9.  Again, O Noble-minded Man, what is meant by "Always in harmony with beings"?  It means always accommodate and benefit all living beings of the worlds of ten directions and three periods of time, throughout the Dharma-circles and empty space; they are known as the beings to be born from the womb, from the egg, from moisture, and produced by metamorphosis.  They live in different elements, either abiding on the earth, in the water, in the fire (that is heat), or in the wind (air).  There are also some beings dwelling in space, living in forests and bushes.  They are of various species, forms, appearances, life-spans, names, natures, knowledge, habits, characteristics, manners, costumes, and diets.  They dwell at innumerable abiding places; in towns, villages, cities, and palaces.

          They comprise the devas, the nagas, the eight divisions of supernatural beings, humans and non-humans, some have no feet, some two feet, some four feet, and others have many feet; some are with form, some without form; with sense, without sense, or neither with or without sense.  All of these shall be accommodated and served by me (according to their needs and their natures), as attentively as I would show filial respect to my parents, due respect to my teachers, to elders, and arhats, up to the Tathagatas, all in equality.

          I will be a good doctor to those who are sick, a guide to those who have wandered away from the right path.  I will be a bright light to those who wander in darkness.  I will enable the poor and destitute to discover hidden treasure.  A Bodhisattva should thus benefit all beings in equal treatment, and bestow his loving care on all beings alike.  And why?  Because if a Bodhisattva serves all beings that is equal to serving the Buddhas dutifully.  To hold all beings in high esteem, and render them respectful services, that is equal to revering and serving the Tathagatas.  To make all beings happy, is to please all Tathagatas.  And why?  Because the Great Compassionate Heart is the essence of Buddhahood.  For the sake of (delivering) all beings, (the Bodhisattva) develops Great Compassion, and from the Great Compassion springs the Bodhicitta, and from Bodhicitta comes the Enlightenment.

          This is like unto the king Bodhi trees growing in the wilderness and barren-desert; (if it gets no water, it wilts and dies, but) if its roots be well watered, we shall see if flourishing with full foliage, blossoming in its full efflorescence, and bearing plentiful fruit.  It will live to the full length of its normal existence.  A king Bodhi-tree is even thus, all living beings are roots of the Bodhi tree, the Buddhas and the Bodhisattvas are its fruits and its flowers.  If (Bodhisattvas) apply the water of Great Compassion to all beings (who form its roots), the Bodhi-tree will bloom with flowers, and bear the fruits of the wisdom of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.  Any why?  If Bodhisattvas apply the nectar of Great Compassion to benefit all beings, they will attain the Supreme Perfect Enlightenment.  Therefore the beings are essential to the Bodhi; for without them, there are no Bodhisattvas able to attain the Supreme Perfect Enlightenment.  Ponder O Noble-minded Man, on the truth in this parable.  Look upon all beings with impartial mind and equality, thus will the Great Compassion be brought to the state of fullness and compassion.  To bestow the Great Compassion upon all beings, that is equal to serving the Tathagatas (to their satisfaction).  My compassionate embrace of all beings shall never cease.  Even though void of space has ended, the worlds of beings, the karmas of beings, and the sorrows of beings are all ended, yet, my boundless compassion is endless.  Thought succeeds thought without interruption, and in bodily, vocal, and mental deeds, without weariness.

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