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The Vajra Prajna Paramita Sutra
NOT CUT OFF AND NOT EXTINGUISHED
CHAPTER 27
Sutra:
“Subhuti, you may have the thought that the Tathagata did not attain anuttarasamyaksambodhi by means of the perfection of marks. Subhuti, do not think that the Tathagata did not attain anuttarasamyaksambodhi by means of the perfection of marks. Subhuti, you should not think that those who have resolved their minds on anuttarasamyaksambodhi affirm the annihilation of all phenomena. Do not have that thought. And why? Those who have resolved their minds on anuttarasamyaksambodhi do not affirm the annihilation of marks.
Commentary:
This section of text was spoken for those who, after hearing that one cannot contemplate the Tathagata by means of the thirty-two marks, might wonder how the Buddha attained anuttarasamyaksambodhi. To think that the Tathagata did not use the perfection of all marks of blessings and virtue to attain the unsurpassed, proper and equal, right enlightenment is incorrect. The Buddha admonished Subhuti to be careful not to think in that way. And why? If anuttarasamyaksambodhi were the annihilation of marks, then that would mean that the Tathagata, although devoid of complete blessings, complete wisdom, and devoid of the perfection of marks, attained anuttarasamyaksambodhi. To say that anuttarasamyaksambodhi is the annihilation of all phenomena is to fall into the extreme view of annihilationism.
One who has resolved his heart on anuttarasamyaksambodhi always affirms the ultimate meaning of the Middle Way. He does not assert the theory of annihilationism or the theory of permanence. The views of annihilationism and permanence are not the Buddhadharma, and anyone not in accord with the Buddhadharma cannot realize Buddhahood. So cultivators of the Buddhadharma should understand the Middle Way, and not maintain extreme views.
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