大般若波羅蜜多經

02

At that time, at the farthest reaches of innumerable worlds to the north, there was a world named Supreme Victory. There dwelt in peace and stability a Buddha named Victorious Truth, the Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Sugata, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One, who was teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to an assembly of great bodhisattvas.

Among them was a bodhisattva named Victorious Life. Seeing this great radiance, the trembling of the earth, and the bodily signs of the Buddha, he became perplexed. He approached the Buddha, bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, and said: “World-Honored One, through what causes and conditions has this auspicious sign appeared?”

The Buddha Victorious Truth then told the great bodhisattva Victorious Life: “Good man, south of this realm, beyond innumerable worlds, there is a world at the farthest reaches named Endurance. There dwells in peace and stability a Buddha named Shakyamuni, the Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Sugata, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One, who is about to teach the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to an assembly of great bodhisattvas. It is through that Buddha’s spiritual power that this auspicious sign has appeared.”

Having heard this, Victorious Life rejoiced and leapt with delight. He again addressed the Buddha: “World-Honored One, I now ask permission to go to the Endurance World to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Tathagata Shakyamuni and the assembly of great bodhisattvas who have attained penetrating understanding, dharani gateways, samadhi gateways, and sovereign spiritual powers, who are in their final bodies and will succeed to the station of Buddhahood. I humbly beseech you, out of compassion, to grant me permission.”

The Buddha Victorious Truth then told the bodhisattva Victorious Life: “Excellent! Excellent! Now is indeed the proper time. You may depart.”

The Buddha then took a thousand lotus flowers the color of pure gold, each having a thousand petals and adorned with precious jewels, and entrusted them to the bodhisattva Victorious Life, instructing him: “Take these flowers to the Buddha Shakyamuni and convey my words to him: ‘The Tathagata Victorious Truth respectfully inquires after you. Are you free from illness and affliction? Are your movements light and easy, your strength well regulated, and do you dwell in peace and happiness?

Are worldly matters bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide?’ Then offer these lotus flowers to the World-Honored One for the performance of Buddha-work. When you arrive in that Buddha realm, you must perceive it correctly.

On seeing that Buddha realm and its great assemblies, do not give rise to contempt and thereby injure yourself. Why is this? The majestic virtue of those bodhisattvas is difficult to equal.

Impelled by their vows to liberate sentient beings and because of great causes and conditions, they were born in that realm.”

The bodhisattva Victorious Life received the flowers and respectfully accepted the command. Then, together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of innumerable great bodhisattvas, both monastic and lay, and innumerable hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him to the right, and took his leave. Each carried immeasurable varieties of flowers and incense, banners, jeweled canopies, garments, precious ornaments, and other articles of offering, and they set out upon their journey. As they passed through innumerable Buddha realms in the north, in every realm they respectfully made offerings, honored, and praised, without omitting a single realm.

Upon arriving before the Buddha Shakyamuni, they bowed their heads at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side. The bodhisattva Victorious Life came forward and addressed the Buddha: “World-Honored One, north of this realm, beyond innumerable worlds, there is a world at the farthest reaches named Supreme Victory. There dwells a Buddha named the Tathagata Victorious Truth, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Sugata, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One.

He respectfully inquires after the World-Honored One: ‘Are you free from illness and affliction? Are your movements light and easy, your strength well regulated, and do you dwell in peace and happiness? Are worldly matters bearable?

Are sentient beings easy to guide?’” He then presented the thousand lotus flowers the color of pure gold to the World-Honored One for the performance of Buddha-work.

At that time, the Buddha Shakyamuni accepted those lotus flowers and scattered them back toward the innumerable Buddha worlds in the north. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus flowers fell throughout all those Buddha realms. Upon the dais of each flower sat a transformation Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the Dharma corresponding to the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. All sentient beings who heard it were certain to attain the fruit of unsurpassed enlightenment.

When Victorious Life and his retinue witnessed this, they rejoiced and leapt with delight, praising it as unprecedented. Each, according to the depth of their roots of goodness and the abundance or scarcity of their articles of offering, respectfully made offerings to, honored, and praised the Buddha and bodhisattvas. Having done so, they withdrew and sat to one side.

In this same manner, from those worlds at the farthest reaches all the way to this realm, in every Buddha realm throughout the north there were Tathagatas who were then teaching the wondrous Dharma to their assemblies. In the presence of each of those Buddhas, there was likewise a foremost bodhisattva who, upon seeing that great radiance, the trembling of the earth, and the bodily signs of the Buddha, approached the Buddha and asked: “World-Honored One, through what causes and conditions has this auspicious sign appeared?”

Each of those Buddhas replied: “South of this realm there is a world named Endurance, where dwells a Buddha named Shakyamuni, who is about to teach the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. It is through that Buddha’s spiritual power that this auspicious sign has appeared.”

Having heard this, each of those foremost bodhisattvas rejoiced and asked permission to go to the Endurance World to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. Those Tathagatas praised them and permitted them to depart. Each entrusted to them thousand-petaled jeweled lotus flowers the color of pure gold and instructed them: “Take these flowers to that Buddha and fully convey my words: ‘I respectfully inquire after you.

Are you free from illness and affliction? Are your movements light and easy, your strength well regulated, and do you dwell in peace and happiness? Are worldly matters bearable?

Are sentient beings easy to guide?’ Then offer these lotus flowers to the World-Honored One for the performance of Buddha-work. When you arrive in that realm, you must perceive it correctly. On seeing that Buddha realm and its bodhisattvas, do not give rise to contempt and thereby injure yourself.

