Subhūti asked, “In that case, Blessed Lord, if they do not train in the defining characteristics of physical forms, do not train in the defining characteristics of feelings, do not train in the defining characteristics of perceptions, do not train in the defining characteristics of formative predispositions, and do not train in the defining characteristics of consciousness; do not train in the defining characteristics of the eyes, do not train in the defining characteristics of the ears, do not train in the defining characteristics of the nose, do not train in the defining characteristics of the tongue, do not train in the defining characteristics of the body, and do not train in the defining characteristics of the mental faculty; do not train in the defining characteristics of sights, do not train in the defining characteristics of sounds, do not train in the defining characteristics of odors, do not train in the defining characteristics of tastes, do not train in the defining characteristics of tangibles, and do not train in the defining characteristics of mental phenomena; do not train in the defining characteristics of visual consciousness, do not train in the defining characteristics of auditory consciousness, do not train in the defining characteristics of olfactory consciousness, do not train in the defining characteristics of gustatory consciousness, do not train in the defining characteristics of tactile consciousness, and do not train in the defining characteristics of mental consciousness; do not train in the defining characteristics of visually compounded sensory contact, do not train in the defining characteristics of aurally compounded sensory contact, do not train in the defining characteristics of nasally compounded sensory contact, do not train in the defining characteristics of lingually compounded sensory contact, do not train in the defining characteristics of corporeally compounded sensory contact, and do not train in the defining characteristics of mentally compounded sensory contact; do not train in the defining characteristics of feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact, do not train in the defining characteristics of feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact, do not train in the defining characteristics of feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact, do not train in the defining characteristics of feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact, do not train in the defining characteristics of feelings conditioned by corporeally compounded sensory contact, and do not train in the defining characteristics of feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact; do not train in the defining characteristics of the earth element, do not train in the defining characteristics of the water element, do not train in the defining characteristics of the fire element, do not train in the defining characteristics of the wind element, do not train in the defining characteristics of the space element, and do not train in the defining characteristics of the consciousness element; do not train in the defining characteristics of ignorance, do not train in the defining characteristics of formative predispositions, do not train in the defining characteristics of consciousness, do not train in the defining characteristics of name and form, do not train in the defining characteristics of the six sense fields, do not train in the defining characteristics of sensory contact, do not train in the defining characteristics of sensation, do not train in the defining characteristics of craving, do not train in the defining characteristics of grasping, do not train in the defining characteristics of the rebirth process, do not train in the defining characteristics of birth, and do not train in the defining characteristics of aging and death; do not train in the defining characteristics of the perfection of generosity, do not train in the defining characteristics of the perfection of ethical discipline, do not train in the defining characteristics of the perfection of tolerance, do not train in the defining characteristics of the perfection of perseverance, do not train in the defining characteristics of the perfection of meditative concentration, and do not train in the defining characteristics of the perfection of wisdom; do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of internal phenomena, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of external phenomena, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of external and internal phenomena, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of emptiness, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of great extent, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of ultimate reality, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of conditioned phenomena, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of unconditioned phenomena, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of the unlimited, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of that which has neither beginning nor end, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of nonexclusion, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of inherent nature, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of all phenomena, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of intrinsic defining characteristics, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of that which cannot be apprehended, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of nonentities, do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of essential nature, and do not train in the defining characteristics of the emptiness of an essential nature of nonentities; do not train in the defining characteristics of the first meditative concentration, do not train in the defining characteristics of the second meditative concentration, do not train in the defining characteristics of the third meditative concentration, and do not train in the defining characteristics of the fourth meditative concentration; do not train in the defining characteristics of great loving kindness, do not train in the defining characteristics of great compassion, do not train in the defining characteristics of great empathetic joy, and do not train in the defining characteristics