大乘入道次第 1.19

1.19

Eighth, in discerning its metaphors, the Mahāsaṃnipāta-sūtra states: "Just as a small jewel must not be looked down upon—why? because such a small jewel can accomplish great deeds and bring much benefit—bodhisattvas are also like this: when they initially generate the mind, they must not be looked down upon either." It also says: "Just as all other minor kings are subordinate to a wheel-turning sage king, all humans and devas are likewise all subordinate to a bodhisattva who initially generates the mind." It also says: "Without sugar-cane seeds, there would be no various flavors of rock candy. If there were no bodhimind, there would likewise be no various flavors of the Three Jewels." Another verse states: "If a bodhisattva is diligent and energetic, / He can immediately destroy all afflictions. / Just as fire can burn dry grass and wood, / The bodhimind can burn afflictions." Furthermore, the Bodhicittotpādasūtra-śāstra states: "A bodhisattva's initial generation of the mind is like the great ocean when it first gradually begins to form. One should know that it serves as the dwelling place for wish-fulfilling gems of low, medium, superior, or even priceless value, because these gems are all produced in reliance on the great ocean. A bodhisattva's generation of the mind is also like this: it serves as the place of origin for all the merits of dhyāna and wisdom of the people of the three vehicles. Furthermore, it is like the trichiliocosm when it first gradually begins to form: one should know that it supports and serves as a locus of reliance for the twenty-five states of existence and all the sentient beings within them. A bodhisattva is also like this: when he first gradually initiates everything, he universally supports and serves as a locus of reliance for all immeasurable sentient beings, across the six destinies, four forms of birth, and down to the four castes." In addition, the Mahālaṅkāra-śāstra contains extensive metaphorical examples, but they are not cited here for fear of verbosity.