Chapter 5: The Gate of Merit 福門品第五

第四分福門品第五之一

爾時，天帝釋白佛言：「世尊！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，復持種種上妙花鬘乃至燈明供養恭敬、尊重讚歎；作是念言：『甚深般若波羅蜜多，成就廣大功德勝利，甚為難得，不應棄捨，應自守護、供養恭敬、讀誦、思惟。』有善男子、善女人等，書寫如是甚深般若波羅蜜多眾寶莊嚴，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，施他受持廣令流布。此二福聚，何者為多？」

At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honored One! If good men and good women, with pure minds, respectfully receive and have faith in the profound Prajñāpāramitā, seeking supreme perfect enlightenment, wholeheartedly listening to, upholding, reciting, diligently studying, contemplating in accordance with the teachings, and extensively proclaiming and expounding it for sentient beings, observing with supreme wisdom and careful discernment—wishing to make the true Dharma abide long in the world, wishing to prevent the Buddha's eye from being cut off or destroyed, wishing to prevent the true Dharma from disappearing, accepting and nurturing bodhisattvas to help them grow, wishing to prevent the world's pure Dharma-eye from being diminished—they copy this profound Prajñāpāramitā adorned with various jewels, and further offer various exquisite flower garlands up to lamps as offerings with reverence, respect, and praise, thinking: 'This profound Prajñāpāramitā accomplishes vast merit and benefits, is extremely rare and difficult to obtain, should not be abandoned, and should be personally protected, offered to with reverence, recited, and contemplated.' There are also good men and good women who copy this profound Prajñāpāramitā adorned with various jewels, offering reverence, respect, and praise, then give it to others to uphold and widely circulate. Between these two accumulations of merit, which is greater?"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「我還問汝，當隨意答。若善男子、善女人等從他請得佛設利羅，盛以寶函置清淨處，復持種種上妙華鬘乃至燈明供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。有善男子、善女人等從他請得佛設利羅，分施與他如芥子許，令彼敬受如法安置，復以種種上妙華鬘乃至燈明供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。於意云何？此二福聚，何者為勝？」

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "I will ask you in return, and you should answer as you wish. If good men and good women obtain Buddha relics from others, place them in jeweled caskets in pure places, and further offer various exquisite flower garlands up to lamps with reverence, respect, and praise—and there are good men and good women who obtain Buddha relics from others and distribute to others even a mustard seed's worth, causing them to receive it respectfully and place it properly according to the Dharma, and further offer various exquisite flower garlands up to lamps with reverence, respect, and praise—what do you think? Between these two accumulations of merit, which is superior?"

天帝釋言：「如我解佛所說義者，此二福聚，後者為勝。」

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: "According to my understanding of what the Buddha has taught, between these two accumulations of merit, the latter is superior."

爾時，佛讚天帝釋言：「善哉！善哉！如汝所說。憍尸迦！於深般若波羅蜜多，若自受持、供養恭敬，若轉施他廣令流布，此二福聚，後者為多。何以故？由施他者，能令無量無數有情得利樂故。

At that time, the Buddha praised Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: "Excellent! Excellent! As you have said. Kauśika! Regarding the profound Prajñāpāramitā, between personally upholding, offering reverence to it, and giving it to others for wide circulation, the latter accumulation of merit is greater. Why is this so? Because by giving it to others, one can cause immeasurable and countless sentient beings to obtain benefit and happiness.

「復次，憍尸迦！若有於此甚深般若波羅蜜多所說義趣，如實為他分別解說令得正解，所獲福聚復勝施他流布功德多百千倍，敬此法師當如敬佛。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If someone truly explains and analyzes the meaning and purport of this profound Prajñāpāramitā for others, enabling them to gain correct understanding, the merit accumulated surpasses the merit of giving it to others for circulation by hundreds of thousands of times. One should revere such a Dharma teacher as one would revere the Buddha."

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等，書持如是甚深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴、供養恭敬，知是法器，自往其所分施與之令勤讀誦，是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚無量無邊。復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等教贍部洲諸有情類，皆令安住十善業道。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women copy and uphold this profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorning it with various jewels and offering reverence, and knowing that someone is a suitable vessel for the Dharma, personally go to them and distribute it to them, causing them to diligently recite it, these good men and good women will obtain immeasurable and boundless accumulations of merit. Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women teach all sentient beings in Jambudvīpa, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome courses of action, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、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，書寫、施他、復為解說，於深義趣令無疑惑，教授教誡諸有情言：『汝應勤修真菩薩道，所謂般若波羅蜜多。若能精勤修學此道，速證無上正等菩提，拔濟無邊諸有情類，令證實際諸漏永盡，入無餘依般涅槃界。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。

「復次，憍尸迦！置贍部洲諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教四大洲諸有情類，皆令安住十善業道。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of the four continents, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome courses of action, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置四大洲諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教小千界諸有情類，皆令安住十善業道。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of the four continents, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a small three thousand great thousand world-system, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome courses of action, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置小千界諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教中千界諸有情類，皆令安住十善業道。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of a small three thousand great thousand world-system, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a medium three thousand great thousand world-system, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome courses of action, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置中千界諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教大千界諸有情類，皆令安住十善業道。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of a medium three thousand great thousand world-system, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a great three thousand great thousand world-system, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome courses of action, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained."

「復次，憍尸迦！置大千界諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等普教十方各如殑伽沙等世界諸有情類，皆令安住十善業道。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of a great three thousand great thousand world-system, if good men and good women universally teach all sentient beings in the ten directions, in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome courses of action, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、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，書寫、施他、復為解說，於深義趣令無疑惑，教授教誡諸有情言：『汝應勤修真菩薩道，所謂般若波羅蜜多。若能精勤修學此道，速證無上正等菩提，拔濟無邊諸有情類，令證實際諸漏永盡，入無餘依般涅槃界。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等教贍部洲諸有情類，皆令安住四靜慮、四無量、四無色定、五神通。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women teach all sentient beings in Jambudvīpa, causing them all to abide in the four dhyānas, four immeasurables, four formless absorptions, and five supernormal powers, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、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，書寫、施他、復為解說，於深義趣令無疑惑，教授教誡諸有情言：『汝應勤修真菩薩道，所謂般若波羅蜜多。若能精勤修學此道，速證無上正等菩提，拔濟無邊諸有情類，令證實際諸漏永盡，入無餘依般涅槃界。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。

「復次，憍尸迦！置贍部洲諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教四大洲諸有情類，皆令安住四靜慮、四無量、四無色定、五神通。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of the four continents, causing them all to abide in the four dhyānas, four immeasurables, four formless absorptions, and five supernormal powers, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置四大洲諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教小千界諸有情類，皆令安住四靜慮、四無量、四無色定、五神通。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of the four continents, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a small three thousand great thousand world-system, causing them all to abide in the four dhyānas, four immeasurables, four formless absorptions, and five supernormal powers, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置小千界諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教中千界諸有情類，皆令安住四靜慮、四無量、四無色定、五神通。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of a small three thousand great thousand world-system, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a medium three thousand great thousand world-system, causing them all to abide in the four dhyānas, four immeasurables, four formless absorptions, and five supernormal powers, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置中千界諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教大千界諸有情類，皆令安住四靜慮、四無量、四無色定、五神通。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of a medium three thousand great thousand world-system, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a great three thousand great thousand world-system, causing them all to abide in the four dhyānas, four immeasurables, four formless absorptions, and five supernormal powers, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置大千界諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等，普教十方各如殑伽沙等世界諸有情類，皆令安住四靜慮、四無量、四無色定、五神通。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of a great three thousand great thousand world-system, if good men and good women universally teach all sentient beings in the ten directions, in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, causing them all to abide in the four dhyānas, four immeasurables, four formless absorptions, and five supernormal powers, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、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，書寫、施他、復為解說，於深義趣令無疑惑，教授教誡諸有情言：『汝應勤修真菩薩道，所謂般若波羅蜜多。若能精勤修學此道，速證無上正等菩提，拔濟無邊諸有情類，令證實際諸漏永盡，入無餘依般涅槃界。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。

