealth and jewels were piled as high as mountains, and they distributed them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to receive and use these gifts, and then to give them to others with minds free from obstruction. They practiced generosity without attachment. Day and night they diligently persevered without ever growing weary. They gathered robes, bedding, food, and other necessities in quantities as great as mountains and gave them according to the needs of sentient beings. They encouraged sentient beings to use them and then give them to others without any hindrance in their minds. They practiced generosity without attachment, diligently day and night, never becoming weary.
Then the Buddha said to Śāriputra:
“Do you see the hundreds of thousands of worlds above, extending to the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges above, where every world contains immeasurable Bodhisattvas who, free from clinging, practice generosity?”
Śāriputra immediately replied to the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, I have seen them! Well-Gone One, I have seen them!”
The Buddha said:
“Bodhisattvas who seek supreme enlightenment should all practice generosity in this way. Furthermore, Śāriputra, what do you think? Is the generosity of those Bodhisattvas vast?”
Śāriputra replied:
“World-Honored One, it is vast! Well-Gone One, it is vast! Those Bodhisattvas cultivate immeasurable and boundless roots of merit through their generosity.”
The Buddha said:
“Indeed, indeed, just as you have said! If any Bodhisattvas contemplate the emptiness of phenomena, are in accord with the wisdom of omniscience, possess complete and unsurpassed virtues, and, out of compassion for sentient beings, give according to their inclinations, then compared with the generosity practiced by the immeasurable Bodhisattvas in the hundreds of thousands of worlds above, extending to the countless worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, the merit they obtain from giving surpasses it by a hundredfold, a thousandfold, and ten thousand millionfold.”
“Furthermore, Śāriputra, if any great Bodhisattva wishes to swiftly attain the wisdom of omniscience and bring benefit and happiness to sentient beings until the end of future ages, they should contemplate the emptiness of phenomena, be in accord with the wisdom of omniscience, possess complete and unsurpassed virtues, and, moved by compassion for sentient beings who endure great suffering and deprivation, practice the Perfection of Generosity (Dāna Pāramitā). They should dedicate these roots of merit universally to all beings, enabling them to escape the evil destinies and all the sufferings of birth and death. They should make this vow:
‘May all sentient beings throughout the worlds of the ten directions, through the majestic power and meritorious roots of goodness I have cultivated, quickly generate the aspiration for unsurpassed enlightenment if they have not yet done so. May those who have already generated the aspiration for unsurpassed enlightenment never regress from it. And may those who have become irreversible with respect to the supreme fruit of awakening swiftly perfect the wisdom of omniscience.’”