分別功德論 1.25

1.25

As for the so-called perfection of patience: when seeing oneself cursed or insulted, one accepts it in silence without retaliating. When a bodhisattva practices patience, he constantly employs universal benevolence (maitrī) to equalize self and other. Since self and other are equal, enemy and kin are not two. Therefore a sūtra says: "The benevolence of the Lesser Vehicle is benevolence merely on the flesh and skin; the benevolence of the Great Being penetrates to the marrow of the bone." How is this demonstrated? If someone cuts off the hands and feet of a bodhisattva and they transform into milk, that is the proof of benevolence. The monk Kṣāntivādin is just such an instance. It is like when a woman gives birth to a child, milk immediately flows forth. This is induced by thoughts of benevolence, transforming naturally. The Great Being in this way enters the samādhi of benevolence, and is therefore able to elicit milk. When the practice of benevolence reaches its utmost, even if one holds a bow and arrow, living beings will instead come and attach themselves to oneself. When benevolence does not penetrate, even if one does not hold a stick, all who see one will abandon and flee from one. Because of such proofs, the difference between the Great and the Lesser has its origins.