Innumerable Meanings to Innumerable Names

"How do we use innumerable names to innumerable meanings? This is as in the case of the Buddha-Tathagata. We say 'Tathagata', in which the meaning is different and the name is different. Also, we say 'Arhat', which has a different meaning and the name is different. Also, we say 'Samyaksambuddha' [Fully Enlightened One], which has a different meaning and a different name. Also, we say 'Master Mariner'. Also, we say 'Guide', and ‘Right Enlightened One'. Also, we say ‘All-Accomplished One’. Also, we say 'Great Lion-King'; also, ‘Shramana’, 'Brahmin', 'Quietute', 'Danapati' [giver], 'Paramita' [transcendent perfection], 'Great Doctor', 'Great Elephant-King', ‘Great Naga-King', 'Eye-Giver', 'Great Wrestler', 'Great Fearlessness', 'Ball of Treasure', 'Merchant', 'Emancipated', 'Great Man', 'Teacher of Gods and Humans', 'Pundarika' [Lotus], 'Unique, Singular', 'Great Field of Blessings', 'Great Sea of Wisdom', 'Formlessness', and 'Perfect in the Eight Knowledge’. So, we have different meanings and different names. This is why we say that innumerable meanings have innumerable names. "

Read more on the Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 40, on Bodhisattva Kasyapa 1.

innumerable meanings to innumerable names.mp3