法苑珠林 37.49

37.49

Furthermore, the Tiwei jing states: The elder Tiwei said to the Buddha: "Scattering flowers, burning incense, lighting lamps, and bowing in homage—these constitute making offerings. What kind of merit does circumambulating a stūpa bring?" The Buddha said: "Circumambulating a stūpa brings five merits. First, in future lives one obtains an upright, fine physical appearance. Second, one obtains an excellent voice. Third, one obtains rebirth in the heavens. Fourth, one is reborn into a family of kings and nobles. Fifth, one attains the path of nirvāṇa. For what reason does one obtain an upright, fine physical appearance? Because one rejoices upon seeing the Buddha's image. For what reason does one obtain an excellent voice? Because one expounds sūtras while circumambulating the stūpa. For what reason does one obtain rebirth in the heavens? Because when circumambulating the stūpa, one's mind does not transgress the precepts. For what reason is one reborn into a family of kings and nobles? Because one touches one's head and face to the Buddha's feet in homage. For what reason does one attain the path of nirvāṇa? Because of the remaining merit." The Buddha said: "In circumambulating a stūpa, there are three practices: first, when the foot is raised, one should be mindful that the foot is raised; second, when the foot is lowered, one should be mindful that the foot is lowered; third, one must not look left and right or spit on the ground within the monastery. As for circumambulating to the right: the sūtras and vinaya stipulate circumambulating to the right. If one walks circumambulating to the left, one will be reprimanded by spirits, and even circumambulating a wheat stack to the left is censured by worldly custom. Such followers are numerous. When carrying out this practice nowadays, one accords with the heavenly seasons, turns facing northwest, bares the right shoulder, and faces the Buddha with reverence. One may circumambulate a hundred times, ten times, seven times, or three times, each signifying something. Generally discussing the standard practice of circumambulating three times: it signifies making offerings to the Three Honoured Ones, stopping the three poisons, purifying the three karmic activities, eliminating the three evil realms, and coming to encounter the Three Jewels." A verse from the Avataṃsaka Sūtra says: