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Mahāyāna — Northern Canon · Linh Sơn Vietnamese Mahāyāna Canon

七佛經

Chinese title:七佛經

📖5,489 words · ~22 min read
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Interpreted by Inti AI (English)
🪷 AI interpretation

Thus have I heard:

At one time the Buddha was dwelling in the kingdom of Sravasti, in the Jeta Grove, Anathapindika’s Park [2].

At that time, after the assembly of great bhiksus had taken their bowls and eaten [4], they went to the Kaliri Dharma hall, where they sat together and reflected [5]:

“Which Buddhas appeared in the past? What were their clans and names, and how long or short were their lifespans?”

Having reflected thus, they questioned one another, yet still could not know.

At that time, the Blessed One knew that these bhiksus were considering this matter. He rose from his seat, went to the Kaliri Dharma hall, and sat in the lotus posture.

The bhiksus bowed their heads at the Buddha’s feet, then stood to one side with palms joined reverently, single-mindedly gazing upon the Buddha.

The Blessed One asked:

“Bhiksus, what matter have you been considering?”

The bhiksus replied:

“We have been reflecting: Which Buddhas appeared in the past, and what were their clans, names, and lifespans? Yet none of us knows.”

The Buddha asked the bhiksus:

“Do you wish to know?”

The bhiksus replied:

“Now is the proper time. We respectfully beseech the Blessed One to teach us.”

The Buddha said:

“Listen attentively! I shall speak of this matter.

“Ninety-one kalpas ago, in the past, Buddha Vipasyin, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, appeared in the world.

“Thirty-one kalpas ago, Buddha Sikhin and Buddha Visvabhu [6], Worthy Ones and Perfectly Enlightened Ones, appeared in the world.

“In the sixth kalpa of the Auspicious Kalpa, Buddha Krakucchanda, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, appeared in the world.

“In the seventh kalpa, Buddha Kanakamuni, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, appeared in the world.

“In the eighth kalpa, Buddha Kasyapa [7], the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, appeared in the world.

“In the ninth kalpa, I, Buddha Sakyamuni, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, appeared in the world.

“In past kalpas, Buddha Vipasyin, Buddha Sikhin, and Buddha Visvabhu taught sila [8], the pure precepts, and the practices that accomplish supreme wisdom.

“In the Auspicious Kalpa, Buddha Krakucchanda, Buddha Kanakamuni, and Buddha Kasyapa likewise taught pure discipline and the Dharma of meditative concentration and liberation. The Dharma I teach is also thus.

“Bhiksus, in the past Buddha Vipasyin belonged to the ksatriya caste. Having aroused pure faith, he renounced the household life and attained perfect enlightenment. Buddha Sikhin and Buddha Visvabhu also belonged to the ksatriya caste. Buddha Krakucchanda, Buddha Kanakamuni, and Buddha Kasyapa belonged to the brahmin caste. I was born in the palace of King Suddhodana, into the ksatriya caste.”

Then, to restate this meaning, the Blessed One spoke these verses:

I speak of ages past,Ninety-one kalpas ago;Buddha VipasyinAppeared within the world.
In the thirty-first kalpa,Sikhin and Visvabhu;Those Perfectly Enlightened OnesBelonged to the ksatriya caste.
Tathagata Krakucchanda,Kanakamuni, and Kasyapa;All three of these Blessed OnesBelonged to the brahmin caste.
I, in Jambudvipa,Am the son of King Suddhodana;Through cultivation I awakened and became a Buddha,Born into the ksatriya caste.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the bhiksus:

“Listen attentively. I shall further speak of the family names of the seven Buddhas—the Tathagatas, Worthy Ones, Perfectly Enlightened Ones. Buddha Vipasyin, Buddha Sikhin, and Buddha Visvabhu belonged to the Kaundinya clan [9]. Buddha Krakucchanda, Buddha Kanakamuni, and Buddha Kasyapa belonged to the Kasyapa clan. Sakyamuni Tathagata belongs to the Gautama clan.”

