Larger
Sutra on Amida Buddha
(Daimuryojukyo, or Larger Sukhavativyuha Sutra)
This
Sutra expounds the Sacred Story of Amida
and was delivered by Shakyamuni Buddha and translated into Chinese
during the Ts'ao-Wei dynasty by
the Tripitaka Master Samghavarman from
India.
(Translated
from Chinese by Hisao Inagaki)
BOOKMARKS for this page
Preface
Virtues
of the Bodhisattva audience
Glorious
features of the Buddha
53
Past Buddhas
Lokeshvararaja
Buddha and Dharmakara
Sanbutsuge
- Verses praising the Buddha
Dharmakara's
resolution to become a Buddha
Dharmakara's
48 Vows
Juseige
- Verses confirming the 48 Vows
Dharmakara's
practices of the Bodhisattva Path
Dharmakara's
attainment of Buddhahood
Amida's
light
Amida's
life-span
The
number of the audience at the first assembly
Jewelled
trees
The Bodhi-tree
Glorious
adornments
Bodily
appearance of the inhabitants and the pleasures they enjoy
Karmic
rewards of a beggar and a king
Comparison
between heavens and the Pure Land
Pleasures
in the Pure Land
Flowers
and innumerable rays of light emitted from them
Fulfillment
of the 11th, 17th, and 18th vows
Three grades of aspirants
Bodhisattvas' visit to the
Pure Land from other lands
Verses on Bodhisattvas'
visit
Bodhisattvas in the Pure
Land
Amida's
preaching and exquisite sounds produced by the trees, etc.
Bodhisattvas' virtues
Three
kinds of evil passions and their consequences
Shakyamuni's
encouragement to do good
Shakyamuni's
admonition against evil acts
Admonition against five
evils
Further admonition by
the Buddha
Amida
and the Pure Land shown to the audience
Two kinds of
birth in the Pure Land
The cause of
the two kinds of birth
Shakyamuni's
encouragement of faith
Embryonic birth
Bodhisattvas'
visits to the Pure Land from other Buddha-lands
Shakyamuni's
encouragement to accept this sutra
Epilogue
Preface
[1] Thus have I heard.
At one time the Buddha was staying on the Vulture Peak
in
Rajagriha with a large company of twelve thousand monks. They were all
great sages who had already attained supernatural powers. Among them
were the following: the Venerable Ajnata-kaundinya, the Venerable
Ashvajit, the Venerable Vaspa, the Venerable Mahanama, the Venerable
Bhadrajit, the Venerable Vimala, the Venerable Yashodeva, the Venerable
Subahu, the Venerable Purnaka, the Venerable Gavampati, the Venerable
Uruvilva-kashyapa, the Venerable Gaya-kashyapa, the Venerable
Nadi-kashyapa, the Venerable Mahakashyapa, the Venerable Shariputra,
the Venerable Mahamaudgalyayana, the Venerable Kapphina, the Venerable
Mahakausthilya, the Venerable Mahakatyayana, the Venerable Mahacunda,
the Venerable Purna-maitrayaniputra, the Venerable Aniruddha, the
Venerable Revata, the Venerable Kimpila, the Venerable
Amogha-raja, the Venerable Parayanika, the Venerable Vakkula, the
Venerable Nanda, the
Venerable Svagata, the Venerable Rahula and the Venerable Ananda. All
of these were Elders.
Mahayana bodhisattvas also accompanied the Buddha,
including
all those of this Auspicious Kalpa, such as the Bodhisattva
Samantabhadra, the Bodhisattva Manjushri and the Bodhisattva Maitreya.
There were also the sixteen lay bodhisattvas, such as Bhadrapala, as
well as the Bodhisattva Profound Thought, the Bodhisattva Wisdom of
Faith, the Bodhisattva Voidness, the Bodhisattva Bloom of Supernatural
Power, the Bodhisattva Hero of Light, the Bodhisattva Superior wisdom,
the Bodhisattva Banner of Wisdom, the Bodhisattva Tranquil Ability, the
Bodhisattva Wisdom of Vows, the Bodhisattva Sweet-smelling Elephant,
the Bodhisattva Hero of Treasures, the Bodhisattva
Dwelling-in-the-Center, the Bodhisattva Practice of Restraint and the
Bodhisattva Emancipation.
Virtues of the
Bodhisattva audience
[2] Each of these bodhisattvas, following the virtues of
the
Mahasattva Samantabhadra, is endowed with the immeasurable practices
and vows of the Bodhisattva Path, and firmly dwells in all the
meritorious deeds. He freely travels in all the ten quarters and
employs skillful means of emancipation. He enters the treasury of the
Dharma of the Buddhas, and reaches the Other Shore. Throughout the
innumerable worlds he attains Enlightenment. First, dwelling in the
Tusita Heaven, he proclaims the true Dharma. Having left the heavenly
palace, he descends into his mother's womb. Soon after he is born from
her right side, he takes seven steps. As he does so, an effulgence
illuminates everywhere in the ten quarters and innumerable Buddha-lands
shake in six ways. Then he utters these words, "I will become the most
honored one in the world."
Shakra and Brahma reverently attend him, and heavenly
beings
adore and worship him. He shows his ability in calculation, writing,
archery and horsemanship. He is also conversant with the divine arts
and well-read in many volumes. In the field outside the palace he
trains himself in the martial arts, and at court shows that he also
enjoys the pleasures of the senses.
When he first encounters old age, sickness and death, he
realizes the impermanence of the world. He renounces his kingdom,
wealth and throne, and goes into the mountains to practice the Way.
After sending back the white horse that he has been riding, together
with the jewelled crown and ornaments which he has been wearing, he
takes off his magnificent clothes and puts on a Dharma robe. He cuts
his hair and shaves his beard, sits upright under a tree and strives at
ascetic practices for six years in accord with the traditional way.
Since he has appeared in the world of the five defilements, he behaves
as the multitude. And as his body appears dirty, he takes a bath in the
Golden River. As a god bends a branch down towards him, he is able to
climb up the river bank. A divine bird follows him closely to the seat
of Enlightenment. A deva takes the form of a youth and, perceiving a
favorable sign, respectfully presents him with the auspicious grass.
The Bodhisattva compassionately accepts it, spreads it under the
Bodhi-tree and sits upon it with his legs crossed. He emits a great
flood of light to inform Mara of this. Mara and his army come to attack
and tempt him, but he brings them under control with the power of
wisdom and makes them all surrender. Then he attains the supreme Dharma
and realizes the highest, perfect Enlightenment.
As Shakra and Brahma request him to turn the Wheel of the
Dharma, the Buddha visits various places and preaches the Dharma in his
thunderous voice. He beats the Dharma-drum, blows the Dharma-conch,
brandishes the Dharma-sword, hoists the Dharma-banner, rolls the
Dharma-thunder, hurls the Dharma-lightning, brings the Dharma-rain, and
bestows the Dharma-gift. At all times, he awakens the world with the
sound of the Dharma. His light illuminates countless Buddha-lands,
causing the entire world to quake in six ways. It encompasses Mara's
realm, shaking his palace, so that he and his host become frightened
and surrender. The bodhisattva tears asunder the net of evil, destroys
wrong views, removes afflictions, flushes the gutters of desire,
protects the Dharma-castle, opens the Dharma-gate, washes off the grime
of the passions, and reveals the pure white Dharma. He unifies
everything in the Buddha Dharma, and thus proclaims the right teaching.
He enters the town to beg alms; he accepts even rich food to enable the
donors to accumulate merit and also to show that he is a field of
virtue. Wishing to expound the Dharma, he smiles and so cures the three
pains with various Dharma-medicines. He teaches that the aspiration for
Enlightenment has immeasurable merit and, by giving predictions
to bodhisattvas, he enables them to attain Buddhahood.
He demonstrates that he passes into Nirvana, but
endlessly
brings sentient beings to emancipation. In removing their defilements,
planting various roots of virtue and attaining excellent
merit, he displays wonderful and inconceivable works.
Furthermore, each of the bodhisattvas in the assembly is
able
to visit various Buddha-lands and expound teachings of the Way. His
manner of practice is pure and undefiled. Just as a magician with his
perfect skill can create at will various illusions, including images of
man or woman, at will, so the bodhisattva, having thoroughly learned
all the methods of emancipation and attained serene awareness of
reality, can freely teach and transform beings.
He manifests himself everywhere in innumerable
Buddha-lands,
performing acts of compassion for sentient beings tirelessly and with
diligence.
He has thus obtained complete mastery of such methods of emancipation.
He is thoroughly conversant with the essentials of the sutras for
bodhisattvas and, as his fame spreads everywhere, he guides sentient
beings throughout the ten quarters. All Buddhas remember him and give
him their protection. He has already dwelt in all the Buddha's abodes
and performed all the deeds of the Great Sage.
He proclaims the Tathagata's teachings, acts as a great
master for other bodhisattvas and, with profound samadhi and wisdom,
guides multitudes of beings. With penetrating insight into the
essential nature of dharmas, he discerns different aspects of living
beings and closely watches over all the worlds. In making offerings to
the Buddhas, he manifests transformed bodies like flashes of
lightning.
Having well learned the extensive wisdom of fearless and
having realized the illusory nature of dharmas, he destroys Mara's nets
and unties all the bonds of passion. He rises above the stages of
shravakas and pratyekabuddhas and attains the samadhis of emptiness,
non-form, and non-desire. He skillfully provides expedient means and
thus reveals three distinct teachings.
Then for those of the middle and lower stages, he
demonstrates his passing into Nirvana. But, in reality, he is
non-active and non-acquisitive, and, being aware that dharmas in
themselves neither arise nor perish, he realizes that they are of
absolute equality. He has attained innumerable dharanis, a hundred
thousand samadhis and various kinds of spiritual faculties and wisdom.
With the Meditation of Vast and Universal Tranquillity, he enters
deeply into the Dharma-treasury for bodhisattvas. After attaining the
Buddha-garland Samadhi, he proclaims and expounds all the sutras. While
dwelling deep in meditation, he visualizes all the innumerable Buddhas
and in an instant visits every one of them.
By elucidating and teaching the ultimate truth to
sentient
beings, he delivers them from the state of extreme pains, from the
conditions in which suffering is so great as to prevent people from
finding time for Buddhist practices, and also from the conditions in
which suffering is not so great as to prevent them from doing so.
Having attained the Tathagata's thorough knowledge and eloquence, he
has fluent command of languages, with which he enlightens all beings.
He is above all worldly affairs and his mind, always serene, dwells on
the path of emancipation; this gives him complete control over all
dharmas.
Without being asked to do so, he becomes a good friend
to
each of the multitude of beings and carries their heavy karmic burdens
on his back. He upholds the Tathagata's profound Dharma-treasury and
protects the seeds of Buddhahood, so that they may continue to
multiply. Having awakened great compassion for sentient beings, he
kindly expounds the teaching, and endows them with the Dharma-eye. He
blocks the paths to the three evil realms, opens the gate of virtue
and, without waiting for their request, provides beings with the
Dharma. He does this for the multitude of beings just as a dutiful son
loves and respects his parents. He indeed looks upon sentient beings as
his own self.
With such roots of virtue, all the bodhisattvas in the
assembly had reached the shore of emancipation. They had acquired the
Buddha's immeasurable merit and attained the sacred, pure and
inconceivable wisdom. Innumerable bodhisattvas, mahasattvas, such as
these assembled there all at once.
Glorious features of the Buddha
[3] At that time all the senses of the World-Honored One
radiated joy, his entire body appeared serene and glorious, and his
august countenance looked most majestic. Having perceived the Buddha's
holy intention, the Venerable Ananda rose from his seat, bared his
right shoulder, prostrated himself, and joining his palms in reverence,
said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, today all your senses are
radiant with joy, your body is serene and glorious, and your august
countenance is as majestic as a clear mirror whose brightness radiates
outward and inward. The magnificence of your dignified appearance is
unsurpassed and beyond measure. I have never seen you look so superb
and majestic as today. With respect, Great Sage, this thought has
occurred to me: 'Today, the World-Honored One dwells in the rare and
marvelous Dharma; today, the World-Hero dwells in the Buddha's abode;
today, the World-Eye concentrates on the performance of the leader's
duty; today, the World-Valiant One dwells in the supreme Bodhi; today,
the One Most Honored in Heaven realizes the Tathagata's virtue. The
Buddhas of the past, present and future contemplate each other. How can
this present Buddha not contemplate all other Buddhas?' For what reason
does his countenance look so majestic and brilliant?"
Then the World-Honored One said to Ananda, "Tell me,
Ananda,
whether some god urged you to put this question to the Buddha or
whether you asked about his glorious countenance from your own wise
observation." Ananda replied to the Buddha, "No god came to prompt me.
I asked you about this matter of my own accord."
The Buddha said, "Well said, Ananda. I am very pleased
with
your question. You have shown profound wisdom and subtle insight in
asking me this wise question out of compassion for sentient beings. As
the Tathagata, I regard beings of the three worlds with boundless great
compassion. The reason for my appearance in the world is to reveal
teachings of the Way and save multitudes of beings by endowing them
with true benefits. Even in countless millions of kalpas it is
difficult to come upon and meet a Tathagata. It is as difficult as
seeing an udumbara flower, which blooms very rarely. Your question is
of great benefit and will enlighten all heavenly and human beings.
Ananda, you should realize that the Tathagata's perfectly enlightened
wisdom is unfathomable, capable of leading innumerable beings to
emancipation, and that his penetrating insight cannot be obstructed.
With just one meal, he is able to live for a hundred thousand kotis of
kalpas, or an incalculable and immeasurable length of time, or beyond.
Even after that lapse of time, his senses will still be radiant with
joy and show no signs of deterioration; his appearance will not change,
and his august countenance will look just the same. The reason for this
is that the Tathagata's meditation and wisdom are perfect and boundless
and that he has attained unrestricted power over all dharmas. Ananda,
listen carefully. I shall now expound the Dharma."
Ananda replied, "Yes, I will. With joy in my heart, I
wish to
hear the Dharma."
53 Past Buddhas
[4] The Buddha said to Ananda, "In the distant past --
innumerable, incalculable and inconceivable kalpas ago -- a Tathagata
named Dipankara appeared in the world. Having taught and freed
innumerable beings and led them all along the path of Enlightenment, he
passed into Nirvana. Next appeared a Tathagata named Far-reaching
Light. After him came Moonlight, and then Sandalwood-Incense, King of
Beautiful Mountains, Crown of Mount Sumeru, Brilliant like Mount
Sumeru, Color of the Moon, Right Recollection, Free of Defilement,
Non-attachment, Dragon-deva, Nocturnal Light, Peaceful and Brilliant
Peak, Immovable Ground, Exquisite Beryl Flower, Golden Beryl Luster,
Gold-treasury, Flaming Light, Fiery Origin, Earth-shaking, Image of the
Moon, Sound of the Sun, Flower of Freedom, Glorious Light, Miraculous
Power of the Ocean of Enlightenment, Water Light, Great Fragrance, Free
of Dust and Defilement, Abandoning Enmity, Flame of Jewels, Beautiful
Peak, Heroic Stance, Merit-possessing Wisdom, Outshining the Sun and
the Moon, Beryl Light of the Sun and the Moon, Supreme Beryl Light,
Highest Peak, Flower of Enlightenment, Brightness of the Moon,
Sunlight, King of the Colors of Flowers, Moonlight on the Water,
Dispelling the Darkness of Ignorance, Practice of Removing Hindrances,
Pure Faith, Storage of Good, Majestic Glory, Wisdom of the Dharma, Call
of the Phoenix, Roar of the Lion, Voice of the Dragon and
Dwelling-in-the-world. All these Buddhas have already passed into
Nirvana.
