The Profound Meaning of Consciousness-Only in the Diamond Sutra (49)

Seventh Chapter: No Attainment, No Teaching

Original Text: Subhuti, what do you think? Has the Tathagata attained anuttara-samyak-sambodhi? Has the Tathagata taught any Dharma? Subhuti replied: As I understand the meaning of what the Buddha has taught, there is no fixed Dharma that can be called anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, nor is there any fixed Dharma that the Tathagata can teach. Why? Because the Dharma taught by the Tathagata cannot be grasped or clung to, and thus cannot be spoken of. It is neither the Dharma nor not the Dharma. Why is this so? All sages and saints are distinguished by means of the unconditioned Dharma.

Explanation: The Buddha said: Subhuti, what do you think? Has the Tathagata attained anuttara-samyak-sambodhi? Has the Tathagata taught any Dharma? Subhuti replied: According to my understanding of the meaning of the Dharma taught by the Buddha, there is no fixed Dharma that can be called anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, nor is there any fixed, unchanging Dharma that the Tathagata can expound. Why? Because the Dharma taught by the Tathagata should not be grasped or clung to as having substantial existence, and thus cannot be spoken of. The Dharma taught by the Tathagata is not the original unconditioned Dharma, yet it is not separate from the unconditioned Dharma. Why is this so? All sages and saints are distinguished by their realization of the unconditioned Dharma.