法苑珠林 24.47

24.47

As the Saddharmasmṛtyupasthāna Sūtra states: “Preaching the Dharma has ten merits and brings much benefit. What are the ten? First, possessing proper time and place. Second, analyzing so it is easy to understand. Third, being concordant with the Dharma. Fourth, not being for the sake of gain or sustenance. Fifth, being for the sake of subduing the mind. Sixth, preaching the Dharma in accordance [with capacity]. Seventh, preaching that giving has its retribution. Eighth, preaching that the nature of saṃsāra entails many obstacles. Ninth, preaching that gods fall and perish. Tenth, preaching that there are karmic results. If a preacher of the Dharma possesses these ten things, they cause the listeners of the Dharma to attain much merit, benefit, peace, and happiness, up to nirvāṇa. If, upon hearing the Dharma, one's merits accomplish a profound mind, with the faculty of faith purified and a single-mindedly pure mind having faith in the Three Jewels, and one goes to the place of listening to the Dharma in order to hear the true Dharma, with every single step taken one generates the merit of Brahmā.” Furthermore, the Mahābodhisattvapiṭaka Sūtra states: “One should give rise to deep love and delight toward bodhisattvas, just as toward the Great Master. Toward the true Dharma, give rise to a mind of love and delight, just as toward one's own body. Toward the Tathāgata, give rise to a mind of love and delight, just as toward one's own life. Toward a revered teacher, give rise to a mind of love and delight, just as toward one's parents. Toward all sentient beings, give rise to a mind of love and delight, viewing them like an only child. Toward the ācārya from whom one receives instruction, give rise to a mind of love and delight, revering them like one's own eyes. Toward all proper practices, give rise to a mind of love and delight, just as toward one's ears, eyes, body, and head. Toward the pāramitās, give rise to a mind of love and reverence, just as toward one's hands and feet. Toward the teacher who preaches the Dharma, give rise to a mind of love and delight, like a heap of precious jewels. Toward the true Dharma that is sought, give rise to a mind of love and delight, just as toward good medicine. Toward one who points out faults and reminds [one of the rules], give rise to a mind of love and delight, just as toward an excellent physician.”