The Basket without Words,
The Illuminator’s Matrix - 237
(i.e. The inconceivable womb of the Buddhas is the wisdom of
gradually perceiving / realising / experiencing the inconceivable true nature & dynamic of Reality as it is,
the true nature & dynamic of all dharmas [U2T / U3S / Uopp], and to act more and more in accord with it.
This is what purifies everything and transmutes samsara into nirvana here & now.)
Source: https://read.84000.co/translation/toh259
More Analysis of Sutras : https://www.gilehtblog.com/2022/07/toc-400.html
I. Summary
Source: https://read.84000.co/translation/toh259
[A. CONTEXT:]
The Basket without Words, The Illuminator’s Matrix
(i.e. the inconceivable womb of all Buddhas, the perfection of wisdom)
unfolds in Rājagṛha on Vulture Peak, where the Buddha is dwelling with a great assembly.
[B. QUESTION:]
The bodhisattva Viśeṣacintin requests the Buddha to give a teaching on two words
(i.e. The two words = the two truths: appearance / dependent-origination / relative-functionality and emptiness.)
and asks him to explain
one factor that bodhisattvas should abandon,
one quality that encompasses all the foundations of the training when safeguarded by bodhisattvas,
and one phenomenon to which thus-gone ones truly and perfectly awaken.
[C. ANSWER:]
The Buddha responds by
listing the afflictions that bodhisattvas abandon.
(i.e. Path – practicing without practicing –: What to abandon conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively [T1],
without perceiving / apprehending / differentiating / opposing anything in absolute terms [T2] [U2T].)Next, he advises bodhisattvas not to do to others what they themselves do not desire.
(i.e. Path – practicing without practicing –: What to cultivate conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively [T1],
without perceiving / apprehending / differentiating / opposing anything in absolute terms [T2] [U2T].)Then, he teaches that there is no phenomenon to which thus-gone ones truly and perfectly awaken,
and that thus-gone ones comprehend that
all [appearing] phenomena [T1]
are free from going and coming, causes and conditions, death and birth,
acceptance and rejection, and decrease and increase [T2] [U2T].
(i.e. Awakening without awakening to the inconceivable true nature & dynamic of Reality as it is:
What to perceive / realise / experience non-dualistically non-conceptually directly,
without perceiving / apprehending / differentiating / opposing anything in absolute terms [T2] [U2T].
There are no real three stages of becoming – origination / coming, duration / change / increasing / decreasing, cessation / going – in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively. So there is no independent / universal / absolute / inherently existing basis to accept / reject / change anything in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively.)
[D. CONCLUSION:]
At the conclusion of the sūtra,
members of the assembly promise to propagate this teaching, and
the Buddha explains the benefits of doing so.
(i.e. The benefits of perceiving / acting more and more in accord with the two inseparable aspects of Reality as it is, with the Union of the Two Truths [U2T / U2T-2T], with the Union of the three spheres [U3S / U2T-3S], with the Union of opposites [Uopp / U2T-opp] … are incommensurable.)
II. Introduction
Source: https://read.84000.co/translation/toh259
[A. Context]
The Basket without Words, The Illuminator’s Matrix begins with a description of the marvelous qualities of a massive assembly of bodhisattvas that has gathered in Rājagṛha on Vulture Peak together with the Buddha and his monastics. There follows a list of the great bodhisattvas in attendance, some of whom are accompanied by retinues of bodhisattvas, gods, goddesses, and universal monarchs. Also present are arhats, nāgas, gandharvas, and garuḍas, as well as more bodhisattvas from world systems in the ten directions, each accompanied by a fourfold assembly.
The main interlocutor of this discourse is the bodhisattva Viśeṣacintin, who is praised by the Buddha in The Questions of Brahmaviśeṣacintin (Brahmaviśeṣacintiparipṛcchā, Toh 160) as “foremost among the bodhisattvas skilled in asking questions correctly and thoroughly.”
[B. Question]
The bodhisattva Viśeṣacintin requests the Buddha to give a teaching on two words,
(i.e. The two words = the two truths: appearance / dependent-origination / relative-functionality and emptiness.)
(i.e. A teaching on the inseparability / interdependence / harmony / Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas:
Union of appearance / relativity / functionality [T1] <==> and emptiness of inherent existence [T2] [U2T].)
and he asks the Buddha about one factor bodhisattvas abandon,
one quality that encompasses all the foundations of the training when bodhisattvas safeguard it,
and one phenomenon to which thus-gone ones truly and perfectly awaken.
[C. Answer]
[C1] The Buddha responds to the bodhisattva Viśeṣacintin’s first question by listing
eight afflictions that bodhisattvas should abandon [T1]:
(i.e. Path – practicing without practicing –: What to abandon conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively [T1], without perceiving / apprehending / differentiating / opposing anything in absolute terms [T2] [U2T].)
the three poisons of attachment, anger, and delusion;
afflictions derived from ignorance such as grasping at a self,
laziness, and lethargy and sleepiness;and two of the twelve links of dependent origination that cause suffering in cyclic existence, namely ignorance and craving.
[C2] To the second question, the Buddha responds that
one quality that encompasses all the foundations of the training when bodhisattvas safeguard it is to not do to others what they themselves do not desire [T1].
The Buddha illustrates this with the example of avoidance of the three non-virtuous physical actions — killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct — and explains that those who seek full awakening seek the causes of their own and others’ happiness and do not desire their own and others’ suffering.
