悲華經

VOLUME IV: CHAPTER FOUR — PART II — PREDICTIONS OF BODHISATTVAS

Good man! At that time, the brahmin Ratnākara again exhorted the fourth prince, Neng-jia-la, to arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. The prince followed his counsel and, up to and including his vow to attain a pure world, made vows identical to those of the third prince.

“At that time, the Buddha Ratnagarbha said to Prince Neng-jia-la: ‘Excellent, excellent! Good man! While cultivating the bodhisattva path, you will use vajra wisdom to destroy the immeasurable and boundless great mountains of sentient beings’ afflictions and accomplish great Buddha-works. Only thereafter will you attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Good man! Therefore, I now name you Vajra Wisdom Radiant Merit.’

“Then the Buddha said to Bodhisattva Vajra Wisdom Radiant Merit: ‘Good man! In a future age, after as many asamkhyeya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, when the second period of as many asamkhyeya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges begins, east of this world, beyond as many worlds as there are motes of dust in worlds equal in number to the sands of ten Ganges Rivers, there will be a world called Undeceiving. Good man! In that world you will attain Buddhahood and be called Samantabhadra Tathagata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One.

“‘All the splendid adornments of that Buddha-land will accord with your vows, complete and lacking nothing.’

“Good man! When the Tathagata Ratnagarbha bestowed upon the great Bodhisattva Vajra Wisdom Radiant Merit the prediction of his attainment of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, immeasurable and boundless hundreds of thousands of kotis of nayutas of devas appeared in midair and exclaimed in praise, ‘Excellent, excellent!’ They rained down various kinds of powdered gośīrṣa-candana incense, agaru incense, tagaru incense, and tamālapattra incense as offerings.

“At that time, Bodhisattva Vajra Wisdom Radiant Merit said to the Buddha: ‘Blessed One! If my vows are to be fulfilled and I am to attain my own benefit, I now reverently pay homage to all Buddhas, the Blessed Ones. May all worlds throughout the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, be filled with the wondrous fragrance of the devas. If any sentient beings dwelling in the realms of hell-beings, animals, hungry ghosts, or even among devas and humans smell this fragrance, may they be freed from every suffering and illness of body and mind.’

“Good man! As soon as Bodhisattva Vajra Wisdom Radiant Merit had made this vow, he bowed his head to the ground in homage to the Buddha.

“At that time, a wondrous fragrance immediately pervaded all the worlds throughout the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. All sentient beings who smelled that fragrance were freed from every suffering of body and mind.

“Then the Tathagata Ratnagarbha spoke these verses for Bodhisattva Vajra Wisdom Radiant Merit:

One endowed with vajra wisdom,

Now arise!

Throughout the Buddha-lands of the ten directions,

A wondrous fragrance has spread,

Helping immeasurable sentient beings

To escape suffering and rejoice.

You will assuredly become a Buddha,

The Unsurpassed One in the world.

“Good man! After hearing these verses, Bodhisattva Vajra Wisdom Radiant Merit rejoiced. He then arose before the Buddha, respectfully joined his palms, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, withdrew to a nearby place, and sat silently listening to the teaching of the Dharma.”

“Good man! At that time, the brahmin Ratnākara again exhorted the fifth prince, Fearless, to arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and likewise to make a vow to attain a pure world.

“Prince Fearless then replied to the brahmin: ‘It is not my wish to attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in this impure world. I vow that when I become a Buddha, my world will have no realms of hell-beings, animals, or hungry ghosts. Its ground will consist entirely of precious azure vaidūrya. To describe it fully, everything will be identical to the splendid adornments of the Lotus World.’

“Prince Fearless then took a lotus flower and offered it to the Buddha Ratnagarbha, saying: ‘Blessed One! If my vows are to be fulfilled and I am to attain my own benefit, may I, through the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power, behold here before the Buddha all the splendid adornments of the samādhis. I further pray that all kinds of lotus flowers, each as large as a chariot wheel, will rain down from the sky and fill the Buddha-lands throughout the ten directions, as numerous as the motes of dust in as many worlds as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, and that I may clearly behold all of this from afar.’

“Good man! When Prince Fearless had spoken these words, through the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power he immediately beheld all the splendid adornments of the samādhis. All kinds of lotus flowers, each as large as a chariot wheel, immediately rained down from the sky and filled the Buddha-lands throughout the ten directions, as numerous as the motes of dust in as many worlds as there are grains of sand in the Ganges. The entire assembly beheld them from afar and, having seen this, all rejoiced.

“Then the Buddha said to Prince Fearless: ‘Good man! You have been able to make such a profound and wondrous great vow, seeking a pure and adorned Buddha-land, and you have also been able immediately to behold all the splendid adornments of the samādhis. Because your vow is in no way false, innumerable lotus flowers have rained down from the sky in this manner.’

“The prince again said: ‘Blessed One! If my vows are to be fulfilled and I am to attain my own benefit, may all these lotus flowers remain suspended in midair and not fall to the ground.’

“At that time, the Buddha Ratnagarbha said to Prince Fearless: ‘Good man! With a single vow, you have immediately caused these lotus flowers to remain as though sealed in empty space. Therefore, I now give you the name Seal of Empty Space.’

“Then the Buddha said to Bodhisattva Seal of Empty Space: ‘Good man! In a future age, after as many asamkhyeya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, when the second period of as many asamkhyeya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges begins, southeast of this Buddha-land, beyond hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, there will be a world called Lotus.

In that world you will attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and be called Lotus Venerable Tathagata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One. Your assembly in that world will consist entirely of great bodhisattvas, immeasurably numerous and beyond reckoning.

That Buddha’s lifespan will be immeasurable and boundless. Your vows will be completely fulfilled.’

“At that time, the great Bodhisattva Seal of Empty Space bowed his head in reverence to the Tathagata Ratnagarbha, then arose, withdrew to a nearby place, respectfully joined his palms, and sat silently listening to the teaching of the Dharma.

“Then the Blessed One spoke these verses for Bodhisattva Seal of Empty Space:

Good man, you should know:

By benefiting yourself,

Severing the bonds of affliction,

You will always attain quiescence,

The merit thus attained,

As numerous as the sands of the Ganges,

And worlds as many as motes of dust,

Shall all be fulfilled and never lost.

In a future age,

You shall attain the unsurpassed Way.

You shall be in no way different

From the Buddhas of the past.

“Good man! Having heard these verses, Bodhisattva Seal of Space immediately gave rise to a joyful heart.

“Good man! At that time, the brahmin Treasure Ocean again exhorted the sixth prince, Space, to set his mind upon Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and to make vows to attain a pure world, in the same manner as before.

“Prince Space then addressed the Buddha: ‘World-Honored One! My aspiration is that I do not wish to attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in this impure world. The general substance of my vows is also like that of Bodhisattva Seal of Space.

