03/01/2014
With every beginning this is an end. After 9 months of exploration and discussion, we have finally come to the end of this classic. In this last chapter, the Buddha reiterates the blessings of following and sharing this sutra, and reminds us again that we should not attached to various forms when sharing the wisdom of this Sutra. Why? The Buddha summarizes this into a four-line stanzas:
一切有为法 如梦幻泡影 如露亦如电 应作如是观
All self-based phenomena, are like bubbles and dreams;
like dews and lightening, should perceived as such.
* * *
应化非真分第三十二
RESPONSES AND TRANSFORMATIONS ARE UNREAL, THIRTY-TWO
须菩提！若有人以满无量阿僧祇世界七宝持用布施，若有善男子、善女人，发菩萨心者，持于此经，乃至四句偈等，受持读诵，为人演说，其福胜彼。
“Subhuti, if on the one hand, someone gave away in alms (dana) the seven treasures inquantities sufficient to fill all the worlds in uncount-able aeons, and if on the other hand, a virtuous man or woman developed the Bodhi-mind, and received, held (in mind), read and recited even a four-line stanza of this sutra and expounded it to others, the latter’s merit would surpass that of the former.
云何为人演说，不取于相，如如不动。何以故？
一切有为法 如梦幻泡影 如露亦如电 应作如是观
“In what manner should it be taught to others? By teaching it without attachment to form with the immutability of the absolute. “Why is it?
“Because: All phenomena are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble and a shadow, Like dew and lightning. Thus should you meditate upon them.”
佛说是经已，长老须菩提及诸比丘、比丘尼、优婆塞、优婆夷、一切世间、天、人、阿修罗，闻佛所说，皆大欢喜，信受奉行。
When the Buddha had finished expounding this sutra, the elder Subhuti, together with bhiksus, bhiksunis, upasakas, upasikas, and all the worlds of devas, men and asuras who had listened to His teaching, were filled with joy and believed received and observed it.
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