Lokeshvararaja
Buddha and Dharmakara
[5] "Then appeared a Buddha named Lokeshvararaja, the
Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One, Possessed of Wisdom and
Practice, Perfected One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of
Men, Master of Gods and Men, Buddha and World-Honored One.
"At that time there was a king, who, having heard the
Buddha's
exposition of the Dharma, rejoiced in his heart and awakened aspiration
for the highest, perfect Enlightenment. He renounced his kingdom and
the throne, and became a monk named Dharmakara. Having superior
intelligence, courage and wisdom, he distinguished himself in the
world. He went to see the Tathagata Lokeshvararaja, knelt down at his
feet, walked round him three times keeping him always on his right,
prostrated himself on the ground, and putting his palms together in
worship, praised the Buddha with these verses:
Sanbutsuge -
Verses praising the Buddha
The shining face of the Buddha is glorious;
Boundless is his magnificence.
Radiant splendor such as his
Is beyond all comparison.
The sun, the moon and the mani-jewel,
Though shining with dazzling brightness,
Are completely dimmed and obscured
As if they were a pile of ink-sticks
The countenance of the Tathagata
Is beyond compare in the whole world.
The great voice of the Enlightened One
Resounds throughout the ten regions.
His morality, learning, endeavor,
Absorption in meditation, wisdom
And magnificent virtues have no equal;
They are wonderful and unsurpassed.
He meditates deeply and directly
On the oceanic Dharma of all the Buddhas.
He knows its depth and breadth
And penetrates to its farthest end.
Ignorance, greed and anger
Are forever absent in the World-Honored One.
He is the lion, the most valiant of all men;
His glorious virtue is unlimited.
His meritorious achievements are vast;
His wisdom is deep and sublime.
His light, with awe-inspiring glory,
Shakes the universe of a thousand million worlds.
I resolve to become a Buddha,
Equal in attainment to you, O holy king of the Dharma,
To save living beings from birth-and-death,
And to lead them all to emancipation.
My discipline in giving, mind-control,
Moral virtues, forbearance and effort,
And also in meditation and wisdom,
Shall be supreme and unsurpassed.
I vow that, when I have become a Buddha,
I shall carry out this promise everywhere;
And to all fear-ridden beings
Shall I give great peace.
Even though there are Buddhas,
A thousand million kotis in number,
And multiudes of great sages
Countless as the sands of the Ganges,
I shall make offerings
To all those Buddhas.
I shall seek the supreme Way
Resolutely and tirelessly.
Even though the Buddha-lands are as innumerable
As the sands of the Ganges,
And other regions and worlds
Are also without number,
My light shall shine everywhere,
Pervading all those lands.
Such being the result of my efforts,
My glorious power shall be immeasurable.
When I have become a Buddha,
My land shall be most exquisite,
And its people wonderful and unexcelled;
The seat of Enlightenment shall be supreme.
My land, being like Nirvana itself,
Shall be beyond comparison.
I take pity on living beings
And resolve to save them all.
Those who come from the ten quarters
Shall find joy and serenity of heart;
When they reach my land,
They shall dwell in peace and happiness.
I beg you, the Buddha, to become my witness
And to vouch for the truth of my aspiration.
Having now made my vows to you,
I will strive to fulfilll them.
The World-Honored Ones in the ten quarters
Have unimpeded wisdom;
I call upon those Honored Ones
To bear witness to my intention.
Even though I must remain
In a state of extreme pain,
I will diligently practice,
Enduring all hardships with tireless vigor."
Dharmakara's
resolution to become a Buddha
[6] The Buddha said to Ananda, "Having spoken these
verses,
the Bhiksu Dharmakara said to the Buddha Lokeshvararaja, 'Respectfully,
World-Honored One, I announce that I have awakened aspiration for the
highest, perfect Enlightenment. I beseech you to explain the Dharma to
me fully, so that I can perform practices for the establishment of a
pure Buddha-land adorned with infinite excellent qualities. So please
teach me how to attain Enlightenment quickly and to remove the roots of
afflictions of birth-and-death for all.'"
The Buddha said to Ananda, "At that time the Buddha
Lokeshvararaja replied to the Bhiksu Dharmakara, 'You yourself should
know by what practice you can establish a glorious Buddha-land.' The
Bhiksu said to the Buddha, 'That is far too vast and deep for my
comprehension. I sincerely beseech you, World-Honored One, to explain
in detail the practices by which Buddhas, Tathagatas, established their
pure lands. After I hear that, I wish to practice as instructed and so
fulfill my aspirations.'
"At that time the Buddha Lokeshvararaja recognized the
Bhiksu
Dharmakara's noble and high aspirations, and taught him as follows:
'If, for example, one keeps on bailing water out of a great ocean with
a pint-measure, one will be able to reach the bottom after many kalpas
and then obtain rare treasures. Likewise, if one sincerely, diligently
and unceasingly seeks the Way, one will be able to reach one's
destination. What vow is there which cannot be fulfilled?'
"Then the Buddha Lokeshvararaja explained in detail the
greater and lesser aspects of two hundred and ten kotis of
Buddha-lands, together with the good and evil natures of heavenly and
human beings living there. He revealed them all to the Bhiksu just as
he had requested. Then the Bhiksu, having heard the Buddha's exposition
of the glorious pure land and also having seen all of them, resolved
upon his supreme, unsurpassed vows. His mind being serene and his
aspirations free of attachment, he was unexcelled throughout the world.
For five full kalpas he contemplated the vows, and then chose the pure
practices for the establishment of his Buddha-land." Ananda asked the
Buddha, "How long was the life-span of beings in the land of the Buddha
Lokeshvararaja?"
The Buddha replied, "The length of life of that Buddha
was
forty-two kalpas."
He continued, "After that Dharmakara Bodhisattva adopted
the
pure practices which had led to the establishment of the excellent
lands of two hundred and ten kotis of Buddhas. When he had finished
this task, he went to the Buddha, knelt down at his feet, walked round
him three times, joined his palms in worship and sat down. He then said
to the Buddha, 'I have adopted the pure practices for the establishment
of a glorious Buddha-land.' The Buddha said to him, 'You should
proclaim this. Know that now is the right time. Encourage and delight
the entire assembly. Hearing this, other bodhisattvas will practice
this Dharma and so fulfill their innumerable great vows.' The Bhiksu
replied, 'I beg you to grant me your attention. Now I will fully
proclaim my vows.'
Dharmakara's
48 Vows
[7] (1) If, when I attain Buddhahood, there should be in
my
land a hell, a realm of hungry spirits or a realm of animals, may I not
attain perfect Enlightenment.
(2) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
after death fall again into the three evil realms, may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment.
(3) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
not all be the color of pure gold, may I not attain perfect
Enlightenment.
(4) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
not all be of one appearance, and should there be any difference in
beauty, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(5) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
not remember all their previous lives, not knowing even the events
which occurred during the previous hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of
kalpas, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(6) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
not possess the divine eye of seeing even a hundred thousand kotis of
nayutas of Buddha-lands, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(7) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
not possess the divine ear of hearing the teachings of at least a
hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of Buddhas and should not remember
all of them, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(8) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
not possess the faculty of knowing the thoughts of others, at least
those of all sentient beings living in a hundred thousand kotis of
nayutas of Buddha-lands, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(9) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
not possess the supernatural power of travelling anywhere in one
instant, even beyond a hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of
Buddha-lands, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(10) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
give rise to thoughts of self-attachment, may I not attain perfect
Enlightenment.
(11) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
not dwell in the Definitely Assured State and unfailingly reach
Nirvana, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(12) If, when I attain Buddhahood, my light should be limited, unable
to illuminate at least a hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of
Buddha-lands, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(13) If, when I attain Buddhahood, my life-span should be limited, even
to the extent of a hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of kalpas, may I
not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(14) If, when I attain Buddhahood, the number of the shravakas in my
land could be known, even if all the beings and pratyekabuddhas living
in this universe of a thousand million worlds should count them during
a hundred thousand kalpas, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(15) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
have limited life-spans, except when they wish to shorten them in
accordance with their original vows, may I not attain perfect
Enlightenment.
(16) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
even hear of any wrongdoing, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(17) If, when I attain Buddhahood, innumerable Buddhas in the land of
the ten quarters should not all praise and glorify my Name, may I not
attain perfect Enlightenment.
(18) If, when I attain Buddhahood, sentient beings in the lands of the
ten quarters who sincerely and joyfully entrust themselves to me,
desire to be born in my land, and call my Name, even ten times, should
not be born there, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment. Excluded,
however, are those who commit the five gravest offences and abuse the
right Dharma.
(19) If, when I attain Buddhahood, sentient beings in the lands of the
ten quarters, who awaken aspiration for Enlightenment, do various
meritorious deeds
and sincerely desire to be born in my land, should not, at their death,
see me appear before them surrounded by a multitude of sages, may I not
attain perfect Enlightenment.
(20) If, when I attain Buddhahood, sentient beings in the lands of the
ten quarters who, having heard my Name, concentrate their thoughts on
my land, plant roots of virtue, and sincerely transfer their merits
towards my land with a desire to be born there, should not eventually
fulfill their aspiration, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(21) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
not all be endowed with the thirty-two physical characteristics of a
Great Man, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(22) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in the Buddha-lands of
other quarters who visit my land should not ultimately and unfailingly
reach the Stage of Becoming a Buddha after One More Life, may I not
attain perfect Enlightenment. Excepted are those who wish to teach and
guide sentient beings in accordance with their original vows. For they
wear the armour of great vows, accumulate merits, deliver all beings
from birth-and-death, visit Buddha-lands to perform the bodhisattva
practices, make offerings to Buddhas, Tathagatas, throughout the ten
quarters, enlighten uncountable sentient beings as numerous as the
sands of the River Ganges, and establish them in the highest, perfect
Enlightenment. Such bodhisattvas transcend the course of practice of
the ordinary bodhisattvas, manifest the practices of all the
bodhisattva stages, and cultivate the virtues of Samantabhadra.
(23) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in my land, in order to
make offerings to Buddhas through my transcendent power, should not be
able to reach immeasurable and innumerable kotis of nayutas of
Buddha-lands in as short a time as it takes to eat a meal, may I not
attain perfect Enlightenment.
(24) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in my land should not
be able, as they wish, to perform meritorious acts of worshipping the
Buddhas with the offerings of their choice, may I not attain perfect
Enlightenment.
(25) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in my land should not
be able to expound the Dharma with the all-knowing wisdom, may I not
attain perfect Enlightenment.
(26) If, when I attain Buddhahood, there should be any bodhisattva in
my land not endowed with the body of the Vajra-god Narayana, may I not
attain perfect Enlightenment.
(27) If, when I attain Buddhahood, sentient beings should be able, even
with the divine eye, to distinguish by name calculate by number all the
myriads of manifestations provided for the humans and devas in my land,
which are glorious and resplendent and have exquisite details beyond
description, may I not attain perfect Enlightenmet.
(28) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in my land, even those
with little store of merit, should not be able to
see the Bodhi-tree which has countless colors and is four million li in
height, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(29) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in my land should not
acquire eloquence and wisdom in upholding sutras and reciting and
expounding them, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(30) If, when I attain Buddhahood, the wisdom and eloquence of
bodhisattvas in my land should be limited, may I not attain perfect
Enlightenment.
(31) If, when I attain Buddhahood, my land should not be resplendent,
revealing in its light all the immeasurable, innumerable and
inconceivable Buddha-lands, like images reflected in a clear mirror,
may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(32) If, when I attain Buddhahood, all the myriads of manifestations in
my land, from the ground to the sky, such as palaces, pavilions, ponds,
streams and trees, should not be composed of both countless treasures,
which surpass in supreme excellence anything in the worlds of humans
and devas, and of a hundred thousand kinds of aromatic wood, whose
fragrance pervades all the worlds of the ten quarters, causing all
bodhisattvas who sense it to perform Buddhist practices, then may I not
attain perfect Enlightenment.
(33) If, when I attain Buddhahood, sentient beings in the immeasurable
and inconceivable Buddha-lands of the ten quarters, who have been
touched by my light, should not feel peace and happiness in their
bodies and minds surpassing those of humans and devas, may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment.
(34) If, when I attain Buddhahood, sentient beings in the immeasurable
and inconceivable Buddha-lands of the ten quarters, who have heard my
Name, should not gain the bodhisattva's insight into the non-arising of
all dharmas and should not acquire various profound dharanis, may I not
attain perfect Enlightenment.
(35) If, when I attain Buddhahood, women in the immeasurable and
inconceivable Buddha-lands of the ten quarters who, having heard my
Name, rejoice in faith, awaken aspiration for Enlightenment and wish to
renounce womanhood, should after death be reborn again as women, may I
not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(36) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in the immeasurable and
inconceivable Buddha-lands of the ten quarters, who have heard my Name,
should not, after the end of their lives, always perform sacred
practices until they reach Buddhahood, may I not attain perfect
Enlightenment.
(37) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in the immeasurable
and inconceivable Buddha-lands of the ten quarters, who having heard my
Name, prostrate themselves on the ground to revere and worship me,
rejoice in faith, and perform bodhisattva practices, should not be
respected by all devas and people of the world, may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment.
(38) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
not obtain clothing, as soon as such a desire arises in their minds,
and if the fine robes as prescribed and praised by the Buddhas should
not be spontaneously provided for them to wear, and if these clothes
should need sewing, bleaching, dyeing or washing, may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment.
(39) If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should
not enjoy happiness and pleasure comparable to that of a monk who has
exhausted all the passions, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(40) If, when I attain Buddhahood, the bodhisattvas in my land who wish
to see the immeasurable glorious Buddha-lands of the ten quarters,
should not be able to view all of them reflected in the jewelled trees,
just as one sees one's face reflected in a clear mirror, may I not
attain perfect Enlightenment.
(41) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in the lands of the
other quarters who hear my Name should, at any time before becoming
Buddhas, have impaired, inferior or incomplete sense organs, may I not
attain perfect Enlightenment.