of great equanimity; do not train in the defining characteristics of the sphere of infinite space, do not train in the defining characteristics of the sphere of infinite consciousness, do not train in the defining characteristics of the sphere of nothing-at-all, and do not train in the defining characteristics of the sphere of neither perception nor nonperception; do not train in the defining characteristics of the applications of mindfulness, do not train in the defining characteristics of the correct exertions, do not train in the defining characteristics of the supports for miraculous ability, do not train in the defining characteristics of the faculties, do not train in the defining characteristics of the powers, do not train in the defining characteristics of the branches of enlightenment, and do not train in the defining characteristics of the noble eightfold path; do not train in the defining characteristics of the meditative stability of emptiness, do not train in the defining characteristics of the meditative stability of signlessness, and do not train in the defining characteristics of the meditative stability of wishlessness; do not train in the defining characteristics of the liberations, do not train in the defining characteristics of the serial steps of meditative absorption, do not train in the defining characteristics of the extrasensory powers, do not train in the defining characteristics of the meditative stabilities, and do not train in the defining characteristics of the dhāraṇī gateways; do not train in the defining characteristics of the powers of the tathāgatas, do not train in the defining characteristics of the fearlessnesses, do not train in the defining characteristics of the kinds of exact knowledge, do not train in the defining characteristics of the distinct qualities of the buddhas, do not train in the defining characteristics of great loving kindness, and do not train in the defining characteristics of great compassion; do not train in the defining characteristics of the noble truth of suffering, and do not train in the defining characteristics of the origination, do not train in the defining characteristics of the cessation, and do not train in the defining characteristics of the path that are noble truths; do not train in the defining characteristics of the links of dependent origination consecutively and in reverse order, do not train in the defining characteristics of the realm of the conditioned, and do not train in the defining characteristics of the realm of the unconditioned—Blessed Lord, if they do not train in the defining characteristics of all these phenomena, how then, Blessed Lord, do bodhisattva great beings, having trained in the defining characteristics of all phenomena and in the defining characteristics of formative predispositions, transcend the levels of the śrāvakas and pratyekabuddhas? How, when they have transcended the levels of the śrāvakas and pratyekabuddhas, will they enter a bodhisattva’s full maturity? How, if they have not entered a bodhisattva’s full maturity, do they attain all-aspect omniscience, and how, if they have not attained all-aspect omniscience, do they turn the wheel of the Dharma? How, if they have not turned the wheel of the Dharma, will they liberate beings from saṃsāra in the vehicle of the śrāvakas, the vehicle of the pratyekabuddhas, or the Great Vehicle?”
“Subhūti,” replied the Blessed One, “if there were any phenomena with defining characteristics, bodhisattva great beings would train in those defining characteristics; however, all phenomena are without defining characteristics—immaterial, impossible to indicate, unimpeded, and thus with the one defining characteristic that they are without defining characteristics. Therefore, bodhisattva great beings should indeed not train in defining characteristics and should also not train in the absence of defining characteristics. If you ask why, it is because it is not the case that what formerly had defining characteristics later have no defining characteristics, but rather, Subhūti, that those formerly had no defining characteristics and now still have no defining characteristics, so, for that reason, bodhisattva great beings should not train in defining characteristics, nor should they train in the absence of defining characteristics. If you ask why, it is because whether the tathāgatas appear or whether the tathāgatas do not appear, this realm of the absence of defining characteristics remains as it is.”
Subhūti asked, “Blessed Lord, if all phenomena in that manner do not have defining characteristics, neither different defining characteristics nor the same defining characteristic, how could there be the cultivation of a bodhisattva great being’s perfection of wisdom? Blessed Lord, without having cultivated the perfection of wisdom, bodhisattva great beings cannot transcend the level of the śrāvakas or the level of the pratyekabuddhas. Without having transcended the level of the śrāvakas and the level of the pratyekabuddhas, bodhisattva great beings cannot enter a bodhisattva’s full maturity. Without having entered a bodhisattva’s full maturity, great bodhisattva beings cannot generate acceptance that phenomena are nonarising. Without having generated acceptance that phenomena are nonarising, they cannot achieve the extrasensory powers. Without having achieved the extrasensory powers of the bodhisattvas, they cannot refine a buddhafield and bring beings to maturity. Without having refined a buddhafield and brought beings to maturity, they cannot attain all-aspect omniscience. Without having attained all-aspect omniscience, they cannot turn the wheel of the Dharma. Without having turned the wheel of the Dharma, they cannot establish beings in the fruit of having entered the stream, cannot establish them in the fruit of once-returner, cannot establish them in the fruit of non-returner, cannot establish them in arhatship, cannot establish them in individual enlightenment, and cannot establish them in unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. They cannot establish beings in the foundation of meritorious action arisen from generosity, cannot establish them in the foundation of meritorious action arisen from ethical discipline, and cannot establish them in the foundation of meritorious action arisen from meditation.”
