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འཕགས་པ་དག་བའ་རྩ་བ་ཡངས་ས་འཛན་པ་ཞས་བྱ་བ་ཐག་པ་ཆན་པའ་མད 9

Upholding the Roots of Virtue 9

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English

9.2

to whom belongs this pervasive light and clear voice?”

“Noble son,” replied the Blessed One, “below 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. In his retinue have arrived bodhisattva great beings of incomparable intent who wish to listen to the Dharma.”

“Blessed One,” said the bodhisattva Unfathomable Roar, “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 the world of Enduring. There he proceeded to the Kalandaka­nivāpa in the Veṇuvana by Rājagṛha and the place where the blessed Śākyamuni was residing, bowed his head to his feet in homage, sat to one side, and said, “Blessed One, the blessed Superior King of the Infinite Field inquires whether you have encountered but little hardship or discomfort, and whether you remain healthy, strong, and at ease.”

9.3

“Noble son,” replied the Blessed One, “is that blessed one free from harm, is he strong, and does he remain unchanged?”

“Yes, indeed, Blessed One,” answered the bodhisattva.

In this way there arrived innumerably and unfathomably many bodhisattva great beings, all held back by just a single birth. They came from the buddha realm of the thus-gone Superior King of the Infinite Field, the buddha realm of the blessed thus-gone King of Superior Diligence, and the buddha realms of other blessed ones such as Conqueror of All Doubt, Sunakṣatra, Divākara, Prabhaṅkara, Mountain of Light, Prabhāmaṇḍala, Pure Light, Parasol of Nourishment, Parasol of Incense, Ratnacchatra, Sandalwood Mansion, Śrīharṣa, Meruskandha, Ratnaprabha, King of Sal Trees, Brahmā Glory, Viśuddhanetra, Niśaṅka, He Whose Body Hairs Never Rise in Fear, Infinite Jewel Armor, Unsurpassable Light Rays, the thus-gone Light Net Crest, and the thus-gone King of Causes. 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 southeast, beyond innumerable and unfathomable universes, a universe known as Splendid Source of Buddha Lotuses. There resided the thus-gone Splendid Display of the Body of All the Buddhas.

9.4

Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one had prophesied that a bodhisattva known as Vigataśoka 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 thus-gone Splendid Display of the Body of All the Buddhas, prostrated to him, and asked, “Blessed One, whose is this light and clear voice?”

“Noble son,” replied the Blessed One, “in the northwest, 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. Presently he is delivering the Dharma teaching known as the Bodhisattva Collection to a gathering of bodhisattva great beings who bear an inconceivable and incomparable armor.”

“Blessed One,” said the bodhisattva, “I wish to travel 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.”

The bodhisattva Vigataśoka then bowed his head to the feet of that blessed one, and as fast as an athlete can stretch out or bend an arm, he arrived in an instant here in the world of Enduring.

9.5

There he proceeded to the place where the blessed Śākyamuni was residing, prostrated, and sat to one side. Then he addressed the Blessed One: “Blessed One, the blessed Splendid Display of the Body of All the Buddhas inquires whether you have encountered but little hardship or discomfort, and whether you remain healthy, strong, and at ease.”

“Noble son,” replied the Blessed One, “is that blessed one free from harm, is he strong, and does he remain unchanged?”

“Yes, indeed, Blessed One,” answered the bodhisattva.

In this way arrived innumerably and unfathomably many bodhisattva great beings from the buddha realms of thus-gone ones such as Splendid Display of the Body of Buddhas Beyond Observation, Leader of the Lotus Array, Jālinīprabha, Source of Buddha Flowers of Limitless Light, Jewel Sal Tree, Precious Moon Leader, Nectar King, Medicine, Jñānottama, Superior Armor, Highest Mountain, Saha­cittotpāda­dharma­cakra­pravartin, Heap of Flowers, Spreader of Flowers, Light Rays of Constant Beauty, Unsurpassable Light Rays, Immovable Subjugator, Subjugating Steps, Subduer with Infinite Steps, Infinite Aspiration, Aprameya­prati­bhāna, Infinite Leader, Certain Aspiration, Changing the Womb, Aspiration Bringing Flawlessness, Armor of Observing, Buddha Sky, and Glorious Source.

9.6

Arriving here in the world of Enduring, they bowed their heads to the Blessed One’s feet and sat to one side.

At that time there was in the southwest, beyond innumerable and unfathomable universes, a universe known as Excellent Auspiciousness. There resided the thus-gone Amoghasiddhi. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one had prophesied that a bodhisattva known as Sarvartha­siddha would awaken to unsurpassable and perfect buddhahood …

… “Yes, indeed,” answered the bodhisattva.

In this way arrived innumerably and unfathomably many bodhisattva great beings, all held back by just a single birth, from the buddha realms of blessed thus-gone ones such as Armor of Accomplishment, Śikhin, Armor of Stable Presence, Infinite Armor, Armor of Marks, Infinite Armor,³⁴ Universal Armor, Dīpaṃkara, Prabhaṅkara, Single Treasury, Bodyless, Jālinīprabha, Anantavīrya, Summit, Superior Summit, Luminous Disk, Vipaśyin, Propagator of the Meaningful Name, Destroyer of All Fear and Anxiety, Light of the King of Infinite Qualities, Vanquisher of All Attacks, Sarva­māra­viśayasa­mati­krānta, Fathomless Flower, Amṛtaṃdhara, Unfathomable Melodious Roar, Raśmikūṭa, Glorious Light, Possessor of the Free Sphere of Nonduality, Radiant Flower of the Realization of Immortality, Amṛtaghoṣa, Mountain of Light, Sudarśana, Sunetra, Supreme Accumulations,

9.7

Jewel Flower, Ratnākara, Moon Flower, Armor of All Beings, Transformer of All Essences, Boundless Acumen, Free from Dispute and Anxiety, and Courageous Engagement with All Objects of Perception. Arriving in the world of Enduring, they proceeded to 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 northwest, beyond innumerable and unfathomable universes, a universe known as Sandalwood Incense. There resided the thus-gone Radiant Incense. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one had consecrated a bodhisattva known as Samantabhadra to be his regent …

… “Yes, indeed,” answered the bodhisattva.

In this way arrived innumerably and unfathomably many bodhisattva great beings, all held back by just a single birth, from the buddha realms of blessed thus-gone ones such as Radiant Incense, Gandhahastī, Incense Leader, Incense Mansion, Jālinīprabha, King of Light Rays, King of Superior Lotuses, Buddha Leader, Infinite Leader, Excellent Armor, Splendid Armor Bearer, Spreader of Flowers, Flower Parasol Garland, Flower Mansion, Golden Flower, Incense Flower, King of Mountains, Armor That Excels among All Sentient Beings, Rendering All Beings Flawless, Armor of Excellent Action, Constant Spreader of Light Rays, Glorious Source of the Spreading of Lotus Flowers,

9.8

Ratnajāla, Superior King, Pervading All Buddha Realms with a Single Parasol, Tārarāja, Susaṃ­vṛttas­kandha, Susaṃ­prasthita­rāja, Gandhavati, Leader of Infinite Wisdom, Bearer of the Meaningful Armor, Amoghadarśin, Unhindered Eyes, Immutable One Endowed with the Original Generation of the Mind, Infinite Eyes, Lord of Lamps, Samantāloka, Jyotiraśmi, Acumen That Does Not Leave Out Any Being throughout All Buddhafields, Stainless and Pure Subjugator, and Subduer with Infinite Steps. Arriving in the world of Enduring, they proceeded to the place where the Blessed One was residing, bowed their heads to his feet, and sat to one side.

At that time there was in the northeast, beyond innumerable and unfathomable universes, a universe known as Progression. There resided the thus-gone one, the worthy one, the perfect buddha Dispeller of All Suffering. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one had prophesied that a bodhisattva known as Propagator of the Meaningful Name would awaken to unsurpassable and perfect buddhahood …

… “Yes, indeed,” answered the bodhisattva.

Situated beyond the universe Progression of the blessed thus-gone Dispeller of All Suffering, and other such realms, there was a universe known as Aśoka. There resided the thus-gone Vigataśoka.

