The Numerical Discourses

Chapter 15: Existence and Inexistence

8. Honoring the Dharma

1. Thus I have heard: One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.

2. It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks, “There are two things that honor the Dharma jewel as well as the shrines of the Tathāgata and gods when one contemplates and focuses of them single-mindedly. What are the two things? Possessing the powers and kinds of fearlessness.[1] Monks, these are two things that honor the Dharma jewel and the shrines of the Tathāgata and gods when one contemplates and focuses on them single-mindedly. Thus, monks, you should train yourselves.”

3. When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.

Notes

1. possessing powers and kinds of fearlessness. C. 有力、有無畏. The C. doesn’t explicitly make these two things plural, but I take them to refer to the ten powers and four kinds of fearlessness, which are commonly ascribed to buddhas rather than disciples. It may be a reference to lesser rubrics like the five powers and confidence in teaching. If the former was the case, then this sūtra would be encouraging a bodhisattva practice. [back]

Translator: Charles Patton

Last Revised: 30 August 2023