Sutra on the Lotus Flower of the Wondrous Dharma
"The Universal Door Of The Bodhisattva Who Listens To The Sounds Of All The World"
(Translated from the Sanskrit into Chinese by Tripitaka Dharma Master Kumarajiva of the Yao Chin Dynasty. Translated from Chinese into English by the Buddhist Text Translation Society, Dharma Realm Buddhist University.)
Namo Fundamental Teacher Shakyamuni Buddha (3x).
Verse for Opening a Sutra
"The unsurpassed, deep, profound, subtle, wonderful Dharma, In a hundred thousand million eons, is difficult to encounter; Now that I've come to receive and hold it, within my sight and hearing, I vow to fathom the Thus Come One's true and actual meaning. At that time, Bodhisattva Infinite Resolve rose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, joined his palms, and facing the Buddha, said, "O World Honoured One, how did Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva get the name Gwan Shr Yin?"
The Buddha answered Bodhisattva Infinite Resolve,
"Good Man, if all the countless hundreds of thousands of millions of living beings tormented by misery and pain hear of Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva, and with all their hearts invoke his name, Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva will immediately respond to their prayers and set them free.
If those who hold the name of Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva should fall into a great fire, the fire will not burn them, because of Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva's awesome spiritual power. If they are being tossed about in deep and treacherous waters and call his name, they will quickly reach the shallows.
Hundreds of thousand of myriads of millions of men in search of gold, silver, lapis lazuli, moonstones, and carnelian, coral, amber, pearls, and other precious treasures, may run afoul of violent squalls that blow their ships to the lands of Rakshashas.
But if one man among them calls the name of Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva, then the entire group will all be saved from the throes of the Rakshashas. For this reason he is called "The Enlightened One Who Listens to the Sounds of All the World."
If someone facing deadly harm recites Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva's name, the weapons of the assailants will break apart and he will get away. Even if the entire three-fold, great, thousand-world system were teeming with Yakshas and Rakshashas bent on vexing men, when the evil demons hear the name of Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva called out by these men, they will not be able to see them with their wicked eyes, much less do them in!
If there is a person, whether innocent or guilty, who is locked in stocks or shackled by ropes and chains, his fetters will snap and fall away, letting him go free as soon as he invokes Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva's name.
Suppose vicious thieves in legions that could fill a three-fold, great, thousand-world system infest a perilous road along which a merchant chief guides a traders' caravan laden with precious jewels. If one man among them proclaims: "Good Men, do not be afraid! With all your hearts invoke the name of Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva, the Enlightened One Who Gives Courage to All Beings! If we beseech this Bodhisattva, we will surely escape these thieves".
Upon hearing this exhortation, if all the traders in unison cry out, 'Namo Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva!' By virtue of calling out Gwan Shr Yin's name, they will immediately go free.
Infinite Resolve! How imposing is the awesome spiritual power of the Great Bodhisattva Who Listens to the Sounds of All the World!
If any living being with weighty desires can constantly revere and keep in mind Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva, his passions will subside. If someone with much anger can constantly revere and keep in mind Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva, then his anger will subside. If someone dull and foolish can constantly revere and keep in mind Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva, he will leave stupidity behind.
Infinite Resolve! The Bodhisattva Who Listens to the Sounds of All the World, with his magnificent spiritual power, confers such abundant benefits as these. And so, living beings should always keep him in their hearts and hold his name in mind.
If women seeking sons bow to and make offerings to the Bodhisattva Gwan Shr Yin, they will give birth to sons happy, virtuous, and wise. If instead, they wish for daughters, they will bear gifted daughters with deep-rooted, wholesome characters, beloved and respected by all.
Infinite Resolve! Such is the power of the Bodhisattva Who Listens to the Sounds of All the World. Any living being who worships and makes offerings to Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva will never take a loss.
Therefore, every single living being should hold Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva's name in mind. Infinite Resolve! Suppose someone held the names of Bodhisattvas to the number of grains of sand in sixty-two million Ganges Rivers, and for this person's entire life, made offerings to them all of food and drink, clothes, bedding, and medicine. What is your opinion? Would the merit and virtue accrued by that good man or woman be abundant?"
Infinite Resolve replied, "Extremely abundant, World Honoured One, very great indeed!"
The Buddha said, "Yet if someone else held the name of Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva, bowed and made an offering but one time, the blessings of these two people would be identical, the same in every way, and would endure for quadrillions of aeons.
Infinite Resolve! Holding the name of Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva brings blessings and benefits as limitless and boundless as these."
Again, the Bodhisattva Infinite Resolve asked the Buddha, "World Honoured One, how does Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva wander in this Saha World? How does he speak Dharma for living beings, and what manner of resourcefulness does he command?"
The Buddha answered Bodhisattva Infinite Resolve, "If there is a living being in some country who can be liberated by a Buddha, Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva appears as a Buddha and teaches him the Dharma. If someone can be liberated by a Pratyeka Buddha, he appears as a Pratyeka Buddha and teaches him the Dharma. If someone can be liberated by a Sound-hearer, he appears as a Sound-hearer and teaches him the Dharma. If someone can be liberated by a Brahma-heaven King, he appears as a Brahma-heaven King and teaches him the Dharma.
If someone can be liberated by Shakra, he appears as Shakra and teaches him the Dharma. If someone can be liberated by the God of Comfort, he appears as the God of Comfort and teaches him the Dharma. If someone can be liberated by the God of Great Comfort, he appears as the God of Great Comfort and teaches him the Dharma. If someone can be liberated by a mighty General of the Gods, he appears as a mighty General of the Gods and teaches him the Dharma. If someone can be liberated by the God Vaisravana, he appears as Vaisravana and teaches him the Dharma.
If someone can be liberated by a minor king, he appears as a minor king and teaches him the Dharma. If someone can be liberated by an elder, he appears as an elder and teaches him the Dharma. If someone can be liberated by a lay-person, he appears as a lay-person and teaches him the Dharma. If someone can be liberated by a minister of state, he appears as a minister of state and teaches him the Dharma.
If someone can be liberated by a Brahman, he appears as a Brahman and teaches him the Dharma. If someone can be liberated by a monk or nun, a layman or a lay-woman, he appears as a monk or nun, a layman or lay-woman and teaches him the Dharma. If someone can be liberated by the wife of an elder, layman, minister of state, or Brahman, he appears as a wife and teaches him the Dharma.
If someone can be liberated by a lad or maiden, he appears as a lad or maiden and teaches him the Dharma. If someone can be liberated by a god, dragon, yaksha, or gandharva, an asura, garuda, kinnara, or mahoraga, a human, nonhuman, and so forth, he appears accordingly and teaches him the Dharma. And if someone can be liberated by a Vajra-wielding Spirit, he appears as a Vajra-wielding Spirit and teaches him the Dharma.
Infinite Resolve! Such are the meritorious deeds done by Gwan Shr Yin, the Bodhisattva who roams throughout the world and appears in various forms to rescue living beings. Therefore you should all wholeheartedly make offerings to the Bodhisattva Who Listens to the Sounds of All the World.
In times of terror, crisis, and trouble, the Great Bodhisattva Gwan Shr Yin can bestow courage and dispel all fears. Therefore, all throughout the Saha world we call him Giver of Courage.
The Bodhisattva Infinite Resolve said to the Buddha, "World Honoured One, I will now make an offering to the Bodhisattva Gwan Shr Yin."
And so saying, he removed his rosary of pearls, worth hundreds of thousands of taels of gold and presented it to the Bodhisattva with these words: " O Humane One, please accept my offering of Dharma, this rosary of precious pearls."
But Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva would not accept the pearls. Infinite Resolve once more entreated Gwan Shr Yin, "O Humane One, out of pity for us, please receive the rosary."
Then the Buddha said to Gwan Shr Yin, "Out of compassion for Infinite Resolve and the Four Assemblies, for the gods, dragons, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kinnaras, mahoragas, humans, and nonhuman beings, and the rest, accept this rosary."
Then Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva, out of pity for the Four Assemblies, for the gods, dragons, humans, non humans, and the rest, accepted the rosary and divided it into two parts. One strand he offered to Shakyamuni Buddha, the other to the stupa of the Buddha Many Jewels.
Infinite Resolve! With such sovereign spiritual powers does the Bodhisattva Gwan Shr Yin traverse the Saha World. Then the Bodhisattva Infinite Resolve put his questions into verses and asked them once again:
"World Honoured One, Complete with Wondrous Hallmarks, Several questions I would ask again. How did this disciple of the Buddha, Earn the name Gwan Shr Yin?
Then the World Honoured One, his every feature full, answered in melodious verse to Infinite Resolve:
Come listen and I'll tell you Gwan Yin's story How deftly he responds to every side; Spanning ages past the ken of numbers, With oceanic vows both deep and wide. Serving ancient Buddhas, several billions, His pure and lofty vows in brief I'll tell. Whoever sees his face or learns about him, Who can hold this Bodhisattva's name, Will leave behind the sorrows of existence, And so this cultivation's not in vain!
Should you be pushed into a raging fire, By enemies so harmful, mean, and cruel, Evoke the strength of Gwan Yin Bodhisattva The blaze will turn into a limpid pool.
If cast adrift upon the mighty ocean, Where dragons, ghosts, and sharks in turn surround, Evoke the strength of Gwan Yin Bodhisattva, You'll float atop the waves and will not drown. Suppose an evil person pushed you headlong, From atop the peak called Wondrous Tall, Evoke the strength of Gwan Yin Bodhisattva, And like the sun in space you will not fall. Perhaps you tumble down from Vajra Mountain, Fleeing wicked ruffians who pursue, Evoke the strength of Gwan Yin Bodhisattva, And not the slightest harm will come to you.
Surrounded by a mob of heartless bandits, Their weapons drawn, with murder on their minds, Evoke the strength of Gwan Yin Bodhisattva, Their evil hearts will soften and turn kind. If you are on the verge of execution, Sentenced by the State, condemned to die, Evoke the strength of Gwan Yin Bodhisattva, The sword will break to pieces just in time.
If bound and chained, restrained by ropes and shackles, With hands and feet confined in stocks and gyves, Evoke the strength of Gwan Yin Bodhisattva, The fetters by themselves will fall aside.
Hexes, poison, magic spells, and voodoo, Cast by those who plot to do you in, Return to curse the sorcerer who sent them, When you invoke the power of Gwan Shr Yin.
If you meet with evil Rakshashas, Lethal dragons, ghosts, and vicious beasts, Evoke the strength of Gwan Yin Bodhisattva, None will dare to harm you in the least.
Circled round and trapped by savage creatures, With razor fangs and claws that terrify, Evoke the strength of Gwan Yin Bodhisattva, And they will quickly flee to every side.
Facing vipers, scorpions, and pythons, Belching poisons, fumes, and scorching flames, Evoke the strength of Gwan Yin Bodhisattva, They'll shrink and turn away before his name.
When thunder-clouds explode and lightning crackles, Dumping sleet, and hail, and heavy rains, Evoke the strength of Gwan Yin Bodhisattva, The skies will clear, the storms will drift away.
Living beings harassed and vexed, and troubled, By countless sorrows, burdened without cease, This Bodhisattva's wondrous wisdom-power. Can help the suffering world obtain relief.
Perfect and complete in psychic power, Widely versed in wisdom's subtle skills, In lands throughout the ten directions, The Bodhisattva manifests at will.
The agony amid the Evil Pathways, The torments of the ghosts, the beasts, the hells, The pains of birth, the aged, sick, and dying, The Bodhisattva gradually dispels.
