法苑珠林 2.24

2.24

The *Dīrghāgama-sūtra* states that the Buddha addressed the monks: 'The people of Jambudvīpa surpass the people of Godānīya in three things. What are the three? First, they are courageous, of strong memory, and able to perform karmic actions. Second, they are courageous, of strong memory, and diligently practice the holy life (brahmacarya). Third, they are courageous, of strong memory, and Buddhas appear in their land. The people of Godānīya surpass the people of Jambudvīpa in three things. What are the three? First, they have many cattle. Second, they have many sheep. Third, they have many pearls and jewels. Jambudvīpa surpasses Pūrvavideha in three things. What are the three? First, they are courageous, of strong memory, and able to perform karmic actions. Second, they are courageous, of strong memory, and able to practice the holy life. Third, they are courageous, of strong memory, and Buddhas appear in their land. Pūrvavideha surpasses Jambudvīpa in three things. What are the three? First, its land is extremely extensive. Second, its land is extremely vast. Third, its land is extremely wondrous. Jambudvīpa surpasses Uttarakuru in three things. What are the three? First, they are courageous, of strong memory, and able to perform karmic actions. Second, they are courageous, of strong memory, and able to practice the holy life. Third, they are courageous, of strong memory, and Buddhas appear in their land. Uttarakuru also surpasses Jambudvīpa in three things. What are the three? First, they have no attachments or bonds. Second, they have no sense of "mine" (mamatā). Third, their lifespan is fixed at one thousand years. The people of Jambudvīpa also surpass the destiny of hungry ghosts in the above three things. The destiny of hungry ghosts surpasses Jambudvīpa in three things. What are the three? First, long lifespan. Second, large bodies. Third, experiencing [retribution] for what others have done. The people of Jambudvīpa also surpass garuḍas in the above three things. Garuḍas also surpass Jambudvīpa in three things. What are the three? First, long lifespan. Second, large bodies. Third, palaces. Jambudvīpa surpasses asuras in the above three things. Asuras also surpass Jambudvīpa in three things. What are the three? First, lofty and broad palaces. Second, adorned palaces. Third, pure palaces. The people of Jambudvīpa surpass the heaven of the Four Heavenly Kings in the above three things; [that heaven] also surpasses Jambudvīpa in three things. What are the three? First, long lifespan. Second, handsome appearance. Third, abundant pleasure. The people of Jambudvīpa also surpass the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven, Yāma Heaven, Tuṣita Heaven, Nirmāṇarati Heaven, and Paranirmitavaśavartin Heaven in the above three things. These heavens also surpass Jambudvīpa in three things. What are the three? First, long lifespan. Second, handsome appearance. Third, abundant pleasure.'