Chapter 5: The Kinds of Merit358359
Then Śakra, powerful lord of the gods, said to the Blessed One, “Suppose, Blessed One, that a certain noble son or daughter were to do the following. First, with intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening. Then, based on this altruistic disposition, he or she would listen to the transcendent state of wisdom, take it in, keep it in mind, chant it, master it, pass it on, teach it, expound it, explain it, and recite it.360 Next, for the sake of others, he or she would elucidate it in detail, unpack its meaning, mentally investigate it, and fully examine the way it is with exceeding wisdom.361 Or if not all that, then at the very least, this noble son or daughter would make the transcendent state of wisdom into a book, maintain it, and preserve it so that these genuine teachings would last for a long time, while praying, ‘May the buddhas’ guidance here not be cut off.362 May these genuine teachings not disappear. May the continued existence of this guidance provide assistance to bodhisattva great beings.’363
“Now, suppose that after hearing the explication, the bodhisattva great being were to think,364 ‘Oh yes, this transcendent state of wisdom is extremely effective. Yes, this transcendent state of wisdom is extremely beneficial, extremely fruitful, and extremely rewarding.365 Oh yes, this transcendent state of wisdom has so many positive qualities.’
“Also, suppose the bodhisattva great being were to have this firm conviction: ‘I must never abandon this transcendent state of wisdom. I must always safeguard this transcendent state of wisdom. I must always protect this transcendent state of wisdom since this transcendent state of wisdom is something supremely difficult to obtain.’
“And suppose that he or she were to pay tribute to this transcendent state of wisdom—with heavenly flowers, incense, perfumes, wreaths, fragrant oils, aromatic powders, fabrics, parasols, banners, bells, flags, garlands of lights all around, and a wide variety of other devotional offerings to venerate it—respect it, venerate it, honor it, tend to it, and revere it.366
“On the other hand, suppose that a second noble son or daughter were to make offerings in veneration to the transcendent state of wisdom. And suppose that in addition, after at the very least making it into a book, he or she were to give it, to present it, to offer it, and to let go of it for the sake of other noble sons or daughters seeking it, longing for it, and praying for it.367 Then, Blessed One, which of the two noble sons or daughters—the one with a mental attitude of letting go, or the one without a mental attitude of letting go—would earn more merit?”368
In response, the Blessed One said to Śakra, powerful lord of the gods, “To explain, Kauśika, I will put the question about this back to you yourself. Kauśika, answer as you please. What do you think of the following?
“Suppose that a certain noble son or daughter, solely on his or her own, were to pay tribute to the physical relics of tathāgatas who passed into nirvāṇa, to circumambulate them, to maintain them, to revere them, to respect them, to venerate them, to honor them, and to tend to them. Now suppose that a second noble son or daughter, on his or her own, were to pay tribute to the physical relics of the tathāgatas, to revere them, to respect them, to venerate them, to honor them, and to tend to them. And suppose that, out of compassion for sentient beings, he or she were also to widely disclose them to others, give them to others, and share them so that such veneration would become widespread.369
“Which of the two noble sons or daughters would earn more merit? Would it be the second one who venerated them on his or her own and also widely disclosed them to others, gave them to others, and shared them with others? Or would it be the first one who venerated them only on his or her own, by him- or herself?”
Śakra said, “Blessed One, of the two noble sons or daughters, the second noble son or daughter—who would venerate them on his or her own, and, out of compassion for sentient beings, widely disclose them to others, give them to others, and share them with others so that such veneration would become widespread—would earn more merit.”
“Exactly right, Kauśika, exactly right," said the Blessed One. “Likewise, Kauśika, since the second of the two sons or daughters would write this transcendent state of wisdom down, make it into a book, take it in, keep it in mind, chant it, master it, promote it, teach it, expound it, explain it, recite it, and, in addition, after at the very least making it into a book, would give it, present it, offer it, and let it go for the sake of others seeking it, longing for it, and praying for it, he or she would earn more merit as a result of helping others with a mental attitude of letting go. Moreover, Kauśika, if that second son or daughter were to go wherever there are noble sons or daughters who might serve, in effect, as vessels of this transcendent state of wisdom, to give them this transcendent state of wisdom, and to share it with them, then, Kauśika, he or she would earn an even greater amount of merit than the son or daughter just mentioned.
