念覺學佛網 : 網站活動: 英譯

BuddhaSpeaksInfiniteLifeSutra

Preface[1]ThushaveIheard.AtonetimetheBuddhawasstayingontheVulturePeakinRajagrihawithalargecompanyoftwelvethousandmonks.Theywereallgreatsageswhohadalreadyattainedsupernaturalpowers.Amongthemwerethefollowing:theVenerableAjnata-kaundinya,theVenerableAshvajit,theVenerableVaspa,theVenerableMahanama,theVenerableBhadrajit,theVenerableVimala,theVenerableYashodeva,theVenerableSubahu,theVenerablePurnaka,theVenerableGavampati,theVenerableUruvilva-kashyapa,theVenerableGaya-kashyapa,theVenerableNadi-kashyapa,theVenerableMahakashyapa,theVenerableShariputra,theVenerableMahamaudgalyayana,theVenerableKapphina,theVenerableMahakausthilya,theVenerableMahakatyayana,theVenerableMahacunda,theVenerablePurna-maitrayaniputra,theVenerableAniruddha,theVenerableRevata,theVenerableKimpila,theVenerableAmogha-raja,theVenerableParayanika,theVenerableVakkula,theVenerableNanda,theVenerableSvagata,theVenerableRahulaandtheVenerableAnanda.AllofthesewereElders.MahayanabodhisattvasalsoaccompaniedtheBuddha,includingallthoseofthisAuspiciousKalpa,suchastheBodhisattvaSamantabhadra,theBodhisattvaManjushriandtheBodhisattvaMaitreya.Therewerealsothesixteenlaybodhisattvas,suchasBhadrapala,aswellastheBodhisattvaProfoundThought,theBodhisattvaWisdomofFaith,theBodhisattvaVoidness,theBodhisattvaBloomofSupernaturalPower,theBodhisattvaHeroofLight,theBodhisattvaSuperiorwisdom,theBodhisattvaBannerofWisdom,theBodhisattvaTranquilAbility,theBodhisattvaWisdomofVows,theBodhisattvaSweet-smellingElephant,theBodhisattvaHeroofTreasures,theBodhisattvaDwelling-in-the-Center,theBodhisattvaPracticeofRestraintandtheBodhisattvaEmancipation.Virtuesofthebodhisattvaaudience[2]Eachofthesebodhisattvas,followingthevirtuesoftheMahasattvaSamantabhadra,isendowedwiththeimmeasurablepracticesandvowsoftheBodhisattvaPath,andfirmlydwellsinallthemeritoriousdeeds.Hefreelytravelsinallthetenquartersandemploysskillfulmeansofemancipation.HeentersthetreasuryoftheDharmaoftheBuddhas,andreachestheOtherShore.ThroughouttheinnumerableworldsheattainsEnlightenment.First,dwellingintheTusitaHeaven,heproclaimsthetrueDharma.Havinglefttheheavenlypalace,hedescendsintohismother'swomb.Soonafterheisbornfromherrightside,hetakessevensteps.Ashedoesso,aneffulgenceilluminateseverywhereinthetenquartersandinnumerableBuddha-landsshakeinsixways.Thenheuttersthesewords,"Iwillbecomethemosthonoredoneintheworld."[266a]ShakraandBrahmareverentlyattendhim,andheavenlybeingsadoreandworshiphim.Heshowshisabilityincalculation,writing,archeryandhorsemanship.Heisalsoconversantwiththedivineartsandwell-readinmanyvolumes.Inthefieldoutsidethepalacehetrainshimselfinthemartialarts,andatcourtshowsthathealsoenjoysthepleasuresofthesenses.Whenhefirstencountersoldage,sicknessanddeath,herealizestheimpermanenceoftheworld.Herenounceshiskingdom,wealthandthrone,andgoesintothemountainstopracticetheWay.Aftersendingbackthewhitehorsethathehasbeenriding,togetherwiththejewelledcrownandornamentswhichhehasbeenwearing,hetakesoffhismagnificentclothesandputsonaDharmarobe.Hecutshishairandshaveshisbeard,sitsuprightunderatreeandstrivesatasceticpracticesforsixyearsinaccordwiththetraditionalway.Sincehehasappearedintheworldofthefivedefilements,hebehavesasthemultitude.Andashisbodyappearsdirty,hetakesabathintheGoldenRiver.Asagodbendsabranchdowntowardshim,heisabletoclimbuptheriverbank.AdivinebirdfollowshimcloselytotheseatofEnlightenment.Adevatakestheformofayouthand,perceivingafavorablesign,respectfullypresentshimwiththeauspiciousgrass.TheBodhisattvacompassionatelyacceptsit,spreadsitundertheBodhi-treeandsitsuponitwithhislegscrossed.HeemitsagreatfloodoflighttoinformMaraofthis.Maraandhisarmycometoattackandtempthim,buthebringsthemundercontrolwiththepowerofwisdomandmakesthemallsurrender.ThenheattainsthesupremeDharmaandrealizesthehighest,perfectEnlightenment.AsShakraandBrahmarequesthimtoturntheWheeloftheDharma,theBuddhavisitsvariousplacesandpreachestheDharmainhisthunderousvoice.HebeatstheDharma-drum,blowstheDharma-conch,brandishestheDharma-sword,hoiststheDharma-banner,rollstheDharma-thunder,hurlstheDharma-lightning,bringstheDharma-rain,andbestowstheDharma-gift.Atalltimes,heawakenstheworldwiththesoundoftheDharma.HislightilluminatescountlessBuddha-lands,causingtheentireworldtoquakeinsixways.ItencompassesMara'srealm,shakinghispalace,sothatheandhishostbecomefrightenedandsurrender.Thebodhisattvatearsasunderthenetofevil,destroyswrongviews,removesafflictions,flushestheguttersofdesire,protectstheDharma-castle,openstheDharma-gate,washesoffthegrimeofthepassions,andrevealsthepurewhiteDharma.HeunifieseverythingintheBuddhaDharma,andthusproclaimstherightteaching.Heentersthetowntobegalms;heacceptsevenrichfoodtoenablethedonorstoaccumulatemeritandalsotoshowthatheisafieldofvirtue.WishingtoexpoundtheDharma,hesmilesandsocuresthethreepainswithvariousDharma-medicines.HeteachesthattheaspirationforEnlightenmenthasimmeasurablemeritand,bygivingpredictionstobodhisattvas,heenablesthemtoattainBuddhahood.HedemonstratesthathepassesintoNirvana,butendlesslybringssentientbeingstoemancipation.Inremovingtheirdefilements,plantingvariousrootsofvirtueandattainingexcellentmerit,hedisplayswonderfulandinconceivableworks.Furthermore,eachofthebodhisattvasintheassemblyisabletovisitvariousBuddha-landsandexpoundteachingsoftheWay.Hismannerofpracticeispureandundefiled.Justasamagicianwithhisperfectskillcancreateatwillvariousillusions,includingimagesofmanorwoman,atwill,sothebodhisattva,havingthoroughlylearnedallthemethodsofemancipationandattainedsereneawarenessofreality,canfreelyteachandtransformbeings.HemanifestshimselfeverywhereininnumerableBuddha-lands,performingactsofcompassionforsentientbeingstirelesslyandwithdiligence.[266b]Hehasthusobtainedcompletemasteryofsuchmethodsofemancipation.Heisthoroughlyconversantwiththeessentialsofthesutrasforbodhisattvasand,ashisfamespreadseverywhere,heguidessentientbeingsthroughoutthetenquarters.AllBuddhasrememberhimandgivehimtheirprotection.HehasalreadydweltinalltheBuddha'sabodesandperformedallthedeedsoftheGreatSage.HeproclaimstheTathagata'steachings,actsasagreatmasterforotherbodhisattvasand,withprofoundsamadhiandwisdom,guidesmultitudesofbeings.Withpenetratinginsightintotheessentialnatureofdharmas,hediscernsdifferentaspectsoflivingbeingsandcloselywatchesoveralltheworlds.InmakingofferingstotheBuddhas,hemanifeststransformedbodieslikeflashesoflightning.Havingwelllearnedtheextensivewisdomoffearlessandhavingrealizedtheillusorynatureofdharmas,hedestroysMara'snetsanduntiesallthebondsofpassion.Herisesabovethestagesofshravakasandpratyekabuddhasandattainsthesamadhisofemptiness,non-form,andnon-desire.Heskillfullyprovidesexpedientmeansandthusrevealsthreedistinctteachings.Thenforthoseofthemiddleandlowerstages,hedemonstrateshispassingintoNirvana.But,inreality,heisnon-activeandnon-acquisitive,and,beingawarethatdharmasinthemselvesneitherarisenorperish,herealizesthattheyareofabsoluteequality.Hehasattainedinnumerabledharanis,ahundredthousandsamadhisandvariouskindsofspiritualfacultiesandwisdom.WiththeMeditationofVastandUniversalTranquillity,heentersdeeplyintotheDharma-treasuryforbodhisattvas.AfterattainingtheBuddha-garlandSamadhi,heproclaimsandexpoundsallthesutras.Whiledwellingdeepinmeditation,hevisualizesalltheinnumerableBuddhasandinaninstantvisitseveryoneofthem.Byelucidatingandteachingtheultimatetruthtosentientbeings,hedeliversthemfromthestateofextremepains,fromtheconditionsinwhichsufferingissogreatastopreventpeoplefromfindingtimeforBuddhistpractices,andalsofromtheconditionsinwhichsufferingisnotsogreatastopreventthemfromdoingso.HavingattainedtheTathagata'sthoroughknowledgeandeloquence,hehasfluentcommandoflanguages,withwhichheenlightensallbeings.Heisaboveallworldlyaffairsandhismind,alwaysserene,dwellsonthepathofemancipation;thisgiveshimcompletecontroloveralldharmas.Withoutbeingaskedtodoso,hebecomesagoodfriendtoeachofthemultitudeofbeingsandcarriestheirheavykarmicburdensonhisback.HeupholdstheTathagata'sprofoundDharma-treasuryandprotectstheseedsofBuddhahood,sothattheymaycontinuetomultiply.Havingawakenedgreatcompassionforsentientbeings,hekindlyexpoundstheteaching,andendowsthemwiththeDharma-eye.Heblocksthepathstothethreeevilrealms,opensthegateofvirtueand,withoutwaitingfortheirrequest,providesbeingswiththeDharma.Hedoesthisforthemultitudeofbeingsjustasadutifulsonlovesandrespectshisparents.Heindeedlooksuponsentientbeingsashisownself.Withsuchrootsofvirtue,allthebodhisattvasintheassemblyhadreachedtheshoreofemancipation.TheyhadacquiredtheBuddha'simmeasurablemeritandattainedthesacred,pureandinconceivablewisdom.Innumerablebodhisattvas,mahasattvas,suchastheseassembledthereallatonce.GloriousfeaturesoftheBuddha[3]AtthattimeallthesensesoftheWorld-HonoredOneradiatedjoy,[266c]hisentirebodyappearedsereneandglorious,andhisaugustcountenancelookedmostmajestic.HavingperceivedtheBuddha'sholyintention,theVenerableAnandarosefromhisseat,baredhisrightshoulder,prostratedhimself,andjoininghispalmsinreverence,saidtotheBuddha,"World-HonoredOne,todayallyoursensesareradiantwithjoy,yourbodyissereneandglorious,andyouraugustcountenanceisasmajesticasaclearmirrorwhosebrightnessradiatesoutwardandinward.Themagnificenceofyourdignifiedappearanceisunsurpassedandbeyondmeasure.Ihaveneverseenyoulooksosuperbandmajesticastoday.Withrespect,GreatSage,thisthoughthasoccurredtome:'Today,theWorld-HonoredOnedwellsintherareandmarvelousDharma;today,theWorld-HerodwellsintheBuddha'sabode;today,theWorld-Eyeconcentratesontheperformanceoftheleader'sduty;today,theWorld-ValiantOnedwellsinthesupremeBodhi;today,theOneMostHonoredinHeavenrealizestheTathagata'svirtue.TheBuddhasofthepast,presentandfuturecontemplateeachother.HowcanthispresentBuddhanotcontemplateallotherBuddhas?'Forwhatreasondoeshiscountenancelooksomajesticandbrilliant?"ThentheWorld-HonoredOnesaidtoAnanda,"Tellme,Ananda,whethersomegodurgedyoutoputthisquestiontotheBuddhaorwhetheryouaskedabouthisgloriouscountenancefromyourownwiseobservation."AnandarepliedtotheBuddha,"Nogodcametopromptme.Iaskedyouaboutthismatterofmyownaccord."TheBuddhasaid,"Wellsaid,Ananda.Iamverypleasedwithyourquestion.Youhaveshownprofoundwisdomandsubtleinsightinaskingmethiswisequestionoutofcompassionforsentientbeings.AstheTathagata,Iregardbeingsofthethreeworldswithboundlessgreatcompassion.ThereasonformyappearanceintheworldistorevealteachingsoftheWayandsavemultitudesofbeingsbyendowingthemwithtruebenefits.EvenincountlessmillionsofkalpasitisdifficulttocomeuponandmeetaTathagata.Itisasdifficultasseeinganudumbaraflower,whichbloomsveryrarely.Yourquestionisofgreatbenefitandwillenlightenallheavenlyandhumanbeings.Ananda,youshouldrealizethattheTathagata'sperfectlyenlightenedwisdomisunfathomable,capableofleadinginnumerablebeingstoemancipation,andthathispenetratinginsightcannotbeobstructed.Withjustonemeal,heisabletoliveforahundredthousandkotisofkalpas,oranincalculableandimmeasurablelengthoftime,orbeyond.Evenafterthatlapseoftime,hissenseswillstillberadiantwithjoyandshownosignsofdeterioration;hisappearancewillnotchange,andhisaugustcountenancewilllookjustthesame.ThereasonforthisisthattheTathagata'smeditationandwisdomareperfectandboundlessandthathehasattainedunrestrictedpoweroveralldharmas.Ananda,listencarefully.IshallnowexpoundtheDharma."Anandareplied,"Yes,Iwill.Withjoyinmyheart,IwishtoheartheDharma."53pastBuddhas[4]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"Inthedistantpast--innumerable,incalculableandinconceivablekalpasago--aTathagatanamedDipankaraappearedintheworld.HavingtaughtandfreedinnumerablebeingsandledthemallalongthepathofEnlightenment,hepassedintoNirvana.NextappearedaTathagatanamedFar-reachingLight.AfterhimcameMoonlight,andthenSandalwood-Incense,KingofBeautifulMountains,CrownofMountSumeru,BrilliantlikeMountSumeru,ColoroftheMoon,RightRecollection,FreeofDefilement,Non-attachment,Dragon-deva,NocturnalLight,PeacefulandBrilliantPeak,ImmovableGround,[267a]ExquisiteBerylFlower,GoldenBerylLuster,Gold-treasury,FlamingLight,FieryOrigin,Earth-shaking,ImageoftheMoon,SoundoftheSun,FlowerofFreedom,GloriousLight,MiraculousPoweroftheOceanofEnlightenment,WaterLight,GreatFragrance,FreeofDustandDefilement,AbandoningEnmity,FlameofJewels,BeautifulPeak,HeroicStance,Merit-possessingWisdom,OutshiningtheSunandtheMoon,BerylLightoftheSunandtheMoon,SupremeBerylLight,HighestPeak,FlowerofEnlightenment,BrightnessoftheMoon,Sunlight,KingoftheColorsofFlowers,MoonlightontheWater,DispellingtheDarknessofIgnorance,PracticeofRemovingHindrances,PureFaith,StorageofGood,MajesticGlory,WisdomoftheDharma,CallofthePhoenix,RoaroftheLion,VoiceoftheDragonandDwelling-in-the-world.AlltheseBuddhashavealreadypassedintoNirvana.LokeshvararajaBuddhaandDharmakara[5]"ThenappearedaBuddhanamedLokeshvararaja,theTathagata,Arhat,PerfectlyEnlightenedOne,PossessedofWisdomandPractice,PerfectedOne,KnoweroftheWorld,UnsurpassedOne,TamerofMen,MasterofGodsandMen,BuddhaandWorld-HonoredOne."Atthattimetherewasaking,who,havingheardtheBuddha'sexpositionoftheDharma,rejoicedinhisheartandawakenedaspirationforthehighest,perfectEnlightenment.Herenouncedhiskingdomandthethrone,andbecameamonknamedDharmakara.Havingsuperiorintelligence,courageandwisdom,hedistinguishedhimselfintheworld.HewenttoseetheTathagataLokeshvararaja,kneltdownathisfeet,walkedroundhimthreetimeskeepinghimalwaysonhisright,prostratedhimselfontheground,andputtinghispalmstogetherinworship,praisedtheBuddhawiththeseverses:Sanbutsuge-VersesPraisingtheBuddha1.TheshiningfaceoftheBuddhaisglorious;Boundlessishismagnificence.RadiantsplendorsuchashisIsbeyondallcomparison.Thesun,themoonandthemani-jewel,Thoughshiningwithdazzlingbrightness,ArecompletelydimmedandobscuredAsiftheywereapileofink-sticks.2.ThecountenanceoftheTathagataIsbeyondcompareinthewholeworld.ThegreatvoiceoftheEnlightenedOneResoundsthroughoutthetenregions.Hismorality,learning,endeavor,Absorptioninmeditation,wisdomAndmagnificentvirtueshavenoequal;Theyarewonderfulandunsurpassed.3.HemeditatesdeeplyanddirectlyOntheoceanicDharmaofalltheBuddhas.HeknowsitsdepthandbreadthAndpenetratestoitsfarthestend.Ignorance,greedandangerAreforeverabsentintheWorld-HonoredOne.Heisthelion,themostvaliantofallmen;Hisgloriousvirtueisunlimited.4.Hismeritoriousachievementsarevast;Hiswisdomisdeepandsublime.Hislight,withawe-inspiringglory,[267b]Shakestheuniverseofathousandmillionworlds.IresolvetobecomeaBuddha,Equalinattainmenttoyou,OholykingoftheDharma,Tosavelivingbeingsfrombirth-and-death,Andtoleadthemalltoemancipation.5.Mydisciplineingiving,mind-control,Moralvirtues,forbearanceandeffort,Andalsoinmeditationandwisdom,Shallbesupremeandunsurpassed.Ivowthat,whenIhavebecomeaBuddha,Ishallcarryoutthispromiseeverywhere;Andtoallfear-riddenbeingsShallIgivegreatpeace.6.EventhoughthereareBuddhas,Athousandmillionkotisinnumber,AndmultiudesofgreatsagesCountlessasthesandsoftheGanges,IshallmakeofferingsToallthoseBuddhas.IshallseekthesupremeWayResolutelyandtirelessly.7.EventhoughtheBuddha-landsareasinnumerableAsthesandsoftheGanges,AndotherregionsandworldsArealsowithoutnumber,Mylightshallshineeverywhere,Pervadingallthoselands.Suchbeingtheresultofmyefforts,Mygloriouspowershallbeimmeasurable.8.WhenIhavebecomeaBuddha,Mylandshallbemostexquisite,Anditspeoplewonderfulandunexcelled;TheseatofEnlightenmentshallbesupreme.Myland,beinglikeNirvanaitself,Shallbebeyondcomparison.ItakepityonlivingbeingsAndresolvetosavethemall.9.ThosewhocomefromthetenquartersShallfindjoyandserenityofheart;Whentheyreachmyland,Theyshalldwellinpeaceandhappiness.Ibegyou,theBuddha,tobecomemywitnessAndtovouchforthetruthofmyaspiration.Havingnowmademyvowstoyou,Iwillstrivetofulfilllthem.10.TheWorld-HonoredOnesinthetenquartersHaveunimpededwisdom;IcalluponthoseHonoredOnesTobearwitnesstomyintention.EventhoughImustremainInastateofextremepain,Iwilldiligentlypractice,Enduringallhardshipswithtirelessvigor."Dharmakara'sresolutiontobecomeaBuddha[6]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"Havingspokentheseverses,theBhiksuDharmakarasaidtotheBuddhaLokeshvararaja,'Respectfully,World-HonoredOne,IannouncethatIhaveawakenedaspirationforthehighest,perfectEnlightenment.IbeseechyoutoexplaintheDharmatomefully,sothatIcanperformpracticesfortheestablishmentofapureBuddha-landadornedwithinfiniteexcellentqualities.SopleaseteachmehowtoattainEnlightenmentquicklyandtoremovetherootsofafflictionsofbirth-and-deathforall.'"TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"AtthattimetheBuddhaLokeshvararajarepliedtotheBhiksuDharmakara,'YouyourselfshouldknowbywhatpracticeyoucanestablishagloriousBuddha-land.'TheBhiksusaidtotheBuddha,'Thatisfartoovastanddeepformycomprehension.Isincerelybeseechyou,World-HonoredOne,toexplainindetailthepracticesbywhichBuddhas,Tathagatas,establishedtheirpurelands.AfterIhearthat,Iwishtopracticeasinstructedandsofulfillmyaspirations.'"AtthattimetheBuddhaLokeshvararajarecognizedtheBhiksuDharmakara'snobleandhighaspirations,andtaughthimasfollows:'If,forexample,onekeepsonbailingwateroutofagreatoceanwithapint-measure,onewillbeabletoreachthebottomaftermanykalpas[267c]andthenobtainraretreasures.Likewise,ifonesincerely,diligentlyandunceasinglyseekstheWay,onewillbeabletoreachone'sdestination.Whatvowistherewhichcannotbefulfilled?'"ThentheBuddhaLokeshvararajaexplainedindetailthegreaterandlesseraspectsoftwohundredandtenkotisofBuddha-lands,togetherwiththegoodandevilnaturesofheavenlyandhumanbeingslivingthere.HerevealedthemalltotheBhiksujustashehadrequested.ThentheBhiksu,havingheardtheBuddha'sexpositionofthegloriouspurelandandalsohavingseenallofthem,resolveduponhissupreme,unsurpassedvows.Hismindbeingsereneandhisaspirationsfreeofattachment,hewasunexcelledthroughouttheworld.Forfivefullkalpashecontemplatedthevows,andthenchosethepurepracticesfortheestablishmentofhisBuddha-land."AnandaaskedtheBuddha,"Howlongwasthelife-spanofbeingsinthelandoftheBuddhaLokeshvararaja?"TheBuddhareplied,"ThelengthoflifeofthatBuddhawasforty-twokalpas."Hecontinued,"AfterthatDharmakaraBodhisattvaadoptedthepurepracticeswhichhadledtotheestablishmentoftheexcellentlandsoftwohundredandtenkotisofBuddhas.Whenhehadfinishedthistask,hewenttotheBuddha,kneltdownathisfeet,walkedroundhimthreetimes,joinedhispalmsinworshipandsatdown.HethensaidtotheBuddha,'IhaveadoptedthepurepracticesfortheestablishmentofagloriousBuddha-land.'TheBuddhasaidtohim,'Youshouldproclaimthis.Knowthatnowistherighttime.Encourageanddelighttheentireassembly.Hearingthis,otherbodhisattvaswillpracticethisDharmaandsofulfilltheirinnumerablegreatvows.'TheBhiksureplied,'Ibegyoutograntmeyourattention.NowIwillfullyproclaimmyvows.'TheForty-eightVows[7](1)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,thereshouldbeinmylandahell,arealmofhungryspiritsorarealmofanimals,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(2)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldafterdeathfallagainintothethreeevilrealms,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(3)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldnotallbethecolorofpuregold,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(4)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldnotallbeofoneappearance,andshouldtherebeanydifferenceinbeauty,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(5)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldnotrememberalltheirpreviouslives,notknowingeventheeventswhichoccurredduringtheprevioushundredthousandkotisofnayutasofkalpas,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(6)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldnotpossessthedivineeyeofseeingevenahundredthousandkotisofnayutasofBuddha-lands,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(7)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldnotpossessthedivineearofhearing[268a]theteachingsofatleastahundredthousandkotisofnayutasofBuddhasandshouldnotrememberallofthem,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(8)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldnotpossessthefacultyofknowingthethoughtsofothers,atleastthoseofallsentientbeingslivinginahundredthousandkotisofnayutasofBuddha-lands,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(9)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldnotpossessthesupernaturalpoweroftravellinganywhereinoneinstant,evenbeyondahundredthousandkotisofnayutasofBuddha-lands,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(10)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldgiverisetothoughtsofself-attachment,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(11)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldnotdwellintheDefinitelyAssuredStateandunfailinglyreachNirvana,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(12)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,mylightshouldbelimited,unabletoilluminateatleastahundredthousandkotisofnayutasofBuddha-lands,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(13)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,mylife-spanshouldbelimited,eventotheextentofahundredthousandkotisofnayutasofkalpas,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(14)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,thenumberoftheshravakasinmylandcouldbeknown,evenifallthebeingsandpratyekabuddhaslivinginthisuniverseofathousandmillionworldsshouldcountthemduringahundredthousandkalpas,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(15)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldhavelimitedlife-spans,exceptwhentheywishtoshortentheminaccordancewiththeirogirinalvows,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(16)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldevenhearofanywrongdoing,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(17)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,innumerableBuddhasinthelandofthetenquartersshouldnotallpraiseandglorifymyName,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(18)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,sentientbeingsinthelandsofthetenquarterswhosincerelyandjoyfullyentrustthemselvestome,desiretobeborninmyland,andcallmyName,evententimes,shouldnotbebornthere,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.Excluded,however,arethosewhocommitthefivegravestoffencesandabusetherightDharma.(19)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,sentientbeingsinthelandsofthetenquarters,whoawakenaspirationforEnlightenment,dovariousmeritoriousdeeds[268b]andsincerelydesiretobeborninmyland,shouldnot,attheirdeath,seemeappearbeforethemsurroundedbyamultitudeofsages,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(20)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,sentientbeingsinthelandsofthetenquarterswho,havingheardmyName,concentratetheirthoughtsonmyland,plandrootsofvirtue,andsincerelytransfertheirmeritstowardsmylandwithadesiretobebornthere,shouldnoteventuallyfulfilltheiraspiration,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(21)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldnotallbeendowedwiththethirty-twophysicalcharacteristicsofaGreatMan,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(22)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasintheBuddha-landsofotherquarterswhovisitmylandshouldnotultimatelyandunfailinglyreachtheStageofBecomingaBuddhaafterOneMoreLife,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.Exceptedarethosewhowishtoteachandguidesentientbeingsinaccordancewiththeiroriginalvows.Fortheywearthearmourofgreatvows,accumulatemerits,deliverallbeingsfrombirth-and-death,visitBuddha-landstoperformthebodhisattvapractices,makeofferingstoBuddhas,Tathagatas,throughoutthetenquarters,enlightenuncountablesentientbeingsasnumerousasthesandsoftheRiverGanges,andestablishtheminthehighest,perfectEnlightenment.Suchbodhisattvastranscendthecourseofpracticeoftheordinarybodhisattvas,manifestthepracticesofallthebodhisattvastages,andcultivatethevirtuesofSamantabhadra.(23)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasinmyland,inordertomakeofferingstoBuddhasthroughmytranscendentpower,shouldnotbeabletoreachimmeasurableandinnumerablekotisofnayutasofBuddha-landsinasshortatimeasittakestoeatameal,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(24)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasinmylandshouldnotbeable,astheywish,toperformmeritoriousactsofworshippingtheBuddhaswiththeofferingsoftheirchoice,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(25)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasinmylandshouldnotbeabletoexpoundtheDharmawiththeall-knowingwisdom,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(26)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,thereshouldbeanybodhisattvainmylandnotendowedwiththebodyoftheVajra-godNarayana,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(27)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,sentientbeingsshouldbeable,evenwiththedivineeye,todistinguishbynamealculatebynumberallthemyriadsofmanifestationsprovidedforthehumansanddevasinmyland,whicharegloriousandresplendentandhaveexquisitedetailsbeyonddescription,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenmet.(28)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasinmyland,eventhosewithlittlestoreofmerit,shouldnotbeableto[268c]seetheBodhi-treewhichhascountlesscolorsandisfourmillionliinheight,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(29)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasinmylandshouldnotacquireeloquenceandwisdominupholdingsutrasandrecitingandexpoundingthem,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(30)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,thewisdomandeloquenceofbodhisattvasinmylandshouldbelimited,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(31)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,mylandshouldnotberesplendent,revealinginitslightalltheimmeasurable,innumerableandinconceivableBuddha-lands,likeimagesreflectedinaclearmirror,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(32)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,allthemyriadsofmanifestationsinmyland,fromthegroundtothesky,suchaspalaces,pavilions,ponds,streamsandtrees,shouldnotbecomposedofbothcountlesstreasures,whichsurpassinsupremeexcellenceanythingintheworldsofhumansanddevas,andofahundredthousandkindsofaromaticwood,whosefragrancepervadesalltheworldsofthetenquarters,causingallbodhisattvaswhosenseittoperformBuddhistpractices,thenmayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(33)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,sentientbeingsintheimmeasurableandinconceivableBuddha-landsofthetenquarters,whohavebeentouchedbymylight,shouldnotfeelpeaceandhappinessintheirbodiesandmindssurpassingthoseofhumansanddevas,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(34)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,sentientbeingsintheimmeasurableandinconceivableBuddha-landsofthetenquarters,whohaveheardmyName,shouldnotgainthebodhisattva'sinsightintothenon-arisingofalldharmasandshouldnotacquirevariousprofounddharanis,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(35)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,womenintheimmeasurableandinconceivableBuddha-landsofthetenquarterswho,havingheardmyName,rejoiceinfaith,awakenaspirationforEnlightenmentandwishtorenouncewomanhood,shouldafterdeathberebornagainaswomen,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(36)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasintheimmeasurableandinconceivableBuddha-landsofthetenquarters,whohaveheardmyName,shouldnot,aftertheendoftheirlives,alwaysperformsacredpracticesuntiltheyreachBuddhahood,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(37)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasintheimmeasurableandinconceivableBuddha-landsofthetenquarters,whohavingheardmyName,prostratethemselvesonthegroundtorevereandworshipme,rejoice[269a]infaith,andperformbodhisattvapractices,shouldnotberespectedbyalldevasandpeopleoftheworld,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(38)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldnotobtainclothing,assoonassuchadesirearisesintheirminds,andifthefinerobesasprescribedandpraisedbytheBuddhasshouldnotbespontaneouslyprovidedforthemtowear,andiftheseclothesshouldneedsewing,bleaching,dyeingorwashing,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(39)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,humansanddevasinmylandshouldnotenjoyhappinessandpleasurecomparabletothatofamonkwhohasexhaustedallthepassions,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(40)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,thebodhisattvasinmylandwhowishtoseetheimmeasurablegloriousBuddha-landsofthetenquarters,shouldnotbeabletoviewallofthemreflectedinthejewelledtrees,justasoneseesone'sfacereflectedinaclearmirror,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(41)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasinthelandsoftheotherquarterswhohearmyNameshould,atanytimebeforebecomingBuddhas,haveimpaired,inferiororincompletesenseorgans,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(42)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasinthelandsoftheotherquarterswhohearmyNameshouldnotallattainthesamadhicalled'pureemancipation'and,whiledwellingtherein,withoutlosingconcentration,shouldnotbeabletomakeofferingsinoneinstanttoimmeasurableandinconceivableBuddhas,World-HonoredOnes,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(43)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasinthelandsoftheotherquarterswhohearmyNameshouldnotberebornintonoblefamiliesaftertheirdeath,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(44)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasinthelandsoftheotherquarterswhohearmyNameshouldnotrejoicesogreatlyastodanceandperformthebodhisattvapracticesandshouldnotacquirestoresofmerit,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(45)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasinthelandsoftheotherquarterswhohearmyNameshouldnotallattainthesamadhicalled'universalequality'and,whiledwellingtherein,shouldnotalwaysbeabletoseealltheimmeasurableandinconceivableTathagatasuntilthosebodhisattvas,too,becomeBuddhas,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(46)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasinmylandshouldnotbeabletohearspontaneouslywhateverteachingstheymaywish,[269b]mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(47)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasinthelandsoftheotherquarterswhohearmyNameshouldnotinstantlyreachtheStageofNon-retrogression,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.