The Blessed One restated this in verse:

Tathagata Vipasyin,Sikhin, and Visvabhu;All three of these BuddhasBore the name Kaundinya.
Tathagata Krakucchanda,Kanakamuni, and Kasyapa;All three of these BuddhasBore the name Kasyapa.
I, in Jambudvipa,Was born in Suddhodana’s palace;Thus I bear the name Gautama,And renounced the household life to realize bodhi.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! I shall speak of the long and short lifespans of the seven Buddhas—the Tathagatas, Worthy Ones, Perfectly Enlightened Ones.

“Buddha Vipasyin, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, appeared in the world and lived for eighty thousand years. Buddha Sikhin, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, appeared in the world and lived for seventy thousand years. Buddha Visvabhu, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, appeared in the world and lived for sixty thousand years.

Buddha Krakucchanda, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, appeared in the world and lived for forty thousand years. Buddha Kanakamuni, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, appeared in the world and lived for thirty thousand years. Buddha Kasyapa, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, appeared in the world and lived for twenty thousand years.

I transform and deliver sentient beings in the age of the five defilements and live for one hundred years.”

The Blessed One restated this in verse:

Tathagata Vipasyin,Sikhin, and Visvabhu;Buddha Krakucchanda,Kanakamuni, and Kasyapa.
Whenever the Buddhas appeared,Their lives accorded with the human lifespan:Eighty thousand, then seventy thousand,Sixty thousand, descending to forty thousand.
Thirty thousand, then twenty thousand;Buddha Sakyamuni is likewise:Appearing in the age of the five defilements,When humankind lives one hundred years [10].

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! I shall now speak of the names of the parents, kingdoms, and cities of the seven Tathagata Buddhas.

“The father of Buddha Vipasyin was named Manduma [11], his mother was named Manduma, and the capital was also named Manduma.

“The father of Tathagata Sikhin was named Aruna [12], and his mother was also named Aruna; the capital was named Arunavati [13].

“The father of Tathagata Visvabhu was named Supratidu, his mother was named Prabhavati, and the capital was named Anupama [14].

“The father of Buddha Krakucchanda was named Yajnadatta; the king bore the title Ksama, his mother was named Visakha, and the capital was named Ksama [15].

“The father of Buddha Kanakamuni was named Yajnadattu, his mother was named Uttara; the king bore the title Subha, and the capital was named Subhavati [16].

“The father of Tathagata Kasyapa was named Subrahma, his mother was named Brahmagupta; the king bore the title Krkin, and the capital was named Varanasi [17].

“Now I, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One: my father was named Suddhodana, my mother was named Mahamaya, and the capital was named Kapilavastu.”

The Blessed One restated this in verse:

Concerning the births of the Buddhas:Tathagata Vipasyin’sFather was named Manduma,And his mother Mandumati.
The great walled capitalWas also named Manduma;At that time the kingdom was prosperous,And its people lived in peace and happiness.
Buddha Sikhin, the Blessed One:His royal father was Aruna;ArunavatiWas the Buddha’s mother’s name.
His city bore the same name,Arunavati;Its people lived prosperously,Wealthy and always secure.
Tathagata Visvabhu:His father and mother were namedSupratiduAnd Prabhavati.
The capital of that kingdomWas named Anupama.In that age they lived securely,Free from every calamity.
The Blessed One Krakucchanda:His father’s nameWas Yajnadatta,And his mother was Visakha.
The king was named Ksama;The capital was called Ksama;The people living in that ageHonored goodness and virtue.
Kanakamuni:YajnadattuWas his father’s name;His mother was Uttara.
The king bore the title Subha,And the city was Subhavati;Lofty, broad, and magnificent,Its beings knew no hardship.
The father of Buddha KasyapaWas Subrahma;His mother’s name was Brahma-Gupta.
The king was Krkin,And the capital Varanasi;The beings within that cityLived securely by day and night.
As for my present birthplace,My royal father was Suddhodana;My mother was Mahamaya,And the city was Kapilavastu.
Thus, as distinguished above,Were the names of the parents, kingdoms, and citiesOf the seven Tathagatas,The Perfectly Enlightened Ones.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! I shall speak of the sravaka disciples of the seven Tathagata Buddhas. The greatly wise disciple of Tathagata Vipasyin, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, was named Khemnadetissa [18]; he was foremost among the sravakas.

