The Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom in Ten Thousand Lines
The Transcendent Perfection of
Tolerance
Toh 11
Degé Kangyur, vol. 31 (shes phyin, khri pa, ga), folios 1.b–91.a, and vol. 32 (shes phyin, khri pa, nga), folios 92.b–397.a
- Jinamitra
- Prajñāvarman
- Yeshé Dé
Imprint
Translated by the Padmakara Translation Group
under the patronage and supervision of 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha
First published 2018
Current version v 1.40.27 (2024)
Generated by 84000 Reading Room v2.25.1
84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha is a global non-profit initiative to translate all the Buddha’s words into modern languages, and to make them available to everyone.
This work is provided under the protection of a Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND (Attribution - Non-commercial - No-derivatives) 3.0 copyright. It may be copied or printed for fair use, but only with full attribution, and not for commercial advantage or personal compensation. For full details, see the Creative Commons license.
Table of Contents
Summary
While dwelling at Vulture Peak near Rājagṛha, the Buddha sets in motion the sūtras that are the most extensive of all—the sūtras on the Prajñāpāramitā, or “Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom.” Committed to writing around the start of the first millennium, these sūtras were expanded and contracted in the centuries that followed, eventually amounting to twenty-three volumes in the Tibetan Kangyur. Among them, The Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom in Ten Thousand Lines is a compact and coherent restatement of the longer versions, uniquely extant in Tibetan translation, without specific commentaries, and rarely studied. While the structure generally follows that of the longer versions, chapters 1–2 conveniently summarize all three hundred and sixty-seven categories of phenomena, causal and fruitional attributes which the sūtra examines in the light of wisdom or discriminative awareness. Chapter 31 and the final chapter 33 conclude with an appraisal of irreversible bodhisattvas, the pitfalls of rejecting this teaching, and the blessings that accrue from committing it to writing.
Acknowledgements
Translated by the Padmakara Translation Group under the direction of Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche and Pema Wangyal Rinpoche. The text was translated, introduced, and annotated by Dr. Gyurme Dorje, and edited by Charles Hastings and John Canti with contributions from Greg Seton.
This translation has been completed under the patronage and supervision of 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha.
Work on this text was made possible thanks to generous donations made by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche; respectfully and humbly offered by Judy Cole, William Tai, Jie Chi Tai and families; by Shi Jing and family; by Wang Kang Wei and Zhao Yun Qi and family; and by Matthew, Vivian, Ye Kong and family. They are all most gratefully acknowledged.
Text Body
The Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom in Ten Thousand Lines
The Transcendent Perfection of Tolerance
Then Śakra, mighty lord of the gods [of Trayastriṃśa], and as many gods of the Caturmahārājakāyika realm as there are throughout the world systems of the great trichiliocosm, all congregated there, in that same assembly, along with their divine princes—ten million, one hundred billion, many hundred thousands in number. The divine princes of the Yāma realm, the divine princes of the Tuṣita realm, the divine princes of the Nirmāṇarata realm, and the divine princes of the Paranirmitavaśavartin realm throughout the world systems of the great trichiliocosm also congregated there, in that same assembly, as did all the gods presiding over the twelve Brahmā realms, as many as there are in the world systems of the great trichiliocosm, along with the [lesser gods of] the Brahmā realms—ten million, one hundred billion, many hundred thousands in number. All the gods presiding over the Pure Abodes, as many as there are throughout the world systems of the great trichiliocosm also congregated there, in that same assembly, along with the [lesser] gods of the Pure Abodes—ten million, one hundred billion, many hundred thousands in number.291 Yet the radiance of their bodies, originating through the ripening of the past actions of the gods of the Caturmahārājakāyika realm, and similarly, the radiance of their bodies originating through the ripening of the past actions of the gods of the Trayastriṃśa, Yāma, Tuṣita, Nirmāṇarata, and Paranirmitavaśavartin realms, and likewise that of the [other] gods, from those of the Brahmākāyika realm up to the Pure Abodes, did not approach even one hundredth part of the natural radiance of the Tathāgata. They did not approach even a thousandth part of it. They did not approach one hundred thousandth part, nor one thousand billionth part of it. Nor did they approach it in any number, fraction, synonym, comparison, or quality. [F.156.b] The effulgence of the Tathāgata’s body was manifestly supreme alongside those radiances. It was manifestly perfect, supreme, abundant, unsurpassed, and unexcelled. Just as a burning tree stump neither shines, nor gleams, nor sparkles alongside the gold of the Jambu River, so the radiance of all the gods, originating through the ripening of their past actions, neither shone, nor gleamed, nor sparkled alongside the natural effulgence of the Tathāgata’s body. Indeed, alongside those radiances, the natural effulgence of the Tathāgata’s body was best. It was perfect, supreme, abundant, unsurpassed, and unexcelled.
Then Śakra, mighty lord of the gods, addressed the venerable Subhūti as follows: “Reverend Subhūti, we, as many gods as we are in these world systems of the great trichiliocosm, extending from the Caturmahārājakāyika realm as far as the Pure Abodes, have congregated here, in this assembly, to hear the sacred doctrine in the presence of Venerable Subhūti. Inasmuch as we also wish to hear this very teaching on the transcendent perfection of wisdom, how should great bodhisattva beings train in the transcendent perfection of wisdom? What is the transcendent perfection of wisdom with which great bodhisattva beings are endowed? How should great bodhisattva beings train?”
The venerable Subhūti then replied to Śakra, mighty lord of the gods, “Kauśika, you should listen carefully and keep this in mind! Through the power of the buddhas, and through the blessings of the buddhas, I shall explain to you the transcendent perfection of wisdom with which great bodhisattva beings are endowed; as well as how they should train, and how they should practice the transcendent perfection of wisdom. Those divine princes who have not yet cultivated their thoughts in unsurpassed, genuinely perfect enlightenment [F.157.a] should do so now! However, those who have already arrived at the maturity of the finality of existence will not be able to set their minds upon unsurpassed, genuinely perfect enlightenment. If you ask why, it is because they will have put an end to cyclic existence. However, if they do set their minds upon unsurpassed, genuinely perfect enlightenment, I will not impede their virtuous approach. Indeed, I will rejoice in it. They should nonetheless focus on the most distinguished doctrines among the most distinguished doctrines.292
“Kauśika, in this regard, what, one might ask, is this transcendent perfection of wisdom? Kauśika, great bodhisattva beings who have cultivated the mind endowed with omniscience should be attentive to the notion that [physical forms] are impermanent. Similarly, they should be attentive to the notion that [physical forms] are imbued with suffering, without a self, prone to ill health, prone to pustules, prone to sharp pains, prone to harm, prone to decay, alien, disturbed, brittle, fearful, prone to contagion, empty, unreliable, and calamitous.293 However, they should do so without apprehending anything. Similarly, they should be attentive to the notions that feelings, perceptions, formative predispositions, and consciousness are impermanent, and so on, up to calamitous. Likewise they should be attentive to the notions that the eyes, the ears, the nose, the tongue, the body, and the mental faculty are impermanent, and they should also be attentive to the [other notions], up to and including the notion that these are calamitous. Similarly, they should be attentive to the notions that the earth element, the water element, the fire element, the wind element, the space element, and the consciousness element are impermanent, and they should also be attentive to [the other notions], up to and including the notion that these are extremely calamitous. However, they should do so without apprehending anything.
“Similarly, [F.157.b] they should be attentive to the notions that physical forms are calm and void. However, they should do so without apprehending anything. Similarly, they should be attentive to the notions that feelings, perceptions, formative predispositions, and consciousness are calm and void. However, they should do so without apprehending anything. Similarly, they should be attentive to the notions that the eyes, the ears, the nose, the tongue, the body, the mental faculty, and likewise, the earth element, the water element, the fire element, the wind element, the space element, and the consciousness element are calm and void. However, they should do so without apprehending anything.
