悲華經

VOLUME IV: CHAPTER FOUR — PART II — PREDICTIONS OF BODHISATTVAS

Good man! At that time, the brahmin Treasure Ocean again exhorted the fourth prince, Neng-jia-luo, to arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. The prince followed his exhortation, and even his vow to attain a pure world was in every respect the same as that of the third prince.

“At that time, the Buddha Treasure Store said to Prince Neng-jia-luo: ‘Excellent, excellent! Good man! As you cultivate the bodhisattva path, you will use vajra wisdom to destroy the immeasurable and boundless great mountains of sentient beings’ afflictions and accomplish great Buddha-works. Only afterward will you attain the fruit of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Good man! Therefore, I now give you the name Radiant Merit of Vajra Wisdom.’

“At that time, the Buddha said to Bodhisattva Radiant Merit of Vajra Wisdom: ‘Good man! In a future age, after as many asamkhya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, when the second period of as many asamkhya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges begins, to the east of this world, beyond as many worlds as there are minute dust particles in worlds equal in number to the sands of ten Ganges Rivers, there will be a world named Non-Illusory. Good man! In that world you will attain Buddhahood, with the title Universal Virtue Tathagata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly and Fully Awakened One, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Those to Be Tamed, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One.

“‘All the excellent adornments of that Buddha-land will accord with your vows, complete and lacking nothing.’

“Good man! When the Tathagata Treasure Store bestowed upon the great Bodhisattva Radiant Merit of Vajra Wisdom the prediction of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, immeasurable and boundless hundreds of thousands of kotis of nayutas of devas immediately appeared in midair and praised him, saying: ‘Excellent, excellent!’ They showered down various kinds of powdered incense—ox-head sandalwood incense, agaru incense, tagaru incense, and tamalapatra incense—as offerings.

“At that time, Bodhisattva Radiant Merit of Vajra Wisdom addressed the Buddha: ‘Blessed One! If my vows are to be fulfilled and I am to attain my own benefit, I now reverently pay homage to all Buddhas, the Blessed Ones. May all the worlds throughout the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, be filled with the devas’ wondrous fragrance. If any sentient beings dwelling in the realms of hell-beings, animals, hungry ghosts, or even among devas and humans smell this fragrance, may they be freed from all suffering and illness of body and mind.’

“Good man! As soon as Bodhisattva Radiant Merit of Vajra Wisdom had made this vow, he bowed his head to the ground in homage to the Buddha.

“At that time, a wondrous fragrance immediately pervaded all the worlds throughout the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. All sentient beings who smelled that fragrance were freed from every suffering of body and mind.

“Thereupon, the Tathagata Treasure Store spoke these verses for Bodhisattva Radiant Merit of Vajra Wisdom:

O Vajra-Wisdom One,

Now you should arise!

Throughout the Buddha-lands of the ten directions,

A wondrous fragrance has spread,

Helping immeasurable sentient beings

Be freed from suffering and attain joy.

You will assuredly become a Buddha,

The Unsurpassed One in the world.

“Good man! After Bodhisattva Radiant Merit of Vajra Wisdom heard these verses, joy arose in his heart. He then stood before the Buddha, reverently joined his palms, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, withdrew to a nearby place, and sat silently listening to the Dharma.”

“Good man! At that time, the brahmin Treasure Ocean again exhorted the fifth prince, Fearless, to arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and likewise to make a vow to attain a pure world.

“At that time, Prince Fearless replied to the brahmin: ‘In accordance with my vow, I do not wish to attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in this impure world. May there be no realms of hell-beings, animals, or hungry ghosts in my world when I attain Buddhahood. May its ground consist entirely of precious azure vaidurya. To explain this fully, may everything be identical to the excellent adornments of the Lotus Flower World.’

“Prince Fearless then took a lotus flower and offered it to the Buddha Treasure Store, saying: ‘Blessed One! If my vows are to be fulfilled and I am to attain my own benefit, may I, relying upon the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power, behold here before the Buddha all the excellent adornments of the samadhis. I further pray that all kinds of lotus flowers, as large as chariot wheels, rain down from the sky and fill all the Buddha-lands throughout the ten directions, as numerous as the minute dust particles in worlds equal in number to the sands of the Ganges, and that I may clearly behold all of them from afar.’

“Good man! As soon as Prince Fearless had spoken these words, by relying upon the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power, he immediately beheld all the excellent adornments of the samadhis. All kinds of lotus flowers, as large as chariot wheels, immediately rained down from the sky and filled all the Buddha-lands throughout the ten directions, as numerous as the minute dust particles in worlds equal in number to the sands of the Ganges. The entire assembly also beheld them from afar. Having seen this, they all gave rise to joyful hearts.

“At that time, the Buddha said to Prince Fearless: ‘Good man! You have been able to make such a profound and wondrous great vow, seeking an adorned and pure Buddha-land, and you have also been able immediately to behold all the excellent adornments of the samadhis. Because your vow is in no way false, innumerable lotus flowers have rained down from the sky in this manner.’

“The prince again addressed the Buddha: ‘Blessed One! If my vows are to be fulfilled and I am to attain my own benefit, may all these lotus flowers remain suspended in midair and not fall to the ground.’

“At that time, the Buddha Treasure Store said to Prince Fearless: ‘Good man! With a single vow, you have been able immediately to cause these lotus flowers to remain fixed as though imprinted upon empty space. Therefore, I now give you the name Seal of Empty Space.’

“Thereupon, the Buddha said to Bodhisattva Seal of Empty Space: ‘Good man! In a future age, after as many asamkhya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, when the second period of as many asamkhya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges begins, to the southeast of this Buddha-land, beyond hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, there will be a world named Lotus Flower.

In that world, you will attain the fruit of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, with the title Lotus-Honored Tathagata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly and Fully Awakened One, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Those to Be Tamed, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One. Your assembly in that world will consist solely of great bodhisattvas, immeasurable and beyond all reckoning in number.

That Buddha’s lifespan will be immeasurable and boundless. Your vows will be completely fulfilled.’

“At that time, the great Bodhisattva Seal of Empty Space bowed his head in homage to the Tathagata Treasure Store, then arose, withdrew to a nearby place, reverently joined his palms, and sat silently listening to the Dharma.

“Thereupon, the Blessed One spoke these verses for Bodhisattva Seal of Empty Space:

Good man, you should understand:

By benefiting yourself,

You sever the bonds of affliction

And constantly attain quiescence,

The merit thereby attained,

As numerous as the sands of the Ganges,

And worlds as countless as dust motes,

Shall all be fulfilled and never lost.

In a future age,

You shall attain the unsurpassed path.

Like all Buddhas of the past,

There shall be no difference.

“Good man! When Bodhisattva Space Seal heard these verses, he immediately rejoiced.

“Good man! At that time, the brahmin Treasure Ocean again exhorted the sixth prince, Space, to arouse the aspiration for Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and to make vows to obtain a pure world, in the same manner as before.

“Prince Space then addressed the Buddha: ‘World-Honored One! My aspiration is not to attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in this impure world. The vows I now make are, in brief, similar to those made by Bodhisattva Space Seal.

“‘World-Honored One! If these vows of mine can be fulfilled and I can attain benefit for myself, may wondrous jeweled canopies made of the seven treasures spontaneously appear throughout the sky in all the worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. May nets of pure gold cover these canopies, and may small bells made of the seven treasures adorn them.

May the jeweled bells upon these canopies constantly produce sounds proclaiming the Buddha, the Dharma, and the bhiksu Sangha; sounds expounding the six paramitas and the six superknowledges, the ten powers, the fearlessnesses, and so forth. When beings in those worlds hear these sounds, may they immediately arouse the aspiration for Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Having aroused that aspiration, may they immediately attain the stage of non-retrogression.

May the sounds proclaiming the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, up to the fearlessnesses and so forth, resound throughout all the worlds of the ten directions. Through the awe-inspiring spiritual power of the Buddha, may all beings be able to hear them for themselves.

“‘World-Honored One! If my vows will be fulfilled and I will attain benefit for myself, may I today attain the Sun-Knowing Samadhi. Through the power of this samadhi, may all roots of goodness increase. After I have attained this samadhi, may all Buddhas bestow upon me the prediction of my attainment of Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.’

“As soon as Prince Space uttered this vow, through the awe-inspiring spiritual power of the Buddha, he immediately attained the Sun-Knowing Samadhi.

“At that time, the World-Honored One praised Prince Space, saying: ‘Excellent, excellent! Good man! The vows you have made are exceedingly profound.’

“Through the causes and conditions of this profound merit, wondrous jeweled canopies made of the seven treasures immediately and spontaneously appeared throughout the sky in all the worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. Nets of pure gold covered the canopies, and small bells made of the seven treasures adorned them. The jeweled bells upon these canopies constantly produced sounds proclaiming the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, up to sounds expounding the Dharma of fearlessness and so forth. At that time, hundreds of thousands of kotis of nayutas of beings heard these sounds and immediately aroused the aspiration for Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“Buddha Treasure Store said: ‘Because of these deeds, I now give you the name Space Sunlight Radiance.’

“At that time, the Buddha told Mahabodhisattva Space Sunlight Radiance: ‘In a future age, you shall attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. After as many asamkhya kalpas as there are sands in the Ganges have passed, upon entering the second period of as many asamkhya kalpas as there are sands in the Ganges, to the east of this world, beyond as many Buddha lands as there are sands in two Ganges Rivers, there will be a world named Sun and Moon. In that world, you shall attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and be known as Dharma-Sovereign Wind King Tathagata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, World-Honored One.’

“At that time, when Bodhisattva Space Sunlight Radiance heard this prediction, he bowed his head and paid homage at the Buddha’s feet.

“The World-Honored One then spoke these verses for Bodhisattva Space Sunlight Radiance:

Now you should arise,

Skillfully disciplining yourself through precepts,

Your mind of great compassion fully matured,

For the sake of all beings,

You shall eliminate every suffering and calamity,

And ultimately attain liberation.

Through wisdom that skillfully discerns,

You shall attain the unsurpassed path.

“Good man! At that time, when Bodhisattva Space Sunlight Radiance heard these verses, he rejoiced. He immediately arose, respectfully joined his palms before the Buddha, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, then withdrew to a nearby place, where he sat silently and listened to the teaching of the Dharma.

“At that time, the brahmin Treasure Ocean again exhorted the seventh prince, Good Arm, to arouse the aspiration for Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and to make vows to obtain a pure Buddha land.

“At that time, Prince Good Arm addressed the Buddha: ‘World-Honored One! My aspiration is not to attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in this impure world. May my world in the future contain none of the realms of hell beings, animals, or hungry ghosts. May there be no women, nor even the name “woman,” and no birth from the womb. May there be no Mount Sumeru or great or small Iron-Enclosing Mountains; no mountains, hills, mounds, filthy sand or stones, thorns, poisonous winds, dense forests, oceans, rivers, or streams; no sun or moon, and no distinction between day and night; and no dark or foul-smelling places.

“‘May all beings be entirely free from every foul excretion, including feces, urine, spittle, nasal discharge, and the like. May their bodies and minds experience nothing unpleasant, painful, or distressing. May the ground consist entirely of agate, without any dust or soil, and be beautifully adorned solely with hundreds of thousands of immeasurable kinds of precious treasures.

May there be no grasses or ordinary trees, but only wondrous and beautiful mandara flowers and every kind of jeweled tree as adornments. Beneath each jeweled tree, may there be an exquisitely beautiful jeweled canopy. May there also be every kind of precious garment and floral garland; all manner of jeweled necklaces, fragrant flowers, music, precious objects, and beautiful jeweled blossoms; and may such things adorn and embellish the jeweled trees.

“‘In that world, may there be no distinction between day and night, with the passage of time known only through the opening and closing of the flowers. When the flowers close, may bodhisattvas spontaneously be born within them. Once born, may they immediately behold all the magnificent adornments of the samadhis. Through the power of samadhi, may they also behold all the Buddhas presently abiding in the innumerable worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as minute dust motes; and while abiding in that samadhi, may they fully attain the six superknowledges within the brief span of a single thought.’

“Through the divine ear, they hear all the sounds of Dharma being taught by the present Buddhas in the worlds of the ten directions, numerous as minute dust particles. Through the wisdom of the knowledge of past lives, they know all events throughout immeasurable past kalpas, numerous as the minute dust particles in a Buddha-land. Through the divine eye, they behold every manner of splendid adornment in all the Buddha-worlds of the ten directions. Through the wisdom of knowing the minds of others, within a single thought they can know every thought and mental activity of beings numerous as the minute dust particles in a Buddha-land. Even until they attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, they will never lose this samadhi.

“Early each morning, pure and gentle breezes blow in from the four directions, carrying wondrous fragrances and scattering many kinds of flowers. Through the power of these breezes, the bodhisattvas emerge from samadhi and immediately attain the power of miraculous mastery. By means of this spiritual power, within the space of a single thought they can travel throughout the Buddha-lands of the ten directions, passing in each direction through worlds numerous as the minute dust particles in a Buddha-land. Upon arriving, they make offerings to the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones of the present, inquire about and receive the wondrous true Dharma, and then, within the space of a single thought, return to their own world without the slightest difficulty or obstruction.

“The bodhisattvas all sit cross-legged upon the centers of mandārava and mahāmandārava lotus pedestals, contemplating the Dharma gates. If any of them wishes to see where I am, then wherever that bodhisattva turns, I can be seen. If any still has doubts or impediments regarding the profound Dharma, upon seeing me all such doubts will immediately cease. If there is some meaning about which they need to inquire, or if they wish to hear the Dharma taught, upon seeing me they will immediately comprehend it and no longer harbor any doubt.