(42) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in the lands of the
other quarters who hear my Name should not all attain the samadhi
called 'pure emancipation' and, while dwelling therein, without losing
concentration, should not be able to make offerings in one instant to
immeasurable and inconceivable Buddhas, World-Honored Ones, may I not
attain perfect Enlightenment.
(43) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in the lands of the
other quarters who hear my Name should not be reborn into noble
families after their death, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(44) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in the lands of the
other quarters who hear my Name should not rejoice so greatly as to
dance and perform the bodhisattva practices and should not acquire
stores of merit, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(45) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in the lands of the
other quarters who hear my Name should not all attain the samadhi
called 'universal equality' and, while dwelling therein, should not
always be able to see all the immeasurable and inconceivable Tathagatas
until those bodhisattvas, too, become Buddhas, may I not attain perfect
Enlightenment.
(46) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in my land should not
be able to hear spontaneously whatever teachings they may wish,
may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(47) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in the lands of the
other quarters who hear my Name should not instantly reach the Stage of
Non-retrogression, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
(48) If, when I attain Buddhahood, bodhisattvas in the lands of the
other quarters who hear my Name should not instantly gain the first,
second and third insights into the nature of dharmas and firmly abide
in the truths realized by all the Buddhas, may I not attain perfect
Enlightenment."
Juseige -
Verses confirming the 48 Vows
[8] The Buddha said to Ananda, "The Bhiksu Dharmakara,
having
thus
proclaimed those vows, spoke the following verses:
I have made vows, unrivaled in all the world;
I will certainly reach the unsurpassed Way.
If these vows should not be fulfilled,
May I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
If I should not become a great benefactor
In lives to come for immeasurable kalpas
To save the poor and the afflicted everywhere,
May I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
When I attain Buddhahood,
My Name shall be heard throughout the ten quarters;
Should there be any place where it is not heard,
May I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
Free of greed and with deep, perfect mindfulness
And pure wisdom, I will perform the sacred practices;
I will seek to attain the unsurpassed Way
And become the teacher of devas and humans.
With my divine power I will display great light,
Illuminating the worlds without limit,
And dispel the darkness of the three defilements;
Thus I will deliver all beings from misery.
Having obtained the eye of wisdom,
I will remove the darkness of ignorance;
I will block all the evil paths
And open the gate to the good realms.
When merits and virtues are perfected,
My majestic light shall radiate in the ten quarters,
Outshining the sun and the moon
And surpassing the brilliance of the heavens.
I will open the Dharma-store for the multitudes
And endow them all with treasures of merit.
Being always among the multitudes,
I will proclaim the Dharma with the lion's roar.
I will make offerings to all the Buddhas,
Thereby acquiring roots of virtue.
When my vows are fulfilled and my wisdom perfected,
I shall be the sovereign of the three worlds.
Like your unhindered wisdom, O Buddha,
Mine shall reach everywhere, illuminating all;
May my supreme wisdom
Be like yours, Most Excellent Honored One.
If these vows are to be fulfilled,
Let this universe of a thousand million worlds shake in response
And let all the devas in heaven
Rain down rare and marvelous flowers."
Dharmakara's
practices of the Bodhisattva Path
[9] The Buddha said to Ananda, "As soon as the Bhiksu
Dharmakara spoke those verses, the entire earth shook in six ways, and
a rain of wonderful flowers fell from heaven, scattering everywhere.
Spontaneous music was heard, and a voice in the sky said, 'Surely you
will attain the highest, perfect Enlightenment. "Then the Bhiksu
Dharmakara kept all those great vows which were sincere, unfailing and
unsurpassed in the whole world, and intensely aspired to attain Nirvana.
"Then, Ananda, after proclaiming and establishing those universal vows
in the presence of the Buddha Lokeshvararaja before the multitude of
beings, including the eight kinds of superhuman beings, such as devas
and dragon-spirits, and also Mara and Brahma, the Bhiksu Dharmakara was
solely intent on producing a glorious and exquisite land. The
Buddha-land which he sought to establish was vast in extent,
unsurpassed and supremely wonderful, always present and subject neither
to decay nor change. During inconceivable and innumerable kalpas, he
cultivated the immeasurable meritorious practices of the Bodhisattva
Path.
"He did not harbor any thought of greed, hatred or cruelty; nor did he
allow any ideas of greed, hatred or cruelty to arise. He was unattached
to any form, sound, smell, taste, touch or idea. Possessed of the power
to persevere, he did not avoid undergoing various afflictions. Having
little desire for his own sake, he knew contentment. Without any impure
thought, enmity or stupidity, he dwelt continually in tranquil samadhi.
His wisdom was unobstructed, and his mind free of falsehood and
deceitfulness. With an expression of tenderness in his face and with
kindness in his speech, he spoke to others in consonance with their
inner thoughts. Courageous and diligent, strong-willed and untiring, he
devoted himself solely to the pursuit of the pure Dharma, thereby
benefiting a multitude of beings. He revered the Three Treasures,
respected his teachers and elders, and thus adorned his practices with
a great store of merits. By so doing, he enabled sentient beings to
partake of it.
"He dwelt in the realization that all dharmas are empty, devoid of
distinctive features, and not to be sought after, and that they neither
act nor arise; he thus realized that all dharmas are like magical
creations. He avoided all wrong speech that would bring harm upon
himself or others or both; he engaged in right speech that would bring
benefit to himself or others or both. He abandoned his kingdom and
renounced the throne, leaving behind wealth and sensuous pleasures.
Practicing the Six Paramitas himself, he taught others to do the same.
During innumerable kalpas, he accumulated merits and amassed virtues.
"Wherever he was born, an immeasurable stock of treasure spontaneously
appeared as he wished. He taught countless sentient beings and guided
them on the path of the highest, true Enlightenment. He was reborn as a
rich man, a lay devotee, a member of the highest caste or of a noble
family, a ksatriya king, a wheel-turning monarch, a king of one of the
six heavens in the world of desire, or even higher, as a Brahma-king.
He revered and worshipped all Buddhas by making the four kinds of
offering to them. The merit he thus acquired was indescribably great.
Fragrance issued from his mouth as from a blue lotus-flower, and every
pore of his body emitted the scent of sandalwood, which permeated
innumerable worlds. His appearance was majestic, and his physical
characteristics and marks were truly wonderful. From his hands,
inexhaustible treasures, clothes, food and drink, rare and exquisite
flowers and incense, silken canopies, banners, and other ornaments were
produced. In such manifestations he was unrivaled among all heavenly
and human beings. He thus attained the command of all
dharmas."
Dharmakara's attainment
of Buddhahood
[10] Ananda asked the Buddha, "Has the Bodhisattva
Dharmakara
already attained Buddhahood and then passed into Nirvana? Or has he not
yet attained Buddhahood? Or is he dwelling somewhere at present?" The
Buddha replied to Ananda, "The Bodhisattva Dharmakara has already
attained Buddhahood and is now dwelling in a western Buddha-land,
called 'Peace and Bliss,' a hundred thousand kotis of lands away from
here."
Ananda further asked the Buddha, "How much time has passed since he
attained Buddhahood?"
The Buddha replied, "Since he attained Buddhahood, about ten kalpas
have passed."
He continued, "In that Buddha-land, the earth is composed of seven
jewels --namely, gold, silver, beryl, coral, amber, agate and ruby --
which have spontaneously appeared. The land itself is so vast,
spreading boundlessly to the farthest extent, that it is impossible to
know its limit. All the rays of light from those jewels intermingle and
create manifold reflections, producing a dazzling illumination. Those
pure, superb and exquisite adornments are unsurpassed in all the worlds
of the ten quarters. They are the finest of all gems, and are like
those of the Sixth Heaven. In that land, there are no mountains, such
as Mount Sumeru and the Encircling Adamantine Mountains. Likewise,
there are neither oceans nor seas, valleys nor gorges. But one can see
those manifestations by the Buddha's power if one so wishes. In that
land there is no hell; neither are there realms of hungry spirits and
animals nor other adverse conditions. Neither do the four seasons of
spring, summer, autumn and winter exist. It is always moderate and
pleasant, never cold or hot."
Then, Ananda asked the Buddha, "If, World-Honored One, there is no
Mount Sumeru in that land, what sustains the Heaven of the Four Kings
and the Heaven of the Thirty-three Gods?"
The Buddha said to Ananda, "What sustains Yama, which is the Third
Heaven of the world of desire, and other heavens up to the Highest
Heaven of the world of form?"
Ananda answered, "The consequences of karma are inconceivable." The
Buddha said to Ananda, "Inconceivable indeed are the consequences of
karma, and so are the worlds of the Buddhas. By the power of
meritorious deeds, sentient beings in that land dwell on the ground of
karmic reward. That is why those heavens exist without Mount Sumeru."
Ananda continued, "I do not doubt this myself but have asked you about
it simply because I wished to remove such doubts for the benefit of
sentient beings in the future."
Amida's light
[11] The Buddha said to Ananda, "The majestic light of
the
Buddha Amitayus is the most exalted. No other Buddha's light can match
his. The light of some Buddhas illuminates a hundred Buddha-lands, and
that of others, a thousand Buddha-lands. Briefly, that of Amitayus
illuminates the eastern Buddha-land, as numerous as the sands of the
River Ganges. In the same way, it illuminates the Buddha-lands in the
south, west and north, in each of the four intermediate quarters, above
and below. Further, the light of some Buddhas extends seven feet; that
of others, one yojana, or two, three, four or five yojanas; and the
distance covered increases in this way until the light of some Buddhas
illuminates one Buddha-land. "For this reason, Amitayus is called by
the following names: the Buddha of Infinite Light, the Buddha of
Boundless Light, the Buddha of Unhindered Light, the Buddha of
Incomparable Light, the Buddha of the Light of the King of Flame, the
Buddha of Pure Light, the Buddha of the Light of Joy, the Buddha of
Light of Wisdom, the Buddha of Unceasing Light, the Buddha of
Inconceivable Light, the Buddha of Ineffable Light, and the Buddha of
the Light Outshining the Sun and the Moon.
"If, sentient beings encounter his light, their three defilements are
removed; they feel tenderness, joy and pleasure; and good thoughts
arise. If sentient beings in the three realms of suffering see his
light, they will all be relieved and freed from affliction. At the end
of their lives, they all reach emancipation.
"The light of Amitayus shines brilliantly, illuminating all the
Buddha-lands of the ten quarters. There is no place where it is not
perceived. I am not the only one who now praises his light. All the
Buddhas, shravakas, pratyekabuddhas and bodhisattvas praise and glorify
it in the same way. If sentient beings, having heard of the majestic
virtue of his light, glorify it continually, day and night, with
sincerity of heart, they will be able to attain birth in his land, as
they wish. Then the multitudes of bodhisattvas and shravakas will
praise their excellent virtue. Later, when they attain Buddhahood, all
the Buddhas and bodhisattvas in the ten quarters will praise their
light, just as I now praise the light of Amitayus."
The Buddha continued, "The majestic glory of the light of Amitayus
could not be exhaustively described even if I praised it continuously,
day and night, for the period of one kalpa."
Amida's life-span
[12] The Buddha said to Ananda, "The life of Amitayus is
so
long that it is impossible for anyone to calculate it. To give an
illustration, let us suppose that all the innumerable sentient beings
in the worlds of the ten quarters were reborn in human form and that
every one became a shravaka or pratyekabuddha. Even if they assembled
in one place, concentrated their thoughts, and exercised the power of
their wisdom to the utmost to reckon the length of the Buddha's life,
even after a thousand million kalpas they could still not reach its
limit. So it is with the life-span of shravakas, bodhisattvas, heavenly
beings and human beings in his land. Similarly, it is not to be
encompassed by any means of reckoning or by any metaphorical
expression. Again, the number of the shravakas and bodhisattvas living
there is incalculable. They are fully endowed with transcendent wisdom
and free in their exercise of majestic power; they could hold the
entire world in their hands."
The number of
the audience at the first assembly
[13] The Buddha said to Ananda, "The number of shravakas
at
the first teaching assembly of that Buddha was incalculable; so was the
number of the bodhisattvas. Even if an immeasurable and uncountable
number of humans multiplied by millions of kotis should all become like
Mahamaudgalyayana and together reckon their number during innumerable
nayutas of kalpas, or even until they attain Nirvana, they could still
not know that number. Let us suppose that there is a great ocean,
infinitely deep and wide, and that one takes a drop of water out of it
with a hundredth part of a split hair. How would you compare that drop
of water with the rest of the ocean?" Ananda replied, "When the drop of
water is compared with the great ocean, it is impossible even for one
skilled in astronomy or mathematics to know the proportion, or for
anyone to describe it by any rhetorical or metaphorical expressions."
The Buddha said to Ananda, "Even if people like Mahamaudgalyayana were
to count for millions of kotis of kalpas, the number of the shravakas
and bodhisattvas at the first teaching assembly who could be counted
would be like a drop of water, and the number of sages yet to be
counted would be like the rest of the ocean."
Jewelled trees
[14] Again, seven-jewelled trees completely fill that
land.
There are some made of gold, some of silver, and others made of beryl,
crystal, coral, ruby or agate. There are also trees made of two to
seven kinds of jewels. "There are gold trees with leaves, flowers and
fruits of silver; silver trees with leaves, flowers and fruits of gold;
beryl trees with leaves, flowers and fruits of crystal; crystal trees
with leaves, flowers and fruits of beryl; coral trees with leaves,
flowers and fruits of ruby; ruby trees with leaves, flowers and fruits
of beryl; agate trees with leaves, flowers and fruits made of various
jewels. "Again, there are jewelled trees with purple-gold roots,
white-silver trunks, beryl branches, crystal twigs, coral leaves, ruby
flowers and agate fruits. There are jewelled trees with white-silver
roots, beryl trunks, crystal branches, coral twigs, ruby leaves, agate
flowers and purple-gold fruits. There are jewelled trees with beryl
roots, crystal trunks, coral branches, ruby twigs, agate leaves,
purple-gold flowers and white-silver fruits. There are jewelled trees
with crystal roots, coral trunks, ruby branches, agate twigs,
purple-gold leaves, white-silver flowers and beryl fruits. There are
jewelled trees with coral roots, ruby trunks, agate branches,
purple-gold twigs, white-silver leaves, beryl flowers and crystal
fruits. There are jewelled trees with ruby roots, agate trunks,
purple-gold branches, white-silver twigs, beryl leaves, crystal flowers
and coral fruits. There are jewelled trees with agate roots,
purple-gold trunks, white-silver branches, beryl twigs, crystal leaves,
coral flowers and ruby fruits.
"These jewelled trees are in parallel rows, their trunks are evenly
spaced, their branches are in level layers, their leaves are
symmetrical, their flowers harmonize, and their fruits are well
arranged. The brilliant colors of these trees are so luxuriant that it
is impossible
to see them all. When a pure breeze wafts through them, exquisite
sounds of the pentatonic scales, such as kung and shang, spontaneously
arise and make symphonic music.
