THE GREAT PRAJNAPARAMITA SUTRA
Chinese translation: Tang Dynasty, Tripitaka Master Xuanzang
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VOLUME 30
Section 7: TEACHING AND TRANSMITTING (20)
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “impure or pure” of the four Foundations of Mindfulness is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as impure and pure of the four Foundations of Mindfulness, or impure and pure of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “impure, pure” of the four Foundations of Mindfulness and the name “impure, pure” of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “impure or pure” of the four Foundations of Mindfulness is the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path 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 four Foundations of Mindfulness is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of the four Foundations of Mindfulness, or belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path – 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 four Foundations of Mindfulness and the name “belonging to samsara, belonging to nirvana” of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the four Foundations of Mindfulness is the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the four Foundations of Mindfulness is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as within, without, and on both sides of the four Foundations of Mindfulness, or within, without, and on both sides of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “within, without, on both sides” of the four Foundations of Mindfulness and the name “within, without, on both sides” of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the four Foundations of Mindfulness is the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the four Foundations of Mindfulness is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as obtainable and unobtainable of the four Foundations of Mindfulness, or obtainable and unobtainable of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of the four Foundations of Mindfulness and the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the four Foundations of Mindfulness is the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the four Right Efforts through eight Factors of the Noble Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Furthermore, Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “Noble Truth of Suffering” is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path” is not the great Bodhisattva?
The Venerable Subhuti replied:
World-Honored One, just as the Noble Truth of Suffering, or the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “Noble Truth of Suffering” and the name “Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path”! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “Noble Truth of Suffering” is the great Bodhisattva; the name “Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path” is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as permanent and impermanent of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or permanent and impermanent of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “permanent, impermanent” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “permanent, impermanent” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pleasurable and suffering of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or pleasurable and suffering of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “self or no-self” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as self and no-self of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or self and no-self of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “self, no-self” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “self, no-self” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “self or no-self” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pure or impure” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pure and impure of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or pure and impure of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “pure, impure” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “pure, impure” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pure or impure” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “empty or not-empty” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as empty and not-empty of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or empty and not-empty of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “empty, not-empty” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “empty, not-empty” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “empty or not-empty” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-signs or signless” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-signs and signless of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or with-signs and signless of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “with-signs, signless” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “with-signs, signless” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-signs or signless” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-wishes and wishless of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or with-wishes and wishless of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “with-wishes, wishless” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “with-wishes, wishless” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as tranquil and not-tranquil of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or tranquil and not-tranquil of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “remote or not-remote” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as remote and not-remote of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or remote and not-remote of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “remote, not-remote” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “remote, not-remote” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “remote or not-remote” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as conditioned and unconditioned of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or conditioned and unconditioned of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “conditioned, unconditioned” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “conditioned, unconditioned” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “defiled or undefiled” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “defiled or undefiled” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as defiled and undefiled of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or defiled and undefiled of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “defiled, undefiled” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “defiled, undefiled” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “defiled or undefiled” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “defiled or undefiled” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “arising or ceasing” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “arising or ceasing” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as arising and ceasing of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or arising and ceasing of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “arising, ceasing” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “arising, ceasing” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “arising or ceasing” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “arising or ceasing” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as wholesome and unwholesome of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or wholesome and unwholesome of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “wholesome, unwholesome” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “wholesome, unwholesome” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “faulty or faultless” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “faulty or faultless” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as faulty and faultless of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or faulty and faultless of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “faulty, faultless” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “faulty, faultless” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “faulty or faultless” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “faulty or faultless” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as afflicted and unafflicted of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or afflicted and unafflicted of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “afflicted, unafflicted” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “afflicted, unafflicted” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “worldly or supramundane” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “worldly or supramundane” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as worldly and supramundane of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or worldly and supramundane of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “worldly, supramundane” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “worldly, supramundane” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “worldly or supramundane” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “worldly or supramundane” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “impure or pure” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as impure and pure of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or impure and pure of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “impure, pure” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “impure, pure” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “impure or pure” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path 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 Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – 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 Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “belonging to samsara, belonging to nirvana” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as within, without, and on both sides of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or within, without, and on both sides of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “within, without, on both sides” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “within, without, on both sides” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as obtainable and unobtainable of the Noble Truth of Suffering, or obtainable and unobtainable of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, and Noble Truth of the Path – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of the Noble Truth of Suffering and the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the Noble Truth of Suffering is the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the Noble Truth of Arising, Noble Truth of Cessation, or Noble Truth of the Path is the great Bodhisattva.
Furthermore, Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “four Dhyānas” is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions” is not the great Bodhisattva?
