102 Parables of Bodhicitta
As Taught by the Next Buddha Maitreya
Under the guidance of The
Buddhist
Yogi C. M. Chen
Translated by Yutang Lin
1.
For example, someone obtains the Fearless medicine and is thereby free from the
five kinds of horror, namely, fire cannot burn him, poison cannot affect him,
a knife cannot cut him, water cannot float him away and smoke cannot choke him.
Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva possesses the All Wisdom medicine of Bodhicitta
and hence the fire of Greed cannot burn him, the poison of Anger cannot affect
him, the knife of Doubt cannot cut him, the water of Haveness cannot float him
away, and the smoke of Sensations cannot choke him.
2. For example, someone
obtains the medicine of Liberation and is thereby free form accidents and dangers.
Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva possesses the Liberating Wisdom medicine of
Bodhicitta and hence, is eternally free from any pitfall of Life-and-Death.
3.
For example, someone holds the Maha-anga medicine and thus all venomous snakes,
upon smelling its odor, flee away from him. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
holds the Maha-anga medicine of Bodhicitta and hence, all kinds of vicious and
venomous snakes of all sorrows, upon smelling its odor, are completely dispersed
and disappear.
4. For example, someone keeps with him the No-Victor medicine
and hence, all his adversaries cannot win over him. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
keeps with him the No-Victor medicine of Bodhicitta and is thereby able to conquer
the army of all devils.
5. For example, someone with the medicine Pichimore
can cause poisonous arrows to drop down by themselves. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
with the Pichimore medicine of Bodhicitta can cause the arrows of perversive views,
like Greed, Anger, and Ignorance, to drop down by themselves.
6. For example,
someone with the Nice View medicine can cure any kind of sickness. Likewise, a
Bodhisattva-Mahasattva with Nice View king medicine of Bodhicitta can cure any
kind of sickness of sorrows.
7. For example, there is a medicine tree called
Santona, and if one applies its bark to ulcers, the ulcers will heal. Yet, right
after it has been peeled, its bark grows back again. Thus, Santona is inexhaustible
with its bark. Likewise, from a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva's, Bodhicitta grows the
All Wisdom tree and whosoever sees it, and thereby gains faith may heal the ulcer
of Sorrow Karmas. Yet the All Wisdom tree remains intact.
8. For example,
there is a medicine tree called Non-Born Root, and by its power all Jambudvipa
trees may grow and prosper. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva has a Bodhicitta
tree, and by its power, all good Dharmas of Saiksas, Asaiksas or Bodhisattvas
may grow and prosper.
9. For example, there is a medicine by the name of Aranpo
and if it is spread over one's body, then one's body and mind both become powerful.
Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva obtains the Aranpo medicine of Bodhicitta and
may improve the good nature of his body ad mind.
10. For example, if one obtains
the Memory-Power medicine, then he can remember anything he has heard forever.
Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva obtains the Memory-Power medicine of Bodhicitta,
and thereby is able to keep in his heart any Buddha Dharma without failure.
11.
For example, there is a medicine by the name of Big Lotus Flower, and whosoever
takes it will live for one kalpa. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva takes the
Big Lotus Flower medicine of Bodhicitta, and thereby is able to live at will for
countless kalpas.
12. For example, if someone takes the medicine of Invisibility,
then both men and non-men cannot see him. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva takes
the wonderful Invisibility medicine of Bodhicitta, and is thereby not perceivable
to any devil.
13. For example, if an ocean has the pearl called Gathering-All-Treasures,
as long as the pearl stays in it, even when the fire of kalpa is burning up the
world, the water in the ocean will not be one drop less. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
with the pearl of Bodhicitta is living in the ocean of his great vows. As long
as he keeps it up without digressions, then there is nothing that can hurt any
one of his roots of Goodness. But if he digresses from his Bodhicitta, then all
good Dharmas will disperse and be destroyed.
14. For example, there is a Mani
jewel called Great Brightness, and whosoever puts this jewel on himself as an
ornament will fade away the luster of all other precious ornaments. Likewise a
Bodhisattva-Mahasattva's Jewel of Bodhicitta is the ornament on his body that
fades away the luster of all spiritual treasures of sravakas or pratyekabuddhas.