“The greatly wise disciple of Tathagata Sikhin, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, was named Bhusambhava [19]; he was foremost among the sravakas.

“The greatly wise disciple of Tathagata Visvabhu, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, was named Yasuttara [20]; he was foremost among the sravakas.

“The greatly wise disciple of Tathagata Krakucchanda, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, was named Sanjiva [21]; he was foremost among the sravakas.

“The greatly wise disciple of Tathagata Kanakamuni, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, was named Surunuttara [22]; he was foremost among the sravakas.

“The greatly wise disciple of Tathagata Kasyapa, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, was named Bharadvaja [23]; he was foremost among the sravakas.

“I, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, have a greatly wise disciple named Sariputra [24], who is foremost among the sravakas.”

The Blessed One restated this in verse:

Tathagata VipasyinHad a greatly wise discipleNamed Khemnadetissa.Buddha Sikhin, the Blessed One,Had a greatly wise discipleNamed Bhusambhava.
Tathagata VisvabhuHad a greatly wise discipleNamed Yasuttara.Tathagata KrakucchandaHad a greatly wise discipleNamed Sanjiva.
KanakamuniHad a greatly wise disciple,Surunuttara.Buddha Kasyapa, the Blessed One,Had a greatly wise disciple,Bharadvaja.
Now I, the Worthy, Perfectly Enlightened One,Have a greatly wise discipleNamed Sariputra.These seven disciples of the BuddhasWere all foremost in great wisdomAmong the assemblies of sravakas.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! I shall speak of the attendant disciples of the seven Tathagata Buddhas.

“The attendant of Tathagata Vipasyin, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, was named Asoka [25].

“The attendant of Tathagata Sikhin, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, was named Ksamakaru [26].

“The attendant of Buddha Visvabhu, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, was named Upasantu [27].

“The attendant of Buddha Krakucchanda, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, was named Buddhayu [28].

“The attendant of Buddha Kanakamuni, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, was named Surotirya [29].

“The attendant of Tathagata Kasyapa, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, was named Sarvamitra [30].

“Now I, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, have an attendant named Ananda [31].”

The Blessed One restated this in verse:

The Buddha’s disciple Asoka,And Ksamakaru;Together with Upasantu,The Venerable Buddhayu;
Surotirya,Sarvamitra;And Bhiksu Ananda—All were attendants of Buddhas.

They constantly practiced loving-kindness and compassion,
And accomplished right concentration;
They thoroughly understood the characteristics of all dharmas
And possessed great wisdom.

Learned and intelligent,They were great teachers of Dharma;Foremost within the assemblies,Their renown spread throughout the ten directions.

Gods and humans alike took refuge in and revered them;
Their power of diligence was steadfast;
They completely severed all afflictions
And realized the fruit beyond birth and cessation.

As attendants of the Buddha, the Blessed One,They themselves always obtained benefit;Thus did they become true disciples of the Buddhas,Such were the disciples of all Buddhas.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! I shall speak of the assemblies of sravakas transformed and delivered by the seven Tathagata Buddhas.

“At Tathagata Vipasyin’s first Dharma assembly, sixty-two thousand bhiksus attained arhatship; at his second Dharma assembly, one hundred thousand bhiksus attained arhatship; at his third Dharma assembly, seventy thousand bhiksus attained arhatship.

“At Tathagata Sikhin’s first Dharma assembly, one hundred thousand bhiksus attained arhatship; at his second Dharma assembly, eight billion bhiksus attained arhatship; at his third Dharma assembly, seventy thousand bhiksus attained arhatship.

“At Tathagata Visvabhu’s first Dharma assembly, eighty thousand bhiksus attained arhatship; at his second Dharma assembly, seventy thousand bhiksus attained arhatship; at his third Dharma assembly, sixty thousand bhiksus attained arhatship.

