勝鬘寶窟 1.47

1.47

Second, the gate of explaining the name: according to the text below, it says 'inconceivable great vows.' The bodhisattva precept-dharma is deep and vast, difficult to uphold and difficult to practice, not something upheld by the two vehicles; therefore, it is explained as inconceivable. Furthermore, non-upholding and non-transgressing constitute the saddharma precepts, termed inconceivable. As for what is called 'great': First, great in its intrinsic essence, meaning universally putting an end to all evil, universally cultivating all good, and universally delivering all persons. Second, great in the attained fruit, referring to the buddhas and bodhisattvas, the great kings among humans, and the great heavenly kings. Third, because it is practiced by great persons, it is called great; among the nine realms, the six realms and the two vehicles are all unable to practice it, and only bodhisattvas are able to practice it; hence it is called great. Fourth, great in duration, meaning constantly upholding these precepts throughout three asaṃkhyeya kalpas. Fifth, never lost: the precepts for a single day cease when the day ends; the precepts for a single lifetime vanish when the physical form ends. If one receives the great bodhisattva precepts once, even though one passes through the six destinies, the precept-dharma is not lost; hence it is called great. Dharma Master Fu says: 'Humbly and respectfully accepting with an open mind, and subduing oneself to practice them, is therefore called receiving (acceptance).'