(i.e. Path – practicing without practicing –: What to cultivate conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively [T1], without perceiving / apprehending / differentiating / opposing anything in absolute terms [T2] [U2T].)
[C3] The Buddha’s response to the third question is a series of paradoxical statements.
(i.e. What to perceive / realise / experience non-dualistically non-conceptually directly,
without perceiving / apprehending / differentiating / opposing anything in absolute terms [T2] [U2T].
Teaching without teaching the inconceivable Ground / Basis / Source / Suchness / True nature & dynamic of all dharmas: the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths free from all extremes & middle about all dharmas [U2T];
and the need to act more and more in accord with it.)
He begins by stating that [T2] [U2T]
there is no phenomenon to which thus-gone ones truly and perfectly awaken [T2].
(i.e. Awakening without awakening to the inconceivable true nature & dynamic of Reality as it is:)
Nonetheless, thus-gone ones comprehend that
although all phenomena are unborn [T2 - empty], karma is appropriated [T1 - causality] [U2T].
(i.e. One truth alone is not enough, and the two truths are not in real opposition:
Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas:
All dharmas are conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional [T1]
but still empty of inherent existence [T2];
All dharmas are empty of inherent existence [T2] but still conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional [T1].
So emptiness does not contradict / negate conventional concepts, truths, methods, goals.
One aspect or truth implies / enables / supports / is in harmony with … the other [U2T].)All phenomena are without cessation [T2],
yet they depend on causes and conditions [T1] [U2T].
(i.e. All dharmas are not really dependently arisen / existent / changing / ceasing,
but still not completely non-arisen / non-existent / non-changing / non-ceasing,
not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth.)All phenomena are free from the two extremes and are unarisen [T2],
yet there is arising that depends on causes and conditions [T1] [U2T].
(i.e. Reality as it is is beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualities / triad / quads / etc.
Ex. Beyond arising, not-arising, both together, neither;
beyond existing, not-existing, both together, neither;
beyond changing, not-changing, both together, neither;
beyond ceasing, not-ceasing, both together, neither.
Union of the Two Truths about apparent opposites of any duality / triad / quad / etc.:
Apparent opposites are not really in opposition, but are more like inseparable, interdependent, co-defined, co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent, co-evolving, co-ceasing, co-transcended, in harmony [T1] <==> thus empty of inherent existence [T2], merely labeled / imputed by the mind. [Uopp / U2T-opp]. They are not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither …)Just as bodhisattvas must train in methods — by abandoning afflictions and safeguarding ethical conduct — in conjunction with cultivating wisdom, here the Buddha points to
the complementary nature of dependent arising [T1] and emptiness [T2] [U2T].
(i.e. Bodhisattvas act more and more in accord with the two inseparable aspects of Reality as it is, more and more in accord with the Union of the Two Truths; not just in accord with one truth only – causality / karma or emptiness –; not preferring one truth over the other. So they practice without practicing the six perfections … without apprehending / differentiating / opposing anything in absolute terms.
Reality as it is is beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualities / triad / quads / etc.
Ex. Beyond mere-dependent-origination / causality / relativity [T1-only], mere-emptiness / nothingness [T2-only], both truths together [2T], neither [1T].
Union of the Two Truths about the two truths themselves [U2T-2T]:
The two truths themselves are not really in opposition, but are more like inseparable, interdependent, co-defined, co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent, co-evolving, co-ceasing, co-transcended, in harmony <==> thus empty of inherent existence, merely labeled / imputed by the mind. [U2T-2T]. They are not different / separate / two / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither …)He explains that bodhisattvas generate mundane and supramundane wisdom by
comprehending the empty [T2] yet dependently arising nature of all phenomena [T1] [U2T].
(i.e. It is the direct wisdom of realising the inconceivable true nature of Reality as it is, the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths / Union of opposites, and acting more and more in accord with it, that is the womb of all Buddha Qualities, the womb of the Buddhas.
Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas:
All dharmas are conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional [T1]
but still empty of inherent existence [T2];
All dharmas are empty of inherent existence [T2] but still conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional [T1].
So emptiness does not contradict / negate conventional concepts, truths, methods, goals.
One aspect or truth implies / enables / supports / is in harmony with … the other [U2T].)By examining the nature of that wisdom, they enter into
the womb of the perfection of wisdom, which is called the illuminator’s matrix
(i.e. the inconceivable womb of all Buddhas, the perfection of wisdom).
The Buddha concludes his explanation with the statement that thus-gone ones comprehend how
all phenomena are free from going and coming, causes and conditions,
death and birth, acceptance and rejection, and decrease and increase.
(i.e. There are no real three stages of becoming for anything – dependent origination / beginning / birth / coming, duration / lasting / change / increasing / decreasing / defilement / purification, cessation / ending / death / going – in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively. So there is nothing to accept / reject / change / purify in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively. We can perceive / use those dharmas conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively, but never in absolute terms. That is acting more in accord with the true nature & dynamic of Reality as it is, more in accord with the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths / Union of opposites. This wisdom is what purifies everything, what transmutes samsara into nirvana here & now.)
[D. Conclusion]
Having heard the Buddha’s discourse, a multitude of beings attain spiritual realization and higher rebirth.