“At Tathagata Krakucchanda’s single Dharma assembly, forty thousand bhiksus attained arhatship.

“At Buddha Kanakamuni’s single Dharma assembly, thirty thousand bhiksus attained arhatship.

“At Buddha Kasyapa’s single Dharma assembly, twenty thousand bhiksus attained arhatship.

“At my present Dharma assembly, one thousand two hundred and fifty bhiksus have attained arhatship.”

The Blessed One restated this in verse:

Tathagata Vipasyin,Sikhin, and Visvabhu,The Blessed One Krakucchanda,Kanakamuni, Kasyapa,And Sakyamuni.
When these Buddhas appeared in the world,The assemblies of sravakas they deliveredNumbered seven billion,Ninety-three thousand,Two hundred and fifty persons.All attained arhatshipAnd would not be reborn in a later existence.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! From Buddha Vipasyin, Buddha Sikhin, and Buddha Visvabhu down to my present appearance in the world, our abiding in and upholding the teaching, proclaiming the Dharma, transforming and guiding sentient beings, rules of moral conduct and discipline, receiving and keeping robes and bowls, and seeking realization of bodhi do not differ in any respect.”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

From kalpas past until the present,Vipasyin and the other Buddhas;The bhiksus they deliveredAccomplished great wisdom.

They devoted themselves to cultivating the Right Path,
The factors of bodhi:
The five faculties and five powers,
The four foundations of mindfulness and four bases of spiritual power;

The seven factors of awakening, the Noble Eightfold Path,Together with samadhi;Their faculties became serene,And they penetrated the treasury of Dharma.
They awakened all living beings,Causing the life of wisdom to increase;Such events in the Auspicious KalpaWere truly unprecedented.

With the wisdom of great compassion,
The Buddhas awakened themselves and awakened others;
Their majestic virtue and great spiritual powers
Were thus proclaimed.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One rose from his seat together with the bhiksus and returned to Anathapindika’s Park.

When that night had passed and early morning came, the assemblies of bhiksus left their dwellings and went to the Kaliri Dharma hall. They questioned one another about the Tathagatas of the past who had entered great nirvana, departed far from conceptual proliferation, forever severed samsara, and were without fault. Such great persons, possessing such great wisdom, such moral discipline, such meditative concentration, such liberation, such majestic virtue, and such lineage, descended into the world to benefit beings. This was exceedingly rare and inconceivable.

Knowing the thoughts of the bhiksus, the Blessed One rose from his seat, went to the Kaliri Dharma hall, sat in the lotus posture, and asked the assembly of bhiksus:

“What matter have you been discussing?”

The bhiksus said:

“We have heard that the Tathagatas of the past entered great nirvana, departed far from all conceptual proliferation, severed samsara, and were without fault. Such great persons, possessing such wisdom, such moral discipline, such meditative concentration, such liberation, such majestic virtue, and such lineage, descended into the world to benefit beings. This is exceedingly rare and inconceivable.”

The Buddha asked:

“Bhiksus, why do you speak in this way?”

The bhiksus said to the Buddha:

“The Buddha possesses the pure dharmadhatu, has realized the wisdom of true awakening, and knows all things. We respectfully beseech you to explain.”

The Buddha said:

“Bhiksus, listen attentively. I shall speak of this matter.

“In the past there was a great king named Manduma; his queen was named Mandumati. At that time, Buddha Vipasyin descended from Tusita Heaven into Jambudvipa, entered his mother’s womb, and dwelt within it. He emitted light that universally illuminated all realms of the world, leaving no place in darkness. It reached even the evil destinies and hells, places where the light of the sun and moon could not shine. Wherever the Buddha’s light reached, that place suddenly became brilliantly illuminated. Sentient beings dwelling there saw one another and exclaimed: ‘Why are there other beings here?’”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

