法苑珠林 47.48

47.48

As the *Guhyakādhipati-nirdeśa-sūtra* states, King Ajātaśatru asked the Buddha: “How many qualities constitute the benevolence and harmony of a bodhisattva, such that in going and returning, in social intercourse and dealing with others, he always preserves harmony and gentleness and never arouses a coarse mind?”
The Buddha said: “A bodhisattva’s benevolence and harmony comprise eight qualities. What are the eight? First, his disposition is upright and straightforward, without flattery or deceit. Second, his nature and conduct are harmonious and refined, ever free from sycophancy and hypocrisy. Third, his mind remains sincere and mature, eternally free from falsehood. Fourth, his mental conduct is steadfast and essential, never frail or inferior. Fifth, he is without delusion, fixing his intention on benevolence and harmony. Sixth, he acts as a protector of blessings for the worldly multitude and receives their virtuous conduct. Seventh, his mental conduct is thoroughly comprehending and without attachment. Eighth, contemplating guilt and merit, his mind forms no attachments. These are the eight qualities.”
Thereupon, King Ajātaśatru said to the Buddha: “Through how many dharmas of practice does a bodhisattva attain such boundless power and influence?”
The Buddha said: “There are ten dharmas. What are the ten? First, rather abandoning life and limb, he diligently receives the true Dharma. Second, never being arrogant, he is humble and reverent, keeping a lowly mindset and showing respect to all sentient beings. Third, seeing unyielding and difficult-to-transform sentient beings, he establishes patience toward them. Fourth, seeing hungry people, he provides them with fine and delicious food to their fill. Fifth, beholding those who are frightened, he comforts and pacifies them. Sixth, if there are sentient beings suffering from severe illness, he treats them with fine medicine. Seventh, if there are frail and inferior people slighted by others, he respectfully cares for them and cherishes them, preventing anyone from treating them with contempt. Eighth, with pure mud and water, he plasters the shrines of the Tathāgata and repairs their deficits. Ninth, seeing the solitary, suffering, destitute, and distressed who continually bear heavy burdens, he causes them to be freed from their hardships and exceedingly grave misfortunes. Tenth, if there are those without protection and without refuge, he constantly leads and rescues them, keeping his word without change or failure. These are the ten dharmas.”