Note 3 — THE DIAMOND SUTRA
William Gemmell translation
“The dewdrop slips into the shining sea.” —Light of Asia. Sir Edwin Arnold.
“The dewdrop re-becomes the shining sea.” —Chioh-Hsien (a Chinese monk).
“The popular exoteric systems agree in defining Nirvana negatively as a state of absolute exemption from the circle of transmigration as a state of entire freedom from all forms of materiality, from all passion and exertion, mentally and emotionally, a state of indifference therefore alike to joy and pain. Positively they define Nirvana as the highest stage of spiritual liberty and bliss, as absolute immortality through absorption of the soul into itself. Individuality is preserved, and Buddhas who have entered Nirvana occasionally reappear again to intervene on behalf of the faithful.”—Handbook of Chinese Buddhism. Eitel.