Chapter 3: Making Offerings to Stūpas 供養窣堵波品第三

第四分供養窣堵波品第三之一

Fourth Assembly, Chapter 3: Making Offerings to Stūpas

爾時，世尊知欲、色界諸天神眾及諸苾芻、苾芻尼等四眾雲集，恭敬信受同為明證，即便顧命天帝釋言：「憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟及廣為他無倒宣說，當知是輩，一切惡魔、人非人等不能得便，一切災橫皆不能及，身心安樂無病長壽。復次，憍尸迦！若諸天子已發無上正等覺心，於深般若波羅蜜多若未聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，皆應來至是善男子、善女人所，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦甚深般若波羅蜜多，如理思惟甚深義趣，令得究竟轉為他說。復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，是善男子、善女人等若在空宅、若在曠野、若在險道及危難處，終不怖畏驚恐毛竪，諸天善神常來擁護。」

At that time, the World-Honored One, knowing that the divine hosts of the desire and form realms, along with the four assemblies of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen had gathered like clouds, respectfully believing and accepting, bearing witness together, immediately addressed Śakra, lord of the gods, saying: "Kauśika! If good men and good women wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, and extensively teach others without error this profound Prajñāpāramitā, you should know that such people cannot be harmed by all evil māras, humans, non-humans, and others; all disasters and calamities cannot reach them; their bodies and minds will be peaceful and joyful, free from illness, and long-lived.

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If divine sons who have already generated the mind of supreme perfect enlightenment have not yet listened to, upheld, recited, diligently studied, or contemplated according to reason this profound Prajñāpāramitā, they should all come to such good men and good women to wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite this profound Prajñāpāramitā, contemplate according to reason its profound meaning and purpose, achieve completion, and then teach it to others.

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, and contemplate according to reason this profound Prajñāpāramitā, whether these good men and good women are in empty houses, in wilderness, on dangerous roads, or in perilous places, they will never be fearful, alarmed, or have their hair stand on end in terror. The good gods and spirits will constantly come to protect them."

時，四天王及彼天眾，合掌恭敬俱白佛言：「若善男子、善女人等能於般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，我等常隨恭敬守護，不令一切災橫侵惱。」

At that time, the Four Heavenly Kings and their celestial hosts, with palms joined in reverence, together addressed the Buddha, saying, "If good men and good women are able to wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate Prajñāpāramitā, we will constantly follow them with reverence and protection, not allowing any disasters or calamities to trouble or harm them."

時，天帝釋及諸天眾，合掌恭敬俱白佛言：「若善男子、善女人等能於般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，我等常隨恭敬守護，不令一切災橫侵惱。」

At that time, Śakra, lord of the gods, and the celestial hosts, with palms joined in reverence, together addressed the Buddha, saying: "If good men and good women are able to wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate Prajñāpāramitā, we will constantly follow them with reverence and protection, not allowing any disasters or calamities to trouble or harm them."

時，梵天王及諸梵眾，合掌恭敬俱白佛言：「若善男子、善女人等能於般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，我等常隨恭敬守護，不令一切災橫侵惱。」

At that time, King Brahmā and the Brahmā hosts, with palms joined in reverence, together addressed the Buddha, saying: "If good men and good women are able to wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate Prajñāpāramitā, we will constantly follow them with reverence and protection, not allowing any disasters or calamities to trouble or harm them."

時，天帝釋復白佛言：「甚奇！世尊！希有！善逝！若善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，攝受如是現法功德。若善男子、善女人等攝受般若波羅蜜多，則為攝受布施、淨戒、安忍、精進、靜慮、般若波羅蜜多。」

At that time, Śakra again addressed the Buddha, saying: "How wonderful, World-Honored One! How rare, Well-Gone One! If good men and good women wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate this profound Prajñāpāramitā, they will receive such present-life merits. If good men and good women receive and uphold Prajñāpāramitā, then they receive and uphold generosity, pure conduct, patience, vigor, meditation, and wisdom pāramitās."

爾時，世尊告天帝釋：「如是！如是！憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等攝受般若波羅蜜多，則為具足攝受六種波羅蜜多。

At that time, the World-Honored One told Śakra: "So it is! So it is! Kauśika! If good men and good women receive and uphold Prajñāpāramitā, then they completely receive and uphold all six pāramitās.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等能於般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，所獲功德，汝應諦聽，極善思惟！吾當為汝分別解說。」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women are able to wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate Prajñāpāramitā, regarding the merits they obtain—you should listen carefully and contemplate well! I shall explain and analyze this for you."

天帝釋言：「唯然！願說！我等樂聞。」

Śakra said: "Yes indeed! We wish you to speak! We delight in hearing this."

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「憍尸迦！若有諸惡外道梵志，若諸惡魔及魔眷屬，若餘暴惡增上慢者，於是菩薩摩訶薩所，欲作種種不饒益事，彼適興心速自遭禍，必當殄滅不果所願。何以故？憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，法爾能令起惡心者自遭殃禍不果所願。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "Kauśika! If there are evil heterodox brahmins, evil māras and their retinues, or other violent, evil, conceited ones who wish to create various harmful acts toward these bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, as soon as they generate such thoughts, they will quickly meet with disaster themselves and will certainly be destroyed, unable to fulfill their intentions. Why is this so? Kauśika! These good men and good women who wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate this profound Prajñāpāramitā naturally cause those who generate evil thoughts to meet with calamity themselves and be unable to fulfill their intentions.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等於此般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布。其地方所，若有惡魔及魔眷屬，或有種種外道梵志，及餘暴惡增上慢者，憎嫉正法欲為障礙，詰責違拒令速隱沒，雖有此願終不能成。彼因暫聞般若聲故，眾惡漸滅功德漸生，後依三乘得盡苦際，或脫惡趣生天、人中。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate this Prajñāpāramitā, in those places where they dwell, even if there are evil māras and their retinues, various heterodox brahmins, and other violent, evil, conceited ones who hate and are jealous of the true Dharma and wish to create obstacles, criticizing and opposing it to make it quickly disappear—although they have such wishes, they will never succeed. Because they briefly hear the sound of Prajñā, their various evils will gradually diminish and their merits will gradually increase. Later, relying on the three vehicles, they will reach the end of suffering, or escape the evil destinies and be born among gods and humans.

「憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，獲如是等功德勝利。

"Kauśika! Good men and good women who wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate this profound Prajñāpāramitā obtain such merits and excellent benefits."

「憍尸迦！如有妙藥名曰莫耆，是藥威勢能銷眾毒，如是妙藥隨所在處，諸毒蟲類不能逼近。有大毒蛇饑行求食，遇見生類欲螫噉之，其生怖死奔趣妙藥，蛇聞藥氣尋便退走。何以故？憍尸迦！如是妙藥具大威勢，能益身命銷伏諸毒。憍尸迦當知！般若波羅蜜多具大威勢亦復如是，若善男子、善女人等至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，諸惡魔等於此菩薩摩訶薩所欲為惡事，由此般若波羅蜜多威神力故，令彼惡事於其方所自當殄滅無所能為。何以故？憍尸迦！由此般若波羅蜜多具大威力，能摧眾惡增善法故。

"Kauśika! There is a wonderful medicine called 'Mokṣa' whose power can neutralize all poisons. Wherever this wonderful medicine is present, all venomous creatures cannot approach. When a great poisonous snake, hungry and seeking food, encounters living beings and wishes to bite and devour them, those beings, fearing death, flee toward the wonderful medicine. When the snake smells the medicine's fragrance, it immediately retreats. Why is this so? Kauśika! This wonderful medicine possesses great power—it can benefit life and neutralize all poisons. Kauśika, you should know! Prajñāpāramitā possesses great power in just the same way. If good men and good women wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate it, when evil māras and others wish to perform evil acts toward these bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, due to the spiritual power of this Prajñāpāramitā, those evil acts will naturally be destroyed in their vicinity and become powerless. Why is this so? Kauśika! Because this Prajñāpāramitā possesses great power that can crush all evil and increase wholesome dharmas.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等於此般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布。四大天王及天帝釋、堪忍界主大梵天王、淨居天等并餘善神常來擁護，不令一切災橫侵惱，如法所求無不滿足。十方世界現在如來、應、正等覺，亦常護念，令惡漸滅善法漸增。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate this Prajñāpāramitā, the Four Great Heavenly Kings, Śakra lord of the gods, the Great Brahmā King lord of the Sahā realm, the Pure Abode gods, and other good spirits will constantly come to protect them, not allowing any disasters or calamities to trouble them. Whatever they seek in accordance with the Dharma will be fulfilled without exception. The Tathāgatas, Arhats, and Perfectly Enlightened Ones currently present in the worlds of the ten directions will also constantly protect and be mindful of them, causing evil to gradually diminish and wholesome dharmas to gradually increase.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等能於般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，是善男子、善女人等由此因緣，言詞威肅聞皆敬受，發言稱量語不喧雜，堅事善友深知恩報，不為慳嫉、忿恨、覆惱、諂、誑、矯等隱蔽其心。何以故？憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等由深般若波羅蜜多增上威力調伏身心，令其遠離貪、恚，癡等隨眠、纏結。是善男子、善女人等具念正知慈、悲、喜、捨，常作是念：『我不應隨慳貪勢力，若隨彼力貧窮下賤，則我布施不得圓滿；我不應隨破戒勢力，若隨彼力墮諸惡趣，則我淨戒不得圓滿；我不應隨忿恚勢力，若隨彼力當缺諸根形貌醜陋，不具菩薩圓滿色身，亦復不能圓滿安忍；我不應隨懈怠勢力，若隨彼力則不能修菩薩勝道，亦不圓滿增上精進；我不應隨散亂勢力，若隨彼力便不能修菩薩勝定，則諸靜慮不得圓滿；我不應隨愚癡勢力，若隨彼力則我勝慧不得圓滿，不超聲聞、獨覺等地，況得無上正等菩提！是故我今不應隨彼慳貪等力。』憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等由此思惟常得正念，諸惡煩惱不蔽其心。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women are able to wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate Prajñāpāramitā, these good men and good women, due to these causes and conditions, will have dignified and authoritative speech that all who hear will respectfully accept. Their words will be measured and their speech will not be chaotic. They will serve good friends steadfastly and deeply understand gratitude and repayment. Their minds will not be concealed by stinginess, jealousy, anger, resentment, concealment, vexation, flattery, deception, pretense, and so forth. Why is this so? Kauśika! These good men and good women, through the supreme power of the profound Prajñāpāramitā, have their bodies and minds tamed, causing them to be far removed from the latent tendencies and entanglements of greed, hatred, delusion, and so forth. These good men and good women possess mindfulness, clear comprehension, loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, constantly thinking thus: 'I should not follow the power of stinginess and greed—if I follow that power and become poor and base, then my generosity will not be perfected. I should not follow the power of breaking precepts—if I follow that power and fall into evil destinies, then my pure conduct will not be perfected. I should not follow the power of anger and hatred—if I follow that power, my faculties will be deficient and my appearance ugly, I will not possess a bodhisattva's perfect physical form, and I will also be unable to perfect patience. I should not follow the power of laziness—if I follow that power, I will be unable to cultivate the bodhisattva's supreme path and will not perfect superior vigor. I should not follow the power of distraction—if I follow that power, I will be unable to cultivate the bodhisattva's supreme concentration, and the meditative absorptions will not be perfected. I should not follow the power of ignorance—if I follow that power, my supreme wisdom will not be perfected, I will not transcend the stages of śrāvakas and pratyekabuddhas, much less attain supreme perfect enlightenment! Therefore, I should not now follow the power of stinginess, greed, and so forth.' Kauśika! These good men and good women, through such contemplation, constantly maintain right mindfulness, and evil afflictions do not obscure their minds.

「憍尸迦！諸善男子、善女人等若於般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，獲如是等功德勝利。」

"Kauśika! Good men and good women who wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate Prajñāpāramitā obtain such merits and excellent benefits."

爾時，天帝釋白佛言：「世尊！如是般若波羅蜜多甚奇希有，能調菩薩摩訶薩眾令離高心，迴向所求一切智智。」

At that time, Śakra addressed the Buddha, saying, "World-Honored One! This Prajñāpāramitā is most wonderful and rare—it can tame the assembly of bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, causing them to abandon pride and dedicate their merit toward the all-knowing wisdom they seek."

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「云何般若波羅蜜多甚奇希有，能調菩薩摩訶薩眾令離高心，迴向所求一切智智？」

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, "How is it that Prajñāpāramitā is most wonderful and rare, able to tame the assembly of bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, causing them to abandon pride and dedicate their merit toward the all-knowing wisdom they seek?"

時，天帝釋白言：「世尊！若菩薩摩訶薩不依般若波羅蜜多，修行布施乃至般若及餘種種諸佛法時，無方便善巧故，雖修諸善而起高心，不能迴向一切智智；若菩薩摩訶薩依止般若波羅蜜多，修行布施乃至般若及餘種種諸佛法時，有方便善巧故，所修諸善調伏高心，迴向所求一切智智。」

At that time, Śakra addressed the Buddha, saying, "World-Honored One! When bodhisattva-mahāsattvas do not rely on Prajñāpāramitā and practice generosity up to wisdom and various other Buddha-dharmas, because they lack skillful means, although they cultivate wholesome practices, they develop pride and cannot dedicate merit toward all-knowing wisdom. When bodhisattva-mahāsattvas rely on Prajñāpāramitā and practice generosity up to wisdom and various other Buddha-dharmas, because they possess skillful means, their cultivation of wholesome practices tames their pride and they dedicate merit toward the all-knowing wisdom they seek."

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「如是！如是！如汝所說。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "So it is! So it is! It is as you have said.

「憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等能於般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，是善男子、善女人等身心安樂，不為一切災橫侵惱。若在軍旅交戰陣時，至心念誦如是般若波羅蜜多，於諸有情慈悲護念，不為刀杖之所傷殺，所對怨敵皆起慈心，設起惡心自然退敗。是善男子、善女人等，若在軍旅刀箭所傷失命喪身，終無是處。何以故？憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等修行般若波羅蜜多，自能降伏煩惱、惡業、種種刀杖，亦能除他煩惱、惡業、諸刀杖故。

"Kauśika! If good men and good women are able to wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate Prajñāpāramitā, these good men and good women will have peaceful bodies and minds and will not be troubled by any disasters or calamities. If they are in military campaigns during battle, and wholeheartedly recite this Prajñāpāramitā with compassionate care for all sentient beings, they will not be wounded or killed by swords and weapons. All enemies they face will develop loving-kindness, and even if they generate evil thoughts, they will naturally retreat in defeat. For these good men and good women to be wounded by swords and arrows in military campaigns and lose their lives is absolutely impossible. Why is this so? Kauśika! These good men and good women who practice Prajñāpāramitā can themselves subdue afflictions, evil karma, and all kinds of weapons, and can also eliminate others' afflictions, evil karma, and weapons.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等能於般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、供養恭敬、尊重讚歎、書寫、解說、廣令流布，是善男子、善女人等，一切毒藥、蠱道、鬼魅、厭禱、呪術皆不能害，水不能溺，火不能燒、刀杖、惡獸、怨賊、惡神、眾邪、魍魎不能傷害。何以故？憍尸迦！如是般若波羅蜜多是大神呪，是大明呪，是無上呪，是無等等呪；如是般若波羅蜜多是諸呪王，最上、最妙、無能及者，具大威力，能伏一切，不為一切之所降伏。是善男子、善女人等精勤修學如是呪王，不為自害，不為他害，不為俱害。憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等，學此般若波羅蜜多大呪王時，於我及法雖無所得，而證無上正等菩提，由斯獲得一切智智，觀有情類心行差別，隨宜為轉無上法輪，令如說行得大饒益。何以故？憍尸迦！過去未來現在菩薩，皆學如是甚深般若波羅蜜多大神呪王，無所不得、無所不證，是故說名一切智智。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women are able to wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, make offerings to, revere, honor, praise, copy, explain, and widely propagate Prajñāpāramitā, these good men and good women cannot be harmed by any poisons, sorcery, ghosts and spirits, curses, or magical arts. Water cannot drown them, fire cannot burn them, and weapons, wild beasts, bandits, evil spirits, demons, and goblins cannot harm them. Why is this so? Kauśika! This Prajñāpāramitā is the great divine mantra, the great luminous mantra, the supreme mantra, the unequaled mantra. This Prajñāpāramitā is the king of all mantras—most supreme, most wonderful, without equal, possessing great power, able to subdue all things, and not to be subdued by anything. These good men and good women who diligently study this king of mantras will not harm themselves, will not harm others, and will not harm both. Kauśika! When these good men and good women study this Prajñāpāramitā, the great king of mantras, although they attain nothing regarding me or the Dharma, they realize supreme perfect enlightenment and thereby obtain all-knowing wisdom. Observing the different mental activities of sentient beings, they turn the supreme Dharma wheel according to what is appropriate, causing those who practice as taught to gain great benefit. Why is this so? Kauśika! All bodhisattvas of the past, future, and present study this profound Prajñāpāramitā, the great divine king of mantras. There is nothing they do not attain and nothing they do not realize—therefore it is called 'all-knowing wisdom.'"

「憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等於此般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、供養恭敬、尊重讚歎、書寫、解說、廣令流布，得如是等現法當來種種功德。

"Kauśika! Good men and good women who wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, make offerings to, revere, honor, praise, copy, explain, and widely propagate this Prajñāpāramitā obtain such various merits in this present life and in lives to come.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等，書此般若波羅蜜多大神呪王，置清淨處供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，雖不聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，亦不為他開示分別，而此住處國邑王都人非人等不為一切災橫疾疫之所傷害。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women copy this Prajñāpāramitā, the great divine king of mantras, and place it in a pure place where they make offerings to, revere, honor, and praise it—even though they do not listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, or contemplate it according to reason, nor explain or analyze it for others—the dwelling place, country, city, royal capital, and all humans and non-humans there will not be harmed by any disasters, calamities, or epidemics.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等，怖畏怨家、惡獸、災橫、厭禱、疾疫、毒藥、呪等，應書般若波羅蜜多大神呪王，隨多少分香囊盛貯置寶筒中，恒隨自身供養恭敬，諸怖畏事皆悉銷除，天、龍、鬼神常來守護，唯除宿世惡業應受。憍尸迦！譬如有人或傍生類，入菩提樹院或至彼院邊，人非人等不能傷害。何以故？憍尸迦！過去未來現在諸佛皆坐此處，證得無上正等菩提，得菩提已施諸有情無恐、無怖、無怨、無害身心安樂。當知般若波羅蜜多隨所住處亦復如是，一切天、龍、阿素洛等常來守護。憍尸迦！如是般若波羅蜜多隨所住處，當知是處即真制多，一切有情皆應敬禮，當以種種上妙供具，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。所以者何？是諸有情歸依處故。」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women fear enemies, wild beasts, disasters, curses, epidemics, poisons, spells, and so forth, they should copy this Prajñāpāramitā, the great divine king of mantras, place whatever portion they can in a fragrant pouch and store it in a precious container, constantly carrying it with them while making offerings and showing reverence. All fearful matters will be completely eliminated, and gods, dragons, ghosts, and spirits will constantly come to protect them—except for past evil karma that must be experienced. Kauśika! It is like when people or animals enter the Bodhi Tree enclosure or come to its vicinity—humans and non-humans cannot harm them. Why is this so? Kauśika! All Buddhas of the past, future, and present have sat in this place and realized supreme perfect enlightenment. Having attained enlightenment, they bestow upon all sentient beings freedom from fear, terror, enmity, and harm, granting peace and joy to body and mind. You should know that wherever Prajñāpāramitā dwells is just the same—all gods, dragons, asuras, and others constantly come to protect it. Kauśika! Wherever this Prajñāpāramitā dwells, you should know that place is a true shrine (caitya). All sentient beings should pay homage there and should make offerings with various supreme and wonderful implements, showing reverence, honor, and praise. Why is this so? Because it is a place of refuge for all sentient beings."

時，天帝釋復白佛言：「若善男子、善女人等書此般若波羅蜜多，種種莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，復以種種上妙華鬘、塗散等香、衣服、瓔珞、寶幢、幡蓋、眾妙、珍奇、伎樂、燈明而為供養；有善男子、善女人等，佛涅槃後起窣堵波七寶嚴飾，寶函盛貯佛設利羅安置其中，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，復以種種上妙華鬘、塗散等香、衣服、瓔珞、寶幢、幡蓋、眾妙、珍奇、伎樂、燈明而為供養。二所獲福，何者為多？」

At that time, Śakra again addressed the Buddha, saying: "If good men and good women copy this Prajñāpāramitā and adorn it in various ways, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, and further make offerings with various supreme flower garlands, anointing and scattering incenses, clothing, jewelry, jeweled banners, flags and canopies, all manner of wonderful treasures, music, and lamps; and if there are other good men and good women who, after the Buddha's parinirvāṇa, erect stūpas adorned with the seven jewels, store the Buddha's relics in jeweled caskets and place them within, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, and further make offerings with various supreme flower garlands, anointing and scattering incenses, clothing, jewelry, jeweled banners, flags and canopies, all manner of wonderful treasures, music, and lamps—which of these two merit accumulations would be greater?"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「我還問汝，當隨意答。於意云何？如來所得一切智智，所證無上正等菩提及所依身，依何等道修學而得？」

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "I will ask you in return—answer according to your understanding. What do you think? The Tathāgata's attainment of all-knowing wisdom, realization of supreme perfect enlightenment, and the body that supports these—through what path were they obtained through study and practice?"

天帝釋言：「如來所得一切智智，所證無上正等菩提及所依身，皆依般若波羅蜜多修學而得。」

Śakra said: "The Tathāgata's attainment of all-knowing wisdom, realization of supreme perfect enlightenment, and the body that supports these were all obtained through studying and practicing Prajñāpāramitā."

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「如是！如是！如汝所說。我依般若波羅蜜多修學故，得一切智智、所證無上正等菩提及所依身。何以故？憍尸迦！不學般若波羅蜜多，有能獲得一切智智、所證無上正等菩提及所依身，無有是處。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "So it is! So it is! It is as you have said. Because I studied and practiced Prajñāpāramitā, I attained all-knowing wisdom, realized supreme perfect enlightenment, and obtained the body that supports these. Why is this so? Kauśika! For anyone to be able to attain all-knowing wisdom, realize supreme perfect enlightenment, and obtain the body that supports these without studying Prajñāpāramitā is impossible.

「憍尸迦！非但獲得相好身故說名如來、應、正等覺，要由證得一切智智乃名如來、應、正等覺。憍尸迦！如來所得一切智智，要由般若波羅蜜多為因故起，佛相好身但為依處，若不依止佛相好身無由而起，是故般若波羅蜜多，正為因生一切智智，欲令此智現前相續故，復修集佛相好身。此相好身若非遍智所依處者，一切天、龍、人非人等不應竭誠供養恭敬。以相好身與佛遍智為所依止故，諸天、龍、人非人等供養恭敬。由此緣故，我涅槃後，諸天、龍神、人非人等供養恭敬我設利羅。

"Kauśika! It is not merely by obtaining a body with excellent characteristics that one is called Tathāgata, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One—it is only by realizing all-knowing wisdom that one is called Tathāgata, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One. Kauśika! The Tathāgata's attainment of all-knowing wisdom arises necessarily with Prajñāpāramitā as its cause. The Buddha's body with excellent characteristics serves merely as a supporting foundation—without depending on the Buddha's body with excellent characteristics, this wisdom would have no way to arise. Therefore, Prajñāpāramitā properly serves as the cause that gives birth to all-knowing wisdom. In order for this wisdom to manifest and continue in the present, one additionally cultivates and assembles the Buddha's body with excellent characteristics. If this body with excellent characteristics were not the supporting foundation for omniscient wisdom, all gods, dragons, humans, and non-humans would have no reason to wholeheartedly make offerings and show reverence. Because the body with excellent characteristics serves as the supporting foundation for the Buddha's omniscient wisdom, gods, dragons, humans, and non-humans make offerings and show reverence. For this reason, after my parinirvāṇa, gods, dragons, spirits, humans, and non-humans make offerings and show reverence to my relics."

「憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等書此般若波羅蜜多，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，則為供養一切智智及所依止佛相好身并涅槃後佛設利羅。何以故？憍尸迦！一切智智及相好身并設利羅，皆以般若波羅蜜多為根本故。以是故，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等書此般若波羅蜜多，種種莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，復以種種上妙華鬘乃至燈明而為供養。有善男子、善女人等，佛涅槃後起窣堵波七寶嚴飾，寶函盛貯佛設利羅安置其中，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，復以種種上妙華鬘乃至燈明而為供養。二所獲福，前者為多無量倍數。何以故？憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等供養般若波羅蜜多，即為供養一切智智佛相好身設利羅故。」

"Kauśika! If good men and good women copy this Prajñāpāramitā and make offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, then they are making offerings to all-knowing wisdom, the Buddha's body with excellent characteristics that supports it, and the Buddha's relics after parinirvāṇa. Why is this so? Kauśika! All-knowing wisdom, the body with excellent characteristics, and the relics all have Prajñāpāramitā as their foundation. Therefore, Kauśika! If good men and good women copy this Prajñāpāramitā and adorn it in various ways, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, and further make offerings with various supreme flower garlands up to lamps and lights; and if there are other good men and good women who, after the Buddha's parinirvāṇa, erect stūpas adorned with the seven jewels, store the Buddha's relics in jeweled caskets and place them within, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, and further make offerings with various supreme flower garlands up to lamps and lights—of these two merit accumulations, the former is greater by countless multiples. Why is this so? Kauśika! When good men and good women make offerings to Prajñāpāramitā, they are thereby making offerings to all-knowing wisdom, the Buddha's body with excellent characteristics, and the relics."

時，天帝釋便白佛言：「贍部洲人於此般若波羅蜜多，不能書寫眾寶莊嚴、供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，不能聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，彼豈不知書此般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴、供養恭敬、尊重讚歎、至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，獲得種種功德勝利？」

At that time, Śakra addressed the Buddha, saying: "The people of Jambudvīpa are unable to copy this Prajñāpāramitā with jeweled adornments, make offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, and are unable to listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, and contemplate it according to reason. Do they not know that copying this Prajñāpāramitā with jeweled adornments, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, wholeheartedly listening to, upholding, reciting, diligently studying, and contemplating it according to reason would bring various merits and excellent benefits?"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「我還問汝，當隨意答。於意云何？贍部洲內有幾許人成佛證淨、成法證淨、成僧證淨？有幾許人得預流果、或一來果、或不還果、或阿羅漢果？有幾許人發心定趣獨覺菩提？有幾許人發心定趣諸佛無上正等菩提？」

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "I will ask you in return—answer according to your understanding. What do you think? Within Jambudvīpa, how many people have achieved purity of confidence in the Buddha, purity of confidence in the Dharma, and purity of confidence in the Saṅgha? How many people have attained the fruit of stream-entry, or the fruit of once-return, or the fruit of non-return, or the fruit of arhatship? How many people have generated the mind definitively directed toward pratyekabuddha enlightenment? How many people have generated the mind definitively directed toward the Buddhas' supreme perfect enlightenment?"

天帝釋言：「贍部洲內有少許人成佛證淨、成法證淨、成僧證淨，轉少許人得預流果、或一來果、或不還果、或阿羅漢果，轉少許人發心定趣獨覺菩提，轉少許人發心定趣諸佛無上正等菩提。」

Śakra said: "Within Jambudvīpa, there are few people who have achieved purity of confidence in the Buddha, purity of confidence in the Dharma, and purity of confidence in the Saṅgha; even fewer people have attained the fruit of stream-entry, or the fruit of once-return, or the fruit of non-return, or the fruit of arhatship; even fewer people have generated the mind definitively directed toward pratyekabuddha enlightenment; even fewer people have generated the mind definitively directed toward the Buddhas' supreme perfect enlightenment."

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「如是！如是！如汝所說。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "So it is! So it is! It is as you have said."

「憍尸迦！贍部洲內極少分人成佛證淨、成法證淨、成僧證淨，轉少分人得預流果、或一來果、或不還果、或阿羅漢果，轉少分人發心定趣獨覺菩提，轉少分人發心定趣諸佛無上正等菩提，轉少分人既發心已，精勤修學趣菩提行，轉少分人精勤修學菩提行時，於此般若波羅蜜多深心信受，轉少分人深信受已，修行般若波羅蜜多，轉少分人既修行已，漸次安住不退轉地，轉少分人，住此地已，疾證無上正等菩提。

"Kauśika! Within Jambudvīpa, extremely few people achieve purity of confidence in the Buddha, purity of confidence in the Dharma, and purity of confidence in the Saṅgha; even fewer people attain the fruit of stream-entry, or the fruit of once-return, or the fruit of non-return, or the fruit of arhatship; even fewer people generate the mind definitively directed toward pratyekabuddha enlightenment; even fewer people generate the mind definitively directed toward the Buddhas' supreme perfect enlightenment; even fewer people, having generated this mind, diligently study and practice the conduct leading to enlightenment; even fewer people, while diligently studying and practicing the conduct leading to enlightenment, deeply believe in and accept this Prajñāpāramitā; even fewer people, having deeply believed and accepted it, practice Prajñāpāramitā; even fewer people, having practiced it, gradually abide in the stage of non-retrogression; even fewer people, having abided in this stage, quickly realize supreme perfect enlightenment.

「憍尸迦！若菩薩摩訶薩已得安住不退轉地，求證無上正等菩提，乃能深心恭敬信受甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，亦能為他無倒宣說，復以種種上妙華鬘乃至燈明供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。

"Kauśika! Only bodhisattva-mahāsattvas who have already attained and abide in the stage of non-retrogression and seek to realize supreme perfect enlightenment are able to deeply and reverently believe in and accept the profound Prajñāpāramitā, wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, and contemplate it according to reason. They are also able to teach it to others without error, and further make offerings with various supreme flower garlands up to lamps and lights, showing reverence, honor, and praise.

「憍尸迦！我以無障清淨佛眼遍觀十方無邊世界，雖有無量無數有情發菩提心修菩薩行，而由遠離甚深般若波羅蜜多方便善巧，若一、若二、若三有情得住菩薩不退轉地，多分退墮聲聞、獨覺下意、下行、下劣地中。何以故？憍尸迦！諸佛無上正等菩提功德無邊甚難可證，惡慧懈怠下劣、精進下劣、勝解下劣有情不能證得。

"Kauśika! With my unobstructed, pure Buddha-eye, I observe throughout the boundless worlds of the ten directions. Although countless, numberless sentient beings generate the bodhi-mind and practice bodhisattva conduct, because they are far removed from the skillful means of the profound Prajñāpāramitā, only one, two, or three sentient beings attain abiding in the bodhisattva's stage of non-retrogression. Most fall back into the inferior intentions, inferior conduct, and inferior stages of śrāvakas and pratyekabuddhas. Why is this so? Kauśika! The Buddhas' supreme perfect enlightenment has boundless merits and is extremely difficult to realize. Sentient beings with inferior wisdom, laziness, inferior vigor, and inferior understanding cannot attain it.

「是故，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等發菩提心修菩薩行，欲住菩薩不退轉地，疾證無上正等菩提無留難者，應於般若波羅蜜多數數聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，好請問師，樂為他說，復應書寫、眾寶莊嚴、供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。何以故？憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等應作是念：『如來昔住菩薩地時，常勤修學如是般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣，證得無上正等菩提，我等亦應精勤修學如是般若波羅蜜多。是我大師，我隨彼學所願當滿。』憍尸迦！諸菩薩摩訶薩若佛住世、若涅槃後，常應依止甚深般若波羅蜜多精勤修學。」

"Therefore, Kauśika! If good men and good women who have generated the bodhi-mind and practice bodhisattva conduct wish to abide in the bodhisattva's stage of non-retrogression and quickly realize supreme perfect enlightenment without obstacles, they should repeatedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, and contemplate Prajñāpāramitā according to reason. They should eagerly question teachers, delight in teaching it to others, and should also copy it, adorn it with precious jewels, and make offerings with reverence, honor, and praise. Why is this so? Kauśika! These good men and good women should think thus: 'When the Tathāgata formerly dwelt in the bodhisattva stage, he constantly and diligently studied and practiced the profound meaning of this very Prajñāpāramitā and realized supreme perfect enlightenment. We too should diligently study and practice this Prajñāpāramitā. This is our great teacher—by following his example in study, our aspirations will be fulfilled.' Kauśika! Bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, whether the Buddha is dwelling in the world or after his parinirvāṇa, should constantly rely upon the profound Prajñāpāramitā and diligently study and practice it."

時，天帝釋復白佛言：「若善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，廣為有情宣說流布，或有書寫、眾寶嚴飾，復持種種上妙華鬘乃至燈明，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得幾許福？」

At that time, Śakra again addressed the Buddha, saying: "If good men and good women wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, and extensively proclaim and propagate this profound Prajñāpāramitā for sentient beings, or copy it with jeweled adornments, and further hold various supreme flower garlands up to lamps and lights as offerings, showing reverence, honor, and praise—how much merit do these good men and good women obtain through these causes and conditions?"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，無量無邊、不可思議、不可稱計，算數、譬喻所不能及。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "The merit accumulation that these good men and good women obtain is boundless and limitless, inconceivable and incalculable, beyond the reach of numbers and analogies.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等於諸如來般涅槃後，為供養佛設利羅故，以妙七寶起窣堵波，種種珍奇間雜嚴飾，復持種種天妙華鬘乃至燈明，盡其形壽供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣獲福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women, after the Tathāgatas' parinirvāṇa, erect stūpas with the wonderful seven jewels to make offerings to the Buddha's relics, adorning them with various precious and rare decorations, and further hold various heavenly wonderful flower garlands up to lamps and lights, making offerings throughout their lifetimes with reverence, honor, and praise—what do you think? Do these good men and good women obtain much merit through these causes and conditions?"

天帝釋言：「甚多！世尊！甚多！善逝！」

Śakra said: "Very much, World-Honored One! Very much, Well-Gone One!"

佛告憍尸迦：「有善男子、善女人等，於此般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣，以清淨心恭敬信解，為求無上正等菩提，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，廣為有情宣說開示，以增上慧審諦觀察。為令正法久住世故，為令佛眼無斷壞故，為令正法不隱沒故，攝受菩薩令增長故，為令世間清淨法眼無斷壞故，書寫如是甚深般若波羅蜜多眾寶嚴飾，復持種種上妙華鬘、塗散等香、衣服、瓔珞、寶幢、幡蓋、眾妙。珍奇、伎樂、燈明，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。是善男子、善女人等，所獲功德甚多於前無量無數。

The Buddha told Kauśika: "There are good men and good women who, regarding the profound meaning of this Prajñāpāramitā, with pure minds reverently understand and believe in it. In order to seek supreme perfect enlightenment, they wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, extensively proclaim and reveal it to sentient beings, and examine it carefully with superior wisdom. In order to cause the true Dharma to abide in the world for a long time, to prevent the Buddha's eye from being severed, to prevent the true Dharma from disappearing, to embrace bodhisattvas and cause them to increase, and to prevent the world's pure Dharma-eye from being severed, they copy this profound Prajñāpāramitā with jeweled adornments, and further hold various supreme flower garlands, anointing and scattering incenses, clothing, jewelry, jeweled banners, flags and canopies, all manner of wonderful treasures, music, and lamps as offerings, showing reverence, honor, and praise. The merit that these good men and good women obtain is immeasurably and countless times greater than the previous case.

「復次，憍尸迦！置此一事。若善男子、善女人等於諸如來般涅槃後，為供養佛設利羅故，以妙七寶起窣堵波，種種珍奇間雜嚴飾，如是充滿一贍部洲、或四大洲、或小千界、或中千界、或復三千大千世界，皆持種種天妙華鬘乃至燈明，盡其形壽供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣獲福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Set aside this one matter. If good men and good women, after the Tathāgatas' parinirvāṇa, erect stūpas with the wonderful seven jewels to make offerings to the Buddha's relics, adorning them with various precious and rare decorations—filling an entire Jambudvīpa, or the four great continents, or a small chiliocosm, or a medium chiliocosm, or even a great trichiliocosm—all holding various heavenly wonderful flower garlands up to lamps and lights, making offerings throughout their lifetimes with reverence, honor, and praise—what do you think? Do these good men and good women obtain much merit through these causes and conditions?"

