方廣大莊嚴經

Chapter 5: DESCENT AND BIRTH

At that time, the Buddha said to the bhikshus:

“The bodhisattva had expounded the true Dharma to devas and humans, encouraging, revealing, and clearly showing it to them, thereby inspiring them even further.”

Then the bodhisattva said to the assembly of devas:

“In what form should I descend and be born in Jambudvipa?”

Many deva sons spoke in turn. Some said that he should assume the form of a youth; some said that he should take the form of Shakra or Brahma; some held that he should choose a form like that of the devas in the wondrous celestial realms (Mahà ràji karùpa); some said that he should assume a form like those of the asuras, gandharvas, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, and others; some thought that he should choose a form like that of the devas of the sun and moon; and others said that he should assume the form of a golden-winged bird.

Thus the deva sons proposed a great many forms. At that time, in the assembly was a deva son named Victorious Light, who in the past had lived in Jambudvipa as a brahmin and whose resolve for the path of unsurpassed bodhi had never regressed. He then declared that it was clearly stated in the Vedic treatises that, when descending to be born, the bodhisattva should enter his mother’s womb in the form of an elephant.

That deva son then spoke this verse:

When the bodhisattva descends to the world,

He should assume the form of an elephant,

Upright, majestic, and beautiful,

With a rose-colored crown upon his head,

Spotlessly white and pure,

Like transparent crystal,

Fully endowed with six tusks,

Adorned with engravings of gold—

The supreme auspicious sign

Set forth in the Vedas—

The thirty-two marks

Of one about to be born in the human realm.

The Buddha said to the bhikshus:

“At that time, while dwelling in Tushita Heaven and preparing to descend and be born, the bodhisattva surveyed all of Jambudvipa and clearly saw eight auspicious events appear in the palace of King Shuddhodana. What were these eight signs? First, the royal palace suddenly became immaculate.

Although no water had been sprinkled and no sweeping had been done, there was not the slightest trace of dust, impurity, scattered gravel, mosquitoes, flies, snails, or other insects. Instead, beautiful flowers lay strewn everywhere in many circles, and exquisite fragrances filled the air. Second, from the ranges of the Snow Mountains, flocks of birds came and gathered there—many kinds of rare birds of various colors, all with splendid plumage.

They flew and frolicked freely throughout the palaces, towers, eaves, windows, beams, and pillars, singing together joyfully to their hearts’ content. Third, throughout that royal palace, all the trees, grasses, flowers, and leaves seemed to burst simultaneously into luxuriant bloom. Fourth, countless lotus flowers appeared in all the palace ponds and lakes.

Their blossoms, as large as chariot wheels and possessing hundreds of thousands of radiant petals, covered the surface of the water. Fifth, many precious articles spontaneously appeared throughout the palace, together with ghee, oil, honey, and many other things of exquisite flavor; however much they were used, they were virtually never exhausted. Sixth, throughout the palace, musical instruments such as pipes, flutes, zithers, and harps of both ancient and new designs emitted many wondrous sounds without being struck or played.

Seventh, all the palace treasuries became filled with gold, silver, vaidurya, mother-of-pearl, agate, mani jewels, coral, and other treasures. Eighth, a great radiance shone forth from the royal palace, surpassing even the light of the sun and moon. Whoever beheld that radiance experienced peace and bliss in body and mind and regarded it as something never before seen.

These were the eight auspicious signs that appeared in the palace of King Shuddhodana.

“At this time, the king’s queen, the noble Lady Maya, bathed and adorned herself, anointed herself with celestial fragrances, and dressed in beautiful and precious garments. The jewels she wore further enhanced her dignified and noble beauty. Joyful and at ease, pure in body and mind, she led a retinue of ten thousand women through the Hall of Music and went directly to King Shuddhodana. To the king’s right, she gently ascended a magnificent throne adorned with a jeweled net. Once seated, the noble lady smiled, her countenance bright and cheerful, and recited this verse:

Excellent! Great King, may you consent;

I now wish to declare my great vow.

May a compassionate heart thereby arise at once.

I am now observing the eight pure precepts,

Harming no living being and loving them as myself.

My three karmic activities and ten wholesome deeds remain ever serene;

My mind is far removed from deceit, flattery, hatred, and jealousy.

I pray that the king will harbor no defiled desire toward me.

If, upon hearing these precepts, you should be displeased,

I fear the king will become more tightly bound to suffering for many kalpas.

I ask only that you permit me to dwell apart

In a palace naturally adorned with fragrances and flowers,

Ever surrounded by virtuous palace women,

Who play music and sing, proclaiming the sounds of Dharma.