“If in that manner all phenomena are without defining characteristics, how will the perfection of wisdom be cultivated?” asked Subhūti.
“Subhūti, a bodhisattva great being’s cultivation of the perfection of wisdom has neither different defining characteristics nor one defining characteristic,” replied the Blessed One. “That is to say, Subhūti, a bodhisattva great being’s cultivation of the perfection of wisdom is a cultivation without defining characteristics.”
“How is it that the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom is a cultivation without defining characteristics?” asked Subhūti.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of all phenomena is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom,” replied the Blessed One.
“Blessed Lord, how is the cultivation of the noncultivation of all phenomena the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?” asked Subhūti.
The Blessed One replied, “The cultivation of the noncultivation of physical forms is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of perceptions is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of formative predispositions is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of consciousness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the eyes is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the ears is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the nose is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the tongue is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the body is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the mental faculty is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of sights is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of sounds is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of odors is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of tastes is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of tangibles is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of mental phenomena is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of visual consciousness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of auditory consciousness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of olfactory consciousness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of gustatory consciousness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of tactile consciousness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of mental consciousness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of visually compounded sensory contact is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of aurally compounded sensory contact is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of nasally compounded sensory contact is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of lingually compounded sensory contact is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of corporeally compounded sensory contact is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of mentally compounded sensory contact is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings conditioned by corporeally compounded sensory contact is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the earth element is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the water element is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the fire element is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the wind element is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the space element is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the consciousness element is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the links of dependent origination is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of ignorance is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of formative predispositions is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of consciousness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of name and form is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the six sense fields is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of sensory contact is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of sensation is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of craving is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of grasping is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the rebirth process is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of birth is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of aging and death is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of adoption is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of exclusion is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the first meditative concentration is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the second meditative concentration is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the third meditative concentration is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the fourth meditative concentration is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of loving kindness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of compassion is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of empathetic joy is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of equanimity is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the sphere of infinite space is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the sphere of infinite consciousness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the sphere of nothing-at-all is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the sphere of neither perception nor nonperception is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of the Buddha is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of the Dharma is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of the Saṅgha is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of ethical discipline is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of giving away is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of the gods is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of disillusionment is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of the breath moving in and out is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of death is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of the body is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of impermanence is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of suffering is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of selflessness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of unattractiveness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of nonentities is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of the self is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of a being is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of a life is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of a creature is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of one who lives is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of a person is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of an individual is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of one born of Manu is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of a child of Manu is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of an agent is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of an experiencer is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of a knower is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of a viewer is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of permanence is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of happiness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of the pleasant is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of self is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the applications of mindfulness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the correct exertions is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the supports for miraculous ability is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the faculties is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the powers is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the branches of enlightenment is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the path is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the meditative stability of emptiness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the meditative stability of signlessness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the meditative stability of wishlessness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the eight liberations is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the nine serial steps of meditative absorption is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the meditative stability with an initial mental application and with a sustained mental application is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the meditative stability without an initial mental application but with a sustained mental application is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the meditative stability without an initial mental application and without a sustained mental application is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the noble truth of suffering is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the noble truth of origination is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the noble truth of cessation is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the noble truth of the path is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of suffering is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.1154 The cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of origination is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of cessation is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of the path is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of extinction is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge that they will not arise again is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of phenomena is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of the subsequent is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of the conventional is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge that is masterful is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of sound as it is, is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perfection of generosity is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perfection of ethical discipline is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perfection of tolerance is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perfection of perseverance is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perfection of meditative concentration is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the perfection of wisdom is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of internal phenomena is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of external phenomena is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of external and internal phenomena is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of emptiness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of great extent is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of ultimate reality is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of conditioned phenomena is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of unconditioned phenomena is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of the unlimited is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of that which has neither beginning nor end is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of nonexclusion is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of inherent nature is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of all phenomena is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of intrinsic defining characteristics is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of that which cannot be apprehended is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of nonentities is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of essential nature is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of an essential nature of nonentities is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the six extrasensory powers is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of all the meditative stabilities is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of all the dhāraṇī gateways is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the ten powers of the tathāgatas is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the four fearlessnesses is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the four kinds of exact knowledge is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the eighteen distinct qualities of the buddhas is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of great loving kindness is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of great compassion is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.
