Treatise on the Non-Differentiation of the Dharmadhatu in the Mahayana

Composed by Bodhisattva Jiānhuì

Translated by Tripitaka Master Divākara of Khotan and Others during the Tang Dynasty

**A Brief Explanation of the Bodhi Mind Outlines Twelve Key Points**, which form the core of this treatise. Those with wisdom should understand them in order:

1. **The Fruit** – its result. 2. **The Cause** – its origin. 3. **Its Nature** – its inherent quality. 4. **Alternative Names** – its different designations. 5. **Non-Difference** – its essential unity. 6. **Manifestations** – its various expressions. 7. **Undefiled** – its purity from afflictions. 8. **Constant** – its enduring presence. 9. **In Harmony** – its alignment with wholesome qualities. 10. **Non-Beneficial in Impurity** – its lack of function in an impure state. 11. **Beneficial in Purity** – its active benefit in a pure state. 12. **Unity** – its oneness with Nirvana.

Here, the first point reveals **the fruit of the Bodhi Mind**, showing its supreme advantage. Next, it explains **the cause from which it arises**. Then, it establishes **the characteristics of its manifestation**, shows its **alternative names while clarifying its non-difference**, and explains how it is **undefiled in all states**, **constantly in harmony with pure qualities**, **non-functional in an impure state**, yet **actively beneficial in a pure state**, and ultimately **one with Nirvana**.

These twelve points are to be understood as being progressively elucidated in this treatise.

What is the fruit of the Bodhi Mind? It is the supremely tranquil state of Nirvana. This is realized only by the Buddhas and cannot be attained by anyone else. Why? Only the Buddha, the Thus-Come One, can eternally extinguish all subtle afflictions and burning defilements. Within this state, there is no birth—for the constructed aggregates born of mental intention never arise again. There is no aging—for this merit is supremely excellent, perfectly complete, and ultimately free from decline. There is no death—for one has forever abandoned the inconceivable, transformative death. There is no sickness—for all illnesses of afflictive and cognitive obstructions, along with their latent tendencies, are permanently cut off. There is no suffering—for all habitual traces arising from the beginningless abode of ignorance are forever eradicated. There is no fault or error—for all mistaken actions of body, speech, and mind have ceased completely.

This is achieved when the Bodhi Mind—the supreme skilful means and cause of non-retrogression—brings all meritorious qualities to their ultimate completion, resulting in that fruit. And that fruit is the state of Nirvana. What is the state of Nirvana? It is the inconceivable Dharma Body, the basis of transformation realized by all Buddhas. Because the Bodhi Mind is the cause of this inconceivable fruit—like the waxing crescent of the moon—we now bow in reverence.

Furthermore, the verse says:

Furthermore, the mind of enlightenment is like the earth: it is the foundation on which all virtuous qualities in the world grow. It is like the ocean: it is the gathering place for the precious treasures of all sacred teachings. It is like a seed: it is the cause for the continual arising of the great tree of Buddhahood. This concludes the discussion of the fruits of the enlightened mind.

What is this cause? The verse says: