THE GREAT PRAJNAPARAMITA SUTRA
Chinese translation: Tang Dynasty, Tripitaka Master Xuanzang
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VOLUME 24
Section 7: TEACHING AND TRANSMITTING (14)
Furthermore, Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “eye base” is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base” is not the great Bodhisattva?
The Venerable Subhuti replied:
World-Honored One, just as the eye base, or the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “eye base” and the name “ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base”! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “eye base” is the great Bodhisattva; the name “ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base” is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as permanent and impermanent of the eye base, or permanent and impermanent of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “permanent, impermanent” of the eye base and the name “permanent, impermanent” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pleasurable and suffering of the eye base, or pleasurable and suffering of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the eye base and the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “self or no-self” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as self and no-self of the eye base, or self and no-self of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “self, no-self” of the eye base and the name “self, no-self” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “self or no-self” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pure or impure” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pure and impure of the eye base, or pure and impure of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “pure, impure” of the eye base and the name “pure, impure” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pure or impure” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “empty or not-empty” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as empty and not-empty of the eye base, or empty and not-empty of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “empty, not-empty” of the eye base and the name “empty, not-empty” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “empty or not-empty” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-signs or signless” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-signs and signless of the eye base, or with-signs and signless of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “with-signs, signless” of the eye base and the name “with-signs, signless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-signs or signless” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-wishes and wishless of the eye base, or with-wishes and wishless of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “with-wishes, wishless” of the eye base and the name “with-wishes, wishless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as tranquil and not-tranquil of the eye base, or tranquil and not-tranquil of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of the eye base and the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “remote or not-remote” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as remote and not-remote of the eye base, or remote and not-remote of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “remote, not-remote” of the eye base and the name “remote, not-remote” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “remote or not-remote” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as conditioned and unconditioned of the eye base, or conditioned and unconditioned of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “conditioned, unconditioned” of the eye base and the name “conditioned, unconditioned” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “defiled or undefiled” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “defiled or undefiled” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as defiled and undefiled of the eye base, or defiled and undefiled of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “defiled, undefiled” of the eye base and the name “defiled, undefiled” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “defiled or undefiled” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “defiled or undefiled” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “arising or ceasing” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “arising or ceasing” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as arising and ceasing of the eye base, or arising and ceasing of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “arising, ceasing” of the eye base and the name “arising, ceasing” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “arising or ceasing” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “arising or ceasing” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as wholesome and unwholesome of the eye base, or wholesome and unwholesome of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “wholesome, unwholesome” of the eye base and the name “wholesome, unwholesome” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “faulty or faultless” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “faulty or faultless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as faulty and faultless of the eye base, or faulty and faultless of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “faulty, faultless” of the eye base and the name “faulty, faultless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “faulty or faultless” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “faulty or faultless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as afflicted and unafflicted of the eye base, or afflicted and unafflicted of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “afflicted, unafflicted” of the eye base and the name “afflicted, unafflicted” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “worldly or supramundane” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “worldly or supramundane” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as worldly and supramundane of the eye base, or worldly and supramundane of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “worldly, supramundane” of the eye base and the name “worldly, supramundane” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “worldly or supramundane” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “worldly or supramundane” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “impure or pure” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as impure and pure of the eye base, or impure and pure of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “impure, pure” of the eye base and the name “impure, pure” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “impure or pure” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of the eye base, or belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “belonging to samsara, belonging to nirvana” of the eye base and the name “belonging to samsara, belonging to nirvana” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as within, without, and on both sides of the eye base, or within, without, and on both sides of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “within, without, on both sides” of the eye base and the name “within, without, on both sides” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the eye base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as obtainable and unobtainable of the eye base, or obtainable and unobtainable of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of the eye base and the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the eye base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind base is the great Bodhisattva.
Furthermore, Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “form base” is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base” is not the great Bodhisattva?
