總持品第十之一
時，天帝釋作是念言：「若善男子、善女人等，但聞如是甚深般若波羅蜜多功德名號，當知過去已曾供養無量如來、應、正等覺，發弘誓願、多種善根，況能受持、讀誦、書寫、如理思惟、為他演說，或能隨力如教修行！當知是人已於過去無量佛所親近供養、多種善根，曾聞般若波羅蜜多，聞已受持、思惟、讀誦、為他演說、如教修行，或於此經能問能答，由先福力今辦是事。若善男子、善女人等，已曾供養無量如來、應、正等覺，功德純淨，聞深般若波羅蜜多，其心不驚、不恐、不怖、不憂、不悔、不退、不沒。」
At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, thought, 'If good men and good women merely hear the meritorious name of such profound Prajñāpāramitā, know that in the past they have already made offerings to countless Tathāgatas, Arhats, and Perfectly Enlightened Ones, generated great vows, and cultivated many wholesome roots—how much more so if they can uphold, recite, transcribe, contemplate according to principle, expound for others, or practice according to the teachings as their capacity allows! Know that such persons have already drawn near to and made offerings at countless Buddha-places in the past, cultivating many wholesome roots. They have previously heard Prajñāpāramitā, and upon hearing it, upheld, contemplated, recited, expounded for others, and practiced according to the teachings. Or they are able to question and answer regarding this sūtra—through the power of their previous merit they now accomplish these matters. If good men and good women have already made offerings to countless Tathāgatas, Arhats, and Perfectly Enlightened Ones with pure merit, when they hear the profound Prajñāpāramitā, their minds are not startled, not fearful, not terrified, not worried, not regretful, not retreating, and not despondent.'
爾時，世尊知天帝釋心之所念，即便告言：「如是！如是！如汝所念。」
At that time, the World-Honored One, knowing the thoughts in Śakra's mind, immediately told him: 'So it is! So it is! It is as you think.'"
時，舍利子知天帝釋心之所念，便白佛言：「若善男子、善女人等，聞深般若波羅蜜多深生信解，受持、讀誦、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布、如教修行，當知是人如不退位諸大菩薩。所以者何？如是般若波羅蜜多義趣甚深難信難解，若於前世不久修行甚深般若波羅蜜多，不於佛前請問聽受，不於佛所多種善根，豈暫得聞甚深般若波羅蜜多即能信解？
At that time, Śāriputra, knowing the thoughts in Śakra's mind, addressed the Buddha, saying: 'If good men and good women hear the profound Prajñāpāramitā and generate deep faith and understanding, uphold, recite, contemplate according to principle, transcribe, explain, widely disseminate, and practice according to the teachings, know that such persons are like the great bodhisattvas of non-retrogression stage. Why is this so? The meaning and purport of this Prajñāpāramitā is extremely profound and difficult to believe and understand. If in previous lives they had not long practiced the profound Prajñāpāramitā, had not asked questions and received teachings before Buddhas, and had not cultivated many wholesome roots in the presence of Buddhas, how could they merely hear the profound Prajñāpāramitā and immediately be able to have faith and understanding?
「世尊！若善男子、善女人等，聞說般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣，心不信解、誹謗、毀呰，當知是人先世已於甚深般若波羅蜜多誹謗、毀呰。所以者何？如是愚人善根少故、無正願故、近惡友故，聞說般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣，由宿習力不信、不樂、心不清淨、不忍、不欲。何以故？如是愚人於過去世，未曾親近諸佛、菩薩及餘賢聖，未曾請問如是般若波羅蜜多甚深義故。」
'World-Honored One! If good men and good women hear the profound meaning and purport of Prajñāpāramitā being explained but their minds do not have faith or understanding, and they slander and disparage it, know that such persons have already slandered and disparaged the profound Prajñāpāramitā in previous lives. Why is this so? Because such foolish people have few wholesome roots, lack correct aspirations, and are close to evil friends, when they hear the profound meaning and purport of Prajñāpāramitā being explained, through the power of past habits they do not believe, do not delight in it, their minds are not pure, they do not accept it, and they do not desire it. Why is this so? Such foolish people in past lives have never drawn near to Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and other sages, and have never asked about the profound meaning of this Prajñāpāramitā.'
爾時，天帝釋謂舍利子言：「如是般若波羅蜜多義趣甚深極難信解，諸有未久信樂修行甚深般若波羅蜜多，聞說此中甚深義趣，不能信解或生毀謗，未為希有。」
At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said to Śāriputra: 'The meaning and purport of this Prajñāpāramitā is extremely profound and difficult to believe and understand. For those who have not long had faith, delight, and practice in the profound Prajñāpāramitā, when they hear the profound meaning and purport explained herein, that they cannot have faith and understanding or generate slander is not remarkable.'"
時，天帝釋復白佛言：「我今敬禮甚深般若波羅蜜多，我若敬禮甚深般若波羅蜜多，即為敬禮一切智智。」
At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, again addressed the Buddha, saying: 'I now pay homage to the profound Prajñāpāramitā. When I pay homage to the profound Prajñāpāramitā, I am paying homage to omniscient wisdom.'
爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「如是！如是！如汝所說。若能敬禮甚深般若波羅蜜多，即為敬禮一切智智。何以故？憍尸迦！諸佛所得一切智智，皆從般若波羅蜜多而得生故，甚深般若波羅蜜多復由諸佛一切智智而得有故。憍尸迦！諸菩薩摩訶薩應如是行甚深般若波羅蜜多，應如是住甚深般若波羅蜜多，應如是學甚深般若波羅蜜多。」
At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: 'So it is! So it is! It is as you have said. If one can pay homage to the profound Prajñāpāramitā, one is paying homage to omniscient wisdom. Why is this so? Kauśika! The omniscient wisdom attained by all Buddhas is born from Prajñāpāramitā, and the profound Prajñāpāramitā exists through the omniscient wisdom of all Buddhas. Kauśika! Bodhisattva-mahāsattvas should thus practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, should thus abide in the profound Prajñāpāramitā, and should thus study the profound Prajñāpāramitā.'
爾時，天帝釋白佛言：「世尊！諸菩薩摩訶薩云何行深般若波羅蜜多，名住深般若波羅蜜多？云何行深般若波羅蜜多，名學深般若波羅蜜多？」
At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, addressed the Buddha, saying: 'World-Honored One! How do bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā in a way that is called "abiding in the profound Prajñāpāramitā"? How do bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā in a way that is called "studying the profound Prajñāpāramitā"?'
