大般若波羅蜜多經般若理趣分述讚 3.65

3.65

The Commentary says: From here on, the second [part] directly reveals the dharma gate that was spoken. As the six pāramitās are different, they accordingly form six passages. Within giving, there are five: first, the gift of position; second, the gift of meaning; third, the gift of Dharma; fourth, the gift of material wealth; and fifth, the general gift of fearlessness. In truth, each of the five gifts brings multiple fruits, but here only five corresponding fruits are mentioned. If one renounces an exalted and noble position to cultivate the true Dharma, one will attain Buddhahood as the Dharma King of the three realms. Because giving the flavor of the meaning accords with principle, all future hopes and wishes will be satisfied. Through the gift of Dharma, one will be able to fully comprehend all Buddhadharmas. Because gifts of material wealth and food enrich the three karmas, one will in the future attain pleasure in the three karmas. Regarding 'if through various gifts of wealth, Dharma, and so forth,' this means that using wealth and Dharma to gather sentient beings and render them free of fear is called the gift of fearlessness. The Bodhicitta-śāstra states that to vow to practice the gift of material wealth, there must be five things: first, with utmost sincerity; second, with faith; third, at the proper time; fourth, with one's own hands; and fifth, in accordance with the Dharma. As a verse says: 'A giver possessed of excellent faith and so on / reverently, at the proper time, gives with his own hands,' and so forth. Another verse says: 'In altruistic practice toward sentient beings, / without distinguishing the capable and incapable, / at all times, in all giving, / according to one's power, extensively bring great benefit.' There are five things that should not be given: wealth contrary to principle should not be given, because it is impure; liquor and poisons should not be given, because they give rise to disorder; snares, traps, mechanisms, and nets should not be given, because they give rise to distress; knives, staves, bows, and arrows should not be given, because they give rise to harm; music and female beauty should not be given, because they ruin the pure mind. Giving has five benefits: first, always being near the worthy and noble; second, being pleasing for sentient beings to see; third, being respected when entering assemblies; fourth, having a good reputation spread abroad; and fifth, serving as a cause for awakening. Bodhisattva Asaṅga said: 'Cultivate six kinds of intention: first, vast; second, long-enduring; third, joyful; fourth, bearing gratitude; fifth, great resolve; and sixth, pure goodness. Toward these six, arouse three kinds of attention: first, cherish and respect; second, rejoice; and third, take delight.' If upon hearing of these six, one can arouse even a single thought of faithful mind, one will still generate an immeasurable accumulation of merit, and obstacles from evil karma will also be eradicated, how much more so for a bodhisattva.