The Venerable Subhuti replied:
World-Honored One, just as the form base, or the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “form base” and the name “sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base”! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “form base” is the great Bodhisattva; the name “sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base” is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as permanent and impermanent of the form base, or permanent and impermanent of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “permanent, impermanent” of the form base and the name “permanent, impermanent” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pleasurable and suffering of the form base, or pleasurable and suffering of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the form base and the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “self or no-self” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as self and no-self of the form base, or self and no-self of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “self, no-self” of the form base and the name “self, no-self” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “self or no-self” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pure or impure” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pure and impure of the form base, or pure and impure of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “pure, impure” of the form base and the name “pure, impure” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pure or impure” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “empty or not-empty” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as empty and not-empty of the form base, or empty and not-empty of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “empty, not-empty” of the form base and the name “empty, not-empty” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “empty or not-empty” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-signs or signless” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-signs and signless of the form base, or with-signs and signless of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “with-signs, signless” of the form base and the name “with-signs, signless” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-signs or signless” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-wishes and wishless of the form base, or with-wishes and wishless of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “with-wishes, wishless” of the form base and the name “with-wishes, wishless” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as tranquil and not-tranquil of the form base, or tranquil and not-tranquil of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of the form base and the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “remote or not-remote” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as remote and not-remote of the form base, or remote and not-remote of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “remote, not-remote” of the form base and the name “remote, not-remote” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “remote or not-remote” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as conditioned and unconditioned of the form base, or conditioned and unconditioned of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “conditioned, unconditioned” of the form base and the name “conditioned, unconditioned” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “defiled or undefiled” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “defiled or undefiled” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as defiled and undefiled of the form base, or defiled and undefiled of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “defiled, undefiled” of the form base and the name “defiled, undefiled” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “defiled or undefiled” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “defiled or undefiled” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “arising or ceasing” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “arising or ceasing” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as arising and ceasing of the form base, or arising and ceasing of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “arising, ceasing” of the form base and the name “arising, ceasing” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “arising or ceasing” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “arising or ceasing” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as wholesome and unwholesome of the form base, or wholesome and unwholesome of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “wholesome, unwholesome” of the form base and the name “wholesome, unwholesome” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “faulty or faultless” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “faulty or faultless” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as faulty and faultless of the form base, or faulty and faultless of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “faulty, faultless” of the form base and the name “faulty, faultless” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “faulty or faultless” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “faulty or faultless” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as afflicted and unafflicted of the form base, or afflicted and unafflicted of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “afflicted, unafflicted” of the form base and the name “afflicted, unafflicted” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “worldly or supramundane” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “worldly or supramundane” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as worldly and supramundane of the form base, or worldly and supramundane of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “worldly, supramundane” of the form base and the name “worldly, supramundane” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “worldly or supramundane” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “worldly or supramundane” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “impure or pure” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as impure and pure of the form base, or impure and pure of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “impure, pure” of the form base and the name “impure, pure” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “impure or pure” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of the form base, or belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “belonging to samsara, belonging to nirvana” of the form base and the name “belonging to samsara, belonging to nirvana” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as within, without, and on both sides of the form base, or within, without, and on both sides of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “within, without, on both sides” of the form base and the name “within, without, on both sides” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the form base is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as obtainable and unobtainable of the form base, or obtainable and unobtainable of the sound, smell, taste, touch, and dharma bases — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of the form base and the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the form base is the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma base is the great Bodhisattva.
Furthermore, Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “eye element” is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element” is not the great Bodhisattva?
The Venerable Subhuti replied:
World-Honored One, just as the eye element, or the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind elements — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “eye element” and the name “ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element”! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “eye element” is the great Bodhisattva; the name “ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element” is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the eye element is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as permanent and impermanent of the eye element, or permanent and impermanent of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind elements — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “permanent, impermanent” of the eye element and the name “permanent, impermanent” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the eye element is the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the eye element is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pleasurable and suffering of the eye element, or pleasurable and suffering of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind elements — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the eye element and the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the eye element is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “self or no-self” of the eye element is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as self and no-self of the eye element, or self and no-self of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind elements — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “self, no-self” of the eye element and the name “self, no-self” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “self or no-self” of the eye element is the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pure or impure” of the eye element is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pure and impure of the eye element, or pure and impure of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind elements — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “pure, impure” of the eye element and the name “pure, impure” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pure or impure” of the eye element is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “empty or not-empty” of the eye element is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as empty and not-empty of the eye element, or empty and not-empty of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind elements — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “empty, not-empty” of the eye element and the name “empty, not-empty” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “empty or not-empty” of the eye element is the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-signs or signless” of the eye element is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-signs and signless of the eye element, or with-signs and signless of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind elements — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “with-signs, signless” of the eye element and the name “with-signs, signless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-signs or signless” of the eye element is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the eye element is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-wishes and wishless of the eye element, or with-wishes and wishless of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind elements — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “with-wishes, wishless” of the eye element and the name “with-wishes, wishless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the eye element is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the eye element is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as tranquil and not-tranquil of the eye element, or tranquil and not-tranquil of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind elements — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of the eye element and the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the eye element is the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “remote or not-remote” of the eye element is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as remote and not-remote of the eye element, or remote and not-remote of the ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind elements — these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent — how much less is there the name “remote, not-remote” of the eye element and the name “remote, not-remote” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “remote or not-remote” of the eye element is the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of the ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind element is the great Bodhisattva.
– o0o –
End Of Volume 24