འཕགས་པ་དག་བའ་རྩ་བ་ཡངས་ས་འཛན་པ་ཞས་བྱ་བ་ཐག་པ་ཆན་པའ་མད 8
Upholding the Roots of Virtue 8
- Language
- English
8.2
and happily take their seats.
“As the emanations disappear from where they were,
They proceed to ask questions of the Thus-Gone One.
When they are asked about where they are from and what their names are
The hairs on the bodies of the retinue stand on end.
“When the fourfold retinue feels disinclined
To ask questions of the Victorious One out of respect,
The Protector of the World will send forth emanations,
And thus the monk Ānandabhadra appeared.
“Having asked his questions to the Protector
He vanished and disappeared.
Who are these beings and to whom do they belong?
Please explain, O Protector, and dispel our doubts.”³¹
“Behold the armor of beings endowed with aspiration and courage.
These beings have arrived here by the blessing of that armor.
They have arrived from the east,
Traveling across innumerable universes.
“The heroes who have come here for the good of the world
Have arrived with great consideration;
Their intentions are pure and they act for the sake of awakening.
Such is the character of their aspirations.
“Their virtue ensures their vision of buddhahood,
And they will not feel dejection here,
Nor will their discipline weaken,
For they are learned and master superior transcendences.
“Their skill in means is extremely vast.
Without entering the womb
They remain in saṃsāra, from one life to the next,
Without ever forgetting the continuum of the mind of Dharma.
“Constantly they encounter the buddhas;
Constantly they keep company with the noble.
Thus, when the beings here behold such heroes,
It constantly leads to the attainment of deliverance.
“The virtue that ensues from seeing such beings will immediately
Surpass untold amounts of other forms of virtue.
The qualities of these heroic beings
Are famed in numerous ways, yet ultimately immutable.
“When the name of such a perfect hero
Is heard by a woman
She will never again become female,
But always be a holy being of the highest kind.
“When men or women hear their name,
They become happy and
8.3
form the aspiration
To be born in that buddhafield.
When their body dies, they will indeed take birth there.
“Thus being born into a perfect realm,
Whenever a man, woman, or anyone else
Hears their name and feels faith
They will never regress from the pursuit of awakening.
“Apart from the beings that go naked,
Anyone who hears that name yet feels no joy,
And does not receive any word from a buddha either,
Will nevertheless become endowed with merit.³²
“Just as when an elixir dispels all flaws,
Whoever intentionally listens to that name
Will thereby also come to see them
And without doubt achieve certainty regarding the nature of awakening.
“If someone takes the leaves of the palāśa tree
And produces elixirs from them,
Then the power of such medicine
Will ensure that one remains unharmed by fire.
“If a fierce and potent snake venom
Is used to neutralize poison,
And this method taught across the earth,
Then why would anyone dig for such medicine?
“If brought to smell snake venom
All snakes will die.
Similarly, people who resemble such a medicinal elixir
Will perform buddha deeds by means of their names.
“Whoever hears the names of such heroes,
As they resound in all directions,
Will thereby be affected.
Thus, no woman will touch such beings,
“And so they will obviously be held in esteem and respected.
The monk who is an emanation of the victorious ones
And is known by the name Ānandabhadra,
A name given to him by the victorious ones,
“Is someone to whom anyone in pursuit of awakening should turn.
Ānandabhadra, the one with a name of excellent armor—
As I now hear that he is in this world
I shall pronounce his name undauntedly.
“Beings of lesser virtue, who find it hard to trust
The profound teaching of the well-gone ones
And the victorious ones’ awakening, have arrived.
Now my life will last only for a short while.
“Ānanda, there are
8.4
supreme beings
Who have arrived in this retinue only today.
The fame of the armor of those world protectors who have arrived here
Is unstoppable throughout the ten directions.
“Ānanda, Bhadrapāla, Ratnākara,
Ratnākara, Susārthavāha,
Guṇagupta, Pravīṇa,
As well as Hero and Balabhadra—behold them all!
“Water, Varuṇa, and Bhadrapāla,
Along with the monks,
Who all are protectors—behold them all!
Their armor is inconceivable.
“Those famed under the name Amogha
Are all bearers of the meaningful³³ armor,
And they are all meaningful to behold,
So what need to mention serving them?
“Ānanda, whoever sees them
Or hears their names
Can never be turned back from awakening,
And will never fall into the lower realms.
“All of them will gather with diligence,
All of them will gather with insight,
All of them will observe the body of discipline,
And all of them will thus venerate the supreme vehicle.
“Ānanda, all heroes in this buddhafield
And throughout the worlds of the ten directions
Who aspire to that armor
Will be praised by all the victorious ones.
“The victorious ones who bring forth such praises
Will then be known to the bodhisattvas.
Thus they behold the leader of the Śākyas, the protector of the world,
As well as the heroes in pursuit of awakening.
“Having heard this they supplicate,
And the Protector is present in the world of Enduring.
Having circumambulated the bodies of the victorious ones,
All these bodhisattvas have arrived here.
“The monk who hears their names
Will develop the wish for supreme awakening,
And the one who pursues awakening through names and wishes
Will receive the prophecy of awakening from the victorious ones.
8.5
“People who have acted in unvirtuous ways
Throughout innumerable eons
Will, for this reason, in the dark age
Journey to buddha realms together with me.
“Even though I attain this supreme awakening
I will have no joy in seeing sentient beings at that time.
The monks who will appear in the future
Will be savage, wild, and brutal.
“Those who then, having heard of the terrors,
Again and again bring forth the power of diligence
And offer raw food at times of starvation
Possess a savage generosity.
“Those who here show great respect,
Thinking, ‘In the future times of great fear
I must do what is meaningful even at the cost of my life,’
Will propagate and uphold my supreme Dharma.
“At that time the aspirations associated with unvirtuous acts
Will remain and be present in the world.
Those who now engage in such acts
Will also at that time be flawed.
“When they then hear a Dharma such as this
They will believe that it is not the Dharma,
Declaring, ‘The Victorious One did not teach this.’
Behold the errors of the world, Ānanda.
“The monks who train will then become saddened
By the thought that ‘conditioned things never last.’
As if their heads had caught fire
They will focus all their efforts on attaining the deathless.
“Hearing of the destruction of the teachings
Even the gods will experience suffering.
Appalled by the sights of destruction
They will feel that even dying would be easier.
“Today we perceive such a great sage,
Who dauntlessly makes proclamations.
We behold the countenance of the supreme guide,
And, as we beseech him to teach, we rejoice.
“Likewise do we witness monks who practice concentration,
Who have gained mastery and possess skill through supernatural powers,
Who have accomplished transcendent absorption and insight.
How might we in the future be able to see any of that?
“Evil monks will be the ones in power,
And those of discipline will be destroyed,
8.6
Quickly coming to live within a household.
At that time the gods will be extremely displeased.
“Alas, alas, the teachings will be destroyed!
Those who then commit themselves and undertake hardships
Will be subdued by evil monks.
Behold this destruction of the teachings.
“While people enjoy each other
They will defame the gentle ones.
They will raise disagreements with the Buddha
And take up the life of a householder.
“Mixing with female lay practitioners
They will act in the same way as them.
Those who become disrespectful of the Buddha’s teaching
Will also abandon supreme awakening.
“They bring the worst harm upon the Three Jewels,
Thus they will be shunned by the honorable.
Such unworthy beings who defame the Leader
Will likewise be shunned by those who have discipline.
“At that time those of discipline will be blamed
And monks will be brought down by evil.
At that time of great fear and perversion
You must develop sadness and be careful.
“Arouse diligence in the teaching of the Well-Gone One.
At that time there will be great terrors.
Do not associate with evil monks.
That time will be one of suffering.”
As fast as an athlete can stretch out or bend an arm, the bodhisattva Bearer of the Armor of Courage That Comes from Roots of Virtue Definitively Directed toward All-Seeing Buddhahood now disappeared from that universe in an instant and emerged here in the world of Enduring. He proceeded to the place where the blessed thus-gone Śākyamuni was residing, bowed his head to the Blessed One’s feet in homage, and said, “Blessed One, the blessed Leader Who Displays the Body of the Buddhas to All Māras inquires whether you have encountered but little hardship or discomfort, and whether you remain healthy, strong, and at ease.”
