"Furthermore Subhūti, when bodhisattvas practice charity, they should not abide [in the notion that they are practicing charity]. This is what is called 'practicing charity while not abiding in form,' and 'practicing charity while not abiding in sound, odor, taste, touch, or conceptions.' Why? If bodhisattvas practice charity while not abiding in signs of charity, their merit will be incalculable. Subhūti, what do you think? The space in the easterly direction is incalculable, is it not?"
"You are right, World Honored One, it is not calculable."
"Subhūti, is all of the space in the four cardinal directions, the four intermediate directions, the zenith, and the nadir calculable?"
"It is incalculable, World Honored One."
"Subhūti, the merits attained by bodhisattvas who practice charity without abiding in its signs are also incalculable like this. Subhūti, the bodhisattvas need only focus themselves on this teaching."
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