One Who Comes Up and Abides

“The second kind of person deeply understands that it is not perfect in action. Being not perfect, it associates with a Good Teacher of the Way. Associating himself with a Good Friend, it takes pleasure in to seek learn what it did not listen. Having heard, it takes pleasure in to act in the way taught. Having received [these instructions], it takes pleasure in to meditate. Having thought well about, it begins to live in accordance with Dharma. As it abides in Dharma, the good increases. As it increases, it does not sink any more. This is 'abiding'.

Who of the Sangha are those who match to this description? They are these five bhiksus as Shariputra, Mahamaudgalyayana, Ajnatakaundinya and the others, the group of five bhiksus of Yasas, and such others as Aniruddha, Kumarakashyapa, Mahakashyapa, Dasabalakashyapa, Bhiksuni Kisagotami, Bhiksuni Utpala, Bhiksuni Superior, Bhiksuni True-Meaning, Bhiksuni Manas, Bhiksuni Bhadra, Bhiksuni Purity, Bhiksuni Non-Retrogression, King Bimbisara, rich man Ugra, rich man Sudatta, Mahanama, poor man Sudatta, son of rich man Upali, rich man Jo, Upasika Fearless, Upasika Supratistha, Upasika Dharma-Loving, Upasika Valorous, Upasika Heaven-Gained, Upasika Sujata, Upasika Perfect-Body, Upasika Cow-Gained, Upasika Wilderness, Upasika Mahasena. All such bhiksus, bhiksunis, upasakas and upasikas can well be called "abodes" [i.e. those who abide].

Why do we say 'abide'? Because such a person always truly sees the good light. Hence, whether the Buddha has appeared in the world or not, such a person never does evil things. That's why we say 'abide'. This is like in the case in which the fish 'timi' seeks the light, does not sink and hides away. With all such beings, things proceed thus. That's why I say in the sutras:

'If a person truly discriminates the meanings,
and with an intensive mind seeks
the fruition of a Shramana,
and if a person truly reproaches all existences,
such a person is someone who lives
in accordance with Dharma.

If a person makes offerings to innumerable Buddhas
and practices the Way for innumerable kalpas,
and is blessed with worldly pleasures,
such a person is someone who abides in Dharma.

If a person befriends a Good Teacher of the Way,
hears the Wonderful Dharma,
and has a good thought in your mind,
lives in accordance with the Way,
and seeks the light and practices the Way,
that person reaches Emancipation
and lives in peace'."

Read More on the Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 41 - On Bodhisattva Kasyapa 2.

one who comes up and abides.mp3