From Tusita the bodhisattva,Descending into Jambudvipa,Like clouds driven by the wind,Swiftly entered his mother’s womb.
His body emitted a great radiance,Brilliantly illuminating the realms of gods and humans;The hells and the Iron Ring MountainsWere no longer dark.
All the assemblies of great seersThroughout the realms of the BuddhasGathered togetherTo protect his mother’s body.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively. When that great bodhisattva descended from Tusita Heaven into Jambudvipa and entered his mother’s womb, the great earth-dwelling yaksa loudly proclaimed: ‘This great bodhisattva of great majestic virtue, this great person, has relinquished the body of a god and the body of an asura, and dwells within his mother’s womb to receive a human body.’ In succession, the gods of the Four Great Kings, the Trayastrimsa gods, the Yama gods, and on through the Brahma-retinue heavens and others heard this declaration and cried out together: ‘The bodhisattva has descended and entered his mother’s womb. All must gather here.’”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

From Tusita the bodhisattvaDescended into his mother’s womb;The great earth-dwelling yaksaProclaimed concerning the bodhisattva:
“He has relinquished a heavenly bodyAnd the body of an asura;He dwells within his mother’s wombTo receive the fruition of a human body.”
The Four Great Kings, the Trayastrimsa gods,The Yama and Tusita gods,And even the Brahma heavensAll clearly heard this event.
The bodhisattva descended into the human world,His body wondrously golden in hue;All the gods gathered together,Their hearts filled with joy.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the bhiksus:

“Listen attentively. When that great bodhisattva descended from Tusita Heaven into Jambudvipa, four great divine princes, replete with majestic virtue, clad in armor and holding bows and blades, protected him. Neither humans nor nonhumans could harm him.”

The Blessed One restated this in verse:

When the bodhisattva descended,Sakra, lord of the Trayastrimsa gods,Commanded the Four Great Heavenly Kings,Each endowed with tremendous might.
Clad in golden armor,Holding bows, blades, and spears,They constantly protected him;Raksasas and nonhumans
Dared not inflict harm.He dwelt within his mother’s wombAs though within a great palace,Always enjoying wondrous bliss.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! When that great bodhisattva descended from Tusita Heaven into Jambudvipa and dwelt within his mother’s womb, his body was pure and radiated brilliant light like a mani jewel; his mother’s mind was peaceful and joyful, without affliction.”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

The bodhisattva within the wombWas pure and undefiled;Translucent as vaidurya,Precious as a mani jewel.
His light illuminated the worldLike the sun in a cloudless sky;He accomplished the ultimate meaningAnd brought forth supreme wisdom.
He caused his mother to be free of sorrow,Always performing wholesome deeds;All sentient beings looked to him for refuge,Born to the throne of the ksatriyas.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! When that great bodhisattva descended from Tusita Heaven into Jambudvipa and dwelt within his mother’s womb, never was it heard that his mother experienced sensual defilement or attachment to the five objects of desire, such as forms.”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

The bodhisattva within the wombCaused his mother’s mind to be pure;Even the name of defilement was unheard,And she remained far from the transgressions of the five desires.
She severed the root of craving,And was without any suffering;Her body and mind were always secure,And she constantly enjoyed peace and happiness.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! When that great bodhisattva descended from Tusita Heaven into Jambudvipa and dwelt within his mother’s womb, his mother herself observed the five precepts of a lay follower: first, not to kill living beings; second, not to steal; third, not to engage in sexual activity; fourth, not to speak falsely; and fifth, not to drink intoxicants. The bodhisattva’s mother gave birth to him from her right side. Afterward, she died and was reborn in a heavenly realm.”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

While the bodhisattva was in the womb,His mother observed the five precepts;From her right side she bore the child,And in giving birth suffered no distress.
Like Lord Sakra in heaven,She enjoyed the wondrous five desires;Afterward, when her life ended,She was immediately reborn in a heavenly realm.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! When that great bodhisattva was born from his mother’s right side, the earth trembled. His body was the color of pure gold, free of impurity, and emitted a great light that illuminated every realm in the world. The evil destinies and dark places such as the hells suddenly became brilliantly illuminated. The beings dwelling there saw one another. All were astonished and said: ‘Why are there other beings here?’”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

