Sunday, December 25, 2005

Twelve

"Furthermore, Subhuti, wherever but one four-line gatha of this dharma teaching is spoken or explained, that place is like a stupa in the world of devas, humans, and asuras. How much more shall they be remarkably blessed, Subhuti, who memorize, recite, and master this entire teaching and explain it in detail to others. For in that place, Subhuti, dwells a teacher or one who represents the guru of wisdom." [Translation by Red Pine]

[This chapter is omitted from Pritikin's translation]

"Furthermore, Subhui, wherever this sutra is expounded, even the equivalent of a four-line verse, this place is worthy of the offerings of all beings, human, angelic, or titanic, as if it were a shrine of Buddha."

"How much the more if anyone can accept, hold, read and recite the whole thing: SUbhuti, you should know that this person achieves the highest, rarest state. Wherever this sutra may be, this person, like a reverent disciple, considers Buddha to be there." [Translation by Thomas Cleary]

Moreover, Subhuti, that spot of earth where one has taken from this discoures on dharma but one stanza of four lines, taught or illumined it, that spot of earth will be like a shrine for the whole world with its gods, men and Asuras. What then should we say of those who will bear in mind this discourse on dharma in its entirety, who will recite, study, and illuminate it in full detail for others! Most wondefully blest, Subhuti, they will be! And on that spot of earth, Subhuti, either the Teacher dwells, or a sage representing him. [Translation by Edward Conze]

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