佛說華手經

17. Chapter Seventeen: The Myriad Marks

At that time, in the eastern direction, beyond eleven thousand asamkhya worlds, there was a world named Myriad Marks. In that world was a Buddha named Delighting in Signlessness, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Voice of Brahma the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

Between the world of Myriad Marks and this world was a world named Signlessness. In that world was a Buddha named Wondrous Transformative Voice, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Delighting in the One Mark the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Signlessness and this world was a world named Ocean of Signlessness.

In that world was a Buddha named Supreme Flower, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Rain of Flowers the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Ocean of Signlessness and this world was a world named Variegated Marks. In that world was a Buddha named Precious Virtue, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Variegated Crown the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

Between the world of Variegated Marks and this world was a world named Precious Birth. In that world was a Buddha named Ocean Meru, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Wondrous Eye the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Precious Birth and this world was a world named Vastness.

In that world was a Buddha named Stainless Mind, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Ni-min-da-la the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Vastness and this world was a world named Flower. In that world was a Buddha named Born of the Flower of Wisdom, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Excellent Deportment the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

Between the world of Flower and this world was a world named Pure Space. In that world was a Buddha named Supremely Lofty Accumulation of Virtue, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Jeweled Canopy the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Pure Space and this world was a world named Signlessness.

In that world was a Buddha named Tranquil Extinction, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Utpala the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Signlessness and this world was a world named Wondrous Bliss. In that world was a Buddha named Sovereign Freedom from Desire, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Resolute Mind the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

Between the world of Wondrous Bliss and this world was a world named Vajra Realm. In that world was a Buddha named Extinguishing All Destinies, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Turning the Womb the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of the Vajra Realm and this world was a world named Accumulation of Virtue.

In that world was a Buddha named Inconceivable Birth of Virtue, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Upholder of the World the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Accumulation of Virtue and this world was a world named Great Peace. In that world was a Buddha named Joy-Born Virtue, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Supreme Assembly the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

Between the world of Great Peace and this world was a world named No Lifespan. In that world was a Buddha named Arrival at Fearlessness, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Valiant Hero the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of No Lifespan and this world was a world named Scattered Red Lotuses.

In that world was a Buddha named Flowing Fragrance, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Fragrant Thunder the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Scattered Red Lotuses and this world was a world named A-kiet Flowing Fragrance. In that world was a Buddha named Unobstructed Fragrant Light, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Boundless Adornment the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

Between the world of A-kiet Flowing Fragrance and this world was a world named Gathering Refuge. In that world was a Buddha named Sound of the Resounding Drum, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Upholder of the Earth the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Gathering Refuge and this world was a world named Accumulation of Merit.

In that world was a Buddha named Virtue Born of Merit, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Increase the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Accumulation of Merit and this world was a world named Pure Bliss. In that world was a Buddha named Sovereign in Boundless Practices, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Kasyapa the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

Between the world of Pure Bliss and this world was a world named Wondrous Fragrance. In that world was a Buddha named Firm as Sumeru, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Majestic Virtue the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Wondrous Fragrance and this world was a world named Mark of Fragrance.

In that world was a Buddha named Supreme Fragrant Meru, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Wondrous Adornment the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Mark of Fragrance and this world was a world named Assisting Fragrance. In that world was a Buddha named Boundless Light, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Wondrous Nature the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

Between the world of Assisting Fragrance and this world was a world named Taming and Subduing. In that world was a Buddha named Universal Contemplation, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Boundless Power the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Taming and Subduing and this world was a world named Great Courage.

In that world was a Buddha named Fearless, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Great Power the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Great Courage and this world was a world named Free from Fear. In that world was a Buddha named Attainment of Fearlessness, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Renowned Throughout the Directions the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

Between the world of Free from Fear and this world was a world named Moon. In that world was a Buddha named Sun-Moon Lamp, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Gathering Refuge the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. Between the world of Moon and this world was a world named Illumination.

In that world was a Buddha named Luminous Lamp, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Upholder of Light the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

From the realm of Illuminating Radiance to the region midway here, there is a world named Producing Light. There, a Buddha named Awe-Inspiring Virtue is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva King Who Spreads Throughout the World the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Producing Light to the region midway here, there is a world named Following Severance.

There, a Buddha named Supremely Exalted Practice is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Wisdom Lineage the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Following Severance to the region midway here, there is a world named Myriad Fragrances. There, a Buddha named Excellent Assembly is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Wondrous Intention the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above.

From the realm of Myriad Fragrances to the region midway here, there is a world named Vajra. There, a Buddha named Vajra-Born is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Accumulation of Virtue the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Vajra to the region midway here, there is a world named Sound.

There, a Buddha named King of Sovereign Wisdom is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Narayana the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Sound to the region midway here, there is a world named Joy-Producing. There, a Buddha named Spreading the Power of Wisdom is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Spreading Vows the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above.

From the realm of Joy-Producing to the region midway here, there is a world named Peace-Producing. There, a Buddha named Supreme Peace is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Pusya the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Peace-Producing to the region midway here, there is a world named Aruna.

There, a Buddha named Radiance of the King of Virtue is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Guiding Master the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Aruna to the region midway here, there is a world named Accumulation of Aruna. There, a Buddha named Wondrous Eye is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Upholder of Radiance the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above.

From the realm of Accumulation of Aruna to the region midway here, there is a world named Soft and Gentle. There, a Buddha named King of Sala Trees is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Precious Sala the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Soft and Gentle to the region midway here, there is a world named Well-Established.

There, a Buddha named King Sumeru is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Steadfast as Sumeru the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Well-Established to the region midway here, there is a world named Purity. There, a Buddha named Sumeru is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva King Who Spreads Vows the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above.

From the realm of Purity to the region midway here, there is a world named Virtue-Producing. There, a Buddha named Precious Awe-Inspiring Virtue is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Excellent Reflection and Vows the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Virtue-Producing to the region midway here, there is a world named Auspicious Marks.

There, a Buddha named Supreme Excellent Virtue is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Chooser of Assemblies the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Auspicious Marks to the region midway here, there is a world named Brahma Virtue. There, a Buddha named Brahma Sound is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Precious Virtue the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above.

From the realm of Brahma Virtue to the region midway here, there is a world named Floral Virtue. There, a Buddha named Precious Flower is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Precious Radiance the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Floral Virtue to the region midway here, there is a world named Lotus Virtue.

There, a Buddha named Lotus-Born Virtue is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Lotus Treasury the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Lotus Virtue to the region midway here, there is a world named Sandalwood Grotto. There, a Buddha named Sandalwood Fragrance is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Sandalwood Virtue the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above.

From the realm of Sandalwood Grotto to the region midway here, there is a world named Flower. There, a Buddha named Like Sumeru is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Pure Virtue the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Flower to the region midway here, there is a world named Golden Flower.

There, a Buddha named Supreme Adornment is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Vajra the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Golden Flower to the region midway here, there is a world named Precious Radiance. There, a Buddha named Precious Canopy is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Precious Host the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above.

From the realm of Precious Radiance to the region midway here, there is a world named Fragrant Sumeru. There, a Buddha named Fragrant Elephant is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Unobstructed Eye the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Fragrant Sumeru to the region midway here, there is a world named Variegated Marks.

There, a Buddha named Boundless Sovereign Power is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Unfailing Power the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Variegated Marks to the region midway here, there is a world named Purity. There, a Buddha named Unfailing Renown is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Unfailing Vision the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above.

From the realm of Purity to the region midway here, there is a world named Abode of Merit. There, a Buddha named Radiance of the King of Inconceivable Merit is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Radiant Sound the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Abode of Merit to the region midway here, there is a world named Possessing Virtue.

There, a Buddha named Variegated Flowers is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Wisdom and Diligence the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Possessing Virtue to the region midway here, there is a world named Peace and Security. There, a Buddha named King of Peace is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Bringer of Peace the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above.

From the realm of Peace and Security to the region midway here, there is a world named Most Exalted. There, a Buddha named Exalted Floral Virtue is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Wondrous Flower the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Most Exalted to the region midway here, there is a world named Trembling.

There, a Buddha named Constant Compassion is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Constant Sorrow the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Trembling to the region midway here, there is a world named Constantly Trembling. There, a Buddha named Medicine King is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Adornment of Great Compassion the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above.

From the realm of Constantly Trembling to the region midway here, there is a world named Firm and Secure. There, a Buddha named Seeking the Welfare of the World is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Power of Wisdom the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Firm and Secure to the region midway here, there is a world named Immovable.

There, a Buddha named Boundless Practices of Mind is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Well-Abiding the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above. From the realm of Immovable to the region midway here, there is a world named Pervading Empty Space. There, a Buddha named Boundless Sovereign Power is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Aid of the Multitudes the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as stated above.

From the realm of Universal Empty Space to the intervening region here, there is a world named Luminous Lapis Lazuli. There, a Buddha named Boundless Light is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Adornment of Immeasurable Mind the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Luminous Lapis Lazuli to the intervening region here, there is a world named Golden Radiance.

There, a Buddha named Boundless Radiance is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Wondrous Eye the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Golden Radiance to the intervening region here, there is a world named Signless. There, a Buddha named Sovereign in Speech and Sound is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Nandi the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

From the realm of Signless to the intervening region here, there is a world named Lotus Canopy. There, a Buddha named Sovereign of Boundless Space is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Adornment of Contemplative Concentration the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Lotus Canopy to the intervening region here, there is a world named Arrayed Canopies.

There, a Buddha named King of Constellations is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Lotus Virtue the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Arrayed Canopies to the intervening region here, there is a world named Adorned with Jeweled Nets. There, a Buddha named Supreme Fragrant Virtue is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Flower Hand the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

From the realm of Adorned with Jeweled Nets to the intervening region here, there is a world named True Gold. There, a Buddha named Virtue of Empty Space is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Pure Eye the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of True Gold to the intervening region here, there is a world named Purity.

There, a Buddha named Supremely Lofty Virtue is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Virtuous Eye the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Purity to the intervening region here, there is a world named Free from Sorrow. There, a Buddha named Maker of Directions is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Maker of Light the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

From the realm of Free from Sorrow to the intervening region here, there is a world named Constellations. There, a Buddha named Supremely Lofty Meru is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Establishment the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Constellations to the intervening region here, there is a world named Variegated Marks.

There, a Buddha named Unobstructed Eye is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Variegated Assembly the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Variegated Marks to the intervening region here, there is a world named Flow of Fragrance. There, a Buddha named Sagara is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Samudra the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

From the realm of Flow of Fragrance to the intervening region here, there is a world named Myriad Fragrances. There, a Buddha named Torch Bearer is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Destroyer of Doubt the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Myriad Fragrances to the intervening region here, there is a world named Sandalwood Fragrance.

There, a Buddha named Mark of Fire is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Praised by the Multitudes the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Sandalwood Fragrance to the intervening region here, there is a world named Excellent Joy. There, a Buddha named Virtue of Excellent Purity is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Virtue That Vanquishes Mara the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

From the realm of Excellent Joy to the intervening region here, there is a world named Arising Joy. There, a Buddha named Accumulation of Wisdom is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Beneficial Intent the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Arising Joy to the intervening region here, there is a world named Pervasive Diffusion.

There, a Buddha named King of the Power of Pervasive Diffusion is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Valiant Hero the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Pervasive Diffusion to the intervening region here, there is a world named Great Virtue. There, a Buddha named Eye of the King of Merit is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Beneficial Intent the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

From the realm of Great Virtue to the intervening region here, there is a world named Firmness. There, a Buddha named Manifest Wisdom is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Practitioner of Diligence the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Firmness to the intervening region here, there is a world named Non-Retrogression.

There, a Buddha named Virtue Born from the Lofty Flower is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Mindfulness of Virtue the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Non-Retrogression to the intervening region here, there is a world named Excellent Discernment. There, a Buddha named Jeweled Fire is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Valiant Virtue the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

From the realm of Excellent Discernment to the intervening region here, there is a world named Utpala. There, a Buddha named Virtue of the Red Lotus is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Virtuous Hand the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Utpala to the intervening region here, there is a world named Canopy of Doubt.

There, a Buddha named Destroyer of All Doubts is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Fearlessness the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Canopy of Doubt to the intervening region here, there is a world named Wondrous. There, a Buddha named Excellent Assembly is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Attainment of Renown the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

From the realm of Wondrous to the intervening region here, there is a world named Myriad Virtues. There, a Buddha named Krakucchanda is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Torch Bearer the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Myriad Virtues to the intervening region here, there is a world named Wondrous Excellence.

There, a Buddha named King of Marks is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Diligent Mind the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Wondrous Excellence to the intervening region here, there is a world named Wondrous Fragrance. There, a Buddha named Born of Lotus Virtue is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Supreme Wisdom the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

From the realm of Wondrous Fragrance to the intervening region here, there is a world named Excellent Marks. There, a Buddha named Emanating Light is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Compassionate Assembly the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Excellent Marks to the intervening region here, there is a world named Sound of Clouds.

There, a Buddha named Maitreya is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Flower the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Sound of Clouds to the intervening region here, there is a world named Radiance. There, a Buddha named Lotus Radiance is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Supreme Dharma the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

From the realm of Radiance to the intervening region here, there is a world named Renown. There, a Buddha named Mark of the Supreme Dharma King is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Arjuna the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Renown to the intervening region here, there is a world named Shakra.

There, a Buddha named Boundless Power is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Compassion Renowned by Name the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above. From the realm of Shakra to the intervening region here, there is a world named Lotus. There, a Buddha named Victorious Mountain and Ocean is presently bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Accumulation of Jewels the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, as stated above.

From the Lotus Flower world to the region midway here, there is a world called Joy, where a Buddha named Shakyamuni is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the great bodhisattva Sovereign King, as described above. From the Joy world to the region midway here, there is a world called Ever Adorned, where a Buddha named Unfailing Vision is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the great bodhisattva Courageous Virtue, as described above.

From the Ever Adorned world to the region midway here, there is a world called Pervasive Diffusion, where a Buddha named Unobstructed Voice is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the great bodhisattva Well-Abiding, as described above. From the Pervasive Diffusion world to the region midway here, there is a world called Ever-Proclaiming, where a Buddha named Infinite Renown, Virtue, and Radiance is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the great bodhisattva Joy, as described above.

From the Ever-Proclaiming world to the region midway here, there is a world called White Mark, where a Buddha named Adornment Free from Discrimination is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the great bodhisattva Unobstructed Adornment, as described above. From the White Mark world to the region midway here, there is a world called Sandalwood Fragrance, where a Buddha named Boundless Light is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the great bodhisattva Pure Virtue, as described above.

From the Sandalwood Fragrance world to the region midway here, there is a world called Kasaya Mark, where a Buddha named Wondrous Eye is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the great bodhisattva Jeweled Hand, as described above.

Such great bodhisattvas bound to only one more birth were immeasurable and boundless, beyond all reckoning. They assembled from the east in the Saha world, entered the city of Rajagriha, proceeded directly to the Bamboo Grove, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, exchanged greetings, and then sat to one side...

18. Chapter Eighteen: The Various Directions

In the south, beyond immeasurable asamkhyeyas of worlds, there is a Buddha named Treasury of Pure Jewels, who is bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Constellation the prediction of unsurpassed, complete and perfect enlightenment.

At that time, the great bodhisattva Constellation saw a brilliant light and heard a clear sound. He then asked the Buddha Treasury of Pure Jewels, “World-Honored One, what Buddha’s light and sound are these?” The Buddha replied, “Good man! In the north, beyond immeasurable asamkhyeyas of worlds, there is a world called Saha.

There dwells a Buddha named Shakyamuni, who is presently teaching the Dharma for the bodhisattvas, dispelling the doubts of sentient beings and causing them to rejoice in the Dharma treasury of the Mahayana. These are the light and sound of Shakyamuni Buddha. The assembly there includes great bodhisattvas fully accomplished in magnificent adornments, just as the worlds throughout the ten directions, numerous as the sands of the Ganges, are likewise magnificently adorned.”

At that time, the bodhisattva Constellation addressed the Buddha Treasury of Pure Jewels, saying, “World-Honored One, I wish to go in person to the Saha world to behold Shakyamuni Buddha, pay homage to him, and make offerings. I also wish to meet the assembly of great bodhisattvas there, who are fully accomplished in magnificent adornments.” The Buddha replied, “If you wish to go, you may do as you please. Convey my greetings to Shakyamuni Buddha and ask: ‘Are you free from illness and affliction?

Are you healthy and at ease?’ You must remain single-minded so that you may pass serenely into the Saha world. Why is this so? Because the bodhisattvas of the Saha world are unsurpassed in fortitude and are difficult to overcome.” The bodhisattva Constellation then bowed with his head at the Buddha’s feet and circumambulated him three times.

Suddenly he disappeared and could no longer be seen there. In the time it takes a strong man to extend his arm, he reached the Saha world, entered the city of Rajagriha, proceeded directly to the Bamboo Grove, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, and then stood to one side and addressed the Buddha: “World-Honored One, the Buddha Treasury of Pure Jewels sends his greetings and asks whether the World-Honored One is free from illness and affliction, at ease, and strong in his comings and goings.” The Buddha then asked in return, “Is the Tathagata Treasury of Pure Jewels strong in his comings and goings there?” The bodhisattva replied, “The World-Honored One Treasury of Pure Jewels remains peaceful and well there, without any difficulty whatsoever.”

Such great bodhisattvas bound to only one more birth, immeasurable and innumerable throughout asamkhyeyas of worlds, likewise assembled from the south in the Saha world. They entered the city of Rajagriha, proceeded directly to the Bamboo Grove, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, inquired after his health, and then sat to one side. In the west, beyond immeasurable and innumerable asamkhyeyas of worlds, there is a world called Universal Joy.

There dwells a Buddha named Stainless Adornment Unobstructed throughout the Three Times, who is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Boundless Sovereign Manifestation of the Buddha’s Floral Adornment the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi. All the objects in that world shine with the colors of lotus flowers and mani jewels, while its trees gleam with the hues of precious gems and constantly radiate light everywhere.

Its lotus flowers are each as large as one thousand yojanas and are adorned with various other precious substances. The fragrance of those lotus flowers pervades the worlds of the ten directions. In that world, the bodily form of each bodhisattva is as vast as ten thousand yojanas, radiating brilliant light.

Their excellent marks are extraordinarily splendid, and their majestic bearing is supremely beautiful, causing all who behold them to rejoice and resolve to travel to those worlds to behold and worship (1) the Buddhas, for those Buddhas possess the spiritual powers arising from their original vows. At that time, the innumerable worlds in the east, extending as far as the Dharma-nature, all appeared before the Buddhas. The worlds in the west, south, north, the four intermediate directions, above, and below, extending as far as the Dharma-nature, also all appeared.

In every Buddha-land, the ground was made of level vaidurya, and rows of jeweled trees served as adornments. Some bodhisattvas had newly aroused the aspiration for unsurpassed bodhi and were able to fully practice difficult practices and make difficult relinquishments. Some bodhisattvas had transcended all dharmas, attained the Dharma of non-arising, become replete with wisdom, and cultivated the Buddha-Dharma in purity; they were able to manifest the spiritual powers of innumerable bodhisattvas.

Some bodhisattvas dwelled in Tusita Heaven (2); some descended from Tusita Heaven, spiritually entered their mothers’ wombs, were born, and renounced the household life; some sat at the place of enlightenment, cultivated the path, and attained unsurpassed bodhi; and some possessed the power to turn the profound and vast wheel of the precious Dharma while surrounded by great bodhisattvas, to whom they taught the Dharma.

When their Buddha-work was complete, they entered nirvana. Yet, in order to benefit bodhisattvas throughout all other worlds, they could still be seen while their own lands remained unmoved. Among all lands, that Buddha-land was exceedingly pure and magnificent.

Shakyamuni Buddha emitted brilliant rays of light, whose radiance extended to the lotus flowers gleaming with the colors of mani jewels and the trees shining with the hues of precious gems. The Buddha’s radiance spread over and concealed them so completely that no one could see them, while all the delightful sounds in that land arose together in unison.

At that time, the bodhisattva Boundless Sovereign Power Manifesting Buddha-Flower Adornment saw the radiant light and heard that clear sound. He then asked the Buddha Stainless Adornment Unobstructed throughout the Three Times, “World-Honored One, what Buddha-light and sound are these?”

The Buddha replied, “Good man! East of here, beyond immeasurably and innumerably many lands, there is a world called Saha. There is a Buddha there named Shakyamuni, who is presently teaching the Dharma to the bodhisattvas in order to dispel the doubts of sentient beings and cause them to rejoice in the treasury of the Mahayana Dharma. These are the Buddha-light and sound of the Buddha Shakyamuni.”

At that time, the bodhisattva Boundless Sovereign Power said to the Buddha, “World-Honored One, I wish to go in person to the Saha world to behold the Buddha Shakyamuni, bow to him and make offerings, and also to meet the great bodhisattvas there who are replete with adornments.”

