Dunhuang Document

"...the past life is already extinguished, the future life has not yet arrived, and the present life does not remain still. As the Buddha has said: 'O Monks, in this very moment, you are simultaneously being born, growing old, and passing away.' This refers to the Buddhist concept of "momentariness," where the self is seen as a rapid succession of states rather than a permanent entity. If one receives a prophecy based on 'non-birth,' then non-birth is the State of Truth. In this State of Truth, there can be no receiving of a prophecy, nor can there be the attainment of Unsurpassed, Complete, and Perfect Enlightenment original: "阿耨多羅三藐三菩提" (Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi); the ultimate goal of a Buddha..

"How then, Maitreya, can you receive a prophecy for 'one more birth'? Does it come from the 'Suchness' of birth, or the 'Suchness' of extinction? original: "如" (Tathatā); things as they truly are, beyond labels. If the prophecy comes from the 'Suchness' of birth, Suchness actually has no birth. If it comes from the 'Suchness' of extinction, Suchness has no extinction. All living beings are of this Suchness; all phenomena are of this Suchness; all saints and sages are of this Suchness; even you, Maitreya, are of this Suchness.

"If you, Maitreya, are to receive a prophecy, then all living beings should also receive one. Why? Because Suchness is not two, and it is not different. If you, Maitreya, attain Unsurpassed, Complete, and Perfect Enlightenment, then all living beings should also attain it. Why? Because all beings already possess the characteristics of Bodhi original: "菩提"; the state of Enlightenment or Awakening.. If you, Maitreya, attain total liberation, then all living beings should also attain it. Why? Because the Buddhas know that all beings are ultimately tranquil and already possess the nature of Nirvana, requiring no further extinction.

"Therefore, Maitreya, do not mislead these heavenly sons with such teachings. In truth, there is no one who 'resolves' to attain Enlightenment, and no one who 'regresses' from it. You should instead encourage these heavenly sons to abandon their analytical views regarding Enlightenment. Why? Because Bodhi cannot be attained through the body, nor can it be attained through the mind.

"Tranquility is Enlightenment, for it extinguishes all appearances.
"Non-viewing is Enlightenment, for it is free from all external conditions.
"Non-practice is Enlightenment, for it is free from all mental activity.
"Severance is Enlightenment, for it cuts off all biased views.
"Detachment is Enlightenment, for it is free from all delusions.
"Obstruction is Enlightenment, for it is free from all worldly desires.
"Non-entry is Enlightenment, for it is free from greed and attachment.
"Compliance is Enlightenment, for it accords with Suchness.
"Abiding is Enlightenment, for it dwells in the true nature of things.
"Arrival is Enlightenment, for it reaches the ultimate reality.
"Non-duality is Enlightenment, for it is free from the mind and its objects.
"Equality is Enlightenment, for it is like the vastness of space.
"Non-action is Enlightenment, for it is free from birth, staying, and passing away.
"Wisdom is Enlightenment, for it understands the thoughts and actions of all beings.
"Non-meeting is Enlightenment, for the sense-gates do not collide.
"Non-joining is Enlightenment, for it is free from the habits of affliction.
"No-place is Enlightenment, for it has no physical form or color.
"Temporary Name is Enlightenment, for names and words are empty.
"Like an Illusion is Enlightenment, for there is nothing to grasp or discard.
"Non-distraction is Enlightenment, for it is always naturally still.
"Supreme Stillness is Enlightenment, for its nature is pure.
"Non-grasping is Enlightenment, for it is free from clinging to objects.
"Non-difference is Enlightenment, for all phenomena are equal.
"Incomparable is Enlightenment, for it cannot be explained by metaphors.
"Subtle and Profound is Enlightenment, for all things are difficult to truly know."

The World-Honored One, when Vimalakirti spoke this teaching, two hundred heavenly sons attained Patience of the Unproduced Dharma original: "無生法忍" (Anutpattika-dharma-ksanti); a profound stage of realization where one realizes that nothing truly arises or ceases.. Therefore, I am not fit to go and inquire after his health.

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The Buddha then told the youth Radiant Glory original: "光嚴童子" (Ratnavyūha).: "You go and visit Vimalakirti to inquire after his health."

Radiant Glory addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honored One, I am not fit to go and visit him to inquire after his health. Why? I remember once when I was leaving the great city of Vaishali original: "毗耶離"; a major city in ancient India where much of this sutra takes place., Vimalakirti was just entering the city. I bowed to him and asked: 'Layman, where are you coming from?'

He replied to me: 'I come from the Bodhimaṇḍa original: "道場"; literally the "Place of Enlightenment," often referring to the site where the Buddha sat under the tree, but here used metaphorically by Vimalakirti..'

I asked: 'Where is this Bodhimaṇḍa?'

He answered:
'The Straightforward Mind is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for it is free from falsehood.
Action is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for it can accomplish tasks.
The Deep Mind is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for it increases merit.
the Enlightened Mind The Bodhi-mind (Bodhicitta). is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for it is free from error.
Generosity is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for it expects no reward.
Morality is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for it fulfills all vows.
Patience is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for the mind remains unhindered by any living being.
Diligence is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for it never turns back.
Meditation is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for the mind is tamed and supple.
Wisdom is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for it sees all things as they are.
Kindness is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for it treats all beings equally.
Compassion is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for it endures weariness and suffering.
Joy is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for it delights in the Truth.
Equanimity is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for it severs both hatred and love.
Supernatural Powers are the Bodhimaṇḍa, for they achieve the six transformations.
Liberation is the Bodhimaṇḍa, for it can let go of everything.
Skillful Means are the Bodhimaṇḍa, for they teach and transform living beings.
The Four Ways of Attraction are the Bodhimaṇḍa...'