“Now, Kauśika, suppose that a certain noble son or daughter were to inspire all sentient beings on the Jambu continent and establish them in the ten virtuous ways of acting.370 Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she at the very least would make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with an altruistic disposition.371 Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it.372 With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them.373 In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt,374 and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon your awakening, the constituents underlying your clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’375
“O Kauśika, compared to any noble son or daughter just mentioned, this noble son or daughter—because of his or her mental attitude of letting go—would earn an even greater amount of merit.376
“Now, Kauśika, never mind all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent. Suppose that in this same manner, a noble son or daughter were to inspire and establish all the sentient beings within this world system of four great continents in the ten virtuous ways of acting.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind all the sentient beings within this world system of four great continents. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to inspire and establish all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in the ten virtuous ways of acting.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to inspire and establish all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in the ten virtuous ways of acting.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to inspire and establish all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in the ten virtuous ways of acting.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to inspire and establish all the sentient beings that there are within as many billionfold, great order world systems as there are grains of sand in the River Ganges in the ten virtuous ways of acting. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“O Kauśika, compared to any noble son or daughter just mentioned, this noble son or daughter—because of his or her mental attitude of letting go—would earn an even greater amount of merit.
“Furthermore, suppose that noble son or daughter were to establish and to place all the sentient beings that there are on the Jambu continent in the four meditative states.377 Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’378
“Now, Kauśika, never mind all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to inspire and establish all sentient beings within a world system with four great continents in the four meditative states.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind all the sentient beings within a world system with four great continents. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to inspire and establish all sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in the four meditative states.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to inspire and establish all sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in the four meditative states.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to inspire and establish all sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in the four meditative states.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to inspire and establish all the sentient beings that there are within as many billionfold, great order world systems as there are grains of sand in the River Ganges in the four meditative states. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“Furthermore, Kauśika, suppose that in this same manner a certain noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent in the four immeasurable states…379
[Here, repeat the entire refrain four more times, each with regard to all sentient beings, starting from those on the Jambu continent all the way up to those in as many billionfold, great order world systems as there are grains of sand in the River Ganges. But in the subsequent three sets of refrains, where for the first it is said to suppose that he or she were to establish them “in the four immeasurable states,”380 successively insert instead “in the four formless attainments,”381 “in the five types of extrasensory knowledge,”382 and “in all the meditative states, the immeasurable states, the formless attainments, and the types of extrasensory knowledge.” Finally, end with the following:]383
“Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent in all the meditative states, the immeasurable states, the formless attainments, and the types of extrasensory knowledge. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents in all the meditative states, the immeasurable states, the formless attainments, and the types of extrasensory knowledge.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents in all the meditative states, the immeasurable states, the formless attainments, and the types of extrasensory knowledge. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in all the meditative states, the immeasurable states, the formless attainments, and the types of extrasensory knowledge.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in all the meditative states, the immeasurable states, the formless attainments, and the types of extrasensory knowledge. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in all the meditative states, the immeasurable states, the formless attainments, and the types of extrasensory knowledge.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in all the meditative states, the immeasurable states, the formless attainments, and the types of extrasensory knowledge. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in all the meditative states, the immeasurable states, the formless attainments, and the types of extrasensory knowledge.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in all the meditative states, the immeasurable states, the formless attainments, and the types of extrasensory knowledge. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings that there are within as many billionfold, great order world systems as there are grains of sand in the River Ganges in all the meditative states, the immeasurable states, the formless attainments, and the types of extrasensory knowledge. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than this would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“Furthermore, Kauśika, suppose that noble son or daughter were to write out this transcendent state of wisdom and chant it him- or herself. Suppose that, having written it out for others, he or she were to give it to others, as described before. Then, compared to the noble son or daughter just mentioned, Kauśika, without any effort, this noble son or daughter would earn an even greater amount of merit.