O Thou of true regard, of pure regard, Regard far-reaching, wise, and truly great, Thy loving-kindness, sympathy, and deep regard, I vow to ever laud and venerate.
Your wisdom-sun can break apart the darkness, Immaculate, your virgin light unfurls, To quell disasters, winds, and storms, and fires, A universal light for all the world.
Wellspring of compassion, precepts' thunder, Your wondrous cloud of kindness covers all. Extinguishing the fires of life's afflictions, As the rain of sweet-dew Dharma falls.
In trials, suits, and civil confrontations, When fear runs high, when warring armies near, Evoke the strength of Gwan Yin Bodhisattva, Vengeance and bad feelings disappear.
Fine and wondrous sound: Gwan Shr Yin! Brahma-sound, steady as the tides. A name transcending every worldly sound, Gwan Yin! Stay forever in my mind.
Let not a single doubt arise to haunt us, For Gwan Yin Bodhisattva, Holy Sage, Amid life's troubles, and the pains of dying, Will ever be our refuge, and our aid. O Holy One! Replete with every virtue,
Your kindly gaze beholds all living beings. A boundless sea you are, of every blessing. And let us bow to offer our esteem!"
Then Bodhisattva, Guardian of the Earth arose from his seat, went before the Buddha and proclaimed, "O! World Honoured One, living beings must have abundant merit and virtue to hear this chapter on Gwan Shr Yin Bodhisattva's sovereign deeds, and how he universally responds with his spiritual power."
And while the Buddha spoke this Universal Door Chapter, eighty-four thousand living beings from among the assembly set their minds on achieving Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi!
- http://web.singnet.com.sg/~alankhoo/PuMenPing.htm
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra
The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra
Namo! Homage to the Lotus Pool Assembly of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas As Vast As the Sea Thus I have heard, at one time the Buddha dwelt at Shravasti, in the Jeta Grove in the Garden of the Benefactor of Orphans and the Forlorn, together with a gathering of Great Bhikshus, twelve-hundred fifty in all, all Great Arhats well-known to the assembly: Elders Shariputra, Mahamaudgalyayana, Mahakasyapa, Mahakatyayana, Mahakausthila, Revata, Suddhipanthaka, Nanda, Ananda, Rahula, Gavampati, Pindola-Bharadvaja, Kalodayin, Mahakaphina, Vakkula, Aniruddha, and others such as these, all Great Disciples, together with all the Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas: Manjushri, Prince of Dharma; Ajita Bodhisattva, Gandhastin Bodhisattva, Nityodukta Bodhisattva, and others such as these, all Great Bodhisattvas, and together with Shakra, Chief among Gods, and the numberless great multitudes from all the heavens.
At that time, the Buddha told the Elder Shariputra, From here, passing through hundreds of thousands of millions of Buddhalands to the West there is a world called Utmost Happiness. In this land a Buddha called Amitabha right now teaches the Dharma.
Shariputra, why is this land called Utmost Happiness? All living beings of this country never suffer, but enjoy every bliss. Therefore it is called Utmost Happiness.
Moreover, Shariputra, this land of Utmost Happiness is completely surrounded by seven tiers of railings, seven layers of netting, and seven rows of trees, all formed from the four treasures, and for this reason called Utmost Happiness.
Moreover, Shariputra, in the land of Utmost Happiness are pools of the seven jewels, filled with the waters of eight meritorious qualities; the bottom of each pool is pure, covered with golden sands. On the four sides climb stairs of gold, silver, lapus lazuli, crystal, mother-of pearl, rubies, and carnelian.
In the pools bloom lotuses as large as carriage wheels with colors of green light, red light, yellow light, and white light, subtle, rare, fragrant, and pure. Shariputra, the Land of Utmost Happiness is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.
