陀羅尼雜集 4.50

4.50

At that time, the World-Honoured One spoke this Secret Vajra Dhāraṇī of the Wholesome Gate, desiring that devas and humans obtain great benefit, be forever freed from suffering and distress, and constantly dwell in peace and joy. "Such a retention as this has been spoken and taught by past Buddhas, and is likewise proclaimed by future and present Buddhas." The Buddha said to Vajraguhyaka Bodhisattva: "Good son! Out of great compassion and pity for all sentient beings, I now speak it." At that time, when the World-Honoured One spoke this retention, from his uṣṇīṣa, the invisible mark atop his head, an appearance of the Great Man emerged, its radiance shining with blazing brilliance, illuminating the immeasurable worlds of the ten directions. At that time, the Buddha lands also spontaneously welled forth with light of rare and gorgeous beauty, extinguishing all gloom and darkness. Then humans, devas, and various beings of the ten directions all witnessed this sign, gave rise to a sense of wonder, and all had this thought: 'Due to what causes and conditions does this sign appear, with light pervading the worlds?' At that time, the Buddhas addressed the assembly, saying: 'Good sons! Listen attentively. There is a Buddha world named Sahā; the Buddha is called Śākyamuni Tathāgata. Out of great compassion and pity for all sentient beings, in order to bring them peace and joy, he speaks this Dhāraṇī of the Wholesome Gate.' Then the assembly, hearing their Buddha describe the power of Śākyamuni's awesome virtue, praised Śākyamuni with one voice: 'Rare and excellent! That he can give rise to great compassion in the Sahā world and speak this retention for the peace of devas and humans. This retention is rare indeed, proclaimed by signless, true wisdom. We aspire with joy to cultivate it diligently, and having attained this retention, we shall also, in like manner, generate great compassion to teach and transform sentient beings.' The Buddhas praised them, saying: 'Excellent, excellent! Good sons! One who wishes to practice this Dhāraṇī of the Wholesome Gate should always in the early morning chew on a tooth-stick, rinse the mouth, burn incense, scatter flowers, and collect the mind to read and recite it, not allowing it to run after external objects. Why is this? This retention was upheld, spoken, taught, and transformed by the Buddhas of the three times. You should be mindful of it and practice it as taught, letting no five pungent roots, liquor, or meat pass your lips, keeping a mind of pure conduct, casting aside external duties, and only then reading and reciting it in a quiet place. This can cause the practitioner to attain great merit and boundless wisdom. One who wishes to practice the Dhāraṇī of the Wholesome Gate should make a vow: may I not neglect or forget it right up until attaining Buddhahood. Constantly read it once in the early morning. If seeking present wishes, cultivate it diligently for seven days and seven nights, and there are none that will not be fulfilled—except for those who have heavy sins from the past, which cannot be exhausted in a short time at present; all other karmas will without exception be eradicated. Cultivating all wholesome deeds up to nirvāṇa, one will be able to fully obtain the benefit of twenty merits. What are the twenty? Namely: long life to its full span; renown; material requisites; physical strength; freedom from disease; courageous vigor; protection and mindfulness by the Buddhas; a gentle and compliant mind; protection and assistance by the devas; vows to perform wholesome deeds; contemplation of profound meaning; diligent effort without indolence; a joyful and radiant countenance; complete possession of the marks and signs; eloquence and fearlessness; and the increase and fullness of wholesome roots. Therefore, the World-Honoured One spoke this profound, secret Vajra Dhāraṇī of the Wholesome Gate; you should be mindful of it and cultivate it with utter sincerity. Why is this? Such a retention as this is the most auspicious among all retentions.'"