Chapter 5
The venerable Subhūti then said to the Blessed One, “Blessed Lord, I thus do not apprehend and do not find a bodhisattva or the perfection of wisdom. Blessed Lord, since I do not apprehend and do not find a bodhisattva great being or the perfection of wisdom, which bodhisattva great being should I teach and instruct, and in which perfection of wisdom? Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend, do not find, and do not observe an entity, so, Blessed Lord, without apprehending, finding, and observing an entity, what phenomenon should I teach and instruct, and in which phenomenon?297
“Thus, Blessed Lord, without apprehending and without finding any increase or decrease in any phenomenon, it would indeed be regrettable if I were to cause a bodhisattva or a perfection of wisdom to increase or decrease as mere names.
“Blessed Lord, even those names are unstable, intangible, and powerless.298 Why? Since those names do not exist, therefore those names are unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether physical forms increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether physical forms increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name physical forms is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name feelings is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether perceptions increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether perceptions increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name perceptions is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether formative predispositions increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether formative predispositions increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name formative predispositions is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether consciousness increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether consciousness increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name consciousness is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the eyes increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the eyes increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name eyes is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the ears increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the ears increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name ears is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the nose increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the nose increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name nose is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the tongue increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the tongue increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name tongue is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the body increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the body increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name body is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the mental faculty increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the mental faculty increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name mental faculty is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether sights increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether sights increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name sights is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether sounds increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether sounds increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name sounds is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether odors increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether odors increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name odors is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether tastes increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether tastes increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name tastes is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether tangibles increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether tangibles increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name tangibles is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether mental phenomena increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether mental phenomena increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name mental phenomena is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether visual consciousness increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether visual consciousness increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name visual consciousness is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether auditory consciousness increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether auditory consciousness increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name auditory consciousness is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether olfactory consciousness increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether olfactory consciousness increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name olfactory consciousness is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether gustatory consciousness increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether gustatory consciousness increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name gustatory consciousness is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether tactile consciousness increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether tactile consciousness increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name tactile consciousness is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether mental consciousness increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether mental consciousness increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name mental consciousness is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether visually compounded sensory contact increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether visually compounded sensory contact increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name visually compounded sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether aurally compounded sensory contact increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether aurally compounded sensory contact increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name aurally compounded sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether nasally compounded sensory contact increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether nasally compounded sensory contact increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name nasally compounded sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether lingually compounded sensory contact increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether lingually compounded sensory contact increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name lingually compounded sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether corporeally compounded sensory contact increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether corporeally compounded sensory contact increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name corporeally compounded sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether mentally compounded sensory contact increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether mentally compounded sensory contact increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name mentally compounded sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that term does not exist, therefore that term is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings conditioned by corporeally compounded sensory contact increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings conditioned by corporeally compounded sensory contact increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name feelings conditioned by corporeally compounded sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the earth element increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the earth element increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name earth element is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the water element increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the water element increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name water element is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the fire element increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the fire element increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name fire element is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the wind element increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the wind element increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name wind element is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the space element increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the space element increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name space element is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the consciousness element increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the consciousness element increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name consciousness element is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether ignorance increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether ignorance increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name ignorance is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether formative predispositions increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether formative predispositions increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name formative predispositions is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether consciousness increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether consciousness increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name consciousness is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether name and form increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether name and form increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name name and form is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the six sense fields increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the six sense fields increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name six sense fields is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether sensory contact increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether sensory contact increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether sensation increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether sensation increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name sensation is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether craving increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether craving increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name craving is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether grasping increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether grasping increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name grasping is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the rebirth process increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the rebirth process increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name the rebirth process is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether birth increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether birth increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name birth is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether aging and death increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether aging and death increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name aging and death is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of ignorance increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of ignorance increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name the cessation of ignorance is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of formative predispositions increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of formative predispositions increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name cessation of formative predispositions is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of consciousness increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of consciousness increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name cessation of consciousness is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of name and form increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of name and form increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name cessation of name and form is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of the six sense fields increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of the six sense fields increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name cessation of the six sense fields is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of sensory contact increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of sensory contact increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name cessation of sensory contact is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of sensation increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of sensation increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name cessation of sensation is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of craving increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of craving increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name cessation of craving is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of grasping increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of grasping increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name cessation of grasping is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of the rebirth process increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of the rebirth process increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name cessation of the rebirth process is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of birth increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of birth increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name cessation of birth is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of aging and death increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the cessation of aging and death increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name cessation of aging and death is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether desire increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether desire increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name desire is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether hatred increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether hatred increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name hatred is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether delusion increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether delusion increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name delusion is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the sixty-two mistaken views increase or decrease, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the sixty-two mistaken views increase or decrease, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name sixty-two mistaken views is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the self increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the self increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name self is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether a being increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether a being increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name being is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether a life form increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether a life form increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name life form is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether a living being increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether a living being increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name living being is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether life increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether life increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name life is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether an individual increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether an individual increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name individual is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether a person increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether a person increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name person is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether one born of Manu increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether one born of Manu increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name one born of Manu is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether a child of Manu increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether a child of Manu increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name child of Manu is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether an agent increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether an agent increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name an agent is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether an experiencer increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether an experiencer increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name experiencer is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether a knower increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether a knower increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name knower is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether a viewer increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether a viewer increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name viewer is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the perfection of generosity increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the perfection of generosity increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name perfection of generosity is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the perfection of ethical discipline increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the perfection of ethical discipline increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name perfection of ethical discipline is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the perfection of tolerance increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the perfection of tolerance increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name perfection of tolerance is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the perfection of perseverance increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the perfection of perseverance increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name perfection of perseverance is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the perfection of meditative concentration increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the perfection of meditative concentration increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name perfection of meditative concentration is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the perfection of wisdom increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the perfection of wisdom increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name perfection of wisdom is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the emptiness of internal phenomena increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the emptiness of internal phenomena increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name emptiness of internal phenomena is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the emptiness of external phenomena increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the emptiness of external phenomena increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name emptiness of external phenomena is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the emptiness of external and internal phenomena increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the emptiness of external and internal phenomena increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name emptiness of external and internal phenomena is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the emptiness of emptiness increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the emptiness of emptiness increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name emptiness of emptiness is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the emptiness of great extent increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the emptiness of great extent increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name emptiness of great extent is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.
“Blessed Lord, I do not apprehend and do not observe whether the emptiness of ultimate reality increases or decreases, so, Blessed Lord, since I thus do not apprehend and do not observe whether the emptiness of ultimate reality increases or decreases, what could I designate by the name bodhisattva? Blessed Lord, even that name emptiness of ultimate reality is unstable, intangible, and powerless. Why? Since that name does not exist, therefore that name is unstable, intangible, and powerless.