The Buddha exhorts his son, Venerable Rāhula, to retain this Dharma instruction [U2T],
and a multitude of bodhisattvas promise to propagate it,
while the Four Great Kings pledge to fulfill the wishes of beings who are vessels of this teaching.
The Buddha concludes with a description of the great benefits that will accrue for those who hear and preserve this sūtra, which includes seeing at the time of death the Buddha Amitābha with his retinue and the Buddha with his retinue at Vulture Peak, attaining supernormal powers, and becoming fully awakened.
(i.e. The benefits of perceiving / acting more and more in accord with the two inseparable aspects of Reality as it is, with the Union of the Two Truths [U2T / U2T-2T], with the Union of the three spheres [U3S / U2T-3S], with the Union of opposites [Uopp / U2T-opp] … are incommensurable.)
[E. About this Sutra]
This text is listed in both the Denkarma and Phangthangma catalogs, which indicates it was translated prior to to the compilation of the Denkarma catalog ca. 812 ᴄᴇ. According to its colophon in the Degé Kangyur, the text was edited and finalized by the Indian preceptors Jinamitra, Dānaśīla, and Munivarman and by the chief editor-translator Bandé Yeshé Dé. The colophon in the Stok Palace Kangyur does not include the names of the translators.
Butön Rinchen Drup (bu ston rin chen grub, 1290–1364) cites the Buddha’s response to the bodhisattva Viśeṣacintin’s second question in Cluster of Scriptures, his explanation of Haribhadra’s Commentary on Ornament for the Clear Realizations (Abhisamayālaṅkāravṛtti), in the section “Summarizing the Meaning of the Buddha’s Instructions through One Phenomenon.” The fifteenth-century Tibetan scholar Pekar Sangpo groups this text under “Sūtras Explaining the Mental States of Bodhisattvas” in his Presentation of the Sūtras in the Kangyur and asserts that this sūtra teaches the doctrine that the three provisional vehicles of the śrāvaka, pratyekabuddha, and bodhisattva lead to the one final vehicle of buddhahood.
One folio of fragmented Sanskrit text from the end of the sūtra and corresponding to Degé folios 263.b.2 to 264.a.3, has been identified in the Vajracchedikā manuscript held at the British Library. The manuscript, discovered by Sir Marc Aurel Stein in 1900 in present-day Xinjiang, China, is the oldest extant Sanskrit copy of the Vajracchedikā and is dated to the late fifth or early sixth century ᴄᴇ. Paul Harrison notes that the Tibetan translation of this section matches the Sanskrit fragments in general, whereas the Chinese translations differ in places. Aside from these fragments, there is no extant Sanskrit version of the present text.
There are four Chinese translations of this sūtra, the best known of which is The Precious Casket without Words translated by Bodhiruci between 508 and 535. The second translation with the same title made by Buddhaśānta (dates unknown) in 529 ᴄᴇ has been lost. Two other Chinese translations were made by Divākara (613–87 ᴄᴇ): The Mahāyāna Sūtra “Universally Radiant Treasury Free from Words” in 683 and The Mahāyāna Sūtra “Brilliant Treasury That Illuminates All, The Dharma Gateway without Words” between 676 and 688.
These sources may shed light on an ambiguity concerning the “two words” Viśeṣacintin refers to in his initial request. It is not entirely clear in the Tibetan translation what these two words are.
Bodhiruci’s translation and Divākara’s translation The Mahāyāna Sūtra “Brilliant Treasury That Illuminates All, The Dharma Gateway without Words” appear to handle this ambiguity by grouping the bodhisattva Viśeṣacintin’s three questions into two.
The contemporary Chinese commentary referenced above asserts that they refer to rulai (如來), the Chinese translation of the Sanskrit compound tathāgata, which can be parsed as “thus gone” (tathā + gata) or “thus come” (tathā + āgata).
Read in this light, the Buddha’s reply to the bodhisattva Viśeṣacintin seems to mirror a section in The Ornament of the Light of Awareness That Enters the Domain of All Buddhas (Sarvabuddhaviṣayāvatārajñānālokālaṃkāra, Toh 100),
in which the bodhisattva Mañjuśrī asks the Buddha to explain
the meaning of two words, “non-arising [~T2 – not real existence // emptiness]”
and “non-cessation [~T1 - not complete non-existence or extinction // appearance].”
(i.e. Meaning the true nature of Reality as it is is not mere-emptiness / nothingness / extinction / rejection of all samsaric appearances / causality / karma; but Genuine-emptiness or the Union of the Two Truths free from all extremes & middle.)
The Buddha responds that these two words refer to the Tathāgata and provides
a list of the causes of affliction and purification
[i.e. Bodhisattvas act more and more in accord with T1 / dependent origination & relative functionality / causality],
which he explains are by nature empty and not perceived
[i.e. Bodhisattvas also act more and more in accord with T2 / emptiness]
[ = Bodhisattvas also act more and more in accord with the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths / U2T].
(i.e. The two words = the two truths: appearance / dependent-origination / relative-functionality and emptiness.)
Divākara’s other translation, The Mahāyāna Sūtra “Universally Radiant Treasury Free from Words,” continues to be taught and recited today in the Chinese Buddhist tradition. It is often accompanied by a preface of unknown authorship entitled “The Miraculous Results of Reciting and Upholding The Mahāyāna Sūtra ‘Universally Radiant Treasury Free from Words’ through the Ages,” which relates stories of four historical figures from the Tang through Ming Dynasties who derived benefits from reciting this sūtra.
