法苑珠林 63.24

63.24

Furthermore, the *Avataṃsaka-sūtra* states: "Sons of the Buddha, just as a great nāga brings down rain according to its mind, the rain coming neither from within nor from without, the realm of the Tathāgata is likewise: according with the thoughts in his mind, in thought-moment after thought-moment he gives rise to immeasurable, inconceivable wisdom, yet that wisdom has no place from which it comes. It also says: 'Sons of the Buddha, all the waters of the great oceans arise from the mental vows of the nāga kings; the Tathāgata's wisdom is likewise, all arising from the power of great vows. Sons of the Buddha, the Tathāgata's ocean of wisdom is immeasurable and boundless, ineffable and inconceivable. I shall give a minor analogy; listen closely now. Sons of the Buddha, within this Jambudvīpa flow out two thousand five hundred rivers, all entering the great ocean. Within Godānīya flow out five thousand rivers, all entering the great ocean. Within Pūrvavideha flow out eight thousand four hundred rivers, all entering the great ocean. Within Uttarakuru flow out ten thousand rivers, all entering the great ocean. Sons of the Buddha, within these four continents there are thus twenty-five thousand nine hundred rivers, all entering the great ocean. Sons of the Buddha, what do you think: is this water much or little?' It was answered, 'Extremely much.'