「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、如理思惟所獲福聚，勝普教導一贍部洲諸有情類，皆令安住十善業道、四靜慮、四無量、四無色定、五神通，亦勝教導一四大洲諸有情類，皆令安住十善業道、四靜慮、四無量、四無色定、五神通，亦勝教導一小千界諸有情類，皆令安住十善業道、四靜慮、四無量、四無色定、五神通，亦勝教導一中千界諸有情類，皆令安住十善業道、四靜慮、四無量、四無色定、五神通，亦勝教導一大千界諸有情類，皆令安住十善業道、四靜慮、四無量、四無色定、五神通，亦勝教導十方各如殑伽沙界諸有情類，皆令安住十善業道、四靜慮、四無量、四無色定、五神通。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! The accumulations of merit obtained by good men and good women who wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, and contemplate in accordance with the teachings the profound Prajñāpāramitā surpass universally teaching all sentient beings in one Jambudvīpa, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome courses of action, four dhyānas, four immeasurables, four formless absorptions, and five supernormal powers. It also surpasses teaching all sentient beings in the four continents, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome courses of action, four dhyānas, four immeasurables, four formless absorptions, and five supernormal powers. It also surpasses teaching all sentient beings in one small three thousand great thousand world-system, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome courses of action, four dhyānas, four immeasurables, four formless absorptions, and five supernormal powers. It also surpasses teaching all sentient beings in one medium three thousand great thousand world-system, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome courses of action, four dhyānas, four immeasurables, four formless absorptions, and five supernormal powers. It also surpasses teaching all sentient beings in one great three thousand great thousand world-system, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome courses of action, four dhyānas, four immeasurables, four formless absorptions, and five supernormal powers. It also surpasses teaching all sentient beings in the ten directions, in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, causing them all to abide in the ten wholesome courses of action, four dhyānas, four immeasurables, four formless absorptions, and five supernormal powers.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，以無量門廣為他說，宣示、開演、顯了、解釋、分別義趣令其易解，所獲福聚勝自聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟甚深般若波羅蜜多所獲功德無量倍數。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women extensively explain the profound Prajñāpāramitā for others through immeasurable approaches, proclaiming, expounding, clarifying, interpreting, and analyzing its meaning and purport to make it easily understood, the accumulations of merit obtained surpass the merit gained from personally listening to, upholding, reciting, diligently studying, and contemplating in accordance with the teachings the profound Prajñāpāramitā by immeasurable multiples.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等自於般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，以無量門為他廣說，宣示、開演、顯了、解釋、分別義趣令其易解，所獲福聚過前福聚無量無邊。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women personally wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, and contemplate in accordance with the teachings Prajñāpāramitā, and extensively explain it for others through immeasurable approaches, proclaiming, expounding, clarifying, interpreting, and analyzing its meaning and purport to make it easily understood, the accumulations of merit obtained surpass the previous accumulations of merit by immeasurable and boundless amounts.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，書寫、莊嚴、受持、讀誦。有善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，書寫莊嚴施有情類，過前福聚無量無邊。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women copy, adorn, uphold, and recite the profound Prajñāpāramitā, and there are good men and good women who copy and adorn the profound Prajñāpāramitā and give it to sentient beings, this surpasses the previous accumulations of merit by immeasurable and boundless amounts.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等於深般若波羅蜜多，書寫莊嚴施有情類。有善男子、善女人等，於深般若波羅蜜多善知義趣，能以種種巧妙文義為他解說，所獲福聚過前福聚無量無邊。」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women copy and adorn the profound Prajñāpāramitā and give it to sentient beings, and there are good men and good women who thoroughly understand the meaning and purport of the profound Prajñāpāramitā and can explain it for others using various skillful words and meanings, the accumulations of merit obtained surpass the previous accumulations of merit by immeasurable and boundless amounts."

時，天帝釋便白佛言：「諸善男子、善女人等應以種種巧妙文義，為他演說甚深般若波羅蜜多耶？」

At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, addressed the Buddha, saying: "Should good men and good women explain the profound Prajñāpāramitā for others using various skillful words and meanings?"

佛言：「憍尸迦！如是！如是！若善男子、善女人等能以種種巧妙文義，為他演說甚深般若波羅蜜多，便獲無邊大功德聚。」

The Buddha said: "Kauśika! Yes! Yes! If good men and good women can explain the profound Prajñāpāramitā for others using various skillful words and meanings, they will obtain boundless great accumulations of merit."

時，天帝釋復白佛言：「應為何等諸有情類，宣說般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣？」

At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, again addressed the Buddha, saying: "For what kinds of sentient beings should one proclaim the profound meaning and purport of Prajñāpāramitā?"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「若善男子、善女人等，不知般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣，應為如是諸善男子、善女人等，宣說般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣。何以故？憍尸迦！於當來世，有善男子、善女人等求趣無上正等菩提，聞他宣說相似般若波羅蜜多，心便迷謬退失中道。」

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "If good men and good women do not understand the profound meaning and purport of Prajñāpāramitā, one should proclaim the profound meaning and purport of Prajñāpāramitā for such good men and good women. Why is this so? Kauśika! In future times, there will be good men and good women who seek to attain supreme perfect enlightenment, but when they hear others proclaim a counterfeit Prajñāpāramitā, their minds will become confused and deluded, and they will lose the Middle Way."