Moreover, Shariputra, in this Buddhaland heavenly music always plays, and the ground is made of gold. In the six periods of the day and night a heavenly rain of mandarava flowers falls, and throughout the clear morning, each living being of this land offers sacks filled with myriads of wonderful flowers to the hundreds of thousands of millions of Buddhas of the other directions. At mealtime they return to their own countries and after eating they walk about. Shariputra, the Land of Utmost Happiness is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.
Moreover, Shariputra, in this country there are always rare and unusual birds of many kinds and colors: white geese, cranes, peacocks, parrots, egrets, kalavinkas and two-headed birds. In the six periods of the day and night the flocks of birds sing forth harmonious and elegant sounds. Their clear and joyful calls proclaim the Five Roots, the Five Powers, the Seven Limbs of Bodhi, the Eightfold Path of Sages, and dharmas such as these. When living beings of this land hear their calls they are altogether mindful of the Buddha, mindful of the Dharma, and mindful of the Sangha.
Shariputra! Do not say that these birds are born as retribution for their sins. And why not? Because in this Buddhaland the three evil paths do not exist. Shariputra, even the names of the three evil paths are unknown in this Buddha's land; how much the less could they actually exist! Wishing to proclaim the Dharma's sound far and wide, Amitabha Buddha created these multitudes of birds by transformation.
Shariputra, in that Buddhaland when the gentle winds blow, the rows of jewelled trees and jewelled nets reverberate with fine and wondrous sounds, as a symphony of one hundred thousand kinds of music played in harmony. All who hear these sounds are naturally mindful of the Buddha, mindful of the Dharma, and mindful of the Sangha. Shariputra, the Land of Utmost Happiness is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.
Shariputra, what do you think? Why is this Buddha called Amitabha? Shariputra, the brilliance of that Buddha's light is measureless, illumining the lands of the ten directions everywhere without obstruction. For this reason he is called Amitabha.
Moreover, Shariputra, the lifespan of that Buddha and that of his people extends for measureless, limitless asamkhyeyas of kalpas. For this reason he is called Amitayus. And, Shariputra, since Amitabha became a Buddha, ten kalpas have passed.
Moreover, Shariputra, that Buddha has measureless, limitless asamkheyas of Sound-Hearer disciples, their number incalculable. So too is the assembly of Bodhisattvas. Shariputra, that Buddhaland is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.
Moreover, Shariputra, the living beings born in the Land of Utmost Happiness are all avaivartika. Among them are many who in this very life will dwell in Buddhahood. Their number is extremely many; it is incalculable. And only in measureless, limitless asamkyeyas of kalpas could they be counted.
Shariputra, those living beings who hear of this should vow: I wish to be born in that country. And why? Because those who are born there assemble in one place with people whose goodness is unsurpassed. Shariputra, if one has few good roots, blessings, and virtues, one cannot be born in that land.
Shariputra, if there is a good man or good woman who hears of Amitabha and holds his name whether for one day, two days, three, four, five days, six days, as long as seven days with one mind unconfused, when this person nears the end of life, before him will appear Amitabha and all the Assembly of Holy Ones. When the end comes, his mind will not be utterly confused, and in Amitabha's Land of Utmost Happiness he will quickly be reborn. Shariputra, because I see this benefit, I speak these words; and, if living beings hear this teaching they should make the vow: I wish to born in that land.
Shariputra, just as I now praise the inconceivable benefits arising from the merit and virtue of Amitabha, so too in the East does Akshobya Buddha, Sumeru Likeness Buddha, Great Sumeru Buddha, Sumeru Light Buddha, Wonderful Sound Buddha; all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all the Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, in the Southern World, Sun-Moon Lamp Buddha, Sumeru Lamp Buddha, Celebrated Light Buddha, Great Radiant Shoulders Buddha, Sumeru Lamp Buddha, Measureless Vigor Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, in the Western World, Measureless Life Buddha, Infinite Features Buddha, Measureless Curtain Buddha, Great Light Buddha, Great Clarity Buddha, Jewelled Likeness Buddha, Pure Light Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, protecting and bearing it in mind.
Shariputra, in the Northern World, Radiant Shoulders Buddha, Most Glorious Sound Buddha, Invincible Buddha, Sun-Birth Buddha, Luminous Net Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, in the World Below, Lion Buddha, Well-Known Buddha, Celebrated Light Buddha, Dharma Buddha, Dharma-Curtain Buddha, Upholding Dharma Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, in the World Above, Pure Sound Buddha, Constellation King Buddha, Superior Fragrance Buddha, Fragrant Light Buddha, Great Radiant Shoulders Buddha, Varicolored Jewels-Adorned Body Buddha, Sala Tree King Buddha, Jewelled Flower of Virtue Buddha, Discerning All Meanings Buddha, Like Sumeru Mountain Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, what do you think? Why is it called Sutra which all Buddhas protect and bear in mind? Shariputra, if a good man or good woman hears this sutra and upholds it, and hears the names of all these Buddhas, this good man or good woman will also be one whom all Buddhas protect and bear in mind, and will attain non-retreat from anuttarasamyaksambodhi. Therefore, Shariputra, all of you should believe and accept my words and the words all Buddhas speak.
Shariputra, if there are people who have already made the vow, who now make the vow, or who will make the vow, I wish to be born in Amitabha's country, these people, whether born in the past, now being born there, or to be born there in the future, will all attain non-retreat from anuttarasamyaksambodhi. Therefore, Shariputra, all good men and good women who believe should make the vow, I wish to be born in that country.
Shariputra, just as I now praise the inconceivable merit and virtue of all Buddhas, all those Buddhas also praise my inconceivable merit and virtue, saying these words: Shakyamuni Buddha can accomplish extremely difficult and rare deeds in the Saha Land during the evil time of the Five Turbidities: during the time turbidity, the views turbidity, the affliction turbidity, the living beings turbidity, and the lifespan turbidity. He can attain anuttarasamyaksambodhi and for the sake of living beings proclaim this Dharma, which the whole world finds hard to believe.
Shariputra, you should know that I, in the evil time of the Five Turbidities, perform these difficult deeds, attain anuttarasamyaksambodhi, and for the entire world proclaim this Dharma which is difficult to believe, extremely difficult!
After the Buddha spoke this Sutra, Shariputra, all the Bhikshus, and the entire world of gods, humans, asuras, and others, hearing what the Buddha had said, joyously delighted in it, faithfully accepted it, bowed and withdrew.
End of the Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra
- http://web.singnet.com.sg/~alankhoo/AmitabhaSutra.htm
- wong chee tat :)
Namo! Homage to the Lotus Pool Assembly of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas As Vast As the Sea Thus I have heard, at one time the Buddha dwelt at Shravasti, in the Jeta Grove in the Garden of the Benefactor of Orphans and the Forlorn, together with a gathering of Great Bhikshus, twelve-hundred fifty in all, all Great Arhats well-known to the assembly: Elders Shariputra, Mahamaudgalyayana, Mahakasyapa, Mahakatyayana, Mahakausthila, Revata, Suddhipanthaka, Nanda, Ananda, Rahula, Gavampati, Pindola-Bharadvaja, Kalodayin, Mahakaphina, Vakkula, Aniruddha, and others such as these, all Great Disciples, together with all the Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas: Manjushri, Prince of Dharma; Ajita Bodhisattva, Gandhastin Bodhisattva, Nityodukta Bodhisattva, and others such as these, all Great Bodhisattvas, and together with Shakra, Chief among Gods, and the numberless great multitudes from all the heavens.
At that time, the Buddha told the Elder Shariputra, From here, passing through hundreds of thousands of millions of Buddhalands to the West there is a world called Utmost Happiness. In this land a Buddha called Amitabha right now teaches the Dharma.