The Bodhi-tree
[15] "Again, the Bodhi-tree of the Buddha Amitayus is
four
million li in height and five thousand yojanas in circumference at its
base. Its branches spread two hundred thousand li in each of the four
directions. It is a natural cluster of all kinds of precious stones and
is adorned with the kings of jewels, namely, moon-light mani gems and
ocean-supporting-wheel gems.
Everywhere between its twigs hang jewelled ornaments with a thousand
million different colors intermingling in various ways, and their
innumerable beams shine with the utmost brilliance. The Bodhi-tree
itself is covered with nets of rare, excellent gems, and on it appear
all kinds of ornaments in accordance with one's wishes.
"When a gentle breeze wafts through its branches and leaves,
innumerable exquisite Dharma-sounds arise, which spread far and wide,
pervading all the other Buddha-lands in the ten quarters. Those who
hear the sounds attain penetrating insight into dharmas and dwell in
the Stage of Non-retrogression. Until they attain Buddhahood, their
senses of hearing will remain clear and sharp, and they will not suffer
from any pain or sickness. Whether they hear the sounds of the
Bodhi-tree, see its colors, smell its perfumes, taste its flavors,
perceive its lights or conceive of the Dharma in their minds, they all
attain profoundly penetrating insight into dharmas and dwell in the
Stage of Non-retrogression. Until they attain Buddhahood, their six
sense-organs will remain sharp and clear, and they will not suffer from
any pain or disease.
"Ananda, when humans and devas of that land see the Bodhi-tree, they
will attain three insights: first, insight into reality through hearing
the sacred sounds; second, insight into reality by being in accord with
it; and third, the insight into the non-arising of all dharmas. These
benefits are all bestowed by the majestic power of Amitayus, the power
of his primal vow, his perfectly fulfilled vow, his clear and manifest
vow, his firm vow, and his accomplished vow."
The Buddha said to Ananda, "A king of this world possesses a hundred
thousand kinds of music. From the realm ruled by a wheel-turning
monarch up to the Sixth Heaven, the sounds of the music produced in
each higher realm are ten million kotis of times superior to those of a
lower one. The thousands of varieties of musical sound produced in the
Sixth Heaven are a thousand kotis of times inferior to one sound
produced from the seven-jewelled trees in the land of Amitayus. Again,
in that land, there are thousands of varieties of natural music, which
are all, without exception, sounds of the Dharma. They are clear and
serene, full of depth and resonance, delicate and harmonious; they are
the most excellent of sounds in all the worlds of the ten quarters.
Glorious adornments
[16] "Again, the halls, monasteries, palaces and
pavilions are
spontaneous apparitions, all adorned with the seven jewels and hung
with curtains of various other jewels, such as pearls and moon-bright
mani gems. "Inside and out, to right and left, are bathing pools. Some
of them are ten yojanas in length, breadth and depth; some are twenty
yojanas, others, thirty, and so on, until we come to those measuring a
hundred thousand yojanas in length, breadth and depth. They are brimful
of the water of eight excellent qualities, clear, fragrant and tasting
like nectar.
"There are golden pools with beds of silver sand; silver pools with
beds of golden sand; crystal pools with beds of beryl sand; beryl pools
with beds of crystal sand; coral pools with beds of amber sand; amber
pools with beds of coral sand; agate pools with beds of ruby sand; ruby
pools with beds of agate sand; white-jade pools with beds of
purple-gold sand; purple-gold pools with beds of white-jade sand.
Others are composed of two to seven jewels.
"On the banks of these pools are sandalwood trees, whose flowers and
leaves hang down and diffuse perfumes everywhere. Heavenly lotuses of
blue, pink, yellow and white bloom profusely in various tints and
tones, completely covering the surface of the water.
"If bodhisattvas and shravakas in that land enter the jewel-ponds and
wish the water to rise to their ankles, it rises to their ankles. If
they wish it to rise to their knees, it rises to their knees. If they
wish it to rise to their waists, it rises to their waists. If they wish
it to rise to their necks, it rises to their necks. If they wish it to
pour over their bodies, it spontaneously pours over their bodies. If
they wish it to recede, it recedes. Its temperature is moderate, cool
or warm, according to their wishes. The water comforts the body and
refreshes the mind, washing away their mental defilements. Clear and
pure, the water is so transparent that it seems formless. The
jewel-sand shines so brightly that even the depth of the water cannot
prevent its brilliance from being seen. The rippling water forms
meandering streams, which join and flow into each other. Their movement
is peaceful and quiet, neither too fast nor too slow, and their ripples
spontaneously produce innumerable wonderful sounds. One can hear
whatever sound one wishes. For example, some hear the sound 'Buddha,'
some hear the sound 'Dharma,' some 'Sangha,' others hear
'tranquillity,' 'emptiness and non-self,' 'great compassion,'
'paramita,' 'ten powers,' 'fearlessness,' 'special qualities,'
'supernatural powers,' 'non-activity,' 'neither arising nor perishing,'
'insight into the non-arising of all dharmas,' and so on until the
various sounds of the wonderful Dharma, such as 'the sprinkling of
nectar upon the head of a bodhisattva,' are heard. As one hears those
sounds, one attains immeasurable joy and accords with the principles of
purity, absence of desires, extinction, and reality. One is in harmony
with the Three Treasures, the Buddha's powers, fearlessness and special
qualities, and also with supernatural powers and other methods of
practice for bodhisattvas and shravakas. Not even the names of the
three realms of suffering are heard there, but only Nirvanic sounds of
bliss. For this reason, that land is called 'Peace and Bliss'."
Bodily
appearance of the inhabitants
and the pleasures they enjoy
[17] "Ananda, those born in that Buddha-land are endowed
with
such bodies of purity and provided with various exquisite sounds,
supernatural powers and virtues. The palaces in which they dwell, their
clothing, food and drink, the wonderful flowers, and the various kinds
of incense and adornments are like those naturally provided in the
Sixth Heaven of the world of desire.
"At mealtimes, plates made of the seven jewels -- namely, gold, silver,
beryl, agate, ruby,
coral, and amber, and also moon-bright pearl --spontaneously appear,
filled with food and drink of a hundred tastes, according to one's
wishes. Although the food is offered, no one actually eats it. Once it
has been seen and smelt, one naturally feels that it has been eaten,
and so is satisfied; thus one feels relaxed in mind and body, free from
attachment to the sense of taste. When the meal is over, everything
disappears, but reappears at the next mealtime.
"That Buddha-land, like the realm of unconditioned Nirvana, is pure and
serene, resplendent and blissful. The shravakas, bodhisattvas, heavenly
beings and humans there have lofty and brilliant wisdom, and are
masters of the supernatural powers. They are all of one form, without
any differences, but are called 'heavenly beings' and 'humans' simply
by analogy with the states of existence in other worlds. They are of
noble and majestic countenance, unequaled in all the worlds, and their
appearance is superb, unmatched by any being, heavenly or human. They
are all endowed with bodies of Naturalness, Emptiness, and Infinity."
Karmic rewards of a
beggar and a king
[18] The Buddha said to Ananda, "If a beggar in extreme
poverty sits by the side of a king, how can their appearances be
compared?"
Ananda replied, "If such a man sits by the side of a king, his
emaciated, mean and ragged appearance cannot be compared with the
king's. His appearance is a thousand million kotis or even incalculable
times inferior to the king's. What is the reason for this? The
conditions of a beggar in extreme poverty--being at the lowest social
level, with barely enough clothes to cover his body, scarcely enough
food to sustain his life, with hunger and cold always tormenting him,
and having almost lost in human contact -- are all the result of his
misdeeds in former lives. In the past he did not cultivate roots of
virtue, but instead, accumulated riches without giving anything to
others. He became more miserly as his wealth increased, desired to
obtain more, insatiably hankered after further acquisitions and gave no
thought to good actions. Thus he piled up a mountain of evil karma.
When his life ended, all his wealth was gone, and what he had
accumulated with great toil and worry was of no avail to him; all
passed in vain into the possession of others. Having no stock of merit
on which to depend and no virtue on which to rely, after death he fell
into one of the evil realms, where he suffered pain for a long period.
When his karmic retributions ended, he was able to escape, but was
reborn into a lower class; being foolish, base and inferior, he barely
maintains the appearance of a human being.
"The king of a country is the most Honored of all men. This is the
reward for virtues accumulated in former lives, in which he, with a
compassionate heart, gave generously to many, saved people from
suffering through kindness and benevolence, performed good deeds with
sincerity, and never disputed with others. When that life ended, he was
rewarded by rebirth into a higher state. Born in a heavenly realm, he
enjoyed bliss and happiness. His accumulated virtues produced such a
surplus of goodness that, when he was reborn as a man in this life, his
birth was, deservedly, into a royal family. Being naturally noble, his
dignified and majestic demeanor commands the respect of his people, and
superb clothes and sumptuous food are prepared and served to him as he
pleases. All this is a reward for virtues from his past lives."
Comparison between
heavens and the Pure Land
[19] The Buddha said to Ananda, "What you say is true.
Even
though a king is the noblest of all men and has a regal countenance, if
he is compared with a wheel-turning monarch, he will appear as base and
inferior as a beggar beside a king. Likewise, however excellent and
unrivaled the majestic appearance of such a monarch may be, if he is
compared with the lord of the Heaven of the Thirty-three Gods, he will
also appear incomparably inferior, even ten thousands kotis of times
more so. Again, if this heavenly lord is compared with the lord of the
Sixth Heaven, he will appear a hundred thousand kotis of times
inferior. If the lord of the Sixth Heaven is compared with a
bodhisattva or a shravaka dwelling in the land of Amitayus, his
countenance and appearance will be far from matching those of the
bodhisattva or shravaka, being a thousand million kotis of times or
even incalculable times inferior."
Pleasures in the Pure Land
[20] The Buddha said to Ananda, "Devas and humans in the
land
of Amitayus are each provided with robes, food and drink, flowers,
perfume, ornaments, silken canopies and banners, and are surrounded by
exquisite sounds. Their abodes, palaces, and pavilions are exactly in
accordance with the size of their bodies. One, two or even innumerable
jewels appear before them, as soon as they wish. In addition, beautiful
jewelled fabric covers the ground where all the devas and humans walk.
In that Buddha-land there are innumerable jewelled nets, all adorned
with skeins of gold thread, pearls, and a hundred thousand kinds of
rare and marvelous treasures. All around the nets hang jewelled bells
of the utmost beauty, which shine brilliantly. When a natural breeze of
virtue arises and gently blows, it is moderate in temperature, neither
cold nor hot, refreshing and soft to the senses, and moves neither too
slowly nor too quickly. When the breeze wafts over the nets and the
various jewelled trees, countless excellent sounds of the Dharma are
heard, and ten thousand kinds of delicate fragrances of virtue are
diffused. If one smells those fragrances, one's impurities and passions
spontaneously cease to arise. If touched by the breeze itself, one
enjoys the same pleasure as a monk who has entered the Samadhi of
Extinction.
Flowers
and innumerable rays of light emitted from them
[21] "Again, as the breeze blows, flowers are scattered
throughout the Buddha-land; they spontaneously divide into different
colors, not mixed together. They are soft and pleasant to touch, glow
brilliantly, and diffuse rich fragrances. When one's foot is placed on
them, they sink down four inches, but when the foot is lifted, they
rise to their former level. When the flowers have served their purpose,
the earth opens up and they vanish, leaving the ground clean and
without trace of them. At the right moment, six times a day, the breeze
wafts, scattering the flowers in this way. Moreover, lotus-flowers of
various jewels fill the land; each has a hundred thousand kotis of
petals with lights of numerous colors -- blue lotuses glow with a blue
light, white ones with a white light, and, likewise, dark blue, yellow,
red, and purple lotuses glow with lights of their respective colors.
The brilliance of these lights is so magnificent that it outshines the
sun and the moon. Each flower emits thirty-six hundred thousand kotis
of rays of light, each sending forth thirty-six hundred thousand kotis
of Buddhas. The bodies of these Buddhas are purple-gold, and their
physical characteristics and marks are superb beyond compare. Each
Buddha emits a hundred thousand rays of light and expounds the
wonderful Dharma to beings in the ten quarters, thus setting
innumerable beings on the right Path of the Buddha.
Fulfillment of the
11th, 17th, and 18th vows
[22] The Buddha said to Ananda, "Sentient beings who are
born
in that Buddha-land all reside among those assured of Nirvana. The
reason is that in that land there are neither beings who are destined
to adverse conditions nor those whose destinies are uncertain.
"All Buddhas, Tathagatas, in the ten quarters, as numerous as the sands
of the River Ganges, together praise the inconceivable, supernal virtue
of Amitayus. All sentient beings who, having heard his Name, rejoice in
faith, remember him even once and sincerely transfer the merit of
virtuous practices to that land, aspiring to be born there, will attain
birth and dwell in the Stage of Non-retrogression. But excluded are
those who have committed the five gravest offenses and abused the right
Dharma."
Three grades of aspirants
(1. The higher grade)
[23] The Buddha said to Ananda, "Devas and humans in the worlds of the
ten quarters who sincerely aspire to be born in that land can be
classified into three grades. The higher grade of aspirants are those
who leave their homes and abandon worldly desires to become monks.
Having awakened aspiration for Enlightenment, they single-mindedly
remember Amitayus and perform meritorious practices, aspiring to be
born in his land. When they are about to die, Amitayus, together with a
host of sages, will appear before them. Then they will follow him and
attain birth in his land. At once they will be born by transformation
spontaneously from within seven-jewelled lotus-flowers. They will dwell
in the Stage of Non-retrogression, attain steadfast wisdom and be
capable of freely exercising supernatural powers. For this reason,
Ananda, sentient beings who wish to see Amitayus while in this world
should awaken aspiration for the highest Enlightenment, do meritorious
deeds, and aspire to be born in his land."
(2. The middle grade)
[24] The Buddha said to Ananda, "The middle grade of aspirants are the
devas and humans in the worlds of the ten quarters who sincerely desire
to be born in that land. Although unable to become monks and cultivate
much merit, they awaken aspiration for the highest Enlightenment,
single-mindedly think on Amitayus, perform some good deeds, observe the
precepts of abstinence, build stupas, donate Buddhist statues, give
alms to mendicants, hang banners, light candles, scatter flowers, burn
incense, and so forth. They transfer the merit of those practices to
his land, aspiring to be born there. When they are about to die,
Amitayus will manifest his transformed body, which is fully possessed
of the same radiance and physical characteristics and marks as those of
the real Buddha, and make it appear before them, together with a host
of sages. Then they will follow this transformed Buddha and be born in
the Pure Land, where they will dwell in the Stage of Non-retrogression.
Their virtue and wisdom will be next to those of the higher grade of
aspirants."
