Diamond Sutra – Buddha is beyond image and sound
Further to our earlier discussion “Buddha beyond form and appearance” and “Buddha beyond form and no-form“, in this chapter the Buddha reiterates, real Buddha is beyond appearance and sound. If one “sees” or “hears” the Buddha, one has probably been side-tracked. Next time you see or hear something resembling something like the Buddha, be careful! Maintains your focus and stays at your center.
* * *
法身非相分第二十六
THE DHARMA BODY IS NOT APPEARANCES, TWENTY-SIX
须菩提!于意云何?可以三十二相观如来不?
“Subhuti, what do you think? Can the Tathagata be recognised by His thirty-two physical characteristics?”
须菩提言:‘如是!如是!以三十二相观如来。
Subhuti replied: “Yes, yes, He can.”
The Buddha said:
佛言:须菩提!若以三十二相观如来者,转轮圣王则(即)是如来。’
“Subhuti, if the Tathagata can be recognised by His thirty-two physical characteristics, a world ruler (cakravarti) would be the Tathagata.”
须菩提白佛言:世尊!如我解佛所说义,不应以三十二相观如来。
Subhuti said to the Buddha: “World Honoured One, as I understand your teaching, the Tathagata cannot be recognized by His thirty-two physical characteristics.”
尔时,世尊而说偈言:
若以色见我 以音声求我
是人行邪道 不能见如来
Thereupon, the World Honoured One recited the following gatha:
“He who sees me by outward appearance (And) seeks me in sound,
Treads the heterodox path (And) cannot perceive the Tathagata.”
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!