The Diamond Sutra: 5 of 12

Subhuti then asked the Buddha: ‘World Honored One, what name should be given to this sutra and how should we receive and hold it (in mind)?’

The Buddha said: ‘This sutra should be called “The Diamond prajna-paramita” under which name you should receive and hold it. Why? Because, Subhuti, the Prajna-paramita as expounded by the Buddha, is not Prajna-paramita but is (merely) so called.’

‘Subhuti, what do you think? Does the Tathagata expound the Dharma?’

Subhuti said: ‘World Honored One, the Tathagata does not expound anything.’

‘Subhuti, what do you think? Are there many particles of dust in the universe?

Subhuti replied: ‘Many, World Honored One!’

‘Subhuti, the Tathagata says these particles of dust are not (real),(but) are (merely) called particles of dust. The Tathagata says the universe is not (real), but it is (merely) called the universe.’

‘Subhuti, what do you think? Can the Tathagata be perceived by means of His thirty-two physical characteristics (laksanas)?”

‘No, World Honored One. The Tathagata cannot be perceived by them. Why? Because the Tathagata says they are not real but are (merely) called the thirty-two physical characteristics.’

‘Subhuti, if on the one hand, a virtuous man or woman, in giving alms (dana), sacrifices as many lives as there are sand-grains in the Ganges, and on the other hand, someone receives and holds (in mind) even a four-line stanza of this sutra, and expounds it to others, the merit resulting from the latter will be greater.’