天帝釋言：「甚多！世尊！甚多！善逝！」

Śakra said: "Very much, World-Honored One! Very much, Well-Gone One!"

佛告憍尸迦：「有善男子、善女人等，於此般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣，以清淨心恭敬信解，為求無上正等菩提，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，廣為有情宣說開示，以增上慧審諦觀察。為令正法久住世故，為令佛眼無斷壞故，為令正法不隱沒故，攝受菩薩令增長故，為令世間清淨法眼無斷壞故，書寫如是甚深般若波羅蜜多眾寶嚴飾，復持種種上妙華鬘、塗散等香、衣服、瓔珞、寶幢、幡蓋、眾妙、珍奇、伎樂、燈明，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。是善男子、善女人等，所獲功德甚多於前無量無數。

The Buddha told Kauśika: "There are good men and good women who, regarding the profound meaning of this Prajñāpāramitā, with pure minds reverently understand and believe in it. In order to seek supreme perfect enlightenment, they wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, extensively proclaim and reveal it to sentient beings, and examine it carefully with superior wisdom. In order to cause the true Dharma to abide in the world for a long time, to prevent the Buddha's eye from being severed, to prevent the true Dharma from disappearing, to embrace bodhisattvas and cause them to increase, and to prevent the world's pure Dharma-eye from being severed, they copy this profound Prajñāpāramitā with jeweled adornments, and further hold various supreme flower garlands, anointing and scattering incenses, clothing, jewelry, jeweled banners, flags and canopies, all manner of wonderful treasures, music, and lamps as offerings, showing reverence, honor, and praise. The merit that these good men and good women obtain is immeasurably and countless times greater than the previous case.

「復次，憍尸迦！置如是事。假使於此贍部洲中一切有情，或四大洲一切有情，或小千界一切有情，或中千界一切有情，或復三千大千世界一切有情，各於如來般涅槃後，為供養佛設利羅故，以妙七寶各各起一大窣堵波，種種珍奇間雜嚴飾，皆持種種天妙華鬘乃至燈明，盡其形壽各各於自窣堵波所供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。於意云何？此贍部洲、或四大洲、或小千界、或中千界、或大千界諸有情類，由是因緣獲福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Set aside such matters. Suppose that all sentient beings in this Jambudvīpa, or all sentient beings in the four great continents, or all sentient beings in a small chiliocosm, or all sentient beings in a medium chiliocosm, or all sentient beings in a great trichiliocosm—each after the Tathāgatas' parinirvāṇa, in order to make offerings to the Buddha's relics, each erects one great stūpa with the wonderful seven jewels, adorned with various precious and rare decorations, all holding various heavenly wonderful flower garlands up to lamps and lights, each making offerings throughout their lifetimes at their own stūpas with reverence, honor, and praise—what do you think? Do these sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, or the four great continents, or the small chiliocosm, or the medium chiliocosm, or the great chiliocosm obtain much merit through these causes and conditions?"

天帝釋言：「甚多！世尊！甚多！善逝！」

Śakra said: "Very much, World-Honored One! Very much, Well-Gone One!"

佛告憍尸迦：「有善男子、善女人等，於此般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣，以清淨心恭敬信解，為求無上正等菩提，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，廣為有情宣說開示，以增上慧審諦觀察。為令正法久住世故，為令佛眼無斷壞故，為令正法不隱沒故，攝受菩薩令增長故，為令世間清淨法眼無斷壞故，書寫如是甚深般若波羅蜜多眾寶嚴飾，復持種種上妙華鬘、塗散等香、衣服、瓔珞、寶幢、幡蓋、眾妙、珍奇、伎樂、燈明，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。是善男子、善女人等，所獲功德甚多於前無量無數。

The Buddha told Kauśika: "There are good men and good women who, regarding the profound meaning of this Prajñāpāramitā, with pure minds reverently understand and believe in it. In order to seek supreme perfect enlightenment, they wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, extensively proclaim and reveal it to sentient beings, and examine it carefully with superior wisdom. In order to cause the true Dharma to abide in the world for a long time, to prevent the Buddha's eye from being severed, to prevent the true Dharma from disappearing, to embrace bodhisattvas and cause them to increase, and to prevent the world's pure Dharma-eye from being severed, they copy this profound Prajñāpāramitā with jeweled adornments, and further hold various supreme flower garlands, anointing and scattering incenses, clothing, jewelry, jeweled banners, flags and canopies, all manner of wonderful treasures, music, and lamps as offerings, showing reverence, honor, and praise. The merit that these good men and good women obtain is immeasurably and countless times greater than the previous case.

「復次，憍尸迦！置如是事。假使於此贍部洲中諸有情類，非前非後皆得為人，此一一人為供養佛設利羅故，於諸如來般涅槃後，以妙七寶起窣堵波，種種珍奇間雜嚴飾，如是一一滿贍部洲；或四大洲諸有情類，非前非後皆得為人，此一一人為供養佛設利羅故，於諸如來般涅槃後，以妙七寶起窣堵波，種種珍奇間雜嚴飾，如是一一滿四大洲；或小千界諸有情類，非前非後皆得為人，此一一人為供養佛設利羅故，於諸如來般涅槃後，以妙七寶起窣堵波，種種珍奇間雜嚴飾，如是一一滿小千界；或中千界諸有情類，非前非後皆得為人，此一一人為供養佛設利羅故，於諸如來般涅槃後，以妙七寶起窣堵波，種種珍奇間雜嚴飾，如是一一滿中千界；或復三千大千世界諸有情類，非前非後皆得為人，此一一人為供養佛設利羅故，於諸如來般涅槃後，以妙七寶起窣堵波，種種珍奇間雜嚴飾，如是一一滿大千界。如是諸人，各持種種天妙華鬘乃至燈明，或經一劫或一劫餘，各各於自窣堵波所，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。於意云何？此贍部洲、或四大洲、或小千界、或中千界、或大千界諸有情類，由是因緣獲福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Set aside such matters. Suppose that all sentient beings in this Jambudvīpa, neither before nor after, all become human beings, and each person, in order to make offerings to the Buddha's relics, after the Tathāgatas' parinirvāṇa, erects stūpas with the wonderful seven jewels, adorned with various precious and rare decorations, each one filling all of Jambudvīpa; or all sentient beings in the four great continents, neither before nor after, all become human beings, and each person, in order to make offerings to the Buddha's relics, after the Tathāgatas' parinirvāṇa, erects stūpas with the wonderful seven jewels, adorned with various precious and rare decorations, each one filling all of the four great continents; or all sentient beings in a small chiliocosm, neither before nor after, all become human beings, and each person, in order to make offerings to the Buddha's relics, after the Tathāgatas' parinirvāṇa, erects stūpas with the wonderful seven jewels, adorned with various precious and rare decorations, each one filling the entire small chiliocosm; or all sentient beings in a medium chiliocosm, neither before nor after, all become human beings, and each person, in order to make offerings to the Buddha's relics, after the Tathāgatas' parinirvāṇa, erects stūpas with the wonderful seven jewels, adorned with various precious and rare decorations, each one filling the entire medium chiliocosm; or all sentient beings in a great trichiliocosm, neither before nor after, all become human beings, and each person, in order to make offerings to the Buddha's relics, after the Tathāgatas' parinirvāṇa, erects stūpas with the wonderful seven jewels, adorned with various precious and rare decorations, each one filling the entire great chiliocosm. All these people each hold various heavenly wonderful flower garlands up to lamps and lights, for one eon or more than one eon, each making offerings at their own stūpas with reverence, honor, and praise. What do you think? Do these sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, or the four great continents, or the small chiliocosm, or the medium chiliocosm, or the great chiliocosm obtain much merit through these causes and conditions?"

天帝釋言：「甚多！世尊！甚多！善逝！」

Śakra said: "Very much, World-Honored One! Very much, Well-Gone One!"

佛告憍尸迦：「有善男子、善女人等，於此般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣，以清淨心恭敬信解，為求無上正等菩提，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，廣為有情宣說開示，以增上慧審諦觀察。為令正法久住世故，為令佛眼無斷壞故，為令正法不隱沒故，攝受菩薩令增長故，為令世間清淨法眼無斷壞故，書寫如是甚深般若波羅蜜多眾寶嚴飾，復持種種上妙華鬘、塗散等香、衣服、瓔珞、寶幢、幡蓋、眾妙、珍奇、伎樂、燈明，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。是善男子、善女人等，所獲功德甚多於前無量無數。」

The Buddha told Kauśika: "There are good men and good women who, regarding the profound meaning of this Prajñāpāramitā, with pure minds reverently understand and believe in it. In order to seek supreme perfect enlightenment, they wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, extensively proclaim and reveal it to sentient beings, and examine it carefully with superior wisdom. In order to cause the true Dharma to abide in the world for a long time, to prevent the Buddha's eye from being severed, to prevent the true Dharma from disappearing, to embrace bodhisattvas and cause them to increase, and to prevent the world's pure Dharma-eye from being severed, they copy this profound Prajñāpāramitā with jeweled adornments, and further hold various supreme flower garlands, anointing and scattering incenses, clothing, jewelry, jeweled banners, flags and canopies, all manner of wonderful treasures, music, and lamps as offerings, showing reverence, honor, and praise. The merit that these good men and good women obtain is immeasurably and countless times greater than the previous case."

時，天帝釋便白佛言：「如是！世尊！如是！善逝！若善男子、善女人等供養恭敬、尊重讚歎甚深般若波羅蜜多，當知則為供養恭敬、尊重讚歎過去、未來、現在諸佛一切智智。

At that time, Śakra addressed the Buddha, saying: "So it is, World-Honored One! So it is, Well-Gone One! If good men and good women make offerings with reverence, honor, and praise to the profound Prajñāpāramitā, it should be known that they are thereby making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise to the all-knowing wisdom of all Buddhas of the past, future, and present.

「世尊！且置所說三千大千世界一切有情，為供養佛設利羅故，各於如來般涅槃後，以妙七寶起窣堵波。假使十方各如殑伽沙等世界一切有情，非前非後皆得為人，此一一人各於如來般涅槃後，為供養佛設利羅故，以妙七寶起窣堵波，種種珍奇間雜嚴飾，如是一一各滿十方殑伽沙等諸佛世界，各持種種天妙華鬘乃至燈明，或經一劫或一劫餘，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。是諸有情由此因緣所獲福聚，雖復無量而復有餘。諸善男子、善女人等，於此般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣，以清淨心恭敬信解，為求無上正等菩提，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，廣為有情宣說開示，以增上慧審諦觀察。為令正法久住世故，為令佛眼無斷壞故，為令正法不隱沒故，攝受菩薩令增長故，為令世間清淨法眼無斷壞故，書寫如是甚深般若波羅蜜多眾寶嚴飾，復持種種上妙華鬘、塗散等香、衣服、瓔珞、寶幢、幡蓋、眾妙、珍奇、伎樂、燈明，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。是善男子、善女人等，所獲功德甚多於彼無量無邊不可思議、不可稱計，算數、譬喻所不能及。」

"World-Honored One! Setting aside what has been said about all sentient beings in the great trichiliocosm each erecting stūpas with the wonderful seven jewels after the Tathāgatas' parinirvāṇa to make offerings to the Buddha's relics—suppose that all sentient beings in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in each of the ten directions, neither before nor after, all become human beings, and each person, after the Tathāgatas' parinirvāṇa, erects stūpas with the wonderful seven jewels to make offerings to the Buddha's relics, adorned with various precious and rare decorations, each one filling the Buddha-worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the ten directions, each holding various heavenly wonderful flower garlands up to lamps and lights, for one eon or more than one eon, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise. Although the merit accumulation that these sentient beings obtain through these causes and conditions is immeasurable, there is still more. Good men and good women who, regarding the profound meaning of this Prajñāpāramitā, with pure minds reverently understand and believe in it, in order to seek supreme perfect enlightenment, wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, extensively proclaim and reveal it to sentient beings, and examine it carefully with superior wisdom—in order to cause the true Dharma to abide in the world for a long time, to prevent the Buddha's eye from being severed, to prevent the true Dharma from disappearing, to embrace bodhisattvas and cause them to increase, and to prevent the world's pure Dharma-eye from being severed—copy this profound Prajñāpāramitā with jeweled adornments, and further hold various supreme flower garlands, anointing and scattering incenses, clothing, jewelry, jeweled banners, flags and canopies, all manner of wonderful treasures, music, and lamps as offerings, showing reverence, honor, and praise. The merit that these good men and good women obtain is immeasurably, limitlessly, inconceivably, and incalculably greater than the former, beyond the reach of numbers and analogies."

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「如是！如是！如汝所說。憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等，於深般若波羅蜜多所獲福聚無量無邊不可思議、不可稱計，算數、譬喻所不能及。何以故？憍尸迦！甚深般若波羅蜜多能生如來一切智智，一切如來一切智智，能生諸佛設利羅故。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "So it is! So it is! It is as you have said. Kauśika! The merit accumulation that these good men and good women obtain from the profound Prajñāpāramitā is boundless and limitless, inconceivable and incalculable, beyond the reach of numbers and analogies. Why is this so? Kauśika! The profound Prajñāpāramitā can give birth to the Tathāgatas' all-knowing wisdom, and the all-knowing wisdom of all Tathāgatas can give birth to the Buddhas' relics."

「以是故，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等，能於般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣，以清淨心恭敬信解，為求無上正等菩提，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，廣為有情宣說開示，以增上慧審諦觀察。為令正法久住世故，為令佛眼無斷壞故，為令正法不隱沒故，攝受菩薩令增長故，為令世間清淨法眼無斷壞故，書寫如是甚深般若波羅蜜多眾寶嚴飾，復持種種上妙華鬘、塗散等香、衣服、瓔珞、寶幢、幡蓋、眾妙、珍奇、伎樂、燈明，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。是善男子、善女人等，所獲功德於前所造諸窣堵波及供養福，百倍為勝，千倍為勝，乃至鄔波尼殺曇倍亦復為勝。」

"Therefore, Kauśika! If good men and good women are able to reverently understand and believe in the profound meaning of Prajñāpāramitā with pure minds, and in order to seek supreme perfect enlightenment, wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, extensively proclaim and reveal it to sentient beings, and examine it carefully with superior wisdom—in order to cause the true Dharma to abide in the world for a long time, to prevent the Buddha's eye from being severed, to prevent the true Dharma from disappearing, to embrace bodhisattvas and cause them to increase, and to prevent the world's pure Dharma-eye from being severed—copy this profound Prajñāpāramitā with jeweled adornments, and further hold various supreme flower garlands, anointing and scattering incenses, clothing, jewelry, jeweled banners, flags and canopies, all manner of wonderful treasures, music, and lamps as offerings, showing reverence, honor, and praise. The merit that these good men and good women obtain surpasses the merit of all the previously mentioned stūpa construction and offerings by a hundred times, a thousand times, even up to upanishad times and more."

爾時，會中四萬天子，同聲共白天帝釋言：「大仙！於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，應當聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，及廣為他分別解說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。所以者何？若能於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，及廣為他分別解說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，則令一切惡法損減、善法增益。」

At that time, forty thousand divine sons in the assembly spoke with one voice to Śakra, saying: "Great Sage! You should listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, extensively explain and analyze for others, and make offerings with reverence, honor, and praise to this profound Prajñāpāramitā. Why is this so? If one can wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, extensively explain and analyze for others, and make offerings with reverence, honor, and praise to this profound Prajñāpāramitā, it will cause all evil dharmas to diminish and wholesome dharmas to increase."

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「汝應於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，及廣為他分別解說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。所以者何？若阿素洛及惡朋黨起如是念：『我等當與三十三天共興戰諍。』爾時，汝等諸天眷屬，應各至誠誦念如是甚深般若波羅蜜多，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。時，阿素洛及彼朋黨所起惡心即皆息滅。」

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "You should wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, extensively explain and analyze for others, and make offerings with reverence, honor, and praise to this profound Prajñāpāramitā. Why is this so? If asuras and their evil allies have such thoughts as 'We should wage war with the Thirty-three Heavens,' at that time, you and all your celestial retinues should each sincerely recite and contemplate this profound Prajñāpāramitā, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise. Then the evil thoughts arising in the asuras and their allies will all be pacified and extinguished."

時，天帝釋即白佛言：「甚深般若波羅蜜多是大神呪，是大明呪，是無上呪，是無等等呪，是一切呪王，最尊最勝、最上最妙，能伏一切，不為一切之所降伏。所以者何？甚深般若波羅蜜多能滅一切惡不善法，能滿一切殊勝善法。」

At that time, Śakra immediately addressed the Buddha, saying: "The profound Prajñāpāramitā is the great divine mantra, the great luminous mantra, the supreme mantra, the unequaled mantra, the king of all mantras—most honored and supreme, most exalted and wonderful, able to subdue all things, and not to be subdued by anything. Why is this so? The profound Prajñāpāramitā can extinguish all evil and unwholesome dharmas and can fulfill all excellent wholesome dharmas."

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「如是！如是！如汝所說。何以故？憍尸迦！過去未來現在諸佛，皆依如是甚深般若波羅蜜多大神呪王，證得無上正等菩提，轉妙法輪度有情眾。我亦依此甚深般若波羅蜜多大神呪王，證得無上正等菩提，為諸天、人說無上法。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "So it is! So it is! It is as you have said. Why is this so? Kauśika! All Buddhas of the past, future, and present have all relied on this profound Prajñāpāramitā, the great divine king of mantras, to realize supreme perfect enlightenment and turn the wonderful Dharma wheel to liberate sentient beings. I too have relied on this profound Prajñāpāramitā, the great divine king of mantras, to realize supreme perfect enlightenment and teach the supreme Dharma to gods and humans."

「憍尸迦！依深般若波羅蜜多大神呪王，世間便有覺支相應十善業道、若四靜慮、若四無量、若四無色定、若三十七菩提分法、若六神通、若餘無量無邊佛法。憍尸迦！以要言之，八萬四千諸善法蘊，無不皆依甚深般若波羅蜜多大神呪王出現於世。憍尸迦！一切佛智、自然起智、不思議智，皆依般若波羅蜜多大神呪王出現於世。憍尸迦！依深般若波羅蜜多大神呪王，世間便有菩薩出現；依菩薩故，世間便有覺支相應十善業道、若四靜慮、若四無量、若四無色定、若三十七菩提分法、若六神通、若餘無量無邊佛法皆得出現。若諸如來、應、正等覺不出世時，唯有菩薩由先所聞甚深般若波羅蜜多等流勢力，成就殊勝方便善巧，哀愍世間諸有情故，施設建立覺支相應十善業道、若四靜慮、若四無量、若四無色定、若三十七菩提分法、若六神通、若餘無量無邊佛法。憍尸迦！譬如夜分因滿月輪光明照觸，星宿、藥等隨其勢力皆得增盛。如是如來、應、正等覺，前已滅度，正法隱沒，後未出時，世間所有法行、妙行，一切皆依菩薩出現。菩薩所有方便善巧，皆依般若波羅蜜多而得成辦。是故般若波羅蜜多是諸殊勝善法根本。

"Kauśika! Depending on the profound Prajñāpāramitā, the great divine king of mantras, there appear in the world the ten wholesome courses of action corresponding to the factors of enlightenment, the four meditative absorptions, the four immeasurables, the four formless absorptions, the thirty-seven factors of enlightenment, the six supernatural powers, and countless other limitless Buddha-dharmas. Kauśika! In summary, all of the eighty-four thousand collections of wholesome dharmas appear in the world without exception depending on the profound Prajñāpāramitā, the great divine king of mantras. Kauśika! All Buddha-wisdom, naturally arising wisdom, and inconceivable wisdom all appear in the world depending on the Prajñāpāramitā, the great divine king of mantras. Kauśika! Depending on the profound Prajñāpāramitā, the great divine king of mantras, bodhisattvas appear in the world; depending on bodhisattvas, the ten wholesome courses of action corresponding to the factors of enlightenment, the four meditative absorptions, the four immeasurables, the four formless absorptions, the thirty-seven factors of enlightenment, the six supernatural powers, and countless other limitless Buddha-dharmas all appear in the world. When the Tathāgatas, Arhats, and Perfectly Enlightened Ones do not appear in the world, only bodhisattvas, through the continuing power of the profound Prajñāpāramitā they have previously heard, accomplish supreme skillful means, and out of compassion for the sentient beings of the world, establish and institute the ten wholesome courses of action corresponding to the factors of enlightenment, the four meditative absorptions, the four immeasurables, the four formless absorptions, the thirty-seven factors of enlightenment, the six supernatural powers, and countless other limitless Buddha-dharmas. Kauśika! It is like during the night when the light of the full moon shines forth—the constellations, medicinal herbs, and so forth all flourish according to their capacities. Similarly, when the Tathāgatas, Arhats, and Perfectly Enlightened Ones have already passed into extinction, the true Dharma has disappeared, and the later ones have not yet appeared, all the Dharma practices and sublime practices in the world depend entirely on bodhisattvas for their appearance. All the skillful means of bodhisattvas are accomplished through dependence on Prajñāpāramitā. Therefore, Prajñāpāramitā is the root of all supreme wholesome dharmas.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，當得成就現在、未來世、出世間功德勝利。」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate the profound Prajñāpāramitā, they will achieve present life, future life, and transcendent merit and excellent benefits."

時，天帝釋便白佛言：「是善男子、善女人等，云何成就現在未來世、出世間功德勝利？」

At that time, Śakra addressed the Buddha, saying: "How do these good men and good women achieve present life, future life, and transcendent merit and excellent benefits?"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「是善男子、善女人等，現在不為一切毒藥、厭禱、呪術之所傷害，火不能燒，水不能溺，諸刀杖等亦不能害，乃至不為四百四病之所殀歿，唯除先世定業異熟現世應受。憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等若遭官事、怨賊逼迫，至心誦念甚深般若波羅蜜多，若至其所終不為彼譴罰加害，欲求其短皆不能得。何以故？憍尸迦！甚深般若波羅蜜多威神勢力法令爾故。憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等，若有欲至國王、王子、大臣等處，至心誦念甚深般若波羅蜜多，定為王等歡喜問訊、供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。何以故？憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等所誦般若波羅蜜多，常於有情引發種種慈悲事故，由此因緣，曠野、險難、人非人等，諸求短者皆不得便。憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等，當得成就諸如是等所有現在功德勝利。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "These good men and good women will not be harmed by any poisons, curses, or magical arts in the present; fire cannot burn them, water cannot drown them, various weapons cannot harm them, and they will not die from the four hundred and four diseases—except for the maturation of fixed karma from past lives that must be experienced in this life. Kauśika! If these good men and good women encounter legal troubles or are threatened by enemies and bandits, and wholeheartedly recite and contemplate the profound Prajñāpāramitā, when they go before such people, they will never be punished or harmed by them, and those who seek to find fault with them will be unable to do so. Why is this so? Kauśika! The spiritual power of the profound Prajñāpāramitā naturally brings this about. Kauśika! If these good men and good women wish to go before kings, princes, ministers, and others, and wholeheartedly recite and contemplate the profound Prajñāpāramitā, they will certainly be received by such rulers with joy and inquiry, and be honored with offerings, reverence, and praise. Why is this so? Kauśika! The Prajñāpāramitā that these good men and good women recite constantly inspires various acts of loving-kindness and compassion toward sentient beings. Due to these causes and conditions, those who seek to harm them in wilderness, dangerous places, among humans and non-humans, and so forth, cannot find opportunity. Kauśika! These good men and good women will achieve all such present-life merit and excellent benefits.

「憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等隨所生處，常不遠離諸勝善法，不墮惡趣，饒益有情，漸能證得一切智智。憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等，當得成就諸如是等所有未來功德勝利。」

"Kauśika! Wherever these good men and good women are born, they will constantly not be far from supreme wholesome dharmas, will not fall into evil destinies, will benefit sentient beings, and will gradually be able to realize all-knowing wisdom. Kauśika! These good men and good women will achieve all such future merit and excellent benefits."

爾時，眾多外道梵志，欲求佛過來詣佛所。時，天帝釋見已，念言：「今此眾多外道梵志，來趣法會伺求佛短，將非般若留難事耶？我當誦念從佛所受甚深般若波羅蜜多，令彼邪徒復道而去。」念已便誦甚深般若波羅蜜多。於是眾多外道梵志遙申敬禮、右遶世尊復道而去。

At that time, many heterodox brahmins came to the Buddha's presence seeking to find fault with the Buddha. When Śakra saw this, he thought: "These many heterodox brahmins have come to the Dharma assembly to spy and seek the Buddha's shortcomings. Could this create obstacles for Prajñā? I should recite and contemplate the profound Prajñāpāramitā I received from the Buddha to make these heretical followers return by the way they came." Having thought this, he recited the profound Prajñāpāramitā. Thereupon, the many heterodox brahmins paid reverence from afar, circumambulated the World-Honored One to the right, and departed by the way they had come.

時，舍利子見已念言：「彼有何緣適來還去？」

When Śāriputra saw this, he thought: "For what reason did they just come and then leave again?"

佛知其意，告舍利子：「彼諸外道來求我失，由天帝釋誦念般若波羅蜜多令彼還去。舍利子！我都不見彼諸外道有少白法，唯懷惡心為求我過來至我所。舍利子！我都不見一切世間有諸天魔及外道等，有情之類說般若時懷勃惡心來求得便，般若威力無能壞故。」

The Buddha, knowing his thoughts, told Śāriputra: "Those heterodox practitioners came seeking my faults, but because Śakra recited and contemplated Prajñāpāramitā, they returned. Śāriputra! I do not see even the slightest wholesome dharma in those heterodox practitioners—they came to my presence with only evil intentions, seeking my faults. Śāriputra! I do not see any gods, māras, heterodox practitioners, or other sentient beings in all the worlds who could come with violent evil intentions seeking opportunity when Prajñā is being taught, because the power of Prajñā cannot be destroyed."

爾時，惡魔竊作是念：「今佛四眾前後圍遶，欲、色界天皆來集會，宣說般若波羅蜜多。此中必有諸大菩薩，親於佛前受菩提記，當得無上正等菩提，轉妙法輪空我境界。我當往至破壞其眼。」作是念已，化作四軍，奮威勇銳來詣佛所。

At that time, the evil māra secretly thought: "Now the Buddha is surrounded by the four assemblies, gods of the desire and form realms have all come to gather, and Prajñāpāramitā is being taught. Among them there must be great bodhisattvas who will personally receive prophecies of enlightenment before the Buddha, who will attain supreme perfect enlightenment and turn the wonderful Dharma wheel, emptying my domain. I should go and destroy their vision." Having thought this, he manifested four armies, fierce and bold in their might, and came to the Buddha's presence.

時，天帝釋見已念言：「將非惡魔化作斯事，欲來惱佛并與般若波羅蜜多而作留難。何以故？如是四軍嚴飾殊麗，諸王軍眾皆不能及，定是惡魔之所化作。惡魔長夜伺求佛短，壞諸有情所修勝事，我當誦念從佛所受甚深般若波羅蜜多，令彼惡魔復道而去。」

When Śakra saw this, he thought: "Could this be the evil māra manifesting such things, wanting to come and trouble the Buddha and create obstacles for Prajñāpāramitā? Why do I think this? These four armies are so magnificently adorned that no royal armies can match them—this must be the evil māra's creation. The evil māra constantly seeks the Buddha's faults through the long night and destroys the excellent practices of sentient beings. I should recite and contemplate the profound Prajñāpāramitā I received from the Buddha to make this evil māra return by the way he came."

時，天帝釋念已，便誦甚深般若波羅蜜多，於是惡魔漸退而去，甚深般若波羅蜜多大神呪王威力逼故。

After Śakra had this thought, he recited the profound Prajñāpāramitā, and thereupon the evil māra gradually retreated and departed, being overpowered by the 威力 of the profound Prajñāpāramitā, the great divine king of mantras.

時，有無量三十三天俱時化作天妙音華，踊身空中而散佛上，合掌恭敬同白佛言：「願此般若波羅蜜多在贍部洲人中久住，乃至般若波羅蜜多在贍部洲人間流布。當知是處佛、法、僧寶常不滅沒，饒益世間令獲殊勝利益安樂。」

At that time, countless gods of the Thirty-three Heavens simultaneously manifested heavenly wonderful melodious flowers, leaping into the sky and scattering them over the Buddha. With palms joined in reverence, they together addressed the Buddha, saying: "May this Prajñāpāramitā abide long among the people of Jambudvīpa, and may Prajñāpāramitā be propagated among the people of Jambudvīpa. It should be known that wherever this is present, the Triple Jewel of Buddha, Dharma, and Saṅgha will never be extinguished, benefiting the world and causing it to obtain supreme benefit and happiness."

時，彼諸天復各化作天妙音華而散佛上，重白佛言：「若諸有情修行般若波羅蜜多，一切惡魔及彼眷屬伺求其短不能得便。」

At that time, those gods again each manifested heavenly wonderful melodious flowers and scattered them over the Buddha, again addressing the Buddha, saying: "If sentient beings practice Prajñāpāramitā, all evil māras and their retinues who spy and seek their faults will be unable to find opportunity."

時，天帝釋便白佛言：「若諸有情但聞般若波羅蜜多功德名字，當知如是諸有情類，已曾供養無量諸佛，於諸佛所發弘誓願，多集善根能成是事，非從少小善根中來，況能聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布、供養恭敬、尊重讚歎！當知如是諸有情類，功德智慧不可思議。所以者何？欲求諸佛一切智智，應於般若波羅蜜多理趣中求，如有情類欲求大寶，應於大海方便勤求，如是欲求一切智智，應於般若波羅蜜多理趣中求。」

At that time, Śakra addressed the Buddha, saying: "If sentient beings merely hear the name of Prajñāpāramitā's merits, it should be known that such sentient beings have already made offerings to countless Buddhas, have made great vows before the Buddhas, and have accumulated many wholesome roots to accomplish this—this does not come from small or few wholesome roots. How much more so for those who can listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, widely propagate, make offerings to, revere, honor, and praise it! It should be known that such sentient beings possess inconceivable merit and wisdom. Why is this so? Those who wish to seek the all-knowing wisdom of all Buddhas should seek it within the principles of Prajñāpāramitā. Just as sentient beings who wish to seek great treasures should skillfully and diligently seek them in the great ocean, so too those who wish to seek all-knowing wisdom should seek it within the principles of Prajñāpāramitā."

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「如是！如是！如汝所說。諸佛所得一切智智，皆依般若波羅蜜多而得成辦。是故般若波羅蜜多，是諸佛法最勝根本。」

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "So it is! So it is! It is as you have said. The all-knowing wisdom attained by all Buddhas is accomplished entirely through dependence on Prajñāpāramitā. Therefore, Prajñāpāramitā is the supreme root of all Buddha-dharmas."

爾時，慶喜便白佛言：「世尊！何緣不讚布施、淨戒、安忍、精進、靜慮、波羅蜜多及餘功德，唯讚般若波羅蜜多？」

At that time, Ānanda addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honored One! For what reason do you not praise generosity, pure conduct, patience, vigor, meditation pāramitās and other merits, but praise only Prajñāpāramitā?"

佛告慶喜：「由此般若波羅蜜多能與前五波羅蜜多及餘功德為尊為導，故我偏讚。

The Buddha told Ānanda: "Because this Prajñāpāramitā can serve as the honored guide for the first five pāramitās and other merits, I praise it especially.

「復次，慶喜！於意云何？若不迴向一切智智，而修布施乃至般若，此可名為真修布施乃至般若波羅蜜多不？」

"Furthermore, Ānanda! What do you think? If one practices generosity up to wisdom without dedicating the merit toward all-knowing wisdom, can this be called truly practicing generosity up to the pāramitā of wisdom?"

慶喜對曰：「不也！世尊！要由迴向一切智智，而修布施乃至般若，乃可名為真修布施乃至般若波羅蜜多。」

Ānanda replied: "No, World-Honored One! Only by dedicating the merit toward all-knowing wisdom while practicing generosity up to wisdom can it be called truly practicing generosity up to the pāramitā of wisdom."

佛告慶喜：「於意云何？若不迴向一切智智，而修布施乃至般若，如是所修得名布施等波羅蜜多不？」

The Buddha told Ānanda: "What do you think? If one practices generosity up to wisdom without dedicating the merit toward all-knowing wisdom, can such practice be called the pāramitās of generosity and so forth?"

慶喜對曰：「不也！世尊！要由迴向一切智智，而修布施乃至般若，如是所修乃得布施等波羅蜜多名。」

Ānanda replied: "No, World-Honored One! Only by dedicating the merit toward all-knowing wisdom while practicing generosity up to wisdom can such practice receive the name of the pāramitās of generosity and so forth."

佛告慶喜：「於意云何？若不迴向一切智智，而修善根，如是善根得究竟不？」

The Buddha told Ānanda: "What do you think? If one cultivates wholesome roots without dedicating them toward all-knowing wisdom, do such wholesome roots reach completion?"

慶喜對曰：「不也！世尊！要由迴向一切智智，而修善根，如是善根乃得究竟。」

Ānanda replied: "No, World-Honored One! Only by dedicating toward all-knowing wisdom while cultivating wholesome roots do such wholesome roots reach completion."

佛告慶喜：「於意云何？若離般若波羅蜜多為能真迴向一切智智不？」

The Buddha told Ānanda: "What do you think? Can one truly dedicate merit toward all-knowing wisdom apart from Prajñāpāramitā?"

慶喜對曰：「不也！世尊！要有般若波羅蜜多乃真迴向一切智智。」

Ānanda replied: "No, World-Honored One! Only with Prajñāpāramitā can one truly dedicate merit toward all-knowing wisdom."

佛告慶喜：「於意云何？甚深般若波羅蜜多威神功德可思議不？」

The Buddha told Ānanda: "What do you think? Are the spiritual power and merit of the profound Prajñāpāramitā conceivable?"

慶喜對曰：「不也！世尊！甚深般若波羅蜜多威神功德不可思議，諸餘善根皆不能及。」

Ānanda replied: "No, World-Honored One! The spiritual power and merit of the profound Prajñāpāramitā are inconceivable—all other wholesome roots cannot match them."

佛告慶喜：「由此因緣，我說般若波羅蜜多能與前五波羅蜜多及餘功德為尊為導，能令前五波羅蜜多及餘功德究竟圓滿，故我偏讚。若讚般若波羅蜜多，亦讚前五波羅蜜多及餘功德。」

The Buddha told Ānanda: "For this reason, I say that Prajñāpāramitā can serve as the honored guide for the first five pāramitās and other merits, enabling the first five pāramitās and other merits to reach ultimate perfection, therefore I praise it especially. When I praise Prajñāpāramitā, I also praise the first five pāramitās and other merits."

爾時，慶喜復白佛言：「云何迴向一切智智，而修布施乃至般若波羅蜜多及餘功德？」

At that time, Ānanda again addressed the Buddha, saying: "How does one dedicate merit toward all-knowing wisdom while practicing generosity up to the pāramitā of wisdom and other merits?"

佛告慶喜：「以無二為方便、無生為方便、無所得為方便，迴向一切智智，應修布施乃至般若波羅蜜多及餘功德。」

The Buddha told Ānanda: "Using non-duality as skillful means, non-arising as skillful means, and non-attainment as skillful means, one should dedicate merit toward all-knowing wisdom while practicing generosity up to the pāramitā of wisdom and other merits."