爾時，佛告天帝釋言：「善哉！善哉！乃能請問如是深義，汝承佛力，能問如來、應、正等覺如是深義。
At that time, the Buddha told Śakra, Lord of the Devas: 'Excellent! Excellent! You are able to ask about such profound meaning. Through the Buddha's power, you are able to ask the Tathāgata, Arhat, and Perfectly Enlightened One about such profound meaning.
「憍尸迦！諸菩薩摩訶薩行深般若波羅蜜多時，若於色不住，亦不住此是色，是為學色；若於受、想、行、識不住，亦不住此是受、想、行、識，是為學受、想、行、識。復次，憍尸迦！諸菩薩摩訶薩行深般若波羅蜜多時，若於色不學，亦不學此是色，是不住色；若於受、想、行、識不學，亦不學此是受、想、行、識，是不住受、想、行、識。憍尸迦！是名菩薩摩訶薩行深般若波羅蜜多，亦名住深般若波羅蜜多，亦名學深般若波羅蜜多。」
'Kauśika! When bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, if they do not abide in form and also do not abide in "this is form," this is studying form. If they do not abide in sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness, and also do not abide in "this is sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness," this is studying sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness. Furthermore, Kauśika! When bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, if they do not study form and also do not study "this is form," this is not abiding in form. If they do not study sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness, and also do not study "this is sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness," this is not abiding in sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness. Kauśika! This is called bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practicing the profound Prajñāpāramitā, and is also called abiding in the profound Prajñāpāramitā, and is also called studying the profound Prajñāpāramitā.'"
時，舍利子便白佛言：「如是般若波羅蜜多最為甚深，如是般若波羅蜜多難可測量，如是般若波羅蜜多難可執取，如是般若波羅蜜多無有限量。」
At that time, Śāriputra addressed the Buddha, saying: 'This Prajñāpāramitā is most profound, this Prajñāpāramitā is difficult to fathom, this Prajñāpāramitā is difficult to grasp, this Prajñāpāramitā is without limit.'
爾時，佛告舍利子言：「如是！如是！舍利子！諸菩薩摩訶薩行深般若波羅蜜多時，若於色甚深性不住，亦不住此是色甚深性，是名學色甚深性；若於受、想、行、識甚深性不住，亦不住此是受、想、行、識甚深性，是名學受、想、行、識甚深性。復次，舍利子！諸菩薩摩訶薩行深般若波羅蜜多時，若於色甚深性不學，亦不學此是色甚深性，是名不住色甚深性；若於受、想、行、識甚深性不學，亦不學此是受、想、行、識甚深性，是名不住受、想、行、識甚深性。」
At that time, the Buddha told Śāriputra: 'So it is! So it is! Śāriputra! When bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, if they do not abide in the profound nature of form and also do not abide in "this is the profound nature of form," this is called studying the profound nature of form. If they do not abide in the profound nature of sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness, and also do not abide in "this is the profound nature of sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness," this is called studying the profound nature of sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness. Furthermore, Śāriputra! When bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, if they do not study the profound nature of form and also do not study "this is the profound nature of form," this is called not abiding in the profound nature of form. If they do not study the profound nature of sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness, and also do not study "this is the profound nature of sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness," this is called not abiding in the profound nature of sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness.'
時，舍利子復白佛言：「如是般若波羅蜜多既最甚深，難可測量，難可執取，無有限量，則難信解，但應為彼不退轉位諸菩薩說。所以者何？彼聞如是甚深般若波羅蜜多，心不驚惶、恐怖、疑惑，不生毀謗、深心信解。」
At that time, Śāriputra again addressed the Buddha, saying: 'Since this Prajñāpāramitā is most profound, difficult to fathom, difficult to grasp, and without limit, it is difficult to believe and understand. It should only be taught to those bodhisattvas of non-retrogression stage. Why is this so? When they hear such profound Prajñāpāramitā, their minds are not alarmed, frightened, or confused, they do not generate slander, and they have deep faith and understanding.'
時，天帝釋便問具壽舍利子言：「若有為彼未得受記諸菩薩說甚深般若波羅蜜多，當有何失？」
At that time, Śakra, Lord of the Devas, asked the Venerable Śāriputra: 'If someone teaches the profound Prajñāpāramitā to those bodhisattvas who have not yet received the prediction, what fault would there be?'
時，舍利子告帝釋言：「彼聞驚惶、恐怖、疑惑，不能信解或生毀謗，由斯造作增長能感墮惡趣業，沒三惡趣久受大苦，難證無上正等菩提。是故，不應為彼宣說甚深般若波羅蜜多。」
At that time, Śāriputra told Śakra: 'Upon hearing it, they would become alarmed, frightened, and confused, unable to have faith and understanding, or they might generate slander. Through this they would create and increase karma that leads to falling into evil destinies, sink into the three evil realms and suffer greatly for long periods, making it difficult to attain supreme perfect enlightenment. Therefore, one should not proclaim the profound Prajñāpāramitā to them.'"
天帝釋言：「頗有菩薩未得受記聞深般若波羅蜜多，心不驚惶、恐怖、疑惑，不生毀謗、深信解不？」
Śakra, Lord of the Devas, said: 'Are there any bodhisattvas who have not yet received the prediction but who, upon hearing the profound Prajñāpāramitā, have minds that are not alarmed, frightened, or confused, do not generate slander, and have deep faith and understanding?'
舍利子言：「有！憍尸迦！是菩薩摩訶薩久發無上正等覺心，久修菩薩摩訶薩行，不久當受大菩提記。憍尸迦！若菩薩摩訶薩聞深般若波羅蜜多，心不驚惶、恐怖、疑惑，不生毀謗、深信解者，當知是菩薩摩訶薩已受無上大菩提記，設未受者，不過一佛或二佛所定當得受大菩提記。」
Śāriputra said: 'There are! Kauśika! Such bodhisattva-mahāsattvas have long generated the mind of supreme perfect enlightenment, have long cultivated bodhisattva-mahāsattva practices, and will soon receive the great bodhi prediction. Kauśika! If bodhisattva-mahāsattvas hear the profound Prajñāpāramitā and their minds are not alarmed, frightened, or confused, they do not generate slander, and they have deep faith and understanding, know that such bodhisattva-mahāsattvas have already received the supreme great bodhi prediction. Even if they have not yet received it, they will definitely receive the great bodhi prediction within no more than one or two Buddha-places.'
