Subhūti said, “Blessed Lord, it is wonderful that bodhisattva great beings practice all phenomena that are the emptiness of inherent nature in that manner, without disrupting the emptiness of inherent existence, thinking, ‘Physical forms are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, feelings are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, perceptions are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, formative predispositions are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and consciousness is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; the eyes are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the ears are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the nose is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the tongue is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the body is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the mental faculty is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; sights are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, sounds are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, odors are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, tastes are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, tangibles are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and mental phenomena are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; visual consciousness is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, auditory consciousness is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, olfactory consciousness is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, gustatory consciousness is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, tactile consciousness is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and mental consciousness is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; visually compounded sensory contact is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, aurally compounded sensory contact is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, nasally compounded sensory contact is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, lingually compounded sensory contact is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, corporeally compounded sensory contact is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and mentally compounded sensory contact is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, feelings conditioned by corporeally compounded sensory contact are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; the earth element is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the water element is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the fire element is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the wind element is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the space element is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the consciousness element is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; ignorance is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, formative predispositions are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, consciousness is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, name and form are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the six sense fields are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, sensory contact is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, sensation is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, craving is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, grasping is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the rebirth process is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, birth is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and aging and death are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; the perfection of generosity is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the perfection of ethical discipline is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the perfection of tolerance is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the perfection of perseverance is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the perfection of meditative concentration is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the perfection of wisdom is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; the emptiness of internal phenomena is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of external phenomena is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of external and internal phenomena is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of emptiness is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of great extent is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of ultimate reality is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of conditioned phenomena is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of unconditioned phenomena is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of the unlimited is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of that which has neither beginning nor end is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of nonexclusion is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of inherent nature is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of all phenomena is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of intrinsic defining characteristics is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of that which cannot be apprehended is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of nonentities is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of essential nature is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the emptiness of an essential nature of nonentities is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; the applications of mindfulness are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the correct exertions are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the supports for miraculous ability are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the faculties are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the powers are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the branches of enlightenment are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the noble eightfold path is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; the truths of the noble ones are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the meditative concentrations are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the immeasurable attitudes are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the formless absorptions are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the eight liberations are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the nine serial steps of meditative absorption are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness gateways to liberation are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the extrasensory powers are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the meditative stabilities are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the dhāraṇī gateways are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; the ten powers of the tathāgatas are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the four fearlessnesses are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the four kinds of exact knowledge are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, great loving kindness is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, great compassion is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the eighteen distinct qualities of the buddhas are one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; and the fruit of having entered the stream is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the fruit of once-returner is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the fruit of non-returner is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, arhatship is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, individual enlightenment is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the knowledge of the aspects of the path is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and all-aspect omniscience is one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another.’
“Rather, they practice, thinking, ‘Physical forms simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is physical forms. Feelings simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is feelings. Perceptions simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is perceptions. Formative predispositions simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is formative predispositions. Consciousness simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is consciousness.
“ ‘The eyes simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the eyes. The ears simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the ears. The nose simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the nose. The tongue simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the tongue. The body simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the body. The mental faculty simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the mental faculty.
“ ‘Sights simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is sights. Sounds simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is sounds. Odors simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is odors. Tastes simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is tastes. Tangibles simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is tangibles. Mental phenomena simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is mental phenomena.
“ ‘Visual consciousness simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is visual consciousness. Auditory consciousness simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is auditory consciousness. Olfactory consciousness simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is olfactory consciousness. Gustatory consciousness simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is gustatory consciousness. Tactile consciousness simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is tactile consciousness. Mental consciousness simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is mental consciousness.
“ ‘Visually compounded sensory contact simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is visually compounded sensory contact. Aurally compounded sensory contact simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is aurally compounded sensory contact. Nasally compounded sensory contact simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is nasally compounded sensory contact. Lingually compounded sensory contact simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is lingually compounded sensory contact. Corporeally compounded sensory contact simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is corporeally compounded sensory contact. Mentally compounded sensory contact simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is mentally compounded sensory contact.
“ ‘Feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact. Feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact. Feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact. Feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact. Feelings conditioned by corporeally compounded sensory contact simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is feelings conditioned by corporeally compounded sensory contact. Feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact.
“ ‘The earth element simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the earth element. The water element simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the water element. The fire element simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the fire element. The wind element simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the wind element. The space element simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the space element. The consciousness element simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the consciousness element.
“ ‘Ignorance simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is ignorance. Formative predispositions simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is formative predispositions. Consciousness simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is consciousness. Name and form simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is name and form. The six sense fields simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the six sense fields. Sensory contact simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is sensory contact. Sensation simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is sensation. Craving simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is craving. Grasping simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is grasping. The rebirth process simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the rebirth process. Birth simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is birth. Aging and death simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is aging and death.
“ ‘The perfection of generosity simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the perfection of generosity. The perfection of ethical discipline simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the perfection of ethical discipline. The perfection of tolerance simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the perfection of tolerance. The perfection of perseverance simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the perfection of perseverance. The perfection of meditative concentration simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the perfection of meditative concentration. The perfection of wisdom simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the perfection of wisdom.
“ ‘The emptiness of internal phenomena simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of internal phenomena. The emptiness of external phenomena simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of external phenomena. The emptiness of external and internal phenomena simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of external and internal phenomena. The emptiness of emptiness simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of emptiness. The emptiness of great extent simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of great extent. The emptiness of ultimate reality simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of ultimate reality. The emptiness of conditioned phenomena simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of conditioned phenomena. The emptiness of unconditioned phenomena simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of unconditioned phenomena. The emptiness of the unlimited simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of the unlimited. The emptiness of that which has neither beginning nor end simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of that which has neither beginning nor end. The emptiness of nonexclusion simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of nonexclusion. The emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of inherent nature. The emptiness of all phenomena simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of all phenomena. The emptiness of intrinsic defining characteristics simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of intrinsic defining characteristics. The emptiness of that which cannot be apprehended simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of that which cannot be apprehended. The emptiness of nonentities simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of nonentities. The emptiness of essential nature simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of essential nature. The emptiness of an essential nature of nonentities simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness of an essential nature of nonentities.
“ ‘The applications of mindfulness simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the applications of mindfulness. The correct exertions simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the correct exertions. The supports for miraculous ability simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the supports for miraculous ability. The faculties simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the faculties. The powers simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the powers. The branches of enlightenment simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the branches of enlightenment. The noble eightfold path simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the noble eightfold path.
“ ‘The truths of the noble ones simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the truths of the noble ones. The meditative concentrations simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the meditative concentrations. The immeasurable attitudes simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the immeasurable attitudes. The formless absorptions simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the formless absorptions. The liberations simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the liberations. The serial steps of meditative absorption simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the serial steps of meditative absorption. The emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness gateways to liberation simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness gateways to liberation. The extrasensory powers simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the extrasensory powers. The meditative stabilities simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the meditative stabilities. The dhāraṇī gateways simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the dhāraṇī gateways.
“ ‘The powers of the tathāgatas simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the powers of the tathāgatas. The four fearlessnesses simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the fearlessnesses. The four kinds of exact knowledge simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the kinds of exact knowledge. Great loving kindness simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is great loving kindness. Great compassion simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is great compassion. The distinct qualities of the buddhas simply are the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the distinct qualities of the buddhas.
