妙法蓮華經 3.7

3.7

ings they contemplate, think, and practice; and what teaching they obtain

through what teaching. Only the Tathāgata exactly perceives and knows

without obstructions the various states in which sentient beings reside.

“It is just like the grasses, trees, shrubs, and herbs that do not know their own natures, whether they are superior, mediocre, or inferior. Yet the Tathāgata knows the teachings of one aspect and character, the character of liberation, dispassion, cessation, complete nirvana, and eternal tranquility which ultimately leads to emptiness.

“The Buddha knows this and perceives the aspirations of sentient beings. For this reason, in order to protect them, he does not immediately teach omniscience.

“O Kāśyapa! It is a rare thing that all of you know that the Tathāgata teaches according to your capacities and that you believe and accept it.

“Why is this? Because the Dharma taught by all the Buddha Bhagavats, according to what is appropriate to sentient beings, is difficult to understand and difficult to know.”

Thereupon the Bhagavat, wanting to elaborate on the meaning of this

The King of the Dharma,

The destroyer of delusive existence,

Appears in the world

And keeping in mind the aspirations of sentient beings

Teaches the Dharma in various ways

According to the wishes of sentient beings.

The Tathāgata is greatly distinguished,

And his wisdom is profound.

He has been silent for a long time

And intentionally has not taught the essential in haste.

Those who are wise

Will be well convinced when they hear it;

Those who are not wise will have doubts

And remain confused for a long time.

That is why, O Kāśyapa, the Tathāgata teaches

According to the capacities of sentient beings,

And enables them to attain the correct perspective

By using various illustrations.

O Kāśyapa, you should know

That it is as if a great cloud Arises in the world And covers everything. This beneficent cloud contains moisture And bright lightning flashes from it. The sound of its thunder shakes the earth afar And gladdens the people. It conceals the sun And cools the earth. The spreading cloud hangs so low, As if it could be touched. Everywhere, equal, and immeasurable The rain pours down and moistens the earth. Grasses, herbs, large and small trees, All kinds of crops, seedlings, sugarcane, and grapes Growing in the depths of the mountains, In rivers and in precipitous valleys, Are all watered and completely nourished by the rain. The dry earth is moistened everywhere And the herbs and trees grow up thickly. Out of this cloud the same rain Waters these grasses, trees, and shrubs Each according to their capacities. All the trees, small, medium, or large Are able to grow in accordance with their capacities. The luster and colors of the roots, stems, Branches, leaves, and flowers Are all freshened by the same rain. Each of these, although receiving the same moisture, Reaches a greater or lesser size In accordance with their different Dispositions, characteristics, and natures. The Buddha is exactly like this. He appears in the world

As a great cloud

Which covers everything universally. Once appearing in this world He illuminates and explains The essence of the teachings For the sake of sentient beings. The Great Seer, the Bhagavat, expounds this To the assembly of all the devas and humans. I am the Tathāgata, the Best of Humans. I appear in the world to nourish sentient beings Just as the great cloud Moistens all the withered trees. I cause everyone to be rid of suffering And attain ease of heart, Worldly happiness, and the joy of nirvana. So, devas and humans, listen carefully! Come, all of you, And look at the Highest One! I am the Bhagavat. No one is equal to me. I appear in this world To bring peace of mind to sentient beings And to teach the Dharma of immortality To the great assembly. This Dharma has a single flavor Of liberation and nirvana. I expound its meaning with the same subtle voice, Always making the Mahayana The subject of my illustrations. I see everywhere, and regard all as equal. I have no feelings of like or dislike; For me there is no this or that. Nor do I have either love or hate. I have no attachments and make no distinctions, And so always teach the Dharma equally to all; And teach the same thing to one person

As I teach to everyone else. I always teach the Dharma and nothing else. Going or coming, sitting or standing, I never tire of satisfying the world, Just like the rain that gives nourishment universally. I tirelessly pour down the rain of the Dharma Equally on those who are noble or humble, Superior or inferior, who keep or break the precepts, Who have good or bad conduct, right or wrong views, Sharp or dull faculties. According to their power to understand, All sentient beings who hear my teaching Dwell in various stages. Those living among humans, Devas, noble emperors, Śakra, and Brahma kings Are like the small herbs. Those who know the incorruptible Dharma, Who are able to attain nirvana, Have the six transcendent powers, and Have attained the three sciences. Those who live alone in mountain forests Always practicing meditation, and Who attain the enlightenment of the pratyekabuddhas Are like the medium-sized herbs. Those who seek the stage Of the Bhagavat, thinking that They will become buddhas, And practice persistence and meditation, Are like the large herbs. The heirs of the buddhas Who concentrate on the path of the Buddha, Who always cultivate compassion within themselves And know definitely without a doubt That they will become buddhas, Are like the small trees.