The Buddha replied, “Good man! You must now manifest a smaller body and leave behind the great lotus flowers. Why is this? Because the Saha world cannot contain all these great lotus flowers.”

The bodhisattva replied, “Yes, World-Honored One. I shall manifest a smaller body and leave the lotus flowers behind.”

The Buddha said, “If you wish to go, you may do as you please. Convey my greetings to the Buddha Shakyamuni and ask whether he has little illness and little affliction, whether his dwelling is comfortable, and whether his coming and going are peaceful.”

The bodhisattva then bowed at the Buddha’s feet and circumambulated him three times. Suddenly he disappeared and could no longer be seen. Just as a mighty man might extend his arm, he reached the Saha world, entered the city of Rajagriha, and proceeded directly to the Bamboo Grove. He bowed at the Buddha’s feet, stood to one side, and said to the Buddha, “World-Honored One, the Buddha Stainless Adornment Unobstructed throughout the Three Times sends his greetings and asks whether the World-Honored One has little illness and little affliction, whether his dwelling is comfortable, and whether his coming and going are peaceful.”

The Buddha then asked, “Is the Buddha Stainless Adornment Unobstructed throughout the Three Times peaceful in his activities there?”

The bodhisattva replied, “He is peaceful, World-Honored One. The Buddha Stainless Adornment Unobstructed throughout the Three Times remains safe and well there, without any difficulty.”

The Buddha further asked, “What benefit did you perceive that caused you to come here?”

-He replied, “Through the Tathagata’s spiritual power, I was able to come here. World-Honored One, while there I also saw the Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions. Because they never give rise to a desirous mind, I had to come to another land to see clearly.”

-“Why is that?”

-“Because in that land I had already seen innumerable worlds throughout the ten directions, as well as the Buddhas therein.

-“World-Honored One, following the Buddha’s intent and relying on the Buddha’s power, in but an instant I suddenly came here from that land. In this manner, westward from the world Universal Joy through all the intervening regions, there were immeasurably many Buddhas: Buddha Flower, Buddha Immeasurable Radiance, Buddha Immeasurable Light (3), Buddha Immeasurable Luminous Splendor, Buddha Immeasurable Sovereign Power, Buddha Immeasurable Power, Buddha Single Canopy, Buddha Canopy Practice, Buddha Jeweled Canopy, Buddha King of Constellations, Buddha Well-Cultivated, Buddha Radiant Wheel, Buddha King of Radiance, Buddha Lofty, Buddha Vast Virtue, Buddha Boundless Light, Buddha Sovereign, Buddha Sovereign Power, Buddha Unobstructed Sound, Buddha Great Cloud-Light, Buddha Web Assemblage,

Buddha Light of the Flower of Awakening, Buddha Lotus Sovereign, Buddha Mountain King, Buddha Superior among the Moonlike Assembly, Buddha Emitting Light, Buddha Wondrously Steadfast, Buddha Whose Vision Is Not in Vain, Buddha Crown-Born King, Buddha Lotus-Born, and innumerably many other Buddhas such as these in their Buddha-worlds.

Together with the great bodhisattvas who were one birth away from buddhahood, they came from the west to the city of Rajagriha, entered the Bamboo Grove directly, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, exchanged greetings, and then sat to one side.

At that time, north of there, beyond innumerably many lands, was a world called Arrayed Canopy Practices. There was a Buddha there named Unfailing Renown, who was then bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the great bodhisattva Giving Rise to the Aspiration Is Itself Turning the Irreversible Dharma Wheel. Seeing such light and hearing such a sound, the bodhisattva asked the Buddha Unfailing Renown, “World-Honored One, what Buddha-light and sound are these?”

The Buddha replied, “Good man! South of here, beyond immeasurably and innumerably many lands, there is a world called Saha. There is a Buddha there named Shakyamuni, who is presently teaching the Dharma to the bodhisattvas in order to dispel the doubts of sentient beings and cause them to rejoice in the Mahayana treasury of scriptures. Within that great assembly are bodhisattvas who have fully accomplished inconceivable adornments of great vows. When sentient beings throughout the ten directions praise their names, they immediately attain avaivartika (4).”

At that time, the bodhisattva Giving Rise to the Aspiration Is Itself Turning the Irreversible Dharma Wheel said to the Buddha Unfailing Renown, “I wish to go in person to the Saha world to behold the Buddha Shakyamuni, bow to him and make offerings, and also to meet the assembly of great bodhisattvas there who are replete with adornments.”

The Buddha replied, “If you wish to go, you may do as you please. Convey my greetings to the Buddha Shakyamuni and ask whether he has little illness and little affliction, whether his dwelling is comfortable, and whether his activities are peaceful.”

The bodhisattva Giving Rise to the Aspiration Is Itself Turning the Irreversible Dharma Wheel then bowed at the Buddha’s feet and circumambulated him three times. Suddenly he disappeared and could no longer be seen. Just as a mighty man might extend his arm, he reached the Saha world and arrived at the city of Rajagriha. He proceeded directly to the Bamboo Grove, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, stood to one side, and said to the Buddha, “World-Honored One, the Buddha Unfailing Renown sends his greetings and asks whether the World-Honored One has little illness and little affliction, whether his dwelling is comfortable, and whether his health is sound.”

The Buddha then asked, “Is the Buddha Unfailing Renown healthy in his activities there?”

The bodhisattva replied, “He remains safe and well, without any difficulty.”

Thus, throughout the northward regions extending from the intervening space beyond the world of the Buddha Unfailing Renown, there were, in succession, Buddha Unfailing Power, Buddha Unfailing Sovereign Power, Buddha Unfailing Light, Buddha Boundless Vigor, Buddha King of Sala Trees, Buddha Jeweled King of Sala Trees, Buddha Adorned with a Single Canopy, Buddha Jeweled Steadfastness, Buddha Sandalwood Grotto, Buddha Sandalwood Fragrance, Buddha Boundless Radiance, Buddha Radiant Wheel, Buddha Adorned like Mount Meru, Buddha Unobstructed Eye, Buddha Boundless Eye, Buddha Jewel-Born, Buddha All Virtues, Buddha Virtue Born from the Flower of Awakening, Buddha Well-Abiding Intention, Buddha Boundless Power, Buddha Unfailing Virtue, Buddha Jeweled Power, Buddha Boundless Adornment,

Buddha Adornment of Boundless Virtue, Buddha Space-Light, Buddha Sound without Characteristics, Buddha Medicine King, Buddha Without Alarm, Buddha Free from Fear, Buddha Radiance of the King of Virtue, Buddha Contemplating the Birth of the Flower of Awakening, Buddha Nature of Space, Buddha Sound of Space, Buddha Born of the Adornment of Space, and innumerable asamkhyeyas of other Buddhas and their worlds such as these.

Together with the bodhisattvas who were one birth away from buddhahood, they gathered from the north in the Saha world, entered the city of Rajagriha, proceeded directly to the Bamboo Grove, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, exchanged greetings, and then sat to one side.

At that time, below, beyond immeasurable asamkhyeyas of lands, there was a world called Purity of Space. There was a Buddha there named Great Eye, who was then bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the great bodhisattva Kurusundi. At that time, the bodhisattva Kurusundi saw the radiant light and heard the clear sound. He then asked the Buddha, “World-Honored One, what Buddha-light and sound are these?”

The Buddha replied, “Good man! Above here, beyond innumerably many lands, there is a world called Saha. There is a Buddha there named Shakyamuni, who is presently teaching the Dharma to the bodhisattvas in order to dispel the doubts of sentient beings and cause them to rejoice in the Mahayana treasury of scriptures. In that land, the great bodhisattvas who have accomplished inconceivable adornments of great vows have all gathered there in full assembly.”

At that time, the bodhisattva Câu Lưu Tôn Đề addressed the Buddha Great Eye, saying, “World-Honored One, I wish to go in person to the Saha world to behold Buddha Shakyamuni, pay homage to him, and make offerings. I also wish to hear the Dharma that dispels the doubts of sentient beings and causes them to rejoice in the treasury of Mahayana sutras, and to meet the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas there, whose complete adornments are inconceivable.”

The Buddha replied, “You may go as you wish. Convey my greetings to Buddha Shakyamuni and ask whether he has little illness and little affliction, whether he is in good health and at peace.”

The bodhisattva Câu Lưu Tôn Đề then bowed at the Buddha’s feet and circumambulated him three times. Suddenly, he vanished from that place. As swiftly as a mighty man might extend his arm, he arrived in the Saha world, entered the city of Rajagriha, and went directly to the Bamboo Grove. After bowing at the Buddha’s feet, he stood to one side and addressed the Buddha, saying, “World-Honored One, the Tathagata Great Eye sends his greetings and asks whether the World-Honored One has little illness and little affliction, whether your dwelling is comfortable, and whether your activities are conducted in good health.”

The Buddha asked in return, “Does the Tathagata Great Eye have little illness and little affliction, and is he in good health and at peace?”

The bodhisattva replied, “The World-Honored One Great Eye remains peaceful and secure there, without any troubles.”

In this manner, from the worlds in the lower direction, from the realms of Buddha Great Eye, Buddha Lotus Virtue, Buddha Possessing Virtue, Buddha Lion Virtue, Buddha Accomplishing Benefit, Buddha Lion Protector, Buddha Lion Armor, Buddha King Establishing Peace, Buddha Brahma Meru, Buddha Pure Eye, Buddha Unfailing Progress, Buddha Fragrant Elephant, Buddha Fragrant Virtue, Buddha Fragrant Meru, Buddha Immeasurable Eye, Buddha Fragrant Aggregate, Buddha Jeweled Grotto, Buddha Jeweled Meru, Buddha Peaceful Abiding, Buddha King of Excellent Abiding, Buddha Brahma Meru, Buddha King of Sala Trees, Buddha Luminous Wheel, Buddha Luminous Lamp, Buddha Unfailing Vigor, Buddha Adorned with Excellent Thought, Buddha Lion, Buddha True among the Assembly, Buddha Wondrous King of Excellent Abiding,

and innumerable other Buddha-World-Honored Ones in worlds such as these, bodhisattvas bound to only one more birth gathered from the lower direction and came here.

They arrived in the city of Rajagriha, went directly to the Bamboo Grove, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, exchanged greetings with him, and then sat to one side.

At that time, in the upper direction, beyond innumerable asamkhyeyas of worlds, there was a world called Radiance of Sandalwood Fragrance. In that world was a Buddha named King of Boundless Lofty Power, who was then bestowing upon the Great Bodhisattva Immeasurable Voice a prediction of unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment.

The bodhisattva Immeasurable Voice saw the brilliant light and clearly heard the sound. He then asked Buddha King of Boundless Lofty Power, “World-Honored One, what are this Buddha-light and this sound?”

The Buddha replied, “Good man, in the lower direction, beyond immeasurable asamkhyeyas of worlds, there is a world called Saha. In that world is a Buddha named Shakyamuni, who is now teaching the Dharma for the bodhisattvas, dispelling the doubts of sentient beings and causing them to rejoice in the treasury of Mahayana sutras. This is the Buddha-light and sound of Buddha Shakyamuni. The bodhisattvas in the Saha world have completely accomplished such adornments of great vows.”

The bodhisattva Immeasurable Voice then addressed the Buddha, saying, “World-Honored One, I wish to go in person to the Saha world to behold Buddha Shakyamuni, pay homage to him, and make offerings. I also wish to meet the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas there, whose complete adornments are inconceivable.”

The Buddha replied, “You may go as you wish. Convey my greetings to Buddha Shakyamuni and ask whether he has little illness and little affliction, whether his dwelling is comfortable, and whether his activities are conducted in peace.”

The bodhisattva Immeasurable Voice then bowed at the Buddha’s feet and circumambulated him three times. Suddenly, he vanished from that place. As swiftly as a mighty man might extend his arm, he arrived in the Saha world, reached the city of Rajagriha, and went directly into the Bamboo Grove. After bowing at the Buddha’s feet, he stood to one side and addressed the Buddha, saying, “World-Honored One, Buddha King of Boundless Lofty Power sends his greetings and asks whether the World-Honored One has little illness and little affliction, whether your dwelling is comfortable, and whether you are in good health and at peace.”

The Buddha then asked in return, “Are the activities of Buddha King of Boundless Lofty Power conducted in peace?”

The bodhisattva replied, “They are conducted in peace, World-Honored One. Buddha King of Boundless Lofty Power remains constantly peaceful and secure there, without any troubles.”

After the bodhisattva had finished exchanging greetings with the Buddha, he sat to one side.

From the Buddha-land of Infinite Lofty Power King onward, there were also the Buddha Supreme King of Diligence, the Buddha Destroyer of Doubts, the Buddha King of Excellent Constellations, the Buddha Dipankara, the Buddha Maker of Light, the Buddha Radiant Maitreya Tower, the Buddha King of the Radiant Wheel, the Buddha Pure Radiance, the Buddha White Canopy, the Buddha Fragrant Canopy, the Buddha Jeweled Canopy, the Buddha Sandalwood Grotto, the Buddha Sandalwood Virtue, the Buddha Firm as Mount Sumeru, the Buddha Jeweled Radiance, the Buddha Sala King, the Buddha Brahma Virtue, the Buddha Pure Eye, the Buddha Fearless, the Buddha Free from Fear, the Buddha Wondrous Firmness, the Buddha Supreme Jewel, the Buddha Mountain King, the Buddha Adorned by Transforming the Female Form,

the Buddha Infinite Adornment, the Buddha Unsurpassed Light, the Buddha Marked by a Net of Light, the Buddha King among Humans, and so forth.

Buddhas from innumerable worlds such as these, together with great bodhisattvas bound to attain Buddhahood after one more birth, assembled from the upper direction and came to the Saha world. They reached the city of Rajagriha, proceeded directly to the Bamboo Grove, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, exchanged greetings, and then sat to one side. At that time, beyond innumerable asamkhyeyas of lands to the east, there was a world named Flower-Born.