爾時，佛告舍利子言：「如是！如是！如汝所說。舍利子！若菩薩摩訶薩久學大乘，久發大願，久修大行，供養多佛，事多善友，善根成熟，聞深般若波羅蜜多，心不驚惶、恐怖、疑惑，深心信解，常樂聽聞、受持、讀誦，恭敬供養、如理思惟，為他演說或復書寫，如說修行恒無懈惓。舍利子！是菩薩摩訶薩由此因緣，隨所生處常見諸佛、恒聞正法，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎；隨所見佛皆為受記，無空過者。」
At that time, the Buddha told Śāriputra: 'So it is! So it is! It is as you have said. Śāriputra! If bodhisattva-mahāsattvas have long studied the Great Vehicle, long generated great vows, long cultivated great practices, made offerings to many Buddhas, served many good friends, and their wholesome roots have matured, when they hear the profound Prajñāpāramitā, their minds are not alarmed, frightened, or confused, they have deep faith and understanding, constantly delight in listening, upholding, and reciting, reverently make offerings, contemplate according to principle, expound for others or transcribe, and practice according to the teachings with constant diligence. Śāriputra! Through this cause and condition, such bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, wherever they are born, constantly see Buddhas and always hear the true Dharma, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise. From whatever Buddhas they see, all give them predictions—none are encountered in vain.'
時，舍利子便白佛言：「我今樂說少分譬喻，唯願聽許！」
At that time, Śāriputra addressed the Buddha, saying: 'I would now like to speak a few analogies—please grant permission!'
爾時，佛告舍利子言：「隨汝意說。」
At that time, the Buddha told Śāriputra: 'Speak as you wish.'"
時，舍利子白言：「世尊！如住大乘善男子等夢見自坐妙菩提座，當知是人近證無上正等菩提。如是若有善男子等，得聞般若波羅蜜多深心信敬，受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，當知是人久學大乘、善根成熟，或已得受大菩提記，或近當受大菩提記，疾證無上正等菩提。
"At that time, Śāriputra said: 'World-Honored One! Just as when good men and others who abide in the Great Vehicle dream of sitting on the wonderful bodhi seat, know that such persons are near to attaining supreme perfect enlightenment. Likewise, if there are good men and others who hear Prajñāpāramitā and generate deep faith and reverence, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to principle, transcribe, explain, and widely disseminate it, know that such persons have long studied the Great Vehicle with mature wholesome roots—they have either already received the great bodhi prediction or are near to receiving the great bodhi prediction and will swiftly attain supreme perfect enlightenment.
「世尊！譬如有人遊涉曠野，經過嶮道百踰繕那、或二、或三、或四五百，見諸城邑王都前相，謂放牧人園林田等，見是相已便作是念：『城邑王都去此非遠。』作是念已身意泰然，不畏惡獸惡賊饑渴。住菩薩乘善男子等亦復如是，若聞般若波羅蜜多深心信敬，受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布；當知是人不久得受大菩提記，疾證無上正等菩提，無墮聲聞、獨覺地畏。何以故？已得見聞供養恭敬甚深般若波羅蜜多無上菩提之前相故。
'World-Honored One! It is like a person traveling through wilderness, passing through dangerous paths of one hundred yojanas, or two, three, four, or five hundred, who sees the preliminary signs of cities and royal capitals—such as herdsmen, gardens, fields, and so forth. Having seen these signs, they think: "Cities and royal capitals are not far from here." Having thought this, their body and mind become peaceful, and they do not fear wild beasts, bandits, hunger, or thirst. Good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle are also like this—if they hear Prajñāpāramitā and generate deep faith and reverence, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to principle, transcribe, explain, and widely disseminate it, know that such persons will soon receive the great bodhi prediction and swiftly attain supreme perfect enlightenment, without fear of falling to the grounds of śrāvakas or pratyekabuddhas. Why is this so? Because they have already seen, heard, made offerings to, and revered the profound Prajñāpāramitā as the preliminary sign of supreme enlightenment.
「世尊！譬如有人欲觀大海，漸次往趣經歷多時，不見山林便作是念：『今覩此相，大海非遠。所以者何？近大海岸，地必漸下無諸山林。』彼人爾時雖未見海而見近相歡喜踊躍。住菩薩乘善男子等亦復如是，若得聞此甚深般若波羅蜜多深生信敬，受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，當知是人不久得受大菩提記，疾證無上正等菩提。何以故？已得聞此甚深般若波羅蜜多無上菩提之前相故。
'World-Honored One! It is like a person who wishes to view the great ocean and gradually proceeds toward it over a long time. When they no longer see mountains and forests, they think: "Now seeing this sign, the great ocean is not far away. Why is this so? Near the ocean shore, the land necessarily slopes downward and has no mountains or forests." At that time, although they have not yet seen the ocean, seeing the nearby signs they rejoice and leap with joy. Good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle are also like this—if they hear this profound Prajñāpāramitā and generate deep faith and reverence, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to principle, transcribe, explain, and widely disseminate it, know that such persons will soon receive the great bodhi prediction and swiftly attain supreme perfect enlightenment. Why is this so? Because they have already heard this profound Prajñāpāramitā as the preliminary sign of supreme enlightenment.
「世尊！譬如春時花果樹等，故葉已墮枝條滋潤，眾人見之咸作是念：『新花果葉當出非久。所以者何？此諸樹等新花果葉先相現故。』住菩薩乘善男子等亦復如是，若得聞此甚深般若波羅蜜多深心信敬，受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布；當知是人不久得受大菩提記，疾證無上正等菩提。
'World-Honored One! It is like in springtime when fruit trees and others have dropped their old leaves but their branches are moistened with vitality—all people who see this think: "New flowers, fruits, and leaves will emerge before long. Why is this so? Because the preliminary signs of new flowers, fruits, and leaves of these trees have appeared." Good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle are also like this—if they hear this profound Prajñāpāramitā and generate deep faith and reverence, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to principle, transcribe, explain, and widely disseminate it, know that such persons will soon receive the great bodhi prediction and swiftly attain supreme perfect enlightenment.
「世尊！譬如女人懷孕漸久，其身轉重動止不安，飲食、睡眠悉皆減少，不喜多語厭常所作，受苦痛故眾事頓息，有異母人見是相已，即知此女不久產生。住菩薩乘善男子等亦復如是，若得聞此甚深般若波羅蜜多深心信敬，受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，當知是人不久得受大菩提記，疾證無上正等菩提，轉妙法輪度有情眾。」
'World-Honored One! It is like a woman who has been pregnant for some time—her body becomes heavier, her movements restless, her eating and sleeping all decrease, she does not enjoy much talking and grows weary of her usual activities. Due to experiencing pain and suffering, all her affairs suddenly cease. When experienced mothers see these signs, they immediately know this woman will give birth before long. Good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle are also like this—if they hear this profound Prajñāpāramitā and generate deep faith and reverence, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to principle, transcribe, explain, and widely disseminate it, know that such persons will soon receive the great bodhi prediction, swiftly attain supreme perfect enlightenment, and turn the wonderful Dharma wheel to liberate sentient beings.'
爾時，佛讚舍利子言：「善哉！善哉！汝能善說菩薩譬喻，當知皆是如來神力。」
At that time, the Buddha praised Śāriputra, saying: 'Excellent! Excellent! You are able to skillfully explain the analogies for bodhisattvas. Know that this is all through the Tathāgata's spiritual power.'"
爾時，具壽善現便白佛言：「世尊！希有如來、應、正等覺，善分別說諸菩薩事。」
"At that time, the Venerable Subhūti addressed the Buddha, saying: 'World-Honored One! How rare are the Tathāgata, Arhat, and Perfectly Enlightened One, who skillfully distinguishes and explains the affairs of bodhisattvas.'
佛告善現：「如是！如是！所以者何？諸菩薩摩訶薩為欲利樂多眾生故，哀愍世間大眾生故，憐愍人、天令獲大義利樂事故，求證無上正等菩提，為諸有情說無上法。」
The Buddha told Subhūti: 'So it is! So it is! Why is this so? Bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, wishing to benefit and bring happiness to many sentient beings, having compassion for the great masses of beings in the world, and having pity for humans and gods to enable them to obtain great meaningful benefits and happiness, seek to attain supreme perfect enlightenment in order to teach the supreme Dharma to all sentient beings.'
爾時，善現復白佛言：「諸菩薩摩訶薩成就無邊大功德聚，為欲饒益諸有情故，行深般若波羅蜜多。云何菩薩摩訶薩修行般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿？」
At that time, Subhūti again addressed the Buddha, saying: 'Bodhisattva-mahāsattvas accomplish boundless great accumulations of merit and, wishing to benefit all sentient beings, practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā. How can bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practice Prajñāpāramitā to quickly achieve perfection?'
佛告善現：「若菩薩摩訶薩行深般若波羅蜜多時，不見色增而行般若波羅蜜多，不見受、想、行、識增而行般若波羅蜜多，不見色減而行般若波羅蜜多，不見受、想、行、識減而行般若波羅蜜多，不見是法而行般若波羅蜜多，不見非法而行般若波羅蜜多，是菩薩摩訶薩修行般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。」
The Buddha told Subhūti: 'When bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, they practice Prajñāpāramitā without seeing form as increasing, they practice Prajñāpāramitā without seeing sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness as increasing, they practice Prajñāpāramitā without seeing form as decreasing, they practice Prajñāpāramitā without seeing sensation, perception, conditioning, and consciousness as decreasing, they practice Prajñāpāramitā without seeing dharma, they practice Prajñāpāramitā without seeing non-dharma. Such bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practicing Prajñāpāramitā quickly achieve perfection.'
具壽善現復白佛言：「如來所說不可思議。」
The Venerable Subhūti again addressed the Buddha, saying: 'What the Tathāgata has said is inconceivable.'
佛告善現：「如是！如是！色不可思議故，如來所說不可思議，受、想、行、識不可思議故，如來所說不可思議。若菩薩摩訶薩行深般若波羅蜜多，雖如實知色不可思議，而不起不可思議想，修行般若波羅蜜多；雖如實知受、想、行、識不可思議，而不起不可思議想，修行般若波羅蜜多，是菩薩摩訶薩修行般若波羅蜜多疾得圓滿。」
The Buddha told Subhūti: 'So it is! So it is! Because form is inconceivable, what the Tathāgata says is inconceivable. Because sensation, perception, formations, and consciousness are inconceivable, what the Tathāgata says is inconceivable. When bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, although they truly know that form is inconceivable, they do not generate thoughts of inconceivability and practice Prajñāpāramitā. Although they truly know that sensation, perception, formations, and consciousness are inconceivable, they do not generate thoughts of inconceivability and practice Prajñāpāramitā. Such bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practicing Prajñāpāramitā quickly achieve perfection.'
時，舍利子便白佛言：「如是般若波羅蜜多義趣甚深，誰能信解？」
At that time, Śāriputra addressed the Buddha, saying: 'The meaning and purport of this Prajñāpāramitā is extremely profound—who can have faith and understanding in it?'
爾時，佛告舍利子言：「若菩薩摩訶薩久修大行，於深般若波羅蜜多能生信解。」
At that time, the Buddha told Śāriputra: 'Bodhisattva-mahāsattvas who have long cultivated great practices can generate faith and understanding in the profound Prajñāpāramitā.'
時，舍利子復白佛言：「齊何應知是菩薩摩訶薩久修大行，而得久修大行名號？」
At that time, Śāriputra again addressed the Buddha, saying: 'By what measure should we know that these bodhisattva-mahāsattvas have long cultivated great practices and thus deserve the designation of having long cultivated great practices?'"
爾時，佛告舍利子言：「若菩薩摩訶薩行深般若波羅蜜多時，不分別如來十力，不分別四無所畏，不分別十八佛不共法，不分別一切智，不分別一切相智。所以者何？如來十力、四無所畏、十八佛不共法、一切智、一切相智皆不可思議，一切法亦不可思議。舍利子！若菩薩摩訶薩如是行者都無處行，是行般若波羅蜜多。舍利子！齊此應知是菩薩摩訶薩久修大行，乃得久修大行名號。」
At that time, the Buddha told Śāriputra: 'When bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, they do not discriminate the Tathāgata's ten powers, do not discriminate the four fearlessnesses, do not discriminate the eighteen unique Buddha-dharmas, do not discriminate omniscience, and do not discriminate the knowledge of all aspects. Why is this so? The Tathāgata's ten powers, four fearlessnesses, eighteen unique Buddha-dharmas, omniscience, and knowledge of all aspects are all inconceivable, and all dharmas are also inconceivable. Śāriputra! When bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practice in this way, they have absolutely no place where they practice—this is practicing Prajñāpāramitā. Śāriputra! By this measure we should know that such bodhisattva-mahāsattvas have long cultivated great practices and thus deserve the designation of having long cultivated great practices.'"
具壽善現便白佛言：「如是般若波羅蜜多最為甚深，如是般若波羅蜜多是大寶聚，如是般若波羅蜜多是清淨聚，如太虛空極清淨故。」
The Venerable Subhūti then addressed the Buddha, saying: "This Prajñāpāramitā is most profound, this Prajñāpāramitā is a great treasure collection, this Prajñāpāramitā is a pure collection, being extremely pure like space itself."