“Similarly, those [bodhisattvas] who have cultivated the mind endowed with omniscience should be attentive to the formative predispositions that are conditioned by fundamental ignorance. However, they should do so without apprehending anything. Thereafter, [through the unfolding of the links of dependent origination], they should be attentive to the origination of the entire great mass of suffering. However, they should do so without apprehending anything. Then, [through the reversal of dependent origination], they should be attentive to the cessation of the entire great mass of suffering. However, they should do so without apprehending anything.
“Moreover, Kauśika, those great bodhisattva beings who have cultivated the mind endowed with omniscience should meditate on the applications of mindfulness. However, they should do so without apprehending anything. In the same vein, they should meditate on [the other causal attributes], up to and including the noble eightfold path, and similarly on the ten powers of the tathāgatas, the four assurances, the four kinds of exact knowledge, great loving kindness, great compassion, and the eighteen distinct qualities of the buddhas. However, they should do so without apprehending anything.”
“Moreover, Kauśika, those great bodhisattva beings who have cultivated the mind endowed with omniscience should practice the transcendent perfection of generosity. However, they should do so without apprehending anything. Similarly, they should practice the transcendent perfection of ethical discipline, [F.158.a] the transcendent perfection of tolerance, the transcendent perfection of perseverance, the transcendent perfection of meditative concentration, and likewise the transcendent perfection of wisdom. However, they should do so without apprehending anything.
“Moreover, Kauśika, when great bodhisattva beings practice the transcendent perfection of wisdom, they purify, master, perfect, augment, and construe phenomena simply on the basis of phenomena. They discern that the concepts of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ are utterly non-existent. Thoughts of dedication, possessed by great bodhisattva beings, are not associated with the enlightened mind. The mind set on enlightenment is not associated with thoughts of dedication. Kauśika, thoughts of dedication are not discerned and are non-apprehensible in the mind that is set on enlightenment. The mind set on enlightenment is not discerned and is non-apprehensible in thoughts of dedication. Indeed, Kauśika, all the attributes of great bodhisattva beings should be correctly discerned in that manner, just as they are. This is the transcendent perfection of wisdom, which does not objectify anything.”
Then Śakra, mighty lord of the gods, said to the venerable Subhūti, “Reverend Subhūti, in what way are thoughts of dedication not associated with the mind set on enlightenment? In what way is the mind set on enlightenment not associated with thoughts of dedication? In what way are thoughts of dedication indiscernible and non-apprehensible in the mind that is set on enlightenment? In what way is the mind set on enlightenment indiscernible and non-apprehensible in thoughts of dedication?”
The venerable Subhūti then replied to Śakra, mighty lord of the gods, “Kauśika, [F.158.b] thoughts of dedication are non-mind. The mind set on enlightenment is non-mind. Non-mind does not dedicate merits to non-mind. Nor does inconceivability dedicate merits to the inconceivable. If you ask why, it is because the nature of mind is itself non-mind, and inconceivability is non-mind. Kauśika, this is the transcendent perfection of wisdom with which great bodhisattva beings are endowed.”
Then the Blessed One positively encouraged the venerable Subhūti, saying, “It is so! It is so! Subhūti, you are teaching the transcendent perfection of wisdom to great bodhisattva beings and you are elating great bodhisattva beings!”
The venerable Subhūti then replied to the Blessed One, “Reverend Lord! I am grateful and thankful that the tathāgatas, arhats and genuinely perfect buddhas of the past, along with their disciples, delighted, induced, aroused, and incited the Tathāgata, Arhat, and Genuinely Perfect Buddha, establishing him in the six transcendent perfections when he was formerly a bodhisattva. Consequently, the Reverend Lord, when he was formerly a bodhisattva, trained in the six transcendent perfections and attained manifestly perfect buddhahood in unsurpassed and genuinely perfect enlightenment. Reverend Lord! In that same way we too should cause great bodhisattva beings to delight in the six transcendent perfections. We should arouse them! We should incite them and establish them therein! We should cause them to delight in the six transcendent perfections. Delighted, induced, aroused, incited, and established by us in the six transcendent perfections, [F.159.a] they in turn will attain manifestly perfect buddhahood in unsurpassed and genuinely perfect enlightenment.” [B15]
The venerable Subhūti then said to Śakra, mighty lord of the gods, “Kauśika, you should listen carefully and keep this in mind! I will explain how great bodhisattva beings should abide in and how they should practice the transcendent perfection of wisdom. Kauśika, physical forms are empty of physical forms. Similarly, feelings, perceptions, formative predispositions, and consciousness are empty of consciousness [and the other aggregates]. The bodhisattvas are empty of the bodhisattvas. Kauśika, in this regard, the emptiness of physical forms is indivisible with this emptiness of the bodhisattvas and they cannot be bisected. Similarly, the emptiness of feelings, the emptiness of perceptions, the emptiness of formative predispositions, and the emptiness of consciousness are indivisible with this emptiness of the bodhisattvas and they cannot be bisected. Kauśika, great bodhisattva beings should train accordingly in the transcendent perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, the eyes are empty of the eyes, and in the same vein, [the other sense organs], up to and including the mental faculty, are empty of the mental faculty [and so forth]. The bodhisattvas are empty of the bodhisattvas. Thus, the emptiness of the eyes and the emptiness of [the other sense organs], up to and including the mental faculty, are indivisible with this emptiness of the bodhisattvas and they cannot be bisected. In the same vein, as before, the earth element is empty of the earth element. Similarly the earth element, the fire element, the wind element, the space element, and the consciousness element are empty of the consciousness element [and the rest]. Thus [F.159.b] the emptiness of the earth element and the emptiness [of the other elements], up to and including the consciousness element, are indivisible with this emptiness of the bodhisattvas and they cannot be bisected. Kauśika, great bodhisattva beings should train accordingly in the transcendent perfection of wisdom.
“Moreover, Kauśika, fundamental ignorance is empty of fundamental ignorance. Similarly, [the other links of dependent origination], up to and including aging and death, are empty of aging and death [and the rest]. Similarly, the cessation of fundamental ignorance is empty of the cessation of fundamental ignorance and the cessation of [the other links of dependent origination], up to and including aging and death, is empty of the cessation of aging and death [and the rest]. Thus, the emptiness of the cessation of fundamental ignorance, and the emptiness of the cessation [of the other links of dependent origination], up to and including aging and death, are indivisible with this emptiness of the bodhisattvas and they cannot be bisected. Kauśika, great bodhisattva beings should train accordingly in the transcendent perfection of wisdom.
“Similarly, in the same vein as before, this refrain should be applied also to the transcendent perfection of generosity, and it should also be applied to the other transcendent perfections, up to and including the transcendent perfection of wisdom. Similarly, this refrain should also be applied to [the eighteen aspects of emptiness], starting from the emptiness of internal phenomena and continuing up to the emptiness of the essential nature of non-entities. Similarly, this refrain should be applied to the [causal attributes], starting from the applications of mindfulness and continuing up to the noble eightfold path. Similarly, too, this refrain [should be applied to the fruitional attributes], starting from the ten powers of the tathāgatas and continuing up to the eighteen distinct qualities of the buddhas. Similarly, it should be applied to all the meditative stabilities and to all the dhāraṇī gateways. Similarly, it should also be applied to the vehicle of the śrāvakas. It should also be applied to the vehicle of the pratyekabuddhas, and, indeed, it should be applied to the vehicle of the bodhisattvas, and to the tathāgatas, arhats, genuinely perfect buddhas.
“Moreover, Kauśika, omniscience is empty of omniscience. The bodhisattvas are empty of the bodhisattvas. Thus, the emptiness of omniscience is indivisible with this emptiness of the bodhisattvas [F.160.a] and they cannot be bisected. Kauśika, great bodhisattva beings should abide accordingly in the transcendent perfection of wisdom.”
Then Śakra, mighty lord of the gods, addressed the venerable Subhūti as follows: “Subhūti, in what way do great bodhisattva beings dwell in the transcendent perfection of wisdom?”
The venerable Subhūti replied to Śakra, mighty lord of the gods, “Kauśika, in this regard, great bodhisattva beings who practice the transcendent perfection of wisdom should not dwell on physical forms. Similarly, they should not dwell on feelings, perceptions, formative predispositions, and consciousness. Similarly, they should not dwell on the eyes, and they should not dwell on [the other sense organs], up to and including the mental faculty. They should not dwell on feelings conditioned by sensory contact that is visually compounded, and they should not dwell on [the other aspects of feeling], up to and including feelings conditioned by sensory contact that is mentally compounded. Similarly, they should not dwell on the earth element, and they should not dwell on [the other elements], up to and including the consciousness element. Similarly, they should not dwell on the applications of mindfulness, and they should not dwell on [the other causal and fruitional attributes], up to and including omniscience. Similarly, they should not dwell on the fruit of entering the stream, and they should not dwell on [the other fruits of spiritual attainment], up to and including arhatship. They should not dwell on the individual enlightenment [of the pratyekabuddhas], and they should not dwell [on the other levels of attainment], up to and including genuinely perfect enlightenment. So it is that they should not dwell on physical forms, and they should not dwell [on anything at all], up to and including genuinely perfect buddhahood.
“Moreover, Kauśika, they should not dwell on the notion that physical forms are permanent. They should not dwell on the notion that physical forms are impermanent. In the same vein, they should not dwell on the notion that physical forms are imbued with happiness. They should not dwell on the notion that physical forms are imbued with suffering. They should not dwell on the notion that physical forms are a self, nor should they dwell on the notion that these are not a self. [F.160.b] They should not dwell on the notion that physical forms are empty, nor should they dwell on the notion that they are not empty. They should not dwell on the notion that physical forms are with signs, nor should they dwell on the notion that they are signless. They should not dwell on the notion that physical forms have aspirations, nor should they dwell on the notion that they are without aspirations. They should not dwell on the notion that physical forms are calm, nor should they dwell on the notion that they are not calm. They should not dwell on the notion that physical forms are void, nor should they dwell on the notion that they are not void. They should not dwell on the notion that physical forms are afflicted, nor should they dwell on the notion that they are purified. They should not dwell on the notion that physical forms arise. They should not dwell on the notion that physical forms cease. They should not dwell on the notion that physical forms are entities, nor should they dwell on the notion that they are not entities.
“Similarly, they should not dwell on the notions that feelings, perceptions, formative predispositions, and consciousness are permanent, nor should they dwell on the notions that they are impermanent. In the same vein, they should not dwell on [all those other notions], up to and including the notion that these [aggregates] are entities, or that they are non-entities.
“Similarly, they should not dwell on the notion that the fruit of entering the stream is well distinguished by conditioned phenomena, nor should they dwell on the notion that this [fruit] is well distinguished by unconditioned phenomena. Similarly, they should not dwell on the notions that the fruit of being tied to one further rebirth, the fruit of being no longer subject to rebirth, and the fruit of arhatship are well distinguished by conditioned phenomena, nor should they dwell on the notions that these [fruits] are well distinguished by unconditioned phenomena. Similarly, they should not dwell on the notions that the individual enlightenment [of the pratyekabuddhas] and unsurpassed, genuinely perfect enlightenment are well distinguished by conditioned phenomena, nor should they dwell on the notions that these are well distinguished by unconditioned phenomena.
“Moreover, Kauśika, they should not dwell on the notion that those who have entered the stream are worthy of gifts. Similarly, they should not dwell on the notions that those who are tied to one further rebirth, those who are no longer subject to rebirth, or those who are arhats, pratyekabuddhas, bodhisattvas, [F.161.a] and tathāgatas are worthy of gifts. So it is, Kauśika. Great bodhisattva beings who practice the transcendent perfection of wisdom should not dwell in that manner.
“Moreover, Kauśika, great bodhisattva beings who practice the transcendent perfection of wisdom should not dwell on the first bodhisattva level. In the same vein, they should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on [the other bodhisattva levels], up to and including the tenth level. If you ask why, it is because if they were to dwell thereon, they would vacillate.
“Moreover, they should not dwell on the notion that ‘I, having first begun to set my mind on enlightenment, should perfect the transcendent perfection of generosity.’ Similarly, they should not dwell on the notion that ‘I… should perfect the transcendent perfection of ethical discipline, the transcendent perfection of tolerance, the transcendent perfection of perseverance, the transcendent perfection of meditative concentration, or the transcendent perfection of wisdom.’
“Similarly, they should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the notion that ‘I, having first begun to set my mind on enlightenment, should cultivate the applications of mindfulness.’ In the same vein, they should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the [other notions pertaining to the causal attributes], up to and including the notion that ‘I… should cultivate the noble eightfold path.’
“Similarly, they should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the notion that ‘I… should cultivate ten powers of the tathāgatas.’ They should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the [other notions pertaining to the fruitional attributes], up to and including the notion that ‘I… should cultivate the eighteen distinct qualities of the buddhas.’
“They should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the notion that ‘I should enter into the maturity of the bodhisattvas.’ They should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the notion that ‘I, as a great bodhisattva being, should subsequently reach the irreversible level.’ Similarly, they should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the notion that ‘I, as a great bodhisattva being, should perfect the five extrasensory powers of a bodhisattva.’ [F.161.b]
“They should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the notion that ‘I, as a great bodhisattva being, abiding in these five extrasensory powers of a bodhisattva, should proceed to the innumerable, countless buddhafields in order to pay homage to, make offerings to, venerate, and listen to the sacred doctrine in the presence of the lord buddhas,’ or that ‘I, as a great bodhisattva being, having indeed heard this sacred doctrine, should emanate similar fields to those fields of the buddhas.’ So it is that they should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, in the transcendent perfection of wisdom.
“Similarly, they should not even dwell on the notion that ‘I, having travelled through innumerable countless world systems, should venerate the tathāgatas, arhats, genuinely perfect buddhas with flowers, garlands, perfume, unguents, parasols, victory banners, and cotton robes, thousands of billions in number. I should esteem them, worship them, and make offerings to them.’ Nor should they dwell on the notion that ‘I, having travelled there, should establish innumerable, countless sentient beings in unsurpassed, genuinely perfect enlightenment.’
“Similarly, they should not dwell on the notion that, ‘I should cultivate the five eyes, which, you may ask, comprise the eye of flesh, the eye of divine clairvoyance, the eye of the sacred doctrine, the eye of wisdom, and the eye of the buddhas.’
“Similarly, they should not dwell on the notion that ‘I should persevere in whichever meditative stabilities are desired.’ They should not dwell on the notion that ‘I should attain all the dhāraṇī gateways.’ Similarly, they should not dwell on the notion that ‘I should attain the ten powers of the tathāgatas.’ Similarly, they should not dwell on the notion that ‘I should attain the four assurances, the four kinds of exact knowledge, great loving kindness, great compassion, and the eighteen distinct qualities of the buddhas.’
“Similarly, [F.162.a] they should not dwell on the notion that ‘I should attain the body of a superior man, endowed with the thirty-two major marks.’ They should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the notion that ‘I should attain a body endowed with the eighty minor marks.’
“Similarly, they should not dwell [on the status] of one who ranks among the eight kinds of realized individuals. That is to say, they should not dwell on the notion that ‘I am a follower on account of faith,’ or ‘I am a follower on account of the doctrine.’ They should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the notion that ‘As I maintain [the level of] one who has entered the stream, I will become one who will be reborn only seven more times.’ They should not dwell on the notion that ‘I will be reborn within an identical class of gods or humans over successive lives, or as one with only a single further intervening rebirth.’ They should not dwell on the notion that ‘I am an individual on a par with those whose series of lives has ended, and whose afflicted mental states have ended.’ They should not dwell on the notion that ‘I am one who has entered the stream, possessing the attributes of non-regression.’
“They should not dwell on the notion that ‘I, having entered this world for the last time as one tied to one more rebirth, will bring suffering to an end.’ They should not dwell on the notion that ‘I, as one who is no longer subject to rebirth, will attain final nirvāṇa in this life.’ They should not dwell on the notion that ‘I, being an arhat whose contaminants have ceased, am one who will not be reborn, and I will attain final nirvāṇa in the expanse of nirvāṇa where no residue of the psycho-physical aggregates is left behind.’
“They should not dwell on the notion that ‘I am a pratyekabuddha.’ They should not dwell on the notion that ‘I am a genuinely perfect buddha.” They should not dwell on the notion that ‘I should transcend the level of the śrāvakas and the level of the pratyekabuddhas, and abide on the levels of the bodhisattvas.’
“Similarly, they should not dwell on the gnosis which is the understanding of the aspects of the path. They should not, in an apprehending manner, dwell on the notion that ‘I, having attained manifestly perfect buddhahood with respect to all things and in all ways, should renounce all afflicted mental states and involuntary reincarnation through propensities.’ They should not dwell on the notion that ‘I, having attained manifestly perfect buddhahood in unsurpassed, genuinely perfect enlightenment and become a tathāgata, arhat, genuinely perfect buddha, should turn the wheel of the sacred doctrine.’
“Similarly, [F.162.b] they should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the notion that ‘I, having enacted the deeds of the buddhas, should bring innumerable, countless sentient beings to attain final nirvāṇa in the expanse of nirvāṇa where no residue of the psycho-physical aggregates is left behind.’
“Similarly, they should not dwell on the notion that ‘I, abiding utterly in the meditation of the four supports for miraculous ability when entering meditative stability, should be absorbed in such meditative stabilities that would enable me to remain for eons as numerous as the sands of the River Ganges.’ They should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the notion that ‘The limit of my lifespan is inestimable.’
“Similarly, they should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the notion that ‘I should possess the thirty-two major marks of a superior man, and consummate each of these marks of a superior man with one hundred merits.’ They should not dwell on the notion that ‘My buddhafield should equal in its extent the world systems, as many as the sands of the River Ganges, throughout the cardinal directions—east, south, west and north.’ They should not dwell on the notion ‘May the world systems of this, my great trichiliocosm, be fashioned of indestructible reality.’ They should not dwell, in an apprehending manner, on the notion ‘May the desire, hatred, and delusion of those sentient beings who have scented the fragrance of my Tree of Enlightenment be eliminated, and without cultivating the mindsets of the śrāvakas and pratyekabuddhas, may those sentient beings, by scenting that fragrance, exclusively ascertain unsurpassed, genuinely perfect enlightenment; may they experience such fragrances that give rise neither to physical ailments, nor to imbalances of wind.’
“They should not even dwell on the notion ‘In this, my buddhafield, may the term “physical forms” not exist; and similarly may the terms “feelings, perceptions, formative predispositions, and consciousness” not exist.’ They should not even dwell on the notion ‘[In this, my buddhafield], may the term “transcendent perfection of generosity” exist and similarly may the terms [indicative of the other transcendent perfections], starting from the transcendent perfection of ethical discipline up to and including the transcendent perfection of wisdom, exclusively exist.’ [F.163.a]
“Similarly, they should not even dwell on the notion ‘[In this, my buddhafield], may the term “applications of mindfulness” exist.’ Similarly, they should not dwell on the notion ‘[In this, my buddhafield], may the terms [indicative of the other causal and fruitional attributes], up to and including the eighteen distinct qualities of the buddhas, ever exist.’ They should not dwell on the notion ‘In this, my buddhafield, may the terms indicative of those who enter the stream never exist, and may the terms indicative of arhats and pratyekabuddhas never exist.’ They should not even dwell on the notion ‘[In this, my buddhafield], may the term “bodhisattva” and the term “buddha” exclusively exist.’ At this point the full refrain should be extensively applied, exactly as indicated [above], in the middle of this chapter.”294
“If you ask why this is so, it is because once the tathāgatas, arhats, genuinely perfect buddhas have attained manifestly perfect buddhahood in unsurpassed, genuinely perfect enlightenment, all things are unapprehended. Kauśika, great bodhisattva beings who practice the transcendent perfection of wisdom in that manner should not dwell on anything at all.”
Then the venerable Subhūti, knowing in his own mind the thoughts of the venerable Śāradvatīputra, addressed the venerable Śāradvatīputra as follows: “Venerable Śāradvatīputra, on what do you think the tathāgatas, arhats, genuinely perfect buddhas dwell?”
The venerable Śāradvatīputra replied to the venerable Subhūti as follows: “Venerable Subhūti, the tathāgatas do not dwell on anything at all. Even the mind of the tathāgatas, arhats, genuinely perfect buddhas does not dwell on anything at all. It does not dwell on physical forms. It does not dwell on feelings, perceptions, formative predispositions, and consciousness. It does not dwell on conditioned elements. [F.163.b] It does not dwell on [the causal and fruitional attributes], from the applications of mindfulness up to and including the eighteen distinct qualities of the buddhas. It does not dwell on omniscience.”
The venerable Subhūti then addressed the venerable Śāradvatīputra as follows: “Śāradvatīputra, just as the tathāgatas, arhats, genuinely perfect buddhas, the lords and teachers, neither dwell, nor do they not dwell, so great bodhisattva beings who practice the transcendent perfection of wisdom should dwell with respect to all things.”
Then there were some divine princes among the assembly who thought, “We can understand the words and speech of the yakṣas, the expressions of the yakṣas, the language of the yakṣas, and the meanings of the yakṣas when uttered by the yakṣas, and yet we do not understand these explanations, statements, teachings, interpretations, elucidations, instructions, and expressions of the transcendent perfection of wisdom, which the venerable Subhūti has just given.”
Then the venerable Subhūti, knowing in his own mind the thoughts of these divine princes, addressed them as follows: “Divine princes! Can you not understand the transcendent perfection of wisdom?”
They replied, “Indeed, Reverend Subhūti, we cannot understand the transcendent perfection of wisdom.”
Then the venerable Subhūti addressed these divine princes as follows: “O divine princes! Not a single syllable has been uttered or disclosed for you to hear. If you ask why, [F.164.a] divine princes, it is because the transcendent perfection of wisdom does not consist of syllables, and there is no listener who would hear it. If you ask why, divine princes, it is because there are no syllables in the enlightenment of the tathāgatas, arhats, genuinely perfect buddhas. Divine princes! If, for example, the tathāgatas, arhats, genuinely perfect buddhas were to emanate a buddha and that [buddha] too were to conjure forth emanations—emanating an assembly of fully ordained monks, an assembly of fully ordained nuns, an assembly of laymen, and an assembly of laywomen—and if, having emanated these, he were to teach the sacred doctrine to these four assemblies, what do you think, divine princes, would any doctrine be revealed by any sentient being to those assemblies? Would any doctrine be heard or cognized by any sentient beings?”
“They would not, Reverend Subhūti!” they answered.
Subhūti then said, “Divine princes, it is so! All doctrines are like phantoms. They are not explained by anyone. They are not heard by any sentient being, and indeed they are not known by anyone at all.
“Divine princes, if, for example, one were to see in a dream a tathāgata, arhat, genuinely perfect buddha teaching the sacred doctrine, what do you think, divine princes, would anything be explained, heard, or cognized by anyone?”
“It would not, Reverend Subhūti!” they answered.
“Divine princes,” Subhūti continued, “it is so! All doctrines are like dreams. They are not explained, heard or cognized by anyone at all.
“Divine princes, if, for example, two people standing in the defile of a ravine were to praise the Buddha, and likewise praise the Dharma and the Saṅgha, and if two echoes were to reverberate from the sound of the words of those two people, what do you think, divine princes, would the first echo hear or cognize the second echo?”
“It would not, Reverend Subhūti!” they answered. The full refrain should be applied, exactly as before [in the case of phantoms and dreams].[F.164.b]
“Divine princes, if, for example, an illusionist or the apprentice of an illusionist, standing at a major crossroads, were to conjure a tathāgata, arhat, genuinely perfect buddha, and this very phantom of the tathāgata were to teach the sacred doctrine to four phantom assemblies, what do you think, divine princes, would any doctrine be revealed by any sentient being? Indeed, would anything be heard or cognized by any sentient being?”
“It would not, Reverend Subhūti!” they answered. Here again, the same refrain should be applied, exactly as before.
Then these divine princes thought, “May this elder Subhūti elucidate this transcendent perfection of wisdom. May he explain the transcendent perfection of wisdom most profoundly! May he demonstrate it most subtly!”
The venerable Subhūti, discerning with his own mind the thoughts of these divine princes, then addressed them as follows: “Divine princes! Physical forms are neither profound nor subtle. Similarly, feelings, perceptions, formative predispositions, and consciousness are neither profound nor subtle. The essential nature of physical forms is neither profound nor subtle. Similarly, the essential natures of feelings, perceptions, formative predispositions, and consciousness are neither profound nor subtle.
“In the same vein, as before, the full refrain should also be applied to the eyes, exactly as indicated in the context of the psycho-physical aggregates, and it should also be applied to [to the other sense organs], up to and including the mental faculty. Similarly, it should be applied to visual consciousness, and it should also be applied to [the other modes of sensory consciousness], up to and including mental consciousness. Similarly, it should be applied to the transcendent perfection of generosity, and it should also be applied to the other transcendent perfections, up to and including the transcendent perfection of wisdom. Similarly, it should be applied to the emptiness of internal phenomena, and it should also be applied to the other aspects of emptiness, up to and including the emptiness of the essential nature of non-entities. Similarly, it should be applied to the applications of mindfulness, and it should also be applied to [the other causal attributes], up to and including the noble eightfold path. [F.165.a] It should be applied to the ten powers of the tathāgatas, and it should also be applied to [the other fruitional attributes], up to and including the eighteen distinct qualities of the buddhas. Similarly, it should be applied to all the meditative stabilities, and also to all the dhāraṇī gateways. Similarly, omniscience is neither profound nor subtle. Similarly, the essential nature of omniscience is neither profound nor subtle.”
Then these divine princes thought, “In this teaching of the sacred doctrine, is there no imputation of physical forms?295 Is there no imputation of feelings, perceptions, formative predispositions, and consciousness? Is there no imputation of the transcendent perfection of generosity, and of the other transcendent perfections, up to and including the transcendent perfection of wisdom? Is there no imputation of the emptiness of internal phenomena, and is there no imputation of the other aspects of emptiness, up to and including the emptiness of the essential nature of non-entities?
“In this sacred doctrine, is there no imputation of the applications of mindfulness, and is there no imputation of [the other causal attributes], up to and including the noble eightfold path? Is there no imputation of the ten powers of the tathāgatas, and is there no imputation of [the other fruitional attributes], up to and including the eighteen distinct qualities of the buddhas?
“In this sacred doctrine, is there no imputation of entering the stream, and is there no imputation of the fruit of entering the stream? Indeed, is there no imputation of being tied to one more rebirth, of the fruit of being tied to one more rebirth, of being no longer subject to rebirth, of the fruit of being no longer subject to rebirth, of arhatship, of the fruit of arhatship, of [the status of] a pratyekabuddha, of the individual enlightenment [of a pratyekabuddha], of a bodhisattva, of the bodhisattva levels, of genuinely perfect enlightenment, and of the genuinely perfect buddhas? Is there no imputation of syllables?”
Then the venerable Subhūti addressed these divine princes, as follows: “O divine princes! It is so! It is just as you have spoken [in your thoughts]! Divine princes! [F.165.b] The enlightenment of the tathāgatas, arhats, genuinely perfect buddhas is inexpressible and it cannot be explained. It is neither known nor cognized by anyone. Divine princes! So it is that those who seek to abide in the fruit of entering the stream, or who seek to actualize the fruit of entering the stream, cannot abide in it or actualize it without relying on this tolerance or receptivity. Similarly, those who seek to abide in arhatship, or who seek to actualize arhatship, and likewise those who seek to abide in individual enlightenment, or who seek to actualize individual enlightenment, and likewise those who seek to abide in genuinely perfect enlightenment, or who seek to actualize genuinely perfect enlightenment, cannot abide in it or actualize [these fruits] without relying on this tolerance or receptivity. In this way, divine princes, great bodhisattva beings, from the time when they first begin to set their mind on enlightenment, should abide in the transcendent perfection of wisdom because it cannot be heard and it cannot be expressed.”
This completes the fifteenth chapter from “The Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom in Ten Thousand Lines,” entitled “The Transcendent Perfection of Tolerance.”296
Colophon
This translation was edited and redacted by the Indian preceptors Jinamitra and Prajñāvarman, along with the editor-in-chief and translator Bandé Yeshé Dé.
ye dharmā hetuprabhavā hetun teṣāṃ tathāgato bhavat āha teṣāṃ ca yo nirodho evaṃ vādī mahāśramaṇaḥ [ye svāhā]
“Whatever events arise from a cause, the Tathāgata has told the cause thereof, and the great virtuous ascetic has also taught their cessation.”
Abbreviations
ARIRIAB | Annual Report of the International Research Institute of Advanced Buddhology. Tokyo: SOKA University. |
---|---|
ISMEO | Rome: Istituto Italiano per il Medio ed Estremo Orient |
KPD | bka’ ’gyur dpe bsdur ma [Comparative Edition of the Kangyur], krung go’i bod rig pa zhib ’jug ste gnas kyi bka’ bstan dpe sdur khang (The Tibetan Tripitaka Collation Bureau of the China Tibetology Research Center). 108 volumes. Beijing: krung go’i bod rig pa dpe skrun khang (China Tibetology Publishing House), 2006–2009. |
LTWA | Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamsala, H.P., India |
SOR | Serie Orientale Roma |
TOK | ’jam mgon kong sprul, The Treasury of Knowledge. English translations of shes bya kun khyab mdzod by the Kalu Rinpoche Translation Group in The Treasury of Knowledge series (TOK, Ithaca, NY: Snow Lion, 1995 to 2012); mentioned here are Kalu Rinpoche Translation Group 1995 (Book 1) and 1998 (Book 5); Ngawang Zangpo 2010 (Books 2, 3, and 4); Callahan 2007 (Book 6, Part 3); and Dorje 2012 (Book 6 Parts 1–2). |
TPD | bstan ’gyur dpe bsdur ma [Comparative edition of the Tengyur], krung go’i bod rig pa zhib ’jug ste gnas kyi bka’ bstan dpe sdur khang (The Tibetan Tripitaka Collation Bureau of the China Tibetology Research Center). 120 volumes. Beijing: krung go’i bod rig pa dpe skrun khang (China Tibetology Publishing House), 1994–2008. |
Bibliography
Primary Sources
shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa khri pa zhes bya ba theg pa chen po’i mdo, Daśasāhasrikāprajñāpāramitānāmamahāyānasūtra. Toh 11, Degé Kangyur, vols. 31–32 (shes phyin, ga), ff. 1b–91a; and nga, ff. 92b–397a.
shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa khri pa zhes bya ba theg pa chen po’i mdo, Daśasāhasrikāprajñāpāramitānāmamahāyānasūtra. bka’ ’gyur (dpe bsdur ma) [Comparative Edition of the Kangyur], krung go’i bod rig pa zhib ’jug ste gnas kyi bka’ bstan dpe sdur khang (The Tibetan Tripitaka Collation Bureau of the China Tibetology Research Center). 108 volumes. Beijing: krung go’i bod rig pa dpe skrun khang (China Tibetology Publishing House), 2006–2009, vol. 31, pp. 530–763 and vol. 32, pp. 3–763.
Dutt, Nalinaksha. Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā, edition of the recast Sanskrit manuscript (Part One). Calcutta Oriental Series, No. 28. London: Luzac & Co., 1934.
Kimura, Takayasu. Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā, edition of the recast Sanskrit manuscript (Parts One–Eight). Part One (2007), Parts Two–Three (1986), Part Four (1990), Part Five (1992), and Parts Six–Eight (2006). Tokyo: Sankibo Busshorin Publishing Co. Ltd., 1986–2007.
Secondary References
Sūtras
klu’i rgyal po rgya mtshos zhus pa’i mdo (Sāgaranāgarājaparipṛcchāsūtra) [The Questions of Nāga King Sāgara (1)]. Toh 153. Degé Kangyur vol. 58 (mdo sde, pha, fol. 116a–198a); also KPD 58: 303–491. English translation in Dharmachakra Translation Committee (2021).
dkon mchog sprin gyi mdo (Ratnameghasūtra) [The Jewel Cloud]. Toh 231. Degé Kangyur vol. 64 (mdo sde, va, fol. 1b–112b); also KPD 64: 3–313. English translation in Dharmachakra Translation Committee (2019).
dkon brtsegs/ dkon mchog brtsegs pa’i mdo (Ratnakūṭa). The “Heap of Jewels” section of the Kangyur comprising Toh 45–93, Degé Kangyur vols. 39–44. Also KPD: 39–44.
rgya cher rol pa (Lalitavistarasūtra) [The Play in Full]. Toh 95, Degé Kangyur vol. 46 (mdo sde, kha, fol. 1b–216b); also KPD 46: 3–527. English translation in Dharmachakra Translation Committee (2013).
chos yang dag par sdud pa’i mdo (Dharmasaṃgītisūtra). Toh 238, Degé Kangyur vol. 65 (mdo sde, zha, fol. 1b–99b); also KPD 65: 3–250. English translation in Tibetan Classics Translators Guild of New York (2024).
de bzhin gshegs pa’i snying rje chen po nges par bstan pa’i mdo (Tathāgatamahākaruṇānirdeśasūtra) [The Teaching on the Great Compassion of the Tathāgata]. Toh 147, Degé Kangyur, vol. 57 (mdo sde, pa, fol. 142a–242b); also KPD 57: 377–636. English translation in Burchardi (2020).
phal po che’i mdo (sangs rgyas phal po che shin tu rgyas pa chen po’i mdo) (Avataṃsakasūtra Buddhāvataṃsakamahāvaipulyasūtra) [The Ornaments of the Buddhas]. Toh 44, Degé Kangyur vols. 35–38 (phal chen, vols. ka– a); also KPD 35–38. Translated Cleary (1984).
tshangs pa’i dra ba’i mdo (Brahmajālasūtra) [Sūtra of the Net of Brahmā]. Toh 352, Degé Kangyur vol. 76 (mdo sde, aḥ), fol. 70b–86a; also KPD76: 205–249. Translated from the Pali version in Bodhi (1978).
gzungs kyi dbang phyug rgyal po’i mdo (Dhāraṇīśvararājesūtra) [Sūtra of Dhāraṇīśvararāja]. An alternative title for Tathāgatamahākaruṇānirdeśasūtra. Toh 147, q.v. English translation in Burchardi (2020).
theg pa chen po’i man ngag gi mdo (Mahāyānopadeśa). Toh 169, Degé Kangyur vol. 59 (mdo sde, ba), fol. 259–307.
yul ’khor skyong gi zhus pa’i mdo (Rāṣṭrapālaparipṛcchā) [The Questions of Rāṣṭrapāla]. Toh 62, Degé Kangyur, vol. 42 (dkon brtsegs, nga), folios 227.a–257.a. English translation in Vienna Buddhist Translation Studies Group (2021).
shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa khri brgyad stong pa (Aṣṭadaśasāhasrikāprajñāpāramitā) [Sūtra of the Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom in Eighteen Thousand Lines]. Toh 10, Degé Kangyur vols. 29–31 (shes phyin, khri brgyad, ka), f. 1b–ga, f. 206a; also KPD 29: p. 3–31: 495. Translated and edited in Conze (1975) and in Sparham (2022).
shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa brgyad stong pa (Aṣṭasāhasarikāprajñāpāramitā) [Sūtra of the Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines]. Toh 12, Degé Kangyur vol. 33 (shes phyin, brgyad stong, ka), fol. 1b–286a; also KPD 33. Translated in Conze (1973).
shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa stong phrag brgya pa (Śatasāhasrikāprajñāpāramitā) [Sūtra of the Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom in One Hundred Thousand Lines]. Toh 8. Degé Kangyur vols. 14–25 (shes phyin, ’bum, ka), f. 1b–a, f. 395a; also KPD 14–25. English translation in Sparham 2024.
shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa stong phrag nyi shu lnga pa (Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikāprajñāpāramitā) [Sūtra of the Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom in Twenty-five Thousand Lines]. Toh 9, Degé Kangyur vols. 26–28 (shes phyin, nyi khri, ka), f. 1b–ga, f. 381a; also KPD 26–28. Annotated Sanskrit edition of the recast manuscript in Dutt (1934) and Kimura (1971–2009). Partially translated in Conze (1975) and fully translated in Padmakara Translation Group (2023).
shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa rdo rje gcod pa’i mdo (Vajracchedikāprajñāpāramitāsūtra) [Sūtra of the Adamantine Cutter [in Three Hundred Lines]. Toh 16, Degé Kangyur vol. 34 (shes phyin, ka), f. 121a–132b; also KPD 34: 327–357. Translated in Red Pine (2001).
shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa sdud pa tshigs su bcad pa (Prajñāpāramitāsañcayagāthā) [Verse Summation of the Transcendental Perfection of Wisdom]. Toh 13, Degé Kangyur vol. 34 (shes phyin, ka), f. 1b–19b; also KPD 34: 3–44. Translated in Conze (1973).
shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa’i snying po (Prajñāpāramitāhṛdayasūtra) [Heart Sūtra of the Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom]. Toh 21, Degé Kangyur vol. 34 (shes phyin, ka), f. 144b–146a; also KPD 34, pp. 402–405. Translated in Red Pine (2004) and in Dharmachakra Translation Committee (2022).
Indic Commentaries
Asaṅga. chos mngon pa kun las btus pa (Abhidharmasamuccaya) [The Compendium of Abhidharma]. Toh 4049. Degé Tengyur vol. 236 (sems tsam, ri), fol. 44b–120a; also TPD 76: 116–313. Translated from French in Boin-Webb (2001).
rnal ’byor spyod pa’i sa’i dngos gzhi (Yogacaryābhūmivastu). Toh 4035–4037, Degé Tengyur vols. 229–231 (sems tsam, tshi–vi). This is the first of the five parts of the Yogacaryā Level, comprising three texts: Yogacaryābhūmi (Toh 4035) and its sub-sections: Śrāvakabhūmi (Toh 4036) and Bodhisattvabhūmi (Toh 4037).
Haribhadra. mngon rtogs rgyan gyi snang ba (Abhisamayalaṃkārāloka) [Light for the Ornament of Emergent Realization]. Toh 3791, Degé Tengyur vol. 85 (shes phyin, cha), f. 1b–341a; also TPD 51: 891–1728. Translated in Sparham (2006–2012).
Kalyāṇamitra. ’dul bag zhi rgya cher ’grel pa (Vinayavastuṭīkā) [Great Commentary on the Chapters on Monastic Discipline]. Toh 4113, Degé Tengyur vol. 258 (’dul ba, tsu), f. 177a–326a; also TPD 87: 481–883.
Maitreya. [shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa’i man ngag gi bstan bcos] mngon par rtogs pa’i rgyan (Abhisamayālaṃkāra-[nāma-prajñāpāramitopadeśaśāstrakārikā]) [Ornament of Clear Realization]. Toh 3786, Degé Tengyur vol. 80 (shes phyin, ka), fol. 1b–13a; also TPD 49: 3–30. Translated in Conze (1954) and Thrangu (2004).
[theg pa chen po] mdo sde’i rgyan zhes bya ba’i tshig le’ur byas pa ([Mahāyāna]sūtrālaṃkārakārikā) [Ornament of the Sūtras of the Great Vehicle]. Toh 4020, Degé Tengyur vol. 225 (sems tsam, phi), f. 1b–39a; also TPD 70: 805–890 Translated in Jamspal et al. (2004).
theg pa chen po rgyud bla ma’i bstan bcos (Mahāyānottaratantraśāstra) [Ultimate Continuum of the Great Vehicle]. Toh 4024, Degé Tengyur vol. 225 (sems tsam, phi), f. 54b–73a; also TPD 70: 935–979. Translated in Holmes, Kenneth and Katia Holmes. The Changeless Nature. Eskdalemuir: Karma Drubgyud Drajay Ling, 1985. See also Takasaki, Jikido. A Study on the Ratnagotravibhāga (Uttaratantra). SOR XXXIII. Roma: ISMEO, 1966.
Ratnākāraśānti. shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa brgyad stong pa’i dka’ ’grel snying po mchog (Aṣṭasāhasarikāprajñāpāramitāpañjikāsārottama). Toh 3803, Degé Tengyur, vol. 89 (shes phyin, tha), f. 1b–230a; also TPD 53: 711–1317.
Vasubandhu. chos mngon pa’i mdzod kyi bshad pa (Abhidharmakośabhāṣya). Toh 4090, Degé Tengyur vol. 242 (mngon pa, ku), fol. 26b–258a; also TPD 79: 65–630. Translated from the French in Pruden (1988–1990).
chos mngon pa’i mdzod kyi tshig le’ur byas pa (Abhidharmakośakārikā). Toh 4089, Degé Tengyur vol. 242 (mngon pa, ku), fol. 1b–25a; also TPD 79: 3–59. Translated from the French in Pruden (1988–1990).
Vasubandhu/Dāṃṣṭrasena. shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa ’bum pa dang nyi khri lnga stong pa dang khri brgyad stong pa’i rgya cher bshad pa (Śatasahāsrikāpañcaviṃśatisāhasrikāṣṭādaśasāhasrikāprajnā-pāramitābṛhaṭṭīkā) [The Long Explanation of the Noble Perfection of Wisdom in One Hundred Thousand, Twenty-Five Thousand, and Eighteen Thousand Lines]. Toh 3808, Degé Tengyur vol. 93 (shes phyin, pha), fol. 1b–292b; also TPD 55: 645–1376. English translation in Sparham (2022).
Vimuktisena. shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin pa stong phrag nyi shu lnga pa’i man ngag gi bstan bcos mngon par rtogs pa’i rgyan gyi ’grel pa (Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikāprajñāpāramitopdeśaśāstrābhisamayālaṃkāravṛtti) [Commentary on the Ornament of Clear Realization: A Treatise of Instruction on the Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom in Twenty-Five Thousand Lines]. Toh 3787, Degé Tengyur, vol. 80 (shes phyin, ka), f. 14b–212a); also TPD 49: 33–530. Translated in Sparham (2006–2012).
Indigenous Tibetan Works
Jamgön Kongtrül (’jam mgon kong sprul). shes bya kun khyab mdzod [The Treasury of Knowledge]. Root verses contained in three-volume publication. Beijing: Mi rigs dpe skrun khang, 1982; Boudhnath: Padma Karpo Translation Committee edition, 2000 (photographic reproduction of the original four-volume Palpung xylograph, 1844). Translated, along with the auto-commentary, by the Kalu Rinpoche Translation Group in The Treasury of Knowledge series (TOK). Ithaca, NY: Snow Lion Publications, 1995 to 2012. Mentioned here are Kalu Rinpoche Translation Group 1995 (Book 1) and 1998 (Book 5); Ngawang Zangpo 2010 (Books 2, 3, and 4); Callahan 2007 (Book 6, Part 3); and Dorje 2012 (Book 6 Parts 1-2).
Kawa Paltsek (ka ba dpal brtsegs) and Namkhai Nyingpo (nam mkha’i snying po). ldan dkar ma (pho brang stod thang ldan dkar gyi chos ’gyur ro cog gi dkar chag). Toh 4364, Degé Tengyur vol. 308 (sna tshogs, jo), f. 294b–310a; also TPD 116: 786–827.
Nordrang Orgyan (nor brang o rgyan). chos rnam kun btus. 3 vols. Beijing: Krung go’i bod rig pa dpe skrun khang, 2008.
Situ Paṇchen (si tu paṇ chen) or Situ Chökyi Jungné (si tu chos kyi ’byung gnas). sde dge’i bka’ ’gyur dkar chags. Degé Kangyur, vol. 103 (dkar chags, lak+S+mI and shrI), Toh 4568; also Chengdu: Sichuan Mi rigs dpe skrun khang, 1989.
Various, bye brag tu rtogs par byed pa (Mahāvyutpatti). Toh 4346, Degé Tengyur vol. 306 (sna tshogs, co), f. 1b–131a; also TPD 115: 3–254. Sakaki, Ryozaburo, ed. (1916–25); reprint, 1965.
Zhang Yisun et al. bod rgya tshig mdzod chen mo. 3 vols. Subsequently reprinted in 2 vols. and 1 vol. Beijing: Mi rigs dpe skrun khang, 1985. Translated in Nyima and Dorje 2001 (vol. 1).
Secondary Literature
Apte, Vaman Shivram. The Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary. 3rd edition. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1965.
Bodhi, Bhikkhu, trans. The Sūtra on the All-Embracing Net of Views. Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 1978.
Boin-Webb, Sara, trans. Abhidharmasamuccaya: The Compendium of the Higher Teaching (Philosophy). By Asanga. From the French translation by Walpola Rahula. Fremont, CA: Asian Humanities Press, 2001.
Brunnholzl, Karl. Gone Beyond (Volume One): The Prajñāpāramitā Sūtras, The Ornament of Clear Realization, and Its Commentaries in the Tibetan Kagyu Tradition. Ithaca, New York: Snow Lion Publications, 2010.
Burchardi, Anne, trans. The Teaching on the Great Compassion of the Tathāgata (Tathāgatamahākaruṇānirdeśa, Toh 147). 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha, 2020.
Callahan, Elizabeth, trans. The Treasury of Knowledge (Book Six, Part Three): Frameworks of Buddhist Philosophy. By Jamgön Kongtrul. Ithaca, NY: Snow Lion Publications, 2007.
Cleary, Thomas, trans. The Flower Ornament Scripture. Boston and London: Shambhala, 1984.
Conze, Edward, trans. (1954). Abhisamayālaṅkāra. SOR 6. Rome: ISMEO.
———(1960) The Prajñāpāramitā Literature. New Delhi: Munishiram Manoharlal.
———trans. (1973). The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation.
———(1973) Materials for a Dictionary of The Prajñāpāramitā Literature. Tokyo: Suzuki Research Foundation.
