觀無量壽佛經疏 3.54

3.54

Second, from "In the land of Sukhāvatī" down to "produced from the wish-fulfilling jewel-king," it directly explains the number of ponds and determines their source. There are five points: first, it explains indicating the realm to which one returns; second, it explains the name of the eight ponds in number; third, it explains that the banks of each pond are formed of the seven jewels, and precisely because the jeweled light reflects through and shines all around, the water of eight virtues is identical in color to the assorted jewels, hence it is called "jeweled water"; fourth, it explains that the substance of these assorted jewels is soft and pliable; fifth, it explains that the water of the eight ponds all comes from the wish-fulfilling jewel, hence it is called "wish-fulfilling water." This water possesses eight kinds of virtues: first, pure and moistening, which is subsumed under the sense-sphere of form; second, not foul-smelling, which is subsumed under the sense-sphere of scent; third, light; fourth, cold; fifth, soft, which are subsumed under the sense-sphere of touch; sixth, delicious, which is subsumed under the sense-sphere of taste; seventh, soothing when drunk; eighth, free of harm after drinking, which are subsumed under the sense-sphere of mental objects. The meaning of these eight virtues has already been explained in detail in the [commentary on the] meaning of Amitābha. Moreover, a praise says: / "In Sukhāvatī, the adorned Land of Nurturing, / The jeweled ponds of eight virtues flow everywhere. / The four banks hold radiance mingled with seven jewels; / The water's color is distinct, reflecting the jeweled light. / Its nature is soft and free of hard touch; / Bodhisattvas walk slowly, scattering jeweled incense. / The jeweled incense and jeweled clouds form jeweled canopies; / The jeweled canopies face the sky, covering the jeweled banners. / The jeweled banners with solemn deportment surround the jeweled halls; / The jeweled halls have jeweled bells hanging from pearl nets. / The jeweled nets and jeweled music turn a thousandfold, / Praising according to capacities in jeweled palaces and towers. / In every palace and tower there is a Buddha assembly, / Where holy multitudes like sands of the Ganges sit and contemplate. / May those with affinity constantly remember this, / Renounce their lives, and be born together in that hall of Dharma."