“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the liberations as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the liberations are empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the liberations is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the liberations are permanent or are impermanent. If the liberations themselves do not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the serial steps of meditative absorption as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the serial steps of meditative absorption are empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the serial steps of meditative absorption is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the serial steps of meditative absorption are permanent or are impermanent. If the serial steps of meditative absorption themselves do not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness gateways to liberation as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness gateways to liberation are empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness gateways to liberation is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness gateways to liberation are permanent or are impermanent. If the emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness gateways to liberation themselves do not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the extrasensory powers as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the extrasensory powers are empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the extrasensory powers is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the extrasensory powers are permanent or are impermanent. If the extrasensory powers themselves do not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the meditative stabilities as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the meditative stabilities are empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the meditative stabilities is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the meditative stabilities are permanent or are impermanent. If the meditative stabilities themselves do not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the dhāraṇī gateways as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the dhāraṇī gateways are empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the dhāraṇī gateways is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the dhāraṇī gateways are permanent or are impermanent. If the dhāraṇī gateways themselves do not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the powers of the tathāgatas as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the powers of the tathāgatas are empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the powers of the tathāgatas is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the powers of the tathāgatas are permanent or are impermanent. If the powers of the tathāgatas themselves do not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the fearlessnesses as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the fearlessnesses are empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the fearlessnesses is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the fearlessnesses are permanent or are impermanent. If the fearlessnesses themselves do not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the kinds of exact knowledge as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the kinds of exact knowledge are empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the kinds of exact knowledge is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the kinds of exact knowledge are permanent or are impermanent. If the kinds of exact knowledge themselves do not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view great compassion as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because great compassion is empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of great compassion is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that great compassion is permanent or is impermanent. If great compassion itself does not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the distinct qualities of the buddhas as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the distinct qualities of the buddhas are empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the distinct qualities of the buddhas is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the distinct qualities of the buddhas are permanent or are impermanent. If the distinct qualities of the buddhas themselves do not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the fruit of having entered the stream as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the fruit of having entered the stream is empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the fruit of having entered the stream is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the fruit of having entered the stream is permanent or is impermanent. If the fruit of having entered the stream itself does not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the fruit of once-returner as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the fruit of once-returner is empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the fruit of once-returner is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the fruit of once-returner is permanent or is impermanent. If the fruit of once-returner itself does not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the fruit of non-returner as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the fruit of non-returner is empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the fruit of non-returner is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the fruit of non-returner is permanent or is impermanent. If the fruit of non-returner itself does not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view arhatship as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because arhatship is empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of arhatship is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that arhatship is permanent or is impermanent. If arhatship itself does not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view individual enlightenment as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because individual enlightenment is empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of individual enlightenment is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that individual enlightenment is permanent or is impermanent. If individual enlightenment itself does not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view the knowledge of the aspects of the path as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because the knowledge of the aspects of the path is empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of the knowledge of the aspects of the path is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that the knowledge of the aspects of the path is permanent or is impermanent. If the knowledge of the aspects of the path itself does not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. Do not view all-aspect omniscience as impermanent. If you ask why, it is because all-aspect omniscience is empty of an essential nature. That which is the essential nature of all-aspect omniscience is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom, it is not apprehended that all-aspect omniscience is permanent or is impermanent. If all-aspect omniscience itself does not exist there, how could there be permanence or impermanence?’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families give instruction in the perfection of wisdom to those sons or daughters of good families, who are followers of the vehicle of the bodhisattva, like this: They teach, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should cultivate the perfection of wisdom. You should not go beyond anything at all, and you should not dwell on anything at all. If you ask why, it is because in the perfection of wisdom there is nothing that should be gone beyond, and there is nothing that should be dwelled on. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because all phenomena are empty of an essential nature. That phenomenon which is empty of essential nature is a nonentity; that which is a nonentity is the perfection of wisdom; and in that which is the perfection of wisdom there are no phenomena that should be adopted, that should be rejected, that should be made to arise, or that should be made to cease.’ Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner do not teach a reflection of the perfection of wisdom. Therefore, Kauśika, those sons or daughters of good families should give instructions in the meaning of the perfection of wisdom in that manner. Kauśika, the masses of merit of those sons or daughters of good families who teach in that manner increase more greatly, but of those earlier sons or daughters of good families it does not.