15. For example, Clean Water pearl can clean muddy water. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva's
pearl of Bodhicitta can clean the muddy water of all sorrows.
16. For example,
if someone obtains the Stay-in-Water gem and ties it to his body, then he can
go into the ocean without being harmed. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva with
the wonderful Stay-in-Water gem of Bodhicitta will never sink in any ocean of
life-and-death.
17. For example, if someone obtains the Dragon Gem and goes
to the Dragon Palace with it, then none of the dragons can harm him. Likewise,
a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva obtains the great Dragon Gem of Bodhicitta and goes into
the Realm of Desires, then none of the dragons of Sorrows can harm him.
18.
For example, when Indra puts on his Mani Crown, its luster pours over the luster
of the rest of the heavenly beings. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva with his
crown of great Bodhicitta of Good-Will is above all sorrowful beings in the three
realms.
19. For example, one who obtains the Wish-fulfilling pearl may get
rid of all hardships of poverty. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva obtains the
Wish-fulfilling pearl of Bodhicitta and is, thereby free from all fears of evil
livelihood.
20. For example, if one obtains the Sun-Essence pearl, then he
can obtain fire by holding the pearl towards the Sun. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
obtains the Wisdom-Sun pearl of Bodhicitta, and he can obtain Wisdom-fire by holding
the pearl towards the Wisdom-light.
21. For example, if one obtains the Moon-Essence
pearl, then he can obtain water by holding the pearl towards the Moon. Likewise,
a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva obtains the Moon- Essence pearl of Bodhicitta, and he
can obtain the water of all Good Wills by holding this pearl towards the light
of Turning-the-Merits.
22. For example, the Dragon King wears the wish-fulfilling
mani crown on his head and is thereby kept far away from any enemy or fearful
thing. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva wears the precious Bodhicitta crown
of Great Compassion and is, thereby kept far away from any danger of evil paths.
23. For example, there is a precious pearl called the Ornament Treasure of
Every World, and whosoever possesses it will have every wish fulfilled. Yet this
precious pearl remains intact in every way. Likewise, the precious pearl of Bodhicitta
may fulfill every wish of its possessor, and yet Bodhicitta remains intact.
24.
For example, a wheel-turning King has the Mani Jewel and puts it in his palace.
The Mani Jewel sends forth such brightness that the darkness is completely dispersed.
Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva possesses the great Mani Jewel of Bodhicitta
and dwells in the Realm of Desires. The Great Wisdom light sent forth by this
Jewel disperses the darkness of ignorance in every clinging.
25. For example,
the great mani Indranila sends forth such brightness that everything within its
reach takes on its color. Likewise, the Bodhicitta mani of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
observes everything and relates it to nice roots, thereby everything becomes the
same color as that of Bodhicitta.
26. For example, the crystal jewel, even
after staying in dirty places for hundreds or thousands of years, won't become
defiled by dirt or odor, because it is by nature, clean. Likewise, the Bodhicitta
jewel of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, even after dwelling in the Realm of Desires
for hundreds or thousands of kalpas, won't become defiled by the mistakes or sicknesses
of that realm, because it is like the Dharmadhatu which is by nature pure.
27.
For example, there is a jewel called Pure Brightness, and its luster can overshine
the color of any other jewel. Likewise, the Bodhicitta jewel of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
can overshine the merits of any ordinary man, sravaka or pratyekabuddha.
28.
For example, there is a jewel called Flame, and it can dispel any darkness. Likewise,
the Bodhicitta jewel of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva can destroy the darkness of any
ignorance.
29. For example, in the ocean there is a priceless treasure. Some
merchant dives and gets it, and then ships it into the city. Although there are
other manis of a million kinds, yet none is equal to this treasure in color, luster
or value. Likewise, the treasure of Bodhicitta dwells in the great ocean of life-and-death.
A Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, sailing the ship of Great Vows, carries this treasure
with deep and continuous devotion to the City of Emancipation. The merits of sravakas
or pratyekabuddhas cannot measure up to this.
