Chapter 29

The Perfection of Concentration

179. To those of great might who dwell in the four Trances (the Four Jhanas), do not settle there; do not make them your home. Instead, use these four Trances as a support, and they will become the basis for the attainment of the supreme and unsurpassed enlightenment.

180. One who is established in the Trances becomes one who obtains the foremost wisdom; also, when one experiences the four most excellent Formless Trances, they make these trances subservient to the best and foremost enlightenment. But it is not for extinction that the bodhisattva trains.

181. Wonderful and astonishing is this accumulation of precious qualities. When they have truly dwelled in the highest trance of concentrations, then there is no longer any mark (point of reference to guide). When the personality of those who have stood in the unsurpassed breaks apart, they are reborn again in the world of sense-desire, as they have intended.

182. Having dwelt in Trance and Concentration, being Yogins who have exerted themselves, they become yet again established in this sense-world, unstained; as a lotus in water, independent of the dharmas (laws, order) of the fools. Except in cases where working to mature other beings, these Great-souled ones no longer need to strive after rebirth, less there be a loss of the perfections and of the qualities of enlightenment they possess.

183. It is as if someone, searching for the greatest jewel, upon finding it, would no longer feel the need to covet for it. Fulfilled, and knowing that they cannot take this great jewel back home with them, they leave for home, and covet no more. Just so, the wise bodhisattva who has gained the calm concentration of the four Trances, which gives joy and ease, lets go of the joy and ease, so that they may again enter into the sensuous world, compassionate for all that lives.

184. When a bodhisattva dwells concentrated in the Trances, they no longer generate in their minds any longing for Arhatship or becoming a Pratyekabuddha; for if that were to happen, they would become unconcentrated, distracted in their thoughts and puffed-up, having lost the qualities of a Buddha, like a  sailor who suffers a shipwreck.

185. Although still connecting (choosing to apply them for a practical purpose) themselves to the five sense-qualities; to form and sound, smell, taste and touch; when free from the vehicle of the Arhats and Pratyekabuddhas, the joyous bodhisattva should, a hero, be wisely known as being constantly concentrated.

The Perfection of Vigor

186. The practice of the excellence of Vigor results in a pure and courageous mind that is linked to all other beings and persons. As a servant is submissive to their master who is not subject to anyone else, so do the firmly wise submit to subjection by all beings. The servant does not question their master, even when abused, struck or beaten. Trembling in mind, overcome by fear, they think, “If I talk back, surely I will be killed for that!”

187. Just so, the bodhisattva, who has set out for the foremost enlightenment, should behave towards the entire world as a true servant. In this they obtain enlightenment, and the fulfillment of the qualities takes place. Having renounced a happy destiny for oneself, practicing ones duty towards other beings, day and night, free from any hesitation in their thoughts of doing so, like a mother, taking care of her only child, the bodhisattva abides in their resolute intention unexhausted.