金光明最勝王經疏 1.28

1.28

Next, explaining the attainment of benefits in future lives: namely, after this sūtra was preached at the Vulture Peak assembly, the benefits obtained later by practicing and studying in accordance with it are all future benefits. To briefly cite a small portion: 1. Explaining the benefit of hearing the sūtra. The "Chapter on the Four Heavenly Kings Protecting the State" says: "If any sentient being hears this *Suvarṇaprabhāsa-sūtra*, they will immediately not regress in anuttarā [samyak]sambodhi." 2. Explaining the benefit of reading and reciting. The "Chapter on the Goddess Sarasvatī" says: "The goddess Sarasvatī addressed the Buddha, saying: 'World-Honoured One! If there is a Dharma master who preaches this *Suvarṇaprabhāsottamasūtra*, I will increase his wisdom and endow him with the eloquence of embellished speech. If that Dharma master forgets any of the letters, words, phrases, or meanings in this sūtra, I will cause him to remember and retain them, and to be able to listen and awaken well, and I will further grant him unobstructed retention of dhāraṇī.'" 3. Explaining the benefit of receiving and upholding. The "Chapter on the Dhāraṇī of Non-Attachment" says: "Suppose there were ten asaṃkhyeyas of trichiliocosms filled with the seven treasures offered to the buddhas, along with supreme garments, food, and drink, and various offerings throughout immeasurable kalpas. If there is another person who can receive and uphold even a single phrase of this dhāraṇī, the merit produced will be double that. Why? Because this profound Dharma gate of the Dhāraṇī of Non-Attachment is the mother of all buddhas." The meaning here is that because the sūtra can give birth to all buddhas, it is called the Buddha-mother. 4. Explaining the benefit of propagation. The "Chapter on the Three Bodies" says: "Wherever this sūtra is expounded and preached, in that country there will be four kinds of benefits: first, the king's army will be strong and powerful, without any enemies, free from epidemics, with long lifespans, auspiciousness, peace, and bliss, and the Saddharma will flourish; second, the queens, royal consorts, princes, and ministers of the inner palace will be harmonious and devoid of dispute, free from flattery and deceit, and beloved and respected by the king; third, śramaṇas, brāhmaṇas, and all the people of the country will practice the Saddharma, be free from disease, peaceful, and joyful, without anyone suffering untimely death, and will cultivate and establish all fields of merit; fourth, during the three seasons the four great elements will be harmonious, and they will constantly receive increased protection from the devas, having equal compassion without harmful intent, causing sentient beings to take refuge in and revere the Three Jewels and cultivate the practices of anuttarā [samyak]sambodhi." Furthermore, the "Chapter on the Three Bodies," explaining the benefit of hearing the sūtra, says: "If any good man or good woman hears, faithfully understands, and does not fall into the realms of hell, hungry ghosts, animals, or asuras, they will always dwell among humans and devas without being born in lowly stations, constantly be close to the tathāgatas to hear and receive the Saddharma, and always be born in the pure lands of the buddhas. Why? Because by being able to hear this profound Dharma, this good man or woman has already been known and prophesied by the Tathāgata to attain non-retrogressing anuttarā [samyak]sambodhi. If this profound, wondrous Dharma once passes through their ears, one should know that this person does not slander the Tathāgata, does not destroy the Saddharma, and does not slight the ārya saṅgha; it causes all sentient beings who have not planted good roots to plant them, and causes those who have already planted good roots to increase and accomplish them, so that all sentient beings in all worlds diligently cultivate the six pāramitās." Furthermore, the "Chapter on Repentance," explaining the benefit of propagation, says: "If any of the four assemblies expounds and preaches this wondrous classic of Golden Light to others wherever they are, in that country they will all obtain four kinds of fortunate benefits and good roots: first, the king will be free from disease and separated from all calamities; second, his lifespan will be extended without any obstacles; third, there will be no enemies, and the military forces will be brave and strong; fourth, there will be peace, security, abundance, joy, and the propagation of the Saddharma." It also says: "In that country, the ministers and counselors will have four kinds of benefits: first, mutual intimacy, respect, and affectionate care; second, constantly being beloved and esteemed in the heart of the king of people, and also being respected by śramaṇas, brāhmaṇas, large countries, and small countries; third, slighting wealth and valuing the Dharma without seeking worldly gain, with good reputations spreading everywhere and admired by the multitude; fourth, longevity, peace, security, and happiness. Śramaṇas and brāhmaṇas will also attain four superior benefits: first, no lack of the four requisites; second, contemplating with peace of mind; third, dwelling in peace and joy by relying on mountain forests; fourth, their vows being fulfilled according to their wishes. The common people will all attain abundance, joy, and freedom from epidemics, and merchants traveling back and forth will acquire abundant treasures and goods, possessing superior blessings." The benefits spoken of in the other chapters, although of immeasurable kinds, do not exceed these categories. Since the benefits are so manifold, all who hear it should learn it in accordance with the Dharma.