法苑珠林 72.34

72.34

Through the power of vows, in an era of famine, a bodhisattva assumes the body of a giant fish or the like, saving all sentient beings with its flesh; in an era of pestilence, they become a great king of physicians, healing numerous illnesses; in an era of weapons, they become a mighty king, putting an end to battles and disputes; and with the Dharma they transform false and evil actions. Taking rebirth in innumerable ways such as these is called 'rebirth to quell suffering'. Through the sovereign power of vows, amid various kinds of sentient beings—gods, dragons, ghosts, spirits, and the like—who mutually trouble and disturb one another, as well as amid various non-Buddhists who give rise to evil views, the bodhisattva is born among them to be their leader, guiding them into correctness and expounding [the Dharma] extensively for them. This is called 'rebirth adapting to categories'. A bodhisattva taking rebirth through innate nature, surpassing worldly retributions in lifespan, appearance, and so on, is called 'superior rebirth'.