勸發菩提心集 1.32

1.32

The verse of similes for the arousal of bodhicitta states:
'Like the earth, like pure gold, / like the moon, like an increasing fire,
Like a treasure, like a jewel casket, / like the ocean, like a vajra,
Like a mountain, like the king of medicines, / like a friend, like a wish-fulfilling [gem],
Like the sun, like melodious music, / like a king, like a granary and storehouse,
Like a road, like a carriage, / like a spring, like a joyful sound,
Like a flowing stream, and also like a cloud: / the arousal of bodhicitta is exemplified like these.'
'Like the earth': the initial arousal of bodhicitta is also like this, because it can produce and sustain all Buddha-dharmas. 'Like pure gold': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with resolution is also like this, because [its intent to bring] benefit and ease never deteriorates. 'Like the crescent moon': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with zeal is like this, because all wholesome qualities gradually increase. 'Like an increasing fire': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with utmost resolution is like this, because as more fuel is added the fire blazes up, just as the accumulated practice relies on the utmost. 'Like a treasure [of jewels]': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with dāna-pāramitā is also like this, because its universal provision of material wealth is also inexhaustible. 'Like a jewel casket': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with śīla is also like this, because the jewel of meritorious dharmas is produced from it. 'Like the ocean': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with kṣānti-pāramitā is also like this, because its mind is unmoved by whatever adversities come. 'Like a vajra': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with vīrya is also like this, because it is brave, firm, and indestructible. 'Like the king of mountains': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with dhyāna-pāramitā is also like this, because nothing can move it, on account of its undistractedness. 'Like the king of medicines': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with prajñā is also like this, because it can destroy both diseases of defilement and [wrong] cognition. 'Like a good friend': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with the immeasurables is also like this, because at all times it does not abandon sentient beings. 'Like a wish-fulfilling [gem]': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with supernatural powers is also like this, because it can accomplish whatever one desires to manifest. 'Like the blazing sun': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with the [four] attractions is also like this, because just as the sun ripens grain, it ripens sentient beings. 'Like melodious music': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with analytical knowledge is also like this, because it gathers sentient beings by expounding the Dharma and transforming them. 'Like a king': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with the [correct] capacity is also like this, because it can serve as the indestructible cause for the correct path. 'Like a granary and storehouse': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with accumulation is also like this, because it is the accumulation of the Dharma wealth of merit and wisdom. 'Like a road': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with the bodhipakṣadharmas is also like this, because the Great Sage travels it first and others follow after. 'Like a carriage': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with śamatha and vipaśyanā is also like this, because endowed with the two wheels it travels along in ease. 'Like a gushing spring': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with dhāraṇī is also like this, because although listeners are many, the Dharma is inexhaustible. 'Like a joyful sound': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with the Dharma seal is also like this, because those seeking liberation delight to hear it. 'Like a flowing river': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with svabhāva is also like this, because the path of the tolerance of unarisen dharmas flows naturally without deliberate effort. 'Like a great cloud': the arousal of bodhicitta associated with expedients capable of accomplishing [the liberation of] the world is also like this, because it transforms sentient beings by manifesting the eight aspects of attaining awakening.