Mahāyāna — Northern Canon · Linh Sơn Vietnamese Mahāyāna Canon

大方廣佛華嚴經

Chinese title:大方廣佛華嚴經

📖5,764 words · ~23 min read

Save your scripture progress

Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.

Create account →

Interpreted by Inti AI (English)

🪷 AI interpretation

Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again addressed the assembly, saying: “Disciples of the Buddha! To the east of the Defilement-Free Blazing Treasury Perfumed Ocean, adjoining the Subtly Transforming Bodies Perfumed Ocean, is a world-seed named Skillfully Arrayed Distinct Directions.

Next is the Vajra-Eye Banner Perfumed Ocean, containing a world-seed named Bridge Adorning the Dharma Realm.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Wondrous Adornment with Various Lotuses, containing a world-seed named Constantly Producing Transformations Throughout the Ten Directions.

Next is the Uninterrupted Wheel of Jeweled Kings Ocean, containing a world-seed named Jeweled Lotus Banks and Dense Clouds.

Next is the Wondrously Fragrant, Universally Adorned Ocean, containing a world-seed named Vairocana’s Conduct of Transformation.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Jeweled Dense Flames and Bannered Coverings, containing a world-seed named Realm Mindfully Protected by All Buddhas.

Next is the Ocean of Blazing Light of Every Color, containing a world-seed named Supreme Light Shining Everywhere.

Next is the Ocean of Realms Furnished with Every Adornment, containing a world-seed named Jeweled Blazing Lamps.

There are as many such perfumed oceans as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.

The perfumed ocean nearest the Ring Mountain is named Crystal Ground. It contains a world-seed named Constantly Emitting Light, whose substance consists of the sounds of pure kalpas. At its lowest extremity is a world named Lovely Pure Banner of Light, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in one Buddha-land. It is entirely pure, and its Buddha is named Supreme Samadhi, Vigor, and Wisdom.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Vajra Banner World, is a world named Banner Adorned with Fragrance. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands and is entirely pure. Its Buddha is named Lamp of the Unobstructed Dharma Realm.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in three Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Saha World, is a world named Treasury Emitting Light. Its Buddha is named Luminous Wisdom Unobstructed Throughout the Dharma Realm.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in seven Buddha-lands, at the highest extremity of this world-seed, is a world named Fragrance of the Supreme Body. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twenty Buddha-lands and is entirely pure. Its Buddha is named Flower of the Factors of Enlightenment.

Disciples of the Buddha! Beyond the Wheel of Inexhaustible Light Perfumed Ocean, extending to the Perfumed Ocean of Perfect Wondrous Light, is a world-seed named Universally Stainless.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Radiant Wondrous Canopies, containing a world-seed named Boundlessly and Universally Adorned.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Adorned with Wondrous Jewels, containing a world-seed named Fragrant Mani in the Shape of a Demon’s Torso.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Producing the Sounds of Buddhas, containing a world-seed named Well-Established Adornment.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Fragrant Banners and Sumeru Treasuries, containing a world-seed named Light Filling Everywhere.

Next is the Sandalwood Wondrous Light Perfumed Ocean, containing a world-seed named Wheel of Jeweled Flames.

Next is the Wind-Power-Sustained Perfumed Ocean, containing a world-seed named Banner of Jeweled Blazing Clouds.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Adorned with the Body of Shakra, containing a world-seed named Pearl Treasury.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Level Bodies, Adorned and Pure, containing a world-seed named Various Adornments of Lapis Lazuli Dust.

There are as many such perfumed oceans as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands. Nearest the Ring Mountain is the Perfumed Ocean of Wondrous Tree-Flowers, containing a world-seed named Producing Vast Lands in Every Direction, whose substance consists of the sounds of the Buddha subduing Mara.

At its lowest extremity is a world named Banner of Blazing Torches. Its Buddha is named Ocean of the World’s Merit.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Vajra Banner World, is a world named Producing Jewels. Its Buddha is named Lion-Power Cloud of Jewels.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in three Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Saha World, is a world named Shaped Like a Garment. Its Buddha is named Ocean-King of Omniscience.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in seven Buddha-lands, at the highest extremity of this world-seed, is a world named Jeweled Necklace of Lion’s Light. Its Buddha is named Banner of Lotuses Skillful in Transformation.

Disciples of the Buddha! Beyond the Vajra Blazing Light Perfumed Ocean, extending to the Ocean of Banners Adorned with Every Ornament, is a world-seed named Adorned with Pure Conduct.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Radiant Jeweled Flowers, containing a world-seed named Adorned with the Marks of Merit.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Blossoming Lotuses, containing a world-seed named Adorned with the Bodhisattva’s Mani Crown.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Wondrous Jeweled Garments, containing a world-seed named Wheel of Pure Pearls.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Lovely Flowers Shining Everywhere, containing a world-seed named Illumination by a Hundred Clouds of Light.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Great Light Pervading Space, containing a world-seed named Jeweled Light Shining Everywhere.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Banners Adorned with Wondrous Flowers, containing a world-seed named Golden-Moon Eye Necklace.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Pearl-Fragrance Ocean Treasuries, containing a world-seed named Buddha’s Light.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Jeweled Wheels of Light, containing a world-seed named Light Skillfully Manifesting the Buddha’s Realm.

There are as many such perfumed oceans as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands. Nearest the Ring Mountain is the Perfumed Ocean with a Base Adorned by Boundless Wheels, containing a world-seed named Distinct in Measureless Directions, whose substance consists of every kind of speech and sound in all lands.

At its lowest extremity is a world named Vajra Flower Canopy. Its Buddha is named Inexhaustible Marks, Light, and Sound of the Universal Gateway.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Vajra Banner World, is a world named Producing Banners of Jeweled Garments. Its Buddha is named Cloud of Merit and Great Awesome Power.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in three Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Saha World, is a world named Wondrously Adorned with Every Jewel. Its Buddha is named Ocean of Supreme Wisdom.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in seven Buddha-lands, at the highest extremity of this world-seed, is a world named Banner of Sunlight Garments. Its Buddha is named Wisdom-Sun Cloud of Lotuses.

Disciples of the Buddha! Beyond the Perfumed Ocean Adorned with Indranila Jewels, extending to the Perfumed Ocean of Asura Palaces, is a world-seed named Sustained by the Light of Perfumed Waters.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Adorned with Jeweled Lions, containing a world-seed named Universally Displaying All Jewels of the Ten Directions.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Clouds of Colored Palace Light, containing a world-seed named Wondrously Adorned Jeweled Wheel.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Producing Great Lotuses, containing a world-seed named Wondrous Adornment Shining Throughout the Dharma Realm.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Lamp-Flames and Wondrous Eyes, containing a world-seed named Universally Contemplating the Transformations of the Ten Directions.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Inconceivably Adorned Wheels, containing a world-seed named Universally Renowned Light of the Ten Directions.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Adorned with Heaps of Jewels, containing a world-seed named Radiance of Lamp-Light.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Pure Jeweled Light, containing a world-seed named Sumeru Peak That None Can Obstruct.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Railings Draped with Jeweled Garments, containing a world-seed named Light of the Tathagata’s Body.

There are as many such perfumed oceans as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.

Nearest the Ring Mountain is the Perfumed Ocean of Banners Adorned with Trees, containing a world-seed named Securely Abiding in Indra’s Net, whose substance consists of the sounds of the bodhisattvas’ grounds of wisdom. At its lowest extremity is a world named Wondrous Golden Color. Its Buddha is named Victorious Awesome Light of Fragrant Flames.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Vajra Banner World, is a world named Mani Tree-Flowers. Its Buddha is named Universally Manifesting Without Obstruction.

Above it, on the same level as the Saha World, is a world named Wondrously Adorned with Lapis Lazuli. Its Buddha is named Firm Wisdom, Sovereign in the Dharma.

At the highest extremity of this world-seed is a world named Wondrously Adorned with Brahma-Sounds. Its Buddha is named King of the Light of Blossoming Lotuses.

Disciples of the Buddha! Beyond the Perfumed Ocean with a Base Adorned by Vajra Wheels, extending to the Perfumed Ocean Where Lotuses Appear by Transformation, is a world-seed named Level and Upright Lands.

Next is the Mani-Light Perfumed Ocean, containing a world-seed named Free from Delusion Throughout the Dharma Realm.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Multitudes of Wondrously Fragrant Sun-Manis, containing a world-seed named Universally Manifesting in the Ten Directions.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Constantly Receiving Streams of Jewels, containing a world-seed named Universally Conveying the Buddha’s Words and Sounds.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Boundless, Profound, Wondrous Sounds, containing a world-seed named Distinct in Boundless Directions.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Firm Accumulations, containing a world-seed named Distinct in Measureless Places.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Pure Brahma-Sounds, containing a world-seed named Universally Pure Adornment.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Sandalwood Railings and Treasuries of Sound, containing a world-seed named Lofty Emerging Banner.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Adorned with the Light of the Wondrous Fragrant Jeweled King, containing a world-seed named Universally Manifesting the Power of Light.

Disciples of the Buddha! Beyond the Ocean of Lotuses in Indra’s Net, extending to the Perfumed Ocean Wondrously Adorned with Silver Lotuses, is a world-seed named Universally Pervading Conduct.

Next is the Ocean of Lapis Lazuli, Bamboo, Dense Flames, and Clouds, containing a world-seed named Universally Producing Sounds Throughout the Ten Directions.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Clusters of Blazing Light from the Ten Directions, containing a world-seed named Constantly Producing Transformations Distributed Throughout the Ten Directions.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Manifesting Banners of True-Gold Mani, containing a world-seed named Mark of the Vajra Banner.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Great Equal Adornment, containing a world-seed named Vigorously Encompassing the Dharma Realm.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Jeweled Flower Clusters and Inexhaustible Light, containing a world-seed named Boundless Pure Light.

Next is the Wondrous Golden Banner Perfumed Ocean, containing a world-seed named Expounding Subtle and Secret Places.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Lights and Reflections Shining Everywhere, containing a world-seed named Universally Adorned.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Tranquil Sounds, containing a world-seed named Manifestly Hanging and Arrayed.

There are as many such perfumed oceans as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands. Nearest the Ring Mountain is the Perfumed Ocean of Dense Blazing Cloud-Banners, containing a world-seed named Adorned with Every Light, whose substance consists of the sounds of the Tathagata’s assemblies at the bodhimanda.

At its lowest extremity is a world named Adorned with Pure Eyes. Its Buddha is named Vajra-Moon Shining Throughout the Ten Directions.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Vajra Banner World, is a world named Lotus Virtue. Its Buddha is named Great Vigor and Skillfully Awakened Wisdom.

Above it, on the same level as the Saha World, is a world named Adorned with Vajra Density. Its Buddha is named Banner of the Sala-Tree King.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in seven Buddha-lands, at the highest extremity of this world-seed, is a world named Adorned with the Pure Ocean. Its Buddha is named Peerless in Awesome Virtue, Whom None Can Subdue.

Disciples of the Buddha! Beyond the Perfumed Ocean of Accumulated Jeweled Fragrance Treasuries, extending to the Perfumed Ocean of Jeweled Light Shining Everywhere, is a world-seed named Adornment of Stainless Renown.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Auspicious Conches Shining Everywhere, containing a world-seed named Universally Adorned with Unobstructed Light.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Sandalwood Tree-Flowers, containing a world-seed named Universally Manifesting and Encompassing the Ten Directions.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Producing Jewels of Wondrous Colors, containing a world-seed named Victorious Banner Pervading Everywhere.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Adorned with Banners of Mind-King Mani, containing a world-seed named Manifesting the Unobstructed Light of the Buddha.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Universally Adorned with Wheels of Pearls, containing a world-seed named Sustained by the Vows of All Buddhas.

There are as many such world-oceans as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands. Nearest the Ring Mountain is the Perfumed Ocean of Jambunada-Gold Jeweled Treasury Wheels, containing a world-seed named Banner of Universal Sounds, whose substance consists of the sounds of entering the gateways to omniscience.

At its lowest extremity is a world named Blazing Flower-Stamens. Its Buddha is named Giver of Vigor.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Vajra Banner World, is a world named Banner of Lotus Light. Its Buddha is named Mind-King Supreme in Every Merit.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in three Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Saha World, is a world named Adorned with the Ten Powers. Its Buddha is named King Who Skillfully Manifests Measureless Merit.

At the highest extremity of this world-seed is a world named Banner of Fragrant Mani Mountains. Its Buddha is named Vast, Good-Eyed One Who Purely Dispels Doubt.

Disciples of the Buddha! Beyond the Jeweled Adornment Perfumed Ocean, extending to the Perfumed Ocean of Sumeru-Sustaining Light Treasuries, is a world-seed named Producing Vast Clouds.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Adorned with the Realm of Great Awesome Power, containing a world-seed named Unobstructed Pure Adornment.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Densely Arrayed Jeweled Lotuses, containing a world-seed named Adorned with Supreme Lamps.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Supported by Jeweled Adornments, containing a world-seed named Treasury of Sunlight Nets.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Numerous Adornments and Purities, containing a world-seed named Abode of Jeweled Flowers.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Conduct of Supreme Penetrating Wisdom, containing a world-seed named Adorned with Supreme Forms.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Peaks Sustaining Wondrous Mani, containing a world-seed named Universally Pure Treasury of Space.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Vast Universal Illumination, containing a world-seed named Great Indranila Torchlight.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Lovely Mani Pearls Shining Everywhere, containing a world-seed named Universal Roaring Sound.

There are as many such perfumed oceans as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.

Nearest the Ring Mountain is the Perfumed Ocean Producing Indranila Jewels, containing a world-seed named Pervading Everywhere Without Distinction, whose substance consists of the sounds of the bodhisattvas’ mighty roars.

At its lowest extremity is a world named Treasury of Wondrous Excellence. Its Buddha is named Wisdom of Supreme Merit.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Vajra Banner World, is a world named Adorned Marks. Its Buddha is named Transcendent Great Light.

Above it, on the same level as the Saha World, is a world named Universally Adorned Lapis Lazuli Wheel. Its Buddha is named Lamp of Sumeru.

At the highest extremity of this world-seed is a world named Ocean of Flower-Banners. Its Buddha is named Cloud of Wondrous Wisdom and Inexhaustible Transformations.

Disciples of the Buddha! Beyond the Vajra Jeweled-Character Perfumed Ocean, extending to the Perfumed Ocean of the Noble Rhinoceros Jewel of Lofty Virtue, is a world-seed named Jeweled Banner Emerging Through All.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Adorned with Jeweled Banners, containing a world-seed named Manifesting Every Light.

Next is the Wondrous Jeweled Cloud Perfumed Ocean, containing a world-seed named Jeweled Adornment and Light Shining Everywhere.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Adorned with Jeweled Tree-Flowers, containing a world-seed named Ornamented with Wondrous Flowers.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Adorned with Wondrous Flower-Garments, containing a world-seed named Ocean of Light.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Jeweled Tree-Peaks, containing a world-seed named Clouds of Jeweled Flames.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Manifesting Light, containing a world-seed named Entering the Vajra Without Obstruction.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Universally Adorned with Lotuses, containing a world-seed named Boundless Abyssal Ocean.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Adorned with Wondrous Jewels, containing a world-seed named Treasury Universally Manifesting Lands.

There are as many such perfumed oceans as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.

Nearest the Ring Mountain is the Indestructible Perfumed Ocean, containing a world-seed named Wondrous Wheel Interspersed with Lotus Banners, whose substance consists of sounds produced by the Buddha’s power.

At its lowest extremity is a world named Supreme Wondrous Fragrance. Its Buddha is named Light Transforming into Measureless Motes of Dust.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Vajra Banner World, is a world named Inconceivably Distinct Gateways of Adornment. Its Buddha is named Measureless Wisdom.

Above it, on the same level as the Saha World, is a world named Treasury of Wondrous Flowers and Light of the Ten Directions. Its Buddha is named Cloud of Blazing Light from the Lion’s Eyes.

At the highest extremity is a world named Ocean of Sounds. Its Buddha is named Gateway of Water-Deva’s Blazing Light.

Disciples of the Buddha! Beyond the Perfumed Ocean of Naturally Formed Wondrous Jewels, extending to the Perfumed Ocean of Crackling Wheels of Blazing Light, is a world-seed named Ineffably Adorned in Various Ways.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Exposed Jeweled Dust, containing a world-seed named Universally Entering Measureless Enclosures.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Furnished with Every Adornment, containing a world-seed named Jeweled Light Shining Everywhere.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean Arrayed with Nets of Many Jewels, containing a world-seed named Profound and Secret Arrangement.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Banners Adorned with Wondrous Jewels, containing a world-seed named Clearly Comprehending the Sounds of the World-Ocean.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Pure Reflections of the Sun Palace, containing a world-seed named Pervading Indra’s Net.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Various Wondrous Adornments, containing a world-seed named Clouds of Pure, Dense, Blazing Light.

Next is the Perfumed Ocean of Jeweled Blazing Lamps Pervading Everywhere, containing a world-seed named Various Forms Accordant with the Buddhas’ Original Vows.

There are as many such perfumed oceans as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.

Nearest the Ring Mountain is the Perfumed Ocean of Accumulated Necklace-Garments, containing a world-seed named Transformationally Manifesting Wondrous Garments, whose substance consists of the sounds of all Buddhas of the three periods.

At its lowest extremity is a world named Giving Rise to Joy. It abides upon the Perfumed Ocean of Indra-Flower Treasuries, is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in one Buddha-land, and is entirely pure. Its Buddha is named Firmly Awakened Wisdom.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Vajra Banner World, is a world named Adorned with Jeweled Nets. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands and is entirely pure. Its Buddha is named Light of Measureless Joy.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in three Buddha-lands, on the same level as the Saha World, is a world named Jeweled Lotus Lion Throne. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in thirteen Buddha-lands. Its Buddha is named Supreme Purity and Unfailing Renown.

Above it, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in seven Buddha-lands, at the highest extremity of this world-seed, is a world named Jeweled-Colored Dragon Light. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twenty Buddha-lands and is entirely pure. Its Buddha is named Universal Illuminating Light Pervading the Dharma Realm.

Disciples of the Buddha! Within these perfumed oceans, as numerous as the dust motes in ten ineffable numbers of Buddha-lands, are world-seeds as numerous as the dust motes in ten ineffable numbers of Buddha-lands. They all abide upon lotuses adorned with banners of mani kings manifesting the forms of all bodhisattvas.

Each has uninterruptedly adorned jeweled boundaries; each emits light of jeweled colors; each is overspread and sheltered by clouds of light; each possesses its own adornments; each has distinct kalpas; in each, Buddhas distinctly appear; in each, oceans of Dharma are distinctly expounded; each is filled everywhere with sentient beings; each universally enters throughout the ten directions; and each is distinctly sustained by the spiritual power of all Buddhas.

Within each of these world-seeds, all worlds abide upon various adornments. Linked with one another, they form a net of worlds, and their manifold distinctions are established everywhere throughout the Ocean of Worlds Adorned by the Flower Treasury.”

At that time, wishing to restate this meaning, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, through the awesome power of the Buddha, spoke these verses:

The Flower Treasury Ocean of WorldsIs no different from the Dharma Realm;Its adornments are supremely pure,And it abides within empty space.

Within this ocean of worlds,The land-seeds are inconceivable;Each one is sovereign in itself,Each distinct and never confused.

In the Flower Treasury Ocean of Worlds,The land-seeds are skillfully arrayed;Their forms and adornments differ,And their various marks are not alike.

The transformational sounds of all Buddhas,In many kinds, constitute their substance;Seen in accordance with the power of karma,The land-seeds are adorned in beauty.

Shapes of Sumeru, cities, and nets,Whirlpools, circles, and squares;Vastly blossoming lotuses—Land after land surrounds another.

Shapes of mountain-banners and lofty towers,Shapes of vajras forming encircling walls:Such vast land-seeds as theseAre all inconceivable.

Great oceans, fires, and pearls,And inconceivable nets of light:Such land-seeds as theseAll abide upon lotuses.

Each and every land-seedHas ineffable nets of light;Within that light appear all landsThroughout the oceans of the ten directions.

Within all those land-seeds,Whatever adornments there may be,The lands appear within them,Seen everywhere without end.

The land-seeds are inconceivable,Their worlds have no boundaries;Their many beautiful adornmentsAll arise from the Buddha’s awesome power.

Within all the land-seedsAre inconceivable worlds;Some come into being, some decay,And some have already been destroyed.

Just as leaves within a forestMay grow or may fall,So within those land-seedsWorlds arise and pass away.

Just as within a forest of treesDifferent kinds of fruit appear,So, dependent upon the land-seeds,Different kinds of sentient beings dwell.

Just as different kinds of seedEach produce a different fruit,So, because karmic powers differ,The realms of sentient beings are not the same.

Just as the mind-king jewelDisplays colors according to the mind,So, because sentient beings’ minds are pure,They behold pure lands.

Just as a mighty dragon kingRaises clouds throughout empty space,So the power of the Buddhas’ vowsBrings all lands into being.

Just as an illusionist’s artCan manifest all kinds of things,Through the karmic power of sentient beings,The lands are inconceivable.

Just as the many colored imagesCreated by a skilled painter,So all these lands are formedBy the painter that is the mind.

The bodies of sentient beings differ,Arising from discriminations of the mind;Likewise, among all lands,There is none not born of karma.

Just as Buddhas may be seenIn many differing forms and colors,According to sentient beings’ mental conduct,The lands they see also differ.

At the foundations of all landsLotus nets spread everywhere;Their forms and features are not alike,Yet their adornments are supremely pure.

Those lotus netsAbide within the net of lands;Whatever their adornments may be,All kinds of sentient beings dwell there.

Within some landsThe terrain is perilous and uneven;Because of sentient beings’ afflictions,They behold those places thus.

Defiled and pure alike,Measureless world-seedsArise according to sentient beings’ mindsAnd are sustained by bodhisattvas’ power.

Within some landsDefilement and purity are intermingled;Some arise through the power of karmaAs places where bodhisattvas teach and transform.

Some lands emit radiant lightAnd are formed from stainless jewels;Beautifully adorned in many ways,They are purified by all Buddhas.

Within every world-seed,Inconceivable kalpa firesAppear, filling space with terrible destruction,Yet that place always remains firm.

Through the karmic power of sentient beings,Many lands are brought forth,Abiding upon wheels of windOr resting upon wheels of water.

Worlds are thus in themselves,Yet appear in many different forms;In truth, they have no arising,Nor do they perish or decay.

Within each and every thoughtMeasureless lands arise;Through the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power,All are seen as pure and undefiled.

Some lands are made of mud and earth,Their substance extremely hard;Dark and utterly without light,They are inhabited by those of evil karma.

Some lands are made of vajra,Defiled and filled with fear;Suffering is great and happiness slight,And those of meager merit dwell there.

Some lands are made entirely of iron,Others are formed of red copper;Their rocky mountains are perilous and dreadful,And evil transgressors fill them.

Within some lands are hellsWhere suffering beings are hard to rescue;They dwell forever in darkness,Constantly burned by oceans of fire.

In others there are animalsOf countless ugly forms;Because of their own evil karma,They constantly undergo every torment.

Some contain the realm of Yama,Where beings forever suffer hunger and thirst;They climb immense mountains of fireAnd endure the gravest pain.

Other landsAre formed from the union of seven treasures;All their many palacesAre fashioned by pure karma.

Behold the worldsWhere devas and humans dwell:Having attained the fruits of pure karma,They enjoy pleasures according to their time.

Within every single poreAre inconceivable billions of lands;Adorned with marks of every kind,They have never been crowded or confined.

Because sentient beings’ karma differs,Worlds are many and measureless;Taking birth and clinging within them,Beings experience differing pain and pleasure.

Some lands consist solely of jewelsAnd constantly emit boundless light;Wondrous vajra lotusesAdorn them, pure and stainless.

Some lands consist of lightAnd rest upon wheels of radiance;Golden-colored sandalwood fragranceAnd blazing clouds illuminate them everywhere.

Some lands are formed of lunar discs,With fragrant garments spread throughout;Within a single lotusBodhisattvas sit everywhere.

Some lands consist of precious gems,Their forms and colors free of stain;Like the net of the Lord of Devas,Their light shines constantly.

Some lands consist of fragrant substances,Others of vajra flowers;The light of mani casts reflections,And all appear supremely pure.

There are inconceivable landsFormed from interwoven whirling flowers;They are filled with transformation Buddhas,And bodhisattvas shine everywhere.

There are pure landsConsisting wholly of flowering trees;Beautiful branches shade the bodhimanda,And mani clouds spread throughout.

Some lands shine with pure lightAnd are formed of vajra flowers;Sounds of transformation BuddhasSpread boundlessly into nets.

Some lands resemble bodhisattvas’Beautiful crowns of mani;Other lands have the shape of jeweled thronesTransformation-born from light.

Some are made of sandalwood powder,Some of light from the white urna,And others from sounds within Buddha-light—Thus are those beautiful lands formed.

Some pure lands are seenAdorned by a single light;Others are seen with many adornments—Every land is wondrous.

Some employ the beautiful thingsOf ten lands as their adornments;Others use everything from a thousand landsTo fashion all their splendor.

Some use a billion landsTo adorn a single land;Their different forms and featuresAll appear like reflected images.

Ineffable numbers of landsAdorn a single land;Every object emits lightThrough the power of the Buddhas’ vows.

There are lands purifiedThrough the power of vows,Wherein, among all the adornments,Oceans of lands are universally seen.

Those who cultivate Samantabhadra’s vowsBring pure lands to fulfillment;The adornments of lands throughout the three periodsAll appear completely therein.

Disciples of the Buddha, contemplateThe awesome spiritual power of the land-seeds:All lands of the futureAre made visible like dreams.

The worlds of the ten directionsAnd all lands of the pastAre present within a single land,Appearing like magical illusions.

All Buddhas of the three periodsAnd all the Buddhas’ landsWithin a single land-seedMay all be completely seen.

Through the spiritual power of all Buddhas,Lands appear within a mote of dust;Their various kinds are clearly seen,Like reflections without true substance.

Many landsAre shaped like great oceans;Others resemble Mount Sumeru—Such worlds are inconceivable.

Some lands are securely established,Shaped like the net of the Lord of Devas;Others resemble forests,And Buddhas fill them all.

Some are shaped like jeweled wheels,Others resemble lotuses;Their eight corners are beautifully adorned,And every place is pure.

Some resemble jeweled thrones;Some lands are triangular;Some resemble kharalaka,Fortified cities, or the body of Brahma King.

Some resemble the hair of the Lord of Devas,Others the shape of a half-moon;Some resemble mani mountains,And others the disc of the sun.

Some worldsAre shaped like walls of perfumed oceans;Others form circles of light,Purified and adorned by Buddhas of the past.

Some resemble the axle of a wheel,Others a sacrificial altar;Some resemble the mark of the white urna,The ushnisha, or wide and elongated eyes.

Some lands are shaped like a Buddha’s hand,Others like a vajra pestle;Some resemble blazing mountains,And bodhisattvas fill them everywhere.

Some are shaped like lions,Others resemble great sea creatures;Their essential natures all differ.

Within a single land-seed,The forms of lands are inexhaustible;All rely upon the power of the Buddhas’ vowsAnd abide through their mindful protection.

Some lands endure for one kalpa,Some endure for ten kalpas,And some for more than hundreds of thousands,Up to kalpas numerous as the dust motes in worlds.

Within a single kalpa,Some lands are seen to arise and decay;Others do so measureless, countless times,Even to an inconceivable degree.

Some lands have Buddhas,Some lands have no Buddha;Some have only one Buddha,While others have measureless Buddhas.

If a land has no Buddha,A Buddha from another landTransforms and comes to that landTo manifest the deeds of a Buddha:

Descending in spirit from the heavens,Dwelling in the womb and taking birth,Subduing Mara and attaining perfect awakening,Then turning the unsurpassed Dharma wheel.

According to beings’ inclinations,They manifest many different forms;For their sake they turn the Dharma wheelIn harmony with their faculties and dispositions.

Within each and every Buddha-land,A Buddha appears in the worldAnd, for thousands of millions of years,Expounds the unsurpassed Dharma.

Those who are not vessels for the DharmaAre unable to behold the Buddhas;Yet whoever cherishes them in the heartSees Buddhas everywhere.

Within each and every landBuddhas appear in the world;The Buddhas throughout those landsNumber inconceivable billions.

Each Buddha thereinManifests measureless spiritual transformations;Pervading throughout the Dharma Realm,They tame all sentient beings.

Some lands are without light,Dark and filled with fear;Their pain is like the thrust of knives,And whoever sees them grieves in anguish.

Some have the light of devas,Some the light of palaces,And some the light of sun and moon—The net of lands is inconceivable.

Some lands shine by themselves,While others blaze with jeweled trees;No suffering has ever existed there,Because of sentient beings’ meritorious power.

Some have luminous mountains,Some shine with mani light,And some are illuminated by lamps—All arise from the power of karma.

Some shine with Buddha-lightAnd are filled with bodhisattvas;Others are illuminated by lotusesOf brilliant and beautiful colors.

Some lands are illuminated by flowers,Others by perfumed waters;Burning incense and anointing fragrance shine,All through the power of wholesome vows.

Some lands are illuminated by radiant clouds,Others by shining mani jewels;Some are illumined by Buddha-lightThat proclaims sounds delightful to the heart.

Some are illumined by precious gems,Others shine with vajra light;Pure sounds resound afar,Dispelling every suffering.

Some have the radiance of mani,Some shine with their ornaments,And some with light from the bodhimandaIlluminating the entire assembly.

The Buddha emits great light,Within which transformation Buddhas abound;That radiance shines everywhere,Pervading the entire Dharma Realm.

Some lands are utterly terrifying,Filled with shrieks and cries of suffering,And sounds of anguished lamentation;All who hear them are struck with fear.

The paths of hell-beings and animals,And even the realm of Yama,Belong to these turbid and evil worlds.

Other lands constantly resoundWith sounds delightful and pleasing,Conforming to the true Dharma;These are obtained through pure karma.

Within some landsThe voice of Shakra is always heard;In others, the voice of BrahmaAnd the voices of all world-rulers.

Within some lands,Wondrous sounds resound from clouds,While jeweled oceans and mani treesAnd music fill every place.

Within the aureoles of all Buddhas,Transformation-born sounds are inexhaustible;The wondrous voices of bodhisattvasAre heard throughout the lands of the ten directions.

Inconceivable landsConstantly resound with the turning Dharma wheel;The ocean of vows sends forth its voice,The wondrous sound of spiritual practice.

All Buddhas of the three periodsBring worlds into being;All their names and titles are complete,And their voices are inexhaustible.

Some lands constantly hearThe powerful voices of all Buddhas,Expounding the grounds, the perfections,And measureless teachings.

Through the power of Samantabhadra’s vows,Wondrous sounds are proclaimed in billions of lands;Those voices resound like thunderAnd endure throughout endless kalpas.

The Buddha, dwelling in a pure land,Manifests a sovereign voice;Throughout the Dharma Realm of the ten directions,It is heard by all.”

🌏Why is this sūtra summarized by Inti AI?

The version you're viewing was faithfully rendered by Inti AI in keeping with the tradition. Switch to the other language tab to read a human translation.

Translation source: Linh Sơn Pháp Bảo Đại Tạng KinhLicense: Linh Sơn Pháp Bảo Đại Tạng Kinh (Việt dịch) · nguồn: rongmotamhon.net (Liên Phật Hội) · EN: AI translation from Vietnamese source, awaiting source English

Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.

←Previous大方廣佛華嚴經 Next大方廣佛華嚴經→

🕯️ Light a candle