“Moreover, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of Jambudvīpa, as many as there are, in the fruit of having entered the stream, do you think, Kauśika, the merit of those sons or daughters of good families for that reason would have increased greatly?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika, if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because those who have entered the stream derive their existence785 from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside the beings of Jambudvīpa, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the world system with its four continents, as many as there are, in the fruit of having entered the stream, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because those who have entered the stream derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the world system with its four continents in the fruit of having entered the stream, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the small thousandfold world system, as many as there are, in the fruit of having entered the stream, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because those who have entered the stream derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the small thousandfold world system in the fruit of having entered the stream, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the medium millionfold world system, as many as there are, in the fruit of having entered the stream, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because those who have entered the stream derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the medium millionfold world system in the fruit of having entered the stream, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the great billionfold world system, as many as there are, in the fruit of having entered the stream, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because those who have entered the stream derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the great billionfold world system in the fruit of having entered the stream, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the world systems in each of the ten directions, numerous as the grains of sand of the river Gaṅgā, as many as there are, in the fruit of having entered the stream, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because those who have entered the stream derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of Jambudvīpa, as many as there are, in the fruit of once-returner, do you think, Kauśika, the merit of those sons or daughters of good families for that reason would have increased greatly?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because once-returners derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside the beings of Jambudvīpa, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the world system with its four continents, as many as there are, in the fruit of once-returner, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because once-returners derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the world system with its four continents in the fruit of once-returner, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the small thousandfold world system, as many as there are, in the fruit of once-returner, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons of good families or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because once-returners derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the small thousandfold world system in the fruit of once-returner, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the medium millionfold world system, as many as there are, in the fruit of once-returner, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because once-returners derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the medium millionfold world system in the fruit of once-returner, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the great billionfold world system, as many as there are, in the fruit of once-returner, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because once-returners derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the great billionfold world system in the fruit of once-returner, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the world systems in each of the ten directions, numerous as the grains of sand of the river Gaṅgā, as many as there are, in the fruit of once-returner, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because once-returners derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of Jambudvīpa, as many as there are, in the fruit of non-returner, do you think, Kauśika, the merit of those sons or daughters of good families for that reason would have increased greatly?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because non-returners derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside the beings of Jambudvīpa, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the world system with its four continents, as many as there are, in the fruit of non-returner, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because non-returners derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the world system with its four continents in the fruit of non-returner, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the small thousandfold world system, as many as there are, in the fruit of non-returner, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because non-returners derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the small thousandfold world system in the fruit of non-returner, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the medium millionfold world system, as many as there are, in the fruit of non-returner, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because non-returners derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the medium millionfold world system in the fruit of non-returner, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the great billionfold world system, as many as there are, in the fruit of non-returner, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because non-returners derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the great billionfold world system in the fruit of non-returner, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the world systems in each of the ten directions, numerous as the grains of sand of the river Gaṅgā, as many as there are, in the fruit of non-returner, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because non-returners derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of Jambudvīpa, as many as there are, in arhatship, do you think, Kauśika, the merit of those sons or daughters of good families for that reason would have increased greatly?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because arhats derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside the beings of Jambudvīpa, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the world system with its four continents, as many as there are, in arhatship, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because arhats derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the world system with its four continents in arhatship, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the small thousandfold world system, as many as there are, in arhatship, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because arhats derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the small thousandfold world system in arhatship, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the medium millionfold world system, as many as there are, in arhatship, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because arhats derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the medium millionfold world system in arhatship, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the great billionfold world system, as many as there are, in arhatship, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because arhats derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the great billionfold world system in arhatship, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the world systems in each of the ten directions, numerous as the grains of sand of the river Gaṅgā, as many as there are, in arhatship, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because arhats derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of Jambudvīpa, as many as there are, in individual enlightenment, do you think, Kauśika, the merit of those sons or daughters of good families for that reason would have increased greatly?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because pratyekabuddhas derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside the beings of Jambudvīpa, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the world system with its four continents, as many as there are, in individual enlightenment, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because pratyekabuddhas derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.
“Kauśika, leaving aside having established the beings of the world system with its four continents in individual enlightenment, Kauśika, if any sons or daughters of good families were to have established the beings of the small thousandfold world system, as many as there are, in individual enlightenment, do you think, Kauśika, that for this reason those sons or daughters of good families would greatly increase their merit?”
“Greatly, Blessed Lord! Greatly, Well-Gone One!” replied Śakra.
“Kauśika,” said the Blessed One, “if those sons or daughters of good families, who describe and teach this perfection of wisdom in detail according to the meaning and the letter, explain and interpret, analyze and elucidate, and completely disclose it to others, exhorting them, saying, ‘Come here, child of a good family. You should take up, master, uphold, recite, and focus your attention correctly on the profound perfection of wisdom. You should earnestly apply yourself to the perfection of wisdom just as it has been explained,’ their merit increases even more greatly than theirs. If you ask why, Kauśika, it is because pratyekabuddhas derive their existence from this perfection of wisdom.