8.7
“Noble son,” replied the Blessed One, “is that blessed one free from harm, is he strong, and does he remain unchanged?”
“Yes, indeed,” answered the bodhisattva.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Aṅkita. There resided the thus-gone Roar Beyond Marks. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Melodious Roar of Brahmā.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Niravagraha. There resided the thus-gone Roar of Signlessness. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Worship with a Single Characteristic.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Seal without Characteristics. There resided the thus-gone Supreme Lotus. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Rain of Tossed Lotuses.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Moon Banner. There resided the thus-gone Glorious Source of Jewels. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Viśvakūṭa.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Maitreya. There resided the thus-gone Stainless Intelligence. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Nimindhara.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Flower. There resided the thus-gone Source of the Flowers of Wisdom.
8.8
Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Stable Holder of the Earth.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Perfectly Pure Space. There resided the thus-gone Noble King of Splendor. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Ratnacchatra.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Animitta. There resided the thus-gone Praśānta. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Utpala.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Essence of Bliss. There resided the thus-gone Stainless Leader. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva No Being.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Vajragarbha. There resided the thus-gone Releaser of All Wandering Beings. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Profound Transformer.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Guṇākara. There resided the thus-gone Splendor of Inconceivable Qualities. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Jagatīṃdhara.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Sukhāvatī. There resided the thus-gone Glorious Source of Joy. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Vijayasena.
8.9
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Free from Harm. There resided the thus-gone Gone Fearlessly. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Hero.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Covered by Red Utpalas. There resided the thus-gone Instiller of Confidence. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Mountain of Supreme Confidence.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Sārathi. There resided the thus-gone Seer of All. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Infinite Taming.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Great Accumulation. There resided the thus-gone Abhaya. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Vikrāmin.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Not Intimidated by Fears or the Fearsome. There resided the thus-gone Attainer of Fearlessness. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Universally Renowned.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Candra. There resided the thus-gone Candrapradīpa. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Pūrvaka.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Thorough Illumination. There resided the thus-gone Ulkā. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma.
8.10
This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Fire Holder.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Prabhā. There resided the thus-gone Flaming One. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva King of Renown.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Excellent Guidance. There resided the thus-gone Radical Ascent. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Supreme Insight.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Endowed with Incense. There resided the thus-gone Supreme Jewel. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Highest Intelligence.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Vajra Source. There resided the thus-gone Vajra Subduer. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Guṇākara.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Roaring. There resided the thus-gone Royal Master of Wisdom. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Nārāyaṇa.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Source of Joy. There resided the thus-gone Famed for the Power of Wisdom. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Renowned Aspiration.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Source of Bliss. There resided the thus-gone Saṃvara.
8.11
Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Royal Star.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Dawn. There resided the thus-gone Guṇarājaprabha. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Sārthavāha.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Excellent Crest. There resided the thus-gone Śrībhadra. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Vijayasena.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Brahmāśrī. There resided the thus-gone Roaring Melody of Brahmā. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Ratnaśrī.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Puṣpavati. There resided the thus-gone Jewel Crest. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Jewel Master.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Padmaśrī. There resided the thus-gone Glorious Source of Lotuses. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Padmaśrīgarbha.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Glorious Source. There resided the thus-gone Flower Bouquet. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Jñānavīrya.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Sukha.
8.12
There resided the thus-gone Sukharāja. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Kṣemaṅkara.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Acyuta. There resided the thus-gone Glorious Noble Lotus. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Excellent Flower.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Constant Movement. There resided the thus-gone Susaṃvṛttaskandha. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Constant Joy.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Constant Trembling. There resided the thus-gone Nectar King. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Armor of Great Compassion.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Dṛḍha. There resided the thus-gone Abidance through Infinite Observations. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Supratiṣṭhita.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Characterized by Opportunity. There resided the thus-gone Infinite Leader. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Great Gathering.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Beryl Light. There resided the thus-gone Infinite Light Rays. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Armor of the Limitless Mind.
8.13
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Suvarṇaprabhā. There resided the thus-gone Infinite Eyes. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Great Eye.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Irreproachable. There resided the thus-gone Leader Regarding All Objects of Perception. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Nanda.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Covered by Parasols. There resided the thus-gone Leader of the Supreme and Infinite Gathering. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Definite Armor of Seeing Eyes.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Bearer of Garlands of Heavenly Bodies. There resided the thus-gone Tārarāja. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Padmaśrī.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Draped with Jewel Nets. There resided the thus-gone Tārarāja. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Padmaśrī.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Flower. There resided the thus-gone Splendor of Supreme Incense. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Padmapāṇi.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Endowed with Gold. There resided the thus-gone Splendor of Space.
8.14
Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Eye That Is Perfectly Pure.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Viśuddha. There resided the thus-gone Superior Splendor. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Eye.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Aśoka. There resided the thus-gone Speaker. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Prabhaṅkara.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Tāra. There resided the thus-gone Superior Mountain. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Supratiṣṭhita.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Diverse Regent. There resided the thus-gone Unhindered Eyes. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Diverse Force.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Fumes of Incense. There resided the thus-gone Sāgara. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Sāgaramudrā.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Endowed with Incense. There resided the thus-gone Holder of Shooting Stars. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Vanquisher of Doubts.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Sandalwood Incense.
8.15
There resided the thus-gone Crest of Twofold Characteristics. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Renowned Force.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Excellent Joy. There resided the thus-gone King of the Splendor of the Stainless Moon. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Conqueror of the Enemy.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Source of Joy. There resided the thus-gone Jñānaśrī. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Arthamati.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Vikhyāta. There resided the thus-gone King of Renowned Power. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Hero.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Endowed with Qualities. There resided the thus-gone Guṇarājaprabha. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Arthamati.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Extremely Trained. There resided the thus-gone Jewel Fire. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Śūrdatta.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Subduer of Doubt. There resided the thus-gone Source of the Vanquishing of Doubt. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma.
8.16
This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Abhaya.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Endowed with Qualities. There resided the thus-gone Hereditary Offspring. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Lamp Holder.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Bhadraka. There resided the thus-gone Crest King. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Mitra.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Supreme Incense. There resided the thus-gone Source of Lotus Splendor. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Jñānottama.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Excellent Crest. There resided the thus-gone Great Radiance. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Friend of All.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Mahāmegha. There resided the thus-gone Maitreya. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Royal Star.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Luminous. There resided the thus-gone Lotus of Shining Light. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Dharmodgata.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Melodious. There resided the thus-gone Special Action. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma.
8.17
This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Clearly Superior.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Abode of the Powerful One. There resided the thus-gone Anantavikrāmin. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Famed Friend.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Padma. There resided the thus-gone Superior Ocean Mountain. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Ratnākara.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Joy. There resided the thus-gone Śākyamuni. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Indra.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Always Adorned. There resided the thus-gone Amoghadarśin. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Glorious Courage.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Vikhyāta. There resided the thus-gone Unimpeded Melodious Roar. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Supratiṣṭhita.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Constant Expression. There resided the thus-gone Boundless Splendor of Qualities. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Proclaimer.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Banner of Sustenance.
8.18
There resided the thus-gone Undivided Armor. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Unimpeded Armor.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Sandalwood Fragrance. There resided the thus-gone Anantaraśmi. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Vimalaśrī.
Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Guiding Banner. There resided the thus-gone Excellent Eye. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Ratnapāṇi.
These and innumerably many other bodhisattvas who were also held back by just a single birth arrived in this way at the Kalandakanivāpa in the Veṇuvana by Rājagṛha. Proceeding to the place where the Blessed One was residing, they bowed their heads to his feet. Prostrating exclusively to the Blessed One, they then found their place in the gathering.
At that time there resided in the south, beyond innumerable and unfathomable universes, a thus-gone one known as Single Jewel Treasury. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one had prophesied that after himself a bodhisattva great being by the name of Nakṣatravali would awaken to unsurpassable and perfect buddhahood. Also this bodhisattva great being, Nakṣatravali, had noticed the great light and heard the clear voice. Now he approached that blessed one, asking, “Blessed One, whose is this clear voice that we hear?”