Keep all wicked persons far from me;

Let no lascivious or impure fragrances and flowers be enjoyed.

Let every prisoner and convict be pardoned and released;

Let all the prisons now stand empty.

Establish a great assembly of giving for seven days and seven nights;

Aid the poor and hungry so that they may be fully satisfied.

Guide all onto the right path and lighten their forced labor;

Cause litigation and disputes to cease in every court.

Let everyone alike turn toward a heart of loving-kindness,

As though ascending to the Garden of Joy in Trayastrimsha Heaven.

Cherish the people of the world as one’s own children;

Teaching the Dharma in this way brings the greatest peace and bliss.

The king heard these words, and his heart rejoiced;

He consented to every one of her wishes.

He ordered his ministers to purify the royal palace

And skillfully adorn it with banners, canopies, flowers, and fragrances.

He further commanded twenty thousand valiant soldiers,

Fully armed with swords and halberds, to provide protection.

Palace women played music and sang for her delight,

Adorning themselves with jeweled necklaces.

A jade bed and jeweled throne were draped in silks;

She dwelt in the splendid palace like a celestial maiden.

The Buddha said to the bhikshus:

“At that time, the Four Heavenly Kings, Shakra Devendra, and the celestial lords of the Yama Heaven, Tushita Heaven, Delight in Transformation Heaven, Heaven of Mastery over Others’ Transformations, Brahma Assembly Heaven, Brahma Ministers Heaven, Heaven of Wondrous Light, Heaven of Lesser Light, Heaven of Radiant Adornment, Pure Abode Heaven, Akanishtha Heaven, and Maheshvara Heaven, as well as Brahma, lord of the Saha world, together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of devas, all assembled before the bodhisattva and said:

“‘The bodhisattva is now intent upon descending and being born, yet we devas will not accompany and attend upon you. When you descend into the world, we do not know when you will return, nor do we know who, through the nurturing kindness yet to come, will be permitted to follow, protect, and attend upon the bodhisattva in his descent to Jambudvipa. From the time you enter your mother’s womb, leave the womb and grow up, pass through childhood and youth into maturity, enjoying games and pleasures; until you renounce the household life and practice austerities;

then proceed to the seat of bodhi, subdue the armies of Mara, attain Buddhahood, turn the wheel of Dharma, manifest wondrous spiritual powers, return from Trayastrimsha Heaven to Jambudvipa, and enter nirvana—we devas vow to protect you wholeheartedly and never leave you for even a moment.’

Then the deva sons together recited this verse:

Who among us may be permitted

Joyfully to follow the bodhisattva?

His merit and virtue will increase,

And he will also gain great honor.

If one seeks the realm of Trayastrimsha,

Supremely wondrous and ever blissful,

Surrounded by celestial maidens,

One should follow the Moon of Purity.

If one seeks the Wondrous Grove,

A beautiful realm of constant delight,

With golden jeweled ground adorned by flowers,

One should follow the Light Free from Defilement.

If one seeks elephants, horses, and carriages

In which to roam the Garden of Joy,

Surrounded by hosts of celestial maidens,

One should follow the Great Man.

If one seeks Yama Heaven

And the realm of Tushita Heaven,

Wherever born, always held in reverence,

One should follow the One of Great Renown.

If one seeks the Heaven of Delight in Transformation,

Sovereign within celestial palaces,

Sporting joyfully amid transformations,

One should follow the One of Merit and Virtue.

If one seeks to become a Mara king,

Abandoning every malicious thought,

Manifesting spiritual transformations throughout all realms,

One should follow the Beneficent One.

If one seeks to transcend the desire realm,

And dwell in the supremely wondrous Brahma palace,

Cultivating the four immeasurable states

One should follow the Master of meditation.

If one seeks birth among humans

And the blessed reward of a Wheel-Turning King,

With the seven treasures arising from loving-kindness,

One should follow the One Free from Desire.

If one seeks the rank of a king,

An elder, or a householder,

Wealthy and noble, without adversaries,

One should follow the Unsurpassed One.

If one seeks great wealth and nobility,

Comeliness and honor,

Whose commands are filled with majestic virtue,

One should follow the One of Brahma Voice.

If one seeks the rewards of gods and humans,

Peace and security throughout the three realms,

Meditation and uncontaminated wisdom,

One should follow the One Sovereign in the Dharma.

If one seeks to end desire

And extinguish all anger and delusion,

With a tranquil mind content with little,

One should follow the Tamer of Minds.

If one seeks omniscience,

The paths of the shravaka and pratyekabuddha,

And the lion’s roar throughout the ten directions,

One should follow the Ocean of Merit.

If one seeks deliverance from the evil destinies

And the opening of all gates of ambrosia,

One will encounter the Noble Eightfold Path;

One should follow the One Who Has Left the Perilous Path.

If one seeks to behold the Buddhas,

Comprehend the wondrous Dharma,

And obtain every blessed reward,

One should follow the Treasury of Merit.

If one seeks freedom from afflictions

And the sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death,

Becoming pure like empty space,

One should follow the Stainless One.

If one seeks to be revered,

Complete in virtuous conduct and excellent marks,

And to guide both oneself and others to liberation,

One should follow the One of Peace and Bliss.

If one seeks morality, concentration, and wisdom,

And the wondrous Dharma difficult to attain,

So that the wise may swiftly gain liberation,

One should follow the Great King of Physicians.

If one seeks immeasurable virtues,

All perfected to the ultimate degree,

And attainment of the realm of nirvana,

One should follow the One Who Has Perfected Wisdom.

At that time, all the devas in the assembly clearly heard these verses. There were as many as forty-eight thousand devas from the Heaven of the Four Heavenly Kings; one hundred thousand devas from the Trayastrimsha Heaven; one hundred thousand devas from the Yama Heaven; and equal numbers of devas from the Tushita Heaven, the Heaven of Delight in Transformations, and the Heaven of Mastery over Others’ Transformations. There were also sixty thousand heavenly maras who had accumulated merit in former kalpas; sixty-eight thousand devas from the Heaven of Brahma’s Assembly; and, extending as far as the Akanishtha Heaven, nearly one hundred thousand divine princes from each heaven.

All these divine princes had already arrived and were present in the assembly. In addition, incalculable numbers of devas from the other directions—east, west, south, north, above, and below—also came and gathered there. Then the foremost divine prince in the assembly recited these verses:

All of you, now listen well;

My resolve is firmly set.

Abandoning sensual desire and spiritual powers,

And the bliss of meditation and samadhi,

I shall follow the Most Excellent One

As he descends to enter his mother’s womb,

Causing every evil to be restrained,

And shall always be his protector.

With wondrous music

I shall extol his ocean of merit,

Causing gods and humans to rejoice

And awaken the mind of unsurpassed enlightenment.

When gods and humans heard these words,

They rejoiced, and all calamities ceased.

They scattered mandara flowers everywhere,

Together with many other precious blossoms,

And burned the fragrance of agarwood

As an offering to the One of Pure Merit.

While dwelling within the womb,

The bodhisattva is unstained by the three defilements;

He transcends birth, aging, and death

And attains the ultimate path.

Keeping our minds pure,

We shall follow the Awakened Sage.

When the heavenly kings Shakra and Brahma

Behold him take seven steps,

They shall hold fragrant water in their hands

And bathe the stainless Holy One.

Though done in accordance with worldly custom,

It brings great merit to gods and humans.

Never tainted while dwelling amid desires,

He shall cross beyond the city walls and relinquish the precious throne.

We vow to follow him,

As he spreads grass and sits at the seat of enlightenment,

Subdues Mara and attains perfect awakening,

And expounds the unsurpassed Dharma.

His Buddha-work shall pervade the three realms,

And ambrosia shall permeate the myriad beings.

Until he enters nirvana,

We shall always follow and never forsake him.

The Buddha told the bhikshus:

“Innumerable heavenly maidens of the Desire Realm gazed upon the bodhisattva’s wondrous bodily marks as he prepared to descend into the world. They discussed among themselves: ‘The woman who is to become the bodhisattva’s mother must be endowed with supreme virtue before she can bear the Venerable One in her womb. Such a woman will surely be cherished, admired, and wholeheartedly revered by everyone.’ Through the blessed rewards he already possessed, the bodhisattva attained spiritual powers and could take birth according to his will.

From the Tushita Heaven, in the span of a single kshana, he reached the city of Kapilavastu, the capital of King Shuddhodana. That royal city was vast in circumference, and its groves, gardens, ponds, and lakes were all magnificently adorned, like the palace of Lord Shakra. Within the inner palace stood a great hall named Upholding the Realm, in which the holy queen Maya resided.

Everything arranged within it was magnificent and beautiful, radiating purity, freedom from defilement, clarity, and sanctity. The holy queen wore heavenly garments and strings of precious jewels, all of which enhanced her noble and venerable appearance. The heavenly maidens then arrived at that palace, remained suspended in empty space, gazed upon the holy queen’s countenance, and uttered these verses:

The heavenly maidens of the Desire Realm,

Contemplating the bodhisattva’s wondrous body,

All reflected together:

‘What is the bodhisattva’s mother like?’