30. For example, the jewel called
Freedom King is in the Jambudvipa continent which is forty thousand yojanas away
from the Sun and the Moon. Yet, every ornament in the Palace of the Sun or that
of the Moon has an image appearing in this jewel. Likewise, the jewel of pure
merit of the sprouting of Bodhicitta of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva dwells in life-and-death.
It illuminates the sky of the Dharmadhatu. The Sun and Moon of Buddha's Wisdoms,
together with all merits, all appear in it.
31. For example, the value of
the jewel called Freedom King is beyond the total value of all treasures, clothing,
etc. in the worlds that are within the reach of Sun light or Moon light. Likewise,
the merit of the Freedom King jewel of the sprouting of Bodhicitta of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
is beyond the total merit of all perfect or imperfect goodness of men, heavenly
beings, sravakas or pratyekabuddhas of the Three Times that are within the reach
of the Wisdom Light.
32. For example, in the ocean there is a jewel named
Ocean-Treasure, and this jewel can show all the wonders in the ocean. Likewise,
the Bodhicitta jewel of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva can show all the wonders in all
oceans of Wisdoms.
33. For example, nothing, except the great mani Mind King,
is the peer of the heavenly Jambu-river gold. Likewise, nothing, except the Mind
King treasure of all Wisdoms, is the peer of the Jambu-river gold of the sprouting
of Bodhicitta of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva.
34. For example, a man who is skillful
in the methods of taming dragons can be at ease among dragons. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
obtains Bodhicitta, the skillful methods to tame dragons, and is at ease among
the dragons of all sorrows.
35. For example, a brave man with arms and armors
cannot be conquered by his enemies. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva with the
arms and armors of great Bodhicitta cannot be conquered by evil enemies nor yield
to delusive Karmas.
36. For example, burning one tsu (i.e. one twenty-fourth
of a tael) of the heavenly white sandalwood will cense one thousand small worlds
with its fragrance. Even if we fill one thousand million small worlds up with
treasures, the total value of these treasures is still less than that of one tsu
of heavenly white sandalwood. Likewise, the merit of one thought of Bodhicitta
of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva will cense the whole Dharmadhatu. All the merits of
sravakas or pratyekabuddhas cannot measure up to it.
37. For example, if one
applies the white sandalwood perfume to one's body, then all excessive heat will
be cooled off and one's body and mind will stay cool and comfortable. Likewise,
the Bodhicitta perfume of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva can cool off all the discomfortable
heat of illusive distinctions, like the delusions of greed, anger, and ignorance,
and make him full of the cool of Wisdom.
38. For example, whatever comes near
Mount Sumeru will have the same color as the mountain. Likewise, whosoever comes
close to the Mount Bodhicitta of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva will obtain the colors
of all Wisdom.
39. For example, the fragrance of the bark of the parijata
tree is superior to the fragrance of any flower, like vassika, jambuja, or sumana
in Jambudvipa. Likewise is the Bodhicitta tree of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva. The
fragrance of merits of its great Vows is superior to the fragrance of merits of
no-leak Sila, Samadhi, Wisdom, Liberation, and knowledge and experience of Nirvana
of any sravaka or pratyekabuddha.
40. For example, although a parijata tree
is not yet in bloom, we should know that it is the place for countless flowers
to bloom. Likewise is the Bodhicitta tree of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva. Although
its flowers of all Wisdoms are not yet in bloom, we should know that it is the
place for countless Bodhi-flowers of heavenly beings to bloom.
41. For example,
it is better for a cloth to be censed by parijata for just one day than to be
censed by jambuja, vassika, or sumana for one thousand years. Likewise is the
Bodhicitta flower of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva. Its fragrance of merits of one
life-time censes through all Buddha-lands in ten directions. But this cannot be
achieved by the fragrance of no-leak merits accumulated over a period of hundreds
or thousands of kalpas of any sravaka or pratyekabuddha.