時，天帝釋復白佛言：「云何名為相似般若波羅蜜多，而名宣說相似般若波羅蜜多？」

At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, again addressed the Buddha, saying: "What is called counterfeit Prajñāpāramitā, and what is called proclaiming counterfeit Prajñāpāramitā?"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「於當來世有諸苾芻，不能善修身戒心慧，智慧狹劣猶如牛羊，為諸有情雖欲宣說真實般若波羅蜜多，而顛倒說相似般若波羅蜜多。云何苾芻顛倒宣說相似般若波羅蜜多？謂彼苾芻為發無上菩提心者，說色壞故名為無常，說受、想、行、識壞故名為無常；復作是說：若如是求，是行般若波羅蜜多。憍尸迦！如是名為顛倒宣說相似般若波羅蜜多。憍尸迦！不應以色壞故觀色無常，不應以受、想、行、識壞故觀受、想、行、識無常，若如是觀色乃至識為無常者，當知彼行相似般若波羅蜜多。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "In future times there will be bhikṣus who cannot properly cultivate body, precepts, mind, and wisdom, whose wisdom is narrow and inferior like that of cattle and sheep. Although they wish to proclaim the true Prajñāpāramitā for sentient beings, they will instead proclaim counterfeit Prajñāpāramitā in a distorted manner. How do bhikṣus distortedly proclaim counterfeit Prajñāpāramitā? Those bhikṣus, for those who have generated the supreme bodhi mind, teach that form is impermanent because it decays, and teach that sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness are impermanent because they decay; and further say: 'If you seek in this way, this is practicing Prajñāpāramitā.' Kauśika! This is called distortedly proclaiming counterfeit Prajñāpāramitā. Kauśika! One should not observe form as impermanent because form decays, and should not observe sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness as impermanent because they decay. If one observes form up to consciousness as impermanent in this way, know that this is practicing counterfeit Prajñāpāramitā.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等為發無上菩提心者，宣說布施乃至般若波羅蜜多，作如是言：『來！善男子！我當教汝修學布施乃至般若波羅蜜多。若依我教而修學者，當疾安住菩薩初地乃至十地，當得諸餘無量佛法，速入菩薩正性離生，超諸聲聞、獨覺等地。』憍尸迦！彼以有相及有所得而為方便，依時分想教修布施乃至般若波羅蜜多，如是名為顛倒宣說相似般若波羅蜜多。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women proclaim giving up to Prajñāpāramitā for those who have generated the supreme bodhi mind, saying: 'Come! Good man! I will teach you to cultivate and study giving up to Prajñāpāramitā. If you cultivate and study according to my teaching, you will quickly abide in the first bodhisattva ground up to the tenth ground, will obtain countless other Buddha dharmas, will quickly enter the bodhisattva's correct nature and freedom from birth, and will transcend the grounds of śrāvakas, pratyekabuddhas, and others.' Kauśika! They use marks and attainment as expedient means, relying on temporal concepts to teach the cultivation of giving up to Prajñāpāramitā. This is called distortedly proclaiming counterfeit Prajñāpāramitā.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等告菩薩乘種性者言：『若於般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟，當獲無邊殊勝功德。』憍尸迦！彼以有相及有所得而為方便作如是說，名顛倒說相似般若波羅蜜多。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women tell those of bodhisattva vehicle lineage: 'If you wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, and contemplate in accordance with the teachings Prajñāpāramitā, you will obtain boundless supreme merit.' Kauśika! They use marks and attainment as expedient means to speak in this way. This is called distortedly proclaiming counterfeit Prajñāpāramitā.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等，告菩薩乘種性者言：『汝於過去未來現在諸佛世尊，從初發心乃至究竟，所有善根皆應隨喜一切合集，為諸有情迴向無上正等菩提。』憍尸迦！彼以有相及有所得而為方便作如是說，名顛倒說相似般若波羅蜜多。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women tell those of bodhisattva vehicle lineage: 'You should rejoice in all the good roots of all the Buddha World-Honored Ones of the past, future, and present, from their initial generation of the bodhi mind up to their ultimate attainment, gathering them all together and dedicating them to supreme perfect enlightenment for all sentient beings.' Kauśika! They use marks and attainment as expedient means to speak in this way. This is called distortedly proclaiming counterfeit Prajñāpāramitā.

「以是故，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等以無所得而為方便，為諸有情無倒宣說甚深般若波羅蜜多真實義趣，所獲福聚無量無邊，能作有情利益安樂。

"Therefore, Kauśika! If good men and good women use non-attainment as expedient means to correctly proclaim the true meaning and purport of the profound Prajñāpāramitā for sentient beings without distortion, the accumulations of merit obtained are immeasurable and boundless, and can bring benefit and happiness to sentient beings."

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等教贍部洲一切有情，皆令住預流果、或一來果、或不還果、或阿羅漢果。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women teach all sentient beings in Jambudvīpa, causing them all to abide in the fruit of stream-entry, or the fruit of once-returning, or the fruit of non-returning, or the fruit of arhatship, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、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，書寫、施他、復為解說，於深義趣令無疑惑，教授教誡諸有情言：『汝應勤修真菩薩道，謂深般若波羅蜜多。若能精勤修學此道，疾證無上正等菩提，拔濟無邊諸有情類，令證實際諸漏永盡，入無餘依般涅槃界。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。何以故？憍尸迦！一切預流、一來、不還、阿羅漢果，皆是般若波羅蜜多所流出故。彼善男子、善女人等聞深般若波羅蜜多，教授教誡、精勤修學，漸次圓滿一切佛法，乃至證得一切智智，化諸有情，令得預流、一來、不還、阿羅漢果、獨覺菩提，趣入菩薩正性離生，乃至證得佛菩提故。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "There are good men and good women who, with pure minds, respectfully receive and have faith in the profound Prajñāpāramitā, seeking supreme perfect enlightenment, copying it, giving it to others, and further explaining it, causing them to have no doubts about the profound meaning and purport, teaching and instructing sentient beings, saying: 'You should diligently cultivate the true bodhisattva path, namely the profound Prajñāpāramitā. If you can diligently study and practice this path, you will quickly attain supreme perfect enlightenment, rescue immeasurable sentient beings, cause them to realize the ultimate truth with all defilements permanently exhausted, and enter the realm of nirvana without remainder.' The accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women are far greater than the previous ones. Why is this so? Kauśika! All the fruits of stream-entry, once-returning, non-returning, and arhatship all flow forth from Prajñāpāramitā. Those good men and good women who hear the profound Prajñāpāramitā, receive teaching and instruction, and diligently study it, will gradually perfect all Buddha dharmas, up to attaining omniscient wisdom, transforming sentient beings and causing them to attain the fruits of stream-entry, once-returning, non-returning, arhatship, and pratyekabuddha enlightenment, to enter the bodhisattva's correct nature and freedom from birth, and up to attaining Buddha enlightenment.

「復次，憍尸迦！置贍部洲一切有情。若善男子、善女人等教四大洲一切有情，皆令住預流果、或一來果、或不還果、或阿羅漢果。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside all sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of the four continents, causing them all to abide in the fruit of stream-entry, or the fruit of once-returning, or the fruit of non-returning, or the fruit of arhatship, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置四大洲一切有情。若善男子、善女人等教小千界一切有情，皆令住預流果、或一來果、或不還果、或阿羅漢果。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside all sentient beings of the four continents, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a small three thousand great thousand world-system, causing them all to abide in the fruit of stream-entry, or the fruit of once-returning, or the fruit of non-returning, or the fruit of arhatship, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置小千界一切有情。若善男子、善女人等教中千界一切有情，皆令住預流果、或一來果、或不還果、或阿羅漢果。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside all sentient beings of a small three thousand great thousand world-system, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a medium three thousand great thousand world-system, causing them all to abide in the fruit of stream-entry, or the fruit of once-returning, or the fruit of non-returning, or the fruit of arhatship, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置中千界一切有情。若善男子、善女人等教大千界一切有情，皆令住預流果、或一來果、或不還果、或阿羅漢果。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside all sentient beings of a medium three thousand great thousand world-system, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a great three thousand great thousand world-system, causing them all to abide in the fruit of stream-entry, or the fruit of once-returning, or the fruit of non-returning, or the fruit of arhatship, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置大千界一切有情。若善男子、善女人等，教化十方各如殑伽沙等世界一切有情，皆令住預流果、或一來果、或不還果、或阿羅漢果。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside all sentient beings of a great three thousand great thousand world-system, if good men and good women teach and transform all sentient beings in the ten directions, in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, causing them all to abide in the fruit of stream-entry, or the fruit of once-returning, or the fruit of non-returning, or the fruit of arhatship, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、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，書寫、施他、復為解說，於深義趣令無疑惑，教授教誡諸有情言：『汝應勤修真菩薩道，謂深般若波羅蜜多。若能精勤修學此道，疾證無上正等菩提，拔濟無邊諸有情類，令證實際諸漏永盡，入無餘依般涅槃界。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。何以故？憍尸迦！一切預流、一來、不還、阿羅漢果，皆是般若波羅蜜多所流出故。彼善男子、善女人等聞深般若波羅蜜多，教授教誡、精勤修學，漸次圓滿一切佛法，乃至證得一切智智，化有情類，令得預流、一來、不還、阿羅漢果、獨覺菩提，趣入菩薩正性離生，乃至證得佛菩提故。

