法苑珠林 52.69

52.69

As the Lokasthiti-sūtra says: The continent of Jambudvīpa surpasses Godānīya, Pūrvavideha, Uttarakuru, the Yama realm, all dragons, garuḍas, and asuras in five respects. What are the five? First, bravery and vigour; second, correct mindfulness; third, it is the place where Buddhas appear in the world; fourth, it is the land for cultivating karma; fifth, it is the place where the brahma-conduct is practiced. The continent of Godānīya surpasses Jambudvīpa in three respects: first, an abundance of cattle; second, an abundance of sheep; third, an abundance of mani jewels. The continent of Pūrvavideha surpasses [it] in three respects: first, the continent is broad and vast; second, it universally encompasses all islets; third, the continent is exceedingly superior and wondrous. The continent of Uttarakuru surpasses [it] in three respects: first, its people have no notion of self or what belongs to self; second, their lifespan is the most supreme; third, they possess superior and elevated conduct. In the Yama realm, they surpass in three respects: first, long lifespan; second, large bodily forms; third, spontaneous provision of clothing and food. All dragons and garuḍa birds surpass in three respects: first, long lifespan; second, large bodily forms; third, broad and spacious palaces. Among asuras, they surpass in three respects: first, long lifespan; second, superior physical appearance; third, abundant experience of pleasure. The devas of the Four Heavenly Kings surpass in three respects: first, lofty palaces; second, wondrous palaces; third, their palaces have superior radiance. The Trāyastriṃśa devas surpass in three respects: first, long life; second, superior colour; third, abundant joy. The remaining four higher heavens, as well as the heavens of Māra's hosts and so forth, are identical to the Trāyastriṃśa devas in possessing the preceding three superiorities. Jambudvīpa possesses five superiorities; the rest of the various heavens are as described above. The verse says: