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Today we are pleased to present selections of the Diamond Sutra, translated by William Gemmel. The Diamon Sutra is a Mahayana Sutra, that discusses the illusionary nature of this world. Diamond Sutra Chapter 2 “[…] ‘Moreover, Subhuti, an enlightened disciple ought to act spontaneously in the exercise of charity, uninfluenced by sensuous phenomena such as sound, odor, taste, touch, or Law. Subhuti, it is imperative that an enlightened disciple, in the exercise of charity, should act independently of phenomena. And why? Because, acting without regard to illusive forms of phenomena, he will realize in the exercise of charity, a merit inestimable and immeasurable.’ ‘Subhuti, what think you? Is it possible to estimate the distance comprising the illimitable universe of space?’ Subhuti replied, saying: ‘Honored of the Worlds! It is impossible to estimate the distance comprising the illimitable universe of space.’ The Lord Buddha thereupon discoursed, saying: ‘It is equally impossible to estimate the merit of an enlightened disciple, who discharges the exercise of charity, unperturbed by the seductive influences of phenomena. Subhuti, the mind of an enlightened disciple ought thus to be indoctrinated.’ The Lord Buddha interrogated Subhuti, saying: ‘What think you? Is it possible that by means of His physical body, the Lord Buddha may be clearly perceived?’ Subhuti replied, saying: ‘No! Honored of the Worlds! It is impossible that by means of His physical body, the Lord Buddha may be clearly perceived. And why? Because what the Lord Buddha referred to as a physical body is, in reality, not merely a physical body.’ Thereupon the Lord Buddha addressed Subhuti, saying: ‘Every form or quality of phenomena is transient and illusive. When the mind realizes that the phenomena of life are not real phenomena, the Lord Buddha may then be clearly perceived.’ Subhuti enquired of the Lord Buddha, saying: ‘Honored of the Worlds! In future ages, when this scripture is proclaimed, amongst those beings destined to hear, shall any conceive within their minds a sincere, unmingled faith?’ The Lord Buddha replied to Subhuti, saying: ‘Have no such apprehensive thought! Even at the remote period of five centuries subsequent to the Nirvana of the Lord Buddha, there will be many disciples observing the monastic vows, and assiduously devoted to good works. These, hearing this scripture proclaimed, will believe in its immutability, and similarly conceive within their minds a pure, unmingled faith. Besides, it is important to realize that faith thus conceived is not exclusively in virtue of the insular thought of any particular Buddha but because of its affiliation with the concrete thoughts of myriad Buddhas, throughout infinite ages. Therefore, amongst the beings destined to hear this Scripture proclaimed, many, by momentary reflection, will intuitively conceive a pure and holy faith.’ […]”