When the bodhisattva descended and was born,The entire earth moved;His body was like pure gold,Untainted by dust or defilement.
With great spiritual power and majestic virtue,He illuminated every place;Beings dwelling in darknessWere all able to see one another.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! When that great bodhisattva was born from his mother’s right side, his mother was not weary and neither sat nor lay down. Possessing the great majestic virtue of a great person, the bodhisattva’s mind was not obscured. His feet did not touch the ground, for the Four Great Heavenly Kings supported the child’s body.”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

When the bodhisattva descended and was born,His mother’s mind was undistracted;Neither sitting nor lying down,She remained at ease and joyful.
With the majestic virtue of a great person,His mind was free from all obscurity;The Four Heavenly Kings held up his feet,And his feet did not touch the ground.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! When that great bodhisattva was born from his mother’s right side, his body was pure like a precious vaidurya jewel and was unstained by impure substances such as blood, pus, and saliva. It was like a mani jewel or the robes of the heavenly Kausika, to which no dust could adhere.”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

When the bodhisattva descended and was born,His body was pure;It remained far from impuritiesSuch as blood, pus, and saliva.
Like the robes of the heavenly king,Like a precious mani jewel;His mind was pure, his body radiant,And dust could not adhere to it.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! When that great bodhisattva was born from his mother’s right side, two divine princes in the sky poured forth two streams of water, one cool and one warm, to bathe the child.”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

When the bodhisattva descended and was born,Two gods in the skyBathed the child’s bodyWith two streams of pure water.
Warm and cool as appropriate,They revealed the perfection of merit and wisdom;He accomplished great fearlessnessAnd surveyed all sentient beings.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! When that great bodhisattva was born from his mother’s right side, he possessed the thirty-two marks, his form was dignified, and his pure eyes could see as far as ten yojanas.”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

When the bodhisattva descended and was born,All his marks were complete;His eyes were clear and dignified,Seeing as far as ten yojanas.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! When that great bodhisattva was born from his mother’s right side, he gazed toward the Trayastrimsa Heaven. Sakra, lord of the gods, also saw that this child was indeed the body of a Buddha, and immediately held a white parasol above him. Cold, heat, wind, dust, and every harmful thing could not invade him.”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

When the bodhisattva had just been born,He gazed beyond the Trayastrimsa Heaven;Lord Sakra also saw himAnd quickly took up a great white parasol.
He came and sheltered the child’s body;Cold, heat, wind, dust, and sunlight,Together with every poisonous harm,Could not invade him.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! When that great bodhisattva was born from his mother’s right side, the queen mother, wet nurse, foster mother, and palace attendants surrounded him to guard and protect him, bathe him, anoint him with fragrances, and attend to him perfectly.”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

When the child had just been born,Three mothers nurtured him;Together with the palace attendants,They constantly surrounded him.
They bathed and anointed him with fragrances,Keeping him always secure;They attended him throughout day and night,Never leaving him for a moment.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! When that great bodhisattva was born from his mother’s right side, his dignified form possessed the thirty-two marks. King Manduma immediately summoned a physiognomist to examine the child’s marks. That brahmin reported: ‘If he remains at home, he will receive the consecration rite, occupy the station of a wheel-turning monarch, and rule the entire world. He will have a thousand sons of majestic virtue and fearlessness and will subdue other armies without the use of weapons, bows, or swords. If he renounces the household life and cultivates the path, he will certainly become a Perfectly Enlightened One.’”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

The brahmin physiognomistExamined the marks of this child;He reported to the royal father,“This being possesses the thirty-two marks.
Like the moon among myriad stars,He is rare within the world;If he remains within the palace,He will surely become a wheel-turning monarch.

He will rule all four continents
And beget one thousand princes;
If he renounces the household life and cultivates the path,
He will immediately realize unsurpassed enlightenment.”

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! When that great bodhisattva was born from his mother’s right side, his body was the color of pure gold, and his features were dignified, like a lotus growing in water yet unstained by dust. Beings of every kind gazed upon him without weariness. The sounds he uttered were gentle, soft, elegant, and fluent, like the song of the kavila bird in the Snow Mountains. This bird greatly delights in eating flowers and sings with an elegant, gentle voice. Sentient beings who hear its song are all delighted. The voice and speech of the child were likewise.”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

When the child had just been born,His body was the color of pure gold;Like a crimson lotus,It could not be stained by dust.
His voice was elegant,Like the song of the kavi bird;Whenever people heard it,They delighted in it without weariness.

After speaking these verses, the Blessed One told the assembly of bhiksus:

“Listen attentively! Even as a child, that great bodhisattva had departed far from deceit and falsehood. His mind was upright and pure; awakening himself and awakening others, he always practiced the true Dharma. Everyone honored and served him, just as Lord Sakra reveres his parents. For this reason, he was named Vipasyin.”

The Blessed One spoke these verses:

Tathagata Vipasyin,Even while still a child,Was intelligent and greatly wise,Far removed from falsehood.
Awakening himself and awakening others,He cultivated in accordance with the true Dharma;Everyone constantly loved and revered him,As they did Lord Sakra.
He reverently served his parents,And his renown spread throughout the world;Thus he was named Vipasyin,The benefactor of sentient beings.

Notes:

[1]. Chinese version: The Buddha Speaks the Sutra of the Seven Buddhas, translated by Fatian in the Song dynasty (Taisho I, No. 2, pp. 150a–154b). Reference: The Buddha Speaks the Dirgha Agama Sutra, jointly translated by Buddhayasas and Zhu Fonian during the Hongshi era of the Later Qin, “Chapter One, the First Great Origins Sutra,” Taisho I, No. 1(1), pp. 1b–10c.

[2]. No. 2: 祇樹給孤獨園, “Jeta Grove, Anathapindika’s Park”; No. 1(1): 祇樹花林窟與大比丘衆千二百五十人俱, “the Flower Grove Hall in Jeta Grove, together with an assembly of one thousand two hundred and fifty great bhiksus.”

[3]. Bhiksu 苾芻; No. 1(1): bhiksu 比丘.

[4]. The original reads 持鉢食時, “when taking their bowls to eat”; more precisely, “after finishing the meal.” See “The Sutra of the Great Fundamental Causes,” n. 3.

[5]. No. 2: 詣迦里梨道場,共坐思惟, “went to the Kaliri Dharma hall and sat together reflecting.” No. 1(1): 於乞食後集花林堂各共議言, “After almsround, they gathered in the Flower Grove Hall and discussed together, saying:”

[6]. Visvabhu 毘舍浮; No. 1(1): Visvabha 毘舍婆.

[7]. Kasyapa 迦葉波; No. 1(1): Kasyapa 迦葉.

[8]. Sila 尸羅, a transcription of Sanskrit śīla or Pali sīla.

[9]. Kaundinya 憍陳; No. 1(1): Kolijna 拘利若.

[10]. The passage in No. 2 concerning the long and short lifespans of the seven Tathagata Buddhas differs from No. 1(1) as follows. No. 2 reads: 爾時世尊說此偈已,告苾芻眾言,汝等諦聽,我今復說七佛如來,應等正覺壽量長短, “After the Blessed One had spoken these verses, he told the assembly of bhiksus: ‘Listen attentively!

I shall now speak of the long and short lifespans of the seven Tathagata Buddhas, the Worthy Ones, the Perfectly Enlightened Ones.’ Buddha Vipasyin, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, appeared in the world and lived for eighty thousand years ... down to: ‘I transform sentient beings in the age of the five defilements and live for one hundred years.’ The Blessed One then restated this in verse: ‘Tathagata Vipasyin, Sikhin, and Visvabhu; Buddha Krakucchanda, Kanakamuni, and Kasyapa.

Whenever the Buddhas appeared, their lives accorded with the human lifespan: eighty thousand, then seventy thousand, sixty thousand, descending to forty thousand; thirty thousand, then twenty thousand. Buddha Sakyamuni is likewise: appearing in the age of the five defilements, when humankind lives one hundred years.’ By comparison, the corresponding passage in No. 1(1) does not contain these opening sentences, but only: ‘You should know.’ It then discusses the long and short lifespans of the seven Tathagatas.

No. 2 says that Buddha Vipasyin, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, appeared in the world and lived for eighty thousand years, whereas No. 1(1) says that in the time of Buddha Vipasyin, humankind lived for eighty thousand years; the same applies successively to the other six Buddhas. The general meaning of the verses is the same, but the wording differs greatly.

[11]. The father, mother, and city all bore the name Manduma 滿度摩; No. 1(1): Bandhu 盤頭.

[12]. The father’s name was Aruna 阿嚕拏; No. 1(1): “Bright Sign” 明相, or “Approaching Dawn” 將曉 (Aruna 阿盧那).

[13]. The names of the mother and the capital at that time were Arunavati 阿嚕…帝 or Arunavati 阿嚕拏縛帝; No. 2: the mother was “Radiant” 光耀 and the city “Luminous Sign” 光相.

[14]. Supratidu 穌鉢囉底都, Prabhavati 鉢囉婆嚩底, Anupama 阿努鉢麼; No. 1(1): “Good Lamp” 善燈, “Commended Discipline” 稱戒, and “Incomparable” 無喻.

[15]. The father was named Yajnadatta 野倪也那多, the mother Visakha 尾舍佉, the king at that time bore the title Ksama 殺謨殺摩, and the city was Ksama 殺摩; No. 1(1): the father was named “Sacrificial Attainment” 祀得, the mother “Good Branch” 善枝, the king bore the title “Peaceful Harmony” 安和, and the city was “Peaceful Harmony” 安和城.

[16]. The father was named Yajnadattu 野倪也那睹, the mother Uttara 烏多囉, the king at that time bore the title Subha 輸部, and the city was Subhavati 輸婆縛帝; No. 1(1): the father was named “Great Virtue” 大德, the mother “Excellent Goodness” 善勝, the king at that time bore the title “Purity” 清淨, and the capital was named “Purity” 清淨城.

[17]. The father was named Subrahma 穌沒囉賀摩, the mother Brahmagupta 沒囉賀摩虞鉢多, the king at that time bore the title Krkin 訖里計, and the city was Varanasi 波羅奈; No. 1(1): the father was named “Brahma Virtue” 梵德, the mother “Lord of Wealth” 財主, and the king at that time was Krkin 汲毗; the city was Varanasi 波羅奈, as in No. 2.

[18]. Khemnadetissa 欠拏底寫; No. 1(1): there were two disciples, Khanda 騫茶 (or 騫荼) and Tissa 提舍 (or 躓沙).

[19]. Bhusambhava 部三婆縛; No. 1(1): Abhibhu 阿毗浮 and Sambhava 三婆婆.

[20]. Yasuttara 野輸大多囉; No. 1(1): Phu-du 扶遊 and Uttama 鬱多摩.

[21]. Sanjiva 散爾縛; No. 1(1): Sani 隡尼 and Vilau 毗樓.

[22]. Surunuttara 穌嚕拏多囉; No. 1(1): Subhana 舒盤那 and Uttarau 鬱多樓.

[23]. Bharadvaja 婆羅特縛惹; No. 1(1): Tissa 提舍 and Bharava 婆羅婆.

[24]. Sariputra 舍利弗; No. 1(1), in addition to Sariputra 舍利弗, also lists Maudgalyayana 目揵連.

[25]. Asoka 阿輸迦; No. 1(1): “Sorrowless” 無憂.

[26]. Ksamakaru 殺摩迦嚕; No. 1(1): “Practice of Patience” 忍行.

[27]. Upasantu 烏波扇睹; No. 1(1): “Quiescent Cessation” 寂滅.

[28]. Buddhayu 沒提踰; No. 1(1): “Good Awakening” 善覺.

[29]. Surotirya 穌嚕帝里野; No. 1(1): “Peaceful Harmony” 安和.

[30]. Sarvamitrasa 薩里縛蜜怛邋囉; No. 1(1): “Good Friend” 善友.

[31]. Ananda 阿難陀; No. 1(1) has the same name.

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

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