“The bodhisattvas in that world all deeply understand the meaning of there being neither self nor possessions of self. Therefore, they are able to relinquish their bodies and lives, and they will certainly never regress from anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“In that world there are no unwholesome designations whatsoever, nor are there such terms as receiving the precepts, violating the precepts, breaking the precepts, or repentance. The bodies of all beings are endowed with the thirty-two excellent marks and possess strength equal to that of the heavenly warrior Nārāyaṇa. Even until they attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, no one will ever be deficient in any of the six faculties.

“As soon as beings are born in that world, their hair and beards fall away of themselves, and their bodies are immediately clothed in the three Dharma robes. They attain the Samadhi of Skillful Discernment and never lose it, even until they attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. All those beings bring every root of goodness into harmonious unity, and none of them must endure the sufferings of aging, illness, or death.

“When the bodhisattvas reach the end of their lives, they sit cross-legged, enter the fire samadhi, and immolate their own bodies. After their bodies have been burned, cool breezes blow in from the four directions and carry the bodhisattvas’ relics to worlds throughout the ten directions where there is no Buddha. Before long, those relics transform into maṇi jewels, like the precious jewel of a Wheel-Turning Sage King.

If any beings see or touch such a maṇi jewel, they will no longer fall into the three evil destinies. Until they attain nirvana, they will never again undergo any suffering or affliction. They will immediately relinquish that body and be born in another direction where a Buddha is presently teaching the Dharma.

There they will inquire about and receive the wondrous true Dharma, arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, and immediately attain the stage of non-retrogression.

“At the end of their lives, beings in that world enter meditative concentration with undistracted minds and do not suffer such sorrows as separation from those they love. After death, they are not born amid the eight difficulties or in a place where no Buddha appears. Even until they attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, they will constantly encounter Buddhas, inquire about and receive the true Dharma, and make offerings to the Sangha.

“All beings in that world have utterly abandoned sensual desire, anger, delusion, attachment, jealousy, ignorance, and arrogance. In that world there are no śrāvakas or pratyekabuddhas. The entire assembly consists solely of great bodhisattvas, who fill the whole world. Their minds are gentle and pliant, undefiled by craving and desire. They attain the samadhis, remain steadfast and unwavering, and never regress from anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“That world is filled solely with pure, illuminating light. All the other Buddha-lands throughout the ten directions, numerous as minute dust particles, hear of and behold my world.

“My world possesses a wondrous fragrance that pervades other Buddha-worlds throughout the ten directions, numerous as minute dust particles. The beings in my world constantly experience ease and joy and have never even heard of undergoing suffering or affliction.

“World-Honored One! The duration of my cultivation of the bodhisattva path shall have no limit, so long as I can thereby adorn such a pure Buddha-land. I shall cause all kinds of beings to become pure and fill that land, and only then shall I attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“World-Honored One! When I attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, I shall emit immeasurable and boundless rays of brilliant light that illuminate Buddha-lands throughout the ten directions, numerous as the minute dust particles in one thousand Buddha-lands. I shall cause the beings in those worlds to behold from afar my thirty-two excellent marks. They will immediately eliminate sensual desire, anger, delusion, jealousy, ignorance, arrogance, and all afflictions; arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi; and, in accordance with what they seek, immediately attain dharanis, samadhis, and kshanti.

“When they behold me, all beings in the Cold Hells will immediately experience warm delight, like a bodhisattva who has entered the state of the second dhyana. Because those beings behold me, both body and mind will experience the foremost wondrous bliss, and they will immediately arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. At the end of their lives, they will certainly be born in my Buddha-land. Once born there, they will immediately attain the stage of non-retrogression from anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“All beings in the Hot Hells will likewise attain the same. Even the beings in the realms of animals and hungry ghosts will likewise attain the same.

“At that time, all the devas in the heavenly realms will behold their radiant light increase many times over.

“May the span of my life be immeasurable and boundless, beyond anyone’s ability to calculate, except one endowed with omniscience.”

“World-Honored One! When I have attained anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, all the Buddhas then present throughout the immeasurable, boundless asamkhya worlds of the ten directions shall extol and praise me. If the beings in those worlds hear these words of praise and commendation, they shall immediately vow to cultivate roots of goodness so that they may swiftly be born in my world; and after their lives end, they shall all be born in my world, except for those who have committed the five heinous offenses, destroyed the true Dharma, or slandered the noble ones.

“World-Honored One! When I have attained anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, if beings throughout the immeasurable, boundless asamkhya worlds of the ten directions hear my name and vow to be born in my world, then, when they approach the end of their lives, they shall all behold me surrounded by the entire great assembly. At that time, I shall enter the Samadhi Free from Obstruction.

Through the power of that samadhi, I shall be able to manifest before those beings and teach them the Dharma. By hearing the Dharma taught, those beings shall immediately be freed from all suffering and affliction, and their hearts shall be filled with immeasurable joy. Through that joyful mind, they shall immediately attain the Jeweled Field Samadhi.

Through the power of that samadhi, their minds shall attain mindfulness and the patient acceptance of the non-arising of dharmas. After their lives end, they shall assuredly be born in my world.

“If there are beings in other worlds who lack the seven noble treasures, do not wish to cultivate and practice the teachings of the Three Vehicles, and do not wish to take birth in the two realms of gods and humans; who also do not cultivate any roots of goodness or the three meritorious deeds, but act contrary to the true Dharma, cling greedily to defiled sensual desires, and follow only wrong views—when I enter the Samadhi Free from Affliction, I vow that, through the power of that samadhi, I shall cause them, as their lives end, to see me and the great assembly before them. I shall teach them the sublime Dharma, reveal to them a pure Buddha-land, and encourage them to arouse the mind of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“After hearing the Dharma, those beings shall immediately develop deep and steadfast faith in me. Their hearts shall become joyful and peaceful, and they shall immediately arouse the mind of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. I shall cause those beings to be freed from all suffering and affliction. Once freed from suffering and affliction, they shall immediately attain the Sun-Lamp Radiance Samadhi and dispel all darkness of ignorance. After their lives end, they shall immediately be born in my world.’

“At that time, the Tathagata Ratnagarbha praised him, saying: ‘Excellent, excellent! You are now able to make such a great and wondrous vow!’

“Prince Good Arm then addressed the Buddha: ‘World-Honored One! If my vow is fulfilled and I attain benefit for myself, may rains of udumbara fragrance, sandalwood fragrance, ox-head sandalwood fragrance, and all kinds of powdered incense fall throughout the Buddha-worlds of the ten directions, numerous as minute particles of dust. If any beings in those worlds smell these fragrances, may they immediately arouse the mind of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. May I now attain the Vajra Vow Samadhi. Through the power of this samadhi, may I behold from afar the rain of these fragrances descending upon those worlds.’

