大般若波羅蜜多經

SECOND ASSEMBLY

I. CHAPTER ON THE ARISING OF CONDITIONS

Thus have I heard:

At one time, the Blessed One was dwelling on Vulture Peak Mountain near the city of Rajagriha, together with a great assembly of five thousand bhiksus, all of whom were arhats who had completely extinguished the outflows, were free from afflictions, had attained true mastery, were well liberated in mind and well liberated through wisdom, and, like well-trained steeds and great dragons, were fully disciplined. They had done what had to be done and accomplished what had to be accomplished; they had laid down their burdens, attained their own benefit, exhausted the fetters, and become liberated through right knowledge.

Their minds were utterly free and they had reached the supreme culmination. The sole exception was Ananda, who still remained at the stage of training and had attained the fruit of stream-entry. Among them, the venerable Subhuti was foremost.

There were also five hundred bhiksunis, all of whom had attained arhatship, with the Venerable Yashodhara as their foremost. There were also immeasurable assemblies of upasakas and upasikas who had attained insight into the truths. There were also immeasurable and innumerable great bodhisattvas, all of whom had attained dharanis and samadhis.

They constantly abided in the nature of emptiness, moved within the sphere of signlessness, and possessed aspirations free from conceptual discrimination, ever manifest before them. Regarding the nature of all dharmas, they had perfected impartial patience, attained unobstructed eloquence, and possessed spiritual powers from which they would not regress. Their speech and conduct were noble and pure; they were diligent and never indolent.

They propagated the true Dharma without seeking anything in return, in accord with truth and the capacities of beings, and were free from all deception. In their profound patience regarding dharmas, they had reached the ultimate consummation. They had cast off all fear, subdued the armies of Mara, and eradicated every affliction and karmic obstruction.

They were endowed with wisdom, eloquence, and skillful means, and had adorned themselves throughout innumerable kalpas with great vows. Before speaking, their faces became radiant with joy and they smiled gently; they praised others with fine and beautiful words. Their understanding was boundless, their majestic virtue awe-inspiring, and they were fearless amid the assembly.

Their bearing was serene, and their walking and standing accorded with proper deportment. They expounded the true Dharma fluently, like flowing water, without interruption throughout many kalpas. They contemplated all dharmas as illusions, mirages, dream images, moons reflected in water, echoes, flowers in the sky, reflections in a mirror, cities of the gandharvas, and magical transformations of every kind—knowing them all to be unreal, merely appearing as though they existed.

Their minds were neither timid nor abject, but calm and composed; being fearless, they could comprehend every Dharma gateway. They clearly and thoroughly understood the minds, conduct, and inclinations of sentient beings and delivered them. They had accomplished the highest patience and skillfully knew true nature.

Throughout the ten directions, in boundless Buddha lands, they had received the great vows of innumerable Buddhas and constantly dwelt in meditative concentration, right mindfulness, and clear awareness. Wishing to liberate sentient beings, they had served the Buddhas and entreated them to remain long in the world, turn the wheel of the true Dharma, and eradicate the bonds of afflictions and wrong views. They abided in immeasurable hundreds of thousands of Dharma gateways of samadhi and brought forth boundless, excellent wholesome dharmas.

These great bodhisattvas were endowed with such immeasurable qualities. They were: Bodhisattva Bhadrapala, Bodhisattva Ratnakara, Bodhisattva Guide, Bodhisattva Giver of Humanity, Bodhisattva Abiding in Excellence, Bodhisattva Constant Abiding, Bodhisattva Treasury of Virtue, Bodhisattva Supreme Wisdom, Bodhisattva Treasury of Jewels, Bodhisattva Victorious Wisdom, Bodhisattva Increasing Wisdom, Bodhisattva Infallible Vision, Bodhisattva Skillful Progress, Bodhisattva Skillful Heroic Vigor, Bodhisattva Constant Diligence, Bodhisattva Constant Application, Bodhisattva Never Abandoning the Yoke, Bodhisattva Treasury of the Sun, Bodhisattva Incomparable Wisdom, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta, Bodhisattva Manjushri, Bodhisattva Vajra Wisdom,

Bodhisattva Jeweled Seal Hand, Bodhisattva Ever-Raised Hand, and Bodhisattva Maitreya.

These and immeasurable hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of great bodhisattvas, all sons of the Dharma King capable of succeeding to the honored throne, were foremost among the assembly.

At that time, the Blessed One himself spread out his sitting cloth, sat cross-legged upon the lion throne, held his body upright, established mindfulness before him, and entered the supreme samadhi from which all other samadhis arise.

Then, with right knowledge and right mindfulness, the Blessed One serenely emerged from that king of samadhis and, with his purified divine eye, surveyed Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. His entire body filled with joy, he emitted sixty hundred thousand innumerable rays of light from the thousand-spoked wheel marks beneath the soles of his feet. From his ten toes, the tops of both feet, both heels, four ankles, two shins, two calves, two knees, two thighs, two upper thighs, waist, hips, abdomen, back, navel, heart, chest, the svastika mark upon his chest, both breasts, both armpits, both shoulders, both upper arms, both elbows, both forearms, both wrists, both hands, ten fingers, nape, throat, cheeks, chin, both cheekbones,

crown of the head, forehead, both eyebrows, both eyes, both ears, both nostrils, mouth, four incisors, forty teeth, and the tuft of hair between his eyebrows, he likewise emitted sixty hundred thousand innumerable rays of light.

Each ray illuminated the entire three-thousand-great-thousand world system and then continued onward to illuminate Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. Any sentient being touched by this light would certainly attain unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment.

At that time, the Blessed One rejoiced, and from every pore of his body he emitted sixty hundred thousand innumerable rays of light. Each ray illuminated the entire three-thousand-great-thousand world system and then continued onward to illuminate Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. Any sentient being touched by this light would certainly attain unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment.