The Basket without Words was translated from Chinese into Japanese by Hokei Izumi and published in the Kokuyaku Issaikyō (Japanese Translations of the Scriptures) series. In 1986, Sakai Shinten published a comparative study of the three extant Chinese translations and a Japanese translation of the Tibetan. Sakai reads “the basket without words” (anakṣarakaraṇḍaka) as referring to the Sanskrit letter a, described in the Buddha’s teaching to the bodhisattva Dṛḍhamati in Upholding the Roots of Virtue (Kuśalamūlasaṃparigraha, Toh 101) as “a point of explanation for designating the gate devoid of attributes” that all phenomena possess.
This English translation was prepared based on the Tibetan translation in the Degé Kangyur in consultation with the Comparative Edition (dpe bsdur ma) and the Stok Palace Kangyur.
III. The Translation
Source: https://read.84000.co/translation/toh259
[A. Context: Homage, a great gathering on Vulture Peak, qualities of the Bodhisattvas: ex. endowed with the matrix without words = the inconceivable womb of all buddhas = the perfection of wisdom]
Homage to all buddhas and bodhisattvas.
Thus did I hear at one time. The Blessed One was dwelling in Rājagṛha on Vulture Peak together with a great saṅgha of monastics.
There were also many hundred sextillions of bodhisattvas,
all with extensive knowledge, skilled in means, lucid,
free from laziness, and skilled in their command of words.
They comprehended what is correct and what is incorrect [conventionally / relatively / T1].
They were completely liberated.
Endowed with the bud of discipline and the branch of conscience,
they were compassionate by nature and affectionate toward sentient beings.
They had attained many meditative concentrations,
possessed the hand of insight, and showed great respect to their teachers.
They resembled the bodhisattva great being Ratnadvīpa.
They knew what was virtuous and non-virtuous and comprehended deception [conventionally / relatively / T1].
They comprehended both semantic elucidation and inexhaustible eloquence.
They had attained victory and they engendered comprehension in all sentient beings.
They emerged from and relied upon the limit of reality [U2T].
Extremely heroic, they had no abode (i.e. not grasping at any absolute).
They were certain about the nature of the highest teachings.
Their thoughts distinctly focused on the lack of inherent existence [T2] [U2T],
they were courageous with regard to the matrix
(i.e. the inconceivable womb of all Buddhas, the perfection of wisdom).
They were beings who despised rebirth.
They comprehended phenomena and knew their bases of characterization.
They were guardians and protectors of realms.
They were renowned.
They were endowed with the conqueror’s voice, endowed with the treasury of conquest,
and endowed with the matrix without words
(i.e. the inconceivable womb of all Buddhas, the perfection of wisdom).
Absolutely awake and absorbed in the aggregate of knowledge,
they delighted in their own actions and relied on those who were like them.
They were good in every way, took delight in equality, and were completely pure [Uopp].
They had purified their own and others’ continuums and attained victory.
Together there were the following: the bodhisattva great being Voice of Victory, the bodhisattva great being Dharma Speaker, the bodhisattva great being Conqueror’s Abode, the bodhisattva great being Emanation of the Dharma, the bodhisattva great being Source of a Thousand Attributes, the bodhisattva great being Aspirations Amassed, the bodhisattva great being Viśeṣacintin, the bodhisattva great being Dharaṇīdhara, the bodhisattva great being Jagatīndhara, the bodhisattva great being Melodious Song of the Earth, the bodhisattva great being Pratibhānasampad, the bodhisattva great being Supreme Accumulation, the bodhisattva great being Lotus Petal Eyes, the bodhisattva great being Lotus Face, and the bodhisattva great being Maṇicūḍa.
The bodhisattva great being Mañjuśrī was also there together with bodhisattva great beings beyond number, all of whom were youthful.
The bodhisattva great being Maitreya was also there together with bodhisattva great beings who were all regents, as many as the grains of sand in the Ganges.
The bodhisattva great being Viśeṣacintin was there together with many Śakras.
The bodhisattva great being Samantabhadra, the bodhisattva great being Ākāśagarbha, and the Four Great Kings were there together with a multitude of universal monarchs.
The bodhisattva great being Mahāsthāmaprāpta and the bodhisattva great being Avalokiteśvara were there together with a multitude of Brahmās.
The bodhisattva great being Amoghadarśin was there together with a retinue of a multitude of Vaiśravaṇas.
The bodhisattva great being Nakṣatrarāja was there together with the other guardians of the world.
The bodhisattva great being Destroyer of Doubt and the bodhisattva great being Sarvanīvaraṇaviṣkambhin were there together with many thus-gone ones bearing the appearance of bodhisattvas.
Śāradvatīputra, Maudgalyāyana, Mahākāśyapa, and so forth were there together with all the arhats.
The bodhisattva great being Abundant Virtues and the bodhisattva great being Viśeṣacintin were there together with a multitude of thousands of goddesses.
The bodhisattva great being Bhaiṣajyarāja, the bodhisattva great being Arisen from Remedies, and all the Moons and Suns in as many world systems of the ten directions as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, proud of their own splendor, proceeded to where the Blessed One was.