“Moreover, Kauśika, suppose that noble son or daughter, conversant with the meaning, were to chant this transcendent state of wisdom. Also, suppose, for the benefit of others, he or she were to write it out and give it to others, as described before. Finally, suppose he or she were to teach it and elucidate it based on both its words and meaning. Kauśika, without any effort, this noble son or daughter would earn an even greater amount of merit.”
Then Śakra, powerful lord of the gods, asked the Blessed One, “Blessed One, can this transcendent state of wisdom even be taught?”384
In response, the Blessed One said to Śakra, powerful lord of the gods, “Kauśika, this transcendent state of wisdom can even be taught to undiscerning noble sons or daughters. Why to them? Because, O Kauśika, in the future, when a counterfeit transcendent state of wisdom will come to exist,385 undiscerning noble sons or daughters who wish to realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening will hear that counterfeit transcendent state of wisdom and should not be left to go astray because of it.”
Then Śakra, powerful lord of the gods, asked the Blessed One, “O Blessed One, in the future, how will one be able to know, ‘This that is being taught is the counterfeit transcendent state of wisdom’?”
In response, the Blessed One said to Śakra, powerful lord of the gods, “Kauśika, in the future, there will appear some monks with unpurified physical bodies—with unpracticed ethical discipline, unconcentrated mindsets, and uncultivated wisdom—who are sheep-like and lacking in wisdom.386 They will say, ‘We teach the transcendent state of wisdom,’ but they will teach its counterfeit. How, Kauśika, will they teach its counterfeit? They will claim, ‘The impermanence of physical forms means the utter annihilation of physical forms.’ Likewise, they will claim, ‘The impermanence of feelings, conceptions, conditioning factors, and consciousness means the utter annihilation of feelings, conceptions, conditioning factors, and consciousness.’ And in this way, they will claim, ‘One who strives for utter annihilation like this is going about life in the transcendent state of wisdom.’ O Kauśika, statements such as these should be recognized as the counterfeit transcendent state of wisdom. One should never regard the impermanence of physical forms as the utter annihilation of physical forms. Likewise, one should not see the impermanence of feelings, conceptions, conditioning factors, and consciousness as the utter annihilation of feelings, conceptions, conditioning factors, and consciousness. If one were to see this way, one would be going about life in a counterfeit transcendent state of wisdom. Therefore, Kauśika, the meaning of the transcendent state of wisdom must be taught by a noble son or daughter, and any noble son or daughter who actually teaches the meaning of the transcendent state of wisdom would earn more merit.
“Now suppose that a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent in the fruit of a stream enterer. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“In addition, suppose he or she also said, ‘You will become someone who attains such qualities, namely, those associated with the transcendent state of wisdom.’ Kauśika, he or she would earn an even greater amount of merit than the noble son or daughter just mentioned. How so? From this merit, the fruit of a stream enterer will come forth.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent in the fruit of a stream enterer. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents in the fruit of a stream enterer.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents in the fruit of a stream enterer. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in the fruit of a stream enterer.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in the fruit of a stream enterer. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in the fruit of a stream enterer.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in the fruit of a stream enterer. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in the fruit of a stream enterer.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in the fruit of a stream enterer. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings that there are within as many billionfold, great order world systems as there are grains of sand in the River Ganges in the fruit of a stream enterer. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“In addition, suppose he or she also said, ‘You will become someone who attains such qualities, namely, those associated with the transcendent state of wisdom.’ Kauśika, he or she would earn more merit than the noble son or daughter just mentioned. How so? From this merit, the fruit of a stream enterer will come forth.