(48)If,whenIattainBuddhahood,bodhisattvasinthelandsoftheotherquarterswhohearmyNameshouldnotinstantlygainthefirst,secondandthirdinsightsintothenatureofdharmasandfirmlyabideinthetruthsrealizedbyalltheBuddhas,mayInotattainperfectEnlightenment."Juseige-VersesConfirmingtheVows[8]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"TheBhiksuDharmakara,havingthusproclaimedthosevows,spokethefollowingverses:1.Ihavemadevows,unrivaledinalltheworld;IwillcertainlyreachtheunsurpassedWay.Ifthesevowsshouldnotbefulfilled,MayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.2.IfIshouldnotbecomeagreatbenefactorInlivestocomeforimmeasurablekalpasTosavethepoorandtheafflictedeverywhere,MayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.3.WhenIattainBuddhahood,MyNameshallbeheardthroughoutthetenquarters;Shouldtherebeanyplacewhereitisnotheard,MayInotattainperfectEnlightenment.4.Freeofgreedandwithdeep,perfectmindfulnessAndpurewisdom,Iwillperformthesacredpractices;IwillseektoattaintheunsurpassedWayAndbecometheteacherofdevasandhumans.5.WithmydivinepowerIwilldisplaygreatlight,Illuminatingtheworldswithoutlimit,Anddispelthedarknessofthethreedefilements;ThusIwilldeliverallbeingsfrommisery.6.Havingobtainedtheeyeofwisdom,Iwillremovethedarknessofignorance;IwillblockalltheevilpathsAndopenthegatetothegoodrealms.7.Whenmeritsandvirtuesareperfected,Mymajesticlightshallradiateinthetenquarters,OutshiningthesunandthemoonAndsurpassingthebrillianceoftheheavens.8.IwillopentheDharma-storeforthemultitudesAndendowthemallwithtreasuresofmerit.Beingalwaysamongthemultitudes,IwillproclaimtheDharmawiththelion'sroar.9.IwillmakeofferingstoalltheBuddhas,Therebyacquiringrootsofvirtue.Whenmyvowsarefulfilledandmywisdomperfected,Ishallbethesovereignofthethreeworlds.10.Likeyourunhinderedwisdom,OBuddha,Mineshallreacheverywhere,illuminatingall;MaymysupremewisdomBelikeyours,MostExcellentHonoredOne.11.Ifthesevowsaretobefulfilled,Letthisuniverseofathousandmillionworldsshakeinresponse[269c]AndletallthedevasinheavenRaindownrareandmarvelousflowers."Dharmakara'spracticesoftheBodhisattvaPath[9]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"AssoonastheBhiksuDharmakaraspokethoseverses,theentireearthshookinsixways,andarainofwonderfulflowersfellfromheaven,scatteringeverywhere.Spontaneousmusicwasheard,andavoiceintheskysaid,'Surelyyouwillattainthehighest,perfectEnlightenment."ThentheBhiksuDharmakarakeptallthosegreatvowswhichweresincere,unfailingandunsurpassedinthewholeworld,andintenselyaspiredtoattainNirvana."Then,Ananda,afterproclaimingandestablishingthoseuniversalvowsinthepresenceoftheBuddhaLokeshvararajabeforethemultitudeofbeings,includingtheeightkindsofsuperhumanbeings,suchasdevasanddragon-spirits,andalsoMaraandBrahma,theBhiksuDharmakarawassolelyintentonproducingagloriousandexquisiteland.TheBuddha-landwhichhesoughttoestablishwasvastinextent,unsurpassedandsupremelywonderful,alwayspresentandsubjectneithertodecaynorchange.Duringinconceivableandinnumerablekalpas,hecultivatedtheimmeasurablemeritoriouspracticesoftheBodhisattvaPath."Hedidnotharboranythoughtofgreed,hatredorcruelty;nordidheallowanyideasofgreed,hatredorcrueltytoarise.Hewasunattachedtoanyform,sound,smell,taste,touchoridea.Possessedofthepowertopersevere,hedidnotavoidundergoingvariousafflictions.Havinglittledesireforhisownsake,heknewcontentment.Withoutanyimpurethought,enmityorstupidity,hedweltcontinuallyintranquilsamadhi.Hiswisdomwasunobstructed,andhismindfreeoffalsehoodanddeceitfulness.Withanexpressionoftendernessinhisfaceandwithkindnessinhisspeech,hespoketoothersinconsonancewiththeirinnerthoughts.Courageousanddiligent,strong-willedanduntiring,hedevotedhimselfsolelytothepursuitofthepureDharma,therebybenefitingamultitudeofbeings.HereveredtheThreeTreasures,respectedhisteachersandelders,andthusadornedhispracticeswithagreatstoreofmerits.Bysodoing,heenabledsentientbeingstopartakeofit."Hedweltintherealizationthatalldharmasareempty,devoidofdistinctivefeatures,andnottobesoughtafter,andthattheyneitheractnorarise;hethusrealizedthatalldharmasarelikemagicalcreations.Heavoidedallwrongspeechthatwouldbringharmuponhimselforothersorboth;heengagedinrightspeechthatwouldbringbenefittohimselforothersorboth.Heabandonedhiskingdomandrenouncedthethrone,leavingbehindwealthandsensuouspleasures.PracticingtheSixParamitashimself,hetaughtotherstodothesame.Duringinnumerablekalpas,heaccumulatedmeritsandamassedvirtues."Whereverhewasborn,animmeasurablestockoftreasurespontaneouslyappearedashewished.Hetaughtcountlesssentientbeingsandguidedthemonthepathofthehighest,trueEnlightenment.Hewasrebornasarichman,alaydevotee,amemberofthehighestcasteorofanoblefamily,aksatriyaking,awheel-turningmonarch,akingofoneofthesixheavensintheworldofdesire,orevenhigher,asaBrahma-king.HereveredandworshippedallBuddhasbymakingthefourkindsofofferingtothem.Themerithethusacquiredwasindescribablygreat.Fragranceissuedfromhismouthasfromabluelotus-flower,andeveryporeofhisbodyemittedthescentofsandalwood,whichpermeatedinnumerableworlds.Hisappearancewasmajestic,andhisphysicalcharacteristicsandmarksweretrulywonderful.Fromhishands,inexhaustibletreasures,clothes,foodanddrink,rareandexquisite[270a]flowersandincense,silkencanopies,banners,andotherornamentswereproduced.Insuchmanifestationshewasunrivaledamongallheavenlyandhumanbeings.Hethusattainedthecommandofalldharmas."Dharmakara'sattainmentofBuddhahood[10]AnandaaskedtheBuddha,"HastheBodhisattvaDharmakaraalreadyattainedBuddhahoodandthenpassedintoNirvana?OrhashenotyetattainedBuddhahood?Orishedwellingsomewhereatpresent?"TheBuddharepliedtoAnanda,"TheBodhisattvaDharmakarahasalreadyattainedBuddhahoodandisnowdwellinginawesternBuddha-land,called'PeaceandBliss,'ahundredthousandkotisoflandsawayfromhere."AnandafurtheraskedtheBuddha,"HowmuchtimehaspassedsinceheattainedBuddhahood?"TheBuddhareplied,"SinceheattainedBuddhahood,abouttenkalpashavepassed."Hecontinued,"InthatBuddha-land,theearthiscomposedofsevenjewels--namely,gold,silver,beryl,coral,amber,agateandruby--whichhavespontaneouslyappeared.Thelanditselfissovast,spreadingboundlesslytothefarthestextent,thatitisimpossibletoknowitslimit.Alltheraysoflightfromthosejewelsintermingleandcreatemanifoldreflections,producingadazzlingillumination.Thosepure,superbandexquisiteadornmentsareunsurpassedinalltheworldsofthetenquarters.Theyarethefinestofallgems,andarelikethoseoftheSixthHeaven.Inthatland,therearenomountains,suchasMountSumeruandtheEncirclingAdamantineMountains.Likewise,thereareneitheroceansnorseas,valleysnorgorges.ButonecanseethosemanifestationsbytheBuddha'spowerifonesowishes.Inthatlandthereisnohell;neitherarethererealmsofhungryspiritsandanimalsnorotheradverseconditions.Neitherdothefourseasonsofspring,summer,autumnandwinterexist.Itisalwaysmoderateandpleasant,nevercoldorhot."Then,AnandaaskedtheBuddha,"If,World-HonoredOne,thereisnoMountSumeruinthatland,whatsustainstheHeavenoftheFourKingsandtheHeavenoftheThirty-threeGods?"TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"WhatsustainsYama,whichistheThirdHeavenoftheworldofdesire,andotherheavensuptotheHighestHeavenoftheworldofform?"Anandaanswered,"Theconsequencesofkarmaareinconceivable."TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"Inconceivableindeedaretheconsequencesofkarma,andsoaretheworldsoftheBuddhas.Bythepowerofmeritoriousdeeds,sentientbeingsinthatlanddwellonthegroundofkarmicreward.ThatiswhythoseheavensexistwithoutMountSumeru."Anandacontinued,"IdonotdoubtthismyselfbuthaveaskedyouaboutitsimplybecauseIwishedtoremovesuchdoubtsforthebenefitofsentientbeingsinthefuture."Amida'slight[11]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"ThemajesticlightoftheBuddhaAmitayusisthemostexalted.NootherBuddha'slightcanmatchhis.ThelightofsomeBuddhasilluminatesahundredBuddha-lands,andthatofothers,athousandBuddha-lands.Briefly,thatofAmitayusilluminatestheeasternBuddha-land,asnumerousasthesandsoftheRiverGanges.Inthesameway,itilluminatestheBuddha-landsinthesouth,westandnorth,ineachofthefourintermediatequarters,aboveandbelow.Further,thelightofsomeBuddhasextendssevenfeet;thatofothers,oneyojana,ortwo,three,fourorfiveyojanas;andthedistancecoveredincreasesinthiswayuntilthelightofsomeBuddhasilluminatesoneBuddha-land."Forthisreason,Amitayusiscalledbythefollowingnames:theBuddhaofInfiniteLight,theBuddhaofBoundlessLight,theBuddhaofUnhinderedLight,[270b]theBuddhaofIncomparableLight,theBuddhaoftheLightoftheKingofFlame,theBuddhaofPureLight,theBuddhaoftheLightofJoy,theBuddhaofLightofWisdom,theBuddhaofUnceasingLight,theBuddhaofInconceivableLight,theBuddhaofIneffableLight,andtheBuddhaoftheLightOutshiningtheSunandtheMoon."If,sentientbeingsencounterhislight,theirthreedefilementsareremoved;theyfeeltenderness,joyandpleasure;andgoodthoughtsarise.Ifsentientbeingsinthethreerealmsofsufferingseehislight,theywillallberelievedandfreedfromaffliction.Attheendoftheirlives,theyallreachemancipation."ThelightofAmitayusshinesbrilliantly,illuminatingalltheBuddha-landsofthetenquarters.Thereisnoplacewhereitisnotperceived.Iamnottheonlyonewhonowpraiseshislight.AlltheBuddhas,shravakas,pratyekabuddhasandbodhisattvaspraiseandglorifyitinthesameway.Ifsentientbeings,havingheardofthemajesticvirtueofhislight,glorifyitcontinually,dayandnight,withsincerityofheart,theywillbeabletoattainbirthinhisland,astheywish.Thenthemultitudesofbodhisattvasandshravakaswillpraisetheirexcellentvirtue.Later,whentheyattainBuddhahood,alltheBuddhasandbodhisattvasinthetenquarterswillpraisetheirlight,justasInowpraisethelightofAmitayus."TheBuddhacontinued,"ThemajesticgloryofthelightofAmitayuscouldnotbeexhaustivelydescribedevenifIpraiseditcontinuously,dayandnight,fortheperiodofonekalpa."Amida'slife-span[12]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"ThelifeofAmitayusissolongthatitisimpossibleforanyonetocalculateit.Togiveanillustration,letussupposethatalltheinnumerablesentientbeingsintheworldsofthetenquarterswerereborninhumanformandthateveryonebecameashravakaorpratyekabuddha.Eveniftheyassembledinoneplace,concentratedtheirthoughts,andexercisedthepoweroftheirwisdomtotheutmosttoreckonthelengthoftheBuddha'slife,evenafterathousandmillionkalpastheycouldstillnotreachitslimit.Soitiswiththelife-spanofshravakas,bodhisattvas,heavenlybeingsandhumanbeingsinhisland.Similarly,itisnottobeencompassedbyanymeansofreckoningorbyanymetaphoricalexpression.Again,thenumberoftheshravakasandbodhisattvaslivingthereisincalculable.Theyarefullyendowedwithtranscendentwisdomandfreeintheirexerciseofmajesticpower;theycouldholdtheentireworldintheirhands."Thenumberoftheaudienceatthefirstassembly[13]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"ThenumberofshravakasatthefirstteachingassemblyofthatBuddhawasincalculable;sowasthenumberofthebodhisattvas.EvenifanimmeasurableanduncountablenumberofhumansmultipliedbymillionsofkotisshouldallbecomelikeMahamaudgalyayanaandtogetherreckontheirnumberduringinnumerablenayutasofkalpas,orevenuntiltheyattainNirvana,theycouldstillnotknowthatnumber.Letussupposethatthereisagreatocean,infinitelydeepandwide,andthatonetakesadropofwateroutofitwithahundredthpartofasplithair.Howwouldyou[270c]comparethatdropofwaterwiththerestoftheocean?"Anandareplied,"Whenthedropofwateriscomparedwiththegreatocean,itisimpossibleevenforoneskilledinastronomyormathematicstoknowtheproportion,orforanyonetodescribeitbyanyrhetoricalormetaphoricalexpressions."TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"EvenifpeoplelikeMahamaudgalyayanaweretocountformillionsofkotisofkalpas,thenumberoftheshravakasandbodhisattvasatthefirstteachingassemblywhocouldbecountedwouldbelikeadropofwater,andthenumberofsagesyettobecountedwouldbeliketherestoftheocean."Jewelledtrees[14]Again,seven-jewelledtreescompletelyfillthatland.Therearesomemadeofgold,someofsilver,andothersmadeofberyl,crystal,coral,rubyoragate.Therearealsotreesmadeoftwotosevenkindsofjewels."Therearegoldtreeswithleaves,flowersandfruitsofsilver;silvertreeswithleaves,flowersandfruitsofgold;beryltreeswithleaves,flowersandfruitsofcrystal;crystaltreeswithleaves,flowersandfruitsofberyl;coraltreeswithleaves,flowersandfruitsofruby;rubytreeswithleaves,flowersandfruitsofberyl;agatetreeswithleaves,flowersandfruitsmadeofvariousjewels."Again,therearejewelledtreeswithpurple-goldroots,white-silvertrunks,berylbranches,crystaltwigs,coralleaves,rubyflowersandagatefruits.Therearejewelledtreeswithwhite-silverroots,beryltrunks,crystalbranches,coraltwigs,rubyleaves,agateflowersandpurple-goldfruits.Therearejewelledtreeswithberylroots,crystaltrunks,coralbranches,rubytwigs,agateleaves,purple-goldflowersandwhite-silverfruits.Therearejewelledtreeswithcrystalroots,coraltrunks,rubybranches,agatetwigs,purple-goldleaves,white-silverflowersandberylfruits.Therearejewelledtreeswithcoralroots,rubytrunks,agatebranches,purple-goldtwigs,white-silverleaves,berylflowersandcrystalfruits.Therearejewelledtreeswithrubyroots,agatetrunks,purple-goldbranches,white-silvertwigs,berylleaves,crystalflowersandcoralfruits.Therearejewelledtreeswithagateroots,purple-goldtrunks,white-silverbranches,beryltwigs,crystalleaves,coralflowersandrubyfruits."Thesejewelledtreesareinparallelrows,theirtrunksareevenlyspaced,theirbranchesareinlevellayers,theirleavesaresymmetrical,theirflowersharmonize,andtheirfruitsarewellarranged.Thebrilliantcolorsofthesetreesaresoluxuriantthatitisimpossible[271a]toseethemall.Whenapurebreezewaftsthroughthem,exquisitesoundsofthepentatonicscales,suchaskungandshang,spontaneouslyariseandmakesymphonicmusic.TheBodhi-tree[15]"Again,theBodhi-treeoftheBuddhaAmitayusisfourmillionliinheightandfivethousandyojanasincircumferenceatitsbase.Itsbranchesspreadtwohundredthousandliineachofthefourdirections.Itisanaturalclusterofallkindsofpreciousstonesandisadornedwiththekingsofjewels,namely,moon-lightmanigemsandocean-supporting-wheelgems.Everywherebetweenitstwigshangjewelledornamentswithathousandmilliondifferentcolorsinterminglinginvariousways,andtheirinnumerablebeamsshinewiththeutmostbrilliance.TheBodhi-treeitselfiscoveredwithnetsofrare,excellentgems,andonitappearallkindsofornamentsinaccordancewithone'swishes."Whenagentlebreezewaftsthroughitsbranchesandleaves,innumerableexquisiteDharma-soundsarise,whichspreadfarandwide,pervadingalltheotherBuddha-landsinthetenquarters.ThosewhohearthesoundsattainpenetratinginsightintodharmasanddwellintheStageofNon-retrogression.UntiltheyattainBuddhahood,theirsensesofhearingwillremainclearandsharp,andtheywillnotsufferfromanypainorsickness.WhethertheyhearthesoundsoftheBodhi-tree,seeitscolors,smellitsperfumes,tasteitsflavors,perceiveitslightsorconceiveoftheDharmaintheirminds,theyallattainprofoundlypenetratinginsightintodharmasanddwellintheStageofNon-retrogression.UntiltheyattainBuddhahood,theirsixsense-organswillremainsharpandclear,andtheywillnotsufferfromanypainordisease."Ananda,whenhumansanddevasofthatlandseetheBodhi-tree,theywillattainthreeinsights:first,insightintorealitythroughhearingthesacredsounds;second,insightintorealitybybeinginaccordwithit;andthird,theinsightintothenon-arisingofalldharmas.ThesebenefitsareallbestowedbythemajesticpowerofAmitayus,thepowerofhisprimalvow,hisperfectlyfulfilledvow,hisclearandmanifestvow,hisfirmvow,andhisaccomplishedvow."TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"Akingofthisworldpossessesahundredthousandkindsofmusic.Fromtherealmruledbyawheel-turningmonarchuptotheSixthHeaven,thesoundsofthemusicproducedineachhigherrealmaretenmillionkotisoftimessuperiortothoseofalowerone.ThethousandsofvarietiesofmusicalsoundproducedintheSixthHeavenareathousandkotisoftimesinferiortoonesoundproducedfromtheseven-jewelledtreesinthelandofAmitayus.Again,inthatland,therearethousandsofvarietiesofnaturalmusic,whichareall,withoutexception,soundsoftheDharma.Theyareclearandserene,fullofdepthandresonance,delicateandharmonious;theyarethemostexcellentofsoundsinalltheworldsofthetenquarters.Gloriousadornments[16]"Again,thehalls,monasteries,palacesandpavilionsarespontaneousapparitions,alladornedwiththesevenjewelsandhungwithcurtainsofvariousotherjewels,suchaspearlsandmoon-brightmanigems."Insideandout,torightandleft,arebathingpools.Someofthemaretenyojanasinlength,breadthanddepth;somearetwentyyojanas,others,thirty,andsoon,untilwecometothosemeasuringahundredthousandyojanasinlength,breadthanddepth.Theyarebrimfulofthewaterofeightexcellentqualities,clear,fragrantandtastinglikenectar.[271b]"Therearegoldenpoolswithbedsofsilversand;silverpoolswithbedsofgoldensand;crystalpoolswithbedsofberylsand;berylpoolswithbedsofcrystalsand;coralpoolswithbedsofambersand;amberpoolswithbedsofcoralsand;agatepoolswithbedsofrubysand;rubypoolswithbedsofagatesand;white-jadepoolswithbedsofpurple-goldsand;purple-goldpoolswithbedsofwhite-jadesand.Othersarecomposedoftwotosevenjewels."Onthebanksofthesepoolsaresandalwoodtrees,whoseflowersandleaveshangdownanddiffuseperfumeseverywhere.Heavenlylotusesofblue,pink,yellowandwhitebloomprofuselyinvarioustintsandtones,completelycoveringthesurfaceofthewater."Ifbodhisattvasandshravakasinthatlandenterthejewel-pondsandwishthewatertorisetotheirankles,itrisestotheirankles.Iftheywishittorisetotheirknees,itrisestotheirknees.Iftheywishittorisetotheirwaists,itrisestotheirwaists.Iftheywishittorisetotheirnecks,itrisestotheirnecks.Iftheywishittopourovertheirbodies,itspontaneouslypoursovertheirbodies.Iftheywishittorecede,itrecedes.Itstemperatureismoderate,coolorwarm,accordingtotheirwishes.Thewatercomfortsthebodyandrefreshesthemind,washingawaytheirmentaldefilements.Clearandpure,thewaterissotransparentthatitseemsformless.Thejewel-sandshinessobrightlythateventhedepthofthewatercannotpreventitsbrilliancefrombeingseen.Theripplingwaterformsmeanderingstreams,whichjoinandflowintoeachother.Theirmovementispeacefulandquiet,neithertoofastnortooslow,andtheirripplesspontaneouslyproduceinnumerablewonderfulsounds.Onecanhearwhateversoundonewishes.Forexample,somehearthesound'Buddha,'somehearthesound'Dharma,'some'Sangha,'othershear'tranquillity,''emptinessandnon-self,''greatcompassion,''paramita,''tenpowers,''fearlessness,''specialqualities,''supernaturalpowers,''non-activity,''neitherarisingnorperishing,''insightintothenon-arisingofalldharmas,'andsoonuntilthevarioussoundsofthewonderfulDharma,suchas'thesprinklingofnectarupontheheadofabodhisattva,'areheard.Asonehearsthosesounds,oneattainsimmeasurablejoyandaccordswiththeprinciplesofpurity,absenceofdesires,extinction,andreality.OneisinharmonywiththeThreeTreasures,theBuddha'spowers,fearlessnessandspecialqualities,andalsowithsupernaturalpowersandothermethodsofpracticeforbodhisattvasandshravakas.Noteventhenamesofthethreerealmsofsufferingareheardthere,butonlyNirvanicsoundsofbliss.Forthisreason,thatlandiscalled'PeaceandBliss'."Bodilyappearanceoftheinhabitantsandthepleasurestheyenjoy[17]"Ananda,thoseborninthatBuddha-landareendowedwithsuchbodiesofpurityandprovidedwithvariousexquisitesounds,supernaturalpowersandvirtues.Thepalacesinwhichtheydwell,theirclothing,foodanddrink,thewonderfulflowers,andthevariouskindsofincenseandadornmentsarelikethosenaturallyprovidedintheSixthHeavenoftheworldofdesire."Atmealtimes,platesmadeofthesevenjewels--namely,gold,silver,beryl,agate,ruby,[271c]coral,andamber,andalsomoon-brightpearl--spontaneouslyappear,filledwithfoodanddrinkofahundredtastes,accordingtoone'swishes.Althoughthefoodisoffered,nooneactuallyeatsit.Onceithasbeenseenandsmelt,onenaturallyfeelsthatithasbeeneaten,andsoissatisfied;thusonefeelsrelaxedinmindandbody,freefromattachmenttothesenseoftaste.Whenthemealisover,everythingdisappears,butreappearsatthenextmealtime."ThatBuddha-land,liketherealmofunconditionedNirvana,ispureandserene,resplendentandblissful.Theshravakas,bodhisattvas,heavenlybeingsandhumanstherehaveloftyandbrilliantwisdom,andaremastersofthesupernaturalpowers.Theyareallofoneform,withoutanydifferences,butarecalled'heavenlybeings'and'humans'simplybyanalogywiththestatesofexistenceinotherworlds.Theyareofnobleandmajesticcountenance,unequaledinalltheworlds,andtheirappearanceissuperb,unmatchedbyanybeing,heavenlyorhuman.TheyareallendowedwithbodiesofNaturalness,Emptiness,andInfinity."Karmicrewardsofabeggarandaking[18]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"Ifabeggarinextremepovertysitsbythesideofaking,howcantheirappearancesbecompared?"Anandareplied,"Ifsuchamansitsbythesideofaking,hisemaciated,meanandraggedappearancecannotbecomparedwiththeking's.Hisappearanceisathousandmillionkotisorevenincalculabletimesinferiortotheking's.Whatisthereasonforthis?Theconditionsofabeggarinextremepoverty--beingatthelowestsociallevel,withbarelyenoughclothestocoverhisbody,scarcelyenoughfoodtosustainhislife,withhungerandcoldalwaystormentinghim,andhavingalmostlostinhumancontact--arealltheresultofhismisdeedsinformerlives.Inthepasthedidnotcultivaterootsofvirtue,butinstead,accumulatedricheswithoutgivinganythingtoothers.Hebecamemoremiserlyashiswealthincreased,desiredtoobtainmore,insatiablyhankeredafterfurtheracquisitionsandgavenothoughttogoodactions.Thushepiledupamountainofevilkarma.Whenhislifeended,allhiswealthwasgone,andwhathehadaccumulatedwithgreattoilandworrywasofnoavailtohim;allpassedinvainintothepossessionofothers.Havingnostockofmeritonwhichtodependandnovirtueonwhichtorely,afterdeathhefellintooneoftheevilrealms,wherehesufferedpainforalongperiod.Whenhiskarmicretributionsended,hewasabletoescape,butwasrebornintoalowerclass;beingfoolish,baseandinferior,hebarelymaintainstheappearanceofahumanbeing."ThekingofacountryisthemostHonoredofallmen.Thisistherewardforvirtuesaccumulatedinformerlives,inwhichhe,withacompassionateheart,gavegenerouslytomany,savedpeoplefromsufferingthroughkindnessandbenevolence,performedgooddeedswithsincerity,andneverdisputedwithothers.Whenthatlifeended,hewasrewardedbyrebirthintoahigherstate.Borninaheavenlyrealm,heenjoyedblissandhappiness.Hisaccumulatedvirtuesproducedsuchasurplusofgoodnessthat,whenhewasrebornasamaninthislife,hisbirthwas,deservedly,intoaroyalfamily.Beingnaturallynoble,hisdignifiedandmajesticdemeanorcommandstherespectofhispeople,andsuperbclothesandsumptuousfoodarepreparedandservedtohimashepleases.Allthisisarewardforvirtuesfromhispastlives."ComparisonbetweenheavensandthePureLand[19]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"Whatyousayistrue.Eventhoughakingisthenoblestofallmenandhasaregalcountenance,ifheiscomparedwithawheel-turningmonarch,hewillappearasbaseandinferiorasabeggarbesideaking.Likewise,howeverexcellentandunrivaledthemajesticappearanceofsuchamonarchmaybe,[272a]ifheiscomparedwiththelordoftheHeavenoftheThirty-threeGods,hewillalsoappearincomparablyinferior,evententhousandskotisoftimesmoreso.Again,ifthisheavenlylordiscomparedwiththelordoftheSixthHeaven,hewillappearahundredthousandkotisoftimesinferior.IfthelordoftheSixthHeaveniscomparedwithabodhisattvaorashravakadwellinginthelandofAmitayus,hiscountenanceandappearancewillbefarfrommatchingthoseofthebodhisattvaorshravaka,beingathousandmillionkotisoftimesorevenincalculabletimesinferior."PleasuresinthePureLand[20]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"DevasandhumansinthelandofAmitayusareeachprovidedwithrobes,foodanddrink,flowers,perfume,ornaments,silkencanopiesandbanners,andaresurroundedbyexquisitesounds.Theirabodes,palaces,andpavilionsareexactlyinaccordancewiththesizeoftheirbodies.One,twooreveninnumerablejewelsappearbeforethem,assoonastheywish.Inaddition,beautifuljewelledfabriccoversthegroundwhereallthedevasandhumanswalk.InthatBuddha-landthereareinnumerablejewellednets,alladornedwithskeinsofgoldthread,pearls,andahundredthousandkindsofrareandmarveloustreasures.Allaroundthenetshangjewelledbellsoftheutmostbeauty,whichshinebrilliantly.Whenanaturalbreezeofvirtuearisesandgentlyblows,itismoderateintemperature,neithercoldnorhot,refreshingandsofttothesenses,andmovesneithertooslowlynortooquickly.Whenthebreezewaftsoverthenetsandthevariousjewelledtrees,countlessexcellentsoundsoftheDharmaareheard,andtenthousandkindsofdelicatefragrancesofvirtuearediffused.Ifonesmellsthosefragrances,one'simpuritiesandpassionsspontaneouslyceasetoarise.Iftouchedbythebreezeitself,oneenjoysthesamepleasureasamonkwhohasenteredtheSamadhiofExtinction.Flowersandinnumerableraysoflightemittedfromthem[21]"Again,asthebreezeblows,flowersarescatteredthroughouttheBuddha-land;theyspontaneouslydivideintodifferentcolors,notmixedtogether.Theyaresoftandpleasanttotouch,glowbrilliantly,anddiffuserichfragrances.Whenone'sfootisplacedonthem,theysinkdownfourinches,butwhenthefootislifted,theyrisetotheirformerlevel.Whentheflowershaveservedtheirpurpose,theearthopensupandtheyvanish,leavingthegroundcleanandwithouttraceofthem.Attherightmoment,sixtimesaday,thebreezewafts,scatteringtheflowersinthisway.Moreover,lotus-flowersofvariousjewelsfilltheland;eachhasahundredthousandkotisofpetalswithlightsofnumerouscolors--bluelotusesglowwithabluelight,whiteoneswithawhitelight,and,likewise,darkblue,yellow,red,andpurplelotusesglowwithlightsoftheirrespectivecolors.Thebrillianceoftheselightsissomagnificentthatitoutshinesthesunandthemoon.Eachfloweremitsthirty-sixhundredthousandkotisofraysoflight,eachsendingforththirty-sixhundredthousandkotisofBuddhas.ThebodiesoftheseBuddhasarepurple-gold,andtheirphysicalcharacteristicsandmarksaresuperbbeyondcompare.EachBuddhaemitsahundredthousandraysoflightandexpoundsthewonderfulDharmatobeingsinthetenquarters,thussettinginnumerablebeingsontherightPath[272b]oftheBuddha.Fulfillmentofthe11th,17th,and18thvows[22]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"SentientbeingswhoareborninthatBuddha-landallresideamongthoseassuredofNirvana.Thereasonisthatinthatlandthereareneitherbeingswhoaredestinedtoadverseconditionsnorthosewhosedestiniesareuncertain."AllBuddhas,Tathagatas,inthetenquarters,asnumerousasthesandsoftheRiverGanges,togetherpraisetheinconceivable,supernalvirtueofAmitayus.Allsentientbeingswho,havingheardhisName,rejoiceinfaith,rememberhimevenonceandsincerelytransferthemeritofvirtuouspracticestothatland,aspiringtobebornthere,willattainbirthanddwellintheStageofNon-retrogression.ButexcludedarethosewhohavecommittedthefivegravestoffensesandabusedtherightDharma."Threegradesofaspirants:1)highergrade[23]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"Devasandhumansintheworldsofthetenquarterswhosincerelyaspiretobeborninthatlandcanbeclassifiedintothreegrades.Thehighergradeofaspirantsarethosewholeavetheirhomesandabandonworldlydesirestobecomemonks.HavingawakenedaspirationforEnlightenment,theysingle-mindedlyrememberAmitayusandperformmeritoriouspractices,aspiringtobeborninhisland.Whentheyareabouttodie,Amitayus,togetherwithahostofsages,willappearbeforethem.Thentheywillfollowhimandattainbirthinhisland.Atoncetheywillbebornbytransformationspontaneouslyfromwithinseven-jewelledlotus-flowers.TheywilldwellintheStageofNon-retrogression,attainsteadfastwisdomandbecapableoffreelyexercisingsupernaturalpowers.Forthisreason,Ananda,sentientbeingswhowishtoseeAmitayuswhileinthisworldshouldawakenaspirationforthehighestEnlightenment,domeritoriousdeeds,andaspiretobeborninhisland."2)middlegrade[24]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"Themiddlegradeofaspirantsarethedevasandhumansintheworldsofthetenquarterswhosincerelydesiretobeborninthatland.Althoughunabletobecomemonksandcultivatemuchmerit,theyawakenaspirationforthehighestEnlightenment,single-mindedlythinkonAmitayus,performsomegooddeeds,observethepreceptsofabstinence,buildstupas,donateBuddhiststatues,givealmstomendicants,hangbanners,lightcandles,scatterflowers,burnincense,andsoforth.Theytransferthemeritofthosepracticestohisland,aspiringtobebornthere.Whentheyareabouttodie,Amitayuswillmanifesthistransformedbody,[272c]whichisfullypossessedofthesameradianceandphysicalcharacteristicsandmarksasthoseoftherealBuddha,andmakeitappearbeforethem,togetherwithahostofsages.ThentheywillfollowthistransformedBuddhaandbeborninthePureLand,wheretheywilldwellintheStageofNon-retrogression.Theirvirtueandwisdomwillbenexttothoseofthehighergradeofaspirants."3)lowergrade[25]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"Thelowergradeofaspirantsarethedevasandhumansintheworldsofthetenquarterswhosincerelydesiretobeborninthatland.Althoughunabletodomanymeritoriousdeeds,theyawakenaspirationforthehighestEnlightenmentandsingle-mindedlyconcentrateonAmitayusevententimes,desiringbirthinhisland.WhentheyheartheprofoundDharma,theyjoyfullyacceptitanddonotentertainanydoubt;andso,rememberingtheBuddhaevenonce,theysincerelyaspiretobeborninthatland.Whentheyareabouttodie,theywillseetheBuddhainadream.Thoseaspirants,too,willbeborninthePureLand.Theirmeritandwisdomwillbenexttothoseofthemiddlegradeofaspirants."Bodhisattvas'visittothePureLandfromotherlands[26]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"ThemajesticvirtueofAmitayusisboundless.Alltheinnumerable,uncountableandinconceivableBuddhas,Tathagatas,intheworldsofthetenquarterspraisehim.InnumerableanduncountablebodhisattvasintheBuddha-landsoftheeasternquarter,asnumerousasthesandsoftheRiverGanges,allwithoutexception,visitAmitayusinordertoworshipandmakeofferingstohimandtotheassemblyofbodhisattvasandshravakas.Havingheardtheteaching,theyexpoundittoleadpeopleintothePathoftheBuddha.Asintheeasternquarter,soitisinthesouthern,westernandnorthern,aswellasinthefourintermediatequarters,aboveandbelow."Versesonbodhisattvas'visit[27]ThentheWorld-HonoredOnespokethefollowingverses:1.IntheeasternquarterthereareBuddha-lands,AsnumerousasthesandsoftheRiverGanges;BodhisattvasdwellinginthoselandsGotopayhomagetoAmitayus,theEnlightenedOne.2.Soitisinthesouthern,western,andnorthernquarters,Theintermediatequarters,aboveandbelow;BodhisattvasdwellinginthoselandsGotopayhomagetoAmitayus,theEnlightenedOne.3.Allthosebodhisattvas,takingwiththemExquisiteheavenlyflowers,Preciousincenseandpricelessrobes,MakeofferingstoAmitayus,theEnlightenedOne.4.Playingheavenlymusicinconcert,Producingharmoniousanddelicatesounds,TheypraisetheMostHonoredOnewithhymnsAndmakeofferingstoAmitayus,theEnlightenedOne:5.'Youhaveperfectedsupernaturalpowersandwisdom,WithwhichyoufreelyenterthegatesoftheprofoundDharma;YoualsopossessstocksofmeritandvirtueAndunparalleledsupremeknowledge.6.Illuminingtheworldwiththesunofwisdom,Youdispersethecloudsofbirth-and-death.'Havingreverentlywalkedroundhimthreetimes,TheypayhomagetotheUnsurpassedOne.7.HavingseenthegloriousPureLand,Wonderfullyresplendent,[273a]TheyareledtoawakensupernalaspirationAndwishtheirlandstobelikehis.8.ThenAmitayus,theEnlightenedOne,Changeshiscountenanceandsmiles;Fromhismouthcomeforthinnumerableraysoflight,Whichilluminatetheworldsinthetenquarters.9.Theseraysoflightreturn,encirclehisbodyThreetimes,andenterthecrownofhishead.AlldevasandhumansaredelightedtoseethisAndarefilledwithgreatjoy.10.Avalokiteshvara,theExaltedBeing,havingrespectfullyarrangedHisclothesandbowedhishead,AskedtheBuddha,'Whyareyousmiling?ReverentlyIenquire.Pleasetellmewhy.'11.TheBuddha'smajesticvoicewaslikethunder,Producingwonderfulsoundsineightqualitiesofvoice;'BecauseIamabouttogivepredictionstothebodhisattvas.Inowexplaintoyou.Listencarefully!12.IamfullyawareofthevowsofthebodhisattvasWhocomefromthetenquarters;Theyseektoglorifytheirpurelands.Afterreceivingmypredictions,theywillbecomeBuddhas.13.Whilerealizingthatalldharmasarelikeadream,Anillusionoranecho,TheywillfulfilltheirexcellentvowsAndsurelyestablishpurelandssuchasthis.14.Knowingthatdharmasarelikeaflashoflightningorashadow,TheywillpursuetheBodhisattvaPathtoitsendAndamassastockofmerit.AfterreceivingMypredictions,theywillbecomeBuddhas.15.WhilethoroughlyknowingthatthenatureofalldharmasIsemptyandwithoutsubstance,Theywillsingle-mindedlyseektoproducetheirpurelandsAndwillsurelyestablishlandssuchasthis.'16.TheBuddhastellthebodhisattvastogoandpayhomageTotheBuddhaoftheLandofPeaceandProvision.'Listentohisteaching,joyfullyreceiveandpracticeit,AndthenquicklyreachtheRealmofPurity.17.WhenyougotohisgloriousPureLand,Youwillinstantlyacquiresupernaturalpowers.Having,withoutfail,receivedpredictionsfromAmitayus,YouwillattainperfectEnlightenment.18.BythepowerofthatBuddha'sOriginalVows,AllwhohearhisNameanddesirebirth,Will,withoutexception,beborninhislandAndeffortlesslyentertheStageofNon-retrogression.19.Bodhisattvas,ifyoumakevowsThatyourlandswillbelikethis,Whileaspiringtosaveallbeingseverywhere,Yournamewillberenownedthroughoutthetenquarters.20.InordertoservemillionsofTathagatas,Youcanassumevariousformsandflytothoselands;Afterworshippingthemwithjoyfulhearts,YouwillreturntotheLandofPeaceandProvision.'21.Withoutastockofgoodnessfrompastlives,Onecannothearthissutra;ButthosewhohavestrictlyobservedthepreceptsCanheartherightDharma.[273b]22.OnewhohasmetaWorld-HonoredOneinthepastCanacceptthisteaching.Suchapersonrespectfullyworships,hearsAndupholdsit,andrejoicessogreatlyastodance.23.Arrogant,corruptandindolentpeopleCannotreadilyacceptthisteaching.ButthosewhohavemetBuddhasintheirpastlivesRejoicetohearit.24.NeithershravakasnorbodhisattvasareabletoknowTheSage'sMindexhaustively;TheyarelikethosewhoarebornblindAndyetwishtoguideothers.25.TheoceanoftheTathagata'swisdomIsdeep,vastandboundless.EvensagesoftheHinayanacannotfathomit;OnlytheBuddhaclearlyknowsit.26.Letussupposethatallhumanbeings,Withoutexception,haveattainedEnlightenmentAnd,withpurewisdom,realizedoriginalemptiness.EveniftheyponderedontheBuddha'swisdomformyriadsofkalpas,27.Andexpoundeditwiththeutmosteffortallthroughtheirlives,Theywouldnotcometoexhaustiveknowledgeofit.TheBuddha'swisdomisthuslimitlessAndpuretoitsdepths.28,Toobtainhumanlifeisdifficultintheextreme;TomeetaBuddhainthisworldisalsodifficult;Itisdifficult,too,foramantoattainfaithandwisdom.OnceyouhaveheardtheDharma,strivetoreachitsheart.29.IfyouhaveheardtheDharmaanddonotforgetit,Butadoreandrevereitwithgreatjoy,Youaremygoodfriend.Forthisreason,YoushouldawakenaspirationforEnlightenment.30.Evenifthewholeworldisonfire,BesuretopassthroughittoheartheDharma;ThenyouwillsurelyattaintheBuddha'sEnlightenment.Andeverywheredeliverbeingsfromtheriverofbirth-and-death.BodhisattvasinthePureLand[28]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"AllthebodhisattvasinthelandofAmitayuswillultimatelyattaintheStageofBecomingaBuddhaAfterOneMoreLife.Exceptedarethosewhohavemadeoriginalvowsforthesakeofsentientbeings,resolvingtocultivatethemeritofrealizingtheirgreatvowstosaveallsentientbeings.Ananda,eachshravakaintheBuddha-landofAmitayusemitslightforonefathomaroundhisbody.Thelightofabodhisattvashinesahundredyojanas.Therearetwobodhisattvaswhoarethemostdignified;theirmajesticlightshineseverywhereintheuniverseofathousandmillionworlds."Anandaasked,"Whatarethenamesofthosetwobodhisattvas?"TheBuddhareplied,"OneiscalledAvalokiteshvaraandtheother,Mahasthamaprapta.TheyhadbothperformedBodhisattvapracticesinthisworld,and,attheendoftheirlives,werebornbytransformationinthatBuddha-land.Ananda,thesentientbeingsbornthereallfullypossessthethirty-twophysicalcharacteristicsofaGreatManaswellasperfectwisdom,withwhichtheypenetratedeeplyintothenatureofalldharmasandreachtheirsubtleessence.Theirsupernaturalpowersknownoobstruction,andtheirphysicalsensesaresharpandclear.Thebodhisattvasoflessercapacitiesattaintwoinsights.[273c]Thosewithsuperiorcapacitiesattaininnumerable[meritsbythe]insightsintothenon-arisingofalldharmas.ThosebodhisattvaswillnotbesubjecttorebirthinevilrealmsbeforetheybecomeBuddhas.Exceptedarethosewhoseekbirthintheworldsofotherquartersduringtheturbulentperiodofthefivedefilements,manifestingtheirformsinthelikenessofthebeingsthere,asinthisworld.Theycanfreelyexercisesupernaturalpowersandalwaysremembertheirpastlives."TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"BytheBuddha'spower,bodhisattvasofthatlandgotoinnumerableworldsofthetenquarters,inasshortatimeasittakestoeatameal,inordertopayhomageandmakeofferingstotheBuddhas,theWorld-HonoredOnes.Ifthosebodhisattvassowish,uncountableandinnumerableofferings,suchasflowers,incense,music,silkencanopiesandbanners,spontaneouslyappearbeforethemassoonastheyareimagined.Theyarerareandmarvelous,unlikeanythinginthisworld.Theyare,accordingly,offeredtotheassembliesofBuddhas,bodhisattvasandshravakas.Theflowersremainintheskyandgatherintocanopies.Theirbrillianceisdazzlingandtheirfragrancepervadeseverywhere.Theflower-canopiesrangeinsize,fromthoseoffourhundredliincircumferenceuptothoselargeenoughtocovertheuniverseofathousandmillionworlds.Asnewflower-canopiesappear,oldonesdisappear.Thesebodhisattvasallrejoicetogether,and,whilepoisedinmid-air,playheavenlymusicandpraisethevirtuesoftheBuddhaswithhymnsaccompaniedbywonderfulsounds.TheylistentotheDharmaandattainimmeasurablejoy.AfterthusworshippingtheBuddhas,theyquicklyreturnhometothePureLandbeforetheirmeal."Amida'spreachingandexquisitesoundsproducedbythetrees,etc.[29]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"WhenAmitayusexpoundstheDharmatoshravakasandbodhisattvas,theyallassembleintheseven-jewelledlecture-hall.TherehefullyexpoundstheteachingsoftheWayandproclaimsthewonderfulDharma.Thewholeaudiencerejoices,comprehends,andattainsEnlightenment.Atthattimeabreezespontaneouslyarisesineachofthefourdirectionsandwaftsoverthejewelledtrees,producingsoundsofthepentatonicscalesandcausinginnumerableexquisiteflowerstofalllikerainandscattereverywhere.Naturalwaysofglorificationsuchastheseareendlesslyrepeated.AllthedevasbringwiththemahundredthousandflowersandpiecesofaromaticwoodandthousandsofmusicalinstrumentstouseasofferingstotheBuddhaandtheassemblyofbodhisattvasandshravakas;theyscatterflowers,diffuseperfumeseverywhereandplayvariouskindsofmusic.Theycomeandgoinsuccession,givingwaytoeachother.Atsuchtimestheirjoyandhappinessarebeyonddescription."Bodhisattvas'virtues[30]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"ThebodhisattvasborninthatBuddha-landexpoundtherightDharmawheneverappropriateand,becausetheyareinaccordwiththewisdomofenlightenment,theirexpositionsareinfallibleandfreeoferror.Inregardtothemyriadsofthingsinthatland,theyhavenothoughtofpossessionorattachment.Whethergoingorcoming,proceedingorremaining,theirheartsareunattached,theiractsareinaccordancewiththeirwillandareunrestricted,andtheyhavenothoughtofdiscrimination.Inthemthereisnoideaofselforothers,noideaofcompetitionordispute.Withtheheartofgreatcompassiontobenefitalllivingbeingsandwithtendernessandself-control,theybearnoenmityorgrudgeagainstanyone.Freeofmentalhindrances,theyarepureinmindandwithoutindolence.Unbiased,noble-minded,sincereandtranquil,[274a]theirheartscanrevere,appreciateandenjoytheDharma."Havingextinguishedallevilpassions,theyarefreeofthosetendencieswhichcauseonetofallintoevilrealms.Theyhaveaccomplishedallthedutiesofabodhisattvaandarefullyendowedwithimmeasurablevirtues.Havingreacheddeepmeditationandgainedsupernaturalpowers,transcendentknowledgeandwisdom,theyareestablishedinthesevenpracticesleadingtoEnlightenmentandaredevotedtotheBuddhaDharma."Withthephysicaleyetheyseeclearly,discerningobjectswithouterror;thesightoftheirheavenlyeyereacheseverywherewithoutlimit;withtheDharma-eyetheyobserveandknowthoroughlytheteachingsoftheWay;withthewisdom-eyetheyseetruthandattaintheOtherShore;withtheBuddha-eyetheycompletelyrealizethenatureofdharmas;andwithunhinderedwisdomtheyexpoundtheDharmatoothers."Althoughtheyobservewiththeeyeofequalitythatthethreeworldsareemptyandnon-existent,theystrivetolearntheBuddhaDharmaandacquirevariedeloquenceinordertoridlivingbeingsofafflictioncausedbyevilpassions.SincealldharmashavearisenfromSuchness,thebodhisattvasseethemastheyreallyareandknowskillfulmeansofspeechthatwilldevelopgoodhabitsanddestroybadonesinlivingbeings.Theydislikeseculartalk,enjoyingonlyrightdiscourseontheDharma."Theycultivaterootsofvirtue,reverethePathoftheBuddha,andknowthatalldharmasarecompletelytranquilandnon-existent.Theirsamsaricbodiesandevilpassionshavebeenextinguishedtogetherwiththeirremainingkarmictendencies.WhentheyheartheprofoundDharma,theirmindsarefreeofdoubtandfear.Theyarealwaysabletocultivategreatcompassionwhichisdeepandsubtle,embracingeverythingliketheskyandbearingallliketheearth.HavingreachedtheendoftheSinglePath,theyhavegonetotheOtherShore.Havingcutthenetofdoubt,wisdomarisesintheirminds.WithintheBuddhaDharmathereisnothingthattheydonotcomprehend."Theirwisdomisliketheocean,andtheirsamadhi,likethekingofmountains.Thelightoftheirwisdom,beingbrilliantandpure,outshinesthesunandthemoon.Theyareincompletepossessionofthepure,undefiledDharma.TheyareliketheHimalayas,becausethebrillianceoftheirvirtuesisreflectedevenlyandclearly.Theyarelikethegreatearth,becausetheyhavenodiscriminativethoughts,suchaspureorimpure,beautifulorugly.Theyarelikepurewater,becausetheywashawayafflictionsanddefilements.Theyarelikethekingoffire,becausetheyburnthefirewoodofallevilpassions.Theyarelikeagreatwind,becausetheytravelthroughouttheworldswithouthindrance.Theyarelikethesky,becausetheyhavenoattachments.Theyarelikelotuses,becausenothingintheworldcandefilethem.Theyarelikeagreatvehicle,becausetheycarrythemultitudeofbeingsoutofbirth-and-death.Theyarelikeaheavycloud,becausetheycausethegreatthunderoftheDharmatoroarandawakentheunenlightened.Theyarelikeagreatrain,becausetheycausethenectarofDharmatofalllikeshowerstonourishlivingbeings.TheyareliketheAdamantineMountains,becausedemonsandnon-Buddhistscannotmovethem.TheyarelikethekingoftheBrahmaHeaven,becausetheyareforemostintheperformanceofvariousgooddeeds.Theyarelikethenyagrodhatree,becausetheyaffordsheltertoallbeings.Theyareliketheudumbaraflower,becausetheyrarelyappearintheworldandaredifficulttoencounter.Theyarelikethegold-wingedgaruda,becausetheysubduenon-Buddhists.Theyarelikeaflockofplayfulbirds,becausetheydonotstorethings.Theyarelikethekingofbulls,becausetheyareinvincible.Theyarelikethekingofelephants,becausetheyconqueradversaries.Theyarelikethekingoflions,becausetheyfearnothing.Theyarelikethevestsky,[274b]becausetheirgreatcompassionreacheseverywherewithoutdiscrimination."Theyhavedestroyedenvybynotbeingjealousofthesuperiorityofothers.WithsinglenessofhearttheyseektheDharmatirelessly.Alwaysdesiringtoexpoundthedoctrine,theynevergrowweary.StrikingDharma-drumsandhoistingDharma-banners,theycausethesunofwisdomtoshineforthanddissipatethedarknessofignorance.Theyperformthesixactsofaccordandrespect,andalwaysprovideotherswiththegiftoftheDharma.Strong-willedanddiligent,theirdeterminationneverfalters.Thustheybecomelampstotheworldandfieldsofsuprememerit;theyalwaysbecometeachersandharbornothoughtofdiscrimination,aversion,orattachment.TheyseekonlytherightPath,findingneitherjoynorsorrowinothermatters.Theyextractthornsofpassionandgivepeaceofmindtomultitudesofbeings.Becauseoftheirsupremewisdom,thereisnoonewhodoesnotreverethem."Theyhavedestroyedthehindrancesofthethreedefilementsandmasteredthesupernaturalpowers.Theyalsopossessthepowerofgoodkarmafromtheirpastlives,thepowerofguidingothers,ofthewill,ofvowing,ofemployingskillfulmeans,ofcontinuouspractice,ofdoinggood,ofmeditation,ofwisdom,ofhearingtheDharmawidely.TheyalsopossessthepoweroftheSixParamitas--generosity,morality,patience,effort,meditationandwisdom--andthepowerofrightmindfulness,concentration,contemplation,thesupernaturalfaculties,transcendentknowledge,andthepowertotameandtrainlivingbeingsintherightway,aswellasotherpowers."Fullypossessedofallthephysicalcharacteristicsandmarks,virtues,andeloquence,theyhavenoequals.TheyrevereandworshipinnumerableBuddhasandare,inturn,alwayspraisedbythem.Theyhavecompletedthebodhisattva'scourseofParamitasandpracticedthesamadhisofemptiness,non-formandnon-desire,thesamadhiofnon-arisingandnon-ceasingandmanyothersamadhis;theyhavegonefarbeyondthestagesofshravakasandpratyekabuddhas."Ananda,bodhisattvasofthatlandhaveinnumerablevirtuessuchasthese,ofwhichIhavegivenyouonlyanoutline.IfIweretoexpoundtheminfulldetail,athousandmillionkalpaswouldnotbelongenoughtodoso."Threekindsofevilpassionsandtheirconsequences[31]TheBuddhasaidtotheBodhisattvaMaitreyaandtodevasandhumans,"ThevirtueandwisdomofshravakasandbodhisattvasinthelandofAmitayusareindescribable.Thatlandissublime,blissful,sereneandpure.Whydoyounotdiligentlypracticegood,reflectonthenaturalnessoftheWayandrealizethatitisabovealldiscriminationsandisboundlesslypervasive?Youshouldeachmakeagreatefforttoattainit.StrivetoescapefromSamsaraandbebornintheLandofPeaceandProvision.Then,thecausesofthefiveevilrealmshavingbeendestroyed,theywillnaturallyceasetobe,andsoyouwillprogressunhinderedinyourpursuitoftheWay.ThePureLandiseasytoreach,butveryfewactuallygothere.Itrejectsnobody,butnaturallyandunfailinglyattractsbeings.WhydoyounotabandonworldlymattersandstrivetoentertheWay?Ifyoudo,youwillobtainaninfinitelylonglifeandoneoflimitlessbliss."Peopleoftheworld,beingweakinvirtue,engageinstrifeovermatterswhicharenoturgent.Inthemidstofabjectwickednessandextremeafflictionstheypainstakinglytoilfortheirliving.Whethernobleorcorrupt,richorpoor,youngorold,maleorfemale,allpeopleworryaboutwealthandproperty.Inthisthereisnodifferencebetweentherichandthepoor;bothhavetheiranxieties.Groaningindejectionandsorrow,theypileupthoughtsofanguishor,[274c]drivenbyinnerurges,theyrunwildlyinalldirectionsandtheyhavenotimeforpeaceandrest."Forexample,iftheyownfields,theyareconcernedaboutthem.Iftheyhavehouses,theyworryaboutthem.Theyarealsoanxiousabouttheirsixkindsofdomesticanimals,suchascowsandhorses,abouttheirmaleandfemaleservants,money,wealth,clothes,foodandfurnishings.Withdeepeningtroublestheysighrepeatedly,andanxietyincreasinglytormentsandterrifiesthem.Suddenmisfortunemaybefallthem:alltheirpossessionsmaybedestroyedbyfire,sweptawaybyfloods,plunderedbyrobbers,orseizedbyadversariesorcreditors.Thengnawinggriefafflictsthemandincessantlytroublestheirhearts.Angerseizestheirminds,keepstheminconstantagitation,increasinglytightensitsgrip,hardenstheirheartsandneverleavesthem."Whentheirlivesendinsuchagonizingconditions,theymustleaveeverybodyandeverythingbehind.Evennoblesandmenofwealthhavetheseworries.Withmuchanxietyandfear,theyenduresuchtribulations.Breakingoutincoldsweatsorfevers,theysufferunremittingpain."Thepoorandtheunderprivilegedareconstantlydestitute.If,forexample,theyhavenofields,theyareunhappyandwantthem.Iftheyhavenohouses,theyareunhappyandwantthem.Iftheyhavenoneofthesixkindsofdomesticanimals,suchascowsandhorses,oriftheyhavenomaleandfemaleservants,orlackmoney,wealth,clothes,food,orfurnishings,theyareunhappyandwantthoseaswell.Iftheypossesssomeofthem,othersmaybelacking.Iftheyhavethis,theydonothavethat,andsotheywishtopossessall.But,evenifbysomechancetheycometopossesseverything,itwillsoonbedestroyedorlost.Then,dejectedandsorrowful,theystrivetoobtainsuchthingsagain,butitmaybeimpossible.Broodingoverthisistonoavail.Exhaustedinmindandbody,theybecomerestlessinalltheirdoings,andanxietiesfollowontheirheels.Sucharethetroublestheymustendure.Breakingoutincoldsweatsorfevers,theysufferunremittingpain.Suchconditionsmayresultinthesuddenendoftheirlivesoranearlydeath.Sincetheyhavenotdoneanygoodinparticular,norfollowedtheWay,noractedvirtuously,whentheydie,theywilldepartalonetoaninferiorworld.Althoughtheyaredestinedtodifferentstatesofexistence,noneofthemunderstandsthelawofkarmathatsendsthemthere."Peopleoftheworld,parentsandchildren,brothersandsisters,husbandsandwives,andotherfamilymembersandkinsmen,shouldrespectandloveeachother,refrainingfromhatredandenvy.Theyshouldsharethingswithothers,andnotbegreedyandmiserly,alwaysspeakfriendlywordswithapleasingsmile,andnothurteachother."Ifonedisagreeswithothersandgrowsangry,howeversmallone'sgrudgeandenmitymaybeinthislife,thesewillincreaseinthelifetocomeuntiltheygrowintoamassofhostility.For,ifpeopleareengagedintormentingandharmingeachotherinthislife,suchconflictmaynotimmediatelyendinmutualdestruction.Butpersistentbitternessandragingfuryareimpresseduponthemind,andthusnaturallyleaveindeliblemarksonconsciousness,sothatthoseinvolvedwillberebornaboutthesametimetotakerevengeoneachother."Further,inthemidstofworldlydesiresandattachmentsonecomesandgoesalone,isbornaloneanddiesalone.Afterdeath,onegoestoapainfulortoapleasantstateofexistence.Eachreceiveshiskarmicconsequencesandnobodyelsecantakehisplace.Inaccordancewithdifferentactsofgoodandevil,peoplearedestinedtorealmsofblissorsuffering.Unalterablyboundbytheirkarma,theydepartforthoserealmsallalone.Havingreachedtheotherworld,theycannotseeeachother.Thelawofgoodandevilnaturallypursuesthem,andwherevertheymaybereborn,distanceanddarknessalwaysseparatethem.Sincetheirpathsofkarmaaredifferent,itisimpossibletotellthetimeoftheirreunion,andsodifficulttomeetagain.Cantheyeverseeeachotheroncemore?"Whydotheynotabandonallworldly[275a]involvementsandstrive,whiletheyarestrongandhealthy,topursuethegoodanddiligentlyseekdeliverancefromSamsara?Iftheydo,theywillbeabletoattaininfinitelife.WhydotheynotseektheWay?Whatisthereinthisworldthatshouldbelongedfor?Whatpleasureistherethatoughttobesoughtafter?"ThuspeopleoftheworlddonotbelieveinpursuinggoodandreceivingrewardorinpracticingtheWayandattainingEnlightenment;neitherdotheybelieveintransmigrationandretributionforevilactsorrewardforgoodones,suchasobtainingmeritbyhelpingothers.Believingthatthesedonotexist,theytotallyrejectsuchaview."Further,bysodoing,theyclingtotheirownviewsmoretenaciously.Latergenerationslearnfrompreviousonestoactlikewise.Fathers,perpetuatingtheirwrongviews,passthemontotheirchildren.Sinceparentsandgrandparentsfromthebeginningdidnotdogooddeeds,wereignorantoftheWay,committedfoolishacts,andwerebenighted,insensitiveandcallous,theirdescendantsarenowunabletorealizethetruthofbirth-and-deathandthelawofkarma.Thereisnoonetotellthemaboutthis.Nobodyseekstoknowthecauseoffortuneandmisfortune,happinessandmisery,althoughthesestatesresultfromsuchacts."Therealityofbirth-and-deathissuchthatthesorrowofpartingismutuallyfeltbyallgenerations.Afathercriesoverthedeathofhischildren;childrencryoverthedeathoftheirfather.Brothers,sisters,husbandsandwivesmourneachother'sdeath.Accordingtothebasiclawofimpermanence,whetherdeathwilloccurinorderofseniorityorinthereverseisunpredictable.Allthingsmustpass.Nothingstaysforever.Fewbelievethis,evenifsomeoneteachesandexhortsthem.Andsothestreamofbirth-and-deathcontinueseverlastingly."Becausetheyarestupidandcallous,suchpeopledonotaccepttheteachingsoftheBuddha;theylackforethought,andonlywishtosatisfytheirowndesires.Theyaredeludedbytheirpassionateattachments,unawareoftheWay,misguidedandtrappedbyangerandenmity,andintentongainingwealthandgratifyingtheircarnaldesireslikewolves.Andso,unabletofollowtheWay,theyareagainsubjecttosufferinginevilrealmsinanendlesscycleofbirth-and-death.Howmiserableandpitiablethisis!"Inthesamefamily,whenoneoftheparents,children,brothers,sisters,husbandorwifedies,thosesurvivingmournovertheloss,andtheirattachmenttothedeceasedpersists.Deepsorrowfillstheirheartsand,grief-stricken,theymournfullythinkofthedeparted.Dayspassandyearsgoby,buttheirdistressgoeson.EvenifsomeoneteachesthemtheWay,theirmindsarenotawakened.Broodingoverfondmemoriesofthedead,theycannotridthemselvesofattachment.Beingignorant,inert,andillusion-bound,theyareunabletothinkdeeply,tokeeptheirself-composure,topracticetheWaywithdiligence,andtodissociatethemselvesfromworldlymatters.Astheywanderhereandthere,theycometotheirendanddiebeforeenteringontheWay.Thenwhatcanbedoneforthem?"Becausetheyarespirituallydefiled,deeplytroubledandconfused,peopleindulgetheirpassions.Hence,manyareignorantoftheWay,andfewrealizeit.Everyoneisrestlesslybusy,havingnothinguponwhichtorely.Whethermoralorcorrupt,ofhighorlowrank,richorpoor,nobleorbase,allarepreoccupiedwiththeirownwork.Theyentertainvenomousthoughts,creatingawidespreadanddismalatmosphereofmalevolence.Subversiveactivitiesareplanned,contrarytotheuniversallawandthewishesofthepeople."Injusticeandviceinevitablyfollowandareallowedtoruntheircourseuncheckeduntilevilkarmaaccumulatestothelimit.Beforetheyexpecttheirlivestoend,peoplemeetsuddendeathandfallintoevilrealms,wheretheywillsufferexcruciatingtormentsformanylives.[275b]Theywillnotbeabletoescapeformanythousandsofkotisofkalpas.Howindescribablypainful!Howpitiablethatis!"Shakyamuni'sencouragementtodogood[32]TheBuddhasaidtotheBodhisattvaMaitreyaandtodevasandhumans,"Ihavetoldyouthetruthaboutpeopleoftheworld.Suchbeingtheirmodeoflife,theyareunabletoenterontheWay.Therefore,youshouldthinkdeeplyandtrytoavoidvariousevilacts;choosethegoodanddiligentlypracticeit.Alifeofaddictiontodesiresoralifeofpompandvainglorycannotlastlong.Allmustpart;thereisnothingyoucantrulyenjoy.SinceyouhaveencounteredaBuddhainthisworld,youshouldassiduouslypracticetheWay.AnyonewhosincerelydesiresbirthintheLandofPeaceandBlissisabletoattainpurityofwisdomandsupremacyinvirtue.Youshouldnotfollowtheurgesofpassions,breaktheprecepts,orfallbehindothersinthepracticeoftheWay.Ifyouhavedoubtsandarenotclearaboutmyteaching,askme,theBuddha,aboutanythingandIshallexplainittoyou."TheBodhisattvaMaitreyaprostratedhimselfonthegroundandsaid,"Yourmajesticglory,OBuddha,isawe-inspiring,andyourexpositionismostpleasingtome.Havingheardyourteaching,Ifeeldeeplythatpeopleoftheworldarejustasyouhavedescribed.YourcompassionaterevelationoftheGreatWayhasopenedoureyesandears,awakeningustoemancipation.Thosewhohaveheardyourteachingsareallfilledwithjoy.Devas,humansandlesserbeings,includingeventhosethatcrawl,haveallbeenblessedbyyourcompassionateguidanceandhavetherebyattaineddeliverancefromsufferingandaffliction."TheBuddha'sadmonitionisindeedprofoundandappropriate,andhiswisdomclearlysurveysthingsintheeightquarters,aboveandbelow,penetratingallinthepast,presentandfuture.OuremancipationinthepresentlifeisentirelyduetotheBuddha'sperseveranceandpainstakingeffortsinhisformerliveswhenhewasseekingtheWay.Hisbenevolencecoversthewholeworld,andtheextentofhismeritismajesticandglorious.HislightpenetratestotheutmostendsofspaceandguidespeopletoNirvana.Herevealsthesutras,destroyswrongviewsandsubduesdemons.Thushisinfluenceextendsboundlesslyinthetenquarters.TheBuddhaistheKingoftheDharma;hisvirtuesurpassesthatofallthesages.HeistheTeacherofalldevasandhumansandenablesthemtoenterontheWayaccordingtotheirwishes.Havingbeenabletomeetyou,OBuddha,andalsotoheartheNameofAmitayus,wehaveallattainedjoyandillumination."Shakyamuni'sadmonitionagainstevilacts[33]TheBuddhasaidtoMaitreya,"Whatyousayistrue.ThosewhoadoreandrevereaBuddhaattaingreatmerit.Buddhasveryrarelyappearintheworld.HavingbecomeaBuddhainthislife,IhavetaughttheDharma,expoundedteachingsoftheWay,clearedpeople'sdoubts,eradicatedthecausesoflustanddesire,andblockedthesourceofallevils.Visitingvariousplacesinthethreeworlds,Iencounternoobstructions.Thewisdomdisclosedinthescripturesprovidesforallwaysoflife.Itkeepsessentialprinciplestogetherandclearlyrevealsthetruth.Ihaveexplainedtherealityofthefiverealms,therebyfreeingthosewhohavenotyetattaineddeliveranceanddistinguishingbetweenthepathsofSamsaraandNirvana."Maitreya,youshouldknowthatyouhave,forinnumerablekalpas,beenperfectingbodhisattvapracticestosavesentientbeings.IncalculableindeedisthenumberofbeingswhounderyourguidancehaveattainedtheWayandreachedNirvana.[275c]Fromtimeimmemorial,youandallthedevasandhumansinthetenquartersandthefourgroupsoffollowershavebeenflounderinginthefiverealmsofSamsara,undergoingindescribabletroublesandafflictions.Untilyouwereborninthislife,you,too,underwentendlesscyclesofbirth-and-death.NowyouhaveencounteredaBuddha,listenedtohisexpositionsoftheDharma,andbeenabletolearnaboutAmitayus.Whatpleasureandjoythisisforyouandformetoshare."Itistimeforalltoseekdeliverancefromthepainsofbirth,death,oldage,andsickness.Outflowsofdepravityanddefilementareeverywhere,andthereisnothinginwhichyoucanfindtruejoy.Youshouldresolutelydoworthydeedswithdecorum,strivetodomoregood,controlandpurifyyourselves,washoffthemind'sdefilements,besincereinwordanddeed,andallownocontradictionbetweenwhatyouthinkandwhatyoudo.Seekyourownemancipationandthenturntosavingothers;straightforwardlyaspiretobeborninthePureLandandaccumulaterootsofvirtue.Howeverhardyoumaypracticeinthislife,itcanonlybeforashortwhile.InthelifetocomeyouwillbeborninthelandofAmitayusandenjoyendlessblissthere.BeingforeverinaccordwiththeWay,youwillnolongerbesubjecttobirth-and-deathandbefreeoftheafflictionscausedbygreed,angerandstupidity.Ifyouwishyourlifetobeaslongasakalpa,ahundredkalpas,ortenmillionkalpas,itwillbejustasyouplease.YouwilldwellineffortlessspontaneityandattainNirvana.Youshouldeachdiligentlyseektorealizeyouraspiration.Donotentertainanydoubtorgiveupyourendeavor,lestasaresultofthatfaultyoushouldbebornintotheseven-jewelledpalaceintheborderregionofthePureLandandbesubjecttovariousdisadvantagesforfivehundredyears."MaitreyasaidtotheBuddha,"Havingreceivedyourconsiderateadmonition,wewilldiligentlypracticetheWayandfollowyourteaching.Wewillnotallowanydoubttoarise."Admonitionagainstfiveevils:[34]TheBuddhasaidtoMaitreya,"Ifhereinthisworldyouareuprightinthoughtandwill,andabstainfromdoingevil,thenyouwillattaintheutmostvirtue,unsurpassedinallthelandsthroughoutthetenquarters.Whyisthisso?DevasandhumansintheBuddha-landsnaturallydogoodandrarelycommitevil,andso,itiseasytoteachandtrainthem.HavingbecomeaBuddhainthisworld,Inowdwellinthemidstofthefiveevils,thefivesufferings,andthefiveburnings.Thisisextremelypainfulforme.Iwillteachmultitudesofbeings,makingthemabandonthefiveevils,avoidthefivesufferings,andescapefromthefiveburnings.Iwilltraintheirmindsandleadthemtopracticethefivegooddeeds,sothattheymayacquiremeritandvirtueandattainemancipation,longlife,andNirvana.""TheBuddhacontinued,Whatarethefiveevils?Whatarethefivesufferings?Whatarethefiveburnings?Whatisthewaytoextinguishthefiveevilsandleadpeopletopracticethefivegooddeeds,sothattheymayacquiremeritandvirtueandattainemancipation,longlife,andNirvana?"1)firstevil[35]TheBuddhasaid,"Thefirstevilisthis.Devas,humansandlesserbeings,includingeventhosethatcrawl,arebentondoingevil.Thereisnobeingthatisnot.Thestrongsubduetheweak;allinflictseriousinjuriesandkilleachother,alldevourtheirprey.Notknowinghowtodogood,theycommitevilanddooutrageousandunrulydeeds.Later,theyreceiveretribution,[276a]itisnaturalthattheyshouldbedestinedtoevilrealms.Demigodskeeprecordsofoffenders'actsandmakesurethattheyarepunished.Thatiswhysomearepooranddestitute,corrupt,beggarly,lonely,deaf,dumb,blind,stupid,wicked,physicallyhandicapped,deranged,orsubnormal.Butothersarehonorable,noble,wealthy,intelligent,orclever.Thisistheresultofgoodandmeritoriousactsofbenevolenceandtheperformanceoftheirdutiestotheirparentsinpastlives."Inthisworldprisonsaresetupbythelaw,andthosewhoareunafraidofthemandcommitoffensesaresentthereforpunishment.Howeverdesperatelytheymaywishtoescape,itisimpossibletodoso.Suchisretributioninthisworld,butinthelivestocome,punishmentislongerandmoresevereforsuchevildoers.Thesufferingoftransmigrationthroughdarkanddismalrealmsiscomparabletotheseverestandmostpainfulpunishmenteverenforcedbylaw."Thus,throughthenaturalworkingofkarma,theyundergoimmeasurablesufferinginthethreeevilrealms.Insuccessivetransmigrationstheyarerebornintodifferentforms;theirlife-spansaresometimeslongandsometimesshort.Theirtransientselves,vitalenergyandconsciousnesstransmigratethroughthenaturalworkingofkarma.Althougheachindividualisrebornalone,thoseboundbycommonkarmacometobeborntogetherandtakerevengeuponeachother.Sothisconditionpersistsendlesslyand,untiltheeffectoftheirevilkarmaisexhausted,thereisnopossibilityofavoidingtheirenemies.FlounderinginSamsara,theyhavenochanceofescapeorofattainingemancipation.Thepainthattheymustundergoisindescribable.Sincethislawnaturallyobtainseverywherebetweenheavenandearth,evenifgoodorevilactsdonotimmediatelybringaboutrewardorretribution,theywillcertainlyresultsoonerorlater.ThisIcallthefirstgreatevil,thefirstsuffering,andthefirstburning.Thoseafflictionsaresuchthattheyarecomparabletoahugefireburningpeoplealive."Ifinthemidstofthis,onecontrolsone'sthoughtswithsingle-mindedness,doesworthydeedswithproperdemeanor,commitsnoevil,andperformsonlygood,thenwiththemeritandvirtueacquiredonereachesemancipationandisabletoescapefromthisworld,bereborninheavenlyrealms,andfinallyreachNirvana.Thisisthefirstgreatgood."2)secondevil[36]TheBuddhacontinued,"Thesecondevilisthatpeopleoftheworld--parents,children,brothersandsisters,membersofafamily,husbandsandwives--alllackmoralprinciples,breaklaws,conductthemselvesarrogantly,commitlicentiousandunrulyacts,pursuetheirownpleasures,enjoythemselvesastheywill,anddeceiveeachother.Whattheythinkcontradictswhattheysay;theyspeakwithoutsincerity,flatterotherswithdeceitfulintention,fawnuponotherswithartfulwords,envythereputationofsages,abusethevirtuous,andentrappeoplebydishonestmeans."Mastersareunwiseinappointingretainers,who,exploitingthesituation,seekeveryopportunityfortrickeryanddeceit.Rulers,beingunrighteous,aredeceivedbyministersandfoolishlyremoveloyalandfaithfulsubjects.ThisiscontrarytothewillofHeaven.Ministersbetraytheirrulers;childrendeceivetheirparents;brothers,sisters,husbands,wives,kinsmenandfriendsdeceiveeachother.Theyharborgreed,anger,andstupidity,and,desiringmanypossessions,seektheirownadvantage.Allpeoplearethesameatheart,whethertheyaremenofhighandhonorablepositionsorofloweranddespisedclasses.Theybringtheirhomesandthemselvestoruinandrecklesslydestroytheirkindred.Althoughtherearefamilymembers,friends,villagers,townspeople,ignorant[276b]andvulgargroupsworkingtogether,allseektogaintheirownprofit,therebyincurringtheangerandenmityofothers.Whenpeoplegrowrich,theybecomemiserlyanduncharitable.Greedilyattachedtotheirwealth,theytoilwithmindandbodytoretainit.Whentheirendcomes,theyfindnothingtorelyon.Ultimatelytheyarebornanddepartalone,withnobodytoaccompanythem.Blissormiseryresultingfromgoodorevilactsfollowsthemintheirfuturelives.Thustheyarereborninpleasantorpainfulstates.Eveniftheylatershowregret,whatgoodwillthatdo?"Peopleoftheworld,beingdark-heartedandlackinginsight,hateandabusegoodpeopleandshowthemnorespect.Theyareattachedtowrongdoingandwillfullycommitunlawfulacts.Theyalwayscovetthewealthofothersandharborintentionsofstealing.Afterspendingandsquanderingwhattheyhaverobbedfromothers,theyseektoregainit.Becauseoftheirownhiddenmotivesanddishonesty,theyslylystudythereactionsshownonthefacesofothers.Sincetheyareunabletothinkfarahead,whenthingsgowrong,theybecomedespondentwithchagrin."Inthisworldthereareprisonsestablishedbythelawwhereoffendersaresenttoreceivepunishmentaccordingtotheiroffenses.IntheirpreviouslivestheyneitherbelievedintheWaynorcultivatedrootsofvirtue.Inthislife,too,iftheycommitevil,demigodsknowandkeeprecordsoftheiracts;whentheydie,theyfallintoevilrealms.Thus,becauseofthenaturalworkingofkarma,therearethethreeevilrealmsandinnumerablesufferingsthroughwhichevildoersmustpass,lifeafterlife,formanykalpas,withnoendinsight.Itisindeeddifficultforthemtoattainrelease.Thepaintheymustundergoisindescribable.Thisiscalledthesecondgreatevil,thesecondsuffering,andthesecondburning.Theafflictionsaresuchthattheyarecomparabletoahugefireburningpeoplealive."Ifinthemidstofthisonecontrolsone'sthoughtswithsingle-mindedness,doesworthydeedswithproperdemeanor,commitsnoevil,andperformsonlygood,thenwiththemeritandvirtueacquiredonereachesemancipationandisabletoescapefromthisworld,bereborninheavenlyrealmsandfinallyreachNirvana.Thisisthesecondgreatgood."3)thethirdevil[37]TheBuddhacontinued,"Thethirdevilisthis.Peopleoftheworldlivetogether,inhabitingthisrealmbetweenheavenandearth,withalimitedlife-span.Ontheonehand,amongthehigherlevelstherearewise,rich,honorable,noble,andwealthypeople.Ontheotherhand,amongthelowerlevelstherearepeoplewhoarepoor,debased,crudeandfoolish.Besides,thereareevildoerswhoalwaysharborviciousthoughtsandthinkonlyofself-gratification;theyarefullofworries,sunkinlustandattachment,arerestlessintheirdailylives,greedyandmiserly,anddesirousofwhattheyhavenorighttopossess.Theygloatoverfair-skinnedwomen,behavelicentiouslyandcommitobsceneactswiththem,hatetheirownwives,andsecretlyfrequentbrothels.Consequently,aftersquanderingalltheirresources,theybegintobreakthelaw.Theyformbands,startriots,engageinfighting,unlawfullyattackandkillpeopleandplunderproperty."Somehaveevildesignsonthepossessionsofothers.Withoutworkingattheirownoccupations,theyacquirethingsthroughtheft.Drivenbydesire,theycommitfurtheroffenses.Feverishlyagitated,theyintimidateandrobpeopletosupporttheirownwivesandchildrenwiththegoodsthusacquired.Obeyingonlythedictatesoftheirpassions,theybecomeaddictedtowantonpleasures.Theyalsodisregardseniorityinkinship,causingsorrowandanguishtootherfamilymembersandrelatives;furthermore,theytakenoaccountofthelawsoftheState."Butsuchevilsareknowntoothersandalsotodemons.TheSunandtheMoonrecognizethemanddemigods[276c]keeprecordsoftheirdoings.Thus,becauseofthenaturalworkingofkarma,therearethreeevilrealmsandinnumerablesufferingsthroughwhichevildoersmustpass,lifeafterlife,formanykalpas,withnoendinsight.Itisindeeddifficultforthemtogainrelease.Thepaintheymustundergoisindescribable.Thisiscalledthethirdgreatevil,thethirdsuffering,andthethirdburning.Theafflictionsaresuchthattheyarecomparabletoahugefireburningpeoplealive."Ifinthemidstofthisonecontrolsone'sthoughtswithsingle-mindedness,doesworthydeedswithproperdemeanor,commitsnoevil,andperformsonlygood,thenwiththemeritandvirtueacquiredonereachesemancipationandisabletoescapefromthisworld,bereborninheavenlyrealmsandfinallyreachNirvana.Thisisthethirdgreatgood."4)thefourthevil[38]TheBuddhacontinued,"Thefourthevilisthis.Peopleoftheworlddonotthinkofdoinggood.Theyinciteeachothertocommitvariouskindsofevil--utteringharshandabusivewords,tellinglies,andengaginginidletalk.Theyslanderothersandcausecontention.Theyhateandenvygoodmenandruinthewise,whiletheyrejoiceinwatchingthisbehindthescenes.Theyareneglectfuloftheirparents,makelightoftheirteachersandelders,failtowinthetrustoftheirfriends,andlacksincerity.Holdingthemselvesinhighesteem,theythinkthattheyarevirtuous,butactwaywardlyinanoverbearingmanneranddespiseothers.Unawareoftheirownevil,theyneverfeelashamedofthemselves.Boastfuloftheirphysicalstrength,theydemandrespectandfearfromothers.TakingnoheedofHeaven,Earth,demigods,ortheSunandtheMoon,theydisdaintodoanygood.Sotheyaredifficulttotrainandconvert.Holdingthemselvesinhighesteem,theydemandtheirownway.Arrogantandafraidofnothing,theyalwaysassumeahaughtyattitude.Butdemigodskeeprecordoftheirevils.Perhapstherewassomemeritoriousactintheirpastlives,andtheycancountontheeffectofthatsmallamountofgood.But,sincetheycommitevilagaininthislife,theirstockofmeritissoonexhausted;gooddivinitiesforsakethem,leavingthemaloneandwithnooneonwhomtodepend.Whentheirlivesend,alltheirevilrecoilsuponthemandforcesthem,throughthenaturalworkingofkarma,todescendtotheevilrealms.Again,astheexactrecordoftheirdeedsinthehandsofthedemigodsdictates,theirkarmictransgressionsandoffensescondemnthemtohellishrealm.Retributionforevilcomesaboutnaturallyandnothingcanstopit.Theymustgointothered-hotcauldrons,wheretheirbodiesaremelteddownwiththeutmosttormentandanguish.Evenifatthattimetheyrepentoftheirevildeeds,whatgoodwillthatdo?TheWayofHeaventakesitsinevitablecoursewithoutmistake."Thus,becauseofthenaturalworkingofkarma,therearethethreeevilrealmsandinnumerablekindsofsufferingthroughwhichevildoersmustpass,lifeafterlife,formanykalpas,withnoendinsight.Itisindeeddifficultforthemtogainrelease,andthepaintheymustundergoisindescribable.Thisiscalledthefourthgreatevil,thefourthsuffering,andthefourthburning.Theafflictionsaresuchthattheyarecomparabletoahugefireburningpeoplealive."If,inthemidstofthis,onecontrolsone'sthoughtswithsingle-mindedness,doesworthydeedswithproperdemeanor,commitsnoevil,andperformsonlygood,thenwiththemeritandvirtueacquiredonereachesemancipationandisabletoescapefromthisworld,bereborninheavenlyrealms,andfinallyreachNirvana.Thisisthefourthgreatgood."[277a]5)thefifthevil[39]TheBuddhacontinued,"Thefifthevilisthis.Peopleoftheworldareindecisiveandslothful,reluctanttodogood,lackinginself-disciplineandnotworkinghardattheiroccupations,sotheirfamiliesanddependentsarelefttosufferfromhungerandcold.Whenreproachedbytheirparents,theyretortangrilywithscornfullooks.Withsuchconflictstheyarefarfrompeaceful;theycanbeasviolentandfrenziedasenemiesconfrontingeachother,and,asaresult,parentswishthattheyhadnochildren."Indealingwithothers,theyarelicentiousandwayward,causingtroubleandannoyancetomany.Evenwhentheyaremorallyobligedtoothers,theyneglecttheirdutiesandhavenointentionofrepayingtheirindebtedness.Destituteanddriventothemostdesperateends,theyhavenowayofregainingtheirwealth.Althougheagertoobtainmuchprofitandappropriatetherichesofothers,theywastetheirmoneyonwantonpleasures.Asthisbecomesahabit,theygrowaccustomedtoacquiringpropertyillegallyandtospendingtheirill-gainedprofitsonpersonalluxuries;indulginginwineandsumptuousfood,theyeatanddrinktoexcess.Profligateandcontentiousastheyare,theyengageinfoolishquarrels.Unabletounderstandothers,theyforciblyimposetheirwilluponthem."Whentheycomeuponpeoplewhoaregood,theyhateandabusethem.Lackingethicsanddecorum,theydonotreflectontheirconduct,andsoarepresumptuousandinsistent,refusingtotaketheadviceandadmonitionsofothers.Theyareunconcernediftheirkinsmen,fromtheclosesttothesixthblood-relative,havenomeansoflivelihood.Theydisregardtheirparents'benevolence,anddonotfulfillobligationstotheirteachersandfriends.Theythinkonlyofdoingevil;theirmouthscontinuouslyspeakmalice;andwiththeirbodies,theyareforevercommittingevil.Intheirwholelivestheyhavenotdoneevenonegooddeed."Furthermore,theydonotbelieveintheancientsages,northeBuddhistteachings,northepathofpracticeleadingtoemancipation.Neitherdotheybelievethatafterdeathoneisrebornintoanotherstateofexistence,thatgooddeedsbringaboutgoodrewards,orthatevilactsbringaboutevilconsequences.Theyplottomurderanarhat,tocausedisruptionintheSangha,andeventhinkofkillingtheirparents,brothers,sistersorotherrelatives.Forthisreason,eventheirkinsmen,fromtheclosesttothesixthblood-relative,hatethemsomuchastowishthemdead."Suchpeopleoftheworldareallofthesamemind.Theyarefoolishandignorant,lackingthewisdomtoknowwhencetheyhavecomeintolifenorwhithertheyaregoingafterdeath.Neitherhumanetowardothersnorobedienttotheirelders,theyrevelagainstthewholeworld.Nevertheless,theyexpectgoodfortuneandseeklonglives,onlytomeetdeathintheend.Evenifsomeonecompassionatelyadmonishesthem,tryingtoleadthemtothoughtsofgoodness,andteachesthemthatnaturallytherearegoodandevilrealmsofSamsara,theywillnotbelievehim.Howeverhardonemaytrytopersuadethem,itisuseless.Theirmindsareclosed,andtheyrefusetolistentoothersorunderstandtheirteachings.Whentheirlivesareabouttoend,fearandrevulsionariseinturn.Nothavingpreviouslydoneanygood,theyarefilledwithremorsewhentheycometotheirend.Butwhatgoodwillthatdothen?"Betweenheavenandearth,thefiverealmsareclearlydistinguishable.Theyarevastanddeep,extendingboundlessly.Inreturnforgoodorevildeeds,blissormiseryensues.Theresultofone'skarmamustbebornebyoneselfaloneandnooneelsecantakeone'splace.Thisisthenaturallaw.Misfortunefollowsevildeedsastheirretribution,whichisimpossibletoavoid.Goodpeopledogooddeeds,andsoenjoypleasureafterpleasureandproceedfromlighttogreaterlight.Evildoerscommitcrimes,andsosufferpainafterpainandwanderfromdarknesstodeeperdarkness.Noone,excepttheBuddha,knowsthiscompletely.Eventhoughsomeoneadmonishesandteachesthem,veryfewbelieve;andsothecyclesofbirth-and-deathneverceaseandtheevilpathscontinueendlessly.[277b]Thekarmicconsequencesforsuchworldlypeoplearebeyonddescriptionindetail."Thus,becauseofthenaturalworkingofkarma,thereareinnumerablekindsofsufferinginthethreeevilrealmsthroughwhichevilbeingsmustpass,lifeafterlife,formanykalpas,withnoendinsight.Itisindeeddifficultforthemtogainrelease,andthepaintheymustundergoisindescribable.Thisiscalledthefifthgreatevil,thefifthsuffering,andthefifthburning.Theafflictionsaresuchthattheyarecomparabletoahugefireburningpeoplealive."Ifinthemidstofthis,onecontrolsone'sthoughtswithsingle-mindedness,doesworthydeedswithproperdemeanor,mindfullyrecollects,harmonizeswordsanddeeds,actswithsincerity,utterstruewords,speaksfromtheheart,commitsnoevil,andperformsonlygood,thenwiththemeritandvirtueacquiredonereachesemancipationandisabletoescapefromthisworld,bereborninheavenlyrealms,andfinallyreachNirvana.Thisisthefifthgreatgood."FurtheradmonitionbytheBuddha[40]TheBuddhasaidtoMaitreya,"Ishallexplainfurther.Sucharetheafflictionsofthefiveevilsinthisworld.Thefivesufferingsandthefiveburningscontinuetoarisefromthem.Peoplecommitnothingbutevilandfailtocultivaterootsofvirtue,andsoitisnaturalthattheyallgotoevilrealms.Eveninthislifetheysufferfromincurableillnesses.Longingfordeath,theycannotdie;cravingforlife,theycannotlive.Thustheyareanexampletoothersofwhatretributionforevilactsislike.Afterdeath,drivenbytheirkarma,theyfallintothethreeevilrealms,wheretheysuffercountlesstorturesandarethemselvesconsignedtotheflames."Afteralongtimetheyarerebornagaininthisworld,onlytofomenthatredagainsteachother.Atfirsthatredisslightbutfinallydevelopsintoamajorevil.Allthisisbecauseoftheirgreedyattachmenttowealthandsensuouspleasuresandoftheirrefusaltosharewithothers.Further,waywardthoughtsarisefromthedesiresbornofstupidity.Theirbondagetoevilpassionswillneverbesevered.Inthepursuitofselfishgain,thereisnochanceforthemtoreflectontheirevilsandturntogood.Whenwealthyandprosperous,theyarehappyanddonotlearntobemodestandvirtuous.Consequently,theirpompandpowerareshort-lived;whentheseareexhausted,theymustundergofurtherafflictions.Theirsufferingsareboundtoincreaseintimetocome."Thelawofkarmaoperateslikeanetstretchedeverywhere;initsmeshes,itinevitablycatchesalloffenders.Thenetwovenoflargeandsmallropescoversthewholeworld,fromtoptobottom,andthosecaughtinitfeelutterlyhelplessandtrembleinfear.Thisnethasbeeninexistencefromofold.Howpainfulandheart-rending!"TheBuddhasaidtoMaitreya,"PeopleofthisworldareasIhavedescribed.AlltheBuddhaspitythemandwithdivinepowersdestroytheirevilsandleadthemalltogoodness.Ifyougiveupwrongviews,holdfasttothescripturesandtheprecepts,andpracticetheWaywithoutcommittinganyfault,thenyouwillfinallybeabletoattainthepathtoemancipationandNirvana."TheBuddhacontinued,"Youandotherdevasandhumansofthepresentandpeopleoffuturegenerations,havingreceivedtheBuddha'steachings,shouldreflectuponthemand,whilefollowingthem,shouldremainuprightinthoughtanddovirtuousdeeds.Rulersshouldabidebymorality,reignwithbeneficenceanddecreethateveryoneshouldmaintainproperconduct,reverethesages,respectmenofvirtue,bebenevolentandkindtoothers,andtakecarenottodisregardtheBuddha'steachingsandadmonitions.Allshouldseekemancipation,cuttherootsofSamsaraanditsvariousevils,andsoaspiretoescapefromthepathsofimmeasurablesorrow,fear[277c]andpaininthethreeevilrealms."Inthisworld,youshouldextensivelyplantrootsofvirtue,bebenevolent,givegenerously,abstainfrombreakingtheprecepts,bepatientanddiligent,teachpeoplewithsincerityandwisdom,dovirtuousdeeds,andpracticegood.Ifyoustrictlyobservethepreceptsofabstinencewithuprightthoughtandmindfulnessevenforadayandanight,themeritacquiredwillsurpassthatofpracticinggoodinthelandofAmitayusforahundredyears.ThereasonisthatinthatBuddha-landofeffortlessspontaneityalltheinhabitantsdogoodwithoutcommittingevenahair'sbreadthofevil.Ifinthisworldyoudogoodfortendaysandnights,themeritacquiredwillsurpassthatofpracticinggoodintheBuddha-landofotherquartersforathousandyears.ThereasonisthatintheBuddha-landofotherquartersmanypracticegoodandveryfewcommitevil.Theyarelandswhereeverythingisnaturallyprovidedasaresultofone'smeritandvirtue,andsonoevilisdone.Butinthisworldmucheviliscommitted,andfewareprovidedfornaturally;peoplemustworkhardtogetwhattheywant.Sincetheyintendtodeceiveeachother,theirmindsaretroubled,theirbodiesexhausted,andtheydrinkbitternessandeathardship.Inthisway,theyarepreoccupiedwiththeirtoilnohavetimeforrest."Outofpityforyouandotherdevasandhumans,Ihavetakengreatpainsinexhortingyoutodogooddeeds.Ihavegivenyouinstructionsappropriatetoyourcapacities.Youhave,withoutfail,acceptedmyteachingsandpracticedthem,andsohaveallenteredontheWayasyouwished."WherevertheBuddhacomestostay,thereisnostate,townorvillagewhichisnotblessedbyhisvirtues.Thewholecountryreposesinpeaceandharmony.Thesunandthemoonshinewithpurebrilliance;windrisesandrainfallsattherighttime.Thereisnocalamityorepidemic,andsothecountrybecomeswealthy,anditspeopleenjoypeace.Soldiersandweaponsbecomeuseless;andpeopleesteemvirtue,practicebenevolenceanddiligentlycultivatecourteousmodesty."TheBuddhacontinued,"Myconcernforyou,devasandhumans,isgreaterthanthecareofparentsfortheirchildren.IhavebecomeaBuddhainthisworld,destroyedthefiveevils,removedthefivesufferings,andextinguishedthefiveburnings.Ihavecounteredevilwithgood,eradicatedthesufferingofbirth-and-death,andenabledpeopletoacquirethefivevirtuesandattainthepeaceofunconditionedNirvana.ButafterIhavedepartedfromthisworld,myteachingwillgraduallydeclineandpeoplewillfallpreytoflatteryanddeceitandcommitvariousevils,resultingintherecurrenceofthefivesufferingsandthefiveburnings.Astimegoeson,theirsufferingswillintensify.Asitisimpossibletodescribethisindetail,Ihavegivenyouonlyabriefoutline.TheBuddhasaidtoMaitreya,"Youshouldeachponderonthiswell,teachandadmonisheachother,andbeonguardagainstdisobeyingtheBuddha'sinstruction."TheBodhisattvaMaitreya,withhispalmstogether,said,"OBuddha,howsincereandearnestyouradmonitionis!Peopleoftheworldarejustasyouhavedescribed.OTathagata,youtakepityonandcareforuswithoutdiscriminationandseektodeliverusallfromsuffering.HavingacceptedtheBuddha'srepeatedexhortations,Iwillbecarefulnottodisobeythem."AmidaandthePureLandshowntotheaudience[41]TheBuddhasaidtoAnanda,"Risetoyourfeet,rearrangeyourrobes,putyourpalmstogether,andrespectfullyrevereandworshipAmitayus.BuddhasandTathagatasinthelandsofthetenquartersalwayspraisewithoneaccordthatBuddha'svirtuesofnon-attachmentandunimpededactivity."Anandastoodup,rearrangedhisrobes,assumedthecorrectposture,facedwestward,and,demonstratinghissincerereverence,joinedhispalmstogether,prostratedhimselfonthegroundandworshippedAmitayus.Thenhesaid[278a]totheBuddhaShakyamuni,"World-HonoredOne,IwishtoseethatBuddha,hisLandofPeaceandBliss,anditshostsofbodhisattvasandshravakas."Assoonashehadsaidthis,Amitayusemittedagreatlight,whichilluminatedalltheBuddha-lands.TheEncirclingAdamantineMountains,MountSumeru,togetherwithlargeandsmallmountains,andeverythingelseshonewiththesame(golden)color.Thatlightwaslikethefloodattheendoftheperiodofcosmicchangethatfillsthewholeworld,whenmyriadsofthingsaresubmerged,andasfarastheeyecansee,thereisnothingbutavastexpanseofwater.EvensowasthefloodoflightemanatingfromAmitayus.Allthelightsofshravakasandbodhisattvaswereoutshoneandsurpassed,andonlytheBuddha'slightremainedshiningbrightandglorious.AtthattimeAnandasawthesplendorandmajestyofAmitayusresemblingMountSumeru,whichrisesabovethewholeworld.Therewasnoplacewhichwasnotilluminatedbythelightemanatingfromhisbodyofglory.ThefourgroupsoffollowersoftheBuddhaintheassemblysawallthisatthesametime.Likewise,thoseofthePureLandsaweverythinginthisworld.TwokindsofbirthinthePureLand[42]ThentheBuddhasaidtoAnandaandtheBodhisattvaMaitreya,"Haveyouseenthatlandfilledwithexcellentandgloriousmanifestations,allspontaneouslyproduced,fromthegroundtotheHeavenofPureAbode,?"Anandareplied,"Yes,Ihave."TheBuddhaasked,"HaveyoualsoheardthegreatvoiceofAmitayusexpoundtheDharmatoalltheworlds,guidingsentientbeingstotheWayoftheBuddha?"Anandareplied,"Yes,Ihave."TheBuddhafurtherasked,"Haveyoualsoseentheinhabitantsofthatlandmovefreely,ridinginseven-jewelledairbornepalacesaslargeasahundredthousandyojanas,toworshiptheBuddhasofthelandsinthetenquarters?""Yes,Ihave,"repliedAnanda."Haveyoualsoseenthatsomeoftheinhabitantsareintheembryonicstate?""Yes,Ihave.Thoseintheembryonicstatedwellinpalacesashighasahundredyojanasorfivehundredyojanas,wheretheyspontaneouslyenjoypleasuresasdothoseintheHeavenoftheThirty-threeGods."Thecauseofthetwokindsofbirth[43]ThentheBodhisattvaMaitreyasaidtotheBuddha,"World-HonoredOne,forwhatreasonaresomeoftheinhabitantsofthatlandintheembryonicstateandtheothersbornbytransformation?"TheBuddhareplied,"Maitreya,iftherearesentientbeingswhodovariousmeritoriousdeedsaspiringforbirthinthatlandwhilestillentertainingdoubt,suchbeingsareunabletocomprehendtheBuddha-wisdom,inconceivablewisdom,ineffablewisdom,boundlessMahayanawisdom,andincomparable,unequaled,andunsurpassedsupremewisdom.Althoughtheydoubtthesewisdoms,theystillbelieveinretributionforevilandrewardforvirtueandsocultivateastockofmerits,aspiringforbirthinthatland.Suchbeingsareborninapalace,wheretheydwellforfivehundredyearswithoutbeingabletobeholdtheBuddha,hearhisexpositionoftheDharma,orseethehostsofbodhisattvasandshravakas.Forthisreason,thattypeofbirthinthePureLandiscalled'embryonicstate.'"Iftherearesentientbeingswhowithresolutefaithacceptthesekindsofwisdom,fromtheBuddha'swisdomtothesupremewisdom,domeritoriousdeedsandsincerelytransferthemeritacquired(tothatland),[278b]thosebeingswillbebornbytransformationspontaneously.seatedwithlegscrossed,intheseven-jewelledlotus-flowers,andinstantlyattainthesamegloriousforms,wisdomandvirtueasthoseofotherbodhisattvasthere.Shakyamuni'sencouragementoffaith[44]"Further,Maitreya,ifgreatbodhisattvasintheBuddha-landsofotherquartersdesiretoseeAmitayus,andrevereandmakeofferingstohimandthehostsofbodhisattvasandshravakas,theywill,afterdeath,beborninthelandofAmitayus.Spontaneouslytransformedtheywillbebornfromwithintheseven-jewelledlotus-flowers."Maitreya,youshouldknowthatthosebornbytransformationarepossessedofsupremewisdom,whilethoseintheembryonicstatelackthatwisdomandmustpassfivehundredyearswithoutbeingabletoseetheBuddha,hearhisteachingoftheDharma,seethehostsofbodhisattvasandshravakas,makeofferingstotheBuddha,learntherulesofconductforbodhisattvas,orperformmeritoriouspractices.Youshouldknowthatthisisbecausethosebeingsharboreddoubtandlackedwisdomintheirpreviouslives."Embryonicbirth[45]TheBuddhasaidtoMaitreya,"Letussupposethatawheel-turningmonarchhasaspecialchamberwhichisadornedwithseenjewelsandprovidedwithcurtainedcouchesandsilkenbannershangingfromtheceiling.Ifprinceshavecommittedoffenseagainsttheking,theyaretakentothatchamberandfetteredwithgoldchains.Theretheyareservedwithfoodanddrink,providedwithclothes,couchesandcushions,flowersandincense,andcanenjoymusic.Beingtreatedjustlikethewheel-turningmonarchhimself,theyhavenowants.Doyouthinkthatthoseprinceswouldenjoylivingthere?""Notheydonot,"repliedMaitreya."Theywouldseekvariousmeansofapproachtoaskamanofpowertohelpthemescape."TheBuddhasaidtoMaitreya,"Thosebeingsbornwithinthelotus-budsarelikethat.BecauseoftheirdoubtintheBuddha'swisdom,theyhavebeenborninpalaces.Althoughtheyreceivenopunishmentorilltreatmentevenforasinglemoment,theymustpassfivehundredyearstherewithoutbeingabletoseetheThreeTreasures,makeofferingstotheBuddha,orcultivateastockofvirtue.Thisisdistressingtothem.Thoughthereareotherpleasures,theydonotenjoylivingthere."Ifthosebeingsbecomeawareofthefaultscommittedintheirformerlivesanddeeplyrepent,theycan,astheywish,leaveandgotowhereAmitayusdwells.Thentheycanworshipandmakeofferingstohim;theycanalsovisitinnumerableandcountlessotherBuddhastoperformvariousmeritoriouspractices.Maitreya,youshouldknowthatthebodhisattvaswhoallowdoubttoariselosegreatbenefits.Forthisreason,youshouldhaveresolutefaithinthesupremewisdomoftheBuddha."Bodhisattvas'visitstothePureLandfromotherBuddha-lands[46]TheBodhisattvaMaitreyasaidtotheBuddha,"World-HonoredOne,howmanynon-retrogressivebodhisattvasarethereinthisworldwhowillbeborninthatBuddha-land?"TheBuddhareplied,"Sixty-sevenkotisofnon-retrogressivebodhisattvasfromthisworldwillbebornthere.Eachofthesebodhisattvas[278c]haspreviouslymadeofferingstoinnumerableBuddhaswithalmostasmuchdiligenceasyoudid,Maitreya.Furthermore,bodhisattvasoflesserpracticesandthosewhohaveperformedsmallactsofmerit,whosenumberisbeyondcalculation,willallbebornthere."TheBuddhasaidtoMaitreya,"NotonlythosebodhisattvasfromthisworldbutalsothosefromBuddha-landsinotherquartersarebornthere.First,inthelandoftheBuddhanamedFar-reachingIlluminationthereareonehundredandeightykotisofbodhisattvas,whoallvisitthere.Second,inthelandoftheBuddhaJewel-storehousethereareninetykotisofbodhisattvas,whoallvisitthere.Third,inthelandoftheBuddhaImmeasurableSoundtherearetwohundredandtwentykotisofbodhisattvas,whoallvisitthere.Fourth,inthelandoftheBuddhaTasteofNectartherearetwohundredandfiftykotisofbodhisattvas,whoallvisitthere.Fifth,inthelandoftheBuddhaDragon-subduingtherearefourteenkotisofbodhisattvas,whoallvisitthere.Sixth,inthelandoftheBuddhaSuperiorPowertherearefourteenthousandbodhisattvas,whoallvisitthere.Seventh,inthelandoftheBuddhaLiontherearefivehundredkotisofbodhisattvas,whoallvisitthere.Eighth,inthelandoftheBuddhaUndefiledLightthereareeightykotisofbodhisattvas,whoallvisitthere.Ninth,inthelandoftheBuddhaPeakofVirtuetherearesixtykotisofbodhisattvas,whoallvisitthere.Tenth,inthelandoftheBuddhaMountainofExcellentVirtuetherearesixtykotisofbodhisattvas,whoallvisitthere.Eleventh,inthelandoftheBuddhaKingofMentherearetenkotisofbodhisattvas,whoallvisitthere.Twelfth,inthelandoftheBuddhaSplendidFlowerthereareinnumerableandincalculablebodhisattvaswhoareallnon-retrogressiveandpossessedofunrivaledwisdom,whohavepreviouslymadeofferingstocountlessBuddhasandareabletolearninsevendaystheadamantineteachingsoftheDharmathatcanonlybeattainedbymahasattvasafterpracticingforahundredthousandkotisofkalpas.Thosebodhisattvasallvisitthere.Thirteenth,inthelandoftheBuddhaFearlessnesstherearesevenhundredandninetykotisofgreatbodhisattvasandincalculableminorbodhisattvasandbhiksus,whoallvisitthere."TheBuddhasaidtoMaitreya,"NotonlydothebodhisattvasfromthosefourteenBuddha-landsvisitthatland,butalsobodhisattvasfrominnumerableBuddha-landsinthetenquarters,whosenumberisincalculable.EvenifIweretogiveyouonlythenamesoftheBuddhasinthetenquartersandthenumberofthebodhisattvasandbhiksuswhovisitthatland,enumeratingthemcontinuouslydayandnightforakalpa,Iwouldnotbeabletocompletethelist.ThisiswhyIhavegivenyouonlyabriefdescription."[279a]Shakyamuni'sencouragementtoacceptthissutra[47]TheBuddhasaidtoMaitreya,"IftherearepeoplewhoheartheNameofthatBuddha,rejoicesogreatlyastodance,andrememberhimevenonce,thenyoushouldknowthattheyhavegainedgreatbenefitbyreceivingtheunsurpassedvirtue.Forthisreason,Maitreya,evenifagreatfireweretofilltheuniverseofathousandmillionworlds,youshouldpassthroughittohearthissutra,toarousejoyfulfaith,toupholdandchantit,andtopracticeinaccordancewithitsteachings.Thisisbecausetherearemanybodhisattvaswhowishtohearthisteachingbutarestillunabletodoso.Iftherearesentientbeingswhohaveheardit,theywillattaintheStageofNon-retrogressionforrealizingthehighestEnlightenment.Thisiswhyyoushouldsingle-heartedlyacceptinfaith,upholdandchantthissutra,andpracticeinaccordancewithitsteaching."TheBuddhafurthersaid,"IhaveexpoundedthisteachingforthesakeofsentientbeingsandenabledyoutoseeAmitayusandallinhisland.Strivetodowhatyoushould.AfterIhavepassedintoNirvana,donotallowdoubttoarise.Inthefuture,theBuddhistscripturesandteachingswillperish.But,outofpityandcompassion,Iwillespeciallypreservethissutraandmaintainitintheworldforahundredyearsmore.Thosebeingswhoencounteritwillattaindeliveranceinaccordwiththeiraspirations.TheBuddhasaidtoMaitreya,"ItisdifficulttoencounterandbeholdTathagatawhenheisinthisworld.Difficultofaccess,difficulttoheararetheBuddhas'teachingsandscriptures.Itisalsodifficulttoheartheexcellentteachingsforbodhisattvas,theParamitas.Difficulttooisittomeetagoodteacher,toheartheDharmaandperformthepractices.Butmostdifficultofalldifficultiesistohearthissutra,havefaithinitwithjoyandholdfasttoit.Nothingismoredifficultthanthis.ThushaveIformedmyDharma,thushaveIexpoundedmyDharma,andthushaveItaughtmyDharma.Youmustreceiveitandpracticeitbythemethodprescribed."Epilogue[48]WhentheWorld-HonoredOnehadfinishedhisexpositionofthissutra,aspirationforthehighestEnlightenmentwasawakenedininnumerablesentientbeings.TwelvethousandnayutasofhumanbeingsattainedthepureDharma-eye;twenty-twokotisofdevasandhumansattainedtheStageofaNon-returner;eighthundredthousandbhiksusrealizedthewisdomofdestroyingdefilements;fortykotisofbodhisattvasattainedtheStageofNon-retrogression;andall,adornedwiththevirtueoftheuniversalvows,willultimatelyattainperfectEnlightenment.Atthattimetheentireuniverseofathousandmillionworldsshookinsixways,andagreatlightilluminatedallthelandsinthetenquarters.Ahundredthousandkindsofmusicplayedspontaneously,andinnumerablemarvelousflowersfellinprofusionfromthesky.WhentheBuddhafinisheddeliveringthissutra,theBodhisattvaMaitreyaandbodhisattvasfromthelandsinthetenquarters,togetherwiththeElderAnanda,othergreatshravakas,andallthoseintheassembly,withoutexception,rejoicedattheBuddha'sdiscourse.(TranslatedfromChinesebyHisaoInagaki)(ThetextfollowstheTaishoTripitakaedition,vol.12,andthepassagenumbersfollowJodoshinshuSeiten,1988,pp.3-40.)

(TripitakaNo.360)TranslatedintoChineseduringtheTsoe-NgaidynastybytheTripitakaMasterSamghavarmanfromIndia

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