When seated in the Blessed One’s presence, it was as if lumps of soot had been placed before gold from the Jambu River — those Moons and Suns were no longer beautiful, no longer blazed, no longer shone, no longer gleamed, and no longer illuminated in the Blessed One’s presence.
All the assemblies of gods such as Nārāyaṇa; all the kings of the nāgas such as Varuṇa, Takṣaka, and Anavatapta, together with their retinues;
the lord of the gandharvas Sumanāpa together with many tens of millions of gandharvas;
and the king of the garuḍas Great Stainless One together with seventy million garuḍas proceeded to the place where the Blessed One was.
All the bodhisattvas dwelling in as many world systems of the ten directions as there are grains of sand in the Ganges obtained permission from their respective thus-gone ones and, together with their fourfold assemblies, proceeded there and made supramundane offerings to the Blessed One and to the bodhisattvas and then sat on their respective lotus seats.
*****************************************
[B. Three Questions:]
Then the bodhisattva great being Viśeṣacintin said to the Blessed One,
“If the Blessed One gives me permission,
I would like to ask the Blessed One about two words.”
(i.e. The two words = the two truths: appearance / dependent-origination / relative-functionality and emptiness.)
The Blessed One replied,
“I give my permission.
Therefore, Viśeṣacintin, ask the Thus-Gone One whatever you have in mind.
The Thus-Gone One did not appear here for the sake of just anyone's benefit,
I appeared here for the sake of your benefit.”
Then the bodhisattva Viśeṣacintin asked the Blessed One,
“Blessed One, what is one factor that bodhisattvas abandon?
Blessed One, what is one quality that, when safeguarded by bodhisattvas, encompasses all the foundations of the training?
Blessed One, what is one phenomenon to which thus-gone ones have truly and perfectly awakened?”
*****************************************
[C. Three Answers:]
Questioned in this way, the Blessed One gave his approval to the bodhisattva Viśeṣacintin.
“Brahmā, the words you have spoken are excellent, excellent!
Child of a good family, such eloquence arises through the Thus-Gone One’s blessing.
Child of a good family, if the Thus-Gone One did not bestow blessings, no one would ask the Thus-Gone One such questions.
Viśeṣacintin, because of that, you should listen very carefully and keep this in mind.
I will explain this to you.”
After the Blessed One said this, the bodhisattva Viśeṣacintin listened to the Blessed One accordingly.
The Blessed One said to him,
[C1 – What to abandon conventionally / relatively,
without apprehending / differentiating / opposing anything in absolute terms:]
(i.e. Path – practicing without practicing –: What to abandon conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively [T1], without perceiving / apprehending / differentiating / opposing anything in absolute terms [T2] [U2T].)
“Child of a good family, someone may ask,
‘What is one factor that bodhisattvas should abandon?’
It is the quality of attachment. Child of a good family, this is one factor that should be abandoned.
Moreover, one factor that should be abandoned is the quality of anger.
This is one factor that should be abandoned.
Moreover, one factor that should be abandoned is the quality of delusion.
This is one factor that should be abandoned.
Moreover, one factor that should be abandoned is grasping at a self.
This is one factor that should be abandoned.
Moreover, one factor that should be abandoned is laziness.
This is one factor that should be abandoned.
Moreover, one factor that should be abandoned is lethargy and sleepiness.
This is one factor that should be abandoned.
Moreover, one factor that should be abandoned is craving.
This is one factor that should be abandoned.
Child of a good family, moreover, one factor that bodhisattvas should abandon is ignorance.
Child of a good family, this is one factor that bodhisattvas should abandon.
[C2 - What to cultivate conventionally / relatively,
without apprehending / differentiating / opposing anything in absolute terms:]
(i.e. Path – practicing without practicing –: What to cultivate conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively [T1], without perceiving / apprehending / differentiating / opposing anything in absolute terms [T2] [U2T].)
“Child of a good family, someone may ask,
‘What is one quality that bodhisattvas should constantly and continuously safeguard?’
Child of a good family, whatever bodhisattvas do not desire, they should not do to others.
Child of a good family, those bodhisattvas who safeguard this one quality will thereby safeguard all the foundations of the thus-gone ones’ training.
Why is this so?
[Examples:]
Child of a good family, whoever values their own life does not kill.
Whoever values their own wealth does not take what has not been given.
Whoever values their wife does not approach another’s wife.
Child of a good family, I have explained that those who think in these or similar ways and understand, 'I should act in accordance with the Thus-Gone One’s teachings," should safeguard this one quality.
“Why is this so?
Child of a good family, all those who seek unsurpassed, perfect, and complete awakening seek the causes of their own happiness.
That means that no one desires their own suffering; beings desire happiness.
I say, ‘Do not do to others what you do not desire.’ Child of a good family, this is one quality that bodhisattvas should constantly and continuously safeguard.
[C3 – What to directly perceive / realise / experience,
without apprehending / differentiating / opposing anything in absolute terms:]
(i.e. What to perceive / realise / experience non-dualistically non-conceptually directly,
without perceiving / apprehending / differentiating / opposing anything in absolute terms [T2] [U2T].
Teaching without teaching the inconceivable Ground / Basis / Source / Suchness / True nature & dynamic of all dharmas: the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths free from all extremes & middle about all dharmas [U2T];
and the need to act more and more in accord with it.)
“Child of a good family, someone may ask,
‘What is one phenomenon to which thus-gone ones have truly and perfectly awakened?’