Holding garlands firmly in their hands,

Burning incense and spreading fragrant ointments,

They joyfully came to the royal palace

And reverently joined their palms.

Her countenance was exceedingly beautiful,

And her hands and feet delightful to behold.

Seeing her seated upon the precious couch,

With a wholesome mind contemplating ultimate truth,

They thought, ‘Such wonder in the mortal realm

Has never been found even in heaven.

We have always considered ourselves

Supreme among heavenly maidens,

But now, beholding this countenance,

We naturally feel ashamed.’

Magnificently adorned with merit,

Her countenance is truly upright and beautiful.

Without such virtue as this,

How could she become the bodhisattva’s mother?

Just as a priceless jewel

Is placed within a pure precious vessel,

So does the bodhisattva’s mother

Carry the One of Supreme Virtue.

Those who meet her give rise to joy;

Their minds delight without weariness.

Her features are ever graceful and dignified,

And her bodily marks seem to shine.

Like the moon suspended in empty space,

She looks upon others with a pure mind;

Like the radiant sun,

And like refined pure gold—

Such, too, are the excellent marks

Beheld in the bodhisattva’s mother.

Her fragrant hair is soft,

Glossy and black as a bee;

Her teeth are white as starlight,

And her eyes resemble blue lotus petals.

Her movements and bearing are truly graceful;

Her hands and feet are perfectly formed.

Who in the heavens could surpass her?

Who among humans could compare?

Having carefully observed her thus,

They circumambulated her clockwise and scattered flowers and incense,

Praised the one named Mother of the Buddha,

And returned to the heavenly realm.

At that time the Four World-Protectors,

Shakra, Brahma, and the devas of the Desire Realm,

Together with the beings of the eight classes,

All came and gathered around the Buddha’s mother.

All the devas beheld

That the bodhisattva was about to descend.

Bearing abundant incense and flowers,

They joyfully came before him,

Joined their palms, bowed, and said:

‘The time for your descent has arrived.

May the Lion King now,

Out of compassion, be born into the world.’

The Buddha told the bhikshus:

“When the bodhisattva was about to descend, immeasurable hundreds of thousands of bodhisattvas from the eastern direction, all destined for one more birth, came together to the Tushita Heaven to make offerings to him. Bodhisattvas from the south, west, and north, from the four intermediate directions, and from above and below likewise all came there to make offerings. Then, from worlds throughout the ten directions, divine princes of the Heaven of the Four Heavenly Kings, the Heaven of the Thirty-Three, the Yama Heaven, the Tushita Heaven, the Heaven of Delight in Transformations, the Heaven of Mastery over Others’ Transformations, and the other heavens each led forty-eight thousand heavenly maidens.

One after another, they circumambulated the Tushita palace, playing instruments and singing as offerings to the bodhisattva.

“At that time, the bodhisattva resided within the Great Pavilion, seated upon the lion throne named Supreme Treasury Born of All Virtues. Those bodhisattvas, together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of nayutas of devas, surrounded the bodhisattva and made offerings to him, wholeheartedly honoring, revering, and praising him.

“At that very moment, the bodhisattva descended from the most excellent Tushita palace and was born in Jambudvipa.”

When the bodhisattva was about to descend and be born, an unprecedented ray of light streamed forth from his bodily marks, illuminating the entire trichiliocosm. It reached even the realms of darkness, causing the light of the sun and moon to become utterly dim, so that only that great radiance shone. The beings in those dark realms all saw one another and said among themselves, “Why have other beings suddenly appeared in this realm?” At the same time, throughout the trichiliocosm there occurred six kinds of quaking, comprising eighteen phenomena: trembling, great trembling, and exceedingly great trembling; pounding, great pounding, and exceedingly great pounding; shifting, rapid shifting, and exceedingly rapid shifting; rising, rising high, and rising exceedingly high;

resounding, resounding loudly, and resounding exceedingly loudly.

When the outer regions rose, the central region remained still; when the central region rose, the outer regions remained still. When the east rose, the west remained still; when the west rose, the east remained still. When the south rose, the north remained still; when the north rose, the south remained still.

At that time, when all beings heard these various sounds, they rejoiced and exulted, delighted in purity, experienced the utmost happiness, and offered boundless praise; not a single being was startled or afraid. Even the radiance of Brahma, Shakra, the world-protecting deities, the sun, and the moon seemed no longer to appear. Through this merit, all beings in the realms of hell beings, hungry ghosts, and animals gained peace and security.