“Nakṣatravali,” replied the Blessed One,
8.19
“to the north of here, beyond innumerable and unfathomable universes, lies a universe known as Enduring. Within it resides the thus-gone Śākyamuni. Abiding and remaining present there, he is delivering Dharma teachings of the Bodhisattva Collection. In his retinue are bodhisattva great beings who bear an inconceivable armor. They have arrived there to receive the teachings. Nakṣatravali, in other worlds you will not find sentient beings who bear such an armor.”
“Blessed One,” said the bodhisattva great being Nakṣatravali, “I wish to go to that universe so that I may see, venerate, and serve the blessed one, the thus-gone one, the worthy one, the perfect buddha Śākyamuni, and so that I may behold the bodhisattvas who bear that inconceivable armor.”
“Noble son,” replied the blessed Single Jewel Treasury, “if you know that the time has come, then leave. On my behalf, ask that blessed one whether he has encountered but little hardship or discomfort, and whether he remains healthy, strong, and at ease. But, noble son, act with mindfulness in that buddha realm. Why do I say so? Because, noble son, the bodhisattva great beings of that realm are hard to approach.”
The bodhisattva Nakṣatravali then prostrated to the feet of that blessed one, circumambulated him, and left. As fast as an athlete can stretch out or bend an arm, the bodhisattva Nakṣatravali now disappeared from that universe
8.20
and emerged here in the world of Enduring. Arriving at the Kalandakanivāpa in the Veṇuvana by Rājagṛha, he bowed his head to the feet of the Blessed One and said, “Blessed One, the thus-gone Single Jewel Treasury inquires whether you have encountered but little hardship or discomfort, and whether you remain healthy, strong, and at ease.”
“Noble son,” answered the Blessed One to the bodhisattva Nakṣatravali, “is that blessed one free from harm, is he strong, and does he remain unchanged and at ease?”
“Yes indeed,” replied the bodhisattva.
Innumerably and unfathomably many other bodhisattva great beings, who like Nakṣatravali were held back by a just a single birth, similarly arrived from the south at the place where the Blessed One was residing. They bowed their heads to the Blessed One’s feet and found their place in the gathering.
Innumerably and unfathomably many other bodhisattva great beings, who also were held back by just a single birth, similarly arrived from the west at the place where the Blessed One was residing. They bowed their heads to the Blessed One’s feet and found their place in the gathering.
From the buddha realm of the blessed thus-gone Armor of Transcendent and Stainless Liberation Who Is Free from Hindrances regarding Past, Future, and Present arrived the bodhisattva Infinite Leader with the Armor of Revealing the Flower of Buddhahood, accompanied by innumerably and unfathomably many bodhisattva great beings. As this bodhisattva arrived in the world of Enduring, he proceeded to the place where the blessed thus-gone Śākymuni was residing. Having bowed his head to the Blessed One’s feet, he inquired whether the Blessed One had encountered but little harm and distress
8.21
and then sat to one side.
“Noble son,” asked the Blessed One, “what purpose did you perceive in coming to this world of Enduring?”
“Blessed One,” replied the bodhisattva, “I have come to this place by the blessing of the thus-gone ones. But, Blessed One, although I am present in this universe, I still perceive all other realms of the world. I see all the thus-gone ones and I see all the bodhisattvas. Bodhisattvas do not think, ‘We should go to a different universe. We should meet another thus-gone one.’ And why? Because they remain in one world, yet perceive all thus-gone ones. Thus, Blessed One, it is simply due to the thus-gone ones’ cultivation of the mind of awakening, and because of their powers, that we have arrived in this universe. All the other bodhisattvas who are present here have likewise arrived due to the past aspirations of the thus-gone ones, and because of their powers.”
Now arrived innumerably and unfathomably many other bodhisattvas, all held back by just a single birth, from the western buddha realms of thus-gone ones such as Nectar Flower, Nectar Light, Unfathomable Array, Unfathomable Light Rays, Amitābha, Unfathomable Leader, Unfathomable Subduer, Single Heavenly Body, Nakṣatravali, Ratnacchatra, Tārarāja, Luminous Disk, King of Light, Splendor of Superior Light Rays, Infinite Light Rays, Vṛṣabha, Subjugating Infinite Leader,
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Unhindered Melody, Light Rays of Great Clouds, Jālinīprabha, Light Rays of the Buddha Flower, Flower of the Lotus Leader, King of Mountains, Lord of Moon Qualities, Great Radiance, Susaṃvṛttaskandha, Amoghadarśin, King of the High Summit, and King of the High Lotus Summit. Arriving in the world of Enduring, they proceeded to the Kalandakanivāpa in the Veṇuvana by Rājagṛha and the place where the Blessed One was residing. There they bowed their heads to the Blessed One’s feet and sat to one side.