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等教贍部洲一切有情，皆令安住獨覺菩提。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women teach all sentient beings in Jambudvīpa, causing them all to abide in pratyekabuddha enlightenment, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、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，書寫、施他、復為解說，於深義趣令無疑惑，教授教誡諸有情言：『汝應勤修真菩薩道，謂深般若波羅蜜多。若能精勤修學此道，疾證無上正等菩提，拔濟無邊諸有情類，令證實際諸漏永盡，入無餘依般涅槃界。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。何以故？憍尸迦！一切獨覺所證菩提，皆是般若波羅蜜多所流出故。彼善男子、善女人等聞深般若波羅蜜多，教授教誡、精勤修學，漸次圓滿一切佛法，乃至證得一切智智，化有情類，令得預流、一來、不還、阿羅漢果、獨覺菩提，趣入菩薩正性離生，乃至證得佛菩提故。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "There are good men and good women who, with pure minds, respectfully receive and have faith in the profound Prajñāpāramitā, seeking supreme perfect enlightenment, copying it, giving it to others, and further explaining it, causing them to have no doubts about the profound meaning and purport, teaching and instructing sentient beings, saying: 'You should diligently cultivate the true bodhisattva path, namely the profound Prajñāpāramitā. If you can diligently study and practice this path, you will quickly attain supreme perfect enlightenment, rescue immeasurable sentient beings, cause them to realize the ultimate truth with all defilements permanently exhausted, and enter the realm of nirvana without remainder.' The accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women are far greater than the previous ones. Why is this so? Kauśika! All the enlightenment attained by pratyekabuddhas flows forth from Prajñāpāramitā. Those good men and good women who hear the profound Prajñāpāramitā, receive teaching and instruction, and diligently study it, will gradually perfect all Buddha dharmas, up to attaining omniscient wisdom, transforming sentient beings and causing them to attain the fruits of stream-entry, once-returning, non-returning, arhatship, and pratyekabuddha enlightenment, to enter the bodhisattva's correct nature and freedom from birth, and up to attaining Buddha enlightenment."

「復次，憍尸迦！置贍部洲一切有情。若善男子、善女人等教四大洲一切有情，皆令安住獨覺菩提。於意云何？乃至廣說。

“Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside all sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of the four continents, causing them all to abide in pratyekabuddha enlightenment, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置四大洲一切有情。若善男子、善女人等教小千界一切有情，皆令安住獨覺菩提。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside all sentient beings of the four continents, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a small thousand-world system, causing them all to abide in pratyekabuddha enlightenment, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置小千界一切有情。若善男子、善女人等教中千界一切有情，皆令安住獨覺菩提。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside all sentient beings of a small thousand-world system, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a medium thousand-world system, causing them all to abide in pratyekabuddha enlightenment, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained."**

「復次，憍尸迦！置中千界一切有情。若善男子、善女人等教大千界一切有情，皆令安住獨覺菩提。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside all sentient beings of a medium thousand-world system, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a great thousand-world system, causing them all to abide in pratyekabuddha enlightenment, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置大千界一切有情。若善男子、善女人等，普教十方各如殑伽沙等世界一切有情，皆令安住獨覺菩提。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside all sentient beings of a great thousand-world system, if good men and good women universally teach all sentient beings in the ten directions, in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, causing them all to abide in pratyekabuddha enlightenment, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、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，書寫、施他、復為解說，於深義趣令無疑惑，教授教誡諸有情言：『汝應勤修真菩薩道，謂深般若波羅蜜多。若能精勤修學此道，疾證無上正等菩提，拔濟無邊諸有情類，令證實際諸漏永盡，入無餘依般涅槃界。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。何以故？憍尸迦！一切獨覺所證菩提，皆是般若波羅蜜多所流出故。彼善男子、善女人等聞深般若波羅蜜多，教授教誡、精勤修學，漸次圓滿一切佛法，乃至證得一切智智，化有情類，令得預流、一來、不還、阿羅漢果、獨覺菩提，趣入菩薩正性離生，乃至證得佛菩提故。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "There are good men and good women who, with pure minds, respectfully receive and have faith in the profound Prajñāpāramitā, seeking supreme perfect enlightenment, copying it, giving it to others, and further explaining it, causing them to have no doubts about the profound meaning and purport, teaching and instructing sentient beings, saying: 'You should diligently cultivate the true bodhisattva path, namely the profound Prajñāpāramitā. If you can diligently study and practice this path, you will quickly attain supreme perfect enlightenment, rescue immeasurable sentient beings, cause them to realize the ultimate truth with all defilements permanently exhausted, and enter the realm of nirvana without remainder.' The accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women are far greater than the previous ones. Why is this so? Kauśika! All the enlightenment attained by pratyekabuddhas flows forth from Prajñāpāramitā. Those good men and good women who hear the profound Prajñāpāramitā, receive teaching and instruction, and diligently study it, will gradually perfect all Buddha dharmas, up to attaining omniscient wisdom, transforming sentient beings and causing them to attain the fruits of stream-entry, once-returning, non-returning, arhatship, and pratyekabuddha enlightenment, to enter the bodhisattva's correct nature and freedom from birth, and up to attaining Buddha enlightenment."

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等教贍部洲諸有情類，皆發無上正等覺心。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

“Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women teach all sentient beings in Jambudvīpa, causing them all to generate the supreme perfect enlightenment mind, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，轉施與一已發無上菩提心者受持、讀誦，復作是言：『來！善男子！汝當於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，隨此法門應正信解。若正信解，則能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多。若能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多，則能證得一切智法。若能證得一切智法，則修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。若修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿，便能證得一切智智。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "There are good men and good women who copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then give it to one who has already generated the supreme bodhi mind to uphold and recite, further saying: 'Come! Good man! You should wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, thoroughly master, and contemplate in accordance with the teachings this profound Prajñāpāramitā, and should have correct faith and understanding according to this Dharma method. If you have correct faith and understanding, then you will be able to study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā. If you can study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, then you will be able to realize all-knowing Dharma. If you can realize all-knowing Dharma, then your practice of Prajñāpāramitā will quickly reach perfection. If your practice of Prajñāpāramitā quickly reaches perfection, then you will be able to attain omniscient wisdom.' The accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women are far greater than the previous ones.

「復次，憍尸迦！置贍部洲諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教四大洲諸有情類，皆發無上正等覺心。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of the four continents, causing them all to generate the supreme perfect enlightenment mind, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained."