In that world was a Buddha called the Buddha Able to Manifest the Marks of a Buddha amid All Conditions, who was then bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Free from Sorrow a prediction of unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment. At that time, the bodhisattva Free from Sorrow saw the light and heard that sound. He immediately asked the Buddha, “World-Honored One, what Buddha’s light and sound are these?” The Buddha replied, “Good man, beyond immeasurable asamkhyeyas of lands to the northwest of here is a world named Saha.

In that world is a Buddha called Shakyamuni, who is now teaching the Dharma for the bodhisattvas, dispelling the doubts of sentient beings and causing them to rejoice in the treasury of Mahayana sutras. These are the light and sound of the Buddha Shakyamuni. In that Saha world are great bodhisattvas who have perfectly accomplished such inconceivably magnificent adornments of great vows.” The bodhisattva Free from Sorrow said to the Buddha, “I wish to go personally to the Saha world to behold the Buddha Shakyamuni, bow to him, and make offerings to him.

I also wish to meet the assembly of great bodhisattvas there who possess such inconceivably magnificent adornments.” The Buddha replied, “If you wish to go, you may do as you please. Convey my greetings to the Buddha Shakyamuni and ask whether he has little illness and little affliction, whether he dwells at ease, and whether his coming and going are peaceful.” The bodhisattva Free from Sorrow then bowed at the Buddha’s feet and circumambulated him three times.

Suddenly he vanished from that land and, as swiftly as a strong man might extend his arm, arrived in the Saha world. He reached the city of Rajagriha, proceeded directly to the Bamboo Grove, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, and then stood to one side and said to the Buddha, “World-Honored One, the Tathagata Able to Manifest the Marks of a Buddha amid All Conditions sends his greetings and asks whether the World-Honored One has little illness and little affliction and whether his health is peaceful and sound.” The Buddha in turn asked, “Does the Tathagata Able to Manifest the Marks of a Buddha amid All Conditions have little illness and little affliction, and is he vigorous in his coming and going?” The bodhisattva replied,

“The World-Honored One Able to Manifest the Marks of a Buddha amid All Conditions constantly abides there in peace and has no troubles whatsoever.” In the lands between that realm and the realm of the Buddha Able to Manifest the Marks of a Buddha amid All Conditions, there were also the Buddha Manifesting the Marks of a Buddha amid Infinite Conditions, the Buddha Lotus Blossom Power, the Buddha Net Radiance, the Buddha Infinite Radiance, the Buddha Flower, the Buddha Jeweled Sala, the Buddha Flower Cluster Who Turns the Dharma Wheel as Soon as the Resolve Is Awakened, the Buddha Increasing Celestial Light, the Buddha Unsurpassed Light, the Buddha Immovable Power, the Buddha Infinite Power of Progress, the Buddha Infinite Vows, the Buddha Immeasurable Vows,

the Buddha Infinite Sovereign Power, the Buddha Unfixed Vows, the Buddha Transforming the Womb, the Buddha Transforming All Difficulties, the Buddha Cultivating Practices under All Conditions, the Buddha Adorned by Non-Conditions, the Buddha Empty Space, and the Buddha Possessing Virtue.

There were innumerable Buddhas in worlds such as these, together with assemblies of great bodhisattvas bound to attain Buddhahood after one more birth, who all came from the southeast to the Saha world. They reached the city of Rajagriha, proceeded directly to the Bamboo Grove, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, exchanged greetings, and then sat to one side. Beyond innumerable asamkhyeyas of lands to the west was a world named Auspicious.

In that world was a Buddha called Auspicious Benefit, who was then bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Accomplisher of All Benefit a prediction of unsurpassed bodhi. At that time, the bodhisattva Accomplisher of All Benefit saw the brilliant light and heard the clear sound. He then asked the Buddha Auspicious Benefit, “World-Honored One, what Buddha’s light and sound are these?” The Buddha replied, “Good man, beyond innumerable asamkhyeyas of lands to the northeast of here is a world named Saha.

In that world is a Buddha called Shakyamuni, who is now teaching the Dharma for the bodhisattvas, dispelling the doubts of sentient beings and causing them to rejoice in the treasury of Mahayana sutras. These are the radiance and sound of the Buddha Shakyamuni. In the Saha world is an assembly of great bodhisattvas who have perfectly accomplished such inconceivably magnificent adornments of great vows.

If any sentient beings hear the names of the Buddhas, they will certainly attain the state of non-retrogression, never retreating from the resolve for bodhi.” The bodhisattva Accomplisher of All Benefit then said to the Buddha, “I wish to go personally to the Saha world to behold the Buddha Shakyamuni, bow to him, and make offerings to him. I also wish to meet the assembly of great bodhisattvas there who possess perfect adornments.” The Buddha replied, “If you wish to go, you may do as you please.

Convey my greetings to the Buddha Shakyamuni and ask whether he has little illness and little affliction, whether he dwells at ease, and whether his movements are peaceful.” The bodhisattva Accomplisher of All Benefit then bowed at the Buddha’s feet and circumambulated him three times. Suddenly he vanished and was no longer there. As swiftly as a strong man might extend his arm, he arrived in the Saha world, entered the city of Rajagriha, proceeded directly to the Bamboo Grove, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, and then stood to one side and said to the Buddha, “World-Honored One, the Tathagata Auspicious Benefit sends his greetings and asks whether the World-Honored One has little illness and little affliction, whether he dwells at ease,

and whether his movements are peaceful.” The Buddha then asked in return, “Does the Tathagata Auspicious Benefit constantly abide in peace and happiness?” The bodhisattva replied, “The World-Honored One Auspicious Benefit constantly abides there in peace and has no troubles whatsoever.” After conveying these greetings, the bodhisattva Accomplisher of All Benefit stood to one side.

To the southwest, from the Buddha-land of Auspicious Benefit onward, there were also the Buddha Adorned with Auspicious Benefit, the Buddha Shikhin, the Buddha Constant Diligence, the Buddha Well-Abiding, the Buddha Infinite Adornment, the Buddha Adorned with Signlessness, the Buddha Universal Adornment, the Buddha Maker of Lamps, the Buddha Maker of Light, the Buddha Single Treasury, the Buddha Single Cluster, the Buddha Infinite Images, the Buddha Infinite Diligence, the Buddha Netted Light, the Buddha Great Spiritual Powers, the Buddha Radiant Wheel, the Buddha Contemplative Wisdom, the Buddha Whose Renown Is Not in Vain, the Buddha Destroyer of All Fears, the Buddha Radiance of the King of Infinite Virtue, the Buddha Free from Fear, the Buddha Destroyer of All Hostile Marauders,

the Buddha Transcending All Realms of Mara, the Buddha Immeasurable Flowers, the Buddha Wisdom of Immeasurable Virtue, the Buddha Immeasurable Sounds, the Buddha Cluster of Light, the Buddha Radiant Virtue, the Buddha Free from the Two Extremes, the Buddha Immeasurable Awakened Flower Light, the Buddha Immeasurable Voices, the Buddha Radiant Maitreya Tower, the Buddha Sala King, the Buddha White-Faced, the Buddha Wondrous Eye, the Buddha Supreme Virtue, the Buddha Jeweled Flower, the Buddha Jewel-Born, the Buddha Moon Flower, the Buddha Adornment of All Sentient Beings, the Buddha Turning All Birth and Death, the Buddha Infinite Eloquence, the Buddha Fearless, and the Buddha Eloquence concerning All Conditions.

Buddhas from innumerable asamkhyeyas of worlds such as these, together with assemblies of great bodhisattvas bound to attain Buddhahood after one more birth, gathered from the southwest and came to the Saha world. They reached the city of Rajagriha, proceeded directly to the Bamboo Grove, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, exchanged greetings, and then sat to one side.

In the northwest, beyond innumerable asamkhyeyas of worlds, there is a world called Sandalwood Fragrance. There dwells a Buddha named Universal Fragrant Light, who is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Universal Radiance a prediction of unsurpassed bodhi. At that time, the bodhisattva Universal Radiance saw the brilliant light and heard the clear sound. He then asked the Buddha Universal Fragrant Light, “World-Honored One, what Buddha-light and sound are these?”

The Buddha replied, “Good man, in the southeast, beyond innumerable asamkhyeyas of worlds, there is a world called Saha. There dwells a Buddha named Shakyamuni, who is presently expounding the Dharma for the bodhisattvas, dispelling the doubts of sentient beings and causing them to rejoice in the treasury of Mahayana sutras. These are the light and sound of the Buddha Shakyamuni. In the Saha world there are bodhisattvas who have fully accomplished such inconceivable adornments of great vows.”

At that time, the bodhisattva Universal Radiance addressed the Buddha Universal Fragrant Light, saying, “I wish to go personally to the Saha world to behold the Buddha Shakyamuni, bow to him, and make offerings to him. I also wish to meet the assembly of great bodhisattvas there who possess such complete adornments.”

The Buddha replied, “If you wish to go, you may do as you please. Convey my greetings to the Buddha Shakyamuni and ask whether he has little illness and little affliction, whether his dwelling is comfortable, and whether his coming and going are peaceful and well.”

At that time, the bodhisattva Universal Radiance bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him three times, and then disappeared from that place. Just as a strong man might extend his bent arm, he arrived in the Saha world, reached the city of Rajagriha, and went directly into the Bamboo Grove. He bowed at the Buddha’s feet, stood to one side, and addressed the Buddha, saying, “The Buddha Universal Fragrant Light sends his greetings to the World-Honored One and asks whether you have little illness and little affliction, and whether your coming and going are peaceful and well.”

The Buddha in turn asked, “Is the Buddha Universal Fragrant Light peaceful and well?”

The bodhisattva replied, “That Buddha constantly abides in peace and happiness, free from all troubles.”

At that time, after the bodhisattva Universal Radiance had bowed at the Buddha’s feet and conveyed his greetings, he stood to one side. The same occurred throughout the northwest. Between the land of the Buddha Universal Fragrant Light and this world were also the Buddha Fragrant Radiance, the Buddha Fragrant Meru, the Buddha Fragrant Elephant, the Buddha Sovereign Fragrance, the Buddha Fragrant Grotto, the Buddha Radiant Wheel, the Buddha King of Light, the Buddha Lotus-Born King, the Buddha Sovereign in the Buddha-Dharma, the Buddha Sovereign in Boundless Dharma, the Buddha Delightful, the Buddha Beloved Virtue, the Buddha Scattering Flowers, the Buddha Arrayed Procession of Flower Canopies, the Buddha Flower Grotto, the Buddha Golden Flower, the Buddha Fragrant Flower,

the Buddha King of Meru, the Buddha Good Guide, the Buddha Supremely Adorned Among All Sentient Beings, the Buddha Turning Away All Difficulties, the Buddha Adorned with Good Conduct, the Buddha Wondrous Flower, the Buddha Boundless Fragrance, the Buddha Universally Emitting Light, the Buddha Universally Emitting Fragrance, the Buddha Attaining Birth through Scattered Flowers, the Buddha Jeweled Net Hand, the Buddha Most Exalted King, the Buddha Universally Illuminating a Single Buddha-Land, the Buddha King of Constellations, the Buddha Wondrous Vision, the Buddha King of Establishment, the Buddha Flowing Fragrance, the Buddha Sovereign in Boundless Wisdom, the Buddha Unfailing Adornment, the Buddha Unfailing Vision, the Buddha Unobstructed Eye, the Buddha Akshobhya,

the Buddha Initial Resolve, the Buddha Boundless Eye, the Buddha Above the Lamp, the Buddha Universal Illuminating Radiance, the Buddha Shining Light, the Buddha of Uninterrupted Eloquence for All Sentient Beings in All Worlds, the Buddha Stainless Power, and the Buddha Trackless Conduct.

Thus, from innumerable asamkhyeyas of Buddha-worlds, the great bodhisattvas bound to only one more birth came from the northwest and assembled in the Saha world. They reached the city of Rajagriha, went directly into the Bamboo Grove, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, conveyed their greetings, and then sat to one side.

In the northeast, beyond innumerable asamkhyeyas of worlds, there is a world called Assembly’s Refuge. There dwells a Buddha named Extinguishing All Sorrow, who is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Unfailing Renown a prediction of unsurpassed bodhi. At that time, the bodhisattva Unfailing Renown saw the brilliant light and heard the clear sound. He then asked the Buddha Extinguishing All Sorrow, “World-Honored One, what Buddha-light and sound are these?”

The Buddha replied, “Good man, in the southwest, beyond innumerable asamkhyeyas of worlds, there is a world called Saha. There dwells a Buddha named Shakyamuni, who is presently expounding the Dharma for the bodhisattvas, dispelling the doubts of sentient beings and causing them to rejoice in the treasury of Mahayana sutras. These are the light and sound of the Buddha Shakyamuni. In the Saha world there are bodhisattvas who have fully accomplished such inconceivable adornments of great vows.”

At that time, the bodhisattva Unfailing Renown addressed the Buddha Extinguishing All Sorrow, saying, “World-Honored One, I wish to go personally to the Saha world to behold the Buddha Shakyamuni, bow to him, and make offerings to him. I also wish to meet the assembly of great bodhisattvas there who possess such complete and inconceivable adornments.”

The Buddha replied, “If you wish to go, you may do as you please. Convey my greetings to the Buddha Shakyamuni and ask whether he has little illness and little affliction, and whether his health is peaceful and well.”

At that time, the bodhisattva Unfailing Renown bowed at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him three times, and suddenly disappeared from that place. Just as a strong man might extend his bent arm, he arrived in the Saha world, reached the city of Rajagriha, and went directly into the Bamboo Grove. He bowed at the Buddha’s feet, stood to one side, and addressed the Buddha, saying, “World-Honored One, the Buddha Extinguishing All Sorrow sends his greetings and asks whether you have little illness and little affliction, and whether your coming and going are peaceful and well.”

The Buddha in turn asked, “Does the Buddha Extinguishing All Sorrow have little illness and little affliction, and is his health peaceful and well?”

The bodhisattva replied, “The Buddha Extinguishing All Sorrow abides peacefully there, free from all troubles.”

At that time, after the bodhisattva Unfailing Renown had bowed at the Buddha’s feet and conveyed his greetings, he sat to one side.

In the northeast there is a world called Free from All Sorrow. There dwells a Buddha named Free from Sorrow, who is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Great Radiance a prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as described above.

Beyond sixty thousand worlds from the world Free from All Sorrow, in the intervening region, there is a world called Joy and Happiness. There dwells a Buddha named Virtue Born of Joy, who is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Repaying Kindness a prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as described above.

Between the world Joy and Happiness and this world there is a world called Peace and Security. There dwells a Buddha named King of Peace, who is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Free from Difficulty a prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as described above.

Between the world Peace and Security and this world there is a world called Adamantine Abundance. There dwells a Buddha named Supreme Meru, who is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Lion Meru a prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as described above.

Between the world Adamantine Abundance and this world there is a world called Fragrant Radiance. There dwells a Buddha named Wondrous Fragrance, who is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Renowned Virtue a prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as described above.

Between the world Fragrant Radiance and this world there is a world called Jeweled Assembly. There dwells a Buddha named Kaundinya, who is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Great Assembly a prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as described above.

Between the world Jeweled Assembly and this world there is a world called Firm and Secure. There dwells a Buddha named Virtue of the World, who is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Brahma Virtue a prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as described above.

Between the world Firm and Secure and this world there is a world called Blue Lotus. There dwells a Buddha named Virtue of the Red Lotus, who is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Flower-Born a prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as described above.

Between the world Blue Lotus and this world there is a world called White Lotus. There dwells a Buddha named White Lotus-Born, who is presently bestowing upon the great bodhisattva Nonexistence a prediction of unsurpassed bodhi, just as described above.

From the White Lotus world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Great Sound, where a Buddha named Great Sound Eye is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Unsurpassed Assembly, as described above. From the Great Sound world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Fragrant Adornment, where a Buddha named Supreme Assembly is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Good Coming, as described above.

From the Fragrant Adornment world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Manifold Radiance, where a Buddha named Boundless Radiance is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Treasury of Virtue, as described above. From the Manifold Radiance world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Sandalwood Fragrance, where a Buddha named Moon-Risen Light is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Vaipulya, as described above.

From the Sandalwood Fragrance world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Radiance, where a Buddha named Ten Directions is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva King of the Power That Spreads Throughout the Ten Directions, as described above. From the Radiance world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Moon, where a Buddha named King of Constellations is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Praised by the Assembly, as described above.

From the Moon world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Universally Radiant Virtue, where a Buddha named Boundless Light is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Stainless Mark, as described above. From the Universally Radiant Virtue world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Fragrant Radiance, where a Buddha named Supreme Fragrance Meru is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Discernment, as described above.

From the Fragrant Radiance world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Fearlessness, where a Buddha named Free from Fear is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Joyful Moon, as described above. From the Fearlessness world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Supreme Peace, where a Buddha named Virtue Born of Peace and Security is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Concentrated Mind, as described above.

From the Supreme Peace world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Boundless Radiance, where a Buddha named Moon of Boundless Merit is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Joyful Moon, as described above. From the Boundless Radiance world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Adornment, where a Buddha named Adornment of All Merit is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Wondrous Deportment, as described above.

From the Adornment world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Scattered Lotuses, where a Buddha named King of Flowers is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Lofty Virtue Born of Flowers, as described above. From the Scattered Lotuses world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Variegated Marks, where a Buddha named Indestructible Mark is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Unsurpassed, as described above.

From the Variegated Marks world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Firm and Solid, where a Buddha named Ancestral Chief Light is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Universal Chief, as described above. From the Firm and Solid world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Delightful Play, where a Buddha named King Born of the Lotus of Great Awesome Virtue is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Delight in Wisdom, as described above.

From the Delightful Play world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Happiness, where a Buddha named Practice Born Without Difference is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Adornment of Undifferentiated Practice, as described above. From the Happiness world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Joy, where a Buddha named Supreme Among All is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Supreme, as described above.

From the Joy world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Joyful Virtue, where a Buddha named Pure King of Empty Space is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva King Meru, as described above. From the Joyful Virtue world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Joy and Happiness, where a Buddha named Sound Without Characteristics is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Adorned by the Samadhi of Contemplating Sound, as described above.

From the Joy and Happiness world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Saha, where a Buddha named Supreme Precious Virtue is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Extremely Profound, as described above. From the Saha world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Assembly of Brahmas, where a Buddha named Brahma Virtue is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Son of Brahma, as described above.

From the Assembly of Brahmas world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Assembly of Fragrances, where a Buddha named Unobstructed Fragrant Assembly is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Sovereign Virtue, as described above. From the Assembly of Fragrances world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Assembly of Flowers, where a Buddha named Meru Radiance is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Sagara, as described above.

From the Assembly of Flowers world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Burning Lamp, where a Buddha named Great Lamp is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Cloud Light, as described above. From the Burning Lamp world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Renown, where a Buddha named Light Above the Flowers is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Good Delight in the Dharma, as described above.

From the Renown world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Abundant Happiness, where a Buddha named Renown is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Meru Virtue, as described above. From the Abundant Happiness world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Established in Peace, where a Buddha named Benevolent Name is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Lion’s Strength, as described above.

From the Established in Peace world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Sala, where a Buddha named King of Sala Trees is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Mountain King, as described above. From the Sala world to the region midway between there and here, there is a world named Illumination, where a Buddha named Boundless Light is presently bestowing the prediction of unsurpassed bodhi upon the Great Bodhisattva Power of the Unfailing Host, as described above.

There were immeasurable, countless asamkhyeyas of such worlds of Buddhas. Together with assemblies of Great Bodhisattvas bound to only one more birth, they all came from the northeast to the Saha world. Arriving at the city of Rajagriha, they proceeded directly into the Bamboo Grove, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, and sat to one side.

At that time, throughout this entire trichiliocosm were great and mighty devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, humans, nonhumans, and others, together with Great Bodhisattvas bound to only one more birth. They completely filled the sky, with not a single one absent. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, this great assembly could all be accommodated and remained free and at ease.

Notes:

(1) Paying homage: to bow in reverence and carefully contemplate the countenance of the Buddha or a sage.

(2) Tushita Heaven: a heavenly realm in the higher world. Bodhisattva Maitreya is presently practicing the Way and teaching sentient beings there, awaiting the day when he will descend and be born as a Buddha in the Saha world in a future age.

(3) Buddha of Immeasurable Light: the Buddha’s radiant light shines everywhere beyond measure.

(4) Avaivartika, or avinivartaniya: the wisdom of non-retrogression, or the transcendent wisdom of diligent practitioners who proceed directly toward buddhahood without ever falling back again into the state of ordinary beings, unless they do so in accordance with their original vow to liberate sentient beings.