Commentary

The past, the present and the future are known as the Three Periods of Time. Thus, all Buddhas of the Three Periods of Time, through reliance upon the profound and wonderful Prajna-paramita, i.e. wisdom, are able to attain the supreme, the genuine and equal and genuine enlightenment. In Sanskrit words, Annutara means supreme, being nothing above it; samyak means equal; sambodhi means genuine enlightenment. Genuine enlightenment is the attainment of the Arhat. Genuine and equal enlightenment is the attainment of the Bodhisattva. The supreme, genuine and equal enlightenment is the attainment of the Buddha.