“Moreover, suppose that noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent in the fruit of a once-returner. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“In addition, suppose he or she also said, ‘You will become someone who attains such qualities, namely, those associated with the transcendent state of wisdom.’ Kauśika, he or she would earn an even greater amount of merit than the noble son or daughter just mentioned. How so? From this merit, the fruit of a once-returner will come forth.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent in the fruit of a once-returner. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents in the fruit of a once-returner.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents in the fruit of a once-returner. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in the fruit of a once-returner.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in the fruit of a once-returner. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in the fruit of a once-returner.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in the fruit of a once-returner. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in the fruit of a once-returner.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in the fruit of a once-returner. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings that there are within as many billionfold, great order world systems as there are grains of sand in the River Ganges in the fruit of a once-returner. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“In addition, suppose he or she also said, ‘You will become someone who attains such qualities, namely, those associated with the transcendent state of wisdom.’ Kauśika, he or she would earn an even greater amount of merit than the noble son or daughter just mentioned. How so? From this merit, the fruit of a once-returner will come forth.
“Moreover, suppose that noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent in the fruit of a non-returner. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“In addition, suppose he or she also said, ‘You will become someone who attains such qualities, namely, those associated with the transcendent state of wisdom.’ Kauśika, he or she would earn even more merit than the noble son or daughter just mentioned. How so? From this merit, the fruit of a non-returner will come forth.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent in the fruit of a non-returner. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents in the fruit of a non-returner.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents in the fruit of a non-returner. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in the fruit of a non-returner.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in the fruit of a non-returner. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in the fruit of a non-returner.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in the fruit of a non-returner. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in the fruit of a non-returner.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in the fruit of a non-returner. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings that there are within as many billionfold, great order world systems as there are grains of sand in the River Ganges in the fruit of a non-returner. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“In addition, suppose he or she also said, ‘You will become someone who attains such qualities, namely, those associated with the transcendent state of wisdom.’ Kauśika, they would earn an even greater amount of merit than the noble son or daughter just mentioned. How so? From this merit, the fruit of a non-returner will come forth.
“Moreover, suppose that noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent in the state of a worthy one. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition, give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“In addition, suppose he or she also said, ‘You will become someone who attains such qualities, namely, those associated with the transcendent state of wisdom.’ Kauśika, he or she would earn an even greater amount of merit than the noble son or daughter just mentioned. How so? From this merit, the state of a worthy one will come forth. Furthermore, he or she would encourage them in this way: ‘Noble children, as you train in the transcendent state of wisdom, you will gradually come to attain the qualities of the buddhas and approach unsurpassed, perfect awakening. For, by training, going about life, and exerting yourselves in this, you will master the fruit of a stream enterer, you will master the fruit of a once-returner, you will master the fruit of a non-returner, you will master the state of a worthy one, you will master the state of a solitary realizer, and you will master the unsurpassed, perfect awakening of a buddha.’
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent in the state of a worthy one. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents in the state of a worthy one.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents in the state of a worthy one. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in the state of a worthy one.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in the state of a worthy one. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in the state of a worthy one.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in the state of a worthy one. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in the state of a worthy one.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in the state of a worthy one. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings that there are within as many billionfold, great order world systems as there are grains of sand in the River Ganges in the state of a worthy one. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra. “Blessed One, it would not be easy to come up with any calculation for such masses of merit. It would not be easy to come up with any fraction, any quantification, any metaphor, any analogy, any equivalence, or any comparison for such masses of merit.”
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, more merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“In addition, suppose he or she also said, ‘You will become someone who attains such qualities, namely, those associated with the transcendent state of wisdom.’ Kauśika, he or she would earn an even greater amount of merit than the noble son or daughter just mentioned. How so? From this merit, the state of a worthy one will come forth. Furthermore, he or she would encourage them in this way: ‘Noble children, as you train in the transcendent state of wisdom, you will gradually come to attain the qualities of the buddhas and will approach unsurpassed, perfect awakening. For, by training, going about life, and exerting yourselves in this, you will master the fruit of a stream enterer, you will master the fruit of a once-returner, you will master the fruit of a non-returner, you will master the state of a worthy one, you will master the state of a solitary realizer, and you will master the unsurpassed, perfect awakening of a buddha.’