———trans. (1975). The Large Sutra on Perfect Wisdom. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Davidson, Ronald. “Studies in Dhāraṇī Literature I: Revisiting the Meaning of the Term Dhāraṇī.” Journal of Indian Philosophy 37, no. 2 (April 2009): 97–147.
Dayal, Har. The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1932. Reprinted Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1970.
Dharmachakra Translation Committee, trans. (2013). The Play in Full (Lalitavistara). 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha.
———trans. (2019). The Jewel Cloud (Ratnamegha, Toh 231). 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha.
———trans. (2021). The Questions of Nāga King Sāgara (1) (Sāgaranāgarājaparipṛcchā, Toh 153). 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha.
———trans. (2022). The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom, the Blessed Mother (Bhagavatīprajñāpāramitāhṛdaya, Toh 21). 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha.
Dorje, Gyurme, trans. (1987). “The Guhyagarbhatantra and its XIVth Century Tibetan Commentary Phyogs bcu mun sel.” 3 vols. PhD diss. University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies.
———trans. (2012). Indo-Tibetan Classical Learning and Buddhist Phenomenology. By Jamgön Kongtrul. Boston: Snow Lion.
Dudjom Rinpoche. The Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism: Its Fundamentals and History. 2 vols. Translated by Gyurme Dorje with Matthew Kapstein. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1991.
Edgerton, Franklin. Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Grammar and Dictionary. 2 vols. New Haven: Yale University Press,1953.
Falk, Harry (2011) “The ‘Split’ Collection of Kharoṣṭhī texts.” ARIRIAB 14 (2011): 13-23.
———(2012). In collaboration with Seishi Karashima, “A first‐century Prajñāpāramitā manuscript from Gandhāra- Parivarta 1 (Texts from the Split Collection 1),” ARIRIAB 15 (2012), 19–61.
Hikata, Ryfishé. “An Introductory Essay on Prajñāpāramitā Literature”, in Suvikrāntavikāamiparipṛcchā Prajñāpāramitā-Sūtra. Fufuoka: Kyūshū University, 1958, pp. ix–lxxxiii.
Jamspal, Lobzang et al., trans. The Universal Vehicle Discourse Literature. New York: American Institute of Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, 2004.
Jamieson, R.Craig. The Perfection of Wisdom. New York: Penguin Viking, 2000.
Jones, J.J. trans. The Mahāvastu (3 vols.) in Sacred Books of the Buddhists. London: Luzac & Co., 1949–56.
Kalu Rinpoche Translation Group, trans. (1995). The Treasury of Knowledge (Book One): Myriad Worlds. By Jamgön Kongtrul. Ithaca, NY: Snow Lion Publications.
———trans. (1998). The Treasury of Knowledge (Book Five): Buddhist Ethics. By Jamgön Kongtrul. Ithaca, NY: Snow Lion Publications.
Karashima, Seishi, trans. A Critical Edition of Lokakṣema’s Translation of the Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prājñāpāramitā, Bibliotheca Philologica et Philosophica Buddhica, XII. Tokyo, International Research Institute for Advanced Buddhology, Soka University, 2011.
Kloetzli, Randy. Buddhist Cosmology. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1983.
Konow, Sten. The First Two Chapters of the Daśasāhasrikā Prajñāpāramitā: Restoration of the Sanskrit Text, Analysis and Index. Oslo: I Kommisjon Hos Jacob Dybwad, 1941.
Lamotte, Étienne. History of Indian Buddhism: from the Origins to the Śaka Era. Paris: Peeters Press, 1988.
Lamotte, Etienne (2010–2011). The Treatise of the Great Virtue of Wisdom. Translated from the French by Karma Migme Chodron.
Law, Bimala Chum. A History of Pāli Literature. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., 1933.
McRae, John, trans. The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch (Liùzǔ Tánjīng). Berkeley: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, 2000.
Ñāṇamoli, Bhikkhu, trans. The Path of Purification by Buddhaghosa. Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 1979.
Nasim Khan, M. & M. Sohail Khan, “Buddhist Kharoṣṭhī Manuscripts from Gandhāra: A New Discovery,” The Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 12, nos. 1–2 (2004 (2006)). Peshawar: 9–15.
Negi, J.S., ed.: Tibetan Sanskrit Dictionary (Bod skad dang legs sbyar gyi tshig mdzod chen mo). 16 vols. Sarnath: Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, 1993-2005.
Ngawang Zangpo, trans. The Treasury of Knowledge (Books Two, Three, and Four): Buddhism’s Journey to Tibet. By Jamgön Kongtrul. Ithaca, NY: Snow Lion Publications, 2010.
Nyima, Tudeng and Gyurme Dorje, trans. An Encyclopaedic Tibetan-English Dictionary. Vol. 1. Beijing and London: Nationalities Publishing House and SOAS, 2001.
Padmakara Translation Group, trans. The Words of My Perfect Teacher. By Patrul Rinpoche. San Francisco: Harper Collins, 1994.
———trans. (2023). The Perfection of Wisdom in Twenty-five Thousand Lines (Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikāprajñāpāramitā, Toh 9). 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha.
Pagel, Ulrich “The Dhāraṇīs of Mahāvyutpatti # 748: Origins and Formation,” in Buddhist Studies Review 24 no. 2 (2007), 151–91.
Pfandt, Peter. Mahāyāna Texts Translated into Western Languages. Cologne: In Kommission bei E.J. Brill, 1983.
Pruden, Leo M., trans. Abhidharmakośabhāṣyaṃ by Vasubandhu. Translated by Louis de La Vallée Poussin. English translation by Leo M. Pruden. 4 vols. Berkeley: Asian Humanities Press, 1988–1990.
Red Pine, trans. (2001). The Diamond Sutra: The Perfection of Wisdom; Text and Commentaries Translated from Sanskrit and Chinese. Berkeley: Counterpoint.
———trans. (2004). The Heart Sutra: The Womb of Buddhas. Shoemaker & Hoard.
Rigdzin, Tsepak. Tibetan-English Dictionary of Buddhist Terminology. Dharamsala: LTWA, 1993.
Salomon, Richard (1990). “New evidence for a Gāndhārī origin of the Arapacana syllabary.” Journal of the American Oriental Society 110 no. 2: 255–273.
———(2000). A Gāndhārī Version of the Rhinoceros Sutra: British Library Kharoṣṭhi Fragment 5B, Seattle and London: Univ. of Washington Press.
Schopen, Geoffrey. Figments and Fragments of Mahāyāna Buddhism in India. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 2005.
Sparham, Gareth, trans. (2006-2012). Abhisamayālaṃkāra with vṛtti and ālokā / vṛtti by Ārya Vimuktisena; ālokā by Haribhadra. 4 vols. Fremont, CA: Jain Publishing.
———trans. (2022a). The Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom in Eighteen Thousand Lines (Aṣṭadaśasāhasrikāprajñāpāramitā, Toh 10). 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha.
———, trans. (2022b). The Long Explanation of the Noble Perfection of Wisdom in One Hundred Thousand, Twenty-Five Thousand, and Eighteen Thousand Lines ———, trans. (2024). The Perfection of Wisdom in One Hundred Thousand Lines (Śatasāhasrikāprajñāpāramitā, Toh 8). 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha.
Strauch, Ingo. (2007–2008), “The Bajaur collection: A new collection of Kharoṣṭhī manuscripts. A preliminary catalogue and survey.”
Thrangu Rinpoche, Khenchen et al, trans. The Ornament of Clear Realization. Auckland: Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Charitable Trust Publications, 2004.
Tibetan Classics Translators Guild of New York, trans. The Dharma Council (Dharmasaṅgīti, Toh 238). 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha, 2024.
Vienna Buddhist Translation Studies Group, trans. The Questions of Rāṣṭrapāla (Rāṣṭrapālaparipṛcchāsūtra, Toh 62). 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha, 2021.
Williams, Paul. Mahāyāna Buddhism. London: Routledge, 1989.