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SADDHARMA-PUNDARÍKA.
II.
learnt from the Tathagata. For, Sâriputra, it is for a sole object, a sole aim, verily a lofty object, a lofty aim that the Buddha, the Tathagata, &c., appears in the world. And what is that sole object, that sole aim, that lofty object, that lofty aim of the Buddha, the Tathậgata, &c., appearing in the world ? To show all creatures the sight of Tathầgata-knowledge? does the Buddha, the Tathagata, &c., appear in the world ; to open the eyes of creatures for the sight of Tathagata-knowledge does the Buddha, the Tathagata, &c., appear in the world. This, O Sâriputra, is the sole object, the sole aim, the sole purpose of his appearance in the world. Such then, Säriputra, is the sole object, the sole aim, the lofty object, the lofty aim of the Tathâgata. And it is achieved by the Tathagata. For, Sâriputra, I do show all creatures the sight of Tathagata-knowledge; I do open the eyes of creatures for the sight of Tathâgata-knowledge, Sâriputra ; I do firmly establish the teaching of Tathagata-knowledge, Sâriputra; I do lead the teaching of Tathagata-knowledge on the right path, Sâriputra. By means of one sole vehicle, to wit, the Buddha-vehicle, Sâriputra, do I teach creatures the law; there is no second vehicle, nor a third. This is the nature of the law, Sâriputra, universally in the world, in all directions. For, Sâriputra, all the Tathagatas, &c., who in times past existed in countless, innumerable spheres in all directions for the weal of many, the happiness of many, out of pity to the world, for the benefit, weal, and happiness of the great body of creatures,
* Or,to rouse all creatures by the display of Tathagata-knowledge, 3 Rather and properly, one sole course.
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