“Now, Kauśika, suppose that a certain noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent in the fruit of a solitary realizer. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“In addition, suppose he or she also said, ‘You will become someone who attains such qualities, namely, those associated with the transcendent state of wisdom.’ Kauśika, he or she would earn an even greater amount of merit than the noble son or daughter just mentioned. How so? From this merit, the fruit of a solitary realizer will come forth. Furthermore, he or she would encourage them in this way: ‘Noble children, as you train in the transcendent state of wisdom, you will gradually come to attain the qualities of the buddhas and will approach unsurpassed, perfect awakening. For, by training, going about life, and exerting yourselves in this, you will master the fruit of a stream enterer, you will master the fruit of a once-returner, you will master the fruit of a non-returner, you will master the state of a worthy one, you will master the state of a solitary realizer, and you will master the unsurpassed, perfect awakening of a buddha.’
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent in the fruit of a solitary realizer. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents in the fruit of a solitary realizer.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents in the fruit of a solitary realizer. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in the fruit of a solitary realizer.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system in the fruit of a solitary realizer. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in the fruit of a solitary realizer.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system in the fruit of a solitary realizer. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in the fruit of a solitary realizer.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit from having established all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system in the fruit of a solitary realizer. Suppose that in this same manner a noble son or daughter were to establish all the sentient beings that there are within as many billionfold, great order world systems as there are grains of sand in the River Ganges in the fruit of a solitary realizer. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing so?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra.
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, out of intense faith, deep belief, firm conviction, and a clear mindset that trusts in the transcendent state of wisdom, he or she would at the very least make it into a book. Then, with this intense faith, deep belief, and firm conviction, he or she would develop the mindset of awakening, and with this altruistic disposition, give the book to other bodhisattvas who with clear, trusting mindsets had developed the mindset of awakening with the altruistic disposition. Or, he or she would tirelessly help the bodhisattvas succeed, at least, in writing and chanting the transcendent state of wisdom. Being well versed in it, he or she would help them grasp it, help them see it clearly, help them take on the practice of it, help them be enthusiastic about it, and help them rejoice in it. With words, he or she would guide, educate, and mentor them in this transcendent state of wisdom, and would elucidate its meaning for them. In this way, he or she would help them purify their mindsets, help them become free of doubt, and would speak to them as follows: ‘Come, noble children, and train yourselves in this very path of the bodhisattvas. For, by training in it, going about your lives in it, and exerting yourselves in it, you will very quickly realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Upon awakening, the constituents underlying the clinging to existence will dissolve ineffably into the state revealing the pinnacle of reality. In that state, you will serve as a sublime guide to boundless masses of sentient beings.’
“In addition, suppose he or she also said, ‘You will become someone who attains such qualities, namely, those associated with the transcendent state of wisdom.’ Kauśika, he or she would earn an even greater amount of merit than the noble son or daughter just mentioned. How so? From this merit, the fruit of a solitary realizer will come forth. Furthermore, he or she would encourage them in this way: ‘Noble children, as you train in the transcendent state of wisdom, you will gradually come to attain the qualities of the buddhas and will approach unsurpassed, perfect awakening. For, by training, going about life, and exerting yourselves in this, you will master the fruit of a stream enterer, you will master the fruit of a once-returner, you will master the fruit of a non-returner, you will master the state of a worthy one, you will master the state of a solitary realizer, and you will master the unsurpassed, perfect awakening of a buddha.’