9.9

Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Great Light, with a Dharma gift.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Joy. There resided the thus-gone Glorious Source. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Infinite Hands.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Guṇākara. There resided the thus-gone Guṇarājaprabha. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Constant Intelligence.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Draped with Golden Nets. There resided the thus-gone Supreme Mountain. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Lion Mountain.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Gandhaprabhāsa. 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 Ghoṣadatta.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Ratnakūṭa. There resided the thus-gone Kaunḍinya. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Glory of the Two Marks.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Dṛḍha. There resided the thus-gone Glorious Power. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Brahmādatta.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Utpala.

9.10

There resided the thus-gone Splendor of the Red Utpala. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Padmākara.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Kumuda. There resided the thus-gone Source of Kumudas. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Abhaya.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Nirghoṣa. There resided the thus-gone Revered Eyes. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Unsurpassable Splendor.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Incense Array. There resided the thus-gone Supreme Accumulations. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Suvrata.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Illumination. There resided the thus-gone Amitābha. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Śrīgarbha.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Sandalwood Incense. There resided the thus-gone Noble Moonlight. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Universal Lamp.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Illumination. There resided the thus-gone Universally Renowned. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva King of Renowned Power.

9.11

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Candra. There resided the thus-gone Star King Mastering the Gatherings. 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 Samantāva­bhāsa­ketu. There resided the thus-gone Śrī Amitābha. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Stainless Crest.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Incense Light. There resided the thus-gone Supreme Mountain Without Pride. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Victorious and Protected.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Abhaya. There resided the thus-gone Abhaya. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Janendra.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Saṃvara. There resided the thus-gone Śrīsukhākara. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Viśeṣamati.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Amitābha. There resided the thus-gone Glorious Source of Activity with Infinite Qualities. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Lokendra.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Adorned. There resided the thus-gone Adorned with All Qualities. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma.

9.12

This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Partaking of Bliss.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Draped with Lotus Nets. There resided the thus-gone Flower King. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Splendor of the Noble Source of Flowers.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Vicitradhvajā. There resided the thus-gone Undefeatable Banner. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Banner Beyond Defeat.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Dṛḍha. There resided the thus-gone Light Rays of Hidden Mastery. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Utterly Hidden.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Joy. There resided the thus-gone Noble King of the Terrifying Lotus. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Wisdom Medicine.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Sukha. There resided the thus-gone Source of Undivided Activities. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Undivided Activities.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Joy. There resided the thus-gone Chosen Roar. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Blazing Roar.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Blissful Splendor.

9.13

There resided the thus-gone Perfectly Pure Sphere of Space. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Supreme Mountain.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Abhirati. There resided the thus-gone Melody of the Definite Roar Beyond Marks. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Roar of the Seer.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Source. 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 Kimbhīra.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Endowed with Brahmā. There resided the thus-gone Brahmā Glory. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Offered by Brahmā.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Endowed with Incense. There resided the thus-gone Unhindered Antidote. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Indradatta.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Padmavati. There resided the thus-gone Mountain of Light. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Sāgara.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Dīpaṃkara. There resided the thus-gone Lamp Maker. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Light Rays of the Clouds.

Situated beyond that

9.14

universe was a universe known as Melodious. There resided the thus-gone Light Rays of the Supreme Lotus. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Dharmākara.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Sukhāvatī. There resided the thus-gone Renowned. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Merudatta.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Supratiṣṭhita. There resided the thus-gone Renowned Friend. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Lion-like Subjugator.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Sal Tree. There resided the thus-gone King of Royal Sal Trees. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Crest of Royal Sal Trees.

Situated beyond that universe was a universe known as Illumination. There resided the thus-gone Anantaraśmi. Abiding and remaining present there, he taught the Dharma. This blessed one now dispatched his regent, the bodhisattva Amogha­pada­vikrāmin.

In this way there arrived from the northeast innumerably and unfathomably many bodhisattva great beings, all held back by just a single birth. Upon their arrival they bowed their heads to the feet of the blessed thus-gone Śākyamuni, circumambulated him, and presented numerous offerings. While keeping their gaze upon the Blessed One, they each found their place in the gathering. Now the world had become completely filled with gods, nāgas, yakṣas, kinnaras, mahoragas,

9.15

and bodhisattva great beings of immense and inconceivable powers, bearers of the incomparable armor. There were so many that in the end there was not even room enough to place an extra staff. No one there felt intimidated by the others. Instead, everyone kept ardently gazing at the Blessed One, yearning to listen to the Dharma.

Chapter 6

Perseverance in the Bodhisattva’s Conduct, Exalted Intention, and Pursuit of the Sublime Dharma

Aware of the great gathering of bodhisattvas, the blessed Śākyamuni now, while remaining on his seat, entered the absorption known as valiant progress. Emerging from that absorption, he entered the one known as the vajra essence. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as remaining within the abode without descriptions. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the single array. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the lion parasol. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as limitless accomplishment. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the yawning lion. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the king of light rays. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the essence of the earth. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as no observation. When he had emerged from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the manifestation of the lion. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the king of the sphere of the moon. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the single array. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as numerous light rays. Emerging from that absorption,

9.16

he next entered the one known as the ocean. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as practicing all seals and ascertaining the sphere of reality. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the display of infinite aspirations and focal points. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the limitless accomplishment that is primary with respect to all phenomena. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as accomplishing the single focal point. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as remaining within the abode of all phenomena. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the practice of the limitless light rays of noble lotus buddha. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the stainless seal of mastery with regard to all phenomena. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the royal seal of all phenomena. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as buddha emanations revealing the infinite leader . Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the armor of all sentient beings going beyond suffering. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as all phenomena as the sphere of the thus-gone ones’ engagement. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as buddha emanations revealing the infinite leader . Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as bringing all objects into buddhahood. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as ascertainment of all phenomena unhindered with regard to past, future, or present.

9.17

Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the buddha-leader’s mastery of all phenomena. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as truly compiling all dharmas. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the stable one. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as greatly increasing. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the immutable. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as unperturbed. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as viewing and regarding all phenomena. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as universal illumination. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as seeing as the same. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as viewing and regarding. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as not viewing. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as unhinderedness and non-appropriation with respect to all phenomena. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as possessing the faculties. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as ascertaining the inexhaustible as inexhaustible. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the inexhaustible focal point. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the single focal point. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the great array. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the infinite array. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the undaunted.

9.18

Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as invoking the roots of virtue of all sentient beings. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as actualizing the roots of virtue of all sentient beings. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as pursuing all dharmas. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as illuminating. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the pure experience of all phenomena. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as showing all phenomena. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the pure light of all bodhisattvas. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as purifying the unobscured eyes of all the hearers. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as producing pure roots of virtue in the entire retinue without obscuration. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as stopping the sufferings of the animal realm and the world of the Lord of Death. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as producing roots of virtue by means of great love throughout all buddha realms. Emerging from that absorption, he next entered the one known as the immovable. Then, while the Blessed One was dwelling in the immovable absorption, the gods of the pure realms praised him in these verses:

“Having discovered the immutable, you are beyond movement and fluctuation.
Forbidding, majestic mountain—how beautiful you are!
Having subdued all hostile attacks
You accept the billionfold universe.

9.19

“The mind of a buddha never takes any support.
Supreme is the person who practices concentration without support.
‘Being concentrated’ is just a name, for there is no remaining in anything.
Such are the inconceivable qualities of the buddhas.

“The sages escape the three realms and possess the three classes.³⁵
Constantly in equipoise, they have no qualms.
Please sever all doubts and dispel all qualms.
Please teach the Dharma for the good of all beings.

“The sage is resting, free from all qualms.
The bodhisattvas gathered here
Are heroes, masters of the Dharma who abide within it.
We request that you cut through qualms and dispel all doubts.

“Buddhas do not practice concentration with the support of the eye;
Buddhas practice without the eye’s support.
Support, no support, and eye—none of these apply.
Such is the concentration that is praised by noble beings.

“If the sages practiced concentration with the support of the eye
The victorious ones would not be pleased.
When here concentration is practiced without the eye
There is no buddha and no supported meditation.

“Buddhas do not practice with the support of the six faculties;
Victorious ones do not have faculties and are not supported.
About this point the extremists and many others remain in delusion.
The world of the wanderers, including the gods, all fail to realize this.”

Now the Blessed One emerged from the immovable absorption and looked upon the gathering of bodhisattvas. Then he said to the venerable Śāradvatī­putra, “Śāradvatī­putra, for those who have entered the Great Vehicle, four qualities serve to protect from degeneration. These four qualities likewise serve to gather the merit of all roots of virtue; accomplish the wisdom of the buddhas beyond focal points; accomplish the power of generosity; accomplish the power of discipline; accomplish the power of patience; accomplish the power of love; accomplish the power of compassion; accomplish the power of absorption; accomplish the power of insight;

9.20

accomplish the ten powers of the thus-gone ones without impediment; accomplish the discernment of insight; accomplish unhindered eloquence; accomplish the eloquence that is uninterrupted, joyous, sharp, and profound; attain retention; attain vision of the buddhas; attain renunciation without ever separating from the appropriate virtuous accumulations; ensure that one’s enjoyments are not deficient; ensure that one’s circle of helpers is not incomplete; ensure that one’s body is not deficient; ensure that the major and minor parts of one’s body are not incomplete; ensure that one’s eyes, nose, ears, tongue, and body are not deficient; ensure that one’s mind is not deficient; ensure that one does not take a bad path; ensure that one’s mind is not disturbed; ensure that one’s mindfulness is not obscured; ensure that one remains mindful; ensure that one possesses supreme mindfulness; ensure that one is conscientious and decent; ensure that one refrains from negative acts; ensure regret of wrongdoing; ensure that one’s mindfulness is unbroken; ensure that birth is reversed; and ensure that one will remain mindful.

“Thus, because one is very mindful, one’s past aspirations will not dissipate. Because one produces roots of virtue in relation to the blessed buddhas, one will engender unfathomable accumulations of roots of virtue in a way that does not grasp and is free from a sense of ‘mine.’ Such stores will be shared with all beings, and yet one will be skilled in disengaging from observing any beings. One will achieve realization with respect to all phenomena, yet one will not take the support of any phenomenon. Since one takes no such support, one remains indomitable by māras, gods of the māra class, or any other being who has entered an unfortunate path. Instead one will become the guardian of the seat of awakening.

“Residing upon one’s seat one will enter the absorption of the stainless seal of mastery with regard to all phenomena.

9.21

Thus, in a single instant of insight one will understand, view, attain, and actualize everything, down to the smallest object of knowledge. All will be actualized, and one will understand everything. There will be nothing but realization of everything, nothing but comprehension of everything, and all the linking of habitual tendencies will be attained without exception.³⁶

“What, then, are those four qualities? Śāradvatī­putra, one starts by donning the great armor of entering the Great Vehicle. Thus, one thinks, ‘All these sentient beings are full of desire, anger, and bewilderment; they are dying without a protector; they are quickly approaching death; they are falling from a great precipice; they are gripped by death and can hardly be brought to life.’ Thinking in this way, one dons the armor of seeing sentient beings by means of the great view.

“Thus, one pledges to accomplish the Great Vehicle that frees from the three realms so that one can teach it to sentient beings. Understanding that sentient beings must be healed, one pledges to care for them, even when not being entreated or asked to do so. ‘I shall nurture all beings by helping them attain the immutable nature of form, feeling, perception, formation, and consciousness, as well as the immutable nature of the path that transcends suffering.’ Thinking in this way, one dons the armor and persists in the pursuit of Dharma.

“Which Dharma does one then pursue? The maturation of the factors of awakening and the qualities of buddhahood.

9.22

That is to say, one pursues the Dharma in order to apprehend those Dharma teachings that eliminate the doubts of all beings and satisfy them, and in order to accomplish the fully developed faculties.

“As one diligently pursues the Dharma, one should, at a minimum, carry upon one’s body a profound verse that includes the name of a buddha. Even if one carries just such a single four-lined skillful and profound verse, one must also teach it to others, even if it is just to one single person. And when one teaches it, one should pray, ‘May all beings comprehend the meaning of this teaching and the meaning of this verse.’

