The First Treatise on the Perfections – 2518
Buddhahood,” the Bodhisatta aspires after Buddhahood, fulfils the
perfections and attains Supreme Awakening.
3. Strength of supporting conditions (
upanissaya-bala
):
386
Exercising this
strength, being endowed with sharp faculties and natural purity and
being supported by mindfulness, the Bodhisatta aspires after
Buddhahood, fulfils the perfections and attains Supreme Awakening.
4. Strength of exertion (
payoga-bala
):
387
Exercising this strength, being
endowed with purity of deed and word, and constantly engaged in
meritorious deeds, the Bodhisatta aspires after Buddhahood, fulfils the
perfections and attains Supreme Awakening.
[62]
Complete with these four conditions, four causes and four strengths, by the time
the Bodhisatta reaches the stage of development, as in the existence of the wise
Sumedha, he acquires the eight factors which entitle him to receive the
prophecy of becoming a Buddha. Actuated by the acquisition of these eight
factors, the great aspiration, which is meritorious consciousness and its
concomitants, arises: “I will strive with unremitting zeal to become a Buddha
and go to the rescue of all beings.” This great meritorious aspiration (
abhinīhāra
)
forms a basic condition for all the perfections.
Because of the arising of the great meritorious aspiration in him, the following
marvels come to be attributed to the noble Bodhisatta:
1. He treats all beings with love like his own children.
2. His mind is not defiled through demerit, he remains undisturbed and
untainted by defilements.
3. All his intentions, actions and words are for promoting the welfare and
happiness of beings.
386
Extreme inclination towards omniscience through reliance on the first of the four
conditions.
387
Being endowed with appropriate and sufficient energy for the attainment of
omniscience; thorough and persistent pursuit of supporting conditions and meritorious
acts.