“‘World-Honored One! If these vows of mine can be fulfilled and bring benefit to myself, may wondrous precious canopies made of the seven treasures spontaneously appear throughout the sky in all the worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. May nets of pure gold cover the canopies, and may small bells made of the seven treasures adorn them.

May the precious bells upon these canopies constantly emit sounds proclaiming the Buddha, sounds proclaiming the Dharma, sounds proclaiming the Sangha of bhiksus, and sounds teaching the six paramitas, the six superknowledges, the ten powers, the fearlessnesses, and so forth. When beings in those worlds hear these sounds, may they immediately set their minds upon Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Having set their minds upon it, may they immediately attain the stage of non-retrogression.

May the sounds proclaiming the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, up to the fearlessnesses and so forth, resound throughout all the worlds of the ten directions. Through the awe-inspiring spiritual power of the Buddha, may all beings be able to hear them directly.

“‘World-Honored One! If my vows shall be fulfilled and bring benefit to myself, may I today attain the Sun-Knowing Samadhi. Through the power of this samadhi, may all roots of goodness increase. After I attain this samadhi, may the Buddhas bestow upon me a prediction of Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.’

“As soon as Prince Space uttered this vow, through the awe-inspiring spiritual power of the Buddha, he immediately attained the Sun-Knowing Samadhi.

“At that time, the World-Honored One praised Prince Space, saying: ‘Excellent, excellent! Good man! The vows you have made are exceedingly profound.’

“Through the causes and conditions of that profound merit, wondrous precious canopies made of the seven treasures immediately appeared spontaneously throughout the sky in all the worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. Nets of pure gold covered the canopies, and small bells made of the seven treasures adorned them. The precious bells upon these canopies constantly emitted sounds proclaiming the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, up to sounds teaching the Dharma of fearlessness and so forth. At that time, hundreds of thousands of kotis of nayutas of beings heard those sounds and immediately set their minds upon Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“Buddha Treasure Store said: ‘Because of these deeds, I now confer upon you the name Sunlight of Space.’

“At that time, the Buddha told the great bodhisattva Sunlight of Space: ‘In a future age, you shall attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. After as many asamkhya kalpas as there are sands in the Ganges have passed, and upon entering the second period of as many asamkhya kalpas as there are sands in the Ganges, there will be a world called Sun and Moon, located east of this world beyond as many Buddha lands as there are sands in two Ganges Rivers. In that world, you shall attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and be called Dharma-Sovereign Wind-King Tathagata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, World-Honored One.’

“At that time, having heard this prediction, Bodhisattva Sunlight of Space bowed his head and paid homage at the Buddha’s feet.

“The World-Honored One then spoke these verses for Bodhisattva Sunlight of Space:

Now you should arise,

Skillfully disciplined by the precepts,

Your heart of great compassion fully matured.

For the sake of all beings,

You shall eliminate every suffering and adversity,

And ultimately attain liberation.

With wisdom that skillfully discerns,

You shall attain the unsurpassed Way.

“Good man! At that time, after hearing these verses, Bodhisattva Sunlight of Space gave rise to a joyful heart. He then arose before the Buddha, respectfully joined his palms, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, withdrew to a nearby place, and sat silently listening to the teaching of the Dharma.

“At that time, the brahmin Treasure Ocean again exhorted the seventh prince, Good Arm, to set his mind upon Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and to make vows to attain a pure Buddha land.

“Prince Good Arm then addressed the Buddha: ‘World-Honored One! My aspiration is that I do not wish to attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in this impure world. May my world in a future age have no realms of hell beings, animals, or hungry ghosts. May it have no women, nor even the name “woman,” and may there be no birth from the womb. May there be no Mount Sumeru, nor great or small Iron Encircling Mountains; no mountains, hills, mounds, filthy sand or stones, thorns, poisonous winds, dense forests, oceans, rivers, or streams. May there be no sun or moon and no distinction between day and night. May there be no dark or foul-smelling places.

“‘May all beings be entirely free of every foul excretion, from feces and urine to spittle, nasal discharge, and the like. May their bodies and minds undergo nothing unpleasant or painful. May the ground be made entirely of agate, without any dust or soil, and adorned beautifully solely with hundreds of thousands of immeasurable kinds of precious treasures. May there be no grasses or ordinary trees, but only wondrously beautiful mandara flowers and every kind of precious tree as adornments. Beneath each precious tree, may there be an exceedingly beautiful precious canopy. May there also be every kind of precious garment, floral garland, necklace, flower incense, music, precious object, and beautiful precious flower. May such things be used to adorn and embellish the precious trees.

“‘In that world, may there be no distinction between day and night, and may time be known solely by whether the flowers open or close. When the flowers close, may bodhisattvas spontaneously be born within them. As soon as they are born, may they behold in full all the magnificent adornments of the samadhis. Through the power of samadhi, may they also behold all the Buddhas presently abiding throughout the innumerable worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as minute motes of dust. While abiding in that samadhi, may they acquire all six superknowledges within the span of a single thought.’

“Through the divine ear, they hear all the sounds of Dharma being taught by the Buddhas presently abiding in worlds throughout the ten directions, numerous as minute dust particles. Through the wisdom of the knowledge of past lives, they know all events throughout immeasurable past kalpas, numerous as the minute dust particles in a Buddha-land. Through the divine eye, they behold every magnificent adornment of all the Buddha-worlds throughout the ten directions. Through the wisdom of knowing the minds of others, within a single thought they can know every thought and mental conception of beings numerous as the minute dust particles in a Buddha-land. Until they attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, they will never lose this samadhi.

“At daybreak, pure, gentle breezes blow in from the four directions, carrying wondrous fragrances and scattering various kinds of flowers. Through the power of these winds, the bodhisattvas emerge from samadhi and immediately attain the power of unimpeded supernormal transformation. Through this supernormal power, within the span of a single thought they can travel throughout the Buddha-lands of the ten directions, passing in each direction through worlds numerous as the minute dust particles in a Buddha-land. Upon arriving, they make offerings to all the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones presently abiding there, inquire about and receive the wondrous true Dharma, and then, within the span of a single thought, return to their own world without the slightest difficulty or obstruction.

“The bodhisattvas all sit in the lotus posture upon mandārava and mahā-mandārava flower terraces, contemplating the Dharma gates. If any of them wishes to see where I am, then wherever that bodhisattva turns, I shall be seen. If any still harbors doubts or impediments concerning the profound Dharma, upon seeing me, all such doubts will immediately cease. If any has questions about its meaning and wishes to hear the Dharma taught, upon seeing me, that bodhisattva will immediately understand and no longer have any doubts.

“The bodhisattvas in that world all deeply understand the meaning of there being neither self nor possessions of self. Therefore, they are able to relinquish their bodies and lives and will assuredly never regress from anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“In that world there are none of the names of unwholesome things, nor are there such terms as receiving precepts, violating precepts, breaking precepts, or repentance. The bodies of all beings are endowed with the thirty-two excellent marks and possess strength equal to that of the heavenly nārāyaṇa strongmen. Until they attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, none will ever be deficient in any of the six faculties.