During this time, not a single being was oppressed by greed, anger, delusion, or any other affliction. Instead, all gave rise to loving-kindness and compassion, wishing to benefit one another and regarding one another as parents, siblings, and close relatives. At the same time, the musical instruments of gods and humans sounded of themselves without being played.

Immeasurable devas bore exquisite celestial pavilions upon their heads and held them aloft with both hands. They were surrounded by immeasurable hundreds of thousands of celestial maidens, who performed celestial music in harmony; from within that music arose these profound verses praising the bodhisattva’s merit:

For many kalpas the Venerable One cultivated,

And perfected every kind of pure karma;

Abiding in the supreme principle of true rectitude,

He now receives the offerings of gods and humans.

Throughout immeasurable kotis of kalpas past,

He gave away even his beloved wife and children;

Through the merit of giving, he now gains this supreme reward,

And devas therefore offer him flowers and incense.

He sacrificed his own body as an act of giving,

With loving-kindness saving birds that were about to die;

Through the practice of giving, he gained this supreme reward,

Always enabling hungry ghosts to be fully satisfied.

Throughout boundless kalpas, the Venerable One

Firmly upheld the pure precepts without ever forsaking them;

Through the merit of keeping the precepts, he gained this supreme reward,

Causing suffering in the evil realms to cease.

Throughout immeasurable kalpas, the Venerable One

Practiced patience in his quest for awakening;

Through the merit of patience, he gained this supreme reward,

Causing gods and humans alike to cherish him.

Throughout immeasurable kalpas, the Venerable One

Fully cultivated diligence without ever resting;

Through the merit of diligent effort, he gained this supreme reward,

His bodily marks dignified and majestic like Mount Sumeru.

Throughout immeasurable kalpas, the Venerable One

Constantly severed the fetters and cultivated concentration;

Through the merit of meditative concentration, he gained this supreme reward,

Causing the afflictions of this world to cease.

Throughout immeasurable kalpas, the Venerable One

Cultivated wisdom and dispelled delusion;

Through the wisdom of prajnaparamita, he gained this supreme reward,

Causing purity to shine ever more brilliantly.

Clad in the armor of loving-kindness and compassion, he dispels afflictions;

Out of pity for the world, he descends to take birth.

Having realized the sublime Dharma of sympathetic joy and equanimity,

He receives the reverence of all the three realms.

With the radiant torch of wisdom,

He purifies and removes delusion, darkness, and transgressions.

The entire trichiliocosm turns toward

And pays homage to the Great Venerable Teacher, the Muni.

Supreme wisdom and spiritual powers are fully unhindered;

Seeing the true meaning, he manifests in the world.

Liberating himself, he guides others to liberation;

Homage to the Teacher capable of delivering all beings.

In accord with the world, he manifests a body of dust,

Yet is neither defiled nor deluded by worldly dharmas.

All beings who see or hear of him

Gain inconceivable benefits;

How much more those who understand the sublime, honored Dharma—

Rejoicing in faith, they bring forth manifold virtues.

The Tushita Heaven has grown as though dark,

While over Jambudvipa the sun is about to rise.

From afflictions and the many forms of deluded darkness,

The Venerable One delivers all, awakening them.

The city of Kapilavastu flourishes ever more,

Surrounded by immeasurable hosts of devas.

Beautiful celestial maidens perform celestial music,

Its wondrous sounds resounding throughout the city.

The Buddha’s mother becomes ever more majestic in appearance,

Her blessed signs and dignified bearing born of pure karma.

How wondrous is the noble child, upright and beautiful!

His radiant halo illuminates three thousand worlds.

The beings dwelling in those lands

Are freed from all afflictions and disputes;

Hearts of loving-kindness, reverence, and concord arise together—

All born from the bodhisattva’s majestic power.

The royal lineage of Shuddhodana flourishes ever more,

Continuing the heritage of universal monarchs.

Within the capital are many treasuries of jewels,

Overflowing with precious treasures of every kind.

Yakshas, rakshasas, kumbhandas,

Asuras, Vajrapanis, and hosts of devas

Guard the dwelling where the bodhisattva resides;

Before long, they all shall attain liberation.

All turn toward the path of bodhi,

Vowing swiftly to attain perfect awakening as he shall.

Chapter 6: WITHIN HIS MOTHER’S WOMB

The Buddha told the bhikshus:

“Winter had passed, and the spring equinox had arrived in the month of Vaishakha. The flowers and leaves throughout the forests were fresh, radiant, and delightful. The climate was neither cold nor hot and was most fitting for the birth of Supreme Beings in the three realms.