42. For example,
on some islands there are coconut trees whose roots, trunks, branches, leaves,
flowers and fruits are constantly utilized by all sentient beings. Likewise is
the Bodhicitta tree of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva. From the very beginning of developing
the compassionate vows, until the preaching of Right Dharma after Full Enlightenment,
it constantly benefits all worldly things without any break.
43. For example,
anyone who obtains the tonic juice called Harjaija may turn one thousand taels
of copper into pure gold with only one tael of this juice, and yet it will not
be affected by the thousand taels of copper. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
uses the Wisdom tonic of Turning-the-Merits with Bodhicitta and may transform
all delusions of Karma into all forms of Wisdom, and yet the delusions of Karma
will not affect his Bodhicitta.
44. For example, as it spreads, the flame
of a small fire turns into a blaze. Likewise is the Bodhicitta fire of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva.
As it spreads, the flame of Wisdom blazes.
45. For example, one lamp may light
up hundreds and thousands of lamps. Yet the light of this lamp is not thereby
reduced or extinguished. Likewise, the Bodhicitta lamp of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
lights up the Wisdom lamps of all Buddhas of the Three Times, and its light is
neither reduced nor extinguished.
46. For example, as soon as a lamp is brought
into a dark room, the darkness of hundreds or thousands of years comes to naught.
Likewise, as soon as the Bodhicitta lamp of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva enters into
the hearts of sentient beings, the darkness of all Sorrows accumulated through
countless kalpas completely comes to naught.
47. For example, the brightness
of a lamp is proportionate to the size of its wick. And if oil is added constantly,
the flame will never go out. Likewise, the Bodhicitta lamp of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
uses the Great Vows as its wick and hence, its light permeates the Dharmadhatu.
By adding the oil of Great Compassion, it teaches and transforms sentient beings,
decorates the Buddha-land, and performs all kinds of Buddha-activities without
rest.
48. For example, the heavenly king Paranirmita-vasavartin wears a heavenly
crown made of Jambu-river pure gold. All the ornaments of the other heavenly kings
of the realm of desires are inferior to it. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
wears the heavenly crown of the great vows of Bodhicitta. All the merits of worldly
people, sravakas, or pratyekabuddhas are inferior to it.
49. For example,
when the king of lions roars, his lions become more active and bold, while other
animals either escape or hide away. Likewise, when Buddha, the king of lions,
roars with Bodhicitta, the Bodhisattvas may increase their merits, while those
people holding to Haveness will disperse.
50. For example, if someone uses
a tendon of a lion as a string of a musical instrument, then upon playing this
string, all the other ordinary strings break. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
uses the Bodhicitta tendon of the paramita body of the Buddha lion as the string
of the musical instrument of Dharma, then upon playing it, all the strings of
merits of all five desires, sravakas or pratyekabuddhas, break.
51. For example,
if one accumulates cow's milk, sheep's milk, and all kinds of milk, as much as
a great ocean, and then adds one drop of lion's milk into it, this drop will pierce
through the milk sea and spoil it. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva who adds
the Bodhicitta milk of Buddha lion into the great milk ocean of countless kalpas
of sorrowful karmas will spoil it and pierce through it, without stopping at the
salvation stages of sravakas or pratyekabuddhas.
52. For example, the bird
Kalavinka has greater power than any other birds while it is still inside the
egg shell. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, while he is still within the shell
of life-and-death, develops the Bodhicitta. All his Great Mercy, merits and powers
are beyond the reach of any sravaka or pratyekabuddha.
53. For example, the
prince of Garuda has sharp eyes and can fly swiftly upon its birth. All other
birds, although fully grown, cannot compete with it. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
develops the Bodhicitta and thereby becomes the prince of Buddha. His pure Wisdom
and forceful Compassion is beyond the reach of any sravaka or pratyekabuddha,
even though the latters have practiced Buddha Dharmas for hundreds or thousands
of kalpas.
54. For example, if a strong man holds a sharp spear to thrust
at a strong armor, it will pierce through as if there is no hindrance. Likewise,
a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva holds the super sharp spear of Bodhicitta to thrust at
the armor of customary perversive views, and it will pierce through without any
difficulty.
