復次須菩提 菩薩於法 應無所住 行於布施 所謂不住色布施 不住聲香味觸法布施 須菩提 菩薩應如是布施 不住於相 何以故 若菩薩不住相布施 其福德不可思量
Fù cì Xū pútí: Púsà yú fǎ, yīng wú suǒ zhù, xíng yú bùshī. Suǒwèi bù zhù sè bùshī, bù zhù shēng xiāng wèi chù fǎ bùshī. Xū pútí, púsà yīng rúshì bùshī, bù zhù yú xiāng. Hé yǐ gù? Ruò púsà bù zhù xiāng bùshī, qí fúdé bù kě sīliàng.
Key Message
True generosity, which leaves behind no trace and harbors no expectation, becomes infinite merit.
▸Section 4, 'Wondrous Practice Beyond Abiding,' presents one of the Diamond Sutra's most central practical teachings: the giving (dāna) without dwelling on appearances (無住相布施).
Section 4, 'Wondrous Practice Beyond Abiding,' presents one of the Diamond Sutra's most central practical teachings: the giving (dāna) without dwelling on appearances (無住相布施). The principle of 'dwelling nowhere' (無所住) is set forth as the standard for practice. A bodhisattva must give without clinging to form (color and shape), and must give without clinging to sound, smell, taste, touch, or mental objects (dharmas). That is, one should give without expectation of result or recognition, without leaving any trace or mark (相) behind in the mind. And the Buddha declares that such a giver's merit (福德) will be immeasurable. This paradox reveals that non-attached giving actually produces greater merit than any giving that seeks reward.