The Venerable Subhuti replied:
World-Honored One, just as the four Dhyānas, or the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “four Dhyānas” and the name “four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions”! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “four Dhyānas” is the great Bodhisattva; the name “four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions” is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as permanent and impermanent of the four Dhyānas, or permanent and impermanent of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “permanent, impermanent” of the four Dhyānas and the name “permanent, impermanent” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pleasurable and suffering of the four Dhyānas, or pleasurable and suffering of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the four Dhyānas and the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “self or no-self” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as self and no-self of the four Dhyānas, or self and no-self of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “self, no-self” of the four Dhyānas and the name “self, no-self” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “self or no-self” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pure or impure” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pure and impure of the four Dhyānas, or pure and impure of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “pure, impure” of the four Dhyānas and the name “pure, impure” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pure or impure” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pure or impure” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “empty or not-empty” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as empty and not-empty of the four Dhyānas, or empty and not-empty of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “empty, not-empty” of the four Dhyānas and the name “empty, not-empty” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “empty or not-empty” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “empty or not-empty” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-signs or signless” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-signs and signless of the four Dhyānas, or with-signs and signless of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “with-signs, signless” of the four Dhyānas and the name “with-signs, signless” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-signs or signless” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-signs or signless” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as with-wishes and wishless of the four Dhyānas, or with-wishes and wishless of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “with-wishes, wishless” of the four Dhyānas and the name “with-wishes, wishless” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “with-wishes or wishless” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as tranquil and not-tranquil of the four Dhyānas, or tranquil and not-tranquil of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of the four Dhyānas and the name “tranquil, not-tranquil” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “tranquil or not-tranquil” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “remote or not-remote” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as remote and not-remote of the four Dhyānas, or remote and not-remote of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “remote, not-remote” of the four Dhyānas and the name “remote, not-remote” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “remote or not-remote” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “remote or not-remote” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as conditioned and unconditioned of the four Dhyānas, or conditioned and unconditioned of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “conditioned, unconditioned” of the four Dhyānas and the name “conditioned, unconditioned” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “conditioned or unconditioned” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “defiled or undefiled” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “defiled or undefiled” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as defiled and undefiled of the four Dhyānas, or defiled and undefiled of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “defiled, undefiled” of the four Dhyānas and the name “defiled, undefiled” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “defiled or undefiled” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “defiled or undefiled” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “arising or ceasing” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “arising or ceasing” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as arising and ceasing of the four Dhyānas, or arising and ceasing of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “arising, ceasing” of the four Dhyānas and the name “arising, ceasing” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “arising or ceasing” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “arising or ceasing” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as wholesome and unwholesome of the four Dhyānas, or wholesome and unwholesome of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “wholesome, unwholesome” of the four Dhyānas and the name “wholesome, unwholesome” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “wholesome or unwholesome” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “faulty or faultless” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “faulty or faultless” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as faulty and faultless of the four Dhyānas, or faulty and faultless of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “faulty, faultless” of the four Dhyānas and the name “faulty, faultless” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “faulty or faultless” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “faulty or faultless” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as afflicted and unafflicted of the four Dhyānas, or afflicted and unafflicted of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “afflicted, unafflicted” of the four Dhyānas and the name “afflicted, unafflicted” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “afflicted or unafflicted” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “worldly or supramundane” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “worldly or supramundane” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as worldly and supramundane of the four Dhyānas, or worldly and supramundane of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “worldly, supramundane” of the four Dhyānas and the name “worldly, supramundane” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “worldly or supramundane” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “worldly or supramundane” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “impure or pure” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as impure and pure of the four Dhyānas, or impure and pure of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “impure, pure” of the four Dhyānas and the name “impure, pure” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “impure or pure” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “impure or pure” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions 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 four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of the four Dhyānas, or belonging to samsara and belonging to nirvana of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – 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 four Dhyānas and the name “belonging to samsara, belonging to nirvana” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “belonging to samsara or belonging to nirvana” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as within, without, and on both sides of the four Dhyānas, or within, without, and on both sides of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “within, without, on both sides” of the four Dhyānas and the name “within, without, on both sides” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “within, without, or on both sides” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the four Dhyānas is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as obtainable and unobtainable of the four Dhyānas, or obtainable and unobtainable of the four Immeasurables and four Formless Absorptions – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of the four Dhyānas and the name “obtainable, unobtainable” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the four Dhyānas is the great Bodhisattva; the name “obtainable or unobtainable” of the four Immeasurables or four Formless Absorptions is the great Bodhisattva.
Furthermore, Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “eight Liberations” is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, or ten All-pervasive Bases” is not the great Bodhisattva?
The Venerable Subhuti replied:
World-Honored One, just as the eight Liberations, or the eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, and ten All-pervasive Bases – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “eight Liberations” and the name “eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, or ten All-pervasive Bases”! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “eight Liberations” is the great Bodhisattva; the name “eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, or ten All-pervasive Bases” is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the eight Liberations is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, or ten All-pervasive Bases is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as permanent and impermanent of the eight Liberations, or permanent and impermanent of the eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, and ten All-pervasive Bases – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “permanent, impermanent” of the eight Liberations and the name “permanent, impermanent” of the eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, or ten All-pervasive Bases! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “permanent or impermanent” of the eight Liberations is the great Bodhisattva; the name “permanent or impermanent” of the eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, or ten All-pervasive Bases is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the eight Liberations is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, or ten All-pervasive Bases is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as pleasurable and suffering of the eight Liberations, or pleasurable and suffering of the eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, and ten All-pervasive Bases – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the eight Liberations and the name “pleasurable, suffering” of the eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, or ten All-pervasive Bases! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the eight Liberations is the great Bodhisattva; the name “pleasurable or suffering” of the eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, or ten All-pervasive Bases is the great Bodhisattva.
Subhuti, upon what meaning did you contemplate to say that the name “self or no-self” of the eight Liberations is not the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, or ten All-pervasive Bases is not the great Bodhisattva?
World-Honored One, just as self and no-self of the eight Liberations, or self and no-self of the eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, and ten All-pervasive Bases – these are ultimately unobtainable, because their nature is non-existent – how much less is there the name “self, no-self” of the eight Liberations and the name “self, no-self” of the eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, or ten All-pervasive Bases! Since these names are already non-existent, how could one say that the name “self or no-self” of the eight Liberations is the great Bodhisattva; the name “self or no-self” of the eight Mastery Fields, nine Serial Concentrations, or ten All-pervasive Bases is the great Bodhisattva.
– o0o –
End Of Volume 30