觀無量壽佛經疏 3.26

3.26

Third, from "On the ground of lapis lazuli" down to "sharply delineated and distinct," it directly explains the adornments upon the ground, visibly marking their excellence. This explains the perfect purity of what is supported and what supports it. The seven-jeweled ponds, groves, and so forth are what is supported; the jeweled ground of lapis lazuli is what supports them. The ground is what can sustain; the ponds, terraces, trees, and so forth are what are sustained. This is because Amitābha's causal practices were complete and consummate, bringing about a recompense that is round and bright. The meaning of "bright and pure" takes the untainted as its essence. A praise says:
"The adornments of the jeweled ground are beyond compare;
Everywhere light shines throughout the ten directions.
Jeweled pavilions and lotus terraces are completely filled;
Mingled colors, translucent and bright, are difficult to fathom.
Jeweled clouds and jeweled canopies hover over the sky;
The host of sages fly with supernormal powers, coming and going with one another.
Jeweled banners and canopies turn with the wind;
Jeweled instruments holding radiance resound in response to thought.
Those who carry doubt are born with flowers yet unopened;
Hands joined within the calyx, like being inside a womb.
Internally they experience Dharma joy without the slightest suffering;
When obstacles are exhausted, in an instant the flower naturally opens.
With clear hearing and bright eyes, bodies golden in color,
Bodhisattvas gently present jeweled robes.
Light touching their bodies, they attain the three patiences;
Desiring to see the Buddha, they descend from the golden terrace;
Dharma companions welcome them and lead them into the great assembly,
Gazing up at the Honoured Face, praising: ‘Splendid indeed!’"