Chapter 37
“Subhūti,” replied the Blessed One, “those bodhisattva great beings who will resolutely believe in this profound perfection of wisdom will have eliminated desire and in their nature be isolated from it. Subhūti, those bodhisattva great beings will have eliminated hatred and delusion and in their nature be isolated from them. Subhūti, those bodhisattva great beings will in their nature be isolated from the indications of desire. Subhūti, those bodhisattva great beings will in their nature be isolated from the indications of hatred and delusion. Subhūti, those bodhisattva great beings will in their nature be isolated from the signs of desire. Subhūti, those bodhisattva great beings will in their nature be isolated from the signs of hatred and delusion. Subhūti, those bodhisattva great beings will in their nature be isolated from the characters of desire and the absence of desire.952 Subhūti, those bodhisattva great beings will in their nature be isolated from the characters of hatred and the absence of hatred, and delusion and the absence of delusion.
“Blessed Lord, what will be the way of being of these bodhisattva great beings who will comprehend this profound perfection of wisdom?” asked Subhūti.
“Subhūti, those bodhisattva great beings who comprehend this profound perfection of wisdom will have the way of being of all-aspect omniscience,” replied the Blessed One.
“Blessed Lord, will those bodhisattva great beings who have the way of being of all-aspect omniscience still be a refuge for beings?” asked Subhūti.
“It is so, Subhūti, it is so,” replied the Blessed One. “Those bodhisattva great beings who have the way of being of all-aspect omniscience will still be a refuge for beings.”
Subhūti said, “Blessed Lord, those bodhisattva great beings who have donned this armor with the thought that they must bring all beings to final nirvāṇa, but without apprehending beings or anything designated as a being, are engaged in a difficult task.”
“It is so, Subhūti, it is so,” replied the Blessed One. “Those bodhisattva great beings who have donned this armor with the thought that they must bring all beings to final nirvāṇa are engaged in a difficult task.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with physical forms. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because physical forms are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with physical forms.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with feelings. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because feelings are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with feelings.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with perceptions. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because perceptions are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with perceptions.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with formative predispositions. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because formative predispositions are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with formative predispositions.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with consciousness. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because consciousness is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with consciousness.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the eyes. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the eyes are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the eyes.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the ears. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the ears are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the ears.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the nose. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the nose is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the nose.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the tongue. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the tongue is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the tongue.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the body. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the body is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the body.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the mental faculty. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the mental faculty is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the mental faculty.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with sights. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because sights are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with sights.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with sounds. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because sounds are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with sounds.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with odors. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because odors are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with odors.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with tastes. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because tastes are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with tastes.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with tangibles. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because tangibles are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with tangibles.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with mental phenomena. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because mental phenomena are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with mental phenomena.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with visual consciousness. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because visual consciousness is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with visual consciousness.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with auditory consciousness. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because auditory consciousness is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with auditory consciousness.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with olfactory consciousness. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because olfactory consciousness is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with olfactory consciousness.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with gustatory consciousness. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because gustatory consciousness is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with gustatory consciousness.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with tactile consciousness. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because tactile consciousness is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with tactile consciousness.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with mental consciousness. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because mental consciousness is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with mental consciousness.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with visually compounded sensory contact. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because visually compounded sensory contact is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with visually compounded sensory contact.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with aurally compounded sensory contact. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because aurally compounded sensory contact is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with aurally compounded sensory contact.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with nasally compounded sensory contact. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because nasally compounded sensory contact is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with nasally compounded sensory contact.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with lingually compounded sensory contact. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because lingually compounded sensory contact is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with lingually compounded sensory contact.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with corporeally compounded sensory contact. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because corporeally compounded sensory contact is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with corporeally compounded sensory contact.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with mentally compounded sensory contact. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because mentally compounded sensory contact is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with mentally compounded sensory contact.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with feelings conditioned by corporeally compounded sensory contact. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because feelings conditioned by corporeally compounded sensory contact are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with feelings conditioned by corporeally compounded sensory contact.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the earth element. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the earth element is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the earth element.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the water element. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the water element is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the water element.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the fire element. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the fire element is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the fire element.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the wind element. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the wind element is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the wind element.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the space element. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the space element is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the space element.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the consciousness element. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the consciousness element is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the consciousness element.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with ignorance. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because ignorance is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with ignorance.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with formative predispositions. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because formative predispositions are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with formative predispositions.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with consciousness. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because consciousness is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with consciousness.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with name and form. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because name and form are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with name and form.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the six sense fields. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the six sense fields are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the six sense fields.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with sensory contact. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because sensory contact is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with sensory contact.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with sensation. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because sensation is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with sensation.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with craving. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because craving is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with craving.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with grasping. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because grasping is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with grasping.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the rebirth process. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the rebirth process is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the rebirth process.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with birth. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because birth is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with birth.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with aging and death. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because aging and death are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with aging and death.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the self. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the self is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the self.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with a being. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because a being is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with a being.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with a life. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because a life is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with a life.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with a creature. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because a creature is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with a creature.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with one who lives. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because one who lives is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with one who lives.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with an individual. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because an individual is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with an individual.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with a person. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because a person is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with a person.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with one born of Manu. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because one born of Manu is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with one born of Manu.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with a child of Manu. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because a child of Manu is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with a child of Manu.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with an agent. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because an agent is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with an agent.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with an experiencer. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because an experiencer is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with an experiencer.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with a knower. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because a knower is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with a knower.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with a viewer. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because a viewer is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with a viewer.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the perfection of generosity. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the perfection of generosity is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the perfection of generosity.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the perfection of ethical discipline. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the perfection of ethical discipline is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the perfection of ethical discipline.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the perfection of tolerance. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the perfection of tolerance is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the perfection of tolerance.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the perfection of perseverance. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the perfection of perseverance is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the perfection of perseverance.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the perfection of meditative concentration. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the perfection of meditative concentration is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the perfection of meditative concentration.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the perfection of wisdom. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the perfection of wisdom is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor is not connected with the perfection of wisdom.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of internal phenomena. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of internal phenomena is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of internal phenomena.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of external phenomena. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of external phenomena is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of external phenomena.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of external and internal phenomena. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of external and internal phenomena is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of external and internal phenomena.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of emptiness. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of emptiness is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of emptiness.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of great extent. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of great extent is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of great extent.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of ultimate reality. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of ultimate reality is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of ultimate reality.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of conditioned phenomena. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of conditioned phenomena is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of conditioned phenomena.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of unconditioned phenomena. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of unconditioned phenomena is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of unconditioned phenomena.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of the unlimited. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of the unlimited is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of the unlimited.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of that which has neither beginning nor end. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of that which has neither beginning nor end is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of that which has neither beginning nor end.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of nonexclusion. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of nonexclusion is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of nonexclusion.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of inherent nature. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of inherent nature is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of inherent nature.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of all phenomena. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of all phenomena is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of all phenomena.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of intrinsic defining characteristics. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of intrinsic defining characteristics is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of intrinsic defining characteristics.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of that which cannot be apprehended. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of that which cannot be apprehended is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of that which cannot be apprehended.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of nonentities. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of nonentities is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of nonentities.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of essential nature. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of essential nature is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of essential nature.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of an essential nature of nonentities. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness of an essential nature of nonentities is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness of an essential nature of nonentities.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the applications of mindfulness. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the applications of mindfulness are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the applications of mindfulness.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the correct exertions. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the correct exertions are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the correct exertions.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the supports for miraculous ability. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the supports for miraculous ability are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the supports for miraculous ability.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the faculties. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the faculties are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the faculties.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the powers. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the powers are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the powers.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the branches of enlightenment. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the branches of enlightenment are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the branches of enlightenment.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the noble eightfold path. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the noble eightfold path is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the noble eightfold path.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the truths of the noble ones. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the truths of the noble ones are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the truths of the noble ones.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the meditative concentrations. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the meditative concentrations are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the meditative concentrations.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the immeasurable attitudes. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the immeasurable attitudes are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the immeasurable attitudes.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the formless absorptions. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the formless absorptions are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the formless absorptions.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the eight liberations. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the eight liberations are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the eight liberations.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the nine serial steps of meditative absorption. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the nine serial steps of meditative absorption are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the nine serial steps of meditative absorption.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness gateways to liberation. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness gateways to liberation are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness gateways to liberation.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the extrasensory powers. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the extrasensory powers are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the extrasensory powers.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the meditative stabilities. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the meditative stabilities are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the meditative stabilities.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the dhāraṇī gateways. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the dhāraṇī gateways are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the dhāraṇī gateways.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the powers of the tathāgatas. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the powers of the tathāgatas are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the powers of the tathāgatas.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the fearlessnesses. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the fearlessnesses are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the fearlessnesses.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the kinds of exact knowledge. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the kinds of exact knowledge are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the kinds of exact knowledge.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with great loving kindness. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because great loving kindness is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with great loving kindness.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with great compassion. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because great compassion is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with great compassion.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the distinct qualities of the buddhas. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the distinct qualities of the buddhas are absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the distinct qualities of the buddhas.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the fruit of having entered the stream. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the fruit of having entered the stream is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the fruit of having entered the stream.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the fruit of once-returner. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the fruit of once-returner is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the fruit of once-returner.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the fruit of non-returner. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the fruit of non-returner is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the fruit of non-returner.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with arhatship. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because arhatship is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with arhatship.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with individual enlightenment. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because individual enlightenment is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with individual enlightenment.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the knowledge of the aspects of the path. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because the knowledge of the aspects of the path is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with the knowledge of the aspects of the path.
“Subhūti, this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with all-aspect omniscience. If you ask why, Subhūti, it is because all-aspect omniscience is absolutely nonexistent, and the armor of bodhisattvas is nonexistent too. That is why it is said this armor of bodhisattva great beings is not connected with all-aspect omniscience.
“Subhūti, those bodhisattva great beings who practice this profound perfection of wisdom do not connect the armor of those who have donned the armor with the thought that they must bring all beings to final nirvāṇa with anything.”
“Blessed Lord,” said Subhūti, “bodhisattva great beings who have donned the armor with the thought that they must bring all beings to final nirvāṇa need not fear the two places, which are the level of the śrāvakas and the level of the pratyekabuddhas. Blessed Lord, they have donned the armor with the thought that they must bring all beings to final nirvāṇa. There is no chance those bodhisattva great beings will fall to the places that are the level of the śrāvakas or the level of the pratyekabuddhas. It is impossible. If you ask why, it is because bodhisattva great beings have not donned the armor for the sake of beings limited by boundaries.”
The Blessed One asked, “In consideration of which objective953 do you say, Subhūti, that bodhisattva great beings who have donned such armor and who practice this profound perfection of wisdom need not fear the two places, which are the level of the śrāvakas and the level of the pratyekabuddhas?”