“By the power of the associated roots of virtue, four things ensue that are supreme, paramount, and consummate. They are granted by the buddhas and by noble beings, praised by the learned, and beyond reproach from the wise. What are those four things? Undivided mindfulness; certain recollection of the qualities of the buddhas; becoming a proper vessel of the Dharma; and becoming a support for the blessed buddhas. Based on those, the thus-gone ones, the worthy ones, the perfect buddhas will teach the Dharma. From the attainment of the second of these qualities, the attainment of retention will follow. As one reverses the process of taking birth, one will reach the full attainment of the buddhas’ awakening. One will be born into a family of people who do not have an evil view, one will go forth in and follow the teachings of the blessed buddhas, and one will relinquish the five sense pleasures.

“From the attainment of these four qualities, the associated roots of virtue will also bring forth a set of ten qualities.

9.23

What are those ten? They are the accomplishment of eliminating the doubts of all sentient beings; the attainment of the support for all sentient beings; the attainment of the buddhas’ liberation free of obscuration; achieving the stage of a thus-gone one through the gateways of liberation; shining forth billions of light rays, beyond number and count, from each single hair follicle on one’s body; illuminating hundreds of thousands of buddha realms with every single light ray; emanating hundreds of thousands of lotuses with each single light ray; emanating the body of a thus-gone one from each of those lotuses; letting each of those thus-gone ones ripen trillions of beings through teaching the Dharma, thus ripening them in accord with the attainment of the immutable intrinsic nature of form; and employing such freedom from obscuration to the effect that mountains of fire can blaze forth from each body hair, and rivers equal to the amount of sand grains in the river Ganges can gush forth from the very same body hairs, all the while employing such perfect freedom without obscuration to the effect that the thus-gone ones may penetrate an entire trichiliocosm with the tip of a hair and hurl that entire universe away, beyond more universes than there are grains of sand in the river Ganges, without any of the sentient beings living there getting the sense that their world has been transferred.

“Śāradvatī­putra, endowed with such unobscured and perfect freedom, the thus-gone ones are aware of everything that is said throughout all directions. They are aware of all that has transpired within the minds of all beings throughout a trillion years. They dispel each of the doubts regarding the Dharma that may have arisen within sentient beings throughout a trillion years. Where no thus-gone one has appeared and no Dharma remains

9.24

their perfect freedom enables them to know when the minds of sentient beings are destroyed, upheld, connected, or in movement.

“Śāradvatī­putra, thus-gone ones who have gained this perfect freedom without any obscuration are aware of the factors that individually obscure all phenomena. The fact that they alone have penetrated the ultimate, that they know the emptiness of all entities to be itself without entity, or that they care for all gives rise to no self-oriented perception. They recognize as close to them those who think only of the Dharma, but with that exception they have no self-oriented perception of any close ones at all. Recognizing as not close to them those who engage in what is not the Dharma, they see not even a single good quality within the entirety of conditioned things. They know all conditioned things to be devoid of good qualities and full of flaws. Such are the qualities that they attain.

“They also obtain another set of four qualities. What are those four? The thus-gone ones are able to interrupt the continuity of habitual tendencies. When they walk along a path, all the living creatures that are touched by the thus-gone ones’ feet will be guided toward happy states. A thus-gone one need glance no more than a wheel’s width ahead for the whole earth within sixty-two leagues to the southwest to start moving.³⁷ Śāradvatī­putra, the thus-gone ones never have their minds not in equipoise; Śāradvatī­putra, the thus-gone ones are always in equipoise. Śāradvatī­putra, the thus-gone ones know no diminishing of their absorption; they know no departure from their absorption.

“In short, Śāradvatī­putra, all the qualities of the thus-gone ones depend on the pursuit of the Dharma.”

9.25

Then the Blessed One spoke these verses:

“Through having compassion for all beings
As well as respect for the Dharma,
One will reach the other shore of wisdom
In the vehicle intended for that goal.

“Those who wish to understand the minds of beings
And realize supernatural powers
That are unwavering throughout the three worlds
Should have respect for the Dharma.

“If³⁸ they have respect for the Dharma,
They will always be worthy of reverence;
They will connect with the most supreme Dharma
Among the infinite qualities of the buddhas.

“If³⁹ they have respect for the Dharma,
Their mindfulness will not diminish,
But develop exponentially
Over each and every lifetime.

“If they have respect for the Dharma,
They will not decline in beauty,
But all the main and minor parts of their body
Will be exquisite, always pleasing.