(3. The lower grade)
[25] The Buddha said to Ananda, "The lower grade of aspirants are the
devas and humans in the worlds of the ten quarters who sincerely desire
to be born in that land. Although unable to do many meritorious deeds,
they awaken aspiration for the highest Enlightenment and
single-mindedly concentrate on Amitayus even ten times, desiring birth
in his land. When they hear the profound Dharma, they joyfully accept
it and do not entertain any doubt; and so, remembering the Buddha even
once, they sincerely aspire to be born in that land. When they are
about to die, they will see the Buddha in a dream. Those aspirants,
too, will be born in the Pure Land. Their merit and wisdom will be next
to those of the middle grade of aspirants."
Bodhisattvas'
visit to the Pure Land from other lands
[26] The Buddha said to Ananda, "The majestic virtue of Amitayus is
boundless. All the innumerable, uncountable and inconceivable Buddhas,
Tathagatas, in the worlds of the ten quarters praise him. Innumerable
and uncountable bodhisattvas in the Buddha-lands of the eastern
quarter, as numerous as the sands of the River Ganges, all without
exception, visit Amitayus in order to worship and make offerings to him
and to the assembly of bodhisattvas and shravakas. Having heard the
teaching, they expound it to lead people into the Path of the Buddha.
As in the eastern quarter, so it is in the southern, western and
northern, as well as in the four intermediate quarters, above and
below."
Verses on Bodhisattvas' visit
[27] Then the World-Honored One spoke the following verses:
In the eastern quarter there are Buddha-lands,
As numerous as the sands of the River Ganges;
Bodhisattvas dwelling in those lands
Go to pay homage to Amitayus, the Enlightened One.
So it is in the southern, western, and northern quarters,
The intermediate quarters, above and below;
Bodhisattvas dwelling in those lands
Go to pay homage to Amitayus, the Enlightened One.
All those bodhisattvas, taking with them
Exquisite heavenly flowers,
Precious incense and priceless robes,
Make offerings to Amitayus, the Enlightened One.
Playing heavenly music in concert,
Producing harmonious and delicate sounds,
They praise the Most Honored One with hymns
And make offerings to Amitayus, the Enlightened One:
'You have perfected supernatural powers and wisdom,
With which you freely enter the gates of the profound Dharma;
You also possess stocks of merit and virtue
And unparalleled supreme knowledge.
Illumining the world with the sun of wisdom,
You disperse the clouds of birth-and-death.'
Having reverently walked round him three times,
They pay homage to the Unsurpassed One.
Having seen the glorious Pure Land,
Wonderfully resplendent, [273a]
They are led to awaken supernal aspiration
And wish their lands to be like his.
Then Amitayus, the Enlightened One,
Changes his countenance and smiles;
From his mouth come forth innumerable rays of light,
Which illuminate the worlds in the ten quarters.
These rays of light return, encircle his body
Three times, and enter the crown of his head.
All devas and humans are delighted to see this
And are filled with great joy.
Avalokiteshvara, the Exalted Being, having respectfully arranged
His clothes and bowed his head,
Asked the Buddha, 'Why are you smiling?
Reverently I enquire. Please tell me why.'
The Buddha's majestic voice was like thunder,
Producing wonderful sounds in eight qualities of voice;
'Because I am about to give predictions to the bodhisattvas.
I now explain to you. Listen carefully!
I am fully aware of the vows of the bodhisattvas
Who come from the ten quarters;
They seek to glorify their pure lands.
After receiving my predictions, they will become Buddhas.
While realizing that all dharmas are like a dream,
An illusion or an echo,
They will fulfill their excellent vows
And surely establish pure lands such as this.
Knowing that dharmas are like a flash of lightning or a shadow,
They will pursue the Bodhisattva Path to its end
And amass a stock of merit. After receiving
My predictions, they will become Buddhas.
While thoroughly knowing that the nature of all dharmas
Is empty and without substance,
They will single-mindedly seek to produce their pure lands
And will surely establish lands such as this.'
The Buddhas tell the bodhisattvas to go and pay homage
To the Buddha of the Land of Peace and Provision.
'Listen to his teaching, joyfully receive and practice it,
And then quickly reach the Realm of Purity.
When you go to his glorious Pure Land,
You will instantly acquire supernatural powers.
Having, without fail, received predictions from Amitayus,
You will attain perfect Enlightenment.
By the power of that Buddha's Original Vows,
All who hear his Name and desire birth,
Will, without exception, be born in his land
And effortlessly enter the Stage of Non-retrogression.
Bodhisattvas, if you make vows
That your lands will be like this,
While aspiring to save all beings everywhere,
Your name will be renowned throughout the ten quarters.
In order to serve millions of Tathagatas,
You can assume various forms and fly to those lands;
After worshipping them with joyful hearts,
You will return to the Land of Peace and Provision.'
Without a stock of goodness from past lives,
One cannot hear this sutra;
But those who have strictly observed the precepts
Can hear the right Dharma. [273b]
One who has met a World-Honored One in the past
Can accept this teaching.
Such a person respectfully worships, hears
And upholds it, and rejoices so greatly as to dance.
Arrogant, corrupt and indolent people
Cannot readily accept this teaching.
But those who have met Buddhas in their past lives
Rejoice to hear it.
Neither shravakas nor bodhisattvas are able to know
The Sage's Mind exhaustively;
They are like those who are born blind
And yet wish to guide others.
The ocean of the Tathagata's wisdom
Is deep, vast and boundless.
Even sages of the Hinayana cannot fathom it;
Only the Buddha clearly knows it.
Let us suppose that all human beings,
Without exception, have attained Enlightenment
And, with pure wisdom, realized original emptiness.
Even if they pondered on the Buddha's wisdom for myriads of kalpas,
And expounded it with the utmost effort all through their lives,
They would not come to exhaustive knowledge of it.
The Buddha's wisdom is thus limitless
And pure to its depths.
To obtain human life is difficult in the extreme;
To meet a Buddha in this world is also difficult;
It is difficult, too, for a man to attain faith and wisdom.
Once you have heard the Dharma, strive to reach its heart.
If you have heard the Dharma and do not forget it,
But adore and revere it with great joy,
You are my good friend. For this reason,
You should awaken aspiration for Enlightenment.
Even if the whole world is on fire,
Be sure to pass through it to hear the Dharma;
Then you will surely attain the Buddha's Enlightenment.
And everywhere deliver beings from the river of birth-and-death.
Bodhisattvas in the Pure Land
[28] The Buddha said to Ananda, "All the bodhisattvas in the land of
Amitayus will ultimately attain the Stage of Becoming a Buddha After
One More Life. Excepted are those who have made original vows for the
sake of sentient beings, resolving to cultivate the merit of realizing
their great vows to save all sentient beings. Ananda, each shravaka in
the Buddha-land of Amitayus emits light for one fathom around his body.
The light of a bodhisattva shines a hundred yojanas. There are two
bodhisattvas who are the most dignified; their majestic light shines
everywhere in the universe of a thousand million worlds."
Ananda asked, "What are the names of those two bodhisattvas?"
The Buddha replied, "One is called Avalokiteshvara and the other,
Mahasthamaprapta. They had both performed Bodhisattva practices in this
world, and, at the end of their lives, were born by transformation in
that Buddha-land. Ananda, the sentient beings born there all fully
possess the thirty-two physical characteristics of a Great Man as well
as perfect wisdom, with which they penetrate deeply into the nature of
all dharmas and reach their subtle essence. Their supernatural powers
know no obstruction, and their physical senses are sharp and clear. The
bodhisattvas of lesser capacities attain two insights. Those with
superior capacities attain innumerable [merits by the] insights into
the non-arising of all dharmas. Those bodhisattvas will not be subject
to rebirth in evil realms before they become Buddhas. Excepted are
those who seek birth in the worlds of other quarters during the
turbulent period of the five defilements, manifesting their forms in
the likeness of the beings there, as in this world. They can freely
exercise supernatural powers and always remember their past lives."
The Buddha said to Ananda, "By the Buddha's power, bodhisattvas of that
land go to innumerable worlds of the ten quarters, in as short a time
as it takes to eat a meal, in order to pay homage and make offerings to
the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones. If those bodhisattvas so wish,
uncountable and innumerable offerings, such as flowers, incense, music,
silken canopies and banners, spontaneously appear before them as soon
as they are imagined. They are rare and marvelous, unlike anything in
this world. They are, accordingly, offered to the assemblies of
Buddhas, bodhisattvas and shravakas. The flowers remain in the sky and
gather into canopies. Their brilliance is dazzling and their fragrance
pervades everywhere. The flower-canopies range in size, from those of
four hundred li in circumference up to those large enough to cover the
universe of a thousand million worlds. As new flower-canopies appear,
old ones disappear. These bodhisattvas all rejoice together, and,
while poised in mid-air, play heavenly music and praise the virtues of
the Buddhas with hymns accompanied by wonderful sounds. They listen to
the Dharma and attain immeasurable joy. After thus worshipping the
Buddhas, they quickly return home to the Pure Land before their meal."
Amida's
preaching and exquisite sounds produced by the trees, etc.
[29] The Buddha said to Ananda, "When Amitayus expounds the Dharma to
shravakas and bodhisattvas, they all assemble in the seven-jewelled
lecture-hall. There he fully expounds the teachings of the Way and
proclaims the wonderful Dharma. The whole audience rejoices,
comprehends, and attains Enlightenment. At that time a breeze
spontaneously arises in each of the four directions and wafts over the
jewelled trees, producing sounds of the pentatonic scales and causing
innumerable exquisite flowers to fall like rain and scatter everywhere.
Natural ways of glorification such as these are endlessly repeated. All
the devas bring with them a hundred thousand flowers and pieces of
aromatic wood and thousands of musical instruments to use as offerings
to the Buddha and the assembly of bodhisattvas and shravakas; they
scatter flowers, diffuse perfumes everywhere and play various kinds of
music. They come and go in succession, giving way to each other. At
such times their joy and happiness are beyond description."
Bodhisattvas' virtues
[30] The Buddha said to Ananda, "The bodhisattvas born in that
Buddha-land expound the right Dharma whenever appropriate and, because
they are in accord with the wisdom of enlightenment, their expositions
are infallible and free of error. In regard to the myriads of things in
that land, they have no thought of possession or attachment. Whether
going or coming, proceeding or remaining, their hearts are unattached,
their acts are in accordance with their will and are unrestricted, and
they have no thought of discrimination. In them there is no idea of
self or others, no idea of competition or dispute. With the heart of
great compassion to benefit all living beings and with tenderness and
self-control, they bear no enmity or grudge against anyone. Free of
mental hindrances, they are pure in mind and without indolence.
Unbiased, noble-minded, sincere and tranquil, their hearts can revere,
appreciate and enjoy the Dharma.
"Having extinguished all evil passions, they are free of those
tendencies which cause one to fall into evil realms. They have
accomplished all the duties of a bodhisattva and are fully endowed with
immeasurable virtues. Having reached deep meditation and gained
supernatural powers, transcendent knowledge and wisdom, they are
established in the seven practices leading to Enlightenment and are
devoted to the Buddha Dharma.
"With the physical eye they see clearly, discerning objects without
error; the sight of their heavenly eye reaches everywhere without
limit; with the Dharma-eye they observe and know thoroughly the
teachings of the Way; with the wisdom-eye they see truth and attain the
Other Shore; with the Buddha-eye they completely realize the nature of
dharmas; and with unhindered wisdom they expound the Dharma to others.
"Although they observe with the eye of equality that the three worlds
are empty and non-existent, they strive to learn the Buddha Dharma and
acquire varied eloquence in order to rid living beings of affliction
caused by evil passions. Since all dharmas have arisen from Suchness,
the bodhisattvas see them as they really are and know skillful means of
speech that will develop good habits and destroy bad ones in living
beings. They dislike secular talk, enjoying only right discourse on the
Dharma.
"They cultivate roots of virtue, revere the Path of the Buddha, and
know that all dharmas are completely tranquil and non-existent. Their
samsaric bodies and evil passions have been extinguished together with
their remaining karmic tendencies. When they hear the profound Dharma,
their minds are free of doubt and fear. They are always able to
cultivate great compassion which is deep and subtle, embracing
everything like the sky and bearing all like the earth. Having reached
the end of the Single Path, they have gone to the Other Shore. Having
cut the net of doubt, wisdom arises in their minds. Within the Buddha
Dharma there is nothing that they do not comprehend.
"Their wisdom is like the ocean, and their samadhi, like the king of
mountains. The light of their wisdom, being brilliant and pure,
outshines the sun and the moon. They are in complete possession of the
pure, undefiled Dharma. They are like the Himalayas, because the
brilliance of their virtues is reflected evenly and clearly. They are
like the great earth, because they have no discriminative thoughts,
such as pure or impure, beautiful or ugly. They are like pure water,
because they wash away afflictions and defilements. They are like the
king of fire, because they burn the firewood of all evil passions. They
are like a great wind, because they travel throughout the worlds
without hindrance. They are like the sky, because they have no
attachments. They are like lotuses, because nothing in the world can
defile them. They are like a great vehicle, because they carry the
multitude of beings out of birth-and-death. They are like a heavy
cloud, because they cause the great thunder of the Dharma to roar and
awaken the unenlightened. They are like a great rain, because they
cause the nectar of Dharma to fall like showers to nourish living
beings. They are like the Adamantine Mountains, because demons and
non-Buddhists cannot move them. They are like the king of the Brahma
Heaven, because they are foremost in the performance of various good
deeds. They are like the nyagrodha tree, because they afford shelter to
all beings. They are like the udumbara flower, because they rarely
appear in the world and are difficult to encounter. They are like the
gold-winged garuda, because they subdue non-Buddhists. They are like a
flock of playful birds, because they do not store things. They are like
the king of bulls, because they are invincible. They are like the king
of elephants, because they conquer adversaries. They are like the king
of lions, because they fear nothing. They are like the vest sky,
because their great compassion reaches everywhere without
discrimination.
"They have destroyed envy by not being jealous of the superiority of
others. With singleness of heart they seek the Dharma tirelessly.
Always desiring to expound the doctrine, they never grow weary.
Striking Dharma-drums and hoisting Dharma-banners, they cause the sun
of wisdom to shine forth and dissipate the darkness of ignorance. They
perform the six acts of accord and respect, and always provide others
with the gift of the Dharma. Strong-willed and diligent, their
determination never falters. Thus they become lamps to the world and
fields of supreme merit; they always become teachers and harbor no
thought of discrimination, aversion, or attachment. They seek only the
right Path, finding neither joy nor sorrow in other matters. They
extract thorns of passion and give peace of mind to multitudes of
beings. Because of their supreme wisdom, there is no one who does not
revere them. "They have destroyed the hindrances of the three
defilements and mastered the supernatural powers. They also possess the
power of good karma from their past lives, the power of guiding others,
of the will, of vowing, of employing skillful means, of continuous
practice, of doing good, of meditation, of wisdom, of hearing the
Dharma widely. They also possess the power of the Six Paramitas --
generosity, morality, patience, effort, meditation and wisdom -- and
the power of right mindfulness, concentration, contemplation, the
supernatural faculties, transcendent knowledge, and the power to tame
and train living beings in the right way, as well as other powers.
