宗鏡錄 9.15.3

9.15.3

[The bodhicitta] is like a palace, because it rests securely in practicing the dharmas of samādhi. The bodhicitta is like a garden, because one sports within it enjoying the bliss of the Dharma. The bodhicitta is like a residence, because it brings peace and security to all sentient beings. The bodhicitta is a refuge, because it benefits all worlds. The bodhicitta is a reliance, because it is the locus of reliance for the practices of all bodhisattvas. The bodhicitta is like a compassionate father, because it instructs and guides all bodhisattvas. The bodhicitta is like a loving mother, because it gives birth to and raises all bodhisattvas. The bodhicitta is like a wet nurse, because it nourishes all bodhisattvas. The bodhicitta is like a good friend, because it accomplishes benefit for all bodhisattvas. The bodhicitta is like a sovereign ruler, because it surpasses all persons of the two vehicles. The bodhicitta is like an emperor, because it attains sovereignty among all vows. The bodhicitta is like a great ocean, because all merits flow into it. The bodhicitta is like Mount Sumeru, because its mind is impartial toward all sentient beings. The bodhicitta is like the Iron Ring Mountains, because it encompasses and holds all worlds. The bodhicitta is like the Snow Mountains, because it fosters all the medicines of wisdom. The bodhicitta is like the Fragrant Mountain, because it produces all the incense of merit. The bodhicitta is like empty space, because its wondrous merits are vast and boundless. The bodhicitta is like a lotus blossom, because it is undefiled by any worldly dharmas. The bodhicitta is like a tamed, intelligent elephant, because its mind is gentle and compliant, never violent or intractable. The bodhicitta is like a fine, gentle horse, because it is far removed from all evil natures. The bodhicitta is like a charioteer, because it guards all dharmas of the Great Vehicle. The bodhicitta is like fine medicine, because it cures all diseases of kleśa. The bodhicitta is like a pitfall, because it swallows up all evil dharmas. The bodhicitta is like a vajra, because it can pierce through all dharmas. The bodhicitta is like a perfume casket, because it can store all the incense of merit. The bodhicitta is like a wondrous flower, because it is delightful to behold for all the world. The bodhicitta is like white sandalwood, because it eliminates the heat of desire in sentient beings and brings coolness. The bodhicitta is like black agallochum, because its fragrance thoroughly pervades the dharmadhātu. The bodhicitta is like the king of medicines 'Pleasant to Behold', because it destroys all diseases of kleśa. The bodhicitta is like the vigama herb, because it can extract all arrows of delusion. The bodhicitta is like Śakra, because it is supreme among all lords. The bodhicitta is like Vaiśravaṇa, because it can sever all suffering of poverty. The bodhicitta is like the Goddess of Merit, because it is adorned with all merits. The bodhicitta is like an ornament, because it adorns all bodhisattvas. The bodhicitta is like the fire of the kalpa's end, because it burns up all conditioned things. The bodhicitta is like the medicine of the birthless root, because it fosters all buddhadharmas. The bodhicitta is like a dragon jewel, because it neutralizes all poisons of kleśa. The bodhicitta is like a water-clearing jewel, because it clarifies all taints of kleśa. The bodhicitta is like a wish-fulfilling jewel, because it provides abundantly for all who are destitute. The bodhicitta is like a vase of merit, because it satisfies the hearts of all sentient beings. The bodhicitta is like a wish-fulfilling tree, because it rains down all ornaments. The bodhicitta is like a garment of goose feathers, because it does not catch any grime of saṃsāra. The bodhicitta is like a thread of white cotton, because its nature has been pure from the very beginning. The bodhicitta is like a swift and sharp plow, because it cultivates the fields of all sentient beings. The bodhicitta is like Nārāyaṇa, because it crushes the enemy that is all views of self. The bodhicitta is like a swift arrow, because it can pierce the target of all suffering. The bodhicitta is like a sharp spear, because it can penetrate all armor of kleśa. The bodhicitta is like solid armor, because it protects all minds that conform to truth. The bodhicitta is like a sharp blade, because it can sever the head of all kleśa. The bodhicitta is like a sharp sword, because it cuts through all armor of arrogance. The bodhicitta is like the banner of a valiant general, because it subdues all armies of Māra. The bodhicitta is like a sharp saw, because it fells all trees of avidyā. The bodhicitta is like a sharp axe, because it chops down all trees of suffering. The bodhicitta is like weapons, because it defends against all hardships. The bodhicitta is like an able hand, because it protects the body of all pāramitās. The bodhicitta is like good feet, because it securely establishes all merits. The bodhicitta is like an eye salve, because it eliminates all cataracts of avidyā. The bodhicitta is like tweezers, because it can extract all thorns of the view of self. The bodhicitta is like bedding, because it rests and dispels all fatigue of saṃsāra. The bodhicitta is like a good spiritual friend, because it unbinds all shackles of saṃsāra. The bodhicitta is like fine treasure, because it eliminates all conditions of poverty. The bodhicitta is like a great guide, because it knows well the bodhisattva's path of deliverance. The bodhicitta is like a hidden treasury, because its yields of meritorious wealth are never deficient. The bodhicitta is like a gushing spring, because it produces the water of wisdom inexhaustibly. The bodhicitta is like a bright mirror, because it universally reflects the images of all Dharma gates. The bodhicitta is like a lotus blossom, because it is unstained by any taint of fault. The bodhicitta is like a great river, because it flows onward, drawing along all dharmas of the perfections and attractions. The bodhicitta is like a great dragon king, because it can rain down all the rains of wondrous Dharma.