「復次，憍尸迦！置四大洲諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教小千界諸有情類，皆發無上正等覺心。於意云何？乃至廣說。

“Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of the four continents, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a small thousand-world system, causing them all to generate the supreme perfect enlightenment mind, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置小千界諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教中千界諸有情類，皆發無上正等覺心。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of a small thousand-world system, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a medium thousand-world system, causing them all to generate the supreme perfect enlightenment mind, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置中千界諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教大千界諸有情類，皆發無上正等覺心。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of a medium thousand-world system, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a great thousand-world system, causing them all to generate the supreme perfect enlightenment mind, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置大千界諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等，普教十方各如殑伽沙等世界諸有情類，皆發無上正等覺心。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of a great thousand-world system, if good men and good women universally teach all sentient beings in the ten directions, in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, causing them all to generate the supreme perfect enlightenment mind, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，轉施與一已發無上菩提心者受持、讀誦，復作是言：『來！善男子！汝當於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，隨此法門應正信解。若正信解，則能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多。若能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多，則能證得一切智法。若能證得一切智法，則修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。若修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿，便能證得一切智智。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。

“At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "There are good men and good women who copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then give it to one who has already generated the supreme bodhi mind to uphold and recite, further saying: 'Come! Good man! You should wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, thoroughly master, and contemplate in accordance with the teachings this profound Prajñāpāramitā, and should have correct faith and understanding according to this Dharma method. If you have correct faith and understanding, then you will be able to study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā. If you can study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, then you will be able to realize all-knowing Dharma. If you can realize all-knowing Dharma, then your practice of Prajñāpāramitā will quickly reach perfection. If your practice of Prajñāpāramitā quickly reaches perfection, then you will be able to attain omniscient wisdom.' The accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women are far greater than the previous ones.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等教贍部洲諸有情類，皆於無上正等菩提得不退轉。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women teach all sentient beings in Jambudvīpa, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，轉施與一已於無上正等菩提不退轉者受持、讀誦，復作是言：『來！善男子！汝當於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，隨此法門應正信解。若正信解，則能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多。若能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多，則能證得一切智法。若能證得一切智法，則修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。若修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿，便能證得一切智智。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas, "There are good men and good women who copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then give it to one who has already attained non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment to uphold and recite, further saying, 'Come! Good man! You should wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, thoroughly master, and contemplate in accordance with the teachings this profound Prajñāpāramitā, and should have correct faith and understanding according to this Dharma method. If you have correct faith and understanding, then you will be able to study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā. If you can study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, then you will be able to realize all-knowing Dharma. If you can realize all-knowing Dharma, then your practice of Prajñāpāramitā will quickly reach perfection. If your practice of Prajñāpāramitā quickly reaches perfection, then you will be able to attain omniscient wisdom.' The accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women are far greater than the previous ones."

「復次，憍尸迦！置贍部洲諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教四大洲諸有情類，皆於無上正等菩提得不退轉。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of the four continents, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置四大洲諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教小千界諸有情類，皆於無上正等菩提得不退轉。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of the four continents, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a small thousand-world system, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置小千界諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教中千界諸有情類，皆於無上正等菩提得不退轉。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of a small thousand-world system, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a medium thousand-world system, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置中千界諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等教大千界諸有情類，皆於無上正等菩提得不退轉。於意云何？乃至廣說。

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of a medium thousand-world system, if good men and good women teach all sentient beings of a great thousand-world system, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment, what do you think? And so forth, extensively explained.

「復次，憍尸迦！置大千界諸有情類。若善男子、善女人等，普教十方各如殑伽沙等世界諸有情類，皆於無上正等菩提得不退轉。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等，由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of a great thousand-world system, if good men and good women universally teach all sentient beings in the ten directions, in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, causing them all to attain non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，轉施與一已於無上正等菩提不退轉者受持、讀誦，復作是言：『來！善男子！汝當於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，隨此法門應正信解。若正信解，則能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多。若能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多，則能證得一切智法。若能證得一切智法，則修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。若修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿，便能證得一切智智。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "There are good men and good women who copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then give it to one who has already attained non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment to uphold and recite, further saying: 'Come! Good man! You should wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, thoroughly master, and contemplate in accordance with the teachings this profound Prajñāpāramitā, and should have correct faith and understanding according to this Dharma method. If you have correct faith and understanding, then you will be able to study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā. If you can study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, then you will be able to realize all-knowing Dharma. If you can realize all-knowing Dharma, then your practice of Prajñāpāramitā will quickly reach perfection. If your practice of Prajñāpāramitā quickly reaches perfection, then you will be able to attain omniscient wisdom.' The accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women are far greater than the previous ones.

「復次，憍尸迦！若贍部洲諸有情類，皆發無上正等覺心。有善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，普施與彼受持、讀誦，復作是言：『來！善男子！汝等於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，隨此法門應正信解。若正信解，則能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多。若能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多，則能證得一切智法。若能證得一切智法，則修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。若修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿，便能證得一切智智。』於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If all sentient beings in Jambudvīpa generate the supreme perfect enlightenment mind, and there are good men and good women who copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then universally give it to them to uphold and recite, further saying: 'Come! Good men! You should wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, thoroughly master, and contemplate in accordance with the teachings this profound Prajñāpāramitā, and should have correct faith and understanding according to this Dharma method. If you have correct faith and understanding, then you will be able to study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā. If you can study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, then you will be able to realize all-knowing Dharma. If you can realize all-knowing Dharma, then your practice of Prajñāpāramitā will quickly reach perfection. If your practice of Prajñāpāramitā quickly reaches perfection, then you will be able to attain omniscient wisdom.' 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「若善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，轉施與一已於無上正等菩提不退轉者受持、讀誦，復作是言：『來！善男子！汝當於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，隨此法門應正信解。若正信解，則能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多。若能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多，則能證得一切智法。若能證得一切智法，則修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。若修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿，便能證得一切智智。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。所以者何？彼菩薩摩訶薩定證無上正等菩提，與諸有情作苦邊際，令其速證三乘涅槃。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "If good men and good women copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then give it to one who has already attained non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment to uphold and recite, further saying: 'Come! Good man! You should wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, thoroughly master, and contemplate in accordance with the teachings this profound Prajñāpāramitā, and should have correct faith and understanding according to this Dharma method. If you have correct faith and understanding, then you will be able to study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā. If you can study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, then you will be able to realize all-knowing Dharma. If you can realize all-knowing Dharma, then your practice of Prajñāpāramitā will quickly reach perfection. If your practice of Prajñāpāramitā quickly reaches perfection, then you will be able to attain omniscient wisdom.' The accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women are far greater than the previous ones. Why is this so? That bodhisattva mahāsattva will definitely attain supreme perfect enlightenment and bring an end to suffering for all sentient beings, causing them to quickly realize the nirvana of the three vehicles.