“They will always delight the guides
And be inspired when beholding them.
With a devout frame of mind,
They will revere the guides of the world,

“And their faith will grow exponentially,
Over each and every lifetime.
They will not indulge in negative desires,
But abandon them and promptly go forth.

“They will also be skilled in perpetually observing
The collection of ethical precepts,
But without conceit in their ethical discipline.
They will pursue meditative absorption,

“And always remain in equanimity,
But without conceit in their meditative absorption.
They will rely even more on insight,
Which is supreme throughout all worlds.

“They will become ever endowed with wisdom,
But without conceit in it.
Without being conceited about that wisdom,
They will pursue the Dharma of the buddhas.

“They will obtain the light of the Dharma,
The power of retention so praised by the buddhas.
The teacher, understanding them as vessels for the Dharma,
Will authorize them.

“Thus authorized to preach the Dharma,
They will teach the Dharma to benefit living beings.
With unobstructed expression and eloquence,
They will attain discernment and become powerful.

9.26

“They will become experts in the Dharma,
At its beginning, middle, and end.
They will perpetually be praised by the buddhas,
And act for the great benefit of humanity.

“They will likewise be praised by the gods,
And revered by yakṣas and nāgas.
With the buddhas’ constant praise,
Their reputation will spread throughout the ten directions.

“Without shirking their practice of the Dharma,
Their renown will not diminish.
Without ever hankering for non-Dharma,
They will rely upon the Dharma of the buddhas.

“Resolving the doubts of beings,
They will spread the light of the Dharma.
Engaging in the ways of spiritual practice,
They will purify the dispositions of beings.

“They will not teach the wrong path,
But the correct one.
With conviction⁴⁰ in the Dharma of the buddhas
They will practice it by means of the supreme of dharmas—

“That is, mind is devoid of basis,
And lacks any foundation.
By means of the mind devoid of basis,
They will practice the conduct of bodhisattvas.

“Even as they course through villages of the land,
Their mind does not abide—
It will always lack any basis,
And not have any foundation.

“It is not craved by formations.
Even the authentic teacher does not exist.
Who would not revere
Those irreproachable bodhisattvas when they are beheld?

“Luminous like space,
Where does such a mind exist?
It does not appear in the world,
For it has no foundation whatsoever.

“Therefore, listen to that Dharma!
I will deliver a discourse on it.
Since it accomplishes the benefit of beings,
I will teach on the Dharma of the buddhas.

“Moreover, Śāradvatī­putra, a bodhisattva engages in learning for the pursuit of Dharma and pursues expertise in learning. Śāradvatī­putra, what is learning? What is expertise in learning? Śāradvatī­putra, learning is to be imparted a message from another. Expertise in learning is to consider it properly for oneself and understand it well. Śāradvatī­putra,

9.27

what is meant here by a message from another? It is the Dharma in all its facets: the sections of sūtras, expressions in mingled prose and verse, prophetic declarations, verses, special aphorisms, narratives, parables, tales of past lives, extensive teachings, miraculous accounts, established instructions, and legends. Śāradvatī­putra, that is what is called a message from another.

“Śāradvatī­putra, what is it to be expert in learning? It is to consider it properly for oneself. And what is it to consider something properly for oneself? It is to be expert in the aggregates, the elements, the sense sources, dependent arising, and positive and negative qualities; it is to comprehend visible and invisible phenomena, defiled and undefiled phenomena, objectionable and unobjectionable phenomena, and what is and is not to be relied upon. It is to properly understand, to be expert in, to properly comprehend, and to discern these. It is to understand well the proper Dharma, the unmistaken Dharma, and its nature. Śāradvatī­putra, that is what is called considering properly for oneself.

“Śāradvatī­putra, what is the expertise in the aggregates that was taught by the Thus-Gone One? Śāradvatī­putra, he taught nothing on this whatsoever. Śāradvatī­putra, the expertise in the elements that was taught by the Thus-Gone One was not taught by him at all. Śāradvatī­putra, the expertise in the sense sources that was taught by the Thus-Gone One was not taught by him at all. Śāradvatī­putra, the expertise in dependent arising that was taught by the Thus-Gone One was not taught by him at all.

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