釋氏要覽 2.282

2.282

In the Pusa benxing jing, Ānanda addressed the Buddha: 'If a person praises the Tathāgata with a four-line verse, how much merit does he obtain?' The Buddha said: 'Suppose hundreds of thousands of millions of nayutas of countless sentient beings all attained the path of pratyekabuddhas, and suppose someone offered them clothing, food and drink, medicines, and bedding for a full hundred years, would that merit be great?' Ānanda said: 'Extremely great.' The Buddha said: 'If a person praises the Tathāgata with a four-line verse with a joyful mind, the merit obtained surpasses the aforementioned blessings by hundreds of thousands of ten thousand times, beyond all comparison.' The Mahāprajñāpāramitōpadeśa states: 'Hearing of the merits of all Buddhas, one's mind respects, reveres, and praises them, knowing that among all sentient beings none surpass their virtue; therefore, they are called "honored". Because one's mind of reverent awe surpasses that toward rulers, parents, and teachers for their benefits, they are called "weighty". Being humble and fearing shortcomings is called "respectful". Acknowledging their wisdom and virtue is called "reverent". Extolling their virtue is "praise"; and when praise is insufficient, further celebrating it is "exaltation".'