佛告善現：「如是！如是！」
The Buddha told Subhūti: "So it is! So it is!"
爾時，善現復白佛言：「希有！世尊！如是般若波羅蜜多以最甚深多諸留難，而今廣說留難不生。」
At that time, Subhūti again addressed the Buddha, saying: "Wonderful! World-Honored One! This Prajñāpāramitā, being most profound with many obstacles, is now extensively taught without obstacles arising."
佛告善現：「如是！如是！佛神力故留難不起。是故大乘善男子等於深般若波羅蜜多，若欲書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、為他演說，應疾書寫乃至演說。所以者何？甚深般若波羅蜜多多諸留難，勿令書寫乃至演說不得究竟。善現當知！如是大乘善男子等，若欲一月乃至一歲書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說甚深般若波羅蜜多能究竟者，應勤精進繫念書寫乃至演說，經爾所時令得究竟。何以故？甚深般若波羅蜜多大寶神珠多留難故。」
The Buddha told Subhūti: "So it is! So it is! Through the Buddha's spiritual power, obstacles do not arise. Therefore, good men and others of the Great Vehicle, regarding the profound Prajñāpāramitā, if they wish to transcribe, uphold, recite, practice, contemplate, or expound for others, should quickly transcribe through to expounding. Why is this so? The profound Prajñāpāramitā has many obstacles—do not let the transcribing through to expounding fail to reach completion. Know this, Subhūti! If such good men and others of the Great Vehicle wish to transcribe, uphold, recite, practice, contemplate, and expound the profound Prajñāpāramitā for periods from one month up to one year and are able to complete it, they should diligently and energetically focus their minds on transcribing through to expounding for such periods of time to achieve completion. Why is this so? Because the profound Prajñāpāramitā, being a great precious spiritual jewel, has many obstacles."
爾時，善現復白佛言：「希有！世尊！甚深般若波羅蜜多大寶神珠多諸留難，而有書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、為他說者，惡魔於彼而作留難，令不書寫乃至演說。」
At that time, Subhūti again addressed the Buddha, saying: "Wonderful! World-Honored One! The profound Prajñāpāramitā, being a great precious spiritual jewel with many obstacles, yet there are those who transcribe, uphold, recite, practice, contemplate, and expound it for others—evil demons create obstacles for them, preventing them from transcribing through to expounding."
佛告善現：「惡魔於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，雖常伺求欲作留難，令不書寫乃至演說，而彼無力可能留難，令彼菩薩所作不成。」
The Buddha told Subhūti: "Although evil demons constantly watch for opportunities to create obstacles regarding this profound Prajñāpāramitā, preventing transcription through to expounding, they have no power to create obstacles that would prevent those bodhisattvas from accomplishing their work."
時，舍利子即白佛言：「是誰神力，令彼惡魔不能留難彼諸菩薩書寫等事？」
At that time, Śāriputra immediately addressed the Buddha, saying: 'Whose spiritual power enables those evil demons to be unable to obstruct those bodhisattvas in their transcribing and other activities?'
爾時，佛告舍利子言：「是佛神力，令彼惡魔不能留難彼諸菩薩書寫等事。又，舍利子！亦是十方一切世界諸佛神力，令彼惡魔不能留難彼諸菩薩書寫等事。又，舍利子！一切如來、應、正等覺皆共護念行深般若波羅蜜多諸菩薩故，令彼惡魔不能留難。何以故？舍利子！諸佛世尊皆共護念行深般若波羅蜜多諸菩薩眾所作善業，令彼惡魔不能留難。又，舍利子！若諸菩薩於深般若波羅蜜多書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，法爾應為十方世界一切如來、應、正等覺現說法者之所護念，若蒙諸佛所護念者，惡魔法爾不能留難。又，舍利子！若有淨信善男子等，於深般若波羅蜜多書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，應作是念：『我今書寫乃至演說甚深般若波羅蜜多，皆是十方一切世界諸佛世尊神力護念。』」
At that time, the Buddha told Śāriputra: 'It is the Buddha's spiritual power that enables those evil demons to be unable to obstruct those bodhisattvas in their transcribing and other activities. Furthermore, Śāriputra! It is also the spiritual power of all Buddhas throughout the worlds of the ten directions that enables those evil demons to be unable to obstruct those bodhisattvas in their transcribing and other activities. Furthermore, Śāriputra! All Tathāgatas, Arhats, and Perfectly Enlightened Ones together protect and are mindful of bodhisattvas who practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, thus enabling those evil demons to be unable to create obstacles. Why is this so? Śāriputra! All Buddha World-Honored Ones together protect and are mindful of the wholesome deeds performed by the assembly of bodhisattvas who practice the profound Prajñāpāramitā, enabling those evil demons to be unable to create obstacles. Furthermore, Śāriputra! When bodhisattvas engage in transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding the profound Prajñāpāramitā, they are naturally protected and remembered by all Tathāgatas, Arhats, and Perfectly Enlightened Ones throughout the worlds of the ten directions who are currently teaching the Dharma. Those who receive the protection and mindfulness of all Buddhas naturally cannot be obstructed by evil demons. Furthermore, Śāriputra! If there are good men and others with pure faith who engage in transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding the profound Prajñāpāramitā, they should think thus: "My current transcribing through to expounding of the profound Prajñāpāramitā is all through the spiritual power and protective mindfulness of all Buddha World-Honored Ones throughout the worlds of the ten directions."'
時，舍利子復白佛言：「若菩薩乘善男子等，於深般若波羅蜜多書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，皆是十方諸佛神力慈悲護念，令彼所作殊勝善業，惡魔眷屬不能留難。」
At that time, Śāriputra again addressed the Buddha, saying: 'When good men and others of the bodhisattva vehicle engage in transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding the profound Prajñāpāramitā, it is all through the spiritual power and compassionate protective mindfulness of Buddhas throughout the ten directions, enabling their excellent wholesome deeds to be unobstructed by evil demons and their retinues.'
爾時，佛告舍利子言：「如是！如是！如汝所說。」
At that time, the Buddha told Śāriputra: 'So it is! So it is! It is as you have said.'
時，舍利子復白佛言：「若菩薩乘善男子等，於深般若波羅蜜多書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，十方世界諸佛世尊皆共識知歡喜護念。十方世界諸佛世尊恒以佛眼皆共觀見慈悲護念，令彼所修無不成就。」
At that time, Śāriputra again addressed the Buddha, saying: 'When good men and others of the bodhisattva vehicle engage in transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding the profound Prajñāpāramitā, all Buddha World-Honored Ones throughout the worlds of the ten directions together recognize, know, rejoice in, and protectively remember them. All Buddha World-Honored Ones throughout the worlds of the ten directions constantly observe and see them with the Buddha-eye, compassionately protecting and remembering them, enabling all their cultivation to be accomplished without fail.'
