諸經要集 12.66

12.66

The bodhisattva, through the power of vows, takes birth in the form of a great fish or the like during an age of famine, using its flesh to rescue all sentient beings; in an age of pestilence, becomes a great king of physicians to heal all illnesses; in an age of weapons and war, becomes a mighty king to put an end to war and conflict, transforming heterodoxy and evil deeds with the Dharma. Taking birth in countless ways such as these is called 'birth that quenches suffering.' The bodhisattva, through sovereign mastery of vows, when various sentient beings—devas, nāgas, ghosts, and spirits—torment one another, or when various non-Buddhists give rise to various wrong views, is born entirely among them to be their leader, guiding them to enter correctness and expounding [the Dharma] extensively for them; this is called 'birth according with species.' The bodhisattva, taking birth by nature, is superior to the worldly retributions of lifespan, physical appearance, and the like; this is called 'superior birth.' A bodhisattva, from the stage of pure mind up to the stage of the supreme bodhisattva, takes birth with sovereignty in Jambudvīpa, being extraordinary among all places of taking birth; this is called 'sovereign birth.'