55. For example, the strong and brave Mahanaga, when wrathful,
grows an ulcer upon his forehead. Before the ulcer is closed, no one person in
Jambudvipa can conquer him. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, in Great Compassion,
will certainly develop the Bodhicitta. As long as Bodhicitta is kept in him, none
of the worldly evils or evil people can harm him.
56. For example, an archery
master has some disciples. Although they have not mastered the skill of their
teacher, yet their wits and skillful means are superior to that of the other non-disciples.
Likewise, when a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva begins to develop his Bodhicitta, he is
not accustomed to the Way of All Wisdoms. And yet all his vows, wisdoms and freedom
from worldly desires are superior to those of the worldly people, sravakas or
pratyekabuddhas.
57. For example, to learn archery, one should at first stand
firmly on the ground, and then one practices the skill. Likewise, to learn Buddha's
Path of All Wisdoms, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva should at first dwell in Bodhicitta,
and then practice all Buddha Dharmas.
58. For example, before a conjurer performs
magic, he should have in mind the tricks of magic and remember them well, then
his magic will become successful. Likewise, before a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva performs
the magic of supernatural powers of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, he should remember
to develop his Bodhicitta, and then everything will be accomplished well.
59.
For example, magic produces something from nothing. Likewise, the form of the
Bodhicitta of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva is invisible, because it has no shape,
nor color. And yet, it produces all kinds of Merits to adorn all ten directions
of the Dharmadhatu.
60. For example, as soon as a cat looks at a mouse, the
mouse hides in its rathole and dares not come out again. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
with Bodhicitta uses his Wisdom eyes to observe the illusive Karmas for just a
short while, and the illusive Karmas all disappear and will not appear again.
61. For example, if someone wears ornaments made of Jambu-river gold, then
his luster will make everything else look like a dot of black ink. Likewise, a
Bodhisattva-Mahasattva wears the ornament of Bodhicitta, and his brightness renders
the ornaments of merits of every worldly person, sravaka and pratyekabuddha, colorless.
62. For example, a good magnet may attract and thereby destroy iron hooks
and locks without using much of its strength. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
may destroy the hooks and locks of all wrong views, desires or ignorance with
just one thought of Bodhicitta.
63. For example, there is a kind of magnet
that disperses everything made of iron, without leaving one behind in its neighborhood.
Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva with Bodhicitta will disperse the Sorrows of
Karmas and the salvation of sravakas or pratyekabuddhas, without leaving any traces
behind.
64. For example, there is a person who is so good at sea that no aquatic
animals may harm him. Even if he entered into the mouth of makara fish, he won't
be swallowed by it. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva with Bodhicitta is at ease
in the ocean of life-and-death, and no Sorrows of Karmas may harm him. Even if
he entered into the Reality of Dharmas of sravakas or pratyekabuddhas, he won't
be hindered by it.
65. For example, if one drinks nectar then one becomes
invincible to everything. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva drinks the Bodhicitta
nectar of Dharma milk, and will never fall to the stages of sravakas or pratyekabuddhas,
because he has the strength of great compassionate vows.
66. For example,
if someone spreads the medicine Anjana over his eyes, then other people won't
see him even when he is walking among them. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
obtains the Anjana of Bodhicitta, and then he may use skillful means to enter
the realm of Mara without being noticed by anyone of them there.
67. For example,
if one takes refuge in a King, then he has no fear of other people. Likewise,
a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva takes refuge in the Great Powerful King of Bodhicitta,
and is not afraid of hindrances or evils.
68. For example, if one dwells in
the water, then he is fearless of being burned by fire. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-mahasattva
dwells in the Nice-Root water of Bodhicitta and is fearless of the fire of Liberating
Wisdom of sravakas or pratyekabuddhas.
69. For example, if one depends on
a fierce general, then one is not afraid of the enemies. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
depends on the fierce and brave General of Bodhicitta, and is not afraid of the
enemy of bad conducts.
70. For example, the heavenly king Sakra holds a vajra
to conquer all asuras. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva holds the vajra of Bodhicitta
to conquer all Maras and outsiders.