爾時，佛告舍利子言：「如是！如是！如汝所說。若菩薩乘善男子等，於深般若波羅蜜多書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，恒為十方一切世界諸佛世尊佛眼觀見識知護念，令諸惡魔不能嬈惱，所作善業皆疾成就。又，舍利子！住菩薩乘善男子等，若能於此甚深般若波羅蜜多，書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，當知已近無上菩提，諸惡魔怨不能留難。又，舍利子！住菩薩乘善男子等，若能書寫甚深般若波羅蜜多，種種莊嚴、受持、讀誦、供養恭敬，常為如來佛眼觀見識知護念。由此因緣，定當獲得大財、大利、大果、大報，乃至當得不退轉地，常不遠離諸佛、菩薩，恒聞正法不墮惡趣，生天、人中受諸妙樂。何以故？舍利子！甚深般若波羅蜜多，令諸有情如實通達諸法勝義，現在、未來能引種種利樂事故。
At that time, the Buddha told Śāriputra: 'So it is! So it is! It is as you have said. When good men and others of the bodhisattva vehicle engage in transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding the profound Prajñāpāramitā, they are constantly observed, recognized, and protectively remembered by all Buddha World-Honored Ones throughout the worlds of the ten directions with the Buddha-eye, enabling evil demons to be unable to cause disturbance, and all their wholesome deeds to be swiftly accomplished. Furthermore, Śāriputra! Good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle, if they can engage in transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding this profound Prajñāpāramitā, know that they are already near to supreme enlightenment, and evil demonic enemies cannot create obstacles for them. Furthermore, Śāriputra! Good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle, if they can transcribe the profound Prajñāpāramitā with various adornments, uphold, recite, make offerings, and show reverence, are constantly observed, recognized, and protectively remembered by the Tathāgata's Buddha-eye. Through this cause and condition, they will definitely obtain great wealth, great benefit, great fruit, and great reward, and will even attain the ground of non-retrogression, never being far from Buddhas and bodhisattvas, always hearing the true Dharma, not falling into evil destinies, and being born among gods and humans to experience various wonderful pleasures. Why is this so? Śāriputra! The profound Prajñāpāramitā enables all sentient beings to truly comprehend the ultimate meaning of all dharmas, and in the present and future can bring about various beneficial and pleasurable circumstances.'"
「又，舍利子！甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典，我涅槃後，至東南方漸當興盛，彼方多有住菩薩乘善男子等，能於如是甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典深心信樂，書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。如是經典，我涅槃後，從東南方轉至南方漸當興盛；彼方多有住菩薩乘善男子等，能於如是甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典深心信樂，書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。如是經典，我涅槃後，復從南方至西南方漸當興盛，彼方多有住菩薩乘善男子等，能於如是甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典，深心信樂，書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。如是經典，我涅槃後，從西南方至西北方漸當興盛，彼方多有住菩薩乘善男子等，能於如是甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典，深心信樂、書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。如是經典，我涅槃後，從西北方轉至北方漸當興盛，彼方多有住菩薩乘善男子等，能於如是甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典深心信樂，書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。如是經典，我涅槃後，復從北方至東北方漸當興盛，彼方多有住菩薩乘善男子等，能於如是甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典，深心信樂，書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。
"'Furthermore, Śāriputra! The sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā will gradually flourish in the southeast direction after my parinirvāṇa. In that region there will be many good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle who will be able to have deep faith and joy in such sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā, transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding them, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise. After my parinirvāṇa, these sūtras will move from the southeast to the south direction and gradually flourish there. In that region there will be many good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle who will be able to have deep faith and joy in such sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā, transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding them, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise. After my parinirvāṇa, these sūtras will again move from the south to the southwest direction and gradually flourish there. In that region there will be many good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle who will be able to have deep faith and joy in such sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā, transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding them, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise. After my parinirvāṇa, these sūtras will move from the southwest to the northwest direction and gradually flourish there. In that region there will be many good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle who will be able to have deep faith and joy in such sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā, transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding them, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise. After my parinirvāṇa, these sūtras will move from the northwest to the north direction and gradually flourish there. In that region there will be many good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle who will be able to have deep faith and joy in such sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā, transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding them, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise. After my parinirvāṇa, these sūtras will again move from the north to the northeast direction and gradually flourish there. In that region there will be many good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle who will be able to have deep faith and joy in such sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā, transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding them, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise.
「又，舍利子！我涅槃已，後時、後分、後五百歲，甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典，於東北方大為佛事。何以故？舍利子！甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典，一切如來共所尊重，一切如來共所護念，令於彼方經久不滅。又，舍利子！非佛所得法毘奈耶無上正法有滅沒相，諸佛所得法毘奈耶無上正法即是般若波羅蜜多相應經典。又，舍利子！彼東北方住菩薩乘善男子等，有能於此甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典深心信樂，書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。我等諸佛常以佛眼觀見護念，令無損惱，現在、未來身心安樂。」
'Furthermore, Śāriputra! After my parinirvāṇa, in the later time, later period, later five hundred years, the sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā will greatly accomplish Buddha-work in the northeast direction. Why is this so? Śāriputra! The sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā are honored by all Tathāgatas together and protected in the mindfulness of all Tathāgatas together, causing them to endure for a long time without perishing in that region. Furthermore, Śāriputra! The supreme true Dharma of the Dharma and Vinaya attained by the Buddha has no characteristics of disappearance. The supreme true Dharma of the Dharma and Vinaya attained by all Buddhas is precisely the sūtras corresponding to Prajñāpāramitā. Furthermore, Śāriputra! Those good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle in that northeast direction who are able to have deep faith and joy in these sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā, transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding them, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise—we Buddhas constantly observe and protectively remember them with the Buddha-eye, enabling them to have no harm or distress, with peace and happiness of body and mind in the present and future.'"
時，舍利子便白佛言：「甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典，佛涅槃已，後時、後分、後五百歲，於東北方廣流布耶？」
At that time, Śāriputra addressed the Buddha, saying: 'Will the sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā be widely disseminated in the northeast direction after the Buddha's parinirvāṇa, in the later time, later period, later five hundred years?'
爾時，佛告舍利子言：「如是！如是！舍利子！我涅槃已，後時、後分、後五百歲，彼東北方住菩薩乘善男子等，若得聞此甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典深心信樂，書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。當知彼人久發無上正等覺心，久修菩薩摩訶薩行，供養多佛，事多善友，久多修習身戒心慧，所種善根皆已成熟，由斯福力，得聞如是甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典深心信樂，復能書寫、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、廣為有情開示分別。」
At that time, the Buddha told Śāriputra: 'So it is! So it is! Śāriputra! After my parinirvāṇa, in the later time, later period, later five hundred years, those good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle in that northeast direction, if they hear these sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā and generate deep faith and joy, transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding them, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise—know that such persons have long generated the mind of supreme perfect enlightenment, have long cultivated bodhisattva-mahāsattva practices, made offerings to many Buddhas, served many good friends, and have long cultivated bodily discipline, moral conduct, mental cultivation, and wisdom. All the wholesome roots they have planted have already matured. Through this meritorious power, they are able to hear such sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā and generate deep faith and joy, and are furthermore able to transcribe, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to principle, and extensively reveal and explain them for sentient beings.'
時，舍利子復白佛言：「佛涅槃已，後時、後分、後五百歲法欲滅時，於東北方當有幾許住菩薩乘善男子等，得聞如是甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典深心信樂，復能書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、為他演說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎？」
At that time, Śāriputra again addressed the Buddha, saying: 'After the Buddha's parinirvāṇa, in the later time, later period, later five hundred years when the Dharma is about to perish, how many good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle in the northeast direction will be able to hear such sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā and generate deep faith and joy, and furthermore be able to transcribe, uphold, recite, practice, contemplate, expound for others, and make offerings with reverence, honor, and praise?'
爾時，佛告舍利子言：「我涅槃已，後時、後分、後五百歲法欲滅時，於東北方雖有無量住菩薩乘善男子等，而少得聞甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典深心信樂，復能書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、為他演說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。
At that time, the Buddha told Śāriputra: 'After my parinirvāṇa, in the later time, later period, later five hundred years when the Dharma is about to perish, although there will be countless good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle in the northeast direction, few will be able to hear the sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā and generate deep faith and joy, and furthermore be able to transcribe, uphold, recite, practice, contemplate, expound for others, and make offerings with reverence, honor, and praise.'"
「又，舍利子！住菩薩乘善男子等，聞說如是甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典，心不沈沒，不驚、不怖、深生信樂，書寫、受持、讀誦、修習、思惟、演說，供養恭敬、尊重讚歎。當知是人已曾親近、供養恭敬、尊重讚歎無量如來、應、正等覺及諸菩薩，請問般若波羅蜜多甚深義趣。
「又，舍利子！是菩薩乘善男子等，不久定當圓滿菩薩摩訶薩道，一切如來所護念故，無量善友所攝受故，殊勝善根所任持故，為欲饒益多眾生故，疾證無上正等菩提。何以故？舍利子！我常為彼住菩薩乘善男子等說一切智相應之法，過去如來亦常為彼說一切智相應之法。由此因緣，彼當來世常能修集一切智智相應正行，速趣無上正等菩提，亦能為他如應說法，令趣無上正等菩提，於一切時身心安定，諸惡魔王及彼眷屬尚不能壞求趣無上正等覺心，何況其餘樂行惡者毀謗般若波羅蜜多能阻其心，令不精進求趣無上正等菩提！所以者何？彼於無上正等菩提勇猛正勤極堅牢故。
'Furthermore, Śāriputra! Good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle, when they hear such sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā being taught, their minds do not sink into despondency, are not startled or frightened, and they generate deep faith and joy, transcribing, upholding, reciting, practicing, contemplating, and expounding them, making offerings with reverence, honor, and praise. Know that such persons have already drawn near to, made offerings to, revered, honored, and praised countless Tathāgatas, Arhats, and Perfectly Enlightened Ones as well as bodhisattvas, and have inquired about the profound meaning and purport of Prajñāpāramitā.
「又，舍利子！住菩薩乘善男子等，聞說如是甚深般若波羅蜜多，心得廣大清淨喜樂，亦能安立無量有情於勝善法，令趣無上正等菩提。何以故？舍利子！是菩薩乘善男子等，今於我前發弘誓願：『我當安立無量百千諸有情類，令發無上正等覺心，修諸菩薩摩訶薩行，示現、勸導、讚勵、慶喜，令於無上正等菩提乃至得受不退轉記。』我於彼願深生隨喜。何以故？舍利子！我觀彼人所發弘願心語相應，彼於當來定能安立無量百千諸有情類，令發無上正等覺心，修諸菩薩摩訶薩行，示現、勸導、讚勵、慶喜，令於無上正等菩提乃至得受不退轉記。
'Furthermore, Śāriputra! These good men and others of the bodhisattva vehicle will soon definitely perfect the bodhisattva-mahāsattva path—because they are protected and remembered by all Tathāgatas, embraced by countless good friends, and sustained by excellent wholesome roots—and for the sake of benefiting many sentient beings, they will swiftly attain supreme perfect enlightenment. Why is this so? Śāriputra! I constantly teach dharmas corresponding to omniscience to those good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle, and past Tathāgatas also constantly taught dharmas corresponding to omniscience to them. Through this cause and condition, in future lives they will constantly be able to cultivate correct practices corresponding to omniscient wisdom, swiftly proceed toward supreme perfect enlightenment, and will also be able to teach the Dharma appropriately for others, enabling them to proceed toward supreme perfect enlightenment. At all times their bodies and minds will be stable—even evil demon kings and their retinues cannot destroy their minds seeking supreme perfect enlightenment, how much less can other evildoers who delight in evil practices and slander Prajñāpāramitā obstruct their minds and prevent them from diligently seeking supreme perfect enlightenment! Why is this so? Because their courageous right effort toward supreme perfect enlightenment is extremely firm and solid.