“Now, Kauśika, suppose that a certain noble son or daughter were to develop the proper mindset aimed at the unsurpassed, perfect awakening of all sentient beings on the Jambu continent. On the other hand, Kauśika, suppose that a second noble son or daughter, who developed the proper mindset aimed at the unsurpassed, perfect awakening of all beings, were to give those beings this transcendent state of wisdom in written form. Or, Kauśika, suppose that the second noble son or daughter were to present this transcendent state of wisdom in written form to a bodhisattva great being beyond regressing, with the idea that the bodhisattva would train and engage in meditation in the transcendent state of wisdom, and, through this transcendent state of wisdom being cultivated, growing, expanding, and becoming extensive, the bodhisattva would perfect the qualities of a buddha.387 Based on this, that second noble son or daughter would earn an even greater amount of merit than the noble son or daughter just mentioned. How so? It is absolutely certain he or she will realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening and end the suffering of sentient beings.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit of having developed the proper mindset for unsurpassed, perfect awakening for the benefit of all the sentient beings on the Jambu continent. Suppose that the first noble son or daughter were to develop the proper mindset for unsurpassed, perfect awakening for the benefit of all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit of having developed the proper mindset for unsurpassed, perfect awakening for the benefit of all the sentient beings within the world system with four great continents. Suppose that the first noble son or daughter were to develop the proper mindset for unsurpassed, perfect awakening for the benefit of all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit of having developed the proper mindset for unsurpassed, perfect awakening for the benefit of all the sentient beings within a thousandfold, lesser order world system. Suppose that the first noble son or daughter were to develop the proper mindset for unsurpassed, perfect awakening for the benefit of all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit of having developed the proper mindset for unsurpassed, perfect awakening for the benefit of all the sentient beings within a millionfold, medium order world system. Suppose that the first noble son or daughter were to develop the proper mindset for unsurpassed, perfect awakening for the benefit of all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system.
“Now, Kauśika, never mind the accumulation of merit of having developed the proper mindset for unsurpassed, perfect awakening for the benefit of all the sentient beings within a billionfold, great order world system. Suppose that the first noble son or daughter were to develop the proper mindset for unsurpassed, perfect awakening for the benefit of all the sentient beings within as many billionfold, great order world systems as there are grains of sand in the River Ganges.
“Now, Kauśika, suppose that a second noble son or daughter, who developed the proper mindset aimed at the unsurpassed, perfect awakening of all beings, were to give those sentient beings this transcendent state of wisdom in written form. Or, Kauśika, suppose that the second noble son or daughter were to introduce this transcendent state of wisdom in written form to a bodhisattva great being beyond regressing, with the idea that the bodhisattva would train and engage in meditation in this transcendent state of wisdom, and that in this way, as this transcendent state of wisdom is cultivated more and more and grows, expands, and becomes extensive, the bodhisattva would perfect it. Kauśika, that second noble son or daughter would earn more merit compared to the first noble son or daughter just mentioned. How so? It is absolutely certain that he or she will realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening and end the suffering of sentient beings.
“Now, Kauśika, suppose that all the beings on the Jambu continent were first to become bodhisattvas beyond regressing from unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Then, suppose that a certain noble son or daughter were to make a written book of this transcendent state of wisdom, give it, and introduce it to all beings who had fully set out for unsurpassed, perfect awakening. Next, suppose that after making a written book of this transcendent state of wisdom, giving it, and introducing it to them, he or she would expound its words and meaning to them. Kauśika, what do you think? Would that noble son or daughter earn a great amount of merit by doing this?”
“A great amount, Blessed One. A great amount, Sugata,” replied Śakra. “Blessed One, it would not be easy to come up with any calculation for such masses of merit. It would not be easy to come up with any fraction, any quantification, any metaphor, any analogy, any equivalence, or any comparison for such masses of merit.”
The Blessed One said, “O Kauśika, an even greater amount of merit than that would be earned by any noble son or daughter who did the following. First, the noble son or daughter would make a written book of this transcendent state of wisdom, give it, and introduce it to those bodhisattva great beings beyond regressing who have the wish to realize unsurpassed, perfect awakening very quickly. Then, he or she would expound its words and meaning. Next, he or she would instruct and coach them in this transcendent state of wisdom.