71. For example, if one takes the medicine
of longevity, then one becomes vigorous and healthy, without aging or losing weight.
Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva takes the longevity medicine of Bodhicitta,
and practices the Bodhisattva-path for countless kalpas, without feeling tired
or any attachment.
72. For example, the first thing to be done in preparing
a medicine juice is to get clean and pure water. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
who wants to practice all the vows and ways of Bodhisattvas, should at first develop
the Bodhicitta.
73. For example, in order to protect one's body, one should
at first protect the root of life. Likewise, in order to protect Buddha Dharma,
a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva should at first protect the Bodhicitta.
74. For example,
if one's root of life is broken, then one can no longer be of any service to his
parents or relatives. Likewise, if a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva forsakes Bodhicitta,
then he can no longer be of any service to all beings in Samsara nor can he accomplish
the merits of Buddhas.
75. For example, nothing can spoil a great ocean. likewise,
the ocean of Bodhicitta is free from spoilage by the Sorrows of Karmas or the
limited mind of sravaka or pratyekabuddha.
76. For example, sunlight cannot
be overshadowed by starlight. Likewise, the Sun of Bodhicitta cannot be overshadowed
by the no-leak Wisdom light of any sravaka or pratyekabuddha.
77. For example,
a new-born prince is respected by the high officials because of his noble lineage.
Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva who develops Bodhicitta in Buddha Dharma is
respected by sravakas and pratyekabuddhas who have practiced pure conducts for
a long time because of his great compassion.
78. For example, although the
prince is only a young child, all the high officials greet him with respect. Likewise,
although a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva has just had the intention to practice the Bodhisattva-path,
all the long-time practitioners of the sravaka or pratyekabuddha path should greet
him with respect.
79. For example, although a prince has not mastered his
way among the attendants, but he already has the manners of a king, and is not
equal to his attendants owing to his noble birth. Likewise, although a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
is not yet at ease in the Sorrows of Karmas, but he already has the manners of
Bodhi, and is not equal to the sravakas or pratyekabuddhas owing to his superior
lineage.
80. For example, a pure Mani jewel may seem impure to an eye sick
with a film. Likewise, the Bodhicitta jewel of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva may be
said to be impure by those unbelievers who have no Wisdom.
81. For example,
there is a kind of medicine empowered by mantras. People who have seen, heard
of or lived together with it may be cured of all diseases. Likewise, the Bodhicitta
medicine of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva is sustained by all nice roots, Wisdoms and
skillful means, and the Wisdom of Bodhisattva-vows. Any being in Samsara who has
seen, heard of, lived with or remembered it, may be rid of all diseases of Sorrows.
82. For example, if one takes nectar constantly, then one's body will neither
change nor decay. Likewise, if a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva constantly remembers to
take the nectar of Bodhicitta, then his Samaya body will never decay.
83.
For example, a mechanical puppet without its wedges will fall apart and stop functioning.
Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva without Bodhicitta will act aimlessly and cannot
accomplish any Buddha Dharma.
84. For example, a Wheel-turning king has a
precious Aguru called Elephant Treasure. Whenever he burns this incense, all of
his four kinds of soldiers fly into the sky. Likewise, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
has the Aguru of Bodhicitta. As soon as he develops it, all his nice roots leave
the three Realms forever and walk in the originally pure space of Buddha's Wisdom.
85. For example, a vajra can be obtained only from vajra or gold, but not
any other treasure. Likewise, the Bodhicitta vajra of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva
can only come from the Great Compassion vajra of saving all beings in Samsara,
or the supreme realm gold of Wisdom of all Wisdoms, but not any other nice roots
of ordinary beings.
86. For example, there is a tree named "No Root."
It does not grow from a root, and yet its branches, leaves, flowers and fruits
are plentiful. Likewise is the Bodhicitta tree of a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva. Although
it has no root to be found, yet it may grow the Wisdom of All Wisdoms, the supernatural
powers and the Great Vows, which, as its branches, leaves, flowers and fruits,
are plentiful and form a cover to protect the worldly.
