"It is like a great regal tree growing in the rocks and sand of
barren wilderness. When the roots get water, the branches, leaves,
flowers, and fruits will all flourish. The regal bodhi-tree growing
in the wilderness of Birth and Death is the same. All living beings
are its roots; all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are its flowers and
fruits. By benefitting all beings with the water of Great
Compassion, one can realize the flowers and fruits of the Buddhas'
and Bodhisattvas' wisdom.
"Why is this? It is because by benefitting living beings with the
water of Great Compassion, the Bodhisattvas can attain Supreme,
Perfect Enlightenment. Therefore, Bodhi belongs to living beings.
Without living beings, no Bodhisattva could achieve Supreme,
Perfect Enlightenment.
"Good man, you should understand these principles in this way: When
the mind is impartial towards all living beings, one can accomplish
full and perfect Great Compassion. By using the Mind of Great
Compassion to accord with living beings, one perfects the making of
offerings to the Thus Come Ones. In this way the Bodhisattva
constantly accords with living beings.
"Even when the realm of empty space is
exhausted, the realms of living beings are exhausted, the karma of
living beings is exhausted, and the afflictions of living beings
are exhausted, I will still accord endlessly, continuously in
thought after thought without cease. My body, mouth, and mind never
weary of these deeds.