Shariputra, why is this land called Utmost Happiness? All living beings of this country never suffer, but enjoy every bliss. Therefore it is called Utmost Happiness.
Moreover, Shariputra, this land of Utmost Happiness is completely surrounded by seven tiers of railings, seven layers of netting, and seven rows of trees, all formed from the four treasures, and for this reason called Utmost Happiness.
Moreover, Shariputra, in the land of Utmost Happiness are pools of the seven jewels, filled with the waters of eight meritorious qualities; the bottom of each pool is pure, covered with golden sands. On the four sides climb stairs of gold, silver, lapus lazuli, crystal, mother-of pearl, rubies, and carnelian.
In the pools bloom lotuses as large as carriage wheels with colors of green light, red light, yellow light, and white light, subtle, rare, fragrant, and pure. Shariputra, the Land of Utmost Happiness is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.
Moreover, Shariputra, in this Buddhaland heavenly music always plays, and the ground is made of gold. In the six periods of the day and night a heavenly rain of mandarava flowers falls, and throughout the clear morning, each living being of this land offers sacks filled with myriads of wonderful flowers to the hundreds of thousands of millions of Buddhas of the other directions. At mealtime they return to their own countries and after eating they walk about. Shariputra, the Land of Utmost Happiness is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.
Moreover, Shariputra, in this country there are always rare and unusual birds of many kinds and colors: white geese, cranes, peacocks, parrots, egrets, kalavinkas and two-headed birds. In the six periods of the day and night the flocks of birds sing forth harmonious and elegant sounds. Their clear and joyful calls proclaim the Five Roots, the Five Powers, the Seven Limbs of Bodhi, the Eightfold Path of Sages, and dharmas such as these. When living beings of this land hear their calls they are altogether mindful of the Buddha, mindful of the Dharma, and mindful of the Sangha.
Shariputra! Do not say that these birds are born as retribution for their sins. And why not? Because in this Buddhaland the three evil paths do not exist. Shariputra, even the names of the three evil paths are unknown in this Buddha's land; how much the less could they actually exist! Wishing to proclaim the Dharma's sound far and wide, Amitabha Buddha created these multitudes of birds by transformation.
Shariputra, in that Buddhaland when the gentle winds blow, the rows of jewelled trees and jewelled nets reverberate with fine and wondrous sounds, as a symphony of one hundred thousand kinds of music played in harmony. All who hear these sounds are naturally mindful of the Buddha, mindful of the Dharma, and mindful of the Sangha. Shariputra, the Land of Utmost Happiness is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.
Shariputra, what do you think? Why is this Buddha called Amitabha? Shariputra, the brilliance of that Buddha's light is measureless, illumining the lands of the ten directions everywhere without obstruction. For this reason he is called Amitabha.
Moreover, Shariputra, the lifespan of that Buddha and that of his people extends for measureless, limitless asamkhyeyas of kalpas. For this reason he is called Amitayus. And, Shariputra, since Amitabha became a Buddha, ten kalpas have passed.
Moreover, Shariputra, that Buddha has measureless, limitless asamkheyas of Sound-Hearer disciples, their number incalculable. So too is the assembly of Bodhisattvas. Shariputra, that Buddhaland is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.
Moreover, Shariputra, the living beings born in the Land of Utmost Happiness are all avaivartika. Among them are many who in this very life will dwell in Buddhahood. Their number is extremely many; it is incalculable. And only in measureless, limitless asamkyeyas of kalpas could they be counted.
Shariputra, those living beings who hear of this should vow: I wish to be born in that country. And why? Because those who are born there assemble in one place with people whose goodness is unsurpassed. Shariputra, if one has few good roots, blessings, and virtues, one cannot be born in that land.
