But what then, Subhúti? Buddha declares that this “Kin-kong Poh-yo po-lo-mih” is after all not any such thing; that this title is a mere name.
Subhúti, how do you suppose? Has Tathágata any law which can be included in so many words?
Subhúti answered Buddha: World-honoured one, Tathágata has no such law.
Subhúti, what think you? as many minute particles of dust as there are in the great chiliocosm, are there many or not?
Subhúti answered, Very many, world-honoured one!
Subhúti, all these countless particles of dust Tathágata declares are no real particles; it is but an empty name by which they are known. Tathágata declares that all these systems of worlds composing the great chiliocosm are no real worlds; they are but empty names.
Subhúti, what think you? is it possible by regarding the thirty-two distinguishing marks to behold Tathágata?
No, world-honoured one! it is not possible to behold Tathágata by means of the thirty-two distinguishing marks.
For why? Tathágata declares that these thirty-two distinguishing marks are no real distinctions after all, that they are but mere names.
Subhúti, if there be a virtuous disciple, male or female, who should offer body and life in a work of charity, as many times as there are sands in the Ganges; and if, on the other hand, there be a man who receives and adopts the principles of this Sútra up to the point of the four canons; on account of this man, I declare his merit is very great, and in point of number vast indeed.