The Buddha told Radiance Ornament Youth, “You go inquire about Vimalakirti’s illness.”

Radiance Ornament Youth addressed the Buddha, “World-honored One, I dare not accept your instruction to go inquire about his illness. Why? I remember once in the past, when I was coming out of the great city of Vaishali just as Vimalakirti was entering the city. I immediately bowed and asked, ‘Retired scholar, from where are you coming?’

“He answered me, ‘I have come from the place of enlightenment.’

“I asked, ‘Where is the place of enlightenment?’

“He answered,

  1. “Sincerity is the place of enlightenment, because of the absence of falsity. The generation of practice is the place of enlightenment, because it is able to discriminate things. Profound mind is the place of enlightenment, because of the increase in merit. The mind of bodhi (bodhicitta) is the place of enlightenment, because of the absence of error.

  2. “‘Charity is the place of enlightenment, because of not seeking after retribution (i.e., reward). Morality is the place of enlightenment, because of the fulfillment of vows. Forbearance is the place of enlightenment, because of the absence of any mental hindrance regarding sentient beings. Exertion