-
Child of a good family,
there is no one phenomenon to which thus-gone ones [T2]
have truly and perfectly awakened [T1] [U2T].
(i.e. There is no independent / universal / absolute / inherently existing truth to perceive / realise / awaken to – not in absolute terms [T2], just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively [T1] [U2T]. Why? Because that is the true nature of Reality as it is: not really existing / functional, not completely non-existent / non-functional, not both together, not neither [Uopp].)
-
Child of a good family,
without any phenomenon whatsoever to realize [T2],
thus-gone ones have truly and perfectly awakened [T1] [U2T].
(i.e. There is no absolute path and awakening to anything [T2],
and no complete absence of path and awakening either, cause & effect [T1] [U2T].)
“Child of a good family, thus-gone ones also
comprehend that all phenomena [T1] are unborn [T2] [U2T].
Thus-gone ones comprehend that all phenomena ]T1] are without cessation [T2] [U2T].
(i.e. Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas:
All dharmas / opposites – physical, conceptual, mental; subject, relation / action, object; pure, impure, neutral – are empty of inherent existence [T2] <==> because of being conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional appearances / tools / adapted skillful means / counterpoints [T1],
merely co-labeled / co-imputed by the mind [U3S].
And vice versa; one aspect / truth implies / proves / enables / supports / is in harmony with the other [U2T].
They are not really dependently arisen / existent / changing / ceasing,
not completely non-arising / non-existent / non-changing / non-ceasing,
not both together, not neither.)Child of a good family, thus-gone ones also
comprehend that all phenomena are free from the two extremes [T2] [U2T].
(i.e. All dharmas are free from all extremes & middle: ex.
not dependently arisen / caused / coming, not non-arisen / non-caused / non-coming, not both together, not neither;
not existent / abiding, not non-existent / non-abiding, not both together, not neither;
not changing, not non-changing, not both together, not neither;
not permanent / continuous / eternal, not impermanent / discontinuous / annihilated, not both together, not neither;
not ceasing / going, not non-ceasing / non-going, not both together, not neither;
not dependent, not independent, not both together, not neither;
not functional, not non-functional, not both together, not neither;
not empty, not non-empty, not both together, not neither;
not equal / pure / perfect, not unequal / impure / imperfect, not both together, not neither;
not ‘this’, not ‘non-this’, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth – for whatever ‘this’ is.
Apparent opposites are not really in opposition, but are more like inseparable, interdependent, co-defined, co-relative, co-dependent, co-emergent, co-evolving, co-ceasing, co-transcended, in harmony [T1] <==> thus empty of inherent existence [T2], merely labeled / imputed by the mind. [Uopp / U2T-opp]. They are not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither …)Child of a good family, thus-gone ones
comprehend that all phenomena [T1] are unarisen [T2] [U2T].
(i.e. Union of the Two Truths about all dharmas:
All dharmas / opposites – physical, conceptual, mental; subject, relation / action, object; pure, impure, neutral – are empty of inherent existence [T2] <==> because of being conventionally dependently co-arisen relatively functional appearances / tools / adapted skillful means / counterpoints [T1],
merely co-labeled / co-imputed by the mind [U3S].
And vice versa; one aspect / truth implies / proves / enables / supports / is in harmony with the other [U2T].
They are not really dependently arisen / existent / changing / ceasing,
not completely non-arising / non-existent / non-changing / non-ceasing,
not both together, not neither.)Child of a good family, thus-gone ones
comprehend the appropriation of karma [T1].
(i.e. One truth alone is not enough, and the two truths are not in real opposition:
Even if everything is empty of inherent existence [T2], the path and the laws of karma [T1] are still valid / useful / meaningful – as long as we do not grasp at anything as if absolute / inherently existing and in real opposition.
Reality as it is is beyond all extremes & middle:
Reality as it is is not mere-emptiness / non-existence / nothingness // nihilism // subjectivism [T2-only],
not mere dependent origination / causality / appearance / existence // realism // objectivism [T1-only],
not both truths together as if different / separate / opposite // dualism [2T],
not neither of the two truths as if identical / one // monism / oneness [1T].
The true nature & dynamic of Reality as it is is indescribable / inconceivable, but we can use concepts to point to it: ex. the inconceivable Inseparability / Interdependence / Non-duality / Sameness / Union of the Two Truths free from all extremes & middle about all dharmas [U2T / U3S / Uopp / U2T-2T / UGM].)Thus-gone ones comprehend that all phenomena depend on causes and conditions [T1].
(i.e. One truth alone is not enough, and the two truths are not in real opposition:
Emptiness [T2] does not contradict dependently co-arisen relatively functional appearances / tools / adapted skillful means / virtuous practices [T1]. On the contrary, one truth supports the other [U2T].
Reality as it is is beyond all extremes & middle:
Reality as it is is not mere-emptiness [T2-only], not mere dependent origination / causality / appearance [T1-only], not both truths together as if different / separate / opposite [2T], not neither of the two truths as if identical / one [1T]. The true nature & dynamic of Reality as it is is indescribable / inconceivable, but we can use concepts to point to it: ex. the inconceivable Inseparability / Interdependence / Non-duality / Sameness / Union of the Two Truths free from all extremes & middle about all dharmas [U2T / U3S / Uopp / U2T-2T / UGM].)Child of a good family, thus-gone ones
comprehend that causes and conditions [T1] are like lightning [T2] [U2T].