“The cultivation of the noncultivation of the fruit of having entered the stream is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the fruit of once-returner is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the fruit of non-returner is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of arhatship is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of individual enlightenment is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of the aspects of the path is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of all-aspect omniscience is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom. The cultivation of the noncultivation of the abandonment of all the afflicted mental states and their connecting propensities is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom.”
Subhūti asked, “Blessed Lord, how is the cultivation of the noncultivation of physical forms the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of perceptions the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of formative predispositions the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of consciousness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the eyes the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the ears the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the nose the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the tongue the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the body the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the mental faculty the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of sights the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of sounds the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of odors the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of tastes the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of tangibles the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of mental phenomena the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of visual consciousness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of auditory consciousness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of olfactory consciousness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of gustatory consciousness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of tactile consciousness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of mental consciousness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of visually compounded sensory contact the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of aurally compounded sensory contact the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of nasally compounded sensory contact the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of lingually compounded sensory contact the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of corporeally compounded sensory contact the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of mentally compounded sensory contact the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings conditioned by corporeally compounded sensory contact the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the earth element the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the water element the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the fire element the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the wind element the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the space element the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the consciousness element the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the links of dependent origination the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of ignorance the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of formative predispositions the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of consciousness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of name and form the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the six sense fields the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of sensory contact the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of sensation the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of craving the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of grasping the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the rebirth process the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of birth the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of aging and death the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of adoption the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of exclusion the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the first meditative concentration the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the second meditative concentration the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the third meditative concentration the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the fourth meditative concentration the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of loving kindness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of compassion the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of empathetic joy the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of equanimity the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the sphere of infinite space the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the sphere of infinite consciousness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the sphere of nothing-at-all the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the sphere of neither perception nor nonperception the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of the Buddha the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of the Dharma the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of the Saṅgha the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of ethical discipline the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of giving away the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of the gods the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of disillusionment the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of recollection of the breath moving in and out the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of death the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the recollection of the body the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of impermanence the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of suffering the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of selflessness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of unattractiveness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of nonentities the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of the self the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of a being the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of a life the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of a creature the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of one who lives the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of a person the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of an individual the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of one born of Manu the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of a child of Manu the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of an agent the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of an experiencer the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of a knower the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of a viewer the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of permanence the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of happiness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of the pleasant the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perception of self the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the applications of mindfulness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the correct exertions the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the supports for miraculous ability the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the faculties the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the powers the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the branches of enlightenment the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the path the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the meditative stability of emptiness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the meditative stability of signlessness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the meditative stability of wishlessness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the eight liberations the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the nine serial steps of meditative absorption the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the meditative stability with an initial mental application and with a sustained mental application the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the meditative stability without an initial mental application but with a sustained mental application the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the meditative stability without an initial mental application and without a sustained mental application the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the noble truth of suffering the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the noble truth of origination the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the noble truth of cessation the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the noble truth of the path the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of suffering the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of origination the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of cessation the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of the path the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of extinction the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge that they will not arise again the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of phenomena the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of the subsequent the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of the conventional the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge that is masterful the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of sound as it is the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perfection of generosity the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perfection of ethical discipline the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perfection of tolerance the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perfection of perseverance the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perfection of meditative concentration the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the perfection of wisdom the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of internal phenomena the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of external phenomena the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of external and internal phenomena the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of emptiness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of great extent the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of ultimate reality the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of conditioned phenomena the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of unconditioned phenomena the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of the unlimited the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of that which has neither beginning nor end the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of nonexclusion the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of inherent nature the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of all phenomena the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of intrinsic defining characteristics the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of that which cannot be apprehended the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of nonentities the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of essential nature the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the emptiness of an essential nature of nonentities the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the six extrasensory powers the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of all the meditative stabilities the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of all the dhāraṇī gateways the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the ten powers of the tathāgatas the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the four fearlessnesses the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the four kinds of exact knowledge the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the eighteen distinct qualities of the buddhas the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of great loving kindness the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of great compassion the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?
“How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the fruit of having entered the stream the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the fruit of once-returner the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the fruit of non-returner the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of arhatship the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of individual enlightenment the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the knowledge of the aspects of the path the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of all-aspect omniscience the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom? How is the cultivation of the noncultivation of the abandonment of all the afflicted mental states and their connecting propensities the cultivation of the perfection of wisdom?”