At that time there was in the north, beyond innumerable and unfathomable universes, a universe known as Nakṣatravali. There resided the thus-gone Propagator of the Meaningful Name. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one had prophesied that a bodhisattva known as Definite Armor of Turning the Irreversible Dharma Wheel Immediately upon Rousing the Mind would awaken to unsurpassable and perfect buddhahood. That bodhisattva had also noticed the great light and heard the sound of the clear voice. He therefore went before the blessed Propagator of the Meaningful Name and asked, “Blessed One, to which thus-gone one does this omnipresent light and clear voice belong?”
“Noble son,” replied the Blessed One, “to the south of this buddha realm,
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beyond innumerable and unfathomable universes, lies a universe known as Enduring. There resides the thus-gone Śākyamuni. Abiding and remaining present there, he is delivering a Dharma teaching known as the Bodhisattva Collection. His is the light and the clear voice. Bodhisattvas who bear an inconceivable armor have taken birth in that buddha realm, and merely pronouncing their names will destine the bodhisattvas in the ten directions for certain unsurpassable and perfect awakening.”
“Blessed One,” said the bodhisattva Definite Armor of Turning the Irreversible Dharma Wheel Immediately upon Rousing the Mind to the thus-gone Propagator of the Meaningful Name, “I wish to travel to that world of Enduring, the buddha realm of the thus-gone one, the worthy one, the perfect buddha Śākyamuni.”
“Noble son,” replied the Blessed One, “if you know that the time has come, then leave. Ask that blessed one on my behalf whether he has encountered but little hardship or discomfort, and whether he remains healthy, strong, and at ease.”
The bodhisattva then bowed his head to the feet of that blessed one and circumambulated him. Then, as fast as an athlete can stretch out or bend an arm, he disappeared from that universe and arrived at once, in one instant and in one moment, in the world of Enduring. There he proceeded to the place where the blessed Śākyamuni was residing, bowed his head to his feet in homage,
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then sat to one side and said, “Blessed One, the blessed Propagator of the Meaningful Name inquires whether you have encountered but little hardship or discomfort, and whether you remain healthy, strong, and at ease.”
“Noble son,” asked the Blessed One in return, “is that blessed one free from harm, is he strong and happy, and does he remain unchanged?”
“Yes indeed, Blessed One,” answered the bodhisattva.
In this way there arrived from the north innumerably and unfathomably many bodhisattva great beings, all held back by just a single birth. They came from the buddha realm of the blessed thus-gone Propagator of the Meaningful Name, the buddha realm of the blessed Meaningful Subduer, and the buddha realms of blessed ones such as Meaningful Leader, Meaningful Light Rays, Anantavīrya, King of Sal Trees, Infinite Endeavor, Jewel of Sal Trees, Single Parasol, Array of Heavenly Bodies, Ratnākara, Sandalwood Mansion, Light of Sandalwood Incense, Anantaprabha, Jālinīprabha, Mountain of Purity, Unhindered Eyes, Infinite Eyes, Ratnasaṃbhava, Glory of All, Splendorous Source of Buddha Flowers, Susthitamati, Anantavikrāmin, Meaningful Glory, Subjugating Jewel, Infinite Armor, Infinite Array, Light Rays of the Space Sphere, Roar of Signlessness, Nectar King, Niśaṅka, He Whose Body Hairs Never Rise in Fear, Guṇarājaprabha, Flower of Accomplishing Avalokiteśvara’s Mind, Sky Family, Sky Roar, and Roar of the Arrays of Space.
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Arriving in the world of Enduring, they proceeded to the Kalandakanivāpa in the Veṇuvana by Rājagṛha and the place where the Blessed One was residing. There they bowed their heads to the Blessed One’s feet and sat to one side.