“As soon as beings are born in that world, their hair and beards fall away of themselves, and their bodies are immediately clothed in the three Dharma robes. They attain the Samadhi of Excellent Discernment and will never lose it until they attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. All those beings bring every root of goodness into harmony, and none must endure the sufferings of aging, sickness, or death.

“When the bodhisattvas reach the end of their lives, they sit in the lotus posture, enter the fire samadhi, and cremate their own bodies. Once their bodies have been cremated, cool winds immediately blow in from the four directions and carry the bodhisattvas’ relics to worlds throughout the ten directions where no Buddha is present. Before long, those relics transform into maṇi jewels, like the jewel of a Wheel-Turning Sage King.

Any being who sees or touches such a maṇi jewel will no longer fall into the three evil destinies. Until attaining nirvana, that being will never again undergo suffering and affliction, but will immediately relinquish that body and be born in another region where a Buddha is presently teaching the Dharma, inquire about and receive the wondrous true Dharma, arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, and immediately attain the stage of non-retrogression.

“When beings in that world reach the end of their lives, their minds enter meditative concentration without distraction, and they do not endure such sufferings as separation from those they love. After death, they are not born amid the eight difficulties or in places where no Buddha appears. Until they attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, they will always encounter Buddhas, inquire about and receive the true Dharma, and make offerings to the Sangha.

“All beings in that world have abandoned sensual desire, anger, delusion, emotional attachment, jealousy, ignorance, and arrogance. In that world there are no shravakas or pratyekabuddhas. The entire assembly consists solely of great bodhisattvas who fill the whole world. Their minds are gentle and yielding, undefiled by sensual desire. They attain samadhis, remain steadfast and unwavering, and never regress from anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“That world is filled solely with pure, illuminating light. All the other Buddha-lands throughout the ten directions, numerous as minute dust particles, hear of and behold my world.

“My world possesses a wondrous fragrance that pervades other Buddha-worlds throughout the ten directions, numerous as minute dust particles. The beings in my world always experience ease and joy and have never even heard of undergoing suffering or affliction.

“World-Honored One! The time during which I cultivate the bodhisattva path shall have no limit, provided that I may thereby adorn such a pure Buddha-land. I shall cause all beings to become pure and fill that land, and only afterward shall I attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“World-Honored One! When I attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, I shall emit immeasurable and boundless rays of brilliant light, illuminating Buddha-lands throughout the ten directions, numerous as the minute dust particles in one thousand Buddha-lands. I shall cause the beings in those worlds to behold my thirty-two excellent marks from afar and immediately eradicate sensual desire, anger, delusion, jealousy, ignorance, arrogance, and every affliction; arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi; and, according to what they seek, immediately attain dharani, samadhi, and patience.

“Upon beholding me, all beings in the cold hells will immediately experience joyful warmth, like a bodhisattva who has entered the state of the second dhyana. Because those beings behold me, both body and mind will experience the foremost wondrous bliss, and they will immediately arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. When their lives end, they will assuredly be born in my Buddha-land. Once born there, they will immediately attain the stage of non-retrogression from anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“All beings in the hot hells will likewise attain this. Even beings in the realms of animals and hungry ghosts will attain the same.

“At that time, all the devas in the heavenly realms will behold their brilliant radiance increase manyfold.

“May the span of my life be immeasurable and boundless, beyond anyone’s ability to calculate, except one endowed with omniscience.”

“World-Honored One! When I attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, all the Buddhas then present throughout the immeasurable, boundless asamkhya worlds of the ten directions shall praise and extol me. If the beings in those worlds hear these words of praise and commendation, they shall resolve to cultivate roots of goodness so that they may swiftly be born in my world; and after their lives end, they shall all be born in my world, except those who commit the five heinous offenses, destroy the true Dharma, or slander the sages.

“World-Honored One! When I attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, if beings throughout the immeasurable, boundless asamkhya worlds of the ten directions hear my name and aspire to be born in my world, then, as death approaches, all those beings shall see me before them, surrounded by the entire great assembly. At that time, I shall enter the Samadhi Free from Obstruction.

Through the power of that samadhi, I shall be able to appear before those beings and expound the Dharma for them. By hearing the Dharma expounded, those beings shall immediately be freed from all suffering and affliction, and their hearts shall be filled with immeasurable joy. Through that joyful mind, they shall immediately attain the Precious Field Samadhi.

Through the power of that samadhi, their minds shall attain mindfulness and the patient acceptance of the non-arising of dharmas. After their lives end, they shall certainly be born in my world.

“If there are beings in other worlds who do not possess the seven noble treasures, do not wish to cultivate and practice the teachings of the Three Vehicles, and do not wish to be reborn among either gods or humans; who also do not cultivate any roots of goodness or the three kinds of merit, but act contrary to the true Dharma, cling greedily to defiled desires, and follow only wrong views—when I enter the Samadhi Free from Affliction, I vow that, through the power of that samadhi, I shall cause them, as their lives end, to see me and the great assembly before them. I shall expound the wondrous Dharma for them, reveal to them a pure Buddha-land, and encourage them to arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“After hearing the Dharma, those beings shall immediately develop deep and steadfast faith in me. Their hearts shall become joyful and peaceful, and they shall immediately arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. I shall cause those beings to be freed from all suffering and affliction. Once freed from suffering and affliction, they shall immediately attain the Sun-Lamp Radiance Samadhi, dispelling all the darkness of ignorance; and after their lives end, they shall immediately be born in my world.’

“At that time, the Tathagata Treasure Store praised him, saying: ‘Excellent, excellent! You are now able to make such a great and wondrous vow!’

“Prince Good Arm then addressed the Buddha: ‘World-Honored One! If my vow is fulfilled and I attain benefit for myself, may rains of udumbara incense, sandalwood incense, ox-head sandalwood incense, and every kind of powdered incense descend throughout the Buddha-worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as motes of dust. If any beings in each of those worlds smell these fragrances, may they immediately arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. May I now attain the Vajra Vow Samadhi. Through the power of that samadhi, may I behold from afar the rain of these various incenses descending upon those worlds.’

“Good man! As soon as Prince Good Arm had spoken these words, he immediately attained that samadhi. He himself beheld throughout the Buddha-lands of the ten directions, as numerous as motes of dust, rains of udumbara incense, sandalwood incense, ox-head sandalwood incense, and every kind of powdered incense. He also saw incalculably many beings in every direction joining their palms in reverence and arousing the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“The Tathagata Treasure Store said to Prince Good Arm: ‘Good man! Your vow has been fulfilled. Every kind of wondrous fragrance is raining down from the sky, and incalculably many beings are joining their palms in reverence and arousing the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

Therefore, I now bestow upon you the name Lion Fragrance. In a future age, after as many asamkhya kalpas as there are sands in the Ganges have passed, and upon entering the second asamkhya of kalpas, likewise as numerous as the sands in the Ganges, above this world and beyond as many Buddha-lands as there are motes of dust in worlds equal in number to the sands of forty-two Ganges Rivers, there shall be a world named Pure Fragrant Radiance Free from Defilement.

In that world, you shall attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and be called the Tathagata Radiant Stainless Steadfast Fragrant Wind King, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly Enlightened, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, World-Honored One.’

“Good man! At that time, Bodhisattva Lion Fragrance bowed his head to the ground in homage to the Tathagata Treasure Store.

“Then the Tathagata Treasure Store spoke this verse for Bodhisattva Lion Fragrance:

Teacher of gods and humans,

Now you should arise!

Receive their offerings,

And deliver beings from birth and death;

Cause them to leave all suffering,

And sever bondage and afflictions.

In a future age you shall become

The Honored One within the Three Realms.

“Good man! After Bodhisattva Lion Fragrance heard this verse, his heart was filled with immense joy. He immediately arose, joined his palms reverently before the Buddha, then withdrew to a nearby place, where he sat silently and listened to the exposition of the Dharma.”

“Good man! At that time, the brahmin Treasure Ocean again exhorted the eighth prince, Mintu, to arouse the aspiration for bodhi and, ultimately, to vow to establish his own Buddha-land.

“After Prince Mintu heard this exhortation, he addressed the Buddha: ‘World-Honored One! My vow is to cultivate the bodhisattva path within this very impure world and, moreover, to adorn and purify ten thousand impure worlds, causing them all to become as pure and adorned as the world Pure Fragrant Radiance Free from Defilement. I shall also teach and transform innumerable bodhisattvas, causing them all to attain pure minds free from every defilement and to proceed wholly toward the Great Vehicle. Only after such bodhisattvas fill my world shall I attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“World-Honored One! When I cultivate the bodhisattva path, may I surpass other bodhisattvas.

“World-Honored One! For the past seven years, I have sat upright and contemplated the pure merits of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, together with all the excellent meritorious adornments of the Buddha-lands. At that time, I beheld every adornment of samadhi, equal to the eleven thousand samadhi gateways of bodhisattvas who cultivate with diligence.

“World-Honored One! I also vow that all bodhisattvas in the future, when cultivating the bodhisattva path, shall attain such samadhis.

“World-Honored One! May I attain the Victorious Banner Transcending the Three Times Samadhi. Through the power of that samadhi, may I behold throughout the immeasurable, boundless worlds of the Buddhas in the ten directions, in each of which Buddhas are presently abiding, transcending the three times and expounding the true Dharma for sentient beings.

“World-Honored One! May I attain the Samadhi of Non-Retrogression. Through the power of this samadhi, may I, within a single thought, behold all the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, as numerous as fine motes of dust, reverently surrounded by assemblies of shravakas. May I attain the Samadhi of Non-Reliance in the presence of each of those Buddhas. Through the power of this samadhi, may I manifest transformation bodies that simultaneously appear before as many Tathagatas as there are fine motes of dust in a Buddha-land, there to make offerings and pay homage. May each of those transformation bodies offer to all the Buddhas every kind of supremely precious treasure, incense and flowers, fragrant ointments, powdered incense, sublime and wondrous music, and every form of splendid adornment.

“World-Honored One! May each of my transformation bodies remain in the presence of each Buddha, cultivating the bodhisattva path for as many kalpas as there are drops of water in the great ocean.

“May I attain the Samadhi of the Transformation of All Bodies. Through the power of this samadhi, may I, within a single thought and in the presence of each Buddha, know all the worlds of the Buddhas, as numerous as the fine motes of dust in a Buddha-land.

“World-Honored One! May I attain the Samadhi of the Power of Merit. Through the power of this samadhi, may I, while in the presence of each Buddha, appear before as many Buddhas as there are fine motes of dust in a Buddha-land and extol them with sublime words of praise.

“World-Honored One! May I attain the Samadhi of Non-Illusion. Through the power of this samadhi, may I, within a single thought, behold all the Buddhas who completely fill the immeasurable and boundless worlds throughout the ten directions.

“World-Honored One! May I attain the Samadhi of Non-Contention. Through the power of this samadhi, may I, within a single thought, behold all the sublime and pure worlds of the Buddhas of the present, past, and future.

“World-Honored One! May I attain the Shurangama Samadhi. Through the power of this samadhi, may I transform myself into the bodies of hell beings, enter the hells, and expound the sublime true Dharma to the beings there, encouraging and enabling them to arouse the aspiration for Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. After hearing the true Dharma, may those beings swiftly arouse the aspiration for unsurpassed bodhi, then, upon the end of their lives, be born in the human realm and, wherever they are born, always encounter a Buddha. Wherever they encounter a Buddha, may they hear the Dharma expounded; and after hearing and accepting the true Dharma, may they immediately abide securely at the stage of non-retrogression.

“May it likewise be so for all classes of beings, such as gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kinnaras, mahoragas, humans, nonhumans, and even devas, nagas, spirits, yakshas, rakshasas, pishachas, putanas, kataputanas, butchers, monstrous beings, merchants, prostitutes, animals, and hungry ghosts. May I encourage, teach, and transform them all, causing them to arouse the aspiration for Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“Furthermore, there are beings who assume different forms according to their places of birth. I vow to manifest bodies like theirs, engage in the same occupations as they do, and undergo the same suffering and happiness as they do. May I manifest such bodies and teach and transform those beings in accordance with their activities.

“World-Honored One! If there are beings who employ different languages, may I be able to expound the Dharma to each of them in their own language, causing them all to rejoice. Through that joy, may I encourage them to arouse the aspiration and abide securely in the true Dharma, enabling them to attain the stage of non-retrogression from Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“World-Honored One! I vow to teach and transform all beings in ten thousand Buddha-lands, enabling them to attain pure minds free from all created karma and the poisons of the afflictions. May I not allow even a single being to be harmed by the four kinds of mara, much less many beings.

“After I have splendidly adorned those ten thousand Buddha-lands, making them as pure as the World of Pure Fragrant Radiance of the Buddha Radiant Immaculate Honored King of Fragrance, and endowed them with every sublime adornment possessed by that world, my retinue and I shall then make great vows like those of the Bodhisattva Lion Fragrance.

“World-Honored One! If my vows shall be fulfilled and I shall attain benefit for myself, may all the beings in the ten thousand Buddha-lands be freed from every suffering and affliction, acquire gentle minds, and attain disciplined minds. May each being, within their own continent-world of four continents, personally behold the Buddha, the World-Honored One, expounding the Dharma. May all beings also naturally acquire every kind of precious treasure, incense and flowers, powdered incense and fragrant ointments, all manner of garments, banners, and streamers. May each being use these things to make offerings to the Buddha. Having made offerings to the Buddha, may they all arouse the aspiration for unsurpassed bodhi.