具壽慶喜復白佛言：「以何無二為方便、無生為方便、無所得為方便，迴向一切智智，應修布施乃至般若波羅蜜多及餘功德？」

The Venerable Ānanda again addressed the Buddha, saying: "Using what kind of non-duality as skillful means, non-arising as skillful means, and non-attainment as skillful means should one dedicate merit toward all-knowing wisdom while practicing generosity up to the pāramitā of wisdom and other merits?"

佛告慶喜：「以色乃至識無二為方便、無生為方便、無所得為方便，迴向一切智智，應修布施乃至般若波羅蜜多及餘功德。以色等法皆性空故，色等性空與布施等皆無二故。慶喜當知！由深般若波羅蜜多，乃能迴向一切智智，由能迴向一切智智，令布施等無邊功德究竟圓滿。是故般若波羅蜜多，與布施等一切功德為尊為導。

The Buddha told Ānanda: "Using form up to consciousness as non-dual skillful means, non-arising skillful means, and non-attainment skillful means, one should dedicate merit toward all-knowing wisdom while practicing generosity up to the pāramitā of wisdom and other merits. Because dharmas such as form are all empty in nature, the emptiness of form and so forth and generosity and so forth are non-dual. Ānanda, you should know! Only through the profound Prajñāpāramitā can one dedicate merit toward all-knowing wisdom. By being able to dedicate merit toward all-knowing wisdom, generosity and other limitless merits reach ultimate perfection. Therefore, Prajñāpāramitā serves as the honored guide for generosity and all other merits.

「慶喜當知！譬如大地以種散中，眾緣和合便得生長，應知大地與種生長為所依止、為能建立。如是般若波羅蜜多及所迴向一切智智，與布施等一切功德為所依止、為能建立，令得生長故，說般若波羅蜜多與布施等一切功德為尊為導故，我偏讚甚深般若波羅蜜多非餘功德，若讚般若即讚餘故。」

"Ānanda, you should know! It is like the great earth—when seeds are scattered in it and various conditions come together, they are able to grow. You should understand that the great earth serves as the foundation and establishment for the growth of seeds. Similarly, Prajñāpāramitā and the dedication of merit toward all-knowing wisdom serve as the foundation and establishment for generosity and all other merits, enabling them to grow. Therefore, it is said that Prajñāpāramitā serves as the honored guide for generosity and all other merits. This is why I especially praise the profound Prajñāpāramitā rather than other merits—when I praise Prajñāpāramitā, I thereby praise the others as well."

時，天帝釋便白佛言：「今者如來、應、正等覺，於深般若波羅蜜多功德勝利說猶未盡。何以故？我從世尊所受般若波羅蜜多功德勝利，甚深、甚廣、量無邊際。諸善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，復持種種上妙華鬘乃至燈明而為供養，所獲功德亦無邊際。」

At that time, Śakra addressed the Buddha, saying: "Now the Tathāgata, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One has still not finished speaking about the merits and excellent benefits of the profound Prajñāpāramitā. Why is this so? The merits and excellent benefits of Prajñāpāramitā that I have received from the World-Honored One are extremely profound, extremely vast, and measurelessly limitless. The merits that good men and good women obtain by wholeheartedly listening to, upholding, reciting, diligently studying, contemplating according to reason, copying, explaining, and widely propagating the profound Prajñāpāramitā, and further making offerings with various supreme flower garlands up to lamps and lights, are also limitless."

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「善哉！善哉！如汝所說。憍尸迦！我不說此甚深般若波羅蜜多但有前說功德勝利。何以故？憍尸迦！甚深般若波羅蜜多，具足無邊功德勝利，分別演說不可盡故。憍尸迦！我亦不說：於深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，復持種種上妙華鬘乃至燈明而為供養。諸善男子、善女人等但有前說功德勝利。何以故？憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，以清淨心恭敬信受，為求無上正等菩提，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，廣為有情宣說、開示，以增上慧審諦觀察。欲令正法久住世故，欲令佛眼無斷壞故，欲令正法不隱沒故，攝受菩薩令增長故，欲令世間清淨法眼無缺減故，書寫如是甚深般若波羅蜜多眾寶嚴飾，復持種種上妙華鬘乃至燈明供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。我說獲得現在未來無量無邊功德勝利。」

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "Excellent! Excellent! It is as you have said. Kauśika! I do not say that this profound Prajñāpāramitā has only the previously mentioned merits and excellent benefits. Why is this so? Kauśika! The profound Prajñāpāramitā possesses limitless merits and excellent benefits that cannot be exhaustively explained through detailed exposition. Kauśika! I also do not say that good men and good women who wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate the profound Prajñāpāramitā, and further make offerings with various supreme flower garlands up to lamps and lights, have only the previously mentioned merits and excellent benefits. Why is this so? Kauśika! If good men and good women, with pure minds, reverently believe in and accept the profound Prajñāpāramitā, and in order to seek supreme perfect enlightenment, wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, extensively proclaim and reveal it to sentient beings, and examine it carefully with superior wisdom—wishing to cause the true Dharma to abide in the world for a long time, wishing to prevent the Buddha's eye from being severed, wishing to prevent the true Dharma from disappearing, embracing bodhisattvas to cause them to increase, wishing to prevent the world's pure Dharma-eye from diminishing—copy this profound Prajñāpāramitā with jeweled adornments, and further hold various supreme flower garlands up to lamps and lights as offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, I say they obtain boundless and limitless merits and excellent benefits in the present and future."

時，天帝釋即白佛言：「我等諸天常隨守護是善男子、善女人等，不令一切人非人等種種惡緣之所損害。」

At that time, Śakra immediately addressed the Buddha, saying: "We gods constantly follow and protect these good men and good women, not allowing them to be harmed by all kinds of evil conditions from humans, non-humans, and others."

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「若善男子、善女人等，受持、讀誦甚深般若波羅蜜多，及廣為他宣說、開示。時，有無量百千天子，為聽法故皆來集會，歡喜踊躍，敬受如是甚深般若波羅蜜多。是諸天子以天威力，令說法師增益辯才宣揚無盡，不樂說者令其樂說，身心疲極令得康強。憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等，受持、讀誦甚深般若波羅蜜多，及廣為他宣說、開示，得如是等現在利益。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "When good men and good women uphold and recite the profound Prajñāpāramitā and extensively proclaim and reveal it to others, countless hundreds of thousands of divine sons all come to gather in order to hear the Dharma, joyfully and exuberantly receiving this profound Prajñāpāramitā with reverence. These divine sons, with their celestial power, cause the Dharma teachers to increase their eloquence and proclaim inexhaustibly, cause those who do not delight in speaking to delight in speaking, and cause those whose bodies and minds are extremely weary to become healthy and strong. Kauśika! These good men and good women who uphold and recite the profound Prajñāpāramitā and extensively proclaim and reveal it to others obtain such present benefits."

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等，於四眾中宣說如是甚深般若波羅蜜多心無怯怖，不為一切論難所伏。所以者何？彼由如是甚深般若波羅蜜多大神呪王所護持故，甚深般若波羅蜜多祕密藏中具廣分別一切法故。是善男子、善女人等善住法空，都不見有能難、所難及所說故，亦不見有於深般若波羅蜜多能求短故，亦復不見甚深般若波羅蜜多有過失故，是故不為一切異學論難所屈。憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等，為眾宣說甚深般若波羅蜜多，得如是等現世利益。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women proclaim this profound Prajñāpāramitā among the four assemblies with fearless hearts, they will not be defeated by any arguments or challenges. Why is this so? Because they are protected by this profound Prajñāpāramitā, the great divine king of mantras, and because within the secret treasury of the profound Prajñāpāramitā, all dharmas are extensively and distinctly analyzed. These good men and good women abide well in the emptiness of dharmas—they do not see any challenger, anything to be challenged, or anything being taught; they also do not see anything that can find fault with the profound Prajñāpāramitā; they also do not see any flaws in the profound Prajñāpāramitā. Therefore, they cannot be subdued by the arguments and challenges of any heterodox schools. Kauśika! These good men and good women who proclaim the profound Prajñāpāramitā to the assembly obtain such present-world benefits.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布。是善男子、善女人等心不沈沒亦不憂悔、不恐不怖。所以者何？是善男子、善女人等，不見有法可令沈沒、憂悔、恐怖，於諸法中無所執著。憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等，由於般若波羅蜜多至心聽聞乃至流布，得如是等現世利益。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate the profound Prajñāpāramitā, their minds will neither sink nor despair, will not fear or be frightened. Why is this so? These good men and good women do not see any dharma that could cause sinking, despair, fear, or fright, and they have no attachment to any dharmas. Kauśika! These good men and good women, through wholeheartedly listening to Prajñāpāramitā up to propagating it, obtain such present-world benefits.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等，能於般若波羅蜜多至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，復持種種上妙華鬘乃至燈明而為供養。是善男子、善女人等恒為父母、師長、親友、國王、大臣及諸沙門、婆羅門等之所敬愛，亦為十方諸佛、菩薩、聲聞、獨覺之所護念，復為世間諸天、魔、梵、人及非人之所守衛，一切災橫皆自消滅，外道異論皆不能伏。憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等，由於般若波羅蜜多至心聽聞乃至供養，得如是等現在利益。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women are able to wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, copy, explain, and widely propagate Prajñāpāramitā, and further make offerings with various supreme flower garlands up to lamps and lights, these good men and good women will constantly be loved and respected by parents, teachers, elders, relatives, friends, kings, ministers, śramaṇas, brahmins, and others. They will also be protected and mindful by all Buddhas, bodhisattvas, śrāvakas, and pratyekabuddhas of the ten directions. They will further be guarded by the gods, māras, brahmās, humans, and non-humans of the world. All disasters and calamities will naturally be eliminated, and heterodox arguments will be unable to defeat them. Kauśika! These good men and good women, through wholeheartedly listening to Prajñāpāramitā up to making offerings to it, obtain such present benefits.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等，書寫如是甚深般若波羅蜜多，種種莊嚴置清淨處，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。時，此三千大千國土及餘十方無邊世界，所有四大王眾天乃至廣果天，已發無上菩提心者，常來此處觀禮、讀誦甚深般若波羅蜜多，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎、右遶禮拜、合掌而去。諸淨居天亦常來此觀禮、讀誦甚深般若波羅蜜多，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎、右遶禮拜、合掌而去。有大威德諸龍、藥叉，廣說乃至人非人等亦常來此觀禮、讀誦甚深般若波羅蜜多，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，右遶禮拜合掌而去。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women copy this profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it in various ways, place it in a pure location, and make offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, then from this great trichiliocosm and the limitless worlds of the remaining ten directions, all gods from the Four Great Kings' Heaven up to the Abundant Fruit Heaven who have generated the supreme bodhi-mind will constantly come to this place to observe, pay respects to, and recite the profound Prajñāpāramitā, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, circumambulating to the right, bowing, joining palms, and departing. The Pure Abode gods will also constantly come here to observe, pay respects to, and recite the profound Prajñāpāramitā, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, circumambulating to the right, bowing, joining palms, and departing. Mighty dragons, yakṣas, and extensively speaking, humans, non-humans, and others will also constantly come here to observe, pay respects to, and recite the profound Prajñāpāramitā, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, circumambulating to the right, bowing, joining palms, and departing.

「憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等應作是念：『今此三千大千國土及餘十方無邊世界，一切天、龍廣說乃至人非人等，常來至此觀禮、讀誦我所書寫甚深般若波羅蜜多，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，右遶禮拜合掌而去。此我則為已設法施。』作是念已，歡喜踊躍，令所獲福倍復增長。憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等由無邊界天、龍、藥叉、阿素洛等常隨擁護所住之處，人非人等不能損害，唯除宿世定惡業因現在應熟，或轉重惡現世輕受。

"Kauśika! These good men and good women should think thus: 'Now from this great trichiliocosm and the limitless worlds of the remaining ten directions, all gods, dragons, and extensively speaking, humans, non-humans, and others constantly come here to observe, pay respects to, and recite the profound Prajñāpāramitā that I have copied, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, circumambulating to the right, bowing, joining palms, and departing. I have thereby already established the gift of Dharma.' Having thought this, they will be joyful and exuberant, causing their accumulated merit to multiply and increase. Kauśika! These good men and good women, because gods, dragons, yakṣas, asuras, and others from limitless realms constantly follow and protect their dwelling places, cannot be harmed by humans, non-humans, and others—except for the maturation of fixed evil karmic causes from past lives that should ripen in the present, or the transformation of heavy evil karma to be lightly experienced in this life."

「憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等，由深般若波羅蜜多大威神力，獲如是等現世種種功德勝利。」

"Kauśika! These good men and good women, through the great spiritual power of the profound Prajñāpāramitā, obtain such various present-world merits and excellent benefits."

時，天帝釋便白佛言：「是善男子、善女人等，以何驗知有此三千大千國土及餘十方無邊世界天、龍、藥叉、阿素洛等，來至其處觀禮、讀誦彼所書持甚深般若波羅蜜多，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，合掌右遶歡喜護念？」

At that time, Śakra addressed the Buddha, saying: "How can these good men and good women verify that gods, dragons, yakṣas, asuras, and others from this great trichiliocosm and the limitless worlds of the remaining ten directions come to their place to observe, pay respects to, and recite the profound Prajñāpāramitā they have copied, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, joining palms, circumambulating to the right, and joyfully protecting and being mindful of them?"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「是善男子、善女人等，若見如是甚深般若波羅蜜多所在之處，有妙光明，或聞其處異香氛郁，或復聞有微細樂音。當知爾時，有大神力威德熾盛諸天、龍等，來至其處觀禮、讀誦彼所書持甚深般若波羅蜜多，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，合掌右遶歡喜護念。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra: "If these good men and good women see wonderful light where this profound Prajñāpāramitā is located, or hear unusual fragrant aromas in that place, or hear subtle musical sounds, they should know that at that time, gods, dragons, and others with great spiritual power and blazing 威德 have come to that place to observe, pay respects to, and recite the profound Prajñāpāramitā they have copied, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, joining palms, circumambulating to the right, and joyfully protecting and being mindful of them.

「復次，憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等修鮮淨行嚴麗其處，至心供養甚深般若波羅蜜多。當知爾時，有大神力威德熾盛諸天、龍等，來至其處觀禮、讀誦彼所書持甚深般若波羅蜜多，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，合掌右遶歡喜護念。憍尸迦！隨有如是具大神力威德熾盛諸天、龍等，來至其處，此中所有惡鬼邪神驚怖、退散、無敢住者。由此因緣，是善男子、善女人等心便廣大起淨勝解，所修善業倍復增明，諸有所為皆無障礙。以是故，憍尸迦！甚深般若波羅蜜多隨所在處，應當周匝除去糞穢，掃拭塗治香水散灑，敷設寶座而安置之，燒香散華張施幰蓋，寶幢、幡鐸間飾其中，眾妙、珍奇、金銀、寶器、衣服、瓔珞、伎樂、燈明、種種雜綵莊嚴其處。若能如是供養般若波羅蜜多，便有無量具大神力威德熾盛諸天、龍等，來至其處觀禮、讀誦彼所書持甚深般若波羅蜜多，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，合掌右遶歡喜護念。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! When these good men and good women cultivate pure and fresh practices, beautify their place, and wholeheartedly make offerings to the profound Prajñāpāramitā, they should know that at that time, gods, dragons, and others with great spiritual power and blazing 威德 come to that place to observe, pay respects to, and recite the profound Prajñāpāramitā they have copied, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, joining palms, circumambulating to the right, and joyfully protecting and being mindful of them. Kauśika! Wherever such gods, dragons, and others with great spiritual power and blazing 威德 come, all evil spirits and malevolent deities in that place will be frightened, retreat, and scatter, not daring to remain. Due to these causes and conditions, these good men and good women will have expansive minds and generate pure supreme understanding, their cultivated wholesome actions will multiply in brightness, and whatever they undertake will be without obstacles. Therefore, Kauśika! Wherever the profound Prajñāpāramitā is located, one should thoroughly remove filth from all around, sweep, wash, apply fragrant water and scatter it, spread jeweled seats to place it upon, burn incense, scatter flowers, and set up canopies, adorning the space with jeweled banners, flags, bells, all manner of wonderful treasures, gold and silver precious vessels, clothing, jewelry, music, lamps, and various colorful decorations. If one can make offerings to Prajñāpāramitā in this way, countless gods, dragons, and others with great spiritual power and blazing 威德 will come to that place to observe, pay respects to, and recite the profound Prajñāpāramitā they have copied, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, joining palms, circumambulating to the right, and joyfully protecting and being mindful of them.

「復次，憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等若能如是供養恭敬、尊重讚歎甚深般若波羅蜜多，決定當得身心無倦、身心安樂、身心調柔、身心輕利。繫心般若波羅蜜多，夜寢息時無諸惡夢，唯得善夢，謂見如來、應、正等覺身真金色相好莊嚴，放大光明普照一切，聲聞、菩薩前後圍遶，身處眾中聞佛為說布施等六波羅蜜多及餘善根相應法義。或於夢中見菩提樹，其量高廣眾寶莊嚴，有菩薩摩訶薩往詣其下結跏趺坐，證得無上正等菩提，轉妙法輪度有情眾。或於夢中見有無量百千俱胝那庾多數大菩薩眾，論議決擇種種法義。或於夢中見十方界各有無量百千俱胝那庾多佛，亦聞其聲，謂某世界有某如來、應、正等覺，若干百千俱胝那庾多菩薩摩訶薩、聲聞弟子恭敬圍遶，說如是法。或復夢中見十方界各有無量百千俱胝那庾多佛入般涅槃，彼一一佛般涅槃後，各有施主為供養佛設利羅故，以妙七寶各起無量百千俱胝那庾多數大窣堵波。復於一一窣堵波所，各以無量上妙華鬘乃至燈明，經無量劫供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If these good men and good women can make offerings with reverence, honor, and praise to the profound Prajñāpāramitā in this way, they will definitely attain tireless bodies and minds, peaceful and joyful bodies and minds, gentle and soft bodies and minds, and light and agile bodies and minds. Focusing their minds on Prajñāpāramitā, when they sleep at night they will have no evil dreams, only good dreams—seeing Tathāgatas, Arhats, and Perfectly Enlightened Ones with bodies of true golden color adorned with excellent characteristics, radiating great light that illuminates everything, surrounded by śrāvakas and bodhisattvas, finding themselves in the assembly hearing the Buddha teach the six pāramitās of generosity and so forth and other wholesome root dharmas. Or in dreams they see the Bodhi Tree, vast and tall, adorned with precious jewels, with a bodhisattva-mahāsattva going beneath it to sit cross-legged, realizing supreme perfect enlightenment and turning the wonderful Dharma wheel to liberate sentient beings. Or in dreams they see countless hundreds of thousands of koṭis of great bodhisattvas discussing and analyzing various dharma meanings. Or in dreams they see in each of the ten directions countless hundreds of thousands of koṭis of Buddhas, also hearing their voices, namely that in such-and-such world there is such-and-such Tathāgata, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One, surrounded respectfully by so many hundreds of thousands of koṭis of bodhisattva-mahāsattvas and śrāvaka disciples, teaching such dharmas. Or again in dreams they see in each of the ten directions countless hundreds of thousands of koṇis of Buddhas entering parinirvāṇa, and after each Buddha's parinirvāṇa, various donors, in order to make offerings to the Buddha's relics, each erect countless hundreds of thousands of koṭis of great stūpas with the wonderful seven jewels. Moreover, at each stūpa, they make offerings with countless supreme flower garlands up to lamps for countless eons, showing reverence, honor, and praise.

「憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等見如是類諸善夢相，若睡若覺身心安樂，諸天神等益其精氣，令彼自覺身體輕便，由此因緣，不多貪著飲食、醫藥、衣服、臥具，於四供養其心輕微。如瑜伽師入勝妙定，由彼定力滋潤身心，從定出已雖遇美膳而心輕微，此亦如是。何以故？憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等，由此三千大千國土及餘十方無邊世界，一切如來應正等覺、聲聞、菩薩、天、龍、藥叉、阿素洛等，具大神力勝威德者，慈悲護念，以妙精氣冥注身心，令其志勇體充盛故。

"Kauśika! These good men and good women who see such auspicious dream signs will have peaceful and joyful bodies and minds whether sleeping or awake. Gods and spirits will enhance their vital essence, causing them to feel their bodies are light and comfortable. Due to these causes and conditions, they will not be greatly attached to food, medicine, clothing, and bedding—their minds will be light regarding the four requisites. Like a yoga practitioner entering excellent meditation, whose body and mind are nourished by that meditative power, and who, even when encountering fine food after emerging from meditation, has a light mind about it—this is just the same. Why is this so? Kauśika! These good men and good women, due to all the Tathāgatas, Arhats, and Perfectly Enlightened Ones, śrāvakas, bodhisattvas, gods, dragons, yakṣas, asuras, and others with great spiritual power and supreme威德 from this great trichiliocosm and the limitless worlds of the remaining ten directions compassionately protecting and being mindful of them, secretly infuse their bodies and minds with wonderful vital essence, causing their aspirations to be courageous and their bodies to be abundant and flourishing.

「憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等，欲得如是現在種種功德勝利，於深般若波羅蜜多，應常聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，廣為有情宣說開示，復持種種上妙華鬘乃至燈明供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等雖於般若波羅蜜多，不能聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、廣為有情宣說流布，而為正法久住世故，為令佛眼無斷壞故，為令正法不隱沒故，攝受菩薩令增長故，為令世間清淨法眼不滅沒故，書持如是甚深般若波羅蜜多眾寶嚴飾，復持無量上妙華鬘乃至燈明供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，亦得如前所說種種功德勝利。何以故？憍尸迦！是善男子、善女人等，能廣利樂無量無邊諸有情故。

"Kauśika! If good men and good women wish to obtain such various present merits and excellent benefits, they should constantly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, extensively proclaim and reveal to sentient beings, and further hold various supreme flower garlands up to lamps as offerings with reverence, honor, and praise to the profound Prajñāpāramitā. Kauśika! Even if good men and good women are unable to listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, or extensively proclaim and propagate Prajñāpāramitā to sentient beings, but in order to cause the true Dharma to abide in the world for a long time, to prevent the Buddha's eye from being severed, to prevent the true Dharma from disappearing, to embrace bodhisattvas and cause them to increase, and to prevent the world's pure Dharma-eye from being extinguished, they copy and preserve this profound Prajñāpāramitā with jeweled adornments, and further hold countless supreme flower garlands up to lamps as offerings with reverence, honor, and praise, they will also obtain all the various merits and excellent benefits mentioned before. Why is this so? Kauśika! These good men and good women are able to extensively benefit and bring joy to countless, limitless sentient beings.

「以是故，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等欲得種種現在、未來功德勝利，應於般若波羅蜜多以清淨心恭敬信受，為求無上正等菩提，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、廣為有情宣說開示，以增上慧審諦觀察。欲令正法久住世故，欲令佛眼無斷壞故，欲令正法不隱沒故，攝受菩薩令增長故，欲以法義分施有情令充足故，欲令調善諸有情類廣大佛眼無缺減故，書持如是甚深般若波羅蜜多眾寶嚴飾，復以種種上妙華鬘乃至燈明供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。若能如是，定獲無邊現在、未來功德勝利。」

"Therefore, Kauśika! If good men and good women wish to obtain various present and future merits and excellent benefits, they should reverently believe in and accept Prajñāpāramitā with pure minds, and in order to seek supreme perfect enlightenment, wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to reason, extensively proclaim and reveal it to sentient beings, and examine it carefully with superior wisdom. Wishing to cause the true Dharma to abide in the world for a long time, wishing to prevent the Buddha's eye from being severed, wishing to prevent the true Dharma from disappearing, embracing bodhisattvas to cause them to increase, wishing to distribute the meaning of the Dharma to sentient beings to satisfy them, wishing to prevent the vast Buddha-eye of well-trained sentient beings from diminishing, they should copy and preserve this profound Prajñāpāramitā with jeweled adornments, and further make offerings with various supreme flower garlands up to lamps, showing reverence, honor, and praise. If they can do this, they will definitely obtain limitless present and future merits and excellent benefits."