“The bodhisattva surveyed the realm of the world. At the time of the bright full moon, precisely when the star Pushya was conjoined with the moon, the bodhisattva disappeared from the Tushita Heaven and entered his mother’s womb in the form of a white elephant with six tusks. Each of the elephant’s tusks gleamed with a golden hue, its head emitted rosy light, and all its faculties and physical features were perfect. The six-tusked white elephant, lucid and rightly mindful, used his spiritual power to enter through his mother’s right side. At that time, while sleeping peacefully, the Noble Queen clearly dreamed of all the events just described.”

The Blessed One then wished to restate these meanings and spoke in verse:

The Supreme Being took birth in the form of a white elephant,

Pure white as snow and endowed with six tusks;

Its trunk and feet were wondrously beautiful, its head shone rosy bright,

And every other feature was complete and perfect.

As though at play, it entered through her right side;

The Buddha’s mother was thereby filled with joy.

Never before had such a thing been seen or heard;

Her body and mind were serene, as though in meditative concentration.

At that time, boundless joy arose in the body and mind of the Noble Queen. Seated upon a high throne, she adorned herself anew with various beautiful precious ornaments. Then, respectfully attended by countless palace maidens, she departed from the palace and proceeded directly to the Ashoka Flower Garden.

Upon arriving, she immediately sent a trusted palace maiden to report to King Shuddhodana that she wished to see him and requested that he not delay. The king was delighted upon hearing the report. He immediately left his throne and, accompanied by his ministers, retinue, and attendants proceeding in order before and behind him, went to the Ashoka Flower Garden.

As soon as he reached the garden gate, the king felt his body become so heavy that he could not take another step. He then spoke this verse:

In former times, facing powerful foes on many occasions,

My body was always light and agile.

Why has it suddenly become like this today?

Whom can I ask about this strange event?

At that moment, a celestial prince from the Pure Abodes manifested the upper half of his body in midair and spoke this verse to King Shuddhodana:

The bodhisattva, great in majestic virtue,

Has descended from the Tushita realm

And entered the womb of the Noble Queen

To become the king’s Crown Prince.

All his practices have been perfected;

Gods and humans alike revere him.

Endowed with wisdom and compassion,

He is worthy of consecration and investiture.

When King Shuddhodana clearly heard this verse, he immediately joined his palms, bowed in homage, and said, “The event I behold today is indeed exceedingly rare.”

Then the king entered to see the Sacred Queen. His mind naturally relinquishing all pride, he immediately asked the Sacred Queen to state whatever she wished. The Sacred Queen replied in verse:

In sleep I beheld in a dream

A white elephant with a silver-hued body,

Its radiance surpassing heaven and moon,

Its bodily marks truly majestic.

Its six tusks were filled with mighty power,

Indestructible as vajra;

Its form was exceedingly strong and beautiful,

And it came and entered my womb.

I have witnessed many portents;

May the king listen attentively.

I saw throughout the trichiliocosm

Vast and wondrous scenes.

Often in my dreams,

The devas came to praise me.

Greed, hatred, and all afflictions,

Together with the fetters, entirely vanished.

My mind was joyful, tranquil, and still,

As though abiding in meditative concentration.

Therefore, summon an interpreter of dreams,

One deeply versed in the Vedas,

Who has mastered the eight wondrous arts

And clearly discerns auspicious and inauspicious signs.

Quickly summon that person here

To interpret this dream for me.

When the king heard these words,

He immediately summoned a diviner

And commanded that person

To strive to interpret the Sacred Queen’s dream.

The Sacred Queen told that person:

All that I beheld in my dream—

You have long been skilled in interpretation;

I shall now relate it clearly.

I saw an elephant white as snow,

Its radiance surpassing the sun and moon.

Its six tusks augmented its majesty,

And the elephant appeared exceedingly strong and beautiful.

Its luminous hue was perfectly pure,

And it was firm and solid as vajra.

It came and entered my womb.

Such was my dream.

When that person heard the Sacred Queen

Relate every detail clearly,

He said, “You should set your mind at ease;

This dream is an auspicious omen.

Your lineage is now flourishing,

And you will surely bear a son of noble marks.

If he remains at home, he will become a Wheel-Turning King,

Whose mighty power encompasses all realms.

If he renounces the household life, he will attain Buddhahood,

Showing compassion for all living beings,

Showering everywhere the ambrosia of the Dharma,

And receiving the reverence of devas and humans.”

When King Suddhodana heard the brahmin clearly explain the meaning of the Sacred Queen Maya’s dream, his heart was filled with immense delight. He immediately ordered that the man be presented with many garments and precious foods and beverages, and then allowed him to depart.