At that time, the Blessed One manifested a radiant body whose light universally illuminated the entire three-thousand-great-thousand world system and then continued onward to illuminate Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. Any sentient being touched by this light would certainly attain unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment.

At that time, the Blessed One rejoiced and smiled. From his mouth he extended his broad and long tongue, which covered the entire three-thousand-great-thousand world system. From that tongue he further emitted immeasurable hundreds of thousands of multicolored rays of light.

From within those multicolored rays appeared precious lotus flowers. Each lotus had a thousand petals, all golden in color and adorned with many jewels. The radiance of those lotuses illuminated the entire three-thousand-great-thousand world system and then continued onward to illuminate Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.

Upon every lotus receptacle sat a transformation Buddha, cross-legged and expounding the wondrous Dharma. Every Dharma sound proclaimed teachings corresponding to the six paramitas. Any sentient being who heard them would certainly attain unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment.

At that time, while still seated upon his throne, the Blessed One entered the Lion Samadhi and manifested awe-inspiring spiritual power, causing the three-thousand-great-thousand world system to move in six ways: it quaked, quaked greatly, and quaked greatly everywhere; surged upward, surged upward greatly, and surged upward greatly everywhere; resounded, resounded greatly, and resounded greatly everywhere; shook, shook greatly, and shook greatly everywhere; roared, roared loudly, and roared loudly everywhere; thundered, thundered greatly, and thundered greatly everywhere.

He also caused the east to rise and the west to sink; the west to rise and the east to sink; the south to rise and the north to sink; the north to rise and the south to sink; the center to rise and the four sides to sink; and the four sides to rise and the center to sink. The earth became soft, pure, and radiant, bringing benefit, peace, and happiness to sentient beings.

At that time, all beings in the evil destinies—the hells, the animal realm, the realm of hungry ghosts, the Avici hells, and the fiery pits—throughout the great trichiliocosm were freed from suffering and calamity. After relinquishing those bodies, they were born among humans or in the heavens of the six realms of desire. Remembering their former lives, they rejoiced and exulted, and together went to see the Buddha, reverently bowing at his feet.

From there, they proceeded in succession throughout the Buddha-worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. Thus, through the Buddha’s spiritual power, the worlds quaked in six ways, and all beings in the evil destinies were freed from suffering and calamity. After relinquishing those bodies, they were born among humans or in the heavens of the six realms of desire.

Remembering their former lives, they rejoiced and exulted, and from those places went to see the Buddha and bowed at his feet. At that time, throughout the great trichiliocosm and the other worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, the blind gained sight, the deaf gained hearing, the mute gained speech, the insane regained their faculties, the distracted became composed, the poor gained wealth, those without clothing gained clothing, the hungry gained food, the thirsty gained drink, the sick were healed, the ugly became beautiful, the disabled became whole, those deficient in their faculties had them restored, the deluded awakened, and the sorrowful found peace and joy.

At that time, those beings regarded one another with impartial minds—as fathers, as mothers, as brothers, as sisters, as friends, and as relatives. They abandoned wrong speech, wrong action, and wrong livelihood, and cultivated right speech, right action, and right livelihood. They abandoned the ten unwholesome courses of karma and cultivated the ten wholesome courses of karma.

They abandoned unwholesome thoughts and cultivated wholesome thoughts. They abandoned conduct contrary to the holy life and cultivated the true holy life. They delighted in purity and cast off defilement; delighted in tranquility and abandoned clamor.

Their bodies and minds were serene, and joy and bliss arose within them, just as supreme wisdom arises in the present life for a practitioner who enters the third meditative absorption. They all thought: “What could be more excellent than practicing generosity, self-discipline, patient endurance, diligence, tranquility, and contemplation; abandoning heedlessness; cultivating the holy life; and extending loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity toward sentient beings, without harming one another?”

At that time, seated upon the lion throne, the Blessed One emitted a sublime radiance and displayed majestic splendor that pervaded the entire great trichiliocosm and the Buddha-worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. It eclipsed the light of Mount Sumeru, the Cakravada Mountains, and the other mountains, as well as the palaces of devas, spirits, and nagas, extending even to the Pure Abode heavens.

It was as the light of the full autumn moon eclipsing the stars, as the summer sun causing the light of all visible forms to disappear, and as the lordly Mount Sumeru, composed of four kinds of precious substances, outshining all other mountains. Through his spiritual power, the Buddha manifested a visible body that all beings throughout the great trichiliocosm could behold. At that time, immeasurable and innumerable devas, from those of the Pure Abode heavens down to the celestial hosts of the desire realm and the Heaven of the Four Great Kings, together with humans and nonhumans throughout the great trichiliocosm, saw the Tathagata seated upon the lion throne, awe-inspiring and radiant like a great golden mountain.

They rejoiced and exulted, praising this as unprecedented. The entire assembly offered and scattered over the Buddha many kinds of garlands; fine, fragrant powdered incense; garments; jeweled necklaces; banners; canopies; music; precious jewels; immeasurable quantities of blue, red, white, yellow, and pink lotuses; fragrant celestial lotuses; celestial golden-flower tree blossoms; fragrant flowers and leaves; and immeasurable varieties of flowers growing in water and on land.

Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, all those garlands revolved in the air and formed a flower pavilion extending throughout the great trichiliocosm. From the sky hung various flowers, banners, canopies, precious bells, and jeweled ornaments, splendid and delightful to behold. At that time, this Buddha-land was wondrously adorned, resembling the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Buddha’s radiance illuminated the entire great trichiliocosm, causing everything in the sky to appear golden; and so it was also throughout the Buddha-worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.

At that time, through the Buddha’s spiritual power, all devas and humans in every land throughout the great trichiliocosm saw the Buddha seated directly before them and believed that the Tathagata was teaching the Dharma to each of them individually.

At that time, while still seated upon his throne, the Blessed One joyfully smiled. From his mouth he emitted a great radiance that illuminated all the lands throughout the great trichiliocosm and the Buddha-worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. Then, by virtue of the Buddha’s radiance, all beings in every land throughout the great trichiliocosm saw all the Tathagatas, Arhats, Perfectly and Completely Awakened Ones in the Buddha-worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, surrounded by assemblies of sravakas and bodhisattvas; they also saw all the sentient and insentient beings there in their many different kinds.

At that time, by virtue of the Buddha’s radiance, all sentient beings in the Buddha-worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, likewise saw within this land Buddha Shakyamuni, the Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, surrounded by assemblies of sravakas and bodhisattvas; they also saw all the sentient and insentient beings here in their many different kinds.

At that time, in the farthest world among the worlds to the east, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, there was a world named Many Treasures. Its Buddha was named Jewel Nature, and he was teaching the prajnaparamita to an assembly of bodhisattvas. In that assembly was a bodhisattva named Universal Radiance. Seeing the great light, the earth quaking, and the bodily marks of the Buddha, he became perplexed and went before the Buddha and asked:

“Blessed One, what causes these portents to appear?”

Buddha Jewel Nature said to Bodhisattva Universal Radiance:

“Westward from here, beyond worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, in the farthest world named Endurance, there is a Buddha named Shakyamuni who is about to teach the great prajnaparamita to an assembly of bodhisattvas. These portents have appeared through that Buddha’s spiritual power.”

Having heard this, Bodhisattva Universal Radiance rejoiced and exulted, and said, “Blessed One, I wish to go to the world of Endurance to pay homage and make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the assembly of bodhisattvas. I pray that you grant me permission.”

At that time, Buddha Jewel Nature said to Bodhisattva Universal Radiance:

“Excellent! Excellent! You may do as you wish.”

Having spoken, Buddha Jewel Nature gave Bodhisattva Universal Radiance a thousand golden lotus blossoms, each with a thousand petals and adorned with precious jewels, and instructed him:

“Take these flowers to Buddha Shakyamuni and convey my words to him as follows: ‘Tathagata Jewel Nature respectfully inquires whether you have little illness and little distress, whether your movements are easy, whether your strength is well-regulated, and whether you abide in peace and happiness. Are worldly affairs bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide?’ Offer these lotus blossoms to that Blessed One so that they may serve in the work of the Buddhas.

When you reach that world, you should abide in right understanding. Do not become arrogant or look down upon its great assembly or Buddha-land, thereby impairing your own virtue. Why?

Because those bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue and aspirations of great compassion that are difficult for anyone to equal. Through the power of their vows, they have been born in that land.”

Obeying the instructions of Buddha Jewel Nature, Bodhisattva Universal Radiance accepted the flowers. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and young women, he bowed to the Buddha, circumambulated him clockwise, and then withdrew.

The great assembly brought with them innumerable kinds of exquisite offerings and set forth. Passing through the Buddha-worlds in the east, whenever they reached a Buddha-land, they made offerings, paid homage, showed reverence, and offered praise, without passing over a single land. When they arrived in this Buddha-land, they bowed at the feet of the Blessed One, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to one side. Before the Buddha, Bodhisattva Universal Light said:

– Blessed One! Eastward from here, beyond Buddha-worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, lies the last world, named Many Jewels, where the Buddha is called Jewel Nature. That Buddha inquires whether the Blessed One has little illness and little affliction, whether your movements are easy, your strength is well regulated, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Are worldly affairs bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate? He instructed us to present these one thousand golden lotus blossoms to the Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work.

Thereupon, Buddha Shakyamuni accepted the lotus blossoms and scattered them back toward the Buddha-worlds in the east. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus blossoms flew throughout all the Buddha-lands. Upon each lotus dais sat a magically manifested Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas.

Any sentient beings who heard it would certainly attain unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment. Seeing this, Bodhisattva Universal Light and his retinue all rejoiced and exulted, praising it as an unprecedented event. Each made offerings, great or small, in accordance with their roots of virtue.

Having made offerings to, paid homage to, revered, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas, they withdrew and sat to one side. The same occurred with those from the other lands in the east.

At that time, in the last of the worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges to the south, there was a world named Free from All Sorrow, where a Buddha called Virtue Free from Sorrow was teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. At that time, a bodhisattva named Free from Sorrow saw a great radiance, the great earth tremble, and the Buddha’s physical marks. Perplexed, he approached the Buddha and said:

– Blessed One! What causes and conditions have brought about these portents?

Thereupon, Buddha Virtue Free from Sorrow told Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow:

– Northward from here, beyond worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, lies the last world, named Endurance, where the Buddha called Shakyamuni is about to teach the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. These portents have appeared through the Buddha’s spiritual power.

Having heard this, Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow rejoiced and exulted, saying:

– Blessed One! I wish to travel to the Endurance World to bow to and make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the assembly of bodhisattvas. I pray that you will permit me to go.

Buddha Virtue Free from Sorrow then told Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow:

– Excellent! Excellent! You may do as you wish.

Having spoken, Buddha Virtue Free from Sorrow gave Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow one thousand golden lotus blossoms, each with one thousand petals and adorned with various jewels, and instructed him:

– Take these flowers to Buddha Shakyamuni and convey this message from me: “Buddha Virtue Free from Sorrow inquires whether you have little illness and little affliction, whether your movements are easy, your strength is well regulated, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Are worldly affairs bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?” Present these lotus blossoms to that Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work. When you arrive in that world, abide in right understanding. Do not become arrogant or look down upon its assembly or Buddha-land, thereby impairing your own virtue. Why? Because those bodhisattvas possess majestic virtue and aspirations of great compassion that are difficult for anyone to equal. Through the power of their vows, they have been born in that land.

Obeying the instructions of Buddha Virtue Free from Sorrow, Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow accepted the flowers. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of myriads of koṭis of bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated the Buddha to the right, and then departed.

As they set forth, the great assembly brought with them innumerable kinds of exquisite offerings. Passing through the Buddha-worlds in the south, whenever they reached a Buddha-land, they made offerings, paid homage, showed reverence, and offered praise, without passing over a single land. When they arrived in this Buddha-land, they bowed at the feet of the Blessed One, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to one side. Before the Buddha, Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow said:

– Blessed One! Southward from here, beyond worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, lies the last world, named Free from All Sorrow, where the Buddha is called Virtue Free from Sorrow. That Buddha inquires whether the Blessed One has little illness and little affliction, whether your movements are easy, your strength is well regulated, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Are worldly affairs bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate? He instructed us to present these one thousand golden lotus blossoms to the Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work.

Thereupon, Buddha Shakyamuni accepted those lotus blossoms and scattered them back toward the Buddha-worlds in the south. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus blossoms flew throughout all the Buddha-lands. Upon each lotus dais sat a magically manifested Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas.

Any sentient beings who heard it would certainly attain unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment. Seeing this, Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow and his retinue all rejoiced and exulted, praising it as an unprecedented event. Each made offerings, great or small, in accordance with their roots of virtue.

Having made offerings to, paid homage to, revered, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas, they withdrew and sat to one side. The same occurred with those from the other lands in the south.

At that time, in the last of the worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges to the west, there was a world named Near Tranquility, where a Buddha called Jewel Flame was teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. In that assembly was a bodhisattva named Wisdom of Practice. Seeing a great radiance, the great earth tremble, and the Buddha’s physical marks, he became perplexed, approached the Buddha, and said:

– Blessed One! What causes and conditions have brought about these portents?

Thereupon, Buddha Jewel Flame told Bodhisattva Wisdom of Practice:

– Eastward from here, beyond worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, lies the last world, named Endurance, where the Buddha called Shakyamuni is about to teach the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. These portents have appeared through the Buddha’s spiritual power.

Having heard this, Bodhisattva Wisdom of Practice rejoiced and exulted, saying:

– Blessed One! I wish to travel to the Endurance World to bow to and make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the assembly of bodhisattvas. I pray that you will permit me to go.

Buddha Jewel Flame then told Bodhisattva Wisdom of Practice:

– Excellent! Excellent! You may do as you wish.

Having spoken, Buddha Jewel Flame gave Bodhisattva Wisdom of Practice one thousand golden lotus blossoms, each with one thousand petals and adorned with various jewels, and instructed him:

– Take these flowers to Buddha Shakyamuni and convey this message from me: “Buddha Jewel Flame inquires whether you have little illness and little affliction, whether your movements are easy, your strength is well regulated, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Are worldly affairs bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?” Present these lotus blossoms to that Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work. When you arrive in that world, abide in right understanding. Do not become arrogant or look down upon its assembly or Buddha-land, thereby impairing your own virtue. Why? Because those bodhisattvas possess majestic virtue and aspirations of great compassion that are difficult for anyone to equal. Through the power of their vows, they have been born in that land.

Obeying Buddha Jewel Flame, Bodhisattva Wisdom of Practice accepted the flowers. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of myriads of koṭis of bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated the Buddha to the right, and then departed.

As they departed, the entire assembly carried with them innumerable kinds of fine offerings. Passing through the Buddha-worlds in the west, in every Buddha-land they made offerings, showed reverence and respect, and offered praise, without passing over a single land. When they arrived in this Buddha-land, they bowed at the feet of the Blessed One, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to one side. Before the Buddha, Bodhisattva Wisdom of Conduct said:

“Blessed One! From here, after traveling westward through worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, one reaches the last world, named Near Tranquility, whose Buddha is named Jewel Flame. That Buddha asks whether the Blessed One has little illness and little distress, whether his movements are easy, whether his strength is well regulated, and whether he is peaceful and happy. Are the affairs of the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate? He instructed us to present these one thousand golden lotus blossoms to the Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work.”

At that time, Buddha Shakyamuni accepted the lotus blossoms and scattered them back toward the Buddha-worlds in the west. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus blossoms flew throughout all the Buddha-lands. Upon each lotus dais sat a manifested Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas.

Any sentient being who heard it would certainly attain unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment. Seeing this, Bodhisattva Wisdom of Conduct and his retinue all rejoiced and exulted, praising it as unprecedented, and each made offerings, great or small, according to his roots of virtue. After making offerings to, revering, respecting, and praising the Buddha and the bodhisattvas, they withdrew and sat to one side.

The same occurred in the other lands of the west.

At that time, in the last of the worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges to the north, named Supreme, the Buddha named Supreme Truth was teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. In that assembly was a bodhisattva named Supreme Longevity. Seeing the great radiance, the movement of the earth, and the signs manifested in the Buddha’s body, he became perplexed and approached the Buddha, saying:

“Blessed One! What causes these portents to appear?”

At that time, Buddha Supreme Truth told Bodhisattva Supreme Longevity:

“From here, after traveling southward through worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, one reaches the last world, named Forbearance, whose Buddha is named Shakyamuni. He is about to teach the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. These portents have appeared through that Buddha’s spiritual power.”

Having heard this, Bodhisattva Supreme Longevity rejoiced and exulted, and said:

“Blessed One! I ask to go to the Forbearance World to bow before and make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the assembly of bodhisattvas. I pray that you will permit me.”

Buddha Supreme Truth then told Bodhisattva Supreme Longevity:

“Excellent! Excellent! You may do as you wish.”

Having spoken, Buddha Supreme Truth gave Bodhisattva Supreme Longevity one thousand golden lotus blossoms, each with a thousand petals and adorned with various precious jewels, and instructed him:

“Take these blossoms to Buddha Shakyamuni and convey my message: ‘Buddha Supreme Truth asks whether you have little illness and little distress, whether your movements are easy, whether your strength is well regulated, and whether you are peaceful and happy. Are the affairs of the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?’ Present these lotus blossoms to that Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work. When you reach that world, you should abide in right understanding. Do not become arrogant or look down upon that assembly and Buddha-land, thereby impairing your own virtue. Why? Because those bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue and aspirations of great compassion that are difficult to equal; through the power of their vows, they were born in that land.”

Obeying the Buddha’s instruction, Bodhisattva Supreme Longevity accepted the blossoms. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of millions of kotis of bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and women, he bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated the Buddha clockwise, and then departed.

As they departed, the entire assembly carried with them innumerable kinds of fine offerings. Passing through the Buddha-worlds in the north, in every Buddha-land they made offerings, showed reverence and respect, and offered praise, without passing over a single land. When they arrived in this Buddha-land, they bowed at the feet of the Blessed One, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to one side. Before the Buddha, Bodhisattva Supreme Longevity said:

“Blessed One! From here, after traveling northward through worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, one reaches the last world, named Supreme, whose Buddha is named Supreme Truth. That Buddha asks whether the Blessed One has little illness and little distress, whether his movements are easy, whether his strength is well regulated, and whether he is peaceful and happy. Are the affairs of the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate? He instructed us to present these one thousand golden lotus blossoms to the Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work.”

At that time, Buddha Shakyamuni accepted the lotus blossoms and scattered them back toward the Buddha-worlds in the north. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus blossoms flew throughout all the Buddha-lands. Upon each lotus dais sat a manifested Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas.

Any sentient being who heard it would certainly attain unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment. Seeing this, Bodhisattva Supreme Longevity and his retinue all rejoiced and exulted, praising it as unprecedented, and each made offerings, great or small, according to his roots of virtue. After making offerings to, revering, respecting, and praising the Buddha and the bodhisattvas, they withdrew and sat to one side.

The same occurred in the other lands of the north.

At that time, in the last of the worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges to the northeast, named Adorned with Samadhi, the Buddha named Supreme Virtue of the Samadhi Image was teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. In that assembly was a bodhisattva named Valiant and Free from Defilement. Seeing the great radiance, the movement of the earth, and the signs manifested in the Buddha’s body, he became perplexed and approached the Buddha, saying:

“Blessed One! What causes these portents to appear?”

At that time, Buddha Supreme Virtue of the Samadhi Image told Bodhisattva Valiant and Free from Defilement:

“From here, after traveling southwestward through worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, one reaches the last world, named Forbearance, whose Buddha is named Shakyamuni. He is about to teach the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. These portents have appeared through that Buddha’s spiritual power.”

Having heard this, Bodhisattva Valiant and Free from Defilement rejoiced and exulted, and said:

“Blessed One! I wish to go to the Forbearance World to bow before and make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the assembly of bodhisattvas. I pray that you will permit me.”

Buddha Supreme Virtue of the Samadhi Image then told Bodhisattva Valiant and Free from Defilement:

“Excellent! Excellent! You may do as you wish.”

Having spoken, the Blessed One gave Bodhisattva Valiant and Free from Defilement one thousand golden lotus blossoms, each with a thousand petals and adorned with various precious jewels, and instructed him:

“Take these blossoms to Buddha Shakyamuni and convey my message: ‘Buddha Supreme Virtue of the Samadhi Image asks whether you have little illness and little distress, whether your movements are easy, whether your strength is well regulated, and whether you are peaceful and happy. Are the affairs of the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?’ Present these lotus blossoms to that Buddha for the performance of Buddha-work.

When you reach that world, you should abide in right understanding. Do not become arrogant or look down upon that assembly and Buddha-land, thereby impairing your own virtue. Why?

Because those bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue and aspirations of great compassion that are difficult to equal; through the power of their vows, they were born in that land.”

Obeying the Buddha’s instruction, Bodhisattva Valiant and Free from Defilement accepted the blossoms. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of millions of kotis of bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and women, he bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated the Buddha clockwise, and then departed.

When they departed, the entire assembly took with them innumerable kinds of exquisite offerings. Passing through the Buddha-worlds in the northeast, they made offerings, showed reverence and respect, and uttered praises in every Buddha-land, without passing over a single one. Upon arriving in this Buddha-land, the assembly bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to one side.

Before the Buddha, Bodhisattva Valiant Freedom from Defilement said:

– Blessed One! From here, after passing through worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges toward the northeast, one reaches the last world, called Adorned with Samadhi, where a Buddha named Supreme Virtue of the Image of Samadhi abides. That Buddha inquires whether the Blessed One has few illnesses and few afflictions, whether your movements are easy, your strength well-balanced, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Is the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate? He instructed us to present these thousand golden lotus blossoms to the Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work.

Thereupon, Buddha Shakyamuni accepted the lotus blossoms and scattered them toward the Buddha-worlds in the northeast. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus blossoms flew throughout all the Buddha-lands. Upon the receptacle of each blossom sat a magically manifested Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas.

Any sentient being who heard this teaching would certainly attain unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment. Seeing this, Bodhisattva Valiant Freedom from Defilement and his retinue rejoiced and exulted, praised it as unprecedented, and each made offerings, whether many or few, according to their roots of goodness. Having made offerings and shown reverence, respect, and praise to the Buddha and the bodhisattvas, they withdrew and sat to one side.

The same occurred with those from the other lands in the northeast.

At that time, in the last of the worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges toward the southeast, there was a world called Wondrously Enlightened, Adorned, and Most Delightful. There, a Buddha named Supreme Virtue of the Lotus was teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. In that assembly was a bodhisattva named Lotus Hand. Seeing the great radiance, the trembling of the great earth, and the signs appearing in the Buddha’s body, he became perplexed and approached the Buddha, saying:

– Blessed One! Through what causes and conditions have these signs appeared?

Thereupon, Buddha Supreme Virtue of the Lotus told Bodhisattva Lotus Hand:

– From here, after passing through worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges toward the northwest, one reaches the last world, called Endurance, where a Buddha named Shakyamuni is about to teach the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. These signs have appeared through that Buddha’s spiritual power.

Having heard this, Bodhisattva Lotus Hand rejoiced and exulted, saying:

– Blessed One! I wish to go to the World of Endurance to bow to and make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the assembly of bodhisattvas. I beseech you to grant me permission.

Buddha Supreme Virtue of the Lotus then told Bodhisattva Lotus Hand:

– Excellent! Excellent! You may do as you wish.

Having spoken, the Blessed One entrusted to Bodhisattva Lotus Hand a thousand golden lotus blossoms, each with a thousand petals and adorned with various precious jewels, and instructed him:

– Take these blossoms to Buddha Shakyamuni and convey my words: “Buddha Supreme Virtue of the Lotus inquires whether you have few illnesses and few afflictions, whether your movements are easy, your strength well-balanced, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Is the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?” Present these lotus blossoms to that Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work. When you reach that world, abide in right understanding. Do not harbor arrogance or disdain the assembly and that Buddha-land, thereby diminishing your own virtue. Why? Because those bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue and aspirations of great compassion that are difficult for anyone to equal. Through the power of their vows, they were born in that land.

Obeying the Buddha’s instruction, Bodhisattva Lotus Hand accepted the blossoms. Together with innumerable hundreds of thousands of millions of kotis of bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and young women, he bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated the Buddha clockwise, and departed.

When they departed, the entire assembly took with them innumerable kinds of exquisite offerings. Passing through the Buddha-worlds in the southeast, they made offerings, showed reverence and respect, and uttered praises in every Buddha-land, without passing over a single one. Upon arriving in this Buddha-land, the assembly bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to one side.

Before the Buddha, Bodhisattva Lotus Hand said:

– Blessed One! From here, after passing through worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges toward the southeast, one reaches the last world, called Wondrously Enlightened, Adorned, and Most Delightful, where a Buddha named Supreme Virtue of the Lotus abides. That Buddha inquires whether the Blessed One has few illnesses and few afflictions, whether your movements are easy, your strength well-balanced, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Is the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate? He instructed us to present these thousand golden lotus blossoms to the Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work.

Thereupon, Buddha Shakyamuni accepted the lotus blossoms and scattered them toward the Buddha-worlds in the southeast. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus blossoms flew throughout all the Buddha-lands. Upon the receptacle of each blossom sat a magically manifested Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas.

Any sentient being who heard this teaching would certainly attain unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment. Seeing this, Bodhisattva Lotus Hand and his retinue rejoiced and exulted, praised it as unprecedented, and each made offerings, whether many or few, according to their roots of goodness. Having made offerings and shown reverence, respect, and praise to the Buddha and the bodhisattvas, they withdrew and sat to one side.

The same occurred with those from the other lands in the southeast.

At that time, in the last of the worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges toward the southwest, there was a world called Assemblage Free from Defilement. There, a Buddha named Supreme Virtue of the Universally Illuminating Sun Disc was teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. In that assembly was a bodhisattva named Radiance of the Sun. Seeing the great radiance, the trembling of the great earth, and the signs appearing in the Buddha’s body, he became perplexed and approached the Buddha, saying:

– Blessed One! Through what causes and conditions have these signs appeared?

Thereupon, Buddha Supreme Virtue of the Universally Illuminating Sun Disc told Bodhisattva Radiance of the Sun:

– From here, after passing through worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges toward the northeast, one reaches the last world, called Endurance, where a Buddha named Shakyamuni is about to teach the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. These signs have appeared through that Buddha’s spiritual power.

Having heard this, Bodhisattva Radiance of the Sun rejoiced and exulted, saying:

– Blessed One! I wish to go to the World of Endurance to bow to and make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the assembly of bodhisattvas. I beseech you to grant me permission.

Buddha Supreme Virtue of the Universally Illuminating Sun Disc then told Bodhisattva Radiance of the Sun:

– Excellent! Excellent! You may do as you wish.

Having spoken, the Blessed One entrusted to Bodhisattva Radiance of the Sun a thousand golden lotus blossoms, each with a thousand petals and adorned with various precious jewels, and instructed him:

– Take these blossoms to Buddha Shakyamuni and convey my words: “Buddha Supreme Virtue of the Universally Illuminating Sun Disc inquires whether you have few illnesses and few afflictions, whether your movements are easy, your strength well-balanced, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Is the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?” Present these lotus blossoms to that Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work. When you reach that world, abide in right understanding. Do not harbor arrogance or disdain the assembly and that Buddha-land, thereby diminishing your own virtue. Why? Because those bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue and aspirations of great compassion that are difficult for anyone to equal. Through the power of their vows, they were born in that land.

Obeying the Buddha’s instruction, the bodhisattva Sunlight Radiance received the flowers. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated the Buddha clockwise, and withdrew.

As they journeyed, the great assembly carried with them countless kinds of exquisite offerings. Passing through the Buddha-worlds in the southwest, in every Buddha-land they made offerings, showed reverence and respect, and offered praise, without passing over a single land. Upon reaching this Buddha-land, the great assembly bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to one side.

The bodhisattva Sunlight Radiance stood before the Buddha and said:

“World-Honored One! Southwest of here, beyond as many worlds as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, lies the furthest world, named Gathering Free from Defilement, where a Buddha named Sun-Wheel Universal Illumination Victorious Virtue dwells. That Buddha inquires whether the World-Honored One has few illnesses and few afflictions, whether your movements are easy, your strength is well regulated, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Are worldly circumstances bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate? He instructed us to present these thousand golden lotus blossoms to the World-Honored One so that they may perform the work of the Buddha.”

At that time, Buddha Shakyamuni received the lotus blossoms and scattered them toward the Buddha-worlds in the southwest. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus blossoms flew throughout all the Buddha-lands. Upon each lotus dais sat a magically manifested Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas.

Any sentient being who heard this teaching would assuredly attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment. Seeing this, the bodhisattva Sunlight Radiance and his retinue all rejoiced and exulted. Praising it as unprecedented, they each made offerings, great or small, according to their roots of goodness.

After making offerings to, revering, honoring, and praising the Buddha and the bodhisattvas, they withdrew and sat to one side. The same occurred throughout the other lands in the southwest.

At that time, in the furthest of the worlds northwest of here, beyond as many worlds as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, was a world named True Sovereignty. There, a Buddha named Victory of the Single Jeweled Canopy was teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. In that assembly was a bodhisattva named Jewel Victory. Seeing the great radiance, the great earth trembling, and the Buddha’s bodily marks, he became perplexed and approached the Buddha, saying:

“World-Honored One! What causes these portents to appear?”

At that time, Buddha Victory of the Single Jeweled Canopy said to the bodhisattva Jewel Victory:

“Southeast of here, beyond as many worlds as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, lies the furthest world, named Endurance, where a Buddha named Shakyamuni is about to teach the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. These portents have appeared through that Buddha’s spiritual power.”

Having heard this, the bodhisattva Jewel Victory rejoiced and exulted, and said:

“World-Honored One! I wish to journey to the Endurance World to bow before and make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the assembly of bodhisattvas. I pray that you will permit me to go.”

At that time, Buddha Victory of the Single Jeweled Canopy said to the bodhisattva Jewel Victory:

“Excellent! Excellent! You may do as you wish.”

Having spoken, the World-Honored One gave the bodhisattva Jewel Victory a thousand golden lotus blossoms, each with a thousand petals and adorned with precious jewels, and instructed him:

“Take these flowers to Buddha Shakyamuni and convey my words to him: ‘Buddha Victory of the Single Jeweled Canopy inquires whether you have few illnesses and few afflictions, whether your movements are easy, your strength is well regulated, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Are worldly circumstances bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?’ Present these lotus blossoms to that World-Honored One so that they may perform the work of the Buddha.

When you reach that world, abide in right understanding. Do not become arrogant or look down upon that great assembly or Buddha-land, thereby diminishing your own virtue. Why?

Because those bodhisattvas possess majestic virtue and great compassionate aspirations that are difficult for anyone to equal. Through the power of their vows, they were born in that land.”

Obeying the Buddha’s instruction, the bodhisattva Jewel Victory received the flowers. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated the Buddha clockwise, and withdrew.

As they journeyed, the great assembly carried with them countless kinds of exquisite offerings. Passing through the Buddha-worlds in the northwest, in every Buddha-land they made offerings, showed reverence and respect, and offered praise, without passing over a single land. Upon reaching this Buddha-land, the great assembly bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to one side.

The bodhisattva Jewel Victory stood before the Buddha and said:

“World-Honored One! Northwest of here, beyond as many worlds as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, lies the furthest world, named True Sovereignty, where a Buddha named Victory of the Single Jeweled Canopy dwells. He inquires whether the World-Honored One has few illnesses and few afflictions, whether your movements are easy, your strength is well regulated, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Are worldly circumstances bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate? He instructed us to present these thousand golden lotus blossoms to the World-Honored One so that they may perform the work of the Buddha.”

At that time, Buddha Shakyamuni received the lotus blossoms and scattered them toward the Buddha-worlds in the northwest. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus blossoms flew throughout all the Buddha-lands. Upon each lotus dais sat a magically manifested Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas.

Any sentient being who heard this teaching would assuredly attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment. Seeing this, the bodhisattva Jewel Victory and his retinue all rejoiced and exulted. Praising it as unprecedented, they each made offerings, great or small, according to their roots of goodness.

After making offerings to, revering, honoring, and praising the Buddha and the bodhisattvas, they withdrew and sat to one side. The same occurred throughout the other lands in the northwest.

At that time, in the furthest of the worlds below, beyond as many worlds as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, was a world named Lotus Flower. There, a Buddha named Lotus Virtue was teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. In that assembly was a bodhisattva named Lotus Victory. Seeing the great radiance, the great earth trembling, and the Buddha’s bodily marks, he became perplexed and approached the Buddha, saying:

“World-Honored One! What causes these portents to appear?”

At that time, Buddha Lotus Virtue said to the bodhisattva Lotus Victory:

“Above here, beyond as many worlds as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, lies the furthest world, named Endurance, where a Buddha named Shakyamuni is about to teach the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. These portents have appeared through that Buddha’s spiritual power.”

Having heard this, the bodhisattva Lotus Victory rejoiced and exulted, and said:

“World-Honored One! I wish to journey to the Endurance World to bow before and make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the assembly of bodhisattvas. I pray that you will permit me to go.”

At that time, Buddha Lotus Virtue said to the bodhisattva Lotus Victory:

“Excellent! Excellent! You may do as you wish.”

Having spoken, the World-Honored One gave the bodhisattva Lotus Victory a thousand golden lotus blossoms, each with a thousand petals and adorned with precious jewels, and instructed him:

“Take these flowers to Buddha Shakyamuni and convey my words to him: ‘Buddha Lotus Virtue inquires whether you have few illnesses and few afflictions, whether your movements are easy, your strength is well regulated, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Are worldly circumstances bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?’ Present these lotus blossoms to that World-Honored One so that they may perform the work of the Buddha.

When you reach that world, abide in right understanding. Do not become arrogant or look down upon that great assembly or Buddha-land, thereby diminishing your own virtue. Why?

Because those bodhisattvas possess majestic virtue and great compassionate aspirations that are difficult for anyone to equal. Through the power of their vows, they were born in that land.”

Obeying the Buddha’s instruction, the bodhisattva Lotus Victory received the lotus blossoms. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated the Buddha clockwise, and withdrew.

As they journeyed, the entire assembly carried with them countless kinds of fine and splendid offerings. Passing through the Buddha-worlds in the lower direction, in every Buddha-land they made offerings, showed reverence and respect, and uttered praises, without passing over a single land. Upon arriving in this Buddha-land, the assembly bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to one side.

Bodhisattva Lotus Excellence approached the Buddha and said:

– Blessed One! From here, beyond worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the lower direction, lies the last world, named Lotus Flower, whose Buddha is called Lotus Virtue. That Buddha has inquired whether the Blessed One has little illness and little affliction, whether his movements are light and easy, whether his strength is well-regulated, and whether he dwells in peace and happiness. Are worldly affairs bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide to liberation? He instructed us to present these one thousand golden lotus blossoms to the Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work.

Thereupon, Buddha Shakyamuni accepted the lotus blossoms and scattered them toward the Buddha-worlds in the lower direction. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus blossoms flew throughout all the Buddha-lands. Upon the calyx of each flower sat a magically manifested Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas.

Any sentient being who heard this teaching would assuredly realize unsurpassed perfect enlightenment. Seeing this, Bodhisattva Lotus Excellence and his retinue rejoiced and exulted, praised it as unprecedented, and each made offerings, great or small, according to his roots of virtue. Having made offerings to, revered, honored, respected, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas, they withdrew and sat to one side.

The same occurred in all the other lands of the lower direction.

At that time, in the last of the worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the upper direction, a world named Joy, the Buddha called Joyful Virtue was teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. In that assembly was a bodhisattva named Joyful Acceptance. Seeing the great radiance, the earth trembling, and the transformation in the Buddha’s bodily appearance, he became perplexed and approached the Buddha, saying:

– Blessed One! What causes and conditions have brought about these signs?

Thereupon, Buddha Joyful Virtue said to Bodhisattva Joyful Acceptance:

– From here, beyond worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the lower direction, lies the last world, named Endurance, where there is a Buddha called Shakyamuni who is about to teach the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. These signs have appeared through that Buddha’s spiritual power.

Having heard this, Bodhisattva Joyful Acceptance rejoiced and exulted, and said:

– Blessed One! I wish to travel to the Endurance World to bow before and make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the bodhisattvas. I beseech you to grant me permission.

Thereupon, Buddha Joyful Virtue said to Bodhisattva Joyful Acceptance:

– Excellent! Excellent! You may do as you wish.

Having spoken, the Blessed One took one thousand golden lotus blossoms, each with a thousand petals and adorned with precious jewels, gave them to Bodhisattva Joyful Acceptance, and instructed him:

– Take these flowers to Buddha Shakyamuni and convey my words to him: “Buddha Joyful Virtue inquires whether you have little illness and little affliction, whether your movements are light and easy, whether your strength is well-regulated, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Are worldly affairs bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide to liberation?” Present these lotus blossoms to that Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work. When you reach that world, you should abide in right understanding. Do not harbor arrogance or look down upon its assembly or that Buddha-land, thereby impairing your own virtue. Why is this? Those bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue and aspirations of great compassion that are difficult for anyone to equal. Through the power of their vows, they have been born in that land.

Obeying the Buddha’s instruction, Bodhisattva Joyful Acceptance received the flowers. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and young women, he bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated the Buddha to the right, and departed.

As they journeyed, the entire assembly carried with them countless kinds of fine and splendid offerings. Passing through the Buddha-worlds in the upper direction, in every Buddha-land they made offerings, showed reverence and respect, and uttered praises, without passing over a single land. Upon arriving in this Buddha-land, the assembly bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then stood to one side.

Bodhisattva Joyful Acceptance approached the Buddha and said:

– Blessed One! From here, beyond worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges in the upper direction, lies the last world, named Joy, whose Buddha is called Joyful Virtue. That Buddha has inquired whether the Blessed One has little illness and little affliction, whether his movements are light and easy, whether his strength is well-regulated, and whether he dwells in peace and happiness. Are worldly affairs bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide to liberation? He instructed us to present these one thousand golden lotus blossoms to the Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work.

Thereupon, Buddha Shakyamuni accepted the lotus blossoms and scattered them toward the Buddha-worlds in the upper direction. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus blossoms flew throughout all the Buddha-lands. Upon the calyx of each flower sat a magically manifested Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the great prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas.

Any sentient being who heard this teaching would assuredly attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment. Seeing this, Bodhisattva Joyful Acceptance and his retinue rejoiced and exulted, praised it as unprecedented, and each made offerings, great or small, according to his roots of virtue. Having made offerings to, revered, honored, respected, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas, they withdrew and sat to one side.

The same occurred in all the other lands of the upper direction.

At that time, the entire three-thousand-great-thousand Endurance World was filled with precious jewels. All kinds of beautiful, fragrant flowers were strewn across the ground; banners, pennants, and jeweled canopies were arrayed everywhere. Flowering trees, fruit trees, fragrant trees, garland trees, clothing trees, and jeweled trees stood intermingled, adorning every place and making it truly delightful, like the world of Tathagata Lotus Flower, the Pure Land of Tathagata Universal Flower, and the dwelling place of the youth Manjushri, Bodhisattva Well-Abiding Wisdom, and immeasurable other great bodhisattvas of mighty awe-inspiring virtue.

Fascicle 401

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