"Fully possessed of all the physical characteristics and marks,
virtues, and eloquence, they have no equals. They revere and worship
innumerable Buddhas and are, in turn, always praised by them. They have
completed the bodhisattva's course of Paramitas and practiced the
samadhis of emptiness, non-form and non-desire, the samadhi of
non-arising and non-ceasing and many other samadhis; they have gone far
beyond the stages of shravakas and pratyekabuddhas.
"Ananda, bodhisattvas of that land have innumerable virtues such as
these, of which I have given you only an outline. If I were to expound
them in full detail, a thousand million kalpas would not be long enough
to do so."
Three kinds
of evil passions and their consequences
[31] The Buddha said to the Bodhisattva Maitreya and to devas and
humans, "The virtue and wisdom of shravakas and bodhisattvas in the
land of Amitayus are indescribable. That land is sublime, blissful,
serene and pure. Why do you not diligently practice good, reflect on
the naturalness of the Way and realize that it is above all
discriminations and is boundlessly pervasive? You should each make a
great effort to attain it. Strive to escape from Samsara and be born in
the Land of Peace and Provision. Then, the causes of the five evil
realms having been destroyed, they will naturally cease to be, and so
you will progress unhindered in your pursuit of the Way. The Pure Land
is easy to reach, but very few actually go there. It rejects nobody,
but naturally and unfailingly attracts beings. Why do you not abandon
worldly matters and strive to enter the Way? If you do, you will obtain
an infinitely long life and one of limitless bliss.
"People of the world, being weak in virtue, engage in strife over
matters which are not urgent. In the midst of abject wickedness and
extreme afflictions they painstakingly toil for their living. Whether
noble or corrupt, rich or poor, young or old, male or female, all
people worry about wealth and property. In this there is no difference
between the rich and the poor; both have their anxieties. Groaning in
dejection and sorrow, they pile up thoughts of anguish or, [274c]
driven by inner urges, they run wildly in all directions and they have
no time for peace and rest.
"For example, if they own fields, they are concerned about them. If
they have houses, they worry about them. They are also anxious about
their six kinds of domestic animals, such as cows and horses, about
their male and female servants, money, wealth, clothes, food and
furnishings. With deepening troubles they sigh repeatedly, and anxiety
increasingly torments and terrifies them. Sudden misfortune may befall
them: all their possessions may be destroyed by fire, swept away by
floods, plundered by robbers, or seized by adversaries or creditors.
Then gnawing grief afflicts them and incessantly troubles their hearts.
Anger seizes their minds, keeps them in constant agitation,
increasingly tightens its grip, hardens their hearts and never leaves
them.
"When their lives end in such agonizing conditions, they must leave
everybody and everything behind. Even nobles and men of wealth have
these worries. With much anxiety and fear, they endure such
tribulations. Breaking out in cold sweats or fevers, they suffer
unremitting pain.
"The poor and the underprivileged are constantly destitute. If, for
example, they have no fields, they are unhappy and want them. If they
have no houses, they are unhappy and want them. If they have none of
the six kinds of domestic animals, such as cows and horses, or if they
have no male and female servants, or lack money, wealth, clothes, food,
or furnishings, they are unhappy and want those as well. If they
possess some of them, others may be lacking. If they have this, they do
not have that, and so they wish to possess all. But, even if by some
chance they come to possess everything, it will soon be destroyed or
lost. Then, dejected and sorrowful, they strive to obtain such things
again, but it may be impossible. Brooding over this is to no avail.
Exhausted in mind and body, they become restless in all their doings,
and anxieties follow on their heels. Such are the troubles they must
endure. Breaking out in cold sweats or fevers, they suffer unremitting
pain. Such conditions may result in the sudden end of their lives or an
early death. Since they have not done any good in particular, nor
followed the Way, nor acted virtuously, when they die, they will depart
alone to an inferior world. Although they are destined to different
states of existence, none of them understands the law of karma that
sends them there.
"People of the world, parents and children, brothers and sisters,
husbands and wives, and other family members and kinsmen, should
respect and love each other, refraining from hatred and envy. They
should share things with others, and not be greedy and miserly, always
speak friendly words with a pleasing smile, and not hurt each other.
"If one disagrees with others and grows angry, however small one's
grudge and enmity may be in this life, these will increase in the life
to come until they grow into a mass of hostility. For, if people are
engaged in tormenting and harming each other in this life, such
conflict may not immediately end in mutual destruction. But persistent
bitterness and raging fury are impressed upon the mind, and thus
naturally leave indelible marks on consciousness, so that those
involved will be reborn about the same time to take revenge on each
other.
"Further, in the midst of worldly desires and attachments one comes and
goes alone, is born alone and dies alone. After death, one goes to a
painful or to a pleasant state of existence. Each receives his karmic
consequences and nobody else can take his place. In accordance with
different acts of good and evil, people are destined to realms of bliss
or suffering. Unalterably bound by their karma, they depart for those
realms all alone. Having reached the other world, they cannot see each
other. The law of good and evil naturally pursues them, and wherever
they may be reborn, distance and darkness always separate them. Since
their paths of karma are different, it is impossible to tell the time
of their reunion, and so difficult to meet again. Can they ever see
each other once more?
"Why do they not abandon all worldly involvements and strive, while
they are strong and healthy, to pursue the good and diligently seek
deliverance from Samsara? If they do, they will be able to attain
infinite life. Why do they not seek the Way? What is there in this
world that should be longed for? What pleasure is there that ought to
be sought after?
"Thus people of the world do not believe in pursuing good and receiving
reward or in practicing the Way and attaining Enlightenment; neither do
they believe in transmigration and retribution for evil acts or reward
for good ones, such as obtaining merit by helping others. Believing
that these do not exist, they totally reject such a view.
"Further, by so doing, they cling to their own views more tenaciously.
Later generations learn from previous ones to act likewise. Fathers,
perpetuating their wrong views, pass them on to their children. Since
parents and grandparents from the beginning did not do good deeds, were
ignorant of the Way, committed foolish acts, and were benighted,
insensitive and callous, their descendants are now unable to realize
the truth of birth-and-death and the law of karma. There is no one to
tell them about this. Nobody seeks to know the cause of fortune and
misfortune, happiness and misery, although these states result from
such acts.
"The reality of birth-and-death is such that the sorrow of parting is
mutually felt by all generations. A father cries over the death of his
children; children cry over the death of their father. Brothers,
sisters, husbands and wives mourn each other's death. According to the
basic law of impermanence, whether death will occur in order of
seniority or in the reverse is unpredictable. All things must pass.
Nothing stays forever. Few believe this, even if someone teaches and
exhorts them. And so the stream of birth-and-death continues
everlastingly.
"Because they are stupid and callous, such people do not accept the
teachings of the Buddha; they lack forethought, and only wish to
satisfy their own desires. They are deluded by their passionate
attachments, unaware of the Way, misguided and trapped by anger and
enmity, and intent on gaining wealth and gratifying their carnal
desires like wolves. And so, unable to follow the Way, they are again
subject to suffering in evil realms in an endless cycle of
birth-and-death. How miserable and pitiable this is!
"In the same family, when one of the parents, children, brothers,
sisters, husband or wife dies, those surviving mourn over the loss, and
their attachment to the deceased persists. Deep sorrow fills their
hearts and, grief-stricken, they mournfully think of the departed. Days
pass and years go by, but their distress goes on. Even if someone
teaches them the Way, their minds are not awakened. Brooding over fond
memories of the dead, they cannot rid themselves of attachment. Being
ignorant, inert, and illusion-bound, they are unable to think deeply,
to keep their self-composure, to practice the Way with diligence, and
to dissociate themselves from worldly matters. As they wander here and
there, they come to their end and die before entering on the Way. Then
what can be done for them?
"Because they are spiritually defiled, deeply troubled and confused,
people indulge their passions. Hence, many are ignorant of the Way, and
few realize it. Everyone is restlessly busy, having nothing upon which
to rely. Whether moral or corrupt, of high or low rank, rich or poor,
noble or base, all are preoccupied with their own work. They entertain
venomous thoughts, creating a widespread and dismal atmosphere of
malevolence. Subversive activities are planned, contrary to the
universal law and the wishes of the people.
"Injustice and vice inevitably follow and are allowed to run their
course unchecked until evil karma accumulates to the limit. Before they
expect their lives to end, people meet sudden death and fall into evil
realms, where they will suffer excruciating torments for many lives.
[275b] They will not be able to escape for many thousands of kotis of
kalpas. How indescribably painful! How pitiable that is!"
Shakyamuni's
encouragement to do good
[32] The Buddha said to the Bodhisattva Maitreya and to devas and
humans, "I have told you the truth about people of the world. Such
being their mode of life, they are unable to enter on the Way.
Therefore, you should think deeply and try to avoid various evil acts;
choose the good and diligently practice it. A life of addiction to
desires or a life of pomp and vainglory cannot last long. All must
part; there is nothing you can truly enjoy. Since you have encountered
a Buddha in this world, you should assiduously practice the Way. Anyone
who sincerely desires birth in the Land of Peace and Bliss is able to
attain purity of wisdom and supremacy in virtue. You should not follow
the urges of passions, break the precepts, or fall behind others in the
practice of the Way. If you have doubts and are not clear about my
teaching, ask me, the Buddha, about anything and I shall explain it to
you."
The Bodhisattva Maitreya prostrated himself on the ground and said,
"Your majestic glory, O Buddha, is awe-inspiring, and your exposition
is most pleasing to me. Having heard your teaching, I feel deeply that
people of the world are just as you have described. Your compassionate
revelation of the Great Way has opened our eyes and ears, awakening us
to emancipation. Those who have heard your teachings are all filled
with joy. Devas, humans and lesser beings, including even those that
crawl, have all been blessed by your compassionate guidance and have
thereby attained deliverance from suffering and affliction.
"The Buddha's admonition is indeed profound and appropriate, and his
wisdom clearly surveys things in the eight quarters, above and below,
penetrating all in the past, present and future. Our emancipation in
the present life is entirely due to the Buddha's perseverance and
painstaking efforts in his former lives when he was seeking the Way.
His benevolence covers the whole world, and the extent of his merit is
majestic and glorious. His light penetrates to the utmost ends of space
and guides people to Nirvana. He reveals the sutras, destroys wrong
views and subdues demons. Thus his influence extends boundlessly in the
ten quarters. The Buddha is the King of the Dharma; his virtue
surpasses that of all the sages. He is the Teacher of all devas and
humans and enables them to enter on the Way according to their wishes.
Having been able to meet you, O Buddha, and also to hear the Name of
Amitayus, we have all attained joy and illumination."
Shakyamuni's
admonition against evil acts
[33] The Buddha said to Maitreya, "What you say is true. Those who
adore and revere a Buddha attain great merit. Buddhas very rarely
appear in the world. Having become a Buddha in this life, I have taught
the Dharma, expounded teachings of the Way, cleared people's doubts,
eradicated the causes of lust and desire, and blocked the source of all
evils. Visiting various places in the three worlds, I encounter no
obstructions. The wisdom disclosed in the scriptures provides for all
ways of life. It keeps essential principles together and clearly
reveals the truth. I have explained the reality of the five realms,
thereby freeing those who have not yet attained deliverance and
distinguishing between the paths of Samsara and Nirvana.
"Maitreya, you should know that you have, for
innumerable
kalpas, been perfecting bodhisattva practices to save sentient beings.
Incalculable indeed is the number of beings who under your guidance
have attained the Way and reached Nirvana. From time immemorial, you
and all the devas and humans in the ten quarters and the four groups of
followers have been floundering in the five realms of Samsara,
undergoing indescribable troubles and afflictions. Until you were born
in this life, you, too, underwent endless cycles of birth-and-death.
Now you have encountered a Buddha, listened to his expositions of the
Dharma, and been able to learn about Amitayus. What pleasure and joy
this is for you and for me to share. "It is time for all to seek
deliverance from the pains of birth, death, old age, and sickness.
Outflows of depravity and defilement are everywhere, and there is
nothing in which you can find true joy. You should resolutely do worthy
deeds with decorum, strive to do more good, control and purify
yourselves, wash off the mind's defilements, be sincere in word and
deed, and allow no contradiction between what you think and what you
do. Seek your own emancipation and then turn to saving others;
straightforwardly aspire to be born in the Pure Land and accumulate
roots of virtue. However hard you may practice in this life, it can
only be for a short while. In the life to come you will be born in the
land of Amitayus and enjoy endless bliss there. Being forever in accord
with the Way, you will no longer be subject to birth-and-death and be
free of the afflictions caused by greed, anger and stupidity. If you
wish your life to be as long as a kalpa, a hundred kalpas, or ten
million kalpas, it will be just as you please. You will dwell in
effortless spontaneity and attain Nirvana. You should each diligently
seek to realize your aspiration. Do not entertain any doubt or give up
your endeavor, lest as a result of that fault you should be born into
the seven-jewelled palace in the border region of the Pure Land and be
subject to various disadvantages for five hundred years."
Maitreya said to the Buddha, "Having received your considerate
admonition, we will diligently practice the Way and follow your
teaching. We will not allow any doubt to arise."
Admonition against five evils
[34] The Buddha said to Maitreya, "If here in this world you are
upright in thought and will, and abstain from doing evil, then you will
attain the utmost virtue, unsurpassed in all the lands throughout the
ten quarters. Why is this so? Devas and humans in the Buddha-lands
naturally do good and rarely commit evil, and so, it is easy to teach
and train them. Having become a Buddha in this world, I now dwell in
the midst of the five evils, the five sufferings, and the five
burnings. This is extremely painful for me. I will teach multitudes of
beings, making them abandon the five evils, avoid the five sufferings,
and escape from the five burnings. I will train their minds and lead
them to practice the five good deeds, so that they may acquire merit
and virtue and attain emancipation, long life, and Nirvana."
"The Buddha continued, What are the five evils? What are the five
sufferings? What are the five burnings? What is the way to extinguish
the five evils and lead people to practice the five good deeds, so that
they may acquire merit and virtue and attain emancipation, long life,
and Nirvana?"
1) first evil
[35] The Buddha said, "The first evil is this. Devas, humans and lesser
beings, including even those that crawl, are bent on doing evil. There
is no being that is not. The strong subdue the weak; all inflict
serious injuries and kill each other, all devour their prey. Not
knowing how to do good, they commit evil and do outrageous and unruly
deeds. Later, they receive retribution, [276a] it is natural that they
should be destined to evil realms. Demigods keep records of offenders'
acts and make sure that they are punished. That is why some are poor
and destitute, corrupt, beggarly, lonely, deaf, dumb, blind, stupid,
wicked, physically handicapped, deranged, or subnormal. But others are
honorable, noble, wealthy, intelligent, or clever. This is the result
of good and meritorious acts of benevolence and the performance of
their duties to their parents in past lives.