Thus-gone ones comprehend that there is no birth without causes and conditions [T1].
(i.e. One truth alone is not enough, and the two truths are not in real opposition:
Dependent origination [T1] does not contradict emptiness [T2]; or vice versa. On the contrary, one supports the other [U2T]. All causes & conditions are themselves dependently co-arisen thus empty of inherent existence; and vice versa. Causality / samsara is limitless and centerless.
Reality as it is is beyond all extremes & middle:
Reality as it is is not mere-emptiness / non-existence / nothingness // nihilism // subjectivism [T2-only],
not mere dependent origination / causality / appearance / existence // realism // objectivism[T1-only],
not both truths together as if different / separate / opposite // dualism [2T],
not neither of the two truths as if identical / one // oneness [1T].
The true nature & dynamic of Reality as it is is indescribable / inconceivable, but we can use concepts to point to it: ex. the inconceivable Inseparability / Interdependence / Non-duality / Sameness / Union of the Two Truths free from all extremes & middle about all dharmas [U2T / U3S / Uopp / U2T-2T / UGM].)In this way, thus-gone ones comprehend the true nature that is the illuminator’s matrix
(i.e. the inconceivable womb of all Buddhas, the perfection of wisdom).
-
(i.e. The cause of enlightenment, the illuminator’s matrix, the womb of the perfection of wisdom, is to understand and then directly perceive / realise / experience the indescribable inconceivable Ground / Basis / Source / Suchness / True nature & dynamic of Reality as it is / Union of the Two Truths free from all extremes & middle about all dharmas:
-
The perfection of wisdom: The true nature & dynamic of all dharmas – including the three spheres of any relation / action, the apparent opposites of any duality / triad / quad / etc., the two truths themselves, and the Ground and its manifestations – is the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths [U2T]:
the inconceivable Union of being empty of inherent existence [T2], not really dependently arisen / caused / existent / changing / functional / increasing / decreasing / defiled / purified / ceasing <==> because of being conventionally dependently co-arisen (interdependent) relatively functional ever-changing impermanent appearances / tools / adapted skillful means / counterpoints [T1], merely labeled / imputed / imagined by the mind in dependence of its past experiences / conditioning / karma [U3S], not completely non-arisen / non-caused / non-existent / non-changing / non-functional / non-increasing / non-decreasing / non-defiled / non-purified / non-ceasing.
And vice versa; one aspect / truth implies / enables / proves / supports / is in harmony with the other [U2T].
-
All dharmas / opposites are like space, illusions, reflections, mirages, dreams, echos, magical tricks: ‘There, but not there.’ [U2T].
-
All dharmas / opposites are not existent, not non-existent, not both together, not neither;
not different / separate / multiple / dual, not identical / united / one / non-dual, not both together, not neither;
not permanent / continuous / eternal, not impermanent / discontinuous / annihilated, not both together, not neither;
not arisen, not non-arisen, not both together, not neither;
not changing, not non-changing, not both together, not neither;
not increasing, not non-increasing, not both together, not neither;
not decreasing, not non-decreasing, not both together, not neither;
not defiled, not non-defiled, not both together, not neither;
not purified, not non-purified, not both together, not neither;
not ceasing, not non-ceasing, not both together, not neither;
not coming, not non-coming, not both together, not neither;
not abiding, not non-abiding, not both together, not neither;
not going, not non-going, not both together, not neither;
not dependent / caused, not independent / non-caused, not both together, not neither;
not functional, not non-functional, not both together, not neither;
not empty, not non-empty, not both together, not neither;
not dependently co-arisen [T1], not empty of inherent existence [T2],
not both truths together [2T], not neither [1T];
not equal / pure / perfect / complete / free, not unequal / impure / imperfect / incomplete / non-free,
not both together, not neither;
not ‘this’, not ‘non-this’, not both together, not neither, and there is no fifth – for whatever ‘this’ is.
-
Meaning indescribable, inconceivable, beyond all extremes & middle, beyond all dualistic conceptual proliferations, beyond all defining limitations, beyond all conditioning / karma.
-
So there is no independent / universal / absolute / inherently existing basis for any differentiation / discrimination / judgment / ranking / acceptation / rejection / change in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively.
-
So there is nothing to accept / affirm / seek / add / do in absolute terms,
nothing to reject / negate / abandon / eliminate / stop / subtract / not-do in absolute terms,
nothing to change / improve / purify in absolute terms,
just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively.
-
So we may as well perceive everything, all dharmas, as primordially timeless, limitless, spontaneous, equal, pure, perfect, divine, complete, free, enlightened, the inseparable three pure kayas, the compassionate true Buddha continually teaching us the inconceivable true nature & dynamic of Reality as it is: the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths [U2T].)
“Someone may ask, ‘Why are these realizations called the illuminator’s matrix?’
-
Child of a good family, this is because they are the womb from which all mundane and supramundane wisdom and so forth arises (i.e. the inconceivable womb of all Buddhas, the perfection of wisdom).
When one examines the nature of that wisdom,
then one enters the womb of the perfection of wisdom.
That is called the illuminator’s matrix
(i.e. the inconceivable womb of all Buddhas, the perfection of wisdom).
“Child of a good family, thus-gone ones also comprehend that
all phenomena are like a magician’s illusions and like mirages.
