般若波羅蜜多心經幽贊 1.28

1.28

Although knowing the five stages, how does one cultivate? All practitioners who wish to realize bodhi and bring about great benefit and joy must first generate the great aspiration for bodhi before correct practice can be raised. Just as the great ocean first begins with a single drop that can become the dwelling place for all jewels, the initial generation of the aspiration is also like this: the good dharmas of the five vehicles are all born because of it. Again, just as when a world first gradually forms, it becomes the cause for supporting all sentient beings, this mind is also like this: it can become the support and refuge for the immeasurable kinds of beings in the five destinies. Again, just as space contains and embraces everything without exception, the great aspiration for bodhi is also like this: because one is revulsed by everything conditioned throughout space, because one seeks to realize bodhi as vast as space, and because one deeply cares for all sentient beings throughout space. Although this initial generation of the aspiration is inferior [compared to the end], the accumulation of merit in a single thought can scarcely be fully described; how much less the merit of generating the aspiration, cultivating practice, and bringing benefit and joy over many kalpas?