The Buddha told the bhiksus:

“At that time, because of the bodhisattva’s entry into the womb, King Suddhodana established great assemblies of generosity at the four gates of the city and at the crossroads throughout the capital. He distributed food and clothing, as well as incense, flowers, articles for reclining and sitting, carriages, horses, houses, and land, fully providing whatever anyone required. The king further thought, ‘Which palace should be chosen so that the Sacred Queen may rest peacefully, remain free from sorrow and anxiety, and always enjoy ease of mind?’ At that time, the Four Heavenly Kings came to the royal palace and said to the king:

“‘May the great king set his mind at ease and not worry about this matter. We shall select a magnificent palace for the bodhisattva.’

“At the same time, Sakra, a divine prince of the Trayastrimsa Heaven, came to the royal palace and recited this verse:

The protection afforded by an earthly palace is meager;

The Sacred Queen should not dwell therein.

In Trayastrimsa there is a supreme palace;

I beg leave to offer it to the bodhisattva.

“At the same time, a divine prince of the Yama Heaven also came to the royal palace and recited this verse:

We possess a supreme palace

Far surpassing the palace of Trayastrimsa.

It stands in the Yama Heaven;

I now beg leave to offer it to the bodhisattva.

“At the same time, a divine prince of the Tusita Heaven also came to the royal palace and recited this verse:

The palace of Tusita is beautiful,

And the bodhisattva formerly dwelt therein.

It is a most excellent abode;

I offer it once again to the bodhisattva.

“At the same time, a divine prince of the Heaven of Delight in Emanations also came to the royal palace and recited this verse:

I possess a precious palace,

Produced in accordance with the mind.

It is wondrously and magnificently adorned;

I vow to offer it to the bodhisattva.

“At the same time, a divine prince of the Heaven of Mastery over Others’ Emanations also came to the royal palace and recited this verse:

My palace is wondrous,

Surpassing all heavens of the Desire Realm.

It is adorned with every precious object;

The mind therein is joyful and pure.

Its radiance is truly resplendent,

And the fragrance of flowers pervades everywhere.

I beg leave to offer it to the bodhisattva,

So that the Sacred Mother may dwell in peace.

The Buddha told the bhiksus:

“At that time, wishing to make offerings, the divine princes of the heavens of the Desire Realm all came to the palace of King Suddhodana and spoke of the palaces in their respective celestial realms. King Suddhodana likewise built a great palace for the bodhisattva, adorning it with extraordinary beauty and purity, the like of which existed nowhere in the human world.

“Then, through the spiritual power of the Samadhi of Great Adornment, the bodhisattva caused the form of the Sacred Queen Maya to appear distinctly within every one of those palaces, together with the bodhisattva seated cross-legged at his mother’s right side. On seeing this, each divine prince believed that the bodhisattva was abiding solely within his own palace.”

The Blessed One further expressed this meaning in verse:

The Samadhi of Great Adornment,

Its spiritual transformations are unfathomable;

The devas were delighted,

And the royal father rejoiced.

When the Buddha spoke this passage of scripture, some divine princes in the assembly thought, “Compared with the Heaven of the Four Heavenly Kings, the human realm is already filled with defilement and impurity. How much more so when compared with the heavens from Trayastrimsa upward through the Tusita Heaven? The bodhisattva left the Tusita Heaven, descended into the human realm, and remained within his mother’s womb for as long as ten months. How, then, could he be called a treasure of the world, pure, sublime, wondrous, and utterly immaculate?”

At that time, relying upon the Buddha’s mighty power, Venerable Ananda knelt upright, joined his palms, and addressed the Buddha:

“Blessed One, the body of a woman naturally contains much desire and impurity. When the Tathagata was still a bodhisattva, how did he leave the Tusita Heaven, enter his mother’s womb through her right side, and abide there?”

The Buddha told Venerable Ananda:

“While the bodhisattva remained in his mother’s womb, he was never defiled by impurity. On the contrary, he constantly abided within a precious palace of supreme purity and magnificent adornment. Would you like to behold that precious palace? The Tathagata shall reveal it clearly for you to see.”

Venerable Ananda said to the Buddha:

“Blessed One, may the Blessed One manifest and reveal it clearly, so that all who behold it may give rise to joyful minds.”

Then the Tathagata immediately employed his spiritual power, causing Brahma, lord of the Saha world, together with six billion Brahma devas, to descend to Jambudvipa and come before the Buddha. They reverently bowed at his feet, circumambulated him three times to the right, and then stood to one side. The Blessed One then said to Brahma:

“During the ten months when I was still a bodhisattva abiding in my mother’s womb, my dwelling place was a precious palace. Where is that precious palace now? You should bring it here.”

