THE GREAT PRAJNAPARAMITA SUTRA
Chinese translation: Tang Dynasty, Tripitaka Master Xuanzang
– o0o –
VOLUME 28
Section 7: TEACHING AND TRANSMITTING (18)
Furthermore, Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “ignorance” is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “formations through old-age-and-death” is not the great Bodhisattva?
The Venerable Subhuti replied:
World-Honored One, just as ignorance, or formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “ignorance” and the name “formations through old-age-and-death”! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “ignorance” is the great Bodhisattva; the name “formations through old-age-and-death” is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as permanent and impermanent of ignorance, or permanent and impermanent of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “permanent, impermanent” of ignorance and the name “permanent, impermanent” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pleasurable and suffering of ignorance, or pleasurable and suffering of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “pleasurable, suffering” of ignorance and the name “pleasurable, suffering” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “self or no-self” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as self and no-self of ignorance, or self and no-self of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “self, no-self” of ignorance and the name “self, no-self” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “self or no-self” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pure or impure” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pure and impure of ignorance, or pure and impure of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “pure, impure” of ignorance and the name “pure, impure” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pure or impure” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “empty or not-empty” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as empty and not-empty of ignorance, or empty and not-empty of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “empty, not-empty” of ignorance and the name “empty, not-empty” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “empty or not-empty” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-signs or signless” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-signs and signless of ignorance, or with-signs and signless of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “with-signs, signless” of ignorance and the name “with-signs, signless” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-signs or signless” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-wishes and wishless of ignorance, or with-wishes and wishless of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “with-wishes, wishless” of ignorance and the name “with-wishes, wishless” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as tranquil and not-tranquil of ignorance, or tranquil and not-tranquil of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of ignorance and the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “remote or not-remote” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as remote and not-remote of ignorance, or remote and not-remote of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “remote, not-remote” of ignorance and the name “remote, not-remote” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “remote or not-remote” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as conditioned and unconditioned of ignorance, or conditioned and unconditioned of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “conditioned, unconditioned” of ignorance and the name “conditioned, unconditioned” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “defiled or undefiled” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “defiled or undefiled” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as defiled and undefiled of ignorance, or defiled and undefiled of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “defiled, undefiled” of ignorance and the name “defiled, undefiled” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “defiled or undefiled” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “defiled or undefiled” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “arising or ceasing” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “arising or ceasing” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as arising and ceasing of ignorance, or arising and ceasing of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “arising, ceasing” of ignorance and the name “arising, ceasing” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “arising or ceasing” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “arising or ceasing” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as wholesome and unwholesome of ignorance, or wholesome and unwholesome of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “wholesome, unwholesome” of ignorance and the name “wholesome, unwholesome” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “faulty or faultless” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “faulty or faultless” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as faulty and faultless of ignorance, or faulty and faultless of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “faulty, faultless” of ignorance and the name “faulty, faultless” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “faulty or faultless” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “faulty or faultless” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as afflicted and unafflicted of ignorance, or afflicted and unafflicted of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “afflicted, unafflicted” of ignorance and the name “afflicted, unafflicted” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “worldly or supramundane” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “worldly or supramundane” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as worldly and supramundane of ignorance, or worldly and supramundane of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “worldly, supramundane” of ignorance and the name “worldly, supramundane” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “worldly or supramundane” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “worldly or supramundane” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “impure or pure” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as impure and pure of ignorance, or impure and pure of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “impure, pure” of ignorance and the name “impure, pure” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “impure or pure” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of ignorance, or belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “belonging to samsara, belonging to nirvana” of ignorance and the name “belonging to samsara, belonging to nirvana” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as within, without, and on both sides of ignorance, or within, without, and on both sides of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “within, without, on both sides” of ignorance and the name “within, without, on both sides” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of ignorance is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of formations through old-age-and-death is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as obtainable and unobtainable of ignorance, or obtainable and unobtainable of formations through old-age-and-death – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of ignorance and the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of formations through old-age-and-death! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of ignorance is the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of formations through old-age-and-death is the great Bodhisattva.
Furthermore, Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “Perfection of Generosity” is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom” is not the great Bodhisattva?
