觀彌勒上生兜率天經贊 1.3

1.3

Now, the real nature is profound and indistinct, transcending traps and snares yet encompassing all; the essence of enlightenment is dark and subtle, cutting off sight and hearing yet penetrating and unifying. Even when comparing wisdom to clouds and the Dharma to the moon behind gauze, inspecting its divine principle leaves one still perplexed; even when borrowing fathomless discernment amid dense bamboo groves, estimating its marvelous workings leaves one unable to measure them. Only when the ultimate Way is perfected does the pure countenance manifest; only when the limit of reality is displayed is true consciousness purified. Thereafter, stooping to guide the ten grounds, it disperses oceanic insight across precious realms; reaching down to encompass the three vehicles, it displays a transcendent presence within defiled cities. It is like a great bell, hollow to receive, sending forth sound in response to whatever strikes it; it is like the bright moon, clarifying its radiance, casting its reflection according to the purity of the vessel. Therefore, to carry on and exalt the saṃbhogakāya Buddha, he receives consecration on the lotus terrace; to inherit the task of the nirmāṇakāya, he first sends his spirit to the purple-blue palace. Nurturing the maturation of capacities, he approaches the throne; awaiting the conditions for living beings, he descends with manifested traces. This is indeed the grand ritual of receiving appointment throughout the three periods of time, the marvelous model for being bound to one last birth! Now, as for this sūtra: it is the single rain that showers upon all sprouts, the open ford that ferries across the many beasts, the great vessel that carries those who have wandered and lost their way, the marvelous chariot that leads the children from the flames. Although plumbing the profound and understanding the hidden ultimately belongs to the flowers on different threads, nonetheless, rescuing the drowning in tally with their capacities truly lies in the leaves of this fishing trap. For this reason, the golden light shines in the twilight, a banner showing its reflection to those in darkness; the fragrant blossoms spread mist in front, proving that the fruit behind is without deficiency. The likes of Mañjuśrī gather like folding waves; the company of Śāriputra hastens like assembling clouds. Although receiving instruction for a single occasion, it is truly a ford and a bridge for a thousand ages. As for the sacred realm of the heavenly palace, it is adorned by relying on boundless causes; the marvelous functioning of the grove of enlightenment accords with inexhaustible virtuous practices. Were it not for the pivot of the mind embracing and contemplating it, how could the utmost reach of words proclaim its brilliance? The repository of the teaching reveals itself; the scales of the title cease their praise.