87. For example, a
vajra cannot be sustained by an inferior vessel or a broken vessel. Only the wholesome,
wonderful vessel may sustain it. Likewise, the vajra of Bodhicitta cannot be sustained
by vessels of inferior beings who are stingy, jealous, sila-breaking, negligent,
delusive and without Wisdom. Nor can it be sustained by vessels of beings who
have given up supreme vows and become distracted by evil sensations. Only the
precious vessel of the profound will of a Bodhisattva may sustain it well.
88.
For example, a vajra may penetrate through all other jewels. Likewise, the Bodhicitta
vajra can go through all Dharma jewels.
89. For example, a vajra may break
up the mountains. Likewise, the Bodhicitta vajra may break up the mountains of
perversive views.
90. For example, a piece of a broken vajra is still better
than any other jewel. Likewise, the Bohdi-citta vajra, even when combined with
inferior will and has become imperfect, is still superior to the merits of sravakas
or pratyekabuddhas.
91. For example, an imperfect vajra can still abolish
all poverty. Likewise, an imperfect Bodhicitta vajra that does not practice can
still abandon all sufferings of life-and-death.
92. For example, a small vajra
can destroy everything. Likewise, the Bodhicitta vajra can destroy all ignorance
and delusions by simply entering a few situations.
93. For example, no ordinary
man can obtain vajra. Likewise, no narrow-mined beings can obtain the Bodhicitta
vajra.
94. For example, one who cannot recognize the vajra, does not know
its potentials and hence cannot make use of it. Likewise, one who does not know
the Dharma, cannot understand the potentials of Bodhicitta vajra, and hence cannot
make use of it.
95. For example, nothing can destroy vajra. Likewise, nothing
can destroy the Bodhicitta vajra. For example, none of the strong men, except
those with strength equal to that of the Great Narayana, can hold up the vajra
scepter. Likewise, none of the Sravakas or Pratyekabuddhas can sustain the Bodhicitta.
Only a Bodhisattva with firm strength of purity and a wide range of karmic relationships
can sustain it.
96. For example, a vajra cannot be damaged by anything, but
it can damage anything, and yet its entity is not in the least diminished or damaged.
Likewise, Bodhicitta teaches and converts beings in Samsara, practices asceticisms,
carries out all kinds of things that the Sravakas or Pratyekabuddhas cannot do,
in countless kalpas past, present and future. Nevertheless, it is never tired,
indifferent, or damaged.
97. For example, a vajra can rest only on vajra ground.
Likewise, Bodhicitta cannot be sustained by Sravakas or Pratyekabuddhas. Only
those on the path to Sarvajna (Full-Enlightenment) may sustain it.
98. For
example, a vajra vessel has no defects. When used to contain water, the water
will never leak out and drop to the ground. Likewise, a vajra vessel of Bodhicitta,
when used to contain the water of nice roots, will never allow the water to leak
out and fall into all sorts of attachments.
99. For example, the vajra boundary
can sustain the earth so that it won't sink away. Likewise, the Bodhicitta can
sustain all conducts and vows of a Bodhisattva so that they won't sink into the
three Realms.
100. For example, a vajra won't become wet or rotten even after
long period of staying in water. Likewise, the Bodhicitta won't decay nor change
even though it stays in the water of karmic delusions of life-and-death for all
kalpas.
101. For example, no fire can burn a vajra, nor make it hot. Likewise,
no Sorrow fire of life-and-death can burn a Bodhicitta vajra or make it hot.
102.
For example, in one Buddha-world only the vajra seat can sustain the Buddhas,
while seated, to conquer the Maras and become fully enlightened. No other seat
can do this. Likewise, the Bodhicitta seat can sustain the Bodhisattva's conducts
of vows, Paramitas, Ksantis and stages, turning the merits, receiving the prophecy
of Buddhahood, practicing all the helpful side branches, presenting offerings
to all Buddhas, and receiving teachings and practices from Buddhas. No other mind
can sustain all these.
Thus Bodhicitta accomplishes such countless and limitless, even unutterably unutterably superior merits. If any being in Samsara sets his mind to Anuttara-samyaksambodhi, then he will obtain the Dharma of such superior merits.