"In this world prisons are set up by the law, and those who are
unafraid of them and commit offenses are sent there for punishment.
However desperately they may wish to escape, it is impossible to do so.
Such is retribution in this world, but in the lives to come, punishment
is longer and more severe for such evildoers. The suffering of
transmigration through dark and dismal realms is comparable to the
severest and most painful punishment ever enforced by law.
"Thus, through the natural working of karma, they undergo immeasurable
suffering in the three evil realms. In successive transmigrations they
are reborn into different forms; their life-spans are sometimes long
and sometimes short. Their transient selves, vital energy and
consciousness transmigrate through the natural working of karma.
Although each individual is reborn alone, those bound by common karma
come to be born together and take revenge upon each other. So this
condition persists endlessly and, until the effect of their evil karma
is exhausted, there is no possibility of avoiding their enemies.
Floundering in Samsara, they have no chance of escape or of attaining
emancipation. The pain that they must undergo is indescribable. Since
this law naturally obtains everywhere between heaven and earth, even if
good or evil acts do not immediately bring about reward or retribution,
they will certainly result sooner or later. This I call the first great
evil, the first suffering, and the first burning. Those afflictions are
such that they are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive.
"If in the midst of this, one controls one's thoughts with
single-mindedness, does worthy deeds with proper demeanor, commits no
evil, and performs only good, then with the merit and virtue acquired
one reaches emancipation and is able to escape from this world, be
reborn in heavenly realms, and finally reach Nirvana. This is the first
great good."
2) second evil
[36] The Buddha continued, "The second evil is that people of the world
--parents, children, brothers and sisters, members of a family,
husbands and wives -- all lack moral principles, break laws, conduct
themselves arrogantly, commit licentious and unruly acts, pursue their
own pleasures, enjoy themselves as they will, and deceive each other.
What they think contradicts what they say; they speak without
sincerity, flatter others with deceitful intention, fawn upon others
with artful words, envy the reputation of sages, abuse the virtuous,
and entrap people by dishonest means.
"Masters are unwise in appointing retainers, who, exploiting the
situation, seek every opportunity for trickery and deceit. Rulers,
being unrighteous, are deceived by ministers and foolishly remove loyal
and faithful subjects. This is contrary to the will of Heaven.
Ministers betray their rulers; children deceive their parents;
brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, kinsmen and friends deceive each
other. They harbor greed, anger, and stupidity, and, desiring many
possessions, seek their own advantage. All people are the same at
heart, whether they are men of high and honorable positions or of lower
and despised classes. They bring their homes and themselves to ruin and
recklessly destroy their kindred. Although there are family members,
friends, villagers, townspeople, ignorant [276b] and vulgar groups
working together, all seek to gain their own profit, thereby incurring
the anger and enmity of others. When people grow rich, they become
miserly and uncharitable. Greedily attached to their wealth, they toil
with mind and body to retain it. When their end comes, they find
nothing to rely on. Ultimately they are born and depart alone, with
nobody to accompany them. Bliss or misery resulting from good or evil
acts follows them in their future lives. Thus they are reborn in
pleasant or painful states. Even if they later show regret, what good
will that do?
"People of the world, being dark-hearted and lacking insight, hate and
abuse good people and show them no respect. They are attached to
wrongdoing and willfully commit unlawful acts. They always covet the
wealth of others and harbor intentions of stealing. After spending and
squandering what they have robbed from others, they seek to regain it.
Because of their own hidden motives and dishonesty, they slyly study
the reactions shown on the faces of others. Since they are unable to
think far ahead, when things go wrong, they become despondent with
chagrin.
"In this world there are prisons established by the law where offenders
are sent to receive punishment according to their offenses. In their
previous lives they neither believed in the Way nor cultivated roots of
virtue. In this life, too, if they commit evil, demigods know and keep
records of their acts; when they die, they fall into evil realms. Thus,
because of the natural working of karma, there are the three evil
realms and innumerable sufferings through which evildoers must pass,
life after life, for many kalpas, with no end in sight. It is indeed
difficult for them to attain release. The pain they must undergo is
indescribable. This is called the second great evil, the second
suffering, and the second burning. The afflictions are such that they
are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive.
"If in the midst of this one controls one's thoughts with
single-mindedness, does worthy deeds with proper demeanor, commits no
evil, and performs only good, then with the merit and virtue acquired
one reaches emancipation and is able to escape from this world, be
reborn in heavenly realms and finally reach Nirvana. This is the second
great good."
3) the third evil
[37] The Buddha continued, "The third evil is this. People of the world
live together, inhabiting this realm between heaven and earth, with a
limited life-span. On the one hand, among the higher levels there are
wise, rich, honorable, noble, and wealthy people. On the other hand,
among the lower levels there are people who are poor, debased, crude
and foolish. Besides, there are evildoers who always harbor vicious
thoughts and think only of self-gratification; they are full of
worries, sunk in lust and attachment, are restless in their daily
lives, greedy and miserly, and desirous of what they have no right to
possess. They gloat over fair-skinned women, behave licentiously and
commit obscene acts with them, hate their own wives, and secretly
frequent brothels. Consequently, after squandering all their resources,
they begin to break the law. They form bands, start riots, engage in
fighting, unlawfully attack and kill people and plunder property.
"Some have evil designs on the possessions of others. Without working
at their own occupations, they acquire things through theft. Driven by
desire, they commit further offenses. Feverishly agitated, they
intimidate and rob people to support their own wives and children with
the goods thus acquired. Obeying only the dictates of their passions,
they become addicted to wanton pleasures. They also disregard seniority
in kinship, causing sorrow and anguish to other family members and
relatives; furthermore, they take no account of the laws of the State.
"But such evils are known to others and also to demons. The Sun and the
Moon recognize them and demigods [276c] keep records of their doings.
Thus, because of the natural working of karma, there are three evil
realms and innumerable sufferings through which evildoers must pass,
life after life, for many kalpas, with no end in sight. It is indeed
difficult for them to gain release. The pain they must undergo is
indescribable. This is called the third great evil, the third
suffering, and the third burning. The afflictions are such that they
are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive.
"If in the midst of this one controls one's thoughts with
single-mindedness, does worthy deeds with proper demeanor, commits no
evil, and performs only good, then with the merit and virtue acquired
one reaches emancipation and is able to escape from this world, be
reborn in heavenly realms and finally reach Nirvana. This is the third
great good."
4) the fourth evil
[38] The Buddha continued, "The fourth evil is this. People of the
world do not think of doing good. They incite each other to commit
various kinds of evil -- uttering harsh and abusive words, telling
lies, and engaging in idle talk. They slander others and cause
contention. They hate and envy good men and ruin the wise, while they
rejoice in watching this behind the scenes. They are neglectful of
their parents, make light of their teachers and elders, fail to win the
trust of their friends, and lack sincerity. Holding themselves in high
esteem, they think that they are virtuous, but act waywardly in an
overbearing manner and despise others. Unaware of their own evil, they
never feel ashamed of themselves. Boastful of their physical strength,
they demand respect and fear from others. Taking no heed of Heaven,
Earth, demigods, or the Sun and the Moon, they disdain to do any good.
So they are difficult to train and convert. Holding themselves in high
esteem, they demand their own way. Arrogant and afraid of nothing, they
always assume a haughty attitude. But demigods keep record of their
evils. Perhaps there was some meritorious act in their past lives, and
they can count on the effect of that small amount of good. But, since
they commit evil again in this life, their stock of merit is soon
exhausted; good divinities forsake them, leaving them alone and with no
one on whom to depend. When their lives end, all their evil recoils
upon them and forces them, through the natural working of karma, to
descend to the evil realms. Again, as the exact record of their deeds
in the hands of the demigods dictates, their karmic transgressions and
offenses condemn them to hellish realm. Retribution for evil comes
about naturally and nothing can stop it. They must go into the red-hot
cauldrons, where their bodies are melted down with the utmost torment
and anguish. Even if at that time they repent of their evil deeds, what
good will that do? The Way of Heaven takes its inevitable course
without mistake.
"Thus, because of the natural working of karma, there are the three
evil realms and innumerable kinds of suffering through which evildoers
must pass, life after life, for many kalpas, with no end in sight. It
is indeed difficult for them to gain release, and the pain they must
undergo is indescribable. This is called the fourth great evil, the
fourth suffering, and the fourth burning. The afflictions are such that
they are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive.
"If, in the midst of this, one controls one's thoughts with
single-mindedness, does worthy deeds with proper demeanor, commits no
evil, and performs only good, then with the merit and virtue acquired
one reaches emancipation and is able to escape from this world, be
reborn in heavenly realms, and finally reach Nirvana. This is the
fourth great good."
5) the fifth evil
[39] The Buddha continued, "The fifth evil is this. People of the world
are indecisive and slothful, reluctant to do good, lacking in
self-discipline and not working hard at their occupations, so their
families and dependents are left to suffer from hunger and cold. When
reproached by their parents, they retort angrily with scornful looks.
With such conflicts they are far from peaceful; they can be as violent
and frenzied as enemies confronting each other, and, as a result,
parents wish that they had no children.
"In dealing with others, they are licentious and wayward, causing
trouble and annoyance to many. Even when they are morally obliged to
others, they neglect their duties and have no intention of repaying
their indebtedness. Destitute and driven to the most desperate ends,
they have no way of regaining their wealth. Although eager to obtain
much profit and appropriate the riches of others, they waste their
money on wanton pleasures. As this becomes a habit, they grow
accustomed to acquiring property illegally and to spending their
ill-gained profits on personal luxuries; indulging in wine and
sumptuous food, they eat and drink to excess. Profligate and
contentious as they are, they engage in foolish quarrels. Unable to
understand others, they forcibly impose their will upon them. "When
they come upon people who are good, they hate and abuse them. Lacking
ethics and decorum, they do not reflect on their conduct, and so are
presumptuous and insistent, refusing to take the advice and admonitions
of others. They are unconcerned if their kinsmen, from the closest to
the sixth blood-relative, have no means of livelihood. They disregard
their parents' benevolence, and do not fulfill obligations to their
teachers and friends. They think only of doing evil; their mouths
continuously speak malice; and with their bodies, they are forever
committing evil. In their whole lives they have not done even one good
deed.
"Furthermore, they do not believe in the ancient sages, nor the
Buddhist teachings, nor the path of practice leading to emancipation.
Neither do they believe that after death one is reborn into another
state of existence, that good deeds bring about good rewards, or that
evil acts bring about evil consequences. They plot to murder an arhat,
to cause disruption in the Sangha, and even think of killing their
parents, brothers, sisters or other relatives. For this reason, even
their kinsmen, from the closest to the sixth blood-relative, hate them
so much as to wish them dead.
"Such people of the world are all of the same mind. They are foolish
and ignorant, lacking the wisdom to know whence they have come into
life nor whither they are going after death. Neither humane toward
others nor obedient to their elders, they revel against the whole
world. Nevertheless, they expect good fortune and seek long lives, only
to meet death in the end. Even if someone compassionately admonishes
them, trying to lead them to thoughts of goodness, and teaches them
that naturally there are good and evil realms of Samsara, they will not
believe him. However hard one may try to persuade them, it is useless.
Their minds are closed, and they refuse to listen to others or
understand their teachings. When their lives are about to end, fear and
revulsion arise in turn. Not having previously done any good, they are
filled with remorse when they come to their end. But what good will
that do then?
"Between heaven and earth, the five realms are clearly distinguishable.
They are vast and deep, extending boundlessly. In return for good or
evil deeds, bliss or misery ensues. The result of one's karma must be
borne by oneself alone and no one else can take one's place. This is
the natural law. Misfortune follows evil deeds as their retribution,
which is impossible to avoid. Good people do good deeds, and so enjoy
pleasure after pleasure and proceed from light to greater light.
Evildoers commit crimes, and so suffer pain after pain and wander from
darkness to deeper darkness. No one, except the Buddha, knows this
completely. Even though someone admonishes and teaches them, very few
believe; and so the cycles of birth-and-death never cease and the evil
paths continue endlessly. [277b] The karmic consequences for such
worldly people are beyond description in detail.
"Thus, because of the natural working of karma, there are innumerable
kinds of suffering in the three evil realms through which evil beings
must pass, life after life, for many kalpas, with no end in sight. It
is indeed difficult for them to gain release, and the pain they must
undergo is indescribable. This is called the fifth great evil, the
fifth suffering, and the fifth burning. The afflictions are such that
they are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive.
"If in the midst of this, one controls one's thoughts with
single-mindedness, does worthy deeds with proper demeanor, mindfully
recollects, harmonizes words and deeds, acts with sincerity, utters
true words, speaks from the heart, commits no evil, and performs only
good, then with the merit and virtue acquired one reaches emancipation
and is able to escape from this world, be reborn in heavenly realms,
and finally reach Nirvana. This is the fifth great good."
Further admonition by the
Buddha
[40] The Buddha said to Maitreya, "I shall explain further. Such are
the afflictions of the five evils in this world. The five sufferings
and the five burnings continue to arise from them. People commit
nothing but evil and fail to cultivate roots of virtue, and so it is
natural that they all go to evil realms. Even in this life they suffer
from incurable illnesses. Longing for death, they cannot die; craving
for life, they cannot live. Thus they are an example to others of what
retribution for evil acts is like. After death, driven by their karma,
they fall into the three evil realms, where they suffer countless
tortures and are themselves consigned to the flames.
"After a long time they are reborn again in this world, only to foment
hatred against each other. At first hatred is slight but finally
develops into a major evil. All this is because of their greedy
attachment to wealth and sensuous pleasures and of their refusal to
share with others. Further, wayward thoughts arise from the desires
born of stupidity. Their bondage to evil passions will never be
severed. In the pursuit of selfish gain, there is no chance for them to
reflect on their evils and turn to good. When wealthy and prosperous,
they are happy and do not learn to be modest and virtuous.
Consequently, their pomp and power are short-lived; when these are
exhausted, they must undergo further afflictions. Their sufferings are
bound to increase in time to come.
"The law of karma operates like a net stretched everywhere; in its
meshes, it inevitably catches all offenders. The net woven of large and
small ropes covers the whole world, from top to bottom, and those
caught in it feel utterly helpless and tremble in fear. This net has
been in existence from of old. How painful and heart-rending!"
The Buddha said to Maitreya, "People of this world are as I have
described. All the Buddhas pity them and with divine powers destroy
their evils and lead them all to goodness. If you give up wrong views,
hold fast to the scriptures and the precepts, and practice the Way
without committing any fault, then you will finally be able to attain
the path to emancipation and Nirvana."