“Good man! As soon as Prince Good Arm had spoken these words, he immediately attained that samadhi. He himself beheld throughout the Buddha-lands of the ten directions, numerous as minute particles of dust, udumbara fragrance, sandalwood fragrance, ox-head sandalwood fragrance, and all kinds of powdered incense. He also saw incalculably many beings throughout all directions reverently joining their palms and arousing the mind of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“The Tathagata Ratnagarbha said to Prince Good Arm: ‘Good man! Your vow has been fulfilled. All kinds of wondrous fragrances are raining down from the sky, and incalculably many beings are reverently joining their palms and arousing the mind of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

Therefore, I now bestow upon you the name Lion Fragrance. In a future age, after as many asamkhya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges have passed, and upon entering a second period of as many asamkhya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, in the upper direction from this world, beyond as many Buddha-lands as there are minute particles of dust in worlds equal in number to the grains of sand in forty-two Ganges Rivers, there shall be a world named Pure Fragrance, Radiant and Stainless.

In that world, you shall attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and shall be called the Tathagata Stainless Radiance, Steadfast Fragrance, King of Winds, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly and Completely Awakened, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, World-Honored One.’

“Good man! At that time, Bodhisattva Lion Fragrance bowed his head to the ground in homage to the Tathagata Ratnagarbha.

“Then the Tathagata Ratnagarbha spoke this verse for Bodhisattva Lion Fragrance:

Teacher of gods and humans,

Now you should arise!

Receive their offerings,

Deliver beings from birth and death,

Cause them to leave all suffering,

And end their bonds and afflictions;

In a future age you shall become

The Honored One in the Three Realms.

“Good man! When Bodhisattva Lion Fragrance heard this verse, his heart was filled with great joy. He immediately arose, reverently joined his palms before the Buddha, then withdrew to a nearby place, where he sat silently and listened to the teaching of the Dharma.”

“Good man! At that time, the brahmin Ratnasamudra again exhorted the eighth prince, Mintu, to arouse the mind of bodhi and ultimately to vow to accept his own Buddha-land.

“After Prince Mintu heard this exhortation, he addressed the Buddha, saying: ‘World-Honored One! My vow is to cultivate the bodhisattva path here in this very impure world and, moreover, to adorn and purify ten thousand impure worlds, causing them all to become as pure and adorned as the world Pure Fragrance, Radiant and Stainless. I shall also teach and transform innumerable bodhisattvas, causing them all to attain pure minds free from every defilement and to proceed entirely toward the Great Vehicle. When such bodhisattvas fill my world, only then shall I attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“World-Honored One! I vow that, when cultivating the bodhisattva path, my practice shall surpass that of other bodhisattvas.

“World-Honored One! For the past seven years, I have sat upright and contemplated the pure merits of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, together with all the excellent meritorious adornments of the Buddha-lands. I then beheld every kind of samadhi adornment, equal to the eleven thousand samadhi gateways of diligently practicing bodhisattvas.

“World-Honored One! I also vow that all bodhisattvas in the future, when cultivating the bodhisattva path, shall attain samadhis such as these.

“World-Honored One! May I attain the Samadhi of the Victorious Banner Transcending the Three Times. Through the power of this samadhi, may I behold throughout the immeasurable, boundless worlds of the Buddhas in the ten directions that, in each of those worlds, Buddhas are presently abiding, transcending the three times and teaching the true Dharma for the sake of beings.

“World-Honored One! May I attain the Samadhi of Non-retrogression. Through the power of this samadhi, may I, within a single thought, behold all the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, as numerous as minute particles of dust, reverently surrounded by their assemblies of shravakas.

May I attain the Samadhi of Non-reliance in the presence of each of those Buddhas. Through the power of this samadhi, may I manifest transformation bodies that simultaneously appear before as many Tathagatas as there are minute particles of dust in a Buddha-land, there to make offerings and pay homage. May each of these transformation bodies present offerings to all the Buddhas with every kind of supremely precious treasure, flowers and incense, ointments, powdered incense, wondrous and sublime music, and every manner of splendid adornment.

“World-Honored One! May each of my transformation bodies, in the presence of each Buddha, cultivate the bodhisattva path for as many kalpas as there are drops of water in the ocean.

“May I attain the Samadhi of the Transformation of All Bodies. Through the power of this samadhi, may I, within a single thought and before each Buddha, come to know all the worlds of the Buddhas, as numerous as the minute particles of dust in a Buddha-land.

“World-Honored One! May I attain the samadhi called Power of Merit. Through the power of this samadhi, may I, while in the presence of each Buddha, appear before as many Buddhas as there are minute particles of dust in a Buddha-land and praise them with wondrous words of acclaim.

“World-Honored One! May I attain the Samadhi of Non-Illusion. Through the power of this samadhi, may I, within a single thought, behold all the Buddhas filling the immeasurable and boundless worlds of the ten directions.

“World-Honored One! May I attain the Samadhi of Non-contention. Through the power of this samadhi, may I, within a single thought, behold all the wondrous and pure worlds of the Buddhas of the present, past, and future.

“World-Honored One! May I attain the Shurangama Samadhi. Through the power of this samadhi, may I transform myself into the bodies of hell beings, enter the hells, and expound the wondrous true Dharma to the beings therein, encouraging and enabling them to arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. After hearing the true Dharma, may those beings swiftly arouse the aspiration for unsurpassed bodhi; and immediately after death, may they be born among human beings and, wherever they are born, always encounter a Buddha. Wherever they encounter a Buddha, may they hear the Dharma expounded; and after hearing and accepting the true Dharma, may they immediately abide securely at the stage of non-retrogression.

“With regard to all classes of beings—such as gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, humans, nonhumans, and even devas, nagas, spirits, yakshas, rakshasas, pishachas, putanas, kata-putanas, butchers, monstrous beings, merchants, prostitutes, animals, and hungry ghosts—may I likewise encourage, teach, and transform them all, causing them to arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“There are also beings who, according to the place of their birth, possess various forms and appearances. I vow to divide my body and transform into beings like them, engage in the same occupations as they do, and undergo the same sufferings and joys as they do. May I manifest such bodies so that I may teach and transform those beings in accordance with their activities.

“World-Honored One! If there are beings who speak different languages, may I be able to expound the Dharma to each of them in their own language, causing them all to rejoice. Through that joy, may I then encourage them to arouse the aspiration and abide securely in the true Dharma, enabling them to attain the stage of non-retrogression from anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

“World-Honored One! I vow to teach and transform all beings throughout ten thousand Buddha-lands, enabling them to attain pure minds entirely free from all karmic activities and the poisons of the afflictions. May I not allow even a single being to be harmed by the four kinds of mara, much less many beings.

“After I have splendidly adorned those ten thousand Buddha-lands and made them as pure as the world called Pure Fragrant Radiance Free from Defilement of the Buddha Radiant Stainless Honored King of Fragrance, complete with every wondrous adornment found in that world, my retinue and I shall then make great vows like those of the Bodhisattva Lion Fragrance.

“World-Honored One! If my vows shall be fulfilled and bring benefit to myself, may all beings throughout those ten thousand Buddha-lands be freed from every suffering and affliction, attain gentle minds, and attain well-disciplined minds. May every being, within their own continent of four quarters, behold the Buddha, the World-Honored One, presently expounding the Dharma. May all beings also spontaneously obtain every kind of precious treasure, flowers and incense, powdered incense and ointments, all kinds of clothing, banners, streamers, and other such things. May every being use these things to make offerings to the Buddha. After making offerings to the Buddha, may they all arouse the aspiration for unsurpassed bodhi.