The Venerable Subhuti replied:
World-Honored One, just as the Perfection of Generosity, or the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “Perfection of Generosity” and the name “Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom”! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “Perfection of Generosity” is the great Bodhisattva; the name “Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom” is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as permanent and impermanent of the Perfection of Generosity, or permanent and impermanent of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “permanent, impermanent” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “permanent, impermanent” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pleasurable and suffering of the Perfection of Generosity, or pleasurable and suffering of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “self or no-self” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as self and no-self of the Perfection of Generosity, or self and no-self of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “self, no-self” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “self, no-self” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “self or no-self” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pure or impure” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pure and impure of the Perfection of Generosity, or pure and impure of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “pure, impure” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “pure, impure” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pure or impure” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “empty or not-empty” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as empty and not-empty of the Perfection of Generosity, or empty and not-empty of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “empty, not-empty” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “empty, not-empty” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “empty or not-empty” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-signs or signless” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-signs and signless of the Perfection of Generosity, or with-signs and signless of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “with-signs, signless” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “with-signs, signless” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-signs or signless” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-wishes and wishless of the Perfection of Generosity, or with-wishes and wishless of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “with-wishes, wishless” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “with-wishes, wishless” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as tranquil and not-tranquil of the Perfection of Generosity, or tranquil and not-tranquil of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “remote or not-remote” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as remote and not-remote of the Perfection of Generosity, or remote and not-remote of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “remote, not-remote” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “remote, not-remote” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “remote or not-remote” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as conditioned and unconditioned of the Perfection of Generosity, or conditioned and unconditioned of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “conditioned, unconditioned” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “conditioned, unconditioned” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “defiled or undefiled” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “defiled or undefiled” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as defiled and undefiled of the Perfection of Generosity, or defiled and undefiled of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “defiled, undefiled” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “defiled, undefiled” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “defiled or undefiled” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “defiled or undefiled” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “arising or ceasing” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “arising or ceasing” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as arising and ceasing of the Perfection of Generosity, or arising and ceasing of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “arising, ceasing” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “arising, ceasing” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “arising or ceasing” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “arising or ceasing” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as wholesome and unwholesome of the Perfection of Generosity, or wholesome and unwholesome of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “wholesome, unwholesome” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “wholesome, unwholesome” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “faulty or faultless” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “faulty or faultless” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as faulty and faultless of the Perfection of Generosity, or faulty and faultless of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “faulty, faultless” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “faulty, faultless” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “faulty or faultless” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “faulty or faultless” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as afflicted and unafflicted of the Perfection of Generosity, or afflicted and unafflicted of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “afflicted, unafflicted” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “afflicted, unafflicted” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “worldly or supramundane” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “worldly or supramundane” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as worldly and supramundane of the Perfection of Generosity, or worldly and supramundane of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “worldly, supramundane” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “worldly, supramundane” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “worldly or supramundane” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “worldly or supramundane” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “impure or pure” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as impure and pure of the Perfection of Generosity, or impure and pure of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “impure, pure” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “impure, pure” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “impure or pure” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom 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 Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of the Perfection of Generosity, or belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – 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 Perfection of Generosity and the name “belonging to samsara, belonging to nirvana” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as within, without, and on both sides of the Perfection of Generosity, or within, without, and on both sides of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “within, without, on both sides” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “within, without, on both sides” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the Perfection of Generosity is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as obtainable and unobtainable of the Perfection of Generosity, or obtainable and unobtainable of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, and Perfection of Wisdom – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of the Perfection of Generosity and the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the Perfection of Generosity is the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the Perfection of Ethics, Perfection of Patience, Perfection of Energy, Perfection of Meditation, or Perfection of Wisdom is the great Bodhisattva.
Furthermore, Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “inner emptiness” is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “outer emptiness, inner-outer emptiness, emptiness of emptiness, great emptiness, ultimate emptiness, emptiness of conditioned phenomena, emptiness of unconditioned phenomena, emptiness that is ultimate, emptiness without limit, emptiness of dispersion, emptiness of non-alteration, emptiness of original nature, emptiness of own-characteristics, emptiness of shared characteristics, emptiness of all dharmas, emptiness of the ungraspable, emptiness of non-existence, emptiness of own-nature, or emptiness of the non-existent own-nature” is not the great Bodhisattva?
The Venerable Subhuti replied:
World-Honored One, just as inner emptiness, or outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “inner emptiness” and the name “outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature”! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “inner emptiness” is the great Bodhisattva; the name “outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature” is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of inner emptiness is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as permanent and impermanent of inner emptiness, or permanent and impermanent of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “permanent, impermanent” of inner emptiness and the name “permanent, impermanent” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of inner emptiness is the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of inner emptiness is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pleasurable and suffering of inner emptiness, or pleasurable and suffering of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “pleasurable, suffering” of inner emptiness and the name “pleasurable, suffering” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of inner emptiness is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “self or no-self” of inner emptiness is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as self and no-self of inner emptiness, or self and no-self of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “self, no-self” of inner emptiness and the name “self, no-self” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “self or no-self” of inner emptiness is the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pure or impure” of inner emptiness is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pure and impure of inner emptiness, or pure and impure of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “pure, impure” of inner emptiness and the name “pure, impure” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pure or impure” of inner emptiness is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “empty or not-empty” of inner emptiness is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as empty and not-empty of inner emptiness, or empty and not-empty of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “empty, not-empty” of inner emptiness and the name “empty, not-empty” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “empty or not-empty” of inner emptiness is the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-signs or signless” of inner emptiness is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-signs and signless of inner emptiness, or with-signs and signless of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “with-signs, signless” of inner emptiness and the name “with-signs, signless” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-signs or signless” of inner emptiness is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of outer emptiness through emptiness of the non-existent own-nature is the great Bodhisattva.
– o0o –
End Of Volume 28