འཕགས་པ་འཁར་གསལ་གྱ་མད 2

2

In a similar manner, past, future, and present buddhas instruct the listeners, ‘You shall carry the ringing staff.’ So now, having attained awakening, I also teach you in accordance with the Dharma of the buddhas, and you too shall carry the ringing staff. Why?

“The ringing staff is also called the staff of gnosis. It is also called the staff of excellent qualities. Because it signifies the gnosis of noble beings, it is called the staff of gnosis. Because it builds the foundation of excellent qualities, it is called the staff of excellent qualities.

“This ringing staff signifies that the holder is a sublime being belonging to the lineage of noble beings, it is an emblem that points to the Dharma of the path, and it is a practice that facilitates recollection. Therefore, you should carry it according to the Dharma.”

Then Venerable Mahākāśyapa rose from his seat, adjusted his robes, draped his upper robe over one shoulder, joined his palms, and knelt on the ground. He inquired of the Blessed One, “Blessed One, why is it called a ‘ringing staff’? How should it be carried? May the Blessed One explain. We will practice as instructed.”

The Blessed One said to Kāśyapa, “Listen well, keep it in mind, and I shall explain.

“The ringing staff brings relief. Those who rely upon this ringing staff will eliminate afflictions and emerge from the three realms. Therefore, it is said to bring relief.

“The ringing staff causes illumination. Those who hold the ringing staff will attain the illumination of wisdom. Therefore, it is said to cause illumination.

“The ringing staff brings about irreversibility.