Commentary on the Pitāputrasamāgama Sūtra (202)

The Merit of Cultivating the Dharma Gate of Liberation

Original Text:

At that time, the World-Honored One addressed King Śuddhodana, saying: “Great King, as stated above, regarding the Dharma gate of liberation, you should fix your mind with right mindfulness, observe diligently, and resolutely cultivate it with courageous vigor. All Buddhas of the past, future, and present have attained supreme enlightenment by relying on this. It can bring forth all wealth and happiness in the world; it can eliminate all craving and attachment in the world; it can subdue all self-conceit in the world; it can destroy all wrong views in the world; it can eradicate all sins and transgressions of sentient beings. It enables ordinary beings and those in different births who have not yet reached the first stage to realize the equal nature of Dharma. Such essential Dharma is not the domain practiced by Śrāvakas or Pratyekabuddhas; it is solely cultivated and attained by the great Bodhisattvas.”

Explanation:

The Buddha said to King Śuddhodana: As for the Dharma gate of liberation described above, you should focus your mind, observe with right mindfulness, and resolutely cultivate it with courageous diligence. All Buddhas of the past, future, and present attained supreme enlightenment by relying on this gate of liberation. Through this Dharma gate of liberation, one can attain great freedom within worldly phenomena and the karmic retribution of all wealth, nobility, and happiness; it can eradicate all worldly desires and attachments, subdue all self-conceit, destroy all wrong views, and eliminate all sins and transgressions of sentient beings. By cultivating this Dharma gate of liberation, even ordinary beings and those in different births who have not yet entered the first stage can all realize the equal nature of Dharma. Such a practice is not the realm cultivated by Śrāvakas or Pratyekabuddhas; only the great Bodhisattvas can cultivate and attain it.