The Buddha continued, "You and other devas and humans of the present
and people of future generations, having received the Buddha's
teachings, should reflect upon them and, while following them, should
remain upright in thought and do virtuous deeds. Rulers should abide by
morality, reign with beneficence and decree that everyone should
maintain proper conduct, revere the sages, respect men of virtue, be
benevolent and kind to others, and take care not to disregard the
Buddha's teachings and admonitions. All should seek emancipation, cut
the roots of Samsara and its various evils, and so aspire to escape
from the paths of immeasurable sorrow, fear [277c] and pain in the
three evil realms.
"In this world, you should extensively plant roots of virtue, be
benevolent, give generously, abstain from breaking the precepts, be
patient and diligent, teach people with sincerity and wisdom, do
virtuous deeds, and practice good. If you strictly observe the precepts
of abstinence with upright thought and mindfulness even for a day and a
night, the merit acquired will surpass that of practicing good in the
land of Amitayus for a hundred years. The reason is that in that
Buddha-land of effortless spontaneity all the inhabitants do good
without committing even a hair's breadth of evil. If in this world you
do good for ten days and nights, the merit acquired will surpass that
of practicing good in the Buddha-land of other quarters for a thousand
years. The reason is that in the Buddha-land of other quarters many
practice good and very few commit evil. They are lands where everything
is naturally provided as a result of one's merit and virtue, and so no
evil is done. But in this world much evil is committed, and few are
provided for naturally; people must work hard to get what they want.
Since they intend to deceive each other, their minds are troubled,
their bodies exhausted, and they drink bitterness and eat hardship. In
this way, they are preoccupied with their toil no have time for rest.
"Out of pity for you and other devas and humans, I have taken great
pains in exhorting you to do good deeds. I have given you instructions
appropriate to your capacities. You have, without fail, accepted my
teachings and practiced them, and so have all entered on the Way as you
wished.
"Wherever the Buddha comes to stay, there is no state, town or village
which is not blessed by his virtues. The whole country reposes in peace
and harmony. The sun and the moon shine with pure brilliance; wind
rises and rain falls at the right time. There is no calamity or
epidemic, and so the country becomes wealthy, and its people enjoy
peace. Soldiers and weapons become useless; and people esteem virtue,
practice benevolence and diligently cultivate courteous modesty."
The Buddha continued, "My concern for you, devas and humans, is greater
than the care of parents for their children. I have become a Buddha in
this world, destroyed the five evils, removed the five sufferings, and
extinguished the five burnings. I have countered evil with good,
eradicated the suffering of birth-and-death, and enabled people to
acquire the five virtues and attain the peace of unconditioned Nirvana.
But after I have departed from this world, my teaching will gradually
decline and people will fall prey to flattery and deceit and commit
various evils, resulting in the recurrence of the five sufferings and
the five burnings. As time goes on, their sufferings will intensify. As
it is impossible to describe this in detail, I have given you only a
brief outline.
The Buddha said to Maitreya, "You should each ponder on this well,
teach and admonish each other, and be on guard against disobeying the
Buddha's instruction."
The Bodhisattva Maitreya, with his palms together, said, "O Buddha, how
sincere and earnest your admonition is! People of the world are just as
you have described. O Tathagata, you take pity on and care for us
without discrimination and seek to deliver us all from suffering.
Having accepted the Buddha's repeated exhortations, I will be careful
not to disobey them."
Amida and the
Pure Land shown to the audience
[41] The Buddha said to Ananda, "Rise to your feet, rearrange your
robes, put your palms together, and respectfully revere and worship
Amitayus. Buddhas and Tathagatas in the lands of the ten quarters
always praise with one accord that Buddha's virtues of non-attachment
and unimpeded activity."
Ananda stood up, rearranged his robes, assumed the correct posture,
faced westward, and, demonstrating his sincere reverence, joined his
palms together, prostrated himself on the ground and worshipped
Amitayus. Then he said [278a] to the Buddha Shakyamuni, "World-Honored
One, I wish to see that Buddha, his Land of Peace and Bliss, and its
hosts of bodhisattvas and shravakas."
As soon as he had said this, Amitayus emitted a great light, which
illuminated all the Buddha-lands. The Encircling Adamantine Mountains,
Mount Sumeru, together with large and small mountains, and everything
else shone with the same (golden) color. That light was like the flood
at the end of the period of cosmic change that fills the whole world,
when myriads of things are submerged, and as far as the eye can see,
there is nothing but a vast expanse of water. Even so was the flood of
light emanating from Amitayus. All the lights of shravakas and
bodhisattvas were outshone and surpassed, and only the Buddha's light
remained shining bright and glorious. At that time Ananda saw the
splendor and majesty of Amitayus resembling Mount Sumeru, which rises
above the whole world. There was no place which was not illuminated by
the light emanating from his body of glory. The four groups of
followers of the Buddha in the assembly saw all this at the same time.
Likewise, those of the Pure Land saw everything in this world.
Two kinds of birth in the
Pure Land
[42] Then the Buddha said to Ananda and the Bodhisattva Maitreya, "Have
you seen that land filled with excellent and glorious manifestations,
all spontaneously produced, from the ground to the Heaven of Pure
Abode,?" Ananda replied, "Yes, I have."
The Buddha asked, "Have you also heard the great voice of Amitayus
expound the Dharma to all the worlds, guiding sentient beings to the
Way of the Buddha?"
Ananda replied, "Yes, I have."
The Buddha further asked, "Have you also seen the inhabitants of that
land move freely, riding in seven-jewelled airborne palaces as large as
a hundred thousand yojanas, to worship the Buddhas of the lands in the
ten quarters?"
"Yes, I have," replied Ananda.
"Have you also seen that some of the inhabitants are in the embryonic
state?"
"Yes, I have. Those in the embryonic state dwell in palaces as high as
a hundred yojanas or five hundred yojanas, where they spontaneously
enjoy pleasures as do those in the Heaven of the Thirty-three Gods."
The cause of the two kinds
of birth
[43] Then the Bodhisattva Maitreya said to the Buddha, "World-Honored
One, for what reason are some of the inhabitants of that land in the
embryonic state and the others born by transformation?" The Buddha
replied, "Maitreya, if there are sentient beings who do various
meritorious deeds aspiring for birth in that land while still
entertaining doubt, such beings are unable to comprehend the
Buddha-wisdom, inconceivable wisdom, ineffable wisdom, boundless
Mahayana wisdom, and incomparable, unequaled, and unsurpassed supreme
wisdom. Although they doubt these wisdoms, they still believe in
retribution for evil and reward for virtue and so cultivate a stock of
merits, aspiring for birth in that land. Such beings are born in a
palace, where they dwell for five hundred years without being able to
behold the Buddha, hear his exposition of the Dharma, or see the hosts
of bodhisattvas and shravakas. For this reason, that type of birth in
the Pure Land is called 'embryonic state.'
"If there are sentient beings who with resolute faith accept these
kinds of wisdom, from the Buddha's wisdom to the supreme wisdom, do
meritorious deeds and sincerely transfer the merit acquired (to that
land), [278b] those beings will be born by transformation
spontaneously. seated with legs crossed, in the seven-jewelled
lotus-flowers, and instantly attain the same glorious forms, wisdom and
virtue as those of other bodhisattvas there.
Shakyamuni's encouragement
of faith
[44] "Further, Maitreya, if great bodhisattvas in the Buddha-lands of
other quarters desire to see Amitayus, and revere and make offerings to
him and the hosts of bodhisattvas and shravakas, they will, after
death, be born in the land of Amitayus. Spontaneously transformed they
will be born from within the seven-jewelled lotus-flowers.
"Maitreya, you should know that those born by transformation are
possessed of supreme wisdom, while those in the embryonic state lack
that wisdom and must pass five hundred years without being able to see
the Buddha, hear his teaching of the Dharma, see the hosts of
bodhisattvas and shravakas, make offerings to the Buddha, learn the
rules of conduct for bodhisattvas, or perform meritorious practices.
You should know that this is because those beings harbored doubt and
lacked wisdom in their previous lives."
Embryonic birth
[45] The Buddha said to Maitreya, "Let us suppose that a wheel-turning
monarch has a special chamber which is adorned with seven jewels and
provided with curtained couches and silken banners hanging from the
ceiling. If princes have committed offense against the king, they are
taken to that chamber and fettered with gold chains. There they are
served with food and drink, provided with clothes, couches and
cushions, flowers and incense, and can enjoy music. Being treated just
like the wheel-turning monarch himself, they have no wants. Do you
think that those princes would enjoy living there?"
"No they do not," replied Maitreya. "They would seek various means of
approach to ask a man of power to help them escape." The Buddha said to
Maitreya, "Those beings born within the lotus-buds are like that.
Because of their doubt in the Buddha's wisdom, they have been born in
palaces. Although they receive no punishment or ill treatment even for
a single moment, they must pass five hundred years there without being
able to see the Three Treasures, make offerings to the Buddha, or
cultivate a stock of virtue. This is distressing to them. Though there
are other pleasures, they do not enjoy living there.
"If those beings become aware of the faults committed in their former
lives and deeply repent, they can, as they wish, leave and go to where
Amitayus dwells. Then they can worship and make offerings to him; they
can also visit innumerable and countless other Buddhas to perform
various meritorious practices. Maitreya, you should know that the
bodhisattvas who allow doubt to arise lose great benefits. For this
reason, you should have resolute faith in the supreme wisdom of the
Buddha."
Bodhisattvas'
visits to the Pure Land from other Buddha-lands
[46] The Bodhisattva Maitreya said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One,
how many non-retrogressive bodhisattvas are there in this world who
will be born in that Buddha-land?"
The Buddha replied, "Sixty-seven kotis of non-retrogressive
bodhisattvas from this world will be born there. Each of these
bodhisattvas [278c] has previously made offerings to innumerable
Buddhas with almost as much diligence as you did, Maitreya.
Furthermore, bodhisattvas of lesser practices and those who have
performed small acts of merit, whose number is beyond calculation, will
all be born there."
The Buddha said to Maitreya, "Not only those bodhisattvas from this
world but also those from Buddha-lands in other quarters are born
there. First, in the land of the Buddha named Far-reaching Illumination
there are one hundred and eighty kotis of bodhisattvas, who all visit
there. Second, in the land of the Buddha Jewel-storehouse there are
ninety kotis of bodhisattvas, who all visit there. Third, in the land
of the Buddha Immeasurable Sound there are two hundred and twenty kotis
of bodhisattvas, who all visit there. Fourth, in the land of the Buddha
Taste of Nectar there are two hundred and fifty kotis of bodhisattvas,
who all visit there. Fifth, in the land of the Buddha Dragon-subduing
there are fourteen kotis of bodhisattvas, who all visit there. Sixth,
in the land of the Buddha Superior Power there are fourteen thousand
bodhisattvas, who all visit there. Seventh, in the land of the Buddha
Lion there are five hundred kotis of bodhisattvas, who all visit there.
Eighth, in the land of the Buddha Undefiled Light there are eighty
kotis of bodhisattvas, who all visit there. Ninth, in the land of the
Buddha Peak of Virtue there are sixty kotis of bodhisattvas, who all
visit there. Tenth, in the land of the Buddha Mountain of Excellent
Virtue there are sixty kotis of bodhisattvas, who all visit there.
Eleventh, in the land of the Buddha King of Men there are ten kotis of
bodhisattvas, who all visit there. Twelfth, in the land of the Buddha
Splendid Flower there are innumerable and incalculable bodhisattvas who
are all non-retrogressive and possessed of unrivaled wisdom, who have
previously made offerings to countless Buddhas and are able to learn in
seven days the adamantine teachings of the Dharma that can only be
attained by mahasattvas after practicing for a hundred thousand kotis
of kalpas. Those bodhisattvas all visit there. Thirteenth, in the land
of the Buddha Fearlessness there are seven hundred and ninety kotis of
great bodhisattvas and incalculable minor bodhisattvas and bhiksus, who
all visit there."
The Buddha said to Maitreya, "Not only do the bodhisattvas from those
fourteen Buddha-lands visit that land, but also bodhisattvas from
innumerable Buddha-lands in the ten quarters, whose number is
incalculable. Even if I were to give you only the names of the Buddhas
in the ten quarters and the number of the bodhisattvas and bhiksus who
visit that land, enumerating them continuously day and night for a
kalpa, I would not be able to complete the list. This is why I have
given you only a brief description." [279a]
Shakyamuni's
encouragement to accept this sutra
[47] The Buddha said to Maitreya, "If there are people who hear the
Name of that Buddha, rejoice so greatly as to dance, and remember him
even once, then you should know that they have gained great benefit by
receiving the unsurpassed virtue. For this reason, Maitreya, even if a
great fire were to fill the universe of a thousand million worlds, you
should pass through it to hear this sutra, to arouse joyful faith, to
uphold and chant it, and to practice in accordance with its teachings.
This is because there are many bodhisattvas who wish to hear this
teaching but are still unable to do so. If there are sentient beings
who have heard it, they will attain the Stage of Non-retrogression for
realizing the highest Enlightenment. This is why you should
single-heartedly accept in faith, uphold and chant this sutra, and
practice in accordance with its teaching."
The Buddha further said, "I have expounded this teaching for the sake
of sentient beings and enabled you to see Amitayus and all in his land.
Strive to do what you should. After I have passed into Nirvana, do not
allow doubt to arise. In the future, the Buddhist scriptures and
teachings will perish. But, out of pity and compassion, I will
especially preserve this sutra and maintain it in the world for a
hundred years more. Those beings who encounter it will attain
deliverance in accord with their aspirations.
The Buddha said to Maitreya, "It is difficult to encounter and behold
Tathagata when he is in this world. Difficult of access, difficult to
hear are the Buddhas' teachings and scriptures. It is also difficult to
hear the excellent teachings for bodhisattvas, the Paramitas. Difficult
too is it to meet a good teacher, to hear the Dharma and perform the
practices. But most difficult of all difficulties is to hear this
sutra, have faith in it with joy and hold fast to it. Nothing is more
difficult than this. Thus have I formed my Dharma, thus have I
expounded my Dharma, and thus have I taught my Dharma. You must receive
it and practice it by the method prescribed."
Epilogue
[48] When the World-Honored One had finished his exposition of this
sutra, aspiration for the highest Enlightenment was awakened in
innumerable sentient beings. Twelve thousand nayutas of human beings
attained the pure Dharma-eye; twenty-two kotis of devas and humans
attained the Stage of a Non-returner; eight hundred thousand bhiksus
realized the wisdom of destroying defilements; forty kotis of
bodhisattvas attained the Stage of Non-retrogression; and all, adorned
with the virtue of the universal vows, will ultimately attain perfect
Enlightenment.
At that time the entire universe of a thousand million worlds shook in
six ways, and a great light illuminated all the lands in the ten
quarters. A hundred thousand kinds of music played spontaneously, and
innumerable marvelous flowers fell in profusion from the sky.
When the Buddha finished delivering this sutra, the Bodhisattva
Maitreya and bodhisattvas from the lands in the ten quarters, together
with the Elder Ananda, other great shravakas, and all those in the
assembly, without exception, rejoiced at the Buddha's discourse.
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