Shariputra, if there is a good man or good woman who hears of Amitabha and holds his name whether for one day, two days, three, four, five days, six days, as long as seven days with one mind unconfused, when this person nears the end of life, before him will appear Amitabha and all the Assembly of Holy Ones. When the end comes, his mind will not be utterly confused, and in Amitabha's Land of Utmost Happiness he will quickly be reborn. Shariputra, because I see this benefit, I speak these words; and, if living beings hear this teaching they should make the vow: I wish to born in that land.
Shariputra, just as I now praise the inconceivable benefits arising from the merit and virtue of Amitabha, so too in the East does Akshobya Buddha, Sumeru Likeness Buddha, Great Sumeru Buddha, Sumeru Light Buddha, Wonderful Sound Buddha; all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all the Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, in the Southern World, Sun-Moon Lamp Buddha, Sumeru Lamp Buddha, Celebrated Light Buddha, Great Radiant Shoulders Buddha, Sumeru Lamp Buddha, Measureless Vigor Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, in the Western World, Measureless Life Buddha, Infinite Features Buddha, Measureless Curtain Buddha, Great Light Buddha, Great Clarity Buddha, Jewelled Likeness Buddha, Pure Light Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, protecting and bearing it in mind.
Shariputra, in the Northern World, Radiant Shoulders Buddha, Most Glorious Sound Buddha, Invincible Buddha, Sun-Birth Buddha, Luminous Net Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, in the World Below, Lion Buddha, Well-Known Buddha, Celebrated Light Buddha, Dharma Buddha, Dharma-Curtain Buddha, Upholding Dharma Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, in the World Above, Pure Sound Buddha, Constellation King Buddha, Superior Fragrance Buddha, Fragrant Light Buddha, Great Radiant Shoulders Buddha, Varicolored Jewels-Adorned Body Buddha, Sala Tree King Buddha, Jewelled Flower of Virtue Buddha, Discerning All Meanings Buddha, Like Sumeru Mountain Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, what do you think? Why is it called Sutra which all Buddhas protect and bear in mind? Shariputra, if a good man or good woman hears this sutra and upholds it, and hears the names of all these Buddhas, this good man or good woman will also be one whom all Buddhas protect and bear in mind, and will attain non-retreat from anuttarasamyaksambodhi. Therefore, Shariputra, all of you should believe and accept my words and the words all Buddhas speak.
Shariputra, if there are people who have already made the vow, who now make the vow, or who will make the vow, I wish to be born in Amitabha's country, these people, whether born in the past, now being born there, or to be born there in the future, will all attain non-retreat from anuttarasamyaksambodhi. Therefore, Shariputra, all good men and good women who believe should make the vow, I wish to be born in that country.
Shariputra, just as I now praise the inconceivable merit and virtue of all Buddhas, all those Buddhas also praise my inconceivable merit and virtue, saying these words: Shakyamuni Buddha can accomplish extremely difficult and rare deeds in the Saha Land during the evil time of the Five Turbidities: during the time turbidity, the views turbidity, the affliction turbidity, the living beings turbidity, and the lifespan turbidity. He can attain anuttarasamyaksambodhi and for the sake of living beings proclaim this Dharma, which the whole world finds hard to believe.
Shariputra, you should know that I, in the evil time of the Five Turbidities, perform these difficult deeds, attain anuttarasamyaksambodhi, and for the entire world proclaim this Dharma which is difficult to believe, extremely difficult!
After the Buddha spoke this Sutra, Shariputra, all the Bhikshus, and the entire world of gods, humans, asuras, and others, hearing what the Buddha had said, joyously delighted in it, faithfully accepted it, bowed and withdrew.
End of the Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra
- http://web.singnet.com.sg/~alankhoo/AmitabhaSutra.htm
- wong chee tat :)
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
- wong chee tat :)
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
Homage to the 36 trillion, 119 thousand, 500 Amitabha Buddhas
- wong chee tat :)
Doing Good Deeds
Put your utmost effort into doing good deeds and do not slack. Print more virtuous books and distribute them.
- www.tbsn.org
- wong chee tat :)
- www.tbsn.org
- wong chee tat :)
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