(i.e. All dharmas are like space, illusions, reflections, mirages, dreams, echos, magical tricks: ‘There, but not there.’ Not really existent / functional, not completely non-existent / non-functional, not both together, not neither.)
-
Thus-gone ones comprehend their own true nature that is naturally liberated.
That which is liberated is the true nature of the illuminator’s matrix
(i.e. the inconceivable womb of all Buddhas, the perfection of wisdom).
(i.e. Awakening is directly realising without realising the inconceivable true nature & dynamic of all dharmas, of the three spheres – ex. subject / actor / perceiver / knower / mind, relation / action / perception / cognition, object / result / perceived / known / phenomena –. Realising the inconceivable Union of the three spheres [U3S / U2T-3S].)
“Child of a good family, thus-gone ones also comprehend the single gateway of the Dharma.
(i.e. The single gateway: the inconceivable unique all-pervading timeless unborn unconditioned unchanging unceasing pristine Ground / Basis / Source / Dharmata / Dharmadhatu / Buddha-nature / Genuine-emptiness / Suchness / True nature & dynamic of all dharmas = the inconceivable Union of the Two Truths free from all extremes & middle about all dharmas / opposites [U2T / U2T-3S / U2T-opp / U2T-2T / U2T-GM]. There is nothing else to directly realise than this ‘Union of the Two Truths free from all extremes about any / all dharmas.And realising the true nature & dynamic of one thing is realising the true nature & dynamic of everything. In that sense there is an infinity of gateways, all leading to the same thing.)
-
Child of a good family,
that which is [appearing, but] without going, without coming, without causes, without conditions, without death and transmigration, without birth, without acceptance, without rejection, without decrease, and without increase; and, child of a good family, what is naturally natureless,
what cannot be indicated by analogy, what cannot be expressed by words or language — that single gateway of the Dharma is comprehended by the thus-gone ones.”
(i.e. There are no real three stages of becoming for anything – dependent origination / beginning / birth / coming, duration / lasting / change / increasing / decreasing / defilement / purification, cessation / ending / death / going – in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively. So there is nothing to accept / reject / change in absolute terms, just conventionally / relatively / inter-subjectively.)
*****************************************
[C. Conclusion]
When the teaching of the king of arrays, this Dharma discourse on the basket without words, the illuminator’s matrix, was explained,
as many sentient beings as the minute particles that would appear to the eyes of a bodhisattva abiding on the tenth ground generated the mind of unsurpassed, perfect, and complete awakening.
The same number attained arhatship.
Moreover, an even greater number of sentient beings than that died and transmigrated from among the hell beings and were born as humans and gods.
Many bodhisattvas attained the grounds.
Many bodhisattvas actualized hundreds of thousands of meditative concentrations.
Many found that due to this discourse they did not lack anything they needed.
[Promise to propagate this teaching:] Then the Blessed One said to Venerable Rāhula,
“Rāhula, you should remember this Dharma instruction of mine enthusiastically.”
Immediately after the Blessed One spoke, by the power of the Buddha, ninety million bodhisattvas from that retinue arose from their seats and said to the Blessed One,
“Blessed One, we will remember this Dharma instruction of the Thus-Gone One.
At a later time, in the future, we will explain it well in the Sahā world
to those who seek the Bodhisattva Collection.”
The Four Great Kings said to the Blessed One,
“Blessed One, we will fulfill all the wishes of those bodhisattvas who become vessels of teachings like this.”
[Benefits:] Then the Blessed One looked upon the entire retinue and said,
“Friends, those who hear this Dharma discourse on the basket without words, the illuminator’s matrix, which condenses the very extensive sūtras, will not be endowed with lesser roots of virtue.
Why is this so?
This is because all those excellent beings have served, venerated, and honored me.
Those children of a good family will carry my awakening on their shoulders.
Their consummate eloquence will be unceasing.
Their buddha realms will be thoroughly and completely pure.
“Also, at the time of death, they will see standing before them the Thus-Gone One Amitābha surrounded by a saṅgha of śrāvakas and attended by an assembly of bodhisattvas.
They will also see me together with these very bodhisattvas abiding on Vulture Peak, the king of mountains.
The treasury of the Dharma will never be exhausted for those children of a good family.
They will remember their past lives.
They will not be born in the lower realms.
“Child of a good family, I have spoken these words that contradict the whole world.
I have never seen children of a good family who commit the five actions with immediate retribution and then fasten this Dharma discourse to their bodies, write it out, recite it, or master it fall into the lower realms.
Those bodhisattvas will be empowered by all the buddhas and attain the five eyes.
They will not have inferior faculties.
They will be embraced by all buddhas.
They will be embraced by all bodhisattvas.
Their limitless actions will be purified.
Child of a good family, I see that they will speak these words in the future and become truly and perfectly awakened.”
When the Blessed One had spoken these words, Viśeṣacintin and the other bodhisattvas, Śakra and the gods, the Four Great Kings, and the world with its gods, humans, asuras, and gandharvas rejoiced and praised what the Blessed One had said.
This concludes the noble Mahāyāna sūtra “The Basket without Words, The Illuminator’s Matrix.”
IV. Colophon
Source: https://read.84000.co/translation/toh259
It was edited and finalized by the Indian preceptors Jinamitra, Dānaśīla, and Munivarman, and the chief editor-translator Bandé Yeshé Dé.
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