“World-Honored One! May I now attain the power of the Samadhi of Beholding Every Kind of Adornment and behold all these events from afar.’

“As soon as the prince had spoken these words, he beheld everything exactly as he had vowed.

“At that time, the World-Honored One praised Prince Mintu, saying: ‘Excellent, excellent! Good man! The ten thousand Buddha-lands surrounding your world on all four sides are splendidly adorned and pure. In the future, you will teach and transform immeasurable beings, enabling them to attain pure minds, and you will also make offerings to immeasurable and boundless Buddhas, World-Honored Ones.

“‘Good man! Because of these causes and conditions, I now change your name to Samantabhadra. In the future, after as many asamkhya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, during the final period of the second such asamkhya of kalpas, also as numerous as the grains of sand in the Ganges, to the north of this world, beyond as many Buddha-lands as there are grains of sand in sixty Ganges Rivers, there will be a world named Knowledge of Water, Excellent Purity, and Merit.

In that world, you will attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and be called the Tathagata King of the Sovereign Marks of the Roar of Adamantine Wisdom, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly and Universally Enlightened, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, World-Honored One.’

“Good man! At that time, the great Bodhisattva Samantabhadra bowed his head to the ground in homage to the Buddha Ratnagarbha.

“Then the Tathagata Ratnagarbha spoke this verse for the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra:

Guide, arise!

You have attained your vow,

Skillfully taming sentient beings,

Causing them to become single-minded,

Crossing the river of afflictions,

And escaping every evil.

In the future you shall be a radiant torch,

Illuminating throughout the realms of devas and humans.

“Good man! At that time, ten thousand people in the Dharma assembly became impatient and unwilling to wait for long. With one voice, they addressed the Buddha, saying: ‘World-Honored One! In the future, we too vow to attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in Buddha-lands as splendidly adorned and pure as these, and we also vow to cultivate the adornment of worlds in the same manner as the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra.’

“World-Honored One! We vow to cultivate the six paramitas to perfection. By perfecting the six paramitas, each of us shall attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in the Buddha-realms.”

“Good man! At that time, the Tathagata Treasure Storehouse bestowed predictions upon those ten thousand people, saying: ‘Good men! When Bodhisattva Samantabhadra attains anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, you shall simultaneously attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in ten thousand pure Buddha-realms that Bodhisattva Samantabhadra has cultivated and adorned. Among you, one thousand shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Tathagata King of Honored Sounds of Blazing Wisdom, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly Enlightened, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, World-Honored One.

“Another one thousand shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of Honored Sounds of the Sangha’s Marks.

“Another one thousand shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of Honored Sounds of Excellent Stainlessness.

“Another one thousand shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of Honored Sounds Free from Fear.

“Another one thousand shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of Honored Sounds of Excellent Stainless Light.

“Another five hundred shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of Solar Sounds.

“Another five hundred shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Honored King of the Treasury of the Sun.

“Another five shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Honored King of Joyful Sounds.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Sunlight Radiance.

“Another four shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Sovereign Dragon.

“Another eight shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Radiant King Praised as Free from Fear.

“Another ten shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Radiance Free from Sounds.

“Another eight shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Renowned Voice.

“Another eleven shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Revealer of the Sound of Dharma.

“Another nine shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King Praised for the Dharma of Merit.

“Another twenty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Inconceivable King.

“Another forty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Honored King of the Radiant Jeweled Banner.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Honored Perception and Cognizance.

“Another seven shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Inconceivable Mind.

“Another three shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Treasury of Wisdom.

“Another fifteen shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Banner of the Mountain of Wisdom.

“Another fifty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of the Ocean of Wisdom.

“Another thirty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of Honored Sounds of Great Power.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Eon of the Mountain of Merit.

“Another eighty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Diligence in Pure Wisdom.

“Another ninety shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of the Lineage of Honored Marks.

“Another one hundred shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Honored King of the Thunderous Sound of Excellent Stainless Wisdom.

“Another eighty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of Supreme Honor, Ocean of Merit, Mountain of Wisdom, and Power.

“Another forty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Honored King of Unsurpassed Bodhi.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name King of the Flower of the Mountain of Awareness.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Wisdom and Awareness of the Mountain of Merit.

“Another three shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Vajra Lion.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Radiance of Moral Discipline.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Manifestation of Increase.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Immeasurable Radiance.

“Another three shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Lion’s Play.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Mountain of Inexhaustible Wisdom.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Jeweled Radiance.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Stainless Wisdom.

“Another nine shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Radiance of Wisdom.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Praised Lion.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name King of All-Pervading Merit.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Rain of Dharma Flowers.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Creator of Radiance.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of the Mountain of Increase.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Stainless King Who Brings Forth the Dharma.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Honored King of Fragrance.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Stainless Eye.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Great Jeweled Treasury.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Unobstructed Power.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Self-Knowledge of the Power of Merit.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Contentment with Robes.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Sovereign Virtue.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Unobstructed Benefit.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Treasury of Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Great Mountain King.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Treasury of Power.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Seeker of Merit.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Branch of the Floral Banner.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Multitudinous Radiance.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Unobstructed Merit.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Supreme Vajra.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Mark of the Dharma.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Honored Sounds.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Steadfast Vajra.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Sovereign King of Precious Jewels.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Firm Natural Banner.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Mountain Eon.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Rain of Joyful Delight.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Increase of Wholesome Dharmas.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Sala Trees.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name King of Merit Pervading the Great Ocean of Merit.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Harmonious Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Blazing Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Multitude of Flowers.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Honored by the World.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Banner of Udumbara Flowers.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Sovereign King of the Dharma Banner.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Sandalwood.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Well-Abiding.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Power of Diligence.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Banner of Equal Radiance.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Division of Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Ocean Banner.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Extinguisher of False Claims about the Dharma.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Destroyer of the King of Maras.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Multitudinous Radiance.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Emanation of the Radiance of Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Lamp of Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Peace and Security.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Sound of Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Upholder of the Banner.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Celestial Vajra.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Manifold Adornments.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Unsurpassed Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Well-Abiding Mind.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Moon King.”

“There was also one person who became a Buddha with the name Unexcelled Sovereign King of Freedom.

“There was also one person who became a Buddha with the name King Śālindra.

“There were also eighty people who became Buddhas, all with the name Lion-Gait King.

“There were also fifty people who became Buddhas, all with the name Nārāyaṇa’s Unexcelled Treasury.

“There were also seventy people who became Buddhas, all with the name Accumulated Precious Merits.

“There were also thirty people who became Buddhas, all with the name Treasury of Radiance.

“There were also twenty people who became Buddhas, all with the name King Praised for Discerning the Constellations.

“There were also two people who became Buddhas, both with the name King of the Śāla of the Power of Merit.

“There were also ninety people who became Buddhas, all with the name Wondrous Voice.

“There was also one person who became a Buddha with the name Brahmā Sangha.

“There was also one person who became a Buddha with the name King Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

“There were also one thousand people who became Buddhas, all with the name Honored King Praised as the Fragrant Lotus Pool.

“There were also sixty people who became Buddhas, all with the name King of the Blazing Lamp of Radiance.

“There were also thirty people who became Buddhas, all with the name Increasing Power of Lotus Fragrance.

“There were also two people who became Buddhas, both with the name Increase of Wisdom of the Great Ocean of Immeasurable Merit.

“There was also one person who became a Buddha with the name Voice of Jambudvīpa.

“There were also one hundred and three people who became Buddhas, all with the name Banner of the Mountain of Merit.

“There was also one person who became a Buddha with the name Lion’s Mark.

“There were also one hundred and one people who became Buddhas, all with the name King of Radiance of the Honored Dragon-Thunder Flower.

“There was also one person who became a Buddha with the name King of the Eon of Merit of the Selfless Nectar of the Seed of Good Destinies.

“There were also one thousand people who became Buddhas, all with the name King of the Mountain of the Ocean-Eye of Worlds Awakened to Liberation, Dragon of Wisdom Transcending Dharmas.

“All possessed the ten epithets in full: Tathagata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One.

“All these Buddhas, on the same day and at the same hour, each in his own world, attained anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi. The lifespan of each was ten intermediate kalpas, and all entered nirvana on the same day. Seven days after they entered nirvana, the true Dharma would disappear.

“Good man! At that time, ten thousand people together turned toward the Buddha Ratnagarbha and bowed their heads in homage.

“The Blessed One then spoke these verses for those ten thousand people:

Dragon kings, arise!

Attain steadfast sovereignty,

Make unsurpassed wholesome vows,

Pure and harmonious.

Your resolve

Is swift as a mighty wind.

With vigor and diligence,

Cultivate and study the Six Perfections.

In future lives you shall become

The most honored ones in the Three Realms.

“Good man! When the ten thousand people heard these verses, joy arose in their hearts. They immediately stood before the Buddha, respectfully joined their palms, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, then withdrew to a nearby place, sat silently, and listened to the teaching of the Dharma.

“Good man! At that time, the brahmin Ratnasamudra again exhorted the ninth prince, Mật-tô, to arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi and even to vow to obtain a Buddha-land.

“At that time, Prince Mật-tô said before the Buddha: ‘Blessed One! As I cultivate the bodhisattva path, may all the Buddhas presently abiding throughout the worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, bear witness for me. I now, before the Buddha, arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi.

“Blessed One! Throughout my cultivation of the bodhisattva path until I attain Buddhahood, may I never give rise to regret. Even upon attaining Buddhahood, may I always abide securely in single-mindedness, without regression; may I always act exactly as I teach and teach exactly as I act; and may no one ever come to trouble or harm my mind.

Ultimately, I shall not seek the state of a śrāvaka or pratyekabuddha; I shall not give rise to lustful thoughts or any evil conceptions. Nor shall I ever allow my mind to fall into states of drowsiness, conceit, arrogance, doubt, regret, and the like. Nor shall I give rise to greed, lust, killing, stealing, false speech, divisive speech, harsh speech, improper speech, anger, wrong views, or jealousy.

Never shall I dare to slight or disparage the true Dharma.

“Throughout the time I cultivate the bodhisattva path until I attain anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, may I never give rise to such evil and unwholesome dharmas. Until I attain anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, with every step I take, may I constantly remain mindful of the true Dharma and mindful of the Buddhas; may I behold the Buddhas, question them and receive the wondrous true Dharma, and make offerings to the Sangha.

“Wherever I may be born, may I always renounce the household life and cultivate the path. As soon as I go forth, may I naturally possess the three robes made of discarded cloth. May I always sit alone in contemplation beneath a tree, dwell in secluded and tranquil places, and continually practice alms-rounds without seeking gain or offerings. May I practice contentment, constantly expound the true Dharma, and attain immeasurable powers of unobstructed eloquence. May I not commit any grave offense. When teaching the Dharma to women, may I not fall into attachment to self. When teaching the Dharma, may I always maintain the perception of emptiness, inwardly recollecting that all dharmas are empty. May I sit upright with palms joined, and when speaking, may I not expose my teeth.

“Whenever I encounter those studying the Mahayana, may I always regard them as the Blessed One and constantly honor them and make offerings to them. Wherever I hear the true Dharma, may I regard it as though I had encountered the Buddha. Toward śramaṇas and brahmins, may I also always be reverent, making offerings to and honoring them. When practicing generosity and making offerings, except in the case of the Buddha, the Blessed One, may I make no distinction among any others as to whether they are or are not fields of merit.

“I vow never to become jealous of those who bestow the Dharma. If any sentient being is about to suffer the punishment of execution, I vow to relinquish my own life to rescue and protect that being. If any sentient being has committed an offense, I vow to use all my strength and every expedient means—such as words, money, and possessions—to render aid and enable that being to attain liberation.

“If householders or renunciants commit faults, I vow not to expose those matters to others. I shall always shun gain, offerings, and fame as I would a fiery pit, swords, or a poisonous tree.

“Blessed One! If the vow I make today before the Buddha will indeed be fulfilled in this way until I attain anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, then may a celestial precious wheel with one thousand spokes naturally appear in each of my hands, radiating light like a great flame.’

“Good man! As soon as Prince Mật-tô finished speaking these words, a precious wheel with one thousand spokes naturally appeared in each of his hands, exactly as he had vowed.

“At that time, Prince Mật-tô again addressed the Buddha: ‘World-Honored One! If my aspiration is fulfilled, if I attain benefit for myself and accomplish anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, then I shall now command these celestial precious wheels, each with a thousand spokes, to fly to worlds where there is no Buddha and where the five corruptions are fully present. These precious wheels shall emit a mighty sound that resounds throughout all Buddha lands.

Just as the Dragon King Nanda and the Dragon King Upananda emit mighty sounds that resound throughout the world, so too shall the sound of these precious wheels resound everywhere. These shall be sounds of predictions of bodhisattvahood, sounds that prevent the loss of right mindfulness and wisdom, and sounds of cultivating and studying the Dharma of emptiness and the Dharma treasury of all Buddhas.

“‘If beings everywhere hear these sounds of the true Dharma, their desire, anger, delusion, arrogance, miserliness, and jealousy shall immediately be eradicated. They shall attain tranquil contemplation and the exceedingly profound wisdom of the Buddhas, and shall then arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.’

“Good man! Prince Mật-tô then immediately commanded the two precious wheels. Just as the miraculous powers of the Buddhas manifest with extraordinary speed, so too did those wheels swiftly come and go, manifesting throughout evil worlds where there was no Buddha.

For the sake of the beings there, they emitted sounds of predictions of bodhisattvahood, sounds that prevent the loss of right mindfulness and wisdom, and sounds of cultivating and studying the Dharma of emptiness and the Dharma treasury of all Buddhas. When beings everywhere heard these sounds of the true Dharma, their desire, anger, delusion, arrogance, miserliness, and jealousy were immediately eradicated. They attained tranquil contemplation and the exceedingly profound wisdom of the Buddhas, and then aroused the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

In but a moment, the wheels returned directly before Prince Mật-tô.

“Good man! At that time, the Tathagata Treasure Store praised Prince Mật-tô, saying: ‘Excellent, excellent! Good man!

The wholesome vow you have made while practicing the bodhisattva path is supremely exalted, wondrous, and foremost. You commanded these precious wheels to fly to worlds where there is no Buddha and where the five corruptions are fully present, enabling immeasurable, boundless, incalculable hundreds of thousands of millions of beings to become peaceful and firmly established in undefiled minds and minds free from harmful intent, while encouraging, teaching, and transforming them so that they all aroused the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

Therefore, I now change your name to Akshobhya. In a future life, you shall become a World-Honored One. Now, before the Buddha, you should rejoice and gladly make a vow to receive a Buddha land replete with every excellent adornment.’

“At that time, Bodhisattva Akshobhya addressed the Buddha: ‘World-Honored One! My aspiration is to obtain a Buddha land replete with every excellent adornment, as follows: May the ground of my world be made entirely of pure gold, level as the palm of a hand, and filled throughout with an abundance of every kind of celestial treasure. May there be no mountains, hills, mounds, sand, gravel, stones, thorns, or brambles. May the ground be soft and pleasant like celestial silk. When one walks upon it, one’s feet shall sink four inches into the ground, and when one lifts one’s feet, the ground shall immediately close again.

“‘In that world, there shall be no realms of hell beings, animals, or hungry ghosts, nor shall there be anything impure, foul-smelling, or filthy. The entire world shall be permeated by only the foremost wondrous fragrances of the devas, together with the scents of mandārava and mahāmandārava flowers. The beings in that world shall know neither aging nor illness. Each shall live in complete freedom, without wariness or fear of one another, and they shall never harm others.

“‘In that world, no one shall die prematurely. When the end of life arrives, their minds shall be free from regret, resentment, and hatred. Those approaching death shall always possess resolute minds, without error, confusion, or disorder, and shall constantly maintain mindfulness and contemplation of the Buddhas, the Tathagatas. After death, they shall not fall into the evil destinies, nor be born in evil worlds where there is no Buddha and the five corruptions are present.

“‘Until the beings in that world attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, they shall always encounter Buddhas, question them, receive the wondrous true Dharma, and make offerings to the Sangha.

“‘The beings in that world shall abandon sexual desire, anger, and delusion, and shall all practice the Ten Wholesome Actions. In that world, there shall be no cunning crafts or trades, no commission of offenses, and not even any term denoting an offense. Nor shall there be heavenly Māras or any obstacles and hardships upon the path of cultivation.

“‘The bodies of beings shall bear no ugly features, nor shall there be distinctions of superior and inferior rank. All beings shall profoundly understand the principle of non-self: that neither a self nor anything belonging to a self truly exists. Śrāvakas and bodhisattvas shall not give rise to impure thoughts even in dreams. Beings shall always delight in seeking the true Dharma and listening to the true Dharma.

Not a single person shall give rise to inverted views, nor shall there be any followers of non-Buddhist paths. Beings shall experience no weariness of body or mind. All shall attain the five supernormal powers and shall not suffer hunger, thirst, or any affliction.

Whenever they delight in and desire any food or drink, a precious bowl shall instantly appear naturally in their hands, filled with every kind of food, just as among the devas in the heavens of the Desire Realm.

“‘The beings there shall have none of the impure bodily discharges of spitting phlegm and saliva, defecation, urination, tears, or nasal mucus. Neither shall there be scorching heat or freezing cold. A cool breeze bearing fragrance shall constantly brush gently against their bodies.

“‘That breeze shall be replete with wondrous fragrances capable of perfuming devas and humans, so that no other perfume shall be needed. That fragrant breeze shall also accord with the devas’ and humans’ desire for coolness or warmth, satisfying everyone. If any being desires a breeze bearing the fragrance of utpala flowers, udāsāra flowers, agarwood, tagara, agaru, or every kind of fragrance, then according to whatever is desired, the wish shall be fulfilled as soon as the thought arises, except for beings in worlds where the five corruptions are present.

“‘May my world contain towers made of the seven treasures. Within those precious towers shall be beds also made of the seven treasures, with blankets and cushions fashioned entirely from soft, pleasant fabrics like those of the devas. All beings upon those beds shall experience joy and bliss.

On all four sides surrounding each precious tower shall be beautiful pools. The water in those pools shall possess the eight qualities, and beings may use it as they wish. Throughout the world shall be many golden tāla trees bearing every kind of beautiful, exquisitely fragrant flower and fruit.

The trees shall also be splendidly adorned with every kind of fine and precious garment, jeweled parasols, pearls, and necklaces. If any being delights in a particular kind of fine garment, that being may go to those trees and take it at will. It shall be the same with every kind of fragrant flower and fruit.”

“World-Honored One! May the bodhi tree in that world be made entirely of the seven precious substances, one thousand yojanas in height, with a great trunk extending one yojana across and branches and leaves spreading over one thousand yojanas. May gentle breezes constantly blow through that bodhi tree, causing it to produce wondrous sounds that expound the six paramitas, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven factors of awakening, the Noble Eightfold Path, and so forth. Upon hearing these wondrous sounds, all sentient beings shall immediately be freed from thoughts of sensual desire.

“All the women in that world shall accomplish every wondrous virtue, like the heavenly maidens in Tusita Heaven. They shall have none of the impurities of women, shall not engage in divisive speech, shall not be obscured by stinginess or jealousy, and shall have no lustful desire for relations with men. If a man gives rise to lustful desire and approaches a woman, she shall look upon him compassionately for a brief moment, whereupon that man shall be freed from lustful desire, spontaneously develop disenchantment, and immediately turn back. Before long, he shall attain the Samadhi of Pure Immaculacy. Through the power of that samadhi, he shall be liberated from all the bonds of Mara and shall never again give rise to evil thoughts of lust.

“If such a woman sees a man and gives rise to amorous desire, she shall immediately conceive and then also be freed from thoughts of lust. While she is pregnant, whether the child is male or female, the mother shall experience no suffering in body or mind but shall constantly enjoy the supreme bliss experienced by the devas of Trayastrimsa Heaven.

“The mother shall carry the child for seven days and seven nights, enjoying bliss like that of the devas and also like that of a bhiksu who has entered the second dhyana. Whether male or female, the unborn child shall not be defiled by any impurity and, after the full seven days have passed, shall be born. At the time of birth, the child shall experience every joy, and wondrous sounds shall also arise. The mother shall undergo no suffering while giving birth. Afterward, both mother and child shall enter the water and bathe their bodies.