「復次，憍尸迦！置贍部洲諸有情類。若四大洲諸有情類，若小千界諸有情類，若中千界諸有情類，若大千界諸有情類，若復十方各如殑伽沙等世界諸有情類，皆發無上正等覺心。有善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，普施與彼受持、讀誦，復作是言：『來！善男子！汝等於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，隨此法門應正信解。若正信解，則能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多。若能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多，則能證得一切智法。若能證得一切智法，則修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。若修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿，便能證得一切智智。』於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, if all sentient beings of the four continents, or all sentient beings of a small thousand-world system, or all sentient beings of a medium thousand-world system, or all sentient beings of a great thousand-world system, or all sentient beings in the ten directions in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, all generate the supreme perfect enlightenment mind, and there are good men and good women who copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then universally give it to them to uphold and recite, further saying: 'Come! Good men! You should wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, thoroughly master, and contemplate in accordance with the teachings this profound Prajñāpāramitā, and should have correct faith and understanding according to this Dharma method. If you have correct faith and understanding, then you will be able to study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā. If you can study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, then you will be able to realize all-knowing Dharma. If you can realize all-knowing Dharma, then your practice of Prajñāpāramitā will quickly reach perfection. If your practice of Prajñāpāramitā quickly reaches perfection, then you will be able to attain omniscient wisdom.' 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「若善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，轉施與一已於無上正等菩提不退轉者受持、讀誦，復作是言：『來！善男子！汝當於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，隨此法門應正信解。若正信解，則能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多。若能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多，則能證得一切智法。若能證得一切智法，則修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。若修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿，便能證得一切智智。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚甚多於前。所以者何？彼菩薩摩訶薩定證無上正等菩提，與諸有情作苦邊際，令其速證三乘涅槃。

「復次，憍尸迦！若贍部洲諸有情類，皆於無上正等菩提得不退轉。有善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，普施與彼受持、讀誦，復作是言：『來！善男子！汝等於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，隨此法門應正信解。若正信解，則能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多。若能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多，則能證得一切智法。若能證得一切智法，則修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。若修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿，便能證得一切智智。』於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If all sentient beings in Jambudvīpa attain non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment, and there are good men and good women who copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then universally give it to them to uphold and recite, further saying: 'Come! Good men! You should wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, thoroughly master, and contemplate in accordance with the teachings this profound Prajñāpāramitā, and should have correct faith and understanding according to this Dharma method. If you have correct faith and understanding, then you will be able to study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā. If you can study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, then you will be able to realize all-knowing Dharma. If you can realize all-knowing Dharma, then your practice of Prajñāpāramitā will quickly reach perfection. If your practice of Prajñāpāramitā quickly reaches perfection, then you will be able to attain omniscient wisdom.' 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「已於無上正等菩提得不退轉諸菩薩中，有一菩薩作如是言：『我今欣樂速證無上正等菩提，濟拔有情生死眾苦，令得殊勝畢竟安樂。』若善男子、善女人等為成彼事，書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，轉施與彼受持、讀誦，復作是言：『來！善男子！汝當於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，隨此法門應正信解。若正信解，則能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多。若能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多，則能證得一切智法。若能證得一切智法，則修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。若修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿，便能證得一切智智。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，甚多於前無量無邊不可稱數。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "Among those bodhisattvas who have attained non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment, there is one bodhisattva who speaks thus: 'I now delight in quickly attaining supreme perfect enlightenment, rescuing sentient beings from the multitude of sufferings of birth and death, and causing them to obtain supreme ultimate happiness.' If good men and good women, in order to accomplish this purpose, copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then give it to that bodhisattva to uphold and recite, further saying: 'Come! Good man! You should wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, thoroughly master, and contemplate in accordance with the teachings this profound Prajñāpāramitā, and should have correct faith and understanding according to this Dharma method. If you have correct faith and understanding, then you will be able to study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā. If you can study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, then you will be able to realize all-knowing Dharma. If you can realize all-knowing Dharma, then your practice of Prajñāpāramitā will quickly reach perfection. If your practice of Prajñāpāramitā quickly reaches perfection, then you will be able to attain omniscient wisdom.' The accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women surpass the previous ones by immeasurable, boundless, and incalculable amounts.

「復次，憍尸迦！置贍部洲諸有情類。若四大洲諸有情類，若小千界諸有情類，若中千界諸有情類，若大千界諸有情類，若復十方各如殑伽沙等世界諸有情類，皆於無上正等菩提得不退轉。有善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，普施與彼受持、讀誦，復作是言：『來！善男子！汝等於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，隨此法門應正信解。若正信解，則能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多。若能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多，則能證得一切智法。若能證得一切智法，則修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。若修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿，便能證得一切智智。』於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, if all sentient beings of the four continents, or all sentient beings of a small thousand-world system, or all sentient beings of a medium thousand-world system, or all sentient beings of a great thousand-world system, or all sentient beings in the ten directions in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, all attain non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment, and there are good men and good women who copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then universally give it to them to uphold and recite, further saying: 'Come! Good men! You should wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, thoroughly master, and contemplate in accordance with the teachings this profound Prajñāpāramitā, and should have correct faith and understanding according to this Dharma method. If you have correct faith and understanding, then you will be able to study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā. If you can study and practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, then you will be able to realize all-knowing Dharma. If you can realize all-knowing Dharma, then your practice of Prajñāpāramitā will quickly reach perfection. If your practice of Prajñāpāramitā quickly reaches perfection, then you will be able to attain omniscient wisdom.' 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「已於無上正等菩提得不退轉諸菩薩中，有一菩薩作如是言：『我今欣樂速證無上正等菩提，濟拔有情生死眾苦，令得殊勝畢竟安樂。』若善男子、善女人等為成彼事，書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，轉施與彼受持、讀誦，復作是言：『來！善男子！汝當於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，隨此法門應正信解。若正信解，則能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多。若能修學甚深般若波羅蜜多，則能證得一切智法。若能證得一切智法，則修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。若修般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿，便能證得一切智智。』是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，甚多於前無量無邊不可稱數。

「復次，憍尸迦！若贍部洲諸有情類，皆發無上正等覺心。有善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，普施與彼受持、讀誦，令善通利、如理思惟。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

天帝釋言：「甚多！世尊！甚多！善逝！」

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「若善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，於彼眾中隨施與一受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，復以種種巧妙文義廣為解釋，分別義趣令其解了，教授教誡令勤修學。是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，甚多於前無量無邊不可稱數。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "If good men and good women copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then among that assembly randomly give it to one person to uphold and recite, causing them to thoroughly master it and contemplate it in accordance with the teachings, and further extensively explain it for them using various skillful words and meanings, analyzing its meaning and purport to make them understand, teaching and instructing them to diligently study and practice—the accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women surpass the previous ones by immeasurable, boundless, and incalculable amounts.

「復次，憍尸迦！置贍部洲諸有情類。若四大洲諸有情類，若小千界諸有情類，若中千界諸有情類，若大千界諸有情類，若復十方各如殑伽沙等世界諸有情類，皆發無上正等覺心。有善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，普施與彼受持、讀誦，令善通利、如理思惟。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

天帝釋言：「甚多！世尊！甚多！善逝！」

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「若善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，於彼眾中隨施與一受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，復以種種巧妙文義廣為解釋，分別義趣令其解了，教授教誡令勤修學，是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，甚多於前無量無邊不可稱數。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "If good men and good women copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then among that assembly randomly give it to one person to uphold and recite, causing them to thoroughly master it and contemplate it in accordance with the teachings, and further extensively explain it for them using various skillful words and meanings, analyzing its meaning and purport to make them understand, teaching and instructing them to diligently study and practice—the accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women surpass the previous ones by immeasurable, boundless, and incalculable amounts.

「復次，憍尸迦！若贍部洲諸有情類，皆於無上正等菩提得不退轉。有善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，普施與彼受持、讀誦，令善通利、如理思惟。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

天帝釋言：「甚多！世尊！甚多！善逝！」

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「若善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，於彼眾中隨施與一受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，復以種種巧妙文義廣為解釋，分別義趣令其解了，教授教誡令勤修學。是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，甚多於前無量無邊不可稱數。

“At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "If good men and good women copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then among that assembly randomly give it to one person to uphold and recite, causing them to thoroughly master it and contemplate it in accordance with the teachings, and further extensively explain it for them using various skillful words and meanings, analyzing its meaning and purport to make them understand, teaching and instructing them to diligently study and practice—the accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women surpass the previous ones by immeasurable, boundless, and incalculable amounts.

「復次，憍尸迦！置贍部洲諸有情類。若四大洲諸有情類，若小千界諸有情類，若中千界諸有情類，若大千界諸有情類，若復十方各如殑伽沙等世界諸有情類，皆於無上正等菩提得不退轉。有善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，普施與彼受持、讀誦，令善通利、如理思惟。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

天帝釋言：「甚多！世尊！甚多！善逝！」

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"**

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「若善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，於彼眾中隨施與一受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，復以種種巧妙文義廣為解釋，分別義趣令其解了，教授教誡令勤修學。是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，甚多於前無量無邊不可稱數。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "If good men and good women copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then among that assembly randomly give it to one person to uphold and recite, causing them to thoroughly master it and contemplate it in accordance with the teachings, and further extensively explain it for them using various skillful words and meanings, analyzing its meaning and purport to make them understand, teaching and instructing them to diligently study and practice—the accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women surpass the previous ones by immeasurable, boundless, and incalculable amounts.

「復次，憍尸迦！若贍部洲諸有情類，皆發無上正等覺心。既發無上菩提心已，同作是言：『我今欣樂速證無上正等菩提，濟拔有情生死眾苦，令得殊勝畢竟安樂。』有善男子、善女人等為成彼事，書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，普施與彼受持、讀誦，令善通利、如理思惟。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If all sentient beings in Jambudvīpa generate the supreme perfect enlightenment mind, and having generated the supreme bodhi mind, they all speak thus: 'We now delight in quickly attaining supreme perfect enlightenment, rescuing sentient beings from the multitude of sufferings of birth and death, and causing them to obtain supreme ultimate happiness.' If there are good men and good women who, in order to accomplish this purpose, copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then universally give it to them to uphold and recite, causing them to thoroughly master it and contemplate it in accordance with the teachings, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「若善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，於彼眾中隨施與一受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，以無量門巧妙文義廣為解釋，分別義趣令其解了，教授教誡令勤修學，是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，甚多於前無量無邊不可稱數。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "If good men and good women copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then among that assembly randomly give it to one person to uphold and recite, causing them to thoroughly master it and contemplate it in accordance with the teachings, and through immeasurable approaches extensively explain it for them using skillful words and meanings, analyzing its meaning and purport to make them understand, teaching and instructing them to diligently study and practice—the accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women surpass the previous ones by immeasurable, boundless, and incalculable amounts.

「復次，憍尸迦！置贍部洲諸有情類。若四大洲諸有情類，若小千界諸有情類，若中千界諸有情類，若大千界諸有情類，若復十方各如殑伽沙等世界諸有情類，皆發無上正等覺心。既發無上菩提心已，同作是言：『我今欣樂速證無上正等菩提，濟拔有情生死眾苦，令得殊勝畢竟安樂。』有善男子、善女人等為成彼事，書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，普施與彼受持、讀誦，令善通利、如理思惟。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, if all sentient beings of the four continents, or all sentient beings of a small thousand-world system, or all sentient beings of a medium thousand-world system, or all sentient beings of a great thousand-world system, or all sentient beings in the ten directions in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, all generate the supreme perfect enlightenment mind, and having generated the supreme bodhi mind, they all speak thus: 'We now delight in quickly attaining supreme perfect enlightenment, rescuing sentient beings from the multitude of sufferings of birth and death, and causing them to obtain supreme ultimate happiness.' If there are good men and good women who, in order to accomplish this purpose, copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then universally give it to them to uphold and recite, causing them to thoroughly master it and contemplate it in accordance with the teachings, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「若善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，於彼眾中隨施與一受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，以無量門巧妙文義廣為解釋，分別義趣令其解了，教授教誡令勤修學。是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，甚多於前無量無邊不可稱數。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "If good men and good women copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then among that assembly randomly give it to one person to uphold and recite, causing them to thoroughly master it and contemplate it in accordance with the teachings, and through immeasurable approaches extensively explain it for them using skillful words and meanings, analyzing its meaning and purport to make them understand, teaching and instructing them to diligently study and practice—the accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women surpass the previous ones by immeasurable, boundless, and incalculable amounts.

「復次，憍尸迦！若贍部洲諸有情類，皆於無上正等菩提得不退轉，同作是言：『我今欣樂速證無上正等菩提，濟拔有情生死眾苦，令得殊勝畢竟安樂。』有善男子、善女人等為成彼事，書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，普施與彼受持、讀誦，令善通利、如理思惟，於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If all sentient beings in Jambudvīpa attain non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment, and they all speak thus: 'We now delight in quickly attaining supreme perfect enlightenment, rescuing sentient beings from the multitude of sufferings of birth and death, and causing them to obtain supreme ultimate happiness.' If there are good men and good women who, in order to accomplish this purpose, copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then universally give it to them to uphold and recite, causing them to thoroughly master it and contemplate it in accordance with the teachings, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「若善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，於彼眾中隨施與一受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟，以無量門巧妙文義廣為解釋，分別義趣令其解了，教授教誡令勤修學，是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，甚多於前無量無邊不可稱數。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "If good men and good women copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then among that assembly randomly give it to one person to uphold and recite, causing them to thoroughly master it and contemplate it in accordance with the teachings, and through immeasurable approaches extensively explain it for them using skillful words and meanings, analyzing its meaning and purport to make them understand, teaching and instructing them to diligently study and practice—the accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women surpass the previous ones by immeasurable, boundless, and incalculable amounts.

「復次，憍尸迦！置贍部洲諸有情類。若四大洲諸有情類，若小千界諸有情類，若中千界諸有情類，若大千界諸有情類，若復十方各如殑伽沙等世界諸有情類，皆於無上正等菩提得不退轉，同作是言：『我今欣樂速證無上正等菩提，濟拔有情生死眾苦，令得殊勝畢竟安樂。』有善男子、善女人等為成彼事，書深般若波羅蜜多眾寶莊嚴，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，普施與彼受持、讀誦、令善通利、如理思惟。於意云何？是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! Setting aside the sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, if all sentient beings of the four continents, or all sentient beings of a small thousand-world system, or all sentient beings of a medium thousand-world system, or all sentient beings of a great thousand-world system, or all sentient beings in the ten directions in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, all attain non-retrogression from supreme perfect enlightenment, and they all speak thus: 'We now delight in quickly attaining supreme perfect enlightenment, rescuing sentient beings from the multitude of sufferings of birth and death, and causing them to obtain supreme ultimate happiness.' If there are good men and good women who, in order to accomplish this purpose, copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā and adorn it with various jewels, offering it with reverence, respect, and praise, then universally give it to them to uphold and recite, causing them to thoroughly master it and contemplate it in accordance with the teachings, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「若善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，眾寶莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，於彼眾中隨施與一受持、讀誦，令善通利、如理思惟，以無量門巧妙文義廣為解釋，分別義趣令其解了，教授教誡令勤修學，是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，甚多於前無量無邊不可稱數。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "If good men and good women copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various jewels, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then among that assembly randomly give it to one person to uphold and recite, causing them to thoroughly master it and contemplate it in accordance with the teachings, and through immeasurable approaches extensively explain it for them using skillful words and meanings, analyzing its meaning and purport to make them understand, teaching and instructing them to diligently study and practice—the accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women surpass the previous ones by immeasurable, boundless, and incalculable amounts.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，種種莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，施贍部洲一切有情，是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

天帝釋言：「甚多！世尊！甚多！善逝！」

Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、善女人等為一有情，於深般若波羅蜜多，分別解說甚深義趣令其解了。是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，甚多於前無量無邊不可稱數。

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "There are good men and good women who, for one sentient being, analyze and explain the profound meaning and purport of the profound Prajñāpāramitā, causing them to understand. The accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women surpass the previous ones by immeasurable, boundless, and incalculable amounts.

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等書深般若波羅蜜多，種種莊嚴供養恭敬、尊重讚歎，施四大洲一切有情，若小千界一切有情，若中千界一切有情，若大千界一切有情，若復十方各如殑伽沙等世界一切有情。是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women copy the profound Prajñāpāramitā, adorn it with various ornaments, and offer it with reverence, respect, and praise, then give it to all sentient beings of the four continents, or all sentient beings of a small thousand-world system, or all sentient beings of a medium thousand-world system, or all sentient beings of a great thousand-world system, or all sentient beings in the ten directions in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"**

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、善女人等為一有情，於深般若波羅蜜多，分別解說甚深義趣令其解了。是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，甚多於前無量無邊不可稱數。

「復次，憍尸迦！若善男子、善女人等為贍部洲諸有情類，若四大洲諸有情類，若小千界諸有情類，若中千界諸有情類，若大千界諸有情類，若復十方各如殑伽沙等世界諸有情類，於深般若波羅蜜多，分別解說甚深義趣令其解了，是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得福多不？」

"Furthermore, Kauśika! If good men and good women, for all sentient beings of Jambudvīpa, or all sentient beings of the four continents, or all sentient beings of a small thousand-world system, or all sentient beings of a medium thousand-world system, or all sentient beings of a great thousand-world system, or all sentient beings in the ten directions in worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, analyze and explain the profound meaning and purport of the profound Prajñāpāramitā, causing them to understand, 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, Lord of the Devas, said: "Very much! World-Honored One! Very much! Well-Gone One!"

爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「有善男子、善女人等為一有情，於深般若波羅蜜多，以無染心分別解說甚深義趣令其解了，教授教誡令勤修學。是善男子、善女人等所獲福聚，甚多於前無量無邊不可稱數。」

At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: "There are good men and good women who, for one sentient being, with an undefiled mind analyze and explain the profound meaning and purport of the profound Prajñāpāramitā, causing them to understand, teaching and instructing them to diligently study and practice. The accumulations of merit obtained by these good men and good women surpass the previous ones by immeasurable, boundless, and incalculable amounts."

時，天帝釋便白佛言：「如如菩薩摩訶薩轉近無上正等菩提，如是如是應以般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣教授、教誡，令善通達諸法真如；應以上妙衣服、飲食、臥具、醫藥及餘資具，恭敬供養令無匱乏。若善男子、善女人等能以如是法施、財施，攝受供養彼菩薩摩訶薩，是善男子、善女人等由此因緣得大果報，獲大勝利無量無邊。所以者何？彼菩薩摩訶薩，要由如是法施、財施攝受供養，速能證得一切智智。」

At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, addressed the Buddha, saying: "As bodhisattva mahāsattvas progressively draw nearer to supreme perfect enlightenment, correspondingly they should be taught and instructed with the profound meaning and purport of Prajñāpāramitā, causing them to thoroughly understand the true suchness of all dharmas. They should be offered excellent clothing, food, bedding, medicine, and other necessities with reverence and respect, ensuring they lack nothing. If good men and good women can thus provide Dharma offerings and material offerings, receiving and supporting those bodhisattva mahāsattvas, these good men and good women will obtain great rewards and achieve great benefits that are immeasurable and boundless through these causes and conditions. Why is this so? Those bodhisattva mahāsattvas, through such Dharma offerings and material offerings of reception and support, will quickly be able to attain omniscient wisdom."

爾時，善現讚帝釋言：「善哉！善哉！憍尸迦！善能勸勵、攝受、護助諸菩薩摩訶薩，令疾證得一切智智。汝今已作佛聖弟子所應作事。何以故？憍尸迦！一切如來諸聖弟子，為欲利樂諸有情故，方便勸勵、攝受、護助諸菩薩摩訶薩，令疾證得一切智智。所以者何？一切如來、聲聞、獨覺世間勝事，皆由菩薩摩訶薩眾而得出現。何以故？憍尸迦！若無菩薩摩訶薩發菩提心，則無菩薩摩訶薩能學布施乃至般若波羅蜜多。若無菩薩摩訶薩能學布施乃至般若波羅蜜多，則無菩薩摩訶薩能證無上正等菩提。若無菩薩摩訶薩證得無上正等菩提，則無如來、聲聞、獨覺世間勝事。故應勸勵、攝受、護助諸菩薩摩訶薩，令學六種波羅蜜多究竟圓滿，疾證無上正等菩提，轉妙法輪度有情眾。」

At that time, Subhūti praised Śakra, Lord of the Devas, saying: "Excellent! Excellent! Kauśika! You skillfully encourage, receive, and assist bodhisattva mahāsattvas, causing them to quickly attain omniscient wisdom. You have now accomplished what Buddha's noble disciples should do. Why is this so? Kauśika! All the Tathāgata's noble disciples, wishing to benefit and bring happiness to sentient beings, skillfully encourage, receive, and assist bodhisattva mahāsattvas, causing them to quickly attain omniscient wisdom. Why is this so? All the excellent affairs in the world of Tathāgatas, śrāvakas, and pratyekabuddhas arise through the assembly of bodhisattva mahāsattvas. Why is this so? Kauśika! If there were no bodhisattva mahāsattvas generating the bodhi mind, then there would be no bodhisattva mahāsattvas able to study giving up to Prajñāpāramitā. If there were no bodhisattva mahāsattvas able to study giving up to Prajñāpāramitā, then there would be no bodhisattva mahāsattvas able to attain supreme perfect enlightenment. If there were no bodhisattva mahāsattvas attaining supreme perfect enlightenment, then there would be no excellent affairs in the world of Tathāgatas, śrāvakas, and pratyekabuddhas. Therefore, one should encourage, receive, and assist bodhisattva mahāsattvas, causing them to study the six types of pāramitās to ultimate perfection, quickly attain supreme perfect enlightenment, turn the wonderful Dharma wheel, and deliver sentient beings."

大般若波羅蜜多經卷第五百四十二