“ ‘The fruit of having entered the stream simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the fruit of having entered the stream. The fruit of once-returner simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the fruit of once-returner. The fruit of non-returner simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the fruit of non-returner. Arhatship simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is arhatship. Individual enlightenment simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is individual enlightenment. The knowledge of the aspects of the path simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is the knowledge of the aspects of the path. All-aspect omniscience simply is the emptiness of inherent nature, and the emptiness of inherent nature simply is all-aspect omniscience.’ ”
“It is so, Subhūti, it is so,” replied the Blessed One. “It is just as you have said. If physical forms were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, feelings were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, perceptions were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, formative predispositions were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and consciousness were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; if the eyes were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the ears were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the nose were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the tongue were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the body were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the mental faculty were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; if sights were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, sounds were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, odors were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, tastes were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, tangibles were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and mental phenomena were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; if visual consciousness were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, auditory consciousness were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, olfactory consciousness were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, gustatory consciousness were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, tactile consciousness were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and mental consciousness were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; if visually compounded sensory contact were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, aurally compounded sensory contact were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, nasally compounded sensory contact were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, lingually compounded sensory contact were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, corporeally compounded sensory contact were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and mentally compounded sensory contact were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; if feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, feelings conditioned by corporeally compounded sensory contact were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; if the earth element were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the water element were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the fire element were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the wind element were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the space element were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the consciousness element were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; if ignorance were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, formative predispositions were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, consciousness were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, name and form were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the six sense fields were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, sensory contact were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, sensation were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, craving were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, grasping were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the rebirth process were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, birth were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and aging and death were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; if the perfection of generosity were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the perfection of ethical discipline were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the perfection of tolerance were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the perfection of perseverance were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the perfection of meditative concentration were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the perfection of wisdom were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; if the emptiness of internal phenomena were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of external phenomena were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of external and internal phenomena were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of emptiness were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of great extent were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of ultimate reality were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of conditioned phenomena were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of unconditioned phenomena were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of the unlimited were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of that which has neither beginning nor end were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of nonexclusion were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of inherent nature were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another,1351 the emptiness of all phenomena were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of intrinsic defining characteristics were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of that which cannot be apprehended were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of nonentities were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness of essential nature were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the emptiness of an essential nature of nonentities were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; if the applications of mindfulness were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the correct exertions were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the supports for miraculous ability were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the faculties were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the powers were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the branches of enlightenment were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the noble eightfold path were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; if the truths of the noble ones were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the meditative concentrations were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the immeasurable attitudes were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the formless absorptions were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the eight liberations were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the nine serial steps of meditative absorption were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness gateways to liberation were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the extrasensory powers were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the meditative stabilities were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the dhāraṇī gateways were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; if the ten powers of the tathāgatas were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the four fearlessnesses were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the four kinds of exact knowledge were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, great loving kindness were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, great compassion were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and the eighteen distinct qualities of the buddhas were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another; if the fruit of having entered the stream were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the fruit of once-returner were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the fruit of non-returner were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, arhatship were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, individual enlightenment were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, the knowledge of the aspects of the path were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another, and all-aspect omniscience were one thing and the emptiness of inherent nature another—that is to say, if physical forms were not empty of inherent existence—bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because physical forms are empty of inherent existence that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘physical forms are empty of inherent existence,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If feelings were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because feelings are empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘feelings are empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If perceptions were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because perceptions are empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘perceptions are empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If formative predispositions were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because formative predispositions are empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘formative predispositions are empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If consciousness were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because consciousness is empty of inherent nature that bodhisattvas have comprehended that ‘consciousness is empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If the eyes were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because the eyes are empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘the eyes are empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If the ears were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because the ears are empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘the ears are empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If the nose were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because the nose is empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘the nose is empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If the tongue were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because the tongue is empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘the tongue is empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If the body were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because the body is empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘the body is empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If the mental faculty were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because the mental faculty is empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘the mental faculty is empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If sights were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because sights are empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘sights are empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If sounds were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because sounds are empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘sounds are empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If odors were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because odors are empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘odors are empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If tastes were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because tastes are empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘tastes are empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If tangibles were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because tangibles are empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘tangibles are empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If mental phenomena were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because mental phenomena are empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘mental phenomena are empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If visual consciousness were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because visual consciousness is empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘visual consciousness is empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If auditory consciousness were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because auditory consciousness is empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘auditory consciousness is empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If olfactory consciousness were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because olfactory consciousness is empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘olfactory consciousness is empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.
“If gustatory consciousness were not empty of inherent nature, bodhisattva great beings would indeed not fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment. Subhūti, it is because gustatory consciousness is empty of inherent nature that bodhisattva great beings have comprehended that ‘gustatory consciousness is empty of inherent nature,’ and will fully awaken to unsurpassed, perfect, complete enlightenment.