“World-Honored One! May I now attain the power of the Samadhi of Beholding Every Kind of Adornment, so that from afar I may behold all these things.’

“As soon as the prince had finished speaking, he beheld everything exactly as he had wished.

“At that time, the World-Honored One praised Prince Mintu: ‘Excellent, excellent! Good man! Surrounding your world in the four directions are ten thousand pure and adorned Buddha-lands. In future ages, you will teach and transform immeasurable beings, enabling them to attain pure minds, and you will make offerings to immeasurable and boundless Buddhas, World-Honored Ones.

“‘Good man! Because of these causes and conditions, I now change your name to Samantabhadra. In future ages, after as many asamkhya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, during the final period of the second asamkhya of kalpas, likewise as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, to the north of this world, beyond as many Buddha-lands as there are grains of sand in sixty Ganges Rivers, there will be a world named Wisdom-Water, Good Purity, and Merit.

In that world you shall attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and be known as the Tathagata King of the Sovereign Marks of the Roar of Adamantine Wisdom, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly and Universally Awakened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, World-Honored One.’

“Good man! At that time, the Great Bodhisattva Samantabhadra bowed his head to the ground in homage to the Buddha Ratnagarbha.

“The Tathagata Ratnagarbha then spoke these verses for the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra:

Guide, arise!

You have attained your aspiration,

Skillfully taming sentient beings

And enabling them to attain single-mindedness,

To cross the river of afflictions

And escape from every evil.

In the future you shall be a radiant torch,

Illuminating all realms of devas and humans.

“Good man! At that time, ten thousand people in the Dharma assembly became impatient and did not wish to wait for long. With one voice they addressed the Buddha, saying: ‘World-Honored One! In future ages, we too vow to attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in Buddha-lands as pure and adorned as these. We also vow to cultivate and adorn the worlds just as the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra does.’

“World-Honored One! We vow to cultivate the six paramitas fully. Through perfecting the six paramitas, each of us shall attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in the Buddha realms where we dwell.’

“Good man! At that time, Tathagata Treasure Treasury bestowed predictions upon those ten thousand people, saying: ‘Good men! When Bodhisattva Samantabhadra attains anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, you shall simultaneously attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in ten thousand pure Buddha realms that Bodhisattva Samantabhadra has cultivated and adorned. Among you, one thousand shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Tathagata King of Honored Wisdom-Blazing Voice, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, World-Honored One.

“Another one thousand shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of Honored Voice of the Mark of the Sangha.

“Another one thousand shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of Honored Voice of Excellent Stainlessness.

“Another one thousand shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of Honored Voice Free from Fear.

“Another one thousand shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of Honored Voice of Excellent Stainless Light.

“Another five hundred shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of the Voice of the Sun.

“Another five hundred shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Honored King of the Treasury of the Sun.

“Another five shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Honored King of Joyful Voice.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Radiance of the Sun.

“Another four shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Sovereign Dragon.

“Another eight shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Radiance of the King Praised as Free from Terror.

“Another ten shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Radiance Free from Sound.

“Another eight shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Praised Voice.

“Another eleven shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Revealer of the Voice of the Dharma.

“Another nine shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King Praised for the Dharma of Merit.

“Another twenty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Inconceivable King.

“Another forty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Honored King of the Radiance of the Jeweled Banner.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Honored Perception and Cognition.

“Another seven shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Inconceivable Mind.

“Another three shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Treasury of Wisdom.

“Another fifteen shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Banner of the Mountain of Wisdom.

“Another fifty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of the Ocean of Wisdom.

“Another thirty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of the Honored Voice of Great Power.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Eon of the Mountain of Merit.

“Another eighty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Diligence of Pure Wisdom.

“Another ninety shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of the Lineage of Honored Marks.

“Another one hundred shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Honored King of the Thunderous Voice of Excellent Stainless Wisdom.

“Another eighty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of the Power of the Mountain of Wisdom and Merit of the Supreme Honored Great Ocean.

“Another forty shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Honored King of Unsurpassed Bodhi.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name King of the Mountain Flower of Perception and Cognition.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Wisdom and Awakening of the Mountain of Merit.

“Another three shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Vajra Lion.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Radiance of Upholding the Precepts.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Manifestation of Increase.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Immeasurable Radiance.

“Another three shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Lion’s Play.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Inexhaustible Mountain of Wisdom.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Jeweled Radiance.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Stainless Wisdom.

“Another nine shall become Buddhas, all bearing the name Radiance of Wisdom.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Praised Lion.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name King of All-Pervading Merit.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name Rain of Dharma Flowers.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Creator of Radiance.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of the Mountain of Increase.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King Who Brings Forth the Stainless Dharma.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Honored King of Fragrance.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Stainless Eye.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Great Jeweled Treasury.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Unobstructed Power.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Self-Knowing Power of Merit.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Contentment with Robes.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Sovereign in Virtue.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Unobstructed Benefit.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Treasury of Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of the Great Mountain.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Treasury of Power.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Seeker of Merit.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Branch of the Flower Banner.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Multitudinous Radiance.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Unobstructed Merit.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Supreme Vajra.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Mark of the Dharma.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Honored Voice.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Firm Upholder of the Vajra.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Sovereign King of Precious Jewels.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Firm Banner of Spontaneity.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Mountain Eon.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Rain of Delight for the Deluded.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Increase of Wholesome Dharmas.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of the Sala Tree.

“Another two shall become Buddhas, both bearing the name King of Merit of the Great Ocean of All-Pervading Merit.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Harmonious Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Blazing Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Multitude of Flowers.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Honored by the World.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Udumbara Flower Banner.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Sovereign King of the Dharma Banner.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Sandalwood.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Well-Abiding.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Power of Diligence.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Radiance Equal to a Banner.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Division of Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Ocean Banner.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Extinguisher of Praise for the Dharma.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Destroyer of the King of Maras.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Multitudinous Radiance.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Emanation of the Radiance of Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Lamp of Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Peace and Security.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Voice of Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Gatherer beneath the Banner.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Celestial Vajra.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of Manifold Adornments.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Unsurpassed Wisdom.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named Mind of Excellent Abiding.

“Another one shall become a Buddha named King of the Moon.

“Again, one person will become a Buddha named Unconquered Sovereign King of the Lineage.

“Again, one person will become a Buddha named King Śālīndra.

“Again, eighty people will become Buddhas, all bearing the name Lion Lineage King.

“Again, fifty people will become Buddhas, all bearing the name Nārāyaṇa Unconquered Treasury.

“Again, seventy people will become Buddhas, all bearing the name Accumulation of Precious Merits.

“Again, thirty people will become Buddhas, all bearing the name Treasury of Light.

“Again, twenty people will become Buddhas, all bearing the name King Proclaimed by the Constellations.