「是菩薩乘善男子等，亦於過去無量佛前發弘誓願：『我當安立無量百千諸有情類，令發無上正等覺心；修諸菩薩摩訶薩行，示現、勸導、讚勵、慶喜，令於無上正等菩提乃至得受不退轉記。』過去如來、應、正等覺亦於彼願深生隨喜。何以故？舍利子！過去諸佛亦觀如是住菩薩乘善男子等所發弘願心語相應，彼於當來定能安立無量百千諸有情類，令發無上正等覺心，修諸菩薩摩訶薩行，示現、勸導、讚勵、慶喜，令於無上正等菩提乃至得受不退轉記。
'Furthermore, Śāriputra! Good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle, upon hearing such profound Prajñāpāramitā being taught, their minds attain vast, pure joy and happiness, and they are also able to establish countless sentient beings in excellent wholesome dharmas, enabling them to proceed toward supreme perfect enlightenment. Why is this so? Śāriputra! These good men and others of the bodhisattva vehicle now generate great vows before me: "I shall establish countless hundreds of thousands of classes of sentient beings, causing them to generate the mind of supreme perfect enlightenment, cultivate bodhisattva-mahāsattva practices, and through demonstration, encouragement, praise, and inspiration, enable them to receive the prediction of non-retrogression regarding supreme perfect enlightenment." I deeply rejoice in their vows. Why is this so? Śāriputra! I observe that the great vows generated by these persons are in harmony between mind and speech—in the future they will definitely be able to establish countless hundreds of thousands of classes of sentient beings, causing them to generate the mind of supreme perfect enlightenment, cultivate bodhisattva-mahāsattva practices, and through demonstration, encouragement, praise, and inspiration, enable them to receive the prediction of non-retrogression regarding supreme perfect enlightenment.
「是菩薩乘善男子等，信解廣大修廣大行，願生他方諸佛國土現有如來、應、正等覺宣說如是甚深般若波羅蜜多無上法處。彼聞如是甚深般若波羅蜜多無上法已，復能安立彼佛土中無量百千諸有情類，令發無上正等覺心，修諸菩薩摩訶薩行，示現、勸導、讚勵、慶喜，令於無上正等菩提得不退轉。」
'These good men and others of the bodhisattva vehicle also generated great vows before countless Buddhas in the past: "I shall establish countless hundreds of thousands of classes of sentient beings, causing them to generate the mind of supreme perfect enlightenment, cultivate bodhisattva-mahāsattva practices, and through demonstration, encouragement, praise, and inspiration, enable them to receive the prediction of non-retrogression regarding supreme perfect enlightenment." Past Tathāgatas, Arhats, and Perfectly Enlightened Ones also deeply rejoiced in their vows. Why is this so? Śāriputra! Past Buddhas also observed that the great vows generated by such good men and others who abide in the bodhisattva vehicle were in harmony between mind and speech—in the future they would definitely be able to establish countless hundreds of thousands of classes of sentient beings, causing them to generate the mind of supreme perfect enlightenment, cultivate bodhisattva-mahāsattva practices, and through demonstration, encouragement, praise, and inspiration, enable them to receive the prediction of non-retrogression regarding supreme perfect enlightenment.'"
時，舍利子即白佛言：「希有！世尊！佛於過去、未來、現在所有諸法無不證知、無不覺了，於諸有情心行差別無不證知、無不覺了，於三世佛、菩薩、聲聞及佛土等無不證知、無不覺了。世尊！若菩薩摩訶薩能於如是甚深般若波羅蜜多，至心聽聞、受持、讀誦、精勤修學、如理思惟、書寫、解說、廣令流布，是菩薩摩訶薩於當來世，若於般若波羅蜜多相應經典，勇猛精進常求不息。彼於般若波羅蜜多相應經典，為有得時、不得時不？」
"At that time, Śāriputra immediately addressed the Buddha, saying: 'Wonderful! World-Honored One! Regarding all dharmas of the past, future, and present, there is nothing the Buddha does not realize and awaken to. Regarding the mental activities and differences of all sentient beings, there is nothing the Buddha does not realize and awaken to. Regarding the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, śrāvakas, and Buddha-lands of the three times, there is nothing the Buddha does not realize and awaken to. World-Honored One! If bodhisattva-mahāsattvas can wholeheartedly listen to, uphold, recite, diligently study, contemplate according to principle, transcribe, explain, and widely disseminate such profound Prajñāpāramitā, and if in future lives such bodhisattva-mahāsattvas courageously and energetically seek the sūtras corresponding to Prajñāpāramitā without rest—regarding the sūtras corresponding to Prajñāpāramitā, will there be times when they obtain them and times when they do not?'
爾時，佛告舍利子言：「如是！如是！佛於一切無不證知、無不覺了。是菩薩摩訶薩常於般若波羅蜜多相應經典，勇猛精進欣求不息，一切時得，無不得時。何以故？舍利子！是菩薩摩訶薩常於般若波羅蜜多相應經典欣求不息，諸佛菩薩常護念故。」
At that time, the Buddha told Śāriputra: 'So it is! So it is! Regarding everything, there is nothing the Buddha does not realize and awaken to. Such bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, constantly seeking the sūtras corresponding to Prajñāpāramitā with courageous energy and joyful aspiration without rest, will obtain them at all times—there will be no time when they do not obtain them. Why is this so? Śāriputra! Because such bodhisattva-mahāsattvas constantly seek the sūtras corresponding to Prajñāpāramitā with joyful aspiration without rest, all Buddhas and bodhisattvas constantly protect and remember them.'
時，舍利子復白佛言：「是菩薩摩訶薩為但於此甚深般若波羅蜜多相應經典，勇猛精進欣求不息，一切時得，無不得時，為於餘經亦能常得？」
At that time, Śāriputra again addressed the Buddha, saying: 'Do such bodhisattva-mahāsattvas only courageously and energetically seek these sūtras corresponding to the profound Prajñāpāramitā with joyful aspiration without rest, obtaining them at all times with no time of not obtaining them, or can they also constantly obtain other sūtras?'
爾時，佛告舍利子言：「若菩薩摩訶薩常於般若波羅蜜多相應經典，勇猛信求不顧身命，有時不得諸餘經典，無有是處。何以故？舍利子！是菩薩摩訶薩為求無上正等菩提，示現、勸導、讚勵、慶喜諸有情類，令於般若波羅蜜多相應經典及餘經典受持、讀誦、思惟、修學；由此善根，隨所生處，法爾常得甚深般若波羅蜜多空相應經及餘經典受持、讀誦。」
At that time, the Buddha told Śāriputra: 'If bodhisattva-mahāsattvas constantly seek the sūtras corresponding to Prajñāpāramitā with courageous faith, not sparing body or life, but sometimes do not obtain other sūtras—this is impossible. Why is this so? Śāriputra! Such bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, seeking supreme perfect enlightenment, demonstrate, encourage, praise, and inspire classes of sentient beings, enabling them to uphold, recite, contemplate, and study the sūtras corresponding to Prajñāpāramitā as well as other sūtras. Through these wholesome roots, wherever they are born, they naturally and constantly obtain the profound sūtras corresponding to the Prajñāpāramitā of emptiness as well as other sūtras to uphold and recite.'"