At that time there was in the direction below, beyond innumerable and unfathomable universes, a universe known as Perfectly Pure Sphere of Space. There resided the thus-gone Great Eye. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one had prophesied that a bodhisattva known as Hereditary Son would awaken to unsurpassable and perfect buddhahood. That bodhisattva Hereditary Son had also noticed the great light and heard the sound of the clear voice. He therefore went before the blessed Great Eye and asked, “Blessed One, to whom belongs this pervasive light and clear voice?”
“Noble son,” replied the Blessed One, “above this buddha realm, beyond innumerable and unfathomable universes, lies a universe known as Enduring. There resides the thus-gone Śākyamuni. Abiding and remaining present there, he teaches the Dharma. What you witness is his power. That thus-gone one is now delivering a Dharma teaching that belongs to the Bodhisattva Collection and is known as ‘Truly Satisfying All Sentient Beings by Eliminating Their Doubts.’ What you witness is his power. Bodhisattva great beings who have donned the great armor and possess an incomparable intent have gathered in his retinue so that they may listen to his Dharma teaching. Merely pronouncing their names will destine sentient beings to unexcelled and perfect awakening.”
“Blessed One,” said the bodhisattva great being Hereditary Son,
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“I wish to go to that world of Enduring so that I may see, venerate, and serve the blessed thus-gone Śākyamuni.”
“Noble son,” replied the Blessed One, “if you know that the time has come, then leave. On my behalf, ask that blessed one whether he has encountered but little hardship or discomfort, and whether he remains healthy, strong, and at ease.”
Then the bodhisattva great being Hereditary Son bowed his head to the feet of that blessed one and, as fast as an athlete can stretch out or bend an arm, he disappeared from that universe and instantly emerged here in the world of Enduring. Arriving at the Kalandakanivāpa in the Veṇuvana by Rājagṛha, he proceeded to the place where the Blessed One was residing and said, “Blessed One, the thus-gone Great Eye inquires whether you have encountered but little hardship or discomfort, and whether you remain healthy, strong, and at ease.”
Noble son,” asked the Blessed One in return, “is that blessed one free from harm and distress in his buddha realm, and is he happy?”
“Yes indeed, Blessed One,” answered the bodhisattva Hereditary Son.
In this way arrived innumerably and unfathomably many bodhisattva great beings, all held back by just a single birth. They came from the buddha realms of thus-gone ones, worthy ones, perfect buddhas such as Great Eye, Supreme Splendor, Source of Lotus Splendor, Lion Glory, Siddhārtha, Śrīgupta, Lion Jaws, Supratiṣṭhitarāja, Brahmā Mountain, Viśuddhanetra,
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Amoghapadavikrāmin, Gandhahastī, Incense Splendor, Incense Mountain, Limitless Eyes, Gandhakūṭa, Jewel Mountain, Supratiṣṭhita, Supratiṣṭhitarāja, King of Sal Trees, Holder of the Luminous Sphere, Ulkā, Ulkāpradīpa, Armor of Perfect Analysis, Siṃha, Leader of Beings, and King of Supreme Stable Presence.
Arriving in the world of Enduring from such innumerable and unfathomable buddha realms, they proceeded to the Kalandakanivāpa in the Veṇuvana by Rājagṛha and the place where the Blessed One was residing. There they bowed their heads to the Blessed One’s feet and sat to one side.
At that time there was in the direction above, beyond innumerable and unfathomable universes, a universe known as Light of Sandalwood Incense. There resided the thus-gone Superior King of the Infinite Field. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one had prophesied that a bodhisattva known as Unfathomable Roar would awaken to unsurpassable and perfect buddhahood. That bodhisattva Unfathomable Roar had also noticed the great light and heard the sound of the clear voice. He therefore went before the thus-gone Superior King of the Infinite Field, and bowed his head to that blessed one’s feet. He then asked, “Blessed One,
Linked texts (1)
- འཕགས་པ་དགེ་བའི་རྩ་བ་ཡོངས་སུ་འཛིན་པ་ཞེས་བྱ་བ་ཐེག་པ་ཆེན་པོའི་མདོ — Classical Tibetan