“Again, two people will become Buddhas, both bearing the name King of the Śāla of the Power of Merit.

“Again, ninety people will become Buddhas, all bearing the name Wondrous Sound.

“Again, one person will become a Buddha named Brahmā Saṅgha.

“Again, one person will become a Buddha named King Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

“Again, one thousand people will become Buddhas, all bearing the name Venerable King Proclaimed by the Fragrance and Luster of the Lotus.

“Again, sixty people will become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of the Blazing Lamp of Light.

“Again, thirty people will become Buddhas, all bearing the name Increase of the Fragrant Power of the Lotus.

“Again, two people will become Buddhas, both bearing the name Increase of the Wisdom of the Great Ocean of Immeasurable Merit.

“Again, one person will become a Buddha named Sound of Jambudvīpa.

“Again, one hundred and three people will become Buddhas, all bearing the name Banner of the Mountain of Merit.

“Again, one person will become a Buddha named Lion’s Mark.

“Again, one hundred and one people will become Buddhas, all bearing the name King of the Light of the Venerable Dragon-Thunder Flower.

“Again, one person will become a Buddha named King of the Eon of the Merit of the Amṛta of Selflessness of the Seed of the Good Destinies.

“Again, one thousand people will become Buddhas, all bearing the name Mountain King of the Ocean-Eye of the World-Awakening Liberation of the Dragon King of Wisdom Transcending Dharmas.

“All will be fully endowed with the ten epithets: Tathagata, Worthy One, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One.

“All these Buddhas will, on the same day and at the same hour, each attain anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi in his own world. The lifespan of each will be ten intermediate eons, and all will enter nirvana on the same day. Seven days after they enter nirvana, the true Dharma will disappear.

“Good man! At that time, the ten thousand people together faced the Buddha Ratnagarbha and bowed their heads in homage.

“Then the Blessed One spoke these verses for those ten thousand people:

Dragon kings, arise!

You have attained steadfast mastery,

And made unsurpassed wholesome vows,

Pure and harmonious.

The resolve of all of you

Is swift as a mighty wind;

With vigor and diligence,

You cultivate and learn the Six Perfections.

In future lives you will become

The most honored in the Three Realms.

“Good man! At that time, after the ten thousand people heard these verses, joy arose in their hearts. They immediately stood before the Buddha, respectfully joined their palms, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, and then withdrew to a place nearby, where they sat silently and listened to the teaching of the Dharma.

“Good man! At that time, the brahmin Ratnasamudra further exhorted the ninth prince, Mật-tô, to arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi and to make vows concerning the Buddha-land he would attain.

“At that time, Prince Mật-tô addressed the Buddha, saying: ‘Blessed One! As I practice the bodhisattva path, may all the Buddhas presently dwelling throughout the worlds of the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, bear witness for me. Today, before the Buddha, I arouse the aspiration for anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi.

“Blessed One! From the time I practice the bodhisattva path until I attain Buddhahood, may I never give rise to regret. Even when I become a Buddha, may I always abide securely in single-mindedness, never regress, always act precisely according to what I teach, and teach precisely according to what I practice.

May no one ever be able to afflict or disturb my mind. Ultimately, I shall never seek the state of a śrāvaka or pratyekabuddha, never give rise to lust, and never entertain evil thoughts. Nor shall I ever allow my mind to fall into states of drowsiness, conceit, arrogance, doubt, regret, and the like.

Nor shall I give rise to greed, lust, killing, stealing, false speech, divisive speech, harsh speech, improper speech, anger, wrong views, or jealousy. Nor shall I ever dare to slight or disparage the true Dharma.

“Throughout the time I practice the bodhisattva path until I attain anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, may I never give rise to such evil and unwholesome dharmas. Until I attain anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, with every step I take, may I constantly recollect the true Dharma and the Buddhas, behold the Buddhas, question them and receive the wondrous true Dharma, and make offerings to the Sangha.

“Wherever I may be born, may I always renounce the household life and cultivate the path. As soon as I go forth, may I naturally possess the three robes made from discarded rags. May I always sit alone in contemplation beneath a tree; dwell in secluded and tranquil places; constantly practice alms-round; seek no material gain or support; practice contentment; always expound the true Dharma; attain immeasurable, unobstructed eloquence; and never commit any grave offense. When teaching the Dharma to women, may I not fall into attachment to self. When teaching the Dharma, may I always maintain the perception of emptiness, mindful within that all dharmas are empty. May I sit upright with palms joined, and when speaking, may I not expose my teeth.

“Whenever I encounter people who study the Mahayana, may I always regard them as the Blessed One and constantly honor them and make offerings to them. Wherever I hear the true Dharma, may I regard it as encountering the Buddha. May I also always honor, make offerings to, and revere śramaṇas and brahmins. When practicing generosity and making offerings, with the sole exception of the Buddha, the Blessed One, may I never discriminate among all other people as to whether they are or are not fields of merit.

“I vow never to feel jealousy toward those who bestow the Dharma. If any being is about to suffer execution, I vow to relinquish my own life to rescue and protect that being. If any being has committed an offense, I vow to use all my strength and every expedient means—words, money, possessions, and so forth—to aid that being and bring about liberation.

“If householders or monastics commit faults, I vow never to disclose those matters to others. I shall always keep far away from material gain and renown as though they were fiery pits, swords, or poisonous trees.

“Blessed One! If the vows I have made today before the Buddha will be fulfilled precisely in this way until I attain anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, then may celestial precious wheels, each with one thousand spokes and radiating light like a great flame, appear naturally in both my hands.’

“Good man! As soon as Prince Mật-tô finished speaking these words, a precious wheel with one thousand spokes naturally appeared in each of his hands, exactly as he had vowed.

“At that time, Prince Mật-tô again addressed the Buddha: ‘World-Honored One! If my aspiration is fulfilled, if I attain benefit for myself and accomplish Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, then I shall now command these celestial precious wheels, each with a thousand spokes, to fly to worlds where there is no Buddha and where the five defilements are fully present. These precious wheels shall emit a tremendous sound that resounds throughout the Buddha lands.

Just as the Dragon King Nanda and the Dragon King Upananda emit great sounds that resound throughout the world, so too shall the sounds of these precious wheels resound everywhere. They shall be sounds of predictions of bodhisattvahood, sounds that prevent the loss of right mindfulness and wisdom, and sounds proclaiming the study and practice of the Dharma of emptiness and the Dharma treasury of the Buddhas.

“‘If sentient beings everywhere hear these sounds of the true Dharma, their lust, anger, ignorance, arrogance, stinginess, and jealousy shall immediately be eradicated. They shall attain serene contemplation and the exceedingly profound wisdom of the Buddhas, and shall forthwith give rise to the aspiration for Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.’

“Good man! Prince Mật-tô then immediately commanded the two precious wheels. Just as the spiritual powers of the Buddhas manifest with extreme swiftness, so too did those wheels come and go with great speed, manifesting throughout evil worlds where there was no Buddha.

For the sake of the sentient beings there, they emitted sounds of predictions of bodhisattvahood, sounds that prevent the loss of right mindfulness and wisdom, and sounds proclaiming the study and practice of the Dharma of emptiness and the Dharma treasury of the Buddhas. When sentient beings everywhere heard these sounds of the true Dharma, their lust, anger, ignorance, arrogance, stinginess, and jealousy were immediately eradicated.

They attained serene contemplation and the exceedingly profound wisdom of the Buddhas, and forthwith gave rise to the aspiration for Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Then, in but a moment, the wheels returned to the presence of Prince Mật-tô.

“Good man! At that time, the Tathagata Ratnagarbha praised Prince Mật-tô, saying: ‘Excellent, excellent! Good man!

The wholesome vow you have made while practicing the bodhisattva path is supremely lofty, wondrous, and foremost. You commanded these precious wheels to fly to worlds where there is no Buddha and where the five defilements are fully present, thereby enabling immeasurable, boundless, incalculable hundreds of thousands of millions of sentient beings to become settled and firmly established in undefiled minds and minds free from harmful intent, while encouraging, teaching, and transforming them all so that they gave rise to the aspiration for Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.

Therefore, I now change your name to Akshobhya. In a future life, you shall become a World-Honored One. You should now rejoice with delight before the Buddha and make a vow to receive a Buddha land replete with every kind of splendid adornment.’

“At that time, Bodhisattva Akshobhya addressed the Buddha: ‘World-Honored One! My aspiration is to obtain a Buddha land replete with every kind of splendid adornment such as these: May the ground of my world be made entirely of pure gold, level like the palm of a hand, with a great abundance of every kind of celestial treasure filling the world. May there be no mountains, hills, mounds, sand, gravel, stones, thorns, or brambles. May the ground be as soft and smooth as celestial silk, so that when one walks upon it, one’s feet sink four inches into the ground, and when one lifts one’s feet, the ground immediately closes again.

“‘May that world have no realms of hell beings, animals, or hungry ghosts, and no impurity, foul odor, or filth. May the entire world be pervaded only by the foremost wondrous fragrances of the devas, together with the fragrances of mandārava and mahāmandārava flowers. May the sentient beings in that world never grow old or feeble and never suffer illness. May every person live in complete ease and freedom, without apprehension or fear of one another, and never cause harm to others.

“‘May there be no untimely deaths in that world. When the end of life arrives, may the mind be free from regret, resentment, and hatred. Those about to die shall always possess a resolute mind, free from error, confusion, and disorder, and shall constantly maintain mindfulness and contemplation of the Buddhas, the Tathagatas. After death, they shall not fall into the evil destinies or be born in evil worlds where the five defilements prevail and no Buddha is present.

“‘Until the sentient beings in that world accomplish Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, may they always encounter Buddhas, inquire of them and receive the wondrous true Dharma, and make offerings to the Sangha.

“‘May the sentient beings in that world abandon sexual desire, anger, and delusion, and may they all practice the Ten Wholesome Actions. In that world, may there be no various crafts or cunning trades, no commission of offenses, and not even names denoting offenses. May there also be no heavenly māras or difficult obstacles upon the path of cultivation.

“‘May the bodies of sentient beings have no ugly features, and may there be no distinctions of superior and inferior rank. May all sentient beings deeply understand the principle of non-self—that neither a self nor anything belonging to a self truly exists. May shravakas and bodhisattvas never give rise to an impure thought, even in dreams.

May sentient beings always delight in and seek the true Dharma and listen to the true Dharma. May not a single person produce inverted views, and may there be no followers of non-Buddhist paths. May sentient beings experience no weariness of body or mind.

May they all attain the five supernormal powers and never endure hunger, thirst, or any affliction. Whenever they delight in and desire any food or drink, a precious bowl shall immediately appear naturally in their hands, filled with every kind of food, just as among the devas in the heavens of the Desire Realm.

“‘May the sentient beings there have no impure excretions, such as spittle and phlegm, feces, urine, tears, or nasal discharge. May there be neither oppressive heat nor bitter cold, but always a cool, fragrant breeze gently touching their bodies.

“‘May that breeze be replete with wondrous fragrances capable of perfuming devas and humans, so that no other fragrance is needed. May that fragrant breeze also accord with the devas’ and humans’ desire for coolness or warmth, bringing complete satisfaction to them all. If any sentient being desires a breeze bearing the fragrance of utpala flowers, udāsāra flowers, agarwood, tagara, agara, or every kind of fragrance, then in accordance with that being’s wish, it shall be fulfilled as soon as the thought arises—except for sentient beings in worlds where the five defilements prevail.

“‘May my world contain mansions made of the seven treasures. Within those precious mansions, may there be beds also made of the seven treasures, with blankets and cushions fashioned entirely from fabrics as soft and smooth as celestial silk. May all sentient beings upon those beds experience joy and bliss.

On all four sides surrounding each precious mansion, may there be beautiful pools. May the water in those pools possess the eight meritorious qualities, and may sentient beings use that water according to their wishes. May the world contain many golden tala trees bearing every kind of beautiful, wonderfully fragrant flower and fruit.

May the trees also be splendidly adorned with every kind of fine and precious garment, precious parasol, pearl, and jeweled necklace. If any sentient being desires a particular kind of fine garment, that being may go to those trees and take it freely. The same shall be true of every kind of fragrant flower and fruit.’”

“World-Honored One! May the bodhi tree in that world be made entirely of the seven precious substances, one thousand yojanas in height, with a massive trunk spanning one yojana and branches and leaves extending over one thousand yojanas. May gentle breezes constantly blow through that bodhi tree, causing it to produce wondrous sounds that expound the six paramitas, the five faculties, the five powers, the seven factors of enlightenment, the Noble Eightfold Path, and so forth. Upon hearing these wondrous sounds, all sentient beings will immediately be freed from thoughts of sensual desire.

“The women in that world will all be endowed with every wondrous merit, like the celestial maidens of Tusita Heaven. They will be free from the impurities of women, will not engage in divisive speech, will not be obscured by thoughts of stinginess or jealousy, and will feel no sexual desire toward men. If a man gives rise to lust and approaches a woman, she will immediately look upon him with loving-kindness for a brief moment. That man will then be freed from lust, spontaneously develop disenchantment, and immediately turn back. Before long, he will attain the Samadhi of Pure Immaculacy. Through the power of this samadhi, he will be liberated from every bondage of Mara and will never again give rise to evil thoughts of lust.

“If such a woman sees a man and gives rise to amorous desire, she will immediately conceive and will then also be freed from thoughts of lust. While she is pregnant, whether the child is male or female, her body and mind will experience no suffering or affliction, and she will constantly enjoy the utmost bliss, like the devas of Trayastrimsa Heaven.

“The mother will carry the child for seven days and seven nights, enjoying bliss like that of the devas and also like that of a bhiksu who has entered the second dhyana. Whether male or female, the unborn child will not be defiled by impurities. After the full seven days, the child will be born. At the time of birth, there will be every kind of bliss as well as wondrous sounds. The mother will experience no suffering in giving birth. Afterward, mother and child will both enter the water and bathe their bodies.

