The first four lines of this stanza refer to a liberated practitioner. Such a person has transcended all attachments and interacts with others through his wisdom. He can accept ten thousand ounces of gold, as well as the usual four offerings made to the Sangha ─ food, clothing, medication and bedding ─ because he clings to nothing.

The last two lines refer to the priceless value of Buddhadharma. The Dharma of sudden enlightenment is so rare and difficult to encounter that we should be willing to make any offering in gratitude to the Three Jewels. Even one's own life, Yung-chia says, is not worth a sentence of priceless Dharma. There is a story that makes this point clear. In one of Sakyamuni's past lives, when he was still a Bodhisattva, he did not know the Buddhadharma. Indra, King of the Trayastrmsa heavens, turned himself into a demon and appeared in a tree next to Sakyamuni. He spoke two lines of verse:

All volitions are transient.
This is the Dharma of arising and perishing.


Sakyamuni was deeply impressed. He looked around and asked, "Who said that?" The demon ─ Indra made his presence known. Sakyamuni then asked, "What is this that you said? Where did it come from?"

Indra replied, "It is Buddhadharma."

Sakyamuni asked, "Can you tell me more about Buddhadharma?"

Indra said, "There are two more lines, but I'm too hungry to speak now. I must have human flesh before I will say anything more."