Why is this? The majestic virtue of those bodhisattvas is difficult to equal. Impelled by their vows to liberate sentient beings and because of great causes and conditions, they were born in that realm.”

Each foremost bodhisattva received the flowers and respectfully accepted the command. Then, together with immeasurable, innumerable bodhisattvas, boys, and girls, they took leave of their Buddha, carrying articles of offering, and set out upon their journey. In every Buddha realm through which they passed, they made offerings to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, without omitting a single realm.

Upon arriving before the Buddha Shakyamuni, they bowed their heads at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, presented the flowers, and fully conveyed their messages. After accepting the flowers, the Buddha scattered them back toward the north. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, the flowers fell throughout all those Buddha realms. Upon the dais of each flower was a transformation Buddha teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas, causing all who heard it to be certain of attaining the fruit of unsurpassed enlightenment.

When the foremost bodhisattvas and their retinues witnessed this, they rejoiced and praised it as unprecedented. Each, according to the depth of their roots of goodness and the abundance or scarcity of their articles of offering, respectfully made offerings to, honored, and praised the Buddha and bodhisattvas. Having done so, they withdrew and sat to one side.

At that time, at the farthest reaches of countless worlds to the northeast, there was a world called Adorned with Samadhi. There dwelt a Buddha named Samadhi-Image Supreme Virtue, the Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat. Dwelling there peacefully and securely, he was teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to assemblies of great bodhisattvas.

Among them was a bodhisattva named Valiant Freedom from Defilement. Upon seeing this radiance, the trembling of the earth, and the Buddha’s bodily marks, doubt arose in his mind. He approached the Buddha, bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, and said: “World-Honored One, through what causes and conditions has this auspicious sign appeared?”

The Buddha Samadhi-Image Supreme Virtue then told the great bodhisattva Valiant Freedom from Defilement: “Good man, southwest of this realm, beyond countless worlds, there is a world at the farthest reaches called Endurance. There dwells a Buddha named Shakyamuni, the Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat. He is now dwelling there peacefully and securely and is about to teach the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to assemblies of great bodhisattvas. It is through that Buddha’s spiritual power that this auspicious sign has appeared.”

When Valiant Freedom from Defilement heard the Buddha say this, he rejoiced and leaped with delight. He again addressed the Buddha: “World-Honored One, I now wish to go to the world of Endurance to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Tathagata Shakyamuni and the assemblies of great bodhisattvas—those who have attained penetrating understanding, dharani gateways, samadhi gateways, and sovereign mastery of spiritual powers; who are in their final existence and will succeed to the station of Buddhahood. I beseech you, out of compassion, to grant me permission.”

The Buddha Samadhi-Image Supreme Virtue then told the bodhisattva Valiant Freedom from Defilement: “Excellent! Excellent! Now is indeed the proper time. You may depart.”

The Buddha then took one thousand pure-gold-colored lotus flowers, each with a thousand petals and adorned with precious jewels, and handed them to the bodhisattva Valiant Freedom from Defilement, instructing him: “Take these flowers to the Buddha Shakyamuni and convey my words to him: ‘The Tathagata Samadhi-Image Supreme Virtue earnestly inquires after you. Are you free from illness and affliction? Are your movements light and easy, your strength well regulated, and are you peaceful and joyful?

Are worldly affairs bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide?’ Then present these lotus flowers to the World-Honored One for the performance of Buddha-work. When you reach that realm, you must perceive it correctly.

Upon seeing that Buddha-land and its great assemblies, do not give rise to disdain and thereby bring harm upon yourself. Why is this? The majestic virtue of those great bodhisattvas is difficult to equal.

Impelled by their vows to liberate sentient beings, they were born in that realm for great causes and conditions.”

The bodhisattva Valiant Freedom from Defilement received the flowers and respectfully accepted the command. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of countless great bodhisattvas, both monastics and householders, and immeasurable hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him to the right, and took his leave. Each carried immeasurable varieties of flowers and incense, banners, canopies of precious substances, garments, precious ornaments, and other articles of offering, and they set forth. Passing through countless Buddha-lands to the northeast, they respectfully made offerings, honored, and praised the Buddhas in every Buddha-land they reached, omitting none.

When they arrived before the Buddha Shakyamuni, they bowed their heads at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side. The bodhisattva Valiant Freedom from Defilement stepped forward and addressed the Buddha: “World-Honored One, northeast of this realm, beyond countless worlds, there is a world at the farthest reaches called Adorned with Samadhi. There dwells a Buddha named Samadhi-Image Supreme Virtue, the Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly and Completely Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat.

He earnestly inquires after the World-Honored One: ‘Are you free from illness and affliction? Are your movements light and easy, your strength well regulated, and are you peaceful and joyful? Are worldly affairs bearable?

Are sentient beings easy to guide?’” He then presented those one thousand pure-gold-colored lotus flowers to the World-Honored One for the performance of Buddha-work.

At that time, the Buddha Shakyamuni accepted those lotus flowers and then scattered them back toward the countless Buddha-worlds to the northeast. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those flowers fell throughout all those Buddha-lands. Upon the dais of every flower sat a transformation Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the Dharma corresponding to the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. All sentient beings who heard it attained the fruit of unsurpassed awakening.

When Valiant Freedom from Defilement and his retinue saw this, they rejoiced and leaped with delight, praising it as unprecedented. Each, according to the measure of their roots of virtue and whether their articles of offering were many or few, respectfully made offerings to, honored, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. Having done so, they withdrew and sat to one side.

In this same manner, from that world at the farthest reaches all the way to this realm, in every Buddha-land to the northeast there were Tathagatas then teaching the wondrous Dharma to great assemblies. In the presence of each of those Buddhas was also a foremost bodhisattva. Upon seeing that great radiance, the trembling of the earth, and the Buddha’s bodily marks, each approached their Buddha and asked: “World-Honored One, through what causes and conditions has this auspicious sign appeared?”

Each of those Tathagatas replied: “Southwest of this realm is the world of Endurance, where there dwells a Buddha named Shakyamuni, who is about to teach the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. It is through that Buddha’s spiritual power that this auspicious sign has appeared.”

When the foremost bodhisattvas heard this, they rejoiced, and each requested permission to go to the world of Endurance to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. Those Tathagatas praised them and granted them permission to go. Each gave them one thousand jeweled, pure-gold-colored lotus flowers and instructed them: “Take these flowers to that Buddha and fully convey my words: ‘I earnestly inquire after you.

Are you free from illness and affliction? Are your movements light and easy, your strength well regulated, and are you peaceful and joyful? Are worldly affairs bearable?

Are sentient beings easy to guide?’ Then present these lotus flowers to the World-Honored One for the performance of Buddha-work. When you reach that realm, you must perceive it correctly. Upon seeing that Buddha-land and its bodhisattvas, do not give rise to disdain and thereby bring harm upon yourself.

Why is this? The majestic virtue of those bodhisattvas is difficult to equal. Impelled by their vows to liberate sentient beings, they were born in that realm for great causes and conditions.”

Each foremost bodhisattva received the flowers and respectfully accepted the command. Then, together with immeasurable, countless bodhisattvas, boys, and girls, they took leave of their Buddha, carried articles of offering, and set forth. In every Buddha-land through which they passed, they made offerings to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, omitting none.

When they arrived before the Buddha Shakyamuni, they bowed their heads at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, presented the flowers, and fully reported all that had transpired. After accepting the flowers, the Buddha scattered them back toward the northeast. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, the flowers fell throughout all the Buddha-lands. Upon the dais of every flower was a transformation Buddha teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas, causing all who heard it to attain with certainty the fruit of unsurpassed awakening.

When the foremost bodhisattvas and their retinues saw this, they rejoiced and praised it as unprecedented. Each, according to the measure of their roots of virtue and whether their articles of offering were many or few, respectfully made offerings to, honored, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. Having done so, they withdrew and sat to one side.

At that time, beyond innumerable worlds to the southeast, there was a world at the furthest limit named Wondrous Awakening Adornment. It was exceedingly delightful, and there dwelt a Buddha named Lotus Supreme Virtue Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat. Dwelling there peacefully and securely, he was teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the great bodhisattvas.

In that world was a bodhisattva named Lotus Hand. Seeing this great radiance, the trembling of the earth, and the bodily marks of the Buddha, he became perplexed. He went before the Buddha, bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, and said: “World-Honored One!

Through what causes and conditions have these auspicious signs appeared?”

The Buddha Lotus Supreme Virtue then told the great bodhisattva Lotus Hand: “Good man! Northwest of this realm, beyond innumerable worlds, there is a world at the furthest limit named Saha. There dwells a Buddha named Shakyamuni, the Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat. Dwelling there peacefully and securely, he is about to teach the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the assembly of great bodhisattvas. Through that Buddha’s spiritual power, these auspicious signs have appeared.”

When Lotus Hand heard the Buddha’s words, he rejoiced and leapt for joy. He again addressed the Buddha: “World-Honored One! I now ask permission to go to the Saha World to behold, venerate, and make offerings to the Tathagata Shakyamuni and the assemblies of great bodhisattvas, who have attained penetrating understanding, dharani gateways, samadhi gateways, and sovereign mastery of spiritual powers; who are in their final bodies and will succeed to the rank of Buddhahood. I humbly beseech you, out of compassion, to grant me permission!”

The Buddha Lotus Supreme Virtue then told the bodhisattva Lotus Hand: “Excellent! Excellent! Now is indeed the proper time. You may depart.”

The Buddha then took one thousand lotus blossoms the color of pure gold, each with a thousand petals and adorned with precious jewels, and gave them to the bodhisattva Lotus Hand, instructing him: “Take these flowers to the Buddha Shakyamuni and, in accordance with my words, say: ‘The Tathagata Lotus Supreme Virtue respectfully inquires after you. Are you free from illness and affliction? Are your movements light and easeful, your strength well regulated, and do you abide in peace and happiness?

Are the affairs of the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide?’ Then present these lotus blossoms to the World-Honored One so that they may perform the work of the Buddha. When you reach that realm, you must perceive it correctly.

On seeing that Buddha-land and its great assemblies, do not give rise to contempt and thereby injure yourself. Why is this? The awe-inspiring virtue of those bodhisattvas is difficult to equal.

Impelled by their vows to liberate sentient beings, they were born in that realm for the sake of great causes and conditions.”

The bodhisattva Lotus Hand then received the flowers and respectfully accepted the command. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of innumerable great bodhisattvas, both monastic and lay, and innumerable hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him to the right, and took his leave. Each carried immeasurable varieties of fragrant flowers, banners and streamers, jeweled canopies, garments, precious ornaments, and other articles of offering, and they set forth. As they passed through innumerable Buddha-lands to the southeast, in every Buddha-land they respectfully made offerings, honored and praised the Buddhas, omitting none.

When they arrived before the Buddha Shakyamuni, they bowed their heads at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, presented the flowers, and reported everything to him. After receiving the flowers, the Buddha scattered them back toward the southeast. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, the flowers fell throughout all the Buddha-lands. Within the calyx of every flower was a manifested Buddha teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas, ensuring that those who heard it would certainly attain the fruit of unsurpassed enlightenment.

