“All Buddhas and their teachings originate from this Sutra” said the Buddha.  The Sutra here, refers to not the printed Sutra, nor the spoken or written words, nor the teachings therein, but to the historical and on-going source of all the above.  The Sutra here, refers to the realization that Mahakasyapa had when Buddha raised the Lotus Flower (see earlier post: Direct Transmission of the Mind).  This is the same realization of all Buddhas and therefore is the source of all their teachings.

There is unlimited, indescribable blessings to hear, accept, and share the wisdom of this Sutra, as it is the original wisdom of all Buddhist teachings.  It points us to the reality beyond (yet inclusive of ) forms which leads to liberation.

Which offering do you think is more precious?  A describable amount of something, or an indescribable wisdom which brings one to the source which includes everything?  Therefore, the Buddha said blessings of sharing this Sutra far surpass that of any worldly offerings.

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依法出生分第八

THEY ARISE FROM DHARMA, EIGHT

须菩提！于意云何？若人满三千大千世界七宝以用布施，是人所得福德，宁为多不？
“Subhuti, what do you think? If someone filled the Universe with the seven treasures and gave them all as alms, would his merit be great?”

须菩提言：甚多，世尊！
Subhuti replied: “Very great, World Honoured One.

何以故？
“Why?

是福德即非福德性，是故如来说福德多。
“Because this merit is not the nature of merit, the Tathagata says it is great.”

若复有人，于此经中受持，乃至四句偈等，为他人说，其福胜彼。
“Subhuti, if on the other hand, someone received and kept even a four line stanza of this sutra and expounded it to others, his merit would surpass that (of the giver of treasures).”

何以故？
“Why?”

须菩提！一切诸佛，及诸佛阿耨多罗三藐三菩提法，皆从此经出。
须菩提！所谓佛、法者，即非佛、法。
“ (Because), Subhuti, all Buddhas and their Supreme-Enlightenment-Dharma originate from this sutra.”
“Subhuti, the so-called Buddhas and Dharmas are not real Buddhas and Dharmas.”