“At that time, the mother shall possess right mindfulness. Through the power of right mindfulness, she shall immediately attain the Samadhi of Purity and Freedom from Desire. Through the power of that samadhi, her mind shall remain ever composed, and she shall be liberated from all the bonds of Mara.

“If there are sentient beings who, because of karma they have created, would otherwise have to be born in female bodies for countless hundreds of millions of kalpas, through the power of their concentrated minds they shall abandon the female body, forever extinguish every karmic result leading to a female body, and never again, even until they attain nirvana, be born in a female body.

“Or there may be sentient beings who, because of karma they have created, would otherwise have to enter the womb and undergo every suffering for countless hundreds of millions of kalpas. When I have attained anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, may those sentient beings, upon hearing my name, immediately give rise to joy. Having given rise to joy, they shall before long reach the end of their lives, and when they would enter a womb, they shall instead be born in my world. As soon as they are born there, they shall forever end the karma of womb birth and shall never again enter a womb, even until they attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“Some sentient beings who have planted many roots of goodness shall immediately be able to appear in my world and be born from within lotus flowers. Other sentient beings who possess few roots of goodness shall have to enter a womb or be born in a female body when they take birth in my world, but thereafter they shall forever end the karma of womb birth.

“All sentient beings in my world shall enjoy only wondrous bliss. Gentle breezes shall blow through golden tala trees, producing wondrous sounds that proclaim suffering, emptiness, non-self, impermanence, and so forth. All who hear those sounds shall attain the Samadhi of Radiance. Through the power of that samadhi, they shall attain the exceedingly profound samadhis of concentration on emptiness. Throughout my world, there shall be no sounds that evoke thoughts of sensual desire.

“World-Honored One! When I sit beneath the bodhi tree, I shall attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in the span of a single thought. May my world have neither the light of the sun nor that of the moon and no distinction between day and night, the only difference being whether the flowers are open or closed.

“When I have attained anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, may I immediately emit brilliant rays of light that illuminate the entire great trichiliocosm. Through the power of that light, may all sentient beings acquire the divine eye. Possessing the divine eye, they shall see throughout the immeasurable and boundless worlds of the Buddhas in the ten directions, and in every world they shall see the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones, presently teaching the Dharma.

“World-Honored One! When I have attained anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and expound the true Dharma, may the sound of that Dharma teaching resound throughout the entire great trichiliocosm. Upon hearing it, sentient beings shall immediately attain the Samadhi of Mindfulness of the Buddha. Through the power of that samadhi, wherever those sentient beings may walk or turn and in whatever direction they may face, they shall always be able to see me. If they have doubts or obstructions concerning any dharma, upon seeing me their doubts shall immediately be resolved.

“World-Honored One! When I have attained anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, if, throughout the immeasurable, boundless, and incalculable worlds of the Buddhas in the ten directions, there are in any world sentient beings who cultivate and study the Sravaka Dharma, the Pratyekabuddha Dharma, or the Mahayana Dharma, then after hearing my name, they shall assuredly be born in my world when their lives end.

“Sentient beings who cultivate and study the Sravaka Dharma shall, upon hearing me teach the Dharma, immediately attain the Eight Liberations and realize arhatship. Sentient beings who cultivate and study the Mahayana shall, upon hearing me teach the Dharma, immediately penetrate deeply into the gateways of dharani, the acceptance of dharmas, and the various samadhis. They shall become irreversible in their progress toward anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and shall have an immeasurable assembly of Sravakas as their retinue, so boundless in number that none but the Buddhas shall be able to count them.

“World-Honored One! When I attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, wherever I set down my foot, a thousand-petaled golden lotus shall immediately arise. That flower shall be exceedingly wondrous and radiate brilliant light. I shall then cause it to fly to worlds where no Buddha is present, there to proclaim and praise my name. If any sentient being hears that flower extol my name, that being shall immediately give rise to joy, plant roots of goodness, and aspire to be born in my world. When that being’s life ends, the being shall immediately be born there in accordance with that aspiration.

“The monastic assembly in my world shall have abandoned such defiled states of mind as flattery, crookedness, jealousy, deceit, and contempt for sramanas. All shall revere the true Dharma. They shall attach no importance to necessities, reputation, gain, or offerings, but shall always delight in the teachings of suffering, emptiness, impermanence, and non-self. They shall constantly be diligent and energetic, revere the true Dharma, and rely upon the Sangha.”

“All bodhisattvas who have attained the stage of non-retrogression I shall enable to attain the Dragon Rain Samadhi. Through the power of this samadhi, they shall then expound the prajnaparamita Dharma for sentient beings, enabling them to become free from birth and death. Thereafter, forever until they attain Buddhahood, they shall never forget the Dharma they have expounded.

“O Blessed One! When I attain Buddhahood, my lifespan in the world shall be ten thousand great kalpas. After I enter nirvana, the true Dharma shall remain in the world for a full one thousand kalpas.’

“At that time, the Tathagata Treasure Store praised Bodhisattva Akshobhya, saying: ‘Excellent, excellent! Good man! You have now chosen a pure world.

In a future age, after as many asamkhya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges have passed, and upon entering the second asamkhya of kalpas, likewise as numerous as the grains of sand in the Ganges, one thousand Buddha lands east of this world there shall be a world named Sublime Joy, fully endowed with all the splendid adornments you have vowed for. In that world, you shall attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and shall likewise bear the name Akshobhya Tathagata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Those to Be Tamed, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One.’

“At that time, Bodhisattva Akshobhya addressed the Buddha: ‘Blessed One! If my vows are fulfilled and I attain benefit for myself, may all sentient beings in the world who are subject to the skandhas, ayatanas, and dhatus acquire loving-kindness, be free from thoughts of enmity and from all evil and defilement, and experience physical and mental bliss like the bodhisattvas of the Ten Abodes who sit cross-legged upon lotus seats and enter samadhi, their minds becoming pure and undefiled through the power of samadhi. May those sentient beings likewise experience such physical and mental bliss. I now bow my head in reverence to the Buddha and vow that this land shall radiate light the color of pure gold.’

“Good man! Bodhisattva Akshobhya then bowed his head to the ground in reverence at the Buddha’s feet. At that very moment, immeasurable sentient beings all experienced great physical and mental bliss. The earth there also radiated brilliant light the color of pure gold.

“At that time, the Tathagata Treasure Store spoke these verses for Bodhisattva Akshobhya:

Noble One, arise!

You have now caused

All sentient beings

To attain minds free from anger,

And toward other sentient beings

To give rise to great compassion.

Upon each of your two hands

Is a wheel with a thousand spokes;

With pure intent, in a future age,

You shall become a Teacher of Devas and Humans!

“Good man! When Bodhisattva Akshobhya heard these verses, joy arose in his heart. He then stood before the Buddha, respectfully joined his palms, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, withdrew to a nearby place, and sat silently listening to the teaching of the Dharma.

THE COMPASSIONATE LOTUS SUTRA

END OF VOLUME IV