When the leading bodhisattva and his retinue saw this, they rejoiced and praised it as unprecedented. Each, according to the depth of his roots of virtue and the abundance or scarcity of his articles of offering, respectfully made offerings to, honored, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. Having done so, they withdrew and sat to one side.

At that time, beyond innumerable worlds to the southwest, there was a world at the furthest limit named Gathering Free from Defilement. There dwelt a Buddha named Sun Disc Universally Illuminating Supreme Virtue Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat. Dwelling there peacefully and securely, he was teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the great bodhisattvas.

In that realm was a bodhisattva named Sun Radiance. Seeing this great radiance, the trembling of the earth, and the bodily marks of the Buddha, he became perplexed. He went before the Buddha, bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, and said: “World-Honored One!

Through what causes and conditions have these auspicious signs appeared?”

The Buddha Sun Disc Universally Illuminating Supreme Virtue then told the great bodhisattva Sun Radiance: “Good man! Northeast of this realm, beyond innumerable worlds, there is a world at the furthest limit named Saha. There dwells a Buddha named Shakyamuni, the Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat. He now dwells there peacefully and securely and is about to teach the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the assembly of great bodhisattvas. Through that Buddha’s spiritual power, these auspicious signs have appeared.”

When Sun Radiance heard the Buddha’s words, he rejoiced and leapt for joy. He again addressed the Buddha: “World-Honored One! I now ask permission to go to the Saha World to behold, venerate, and make offerings to the Tathagata Shakyamuni and the assemblies of great bodhisattvas, who have attained penetrating understanding, dharani gateways, samadhi gateways, and sovereign mastery of spiritual powers; who are in their final bodies and will succeed to the rank of Buddhahood. I humbly beseech you, out of compassion, to grant me permission!”

The Buddha Sun Disc Universally Illuminating Supreme Virtue then told the bodhisattva Sun Radiance: “Excellent! Excellent! Now is indeed the proper time. You may depart.”

The Buddha then took one thousand lotus blossoms the color of pure gold, each with a thousand petals and adorned with precious jewels, and gave them to the bodhisattva Sun Radiance, instructing him: “Take these flowers to the Buddha Shakyamuni and, in accordance with my words, say: ‘The Tathagata Sun Disc Universally Illuminating Supreme Virtue respectfully inquires after you. Are you free from illness and affliction? Are your movements light and easeful, your strength well regulated, and do you abide in peace and happiness?

Are the affairs of the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide?’ Then present these lotus blossoms to the World-Honored One so that they may perform the work of the Buddha. When you reach that realm, you must perceive it correctly.

On seeing that Buddha-land and its great assemblies, do not give rise to contempt and thereby injure yourself. Why is this? The awe-inspiring virtue of those bodhisattvas is difficult to equal.

Impelled by their vows to liberate sentient beings, they were born in that realm for the sake of great causes and conditions.”

The bodhisattva Sun Radiance then received the flowers and respectfully accepted the command. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of innumerable great bodhisattvas, both monastic and lay, and innumerable hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him to the right, and took his leave. Each carried immeasurable varieties of fragrant flowers, banners and streamers, jeweled canopies, garments, precious ornaments, and other articles of offering, and they set forth. As they passed through innumerable Buddha-lands to the southwest, in every Buddha-land they respectfully made offerings, honored and praised the Buddhas, omitting none.

When they arrived before Buddha Shakyamuni, they bowed their heads at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side. Bodhisattva Radiance of the Sun stepped forward and said to the Buddha: “Blessed One! To the southwest of this realm, beyond innumerable worlds, there is a world at the farthest limit named Free from the Accumulation of Dust.

There dwells a Buddha named Sun Disc Universally Illuminating Supreme Virtue Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly and Fully Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Person, Tamer of Those to Be Tamed, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat. He earnestly sends his greetings to the Blessed One: ‘Are you in good health and free from affliction? Are your movements light and easy, your strength well balanced, and are you dwelling in peace and happiness?

Are the affairs of the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide to liberation?’” He then took those thousand golden lotus blossoms and presented them to the Blessed One so that they might perform the work of the Buddha.

At that time, Buddha Shakyamuni accepted those lotus blossoms and scattered them back toward the innumerable Buddha worlds in the southwest. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, the flowers fell throughout all those Buddha lands. Within the calyx of each flower sat a magically manifested Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the Dharma corresponding to the Great Prajnaparamita for the bodhisattvas. Any sentient being who heard it would certainly attain unsurpassed perfect awakening.

At that time, Radiance of the Sun and his retinue saw this and rejoiced exuberantly, praising it as unprecedented. Each, according to the depth of their roots of goodness and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings to, honored, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. They then withdrew and sat to one side.

In this same way, from that world at the farthest limit all the way to this realm, in every Buddha land to the southwest there were Tathagatas who were then teaching the wondrous Dharma to the great assembly. In the presence of each of those Buddhas was also a foremost bodhisattva who, upon seeing the great radiance, the trembling of the lands, and the bodily form of the Buddha, approached the Buddha and said: “Blessed One! For what cause and condition have these auspicious signs appeared?”

Each of those Buddhas replied: “To the northeast of this realm is the world called Endurance, where there dwells a Buddha named Shakyamuni who is about to teach the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. These auspicious signs have appeared through that Buddha’s spiritual power.”

Upon hearing this, each of the foremost bodhisattvas rejoiced and requested permission to go to the world of Endurance to behold, venerate, and make offerings to that Buddha and the bodhisattvas. Those Tathagatas commended them and permitted them to go. Each gave them a thousand-jeweled lotus blossom of pure golden color and instructed them: “Take this flower to that Buddha and convey my words in full: ‘I earnestly send my greetings.

Are you in good health and free from affliction? Are your movements light and easy, your strength well balanced, and are you dwelling in peace and happiness? Are the affairs of the world bearable?

Are sentient beings easy to guide to liberation?’ Then present this lotus blossom to the Blessed One so that it may perform the work of the Buddha. When you reach that realm, you must perceive it correctly. When you see that Buddha land and its bodhisattvas, do not give rise to contempt and thereby bring harm upon yourselves.

Why is this? The majestic virtue of those bodhisattvas is difficult to equal. Urged onward by their vows to liberate sentient beings, they have, for a great cause and condition, taken birth in that realm.”

Each foremost bodhisattva received the flower and respectfully accepted the command. Then, accompanied by immeasurable and innumerable bodhisattvas, young men, and young women, they took leave of their Buddha, brought articles of offering, and set forth. In every Buddha land through which they passed, they made offerings to the Buddha and bodhisattvas, without omitting a single realm.

When they arrived before Buddha Shakyamuni, they bowed their heads at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, presented the flowers, and reported everything in full. After accepting the flowers, the Buddha scattered them back toward the southwest. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, the flowers fell throughout all those Buddha lands. Within the calyx of each flower was a magically manifested Buddha teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas, causing those who heard it certainly to attain unsurpassed perfect awakening.

The foremost bodhisattvas and their retinues saw this and rejoiced, praising it as unprecedented. Each, according to the depth of their roots of goodness and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings to, honored, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. They then withdrew and sat to one side.

At that time, beyond innumerable worlds to the northwest, in the world at the farthest limit named True Sovereignty, there dwelt a Buddha named Supreme Tathagata of the Single Jeweled Canopy, Worthy One, Perfectly and Fully Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Person, Tamer of Those to Be Tamed, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat. He was dwelling there peacefully and teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the assemblies of great bodhisattvas.

Among them was a bodhisattva named Jeweled Excellence. Upon seeing this great radiance, the trembling of the lands, and the bodily form of the Buddha, he became perplexed, approached the Buddha, bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, and said: “Blessed One! For what cause and condition have these auspicious signs appeared?”

At that time, Buddha Supreme of the Single Jeweled Canopy said to the great bodhisattva Jeweled Excellence: “Good man! To the southeast of this realm, beyond innumerable worlds, there is a world at the farthest limit named Endurance. There dwells a Buddha named Shakyamuni Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly and Fully Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Person, Tamer of Those to Be Tamed, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat. He is now dwelling there peacefully and is about to teach the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the assemblies of great bodhisattvas. These auspicious signs have appeared through that Buddha’s spiritual power.”

When Jeweled Excellence heard this, he rejoiced exuberantly and again said to the Buddha: “Blessed One! I now ask permission to go to the world of Endurance to behold, venerate, and make offerings to Tathagata Shakyamuni and the assemblies of great bodhisattvas who have attained penetrating understanding, dharani gateways, samadhi gateways, and sovereign spiritual powers, who are in their final existence and will succeed to the position of Buddhahood. I respectfully beseech you, out of compassion, to grant me permission!”

At that time, Buddha Supreme of the Single Jeweled Canopy said to Bodhisattva Jeweled Excellence: “Excellent! Excellent! Now is indeed the proper time. You may depart.”

The Buddha then took a thousand golden lotus blossoms, each having a thousand petals and adorned with jewels, gave them to Bodhisattva Jeweled Excellence, and instructed him: “Take these flowers to Buddha Shakyamuni and convey my words as follows: ‘Tathagata Supreme of the Single Jeweled Canopy earnestly sends his greetings. Are you in good health and free from affliction? Are your movements light and easy, your strength well balanced, and are you dwelling in peace and happiness?

Are the affairs of the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide to liberation?’ Then present these lotus blossoms to the Blessed One so that they may perform the work of the Buddha. When you reach that realm, you must perceive it correctly.

When you see that Buddha land and its great assemblies, do not give rise to contempt and thereby bring harm upon yourself. Why is this? The majestic virtue of those bodhisattvas is difficult to equal.

Urged onward by their vows to liberate sentient beings, they have, for a great cause and condition, taken birth in that realm.”

At that time, Bodhisattva Jeweled Excellence received the flowers and respectfully accepted the command. Then, accompanied by immeasurable hundreds of thousands of innumerable great bodhisattvas, both monastics and householders, as well as innumerable hundreds of thousands of young men and young women, he bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him to the right, and took his leave. Each carried immeasurable varieties of flowers, incense, banners, precious canopies, garments, precious ornaments, and other articles of offering, and they set forth. As they passed through innumerable Buddha lands to the northwest, in every Buddha land they reverently made offerings, paid homage, and offered praise, without omitting a single realm.

When he arrived before Buddha Shakyamuni, he bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand at one side. Bodhisattva Jewel Victory stepped forward and addressed the Buddha: “World-Honored One! To the northwest of this realm, beyond innumerable worlds, there is a world at the furthest limit named True Sovereignty.

There dwells a Buddha named One Jeweled Canopy Victory Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly and Fully Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Person, Tamer of Those to Be Tamed, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One. He has earnestly inquired after the World-Honored One: ‘Are you free from illness and affliction? Do you move about with ease, your strength in harmony, and dwell in peace and happiness?

Are worldly affairs bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide to liberation?’” He then took those thousand golden lotus blossoms and offered them to the World-Honored One for the performance of Buddha-work.

Thereupon, Buddha Shakyamuni received the lotus blossoms and scattered them back toward the innumerable Buddha-worlds in the northwest. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, these flowers fell throughout all those Buddha-realms. Within the calyx of every flower sat a magically manifested Buddha in the lotus posture, teaching the Dharma corresponding to the Great Prajnaparamita for the bodhisattvas. Any sentient being who heard it was certain to attain unsurpassed perfect awakening.

At that time, Jewel Victory and his retinue, having witnessed this, rejoiced and leaped with delight, praising it as unprecedented. Each, according to the depth of their roots of goodness and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings to, honored, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. They then withdrew and sat to one side.

In the same manner, from that world at the furthest limit as far as this realm, in every Buddha-realm to the northwest, there were Tathagatas then teaching the wondrous Dharma to their assemblies. In the presence of each of those Buddhas was also a foremost bodhisattva who, upon seeing this great radiance, the trembling of the lands, and the Buddha’s bodily signs, stepped forward and addressed the Buddha: “World-Honored One! What causes and conditions have brought forth this auspicious sign?”

Each of those Buddhas replied: “To the southeast lies the Sahā World, where there is a Buddha named Shakyamuni who is about to teach the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. Through that Buddha’s spiritual power, this auspicious sign has appeared.”

Upon hearing this, each of the foremost bodhisattvas rejoiced and requested permission to travel to the Sahā World to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. Those Tathagatas praised their intention and permitted them to go. Each Buddha gave them a thousand jeweled golden lotus blossoms and instructed them: “Take these flowers to that Buddha and convey my words in full: ‘I earnestly inquire after you.

Are you free from illness and affliction? Do you move about with ease, your strength in harmony, and dwell in peace and happiness? Are worldly affairs bearable?

Are sentient beings easy to guide to liberation?’ Then offer these lotus blossoms to the World-Honored One for the performance of Buddha-work. When you reach that realm, maintain right understanding. When you see that Buddha-realm and its bodhisattvas, do not give rise to contempt and thereby harm yourselves.

Why is this? The majestic virtue of those bodhisattvas is difficult to equal. Impelled by their vows to liberate sentient beings and for the sake of great causes and conditions, they were born in that realm.”

Each foremost bodhisattva received the flowers and respectfully accepted the command. Then, accompanied by immeasurable and innumerable bodhisattvas, boys, and girls, they took leave of their Buddhas, carried their offerings, and set out. In every Buddha-realm through which they passed, they made offerings to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, omitting none.

When they arrived before Buddha Shakyamuni, they bowed their heads at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, offered the flowers, and reported everything in full. After receiving the flowers, the Buddha scattered them back toward the northwest. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, the flowers fell throughout all those Buddha-realms. Within the calyx of every flower was a magically manifested Buddha teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas, ensuring that those who heard it would attain unsurpassed perfect awakening.

The foremost bodhisattvas and their retinues, having witnessed this, rejoiced and praised it as unprecedented. Each, according to the depth of their roots of goodness and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings to, honored, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. They then withdrew and sat to one side.

At that time, at the furthest limit of innumerable worlds below, there was a world named Lotus Flower. There dwelled a Buddha named Lotus Virtue Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly and Fully Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Person, Tamer of Those to Be Tamed, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One. He was dwelling there peacefully, teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to assemblies of great bodhisattvas.

In that realm was a bodhisattva named Lotus Victory. Upon seeing this great radiance, the trembling of the lands, and the Buddha’s bodily signs, he became perplexed, approached the Buddha, bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, and addressed him: “World-Honored One! What causes and conditions have brought forth this auspicious sign?”

Thereupon, Buddha Lotus Virtue told Bodhisattva Lotus Victory: “Good man! Above this realm, beyond innumerable worlds, there is a world at the furthest limit named Sahā. There dwells a Buddha named Shakyamuni Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly and Fully Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Person, Tamer of Those to Be Tamed, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One. He is now dwelling there peacefully and is about to teach the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to assemblies of great bodhisattvas. Through that Buddha’s spiritual power, this auspicious sign has appeared.”

When Lotus Victory heard the Buddha say this, he rejoiced and leaped with delight. He again addressed the Buddha: “World-Honored One! I now request permission to travel to the Sahā World to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Tathagata Shakyamuni and the assemblies of great bodhisattvas who have attained penetrating understanding, dharani gateways, samadhi gateways, and sovereign mastery of spiritual powers, who are in their final existence and will succeed to the position of Buddhahood. I beseech you to show compassion and grant your permission!”

Thereupon, Buddha Lotus Virtue told Bodhisattva Lotus Victory: “Excellent! Excellent! Now is indeed the proper time. You may depart.”

The Buddha then took a thousand golden lotus blossoms, each with a thousand petals and adorned with precious jewels, gave them to Bodhisattva Lotus Victory, and instructed him: “Take these flowers to Buddha Shakyamuni and convey my words as instructed: ‘Tathagata Lotus Virtue earnestly inquires after you. Are you free from illness and affliction? Do you move about with ease, your strength in harmony, and dwell in peace and happiness?

Are worldly affairs bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide to liberation?’ Then offer these lotus blossoms to the World-Honored One for the performance of Buddha-work. When you reach that realm, maintain right understanding.

When you see that Buddha-realm and its great assemblies, do not give rise to contempt and thereby harm yourself. Why is this? The majestic virtue of those great bodhisattvas is difficult to equal.

Impelled by their vows to liberate sentient beings and for the sake of great causes and conditions, they were born in that realm.”

Thereupon, Bodhisattva Lotus Victory received the flowers and respectfully accepted the command. Then, accompanied by immeasurable hundreds of thousands of innumerable great bodhisattvas, both monastic and lay, and innumerable hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him clockwise, and took his leave. Each carried immeasurable varieties of flowers, incense, banners, canopies, precious parasols, garments, precious ornaments, and other offerings, and they set out. As they passed through innumerable Buddha-realms below, in every Buddha-realm they reverently made offerings, rendered honor, and offered praise, omitting none.

When they arrived before Buddha Shakyamuni, they bowed their heads at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side. Bodhisattva Lotus Supreme came forward and said to the Buddha: “Blessed One! Below this realm, beyond innumerable worlds, there is a world at the farthest limit called Lotus, where dwells a Buddha named Lotus Virtue, the Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat.

He respectfully sends his greetings to the Blessed One and asks: ‘Are you in good health, with little illness and little affliction? Are your movements light and easy, your strength well balanced, and are you dwelling in peace and happiness? Are worldly affairs bearable?

Are sentient beings easy to guide?’” Then, holding those thousand golden lotus flowers, he presented them to the Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work.

At that time, Buddha Shakyamuni received those lotus flowers and scattered them back toward the innumerable Buddha worlds below. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, the flowers fell throughout all those Buddha lands. Upon the calyx of every flower sat a transformation Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the Dharma corresponding to the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. Any sentient being who heard it was certain to attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.

At that time, Lotus Supreme and his retinue, having witnessed this, rejoiced and leapt with delight, praising it as unprecedented. Each, according to the measure of his roots of goodness and the abundance or scarcity of his offerings, reverently made offerings to, honored, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. When they had finished, they withdrew and sat to one side.

Thus it was that, from that world at the farthest limit all the way to this one, in every Buddha land below, there were Tathagatas presently teaching the wondrous Dharma to their assemblies. Before each of those Buddhas was also a foremost bodhisattva who, upon seeing the great radiance, the quaking of the lands, and the bodily manifestation of the Buddha, approached his Buddha and said: “Blessed One! What causes and conditions have brought about this auspicious sign?”

At that time, each of those Buddhas replied: “Above this realm is a world called Endurance, where there is a Buddha named Shakyamuni who is about to teach the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. Through that Buddha’s spiritual power, this auspicious sign has appeared.”

When the foremost bodhisattvas heard this, they rejoiced. Each asked permission to travel to the World of Endurance to behold, venerate, and make offerings to the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. Those Tathagatas praised them and permitted them to depart.

They gave them thousand-petaled jeweled lotus flowers of pure golden hue and instructed them: “Take these flowers to that Buddha and fully convey my words: ‘I respectfully send my greetings and ask whether you have little illness and little affliction, whether your movements are light and easy, your strength well balanced, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness. Are worldly affairs bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide?’ Then present these lotus flowers to the Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work.

When you reach that realm, perceive it correctly. Upon seeing that Buddha land and its bodhisattvas, do not give rise to contempt and thereby harm yourselves. Why?

Because the majestic virtue of those bodhisattvas is difficult to equal. Urged on by their vows to liberate sentient beings and for the sake of a great cause, they have taken birth in that realm.”

Each foremost bodhisattva received the flowers and respectfully accepted the command. Together with immeasurable, innumerable bodhisattvas, young men, and young women, they took leave of their Buddha and set forth, carrying articles of offering. In every Buddha land through which they passed, they made offerings to the Buddha and bodhisattvas, omitting none.

When they arrived before Buddha Shakyamuni, they bowed their heads at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, presented the flowers, and reported everything in full. After receiving the flowers, the Buddha scattered them back toward the lower direction. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, the flowers fell throughout all the Buddha lands. Upon the calyx of every flower was a transformation Buddha teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas, ensuring that those who heard it would attain unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.

The foremost bodhisattvas and their retinues, having witnessed this, rejoiced and praised it as unprecedented. Each, according to the measure of his roots of goodness and the abundance or scarcity of his offerings, reverently made offerings to, honored, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. When they had finished, they withdrew and sat to one side.

At that time, beyond innumerable worlds in the upper direction, there was a world at the farthest limit called Joy, where dwelt a Buddha named Joyful Virtue, the Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat. He was peacefully abiding there, teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the great bodhisattvas.

In that realm was a bodhisattva named Joyful Reception. When he saw this great radiance, the quaking of the lands, and the bodily manifestation of the Buddha, perplexity arose in his mind. He approached the Buddha, bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, and said: “Blessed One!

What causes and conditions have brought about this auspicious sign?”

At that time, Buddha Joyful Virtue said to the great bodhisattva Joyful Reception: “Good man! Below this realm, beyond innumerable worlds, there is a world at the farthest limit called Endurance, where there is a Buddha named Shakyamuni, the Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat. He is now peacefully abiding there and is about to teach the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the assembly of great bodhisattvas. Through that Buddha’s spiritual power, this auspicious sign has appeared.”

When Joyful Reception heard this, he rejoiced and leapt with delight. He again said to the Buddha: “Blessed One! I now ask permission to travel to the World of Endurance to behold, venerate, and make offerings to Tathagata Shakyamuni and the assemblies of great bodhisattvas who have attained penetrating understanding, dharani gateways, samadhi gateways, and mastery of spiritual powers; who are in their final existence and will succeed to the position of Buddhahood. I humbly pray that you will compassionately grant me permission!”

At that time, Buddha Joyful Virtue said to Bodhisattva Joyful Reception: “Excellent! Excellent! Now is indeed the proper time. You may depart.”

The Buddha then took a thousand golden lotus blossoms, each having a thousand petals and adorned with various jewels, gave them to Bodhisattva Joyful Reception, and instructed him: “Take these flowers to Buddha Shakyamuni and convey my words to him: ‘Tathagata Joyful Virtue respectfully sends his greetings and asks whether you have little illness and little affliction, whether your movements are light and easy, your strength well balanced, and whether you dwell in peace and happiness.

Are worldly affairs bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide?’ Then present these lotus flowers to the Blessed One for the performance of Buddha-work. When you reach that realm, perceive it correctly.

Upon seeing that Buddha land and its great assemblies, do not give rise to contempt and thereby harm yourself. Why? Because the majestic virtue of those bodhisattvas is difficult to equal.

Urged on by their vows to liberate sentient beings and for the sake of a great cause, they have taken birth in that realm.”

At that time, Bodhisattva Joyful Reception received the flowers and respectfully accepted the command. Then, together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of innumerable great bodhisattvas, both monastic and lay, and innumerable hundreds of thousands of young men and young women, he bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him clockwise, and took his leave. Each carried immeasurable varieties of flowers, incense, banners, canopies, precious parasols, garments, valuable ornaments, and other articles of offering, and they set forth. As they passed through innumerable Buddha lands in the upper direction, in every Buddha land they reverently made offerings, honored, and praised, omitting none.

When he arrived in the presence of Buddha Shakyamuni, he bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side. Bodhisattva Joyful Longevity came forward and addressed the Buddha: “World-Honored One! Above this realm, beyond innumerable worlds, there is a world at the farthest limit named Joy, where a Buddha named Joyful Virtue abides.

The Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Person, Tamer of Those to Be Tamed, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavat, earnestly sends his greetings to the World-Honored One: ‘Are you in good health, with little illness and little affliction? Are your movements light and easy, your strength well balanced, and are you dwelling in peace and happiness?

Are the affairs of the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?’” He then took those thousand lotus flowers, the color of pure gold, and offered them to the World-Honored One for the performance of Buddha-work.

At that time, Buddha Shakyamuni received those lotus flowers and scattered them back toward the innumerable Buddha-worlds above. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, the flowers fell throughout all those Buddha-lands. Within the calyx of each flower sat a transformation Buddha in the full lotus posture, teaching the Dharma corresponding to the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas. Any sentient being who heard it would certainly attain the fruit of unsurpassed awakening.

At that time, Joyful Longevity and his retinue, having witnessed this, rejoiced and leapt with delight, praising it as unprecedented. Each, according to the depth of their roots of virtue and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings to, honored, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. Having done so, they withdrew and sat to one side.

In the same way, from that world at the farthest limit down to this place, in every Buddha-land above there were Tathagatas who were then teaching the wondrous Dharma to their assemblies. In the presence of each of those Buddhas there was also a foremost bodhisattva who, upon seeing that great radiance, the trembling of the lands, and the Buddha’s bodily marks, approached the Buddha and asked: “World-Honored One! Through what causes and conditions have these auspicious signs appeared?”

At that time, each of those Buddhas replied: “Below us there is a world named Endurance, where a Buddha named Shakyamuni abides. He is about to teach the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the great bodhisattvas. Through that Buddha’s spiritual power, these auspicious signs have appeared.”

Having heard this, the foremost bodhisattvas rejoiced, and each requested permission to travel to the world of Endurance to behold, venerate, and make offerings to the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. Those Tathagatas praised their intention and permitted them to go. They gave them thousand-petaled jeweled lotus flowers the color of pure gold and instructed them: “Take these flowers to that Buddha and convey my message in full: ‘I earnestly inquire whether you are in good health, with little illness and little affliction.

Are your movements light and easy, your strength well balanced, and are you dwelling in peace and happiness? Are the affairs of the world bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?’ Then take these lotus flowers and offer them to the World-Honored One for the performance of Buddha-work.

When you arrive in that realm, maintain right understanding. Upon seeing that Buddha-land and its bodhisattvas, do not give rise to contempt and thereby bring harm upon yourselves. Why is this?

The majestic virtue of those bodhisattvas is difficult to equal. Impelled by their vows to liberate sentient beings and for the sake of great causes and conditions, they were born in that realm.”

Each foremost bodhisattva received the flowers and respectfully accepted the command. Then, together with immeasurable and innumerable bodhisattvas, young men, and young women, they took leave of their Buddha, brought offerings with them, and set out on their journey. In every Buddha-land through which they passed, they made offerings to the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, omitting none.

When they arrived in the presence of Buddha Shakyamuni, they bowed their heads at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, offered the flowers, and fully conveyed their message. After the Buddha received the flowers, he scattered them back toward the worlds above. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, the flowers fell throughout all those Buddha-lands. Within the calyx of each flower was a transformation Buddha teaching the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita to the bodhisattvas, causing those who heard it to attain with certainty the fruit of unsurpassed awakening.

The foremost bodhisattvas and their retinues, having witnessed this, rejoiced and praised it as unprecedented. Each, according to the depth of their roots of virtue and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings to, honored, and praised the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. Having done so, they withdrew and sat to one side.

At that time, the Buddha-lands throughout this three-thousandfold world-system were filled with precious treasures. Many kinds of exquisite flowers were scattered across the ground, while jeweled banners, streamers, and canopies were arrayed everywhere. Flowering trees, fruit trees, fragrant trees, soft trees, jeweled trees, garment trees, and ornamental trees were intermingled, adorning the entire realm and making it exceedingly delightful. It resembled the realm filled with lotus flowers in the Pure Land of Tathagata Universal Flower. Bodhisattva Wondrous Auspiciousness, Bodhisattva Well-Abiding Wisdom, and immeasurable great bodhisattvas possessing great majestic virtue and spiritual power all dwelt therein.

Fascicle 02

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