“At that time, the mother will attain right mindfulness. Through the power of right mindfulness, she will immediately attain the Samadhi of Purity and Freedom from Desire. Through the power of this samadhi, her mind will remain constantly settled, and she will be liberated from every bondage of Mara.

“If there are sentient beings who, because of the force of karma they have created, would otherwise have to be reborn in female bodies for innumerable hundreds of millions of kalpas, then through the power of mental concentration they will cast off the female body and permanently eliminate every karmic result leading to a female body. From then until their attainment of nirvana, they will never again have to assume a female body.

“Or there may be sentient beings who, because of the force of karma they have created, would otherwise have to enter the womb and endure every kind of suffering and affliction for innumerable hundreds of millions of kalpas. I vow that after I attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, if those sentient beings hear my name, they will give rise to joy. Having given rise to joy, they will pass away before long; when they would otherwise enter a womb, they will instead be born in my world. As soon as they are born there, they will permanently end the karma of womb-birth, and until they attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, they will never again have to enter a womb.

“Some sentient beings who have planted many roots of virtue will immediately appear in my world, born from within lotus flowers. Other sentient beings who possess few roots of virtue will have to enter a womb or assume a female body to be born in my world, but afterward they too will permanently end the karma of womb-birth.

“All sentient beings in my world will enjoy only wondrous bliss. Gentle breezes will blow through golden tala trees, producing wondrous sounds proclaiming suffering, emptiness, non-self, impermanence, and so forth. All who hear these sounds will attain the Samadhi of Radiance. Through the power of this samadhi, they will attain the extremely profound samadhis of meditative absorption in emptiness. Nowhere throughout my world will there be any sound that arouses thoughts of lust.

“World-Honored One! When I sit beneath the bodhi tree, I will attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in the space of a single thought. May my world have no light from the sun or moon and no distinction between day and night; the only difference will be whether the flowers are open or closed.

“I vow that, after attaining anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, I will immediately emit brilliant rays of light illuminating the entire great trichiliocosm. Through the power of that radiance, all sentient beings will attain the divine eye. With the divine eye, they will behold throughout the innumerable and boundless worlds of the Buddhas in the ten directions, seeing in each world Buddhas, World-Honored Ones, presently expounding the Dharma.

“World-Honored One! After I attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and expound the true Dharma, may the sound of that Dharma teaching resound throughout the entire great trichiliocosm. Upon hearing it, sentient beings will immediately attain the Samadhi of Recollection of the Buddha. Through the power of this samadhi, while those sentient beings walk about and turn in any direction, they will constantly see me. If they have any doubts or obstructions concerning the dharmas, upon seeing me their doubts will immediately be resolved.

“World-Honored One! After I attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, in each of the innumerable, boundless asamkhyeyas of Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions, if there are sentient beings who cultivate and study the Sravaka vehicle, the Pratyekabuddha vehicle, or the Mahayana, then after hearing my name, at the end of their lives they will certainly be born in my world.

“Those sentient beings who cultivate and study the Sravaka vehicle will, upon hearing me expound the Dharma, immediately attain the Eight Liberations and realize the fruit of arhatship. Those sentient beings who cultivate and study the Mahayana will, upon hearing me expound the Dharma, immediately penetrate deeply into the gateways of dharani, Dharma patience, and the samadhis. They will become irreversible from anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and will have as their retinue an immeasurable assembly of Sravakas, boundless in number, whom no one apart from the Buddhas will be able to count.

“World-Honored One! When I attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, wherever I set down my foot, a golden lotus with one thousand petals will immediately arise. That flower will be exceedingly wondrous and will radiate brilliant light. I will then cause it to fly to worlds where there is no Buddha, there to proclaim and praise my name. If any sentient being hears that flower proclaiming and praising my name, that being will give rise to joy, plant roots of virtue, and wish to be born in my world. At the end of that being’s life, that being will immediately be born there in accordance with this aspiration.

“The ordained assembly in my world will have abandoned all defiled states of mind, such as flattery, perversity, jealousy, deceit, and contempt for ascetics. All will revere the true Dharma. They will attach no importance to requisites, fame, gain, or offerings, but will constantly delight in the teachings of suffering, emptiness, impermanence, and non-self. They will always be diligent and vigorous, revere the true Dharma, and rely upon the Sangha.”

“All bodhisattvas who have attained the stage of non-retrogression I shall enable to attain the Dragon Rain Samadhi. Through the power of this samadhi, they shall expound the Dharma of prajnaparamita for sentient beings, enabling them to escape birth and death; and thereafter, until they attain Buddhahood, they shall never forget the Dharma teachings they have expounded.

“World-Honored One! When I have attained Buddhahood, my lifespan in the world shall be ten thousand great kalpas. After I enter nirvana, the True Dharma shall remain in the world for a full one thousand kalpas.’

“At that time, the Tathagata Ratnagarbha praised Bodhisattva Akshobhya, saying: ‘Excellent, excellent! Good man! You shall now receive a pure world.

In a future age, after as many asamkhya kalpas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, and upon entering the second asamkhya of kalpas, likewise as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, one thousand Buddha-realms east of this world there shall be a world named Wondrous Bliss, fully endowed with all the splendid adornments you have vowed for. In that world you shall attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and shall also bear the name Akshobhya Tathagata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Devas and Humans, Buddha, World-Honored One.’

“Then Bodhisattva Akshobhya addressed the Buddha: ‘World-Honored One! If my vows are fulfilled and I attain benefit for myself, may all sentient beings in the world who are under the dominion of the skandhas, ayatanas, and dhatus attain loving-kindness, be free from thoughts of enmity and from all evil and defilement, and experience joy in body and mind, just as bodhisattvas of the Ten Abodes, seated cross-legged upon lotus thrones and entering samadhi, possess minds pure and undefiled through the power of samadhi. May those sentient beings likewise experience such joy in body and mind. I now bow my head in reverence to the Buddha; may this earth radiate light of pure gold.’

“Good man! At that time, Bodhisattva Akshobhya bowed his head to the ground and paid homage at the Buddha’s feet. At that very moment, immeasurable sentient beings all experienced immense joy in body and mind. The earth there also radiated brilliant light of pure gold.

“At that time, the Tathagata Ratnagarbha spoke these verses for Bodhisattva Akshobhya:

Noble one, arise!

You have now caused

All sentient beings

To attain minds free from anger,

And toward other beings

To arouse great compassion.

In each of your two hands is

A wheel with a thousand spokes;

With pure intent, in time to come,

You shall become a Teacher of Devas and Humans!

“Good man! When Bodhisattva Akshobhya heard these verses, joy arose in his heart. He then stood before the Buddha, respectfully joined his palms, paid homage at the Buddha’s feet, withdrew to a nearby place, and sat silently listening to the teaching of the Dharma.

THE COMPASSIONATE LOTUS SUTRA

END OF VOLUME IV