Diamond Sutra – the limitless universe
In advanced meditative state, one sees the limitless universe. Is this real? Is it the end? Some arrives there and claim it is so. The Buddha says in this chapter: despite of its magnificence and splendor, it is not the ultimate, as when we attach ourselves with it, we becomes and limits to it. Therefore the Buddha merely describes the state, and discern it as a temporary phenomenon just like names.
Having said so, encountering such phenomenon already indicates some achievement in internal work. We need to remain aware, and keep going in our inner and outer work.
* * *
一合理相分第三十
THE PRINCIPLE OF A UNITY OF APPEARANCES, THIRTY
须菩提！若善男子、善女人，以三千大千世界碎为微尘，于意云何？是微尘众宁为多不？
“Subhuti. what do you think? If a virtuous man or woman reduced to dust all the worlds in the Universe, would those particles of dust many?”
甚多，世尊！何以故？
若是微尘众实有者，佛则（即）不说是微尘众，所以者何？
佛说：微尘众即非微尘众，是名微尘众。
世尊！如来所说三千大千世界，则（即）非世界，是名世界。何以故？
若世界实有者 ，则（即）是一合相。
如来说：一合相，则(即)非一合相，是名一合相。
Subhuti replied: “Many, World Honored One. Why?
Because if they really existed, the Buddha would not say they were particles of dust. And why?
Because when the Buddha speaks of particles of dust, they are not, but are (expediently) called, particles of dust.
World Honoured One, when the Tathagata speaks of worlds, they are not,，but are (expediently) called, worlds. Why?
“Because if they really exist, they are just agglomerations.
“The Tathagata speaks of agglomerations which are not, but are (expediently) called, agglomerations.”
须菩提！一合相者，则（即）是不可说，但凡夫之人贪著其事。
“Subhuti, that which is called an agglomeration cannot be spoken of, but the vulgar man has longing for and attachment to this thing.
Recent Comments