Brahma replied:

“That precious palace is presently in our celestial realm.”

Then the lord of the Saha world bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet and suddenly disappeared. In a single ksana, Brahma reached the Brahma palace and summoned the divine prince Wondrous Brahma, saying:

“You must descend successively as far as the Trayastrimsa Heaven and proclaim loudly: ‘Today Brahma wishes to bring before the Buddha, who is now teaching the Dharma, the precious palace in which the Tathagata dwelt while still in his mother’s womb. Whoever wishes to behold that precious palace should hasten there.’”

At that time, Brahma placed the bodhisattva’s precious palace within the Brahma palace. That Brahma palace was as vast as three hundred yojanas and was reverently surrounded by eighty-four thousand kotis of Brahma devas. Then they brought the precious palace down from the Brahma Heaven to Jambudvipa. At the same time, immeasurable devas from the heavens of the Desire Realm assembled at the Tathagata’s place of awakening, making offerings with wondrous celestial garments, every kind of celestial music, celestial garlands, and fragrant flowers of the utmost splendor.

At that time, neither Sakra, lord of the devas, nor even the divine princes of the Heaven of Mastery over Others’ Emanations could see the bodhisattva’s precious palace. Although they exerted themselves and looked with the utmost care, they still could not behold it. The Four Heavenly Kings then asked Sakra:

“By what means can we behold the bodhisattva’s precious palace?”

Sakra replied:

—One must ask the Tathagata; only then can it be seen.

Sakra, Lord of the Devas, and the Four Heavenly Kings bowed reverently and questioned the Buddha. At that time, Great Brahma, together with the Brahma devas, raised aloft the bodhisattva’s jeweled palace and placed it before the Buddha. The three surrounding tiers of that jeweled palace were adorned with various kinds of translucent precious gems.

The palace was fashioned from heavenly fragrant ox-head sandalwood, the most precious incense throughout the trichiliocosm. Brilliant light radiated everywhere, and celestial jewels further embellished its majesty. All the furnishings for reclining and sitting bore the bodhisattva’s designation and were exquisite and wondrous, without equal in either the celestial or human realms.

Only the bodhisattva’s spiral-shaped form and his seat, which were the color of water in which a Khâm-bà-la robe had been soaked, were covered by Great Brahma with various celestial garments. Around the three inner tiers of that jeweled palace were many kinds of wondrous, immaculate celestial flowers. The palace was exceedingly firm and indestructible by anything whatsoever.

Anyone who merely brushed lightly against it experienced marvelous peace and happiness, as though touching a Ca-lân-đà robe. All the palaces of the devas of the desire realm appeared within the bodhisattva’s jeweled palace.

The Buddha told the bhikkhus:

—On the night the bodhisattva entered his mother’s womb, numerous lotus flowers appeared along the banks of rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Those lotuses pierced through the terrestrial wheel and grew upward as far as the Brahma world, extending sixty-eight lakṣas of yojanas in breadth. These lotus flowers could not be seen by everyone; only Tathagatas, bodhisattvas, and Great Brahma could see them.

Within the lotuses were pure delicacies surpassing every delicacy throughout the trichiliocosm, like ambrosial nectar appearing within the flowers. Great Brahma filled a vaiḍūrya bowl with that pure and wondrous nectar and offered it to the bodhisattva for his enjoyment. Bhikkhus, you should know that worldly beings cannot obtain such nectar.

Only bodhisattvas who have completed the ten bhūmis and now bear their final physical bodies may partake of it. Bhikkhus, through what roots of goodness did the bodhisattva receive these delicacies? He received them because, throughout many kalpas of cultivating the bodhisattva conduct, he constantly gave medicines to aid those afflicted by suffering and illness; fulfilled all their wishes and aspirations; dispelled all their fears by bestowing fearlessness; and offered the finest flowers and fruits to the Tathagatas, the stupas of the Buddhas, all members of the noble Sangha, his parents, and honored elders.

Because of such giving and offerings, he later received these things himself. Through these meritorious rewards, Great Brahma continually offered ambrosial delicacies within the jeweled palace. The finest garments and every kind of magnificent adornment appeared according to his wishes through the wondrous power of the bodhisattva’s original vows.

—Ananda, whenever any bodhisattva is about to enter the womb, such a magnificent jeweled palace first appears at the mother’s right side. The bodhisattva then descends in spirit from Tusita Heaven into his mother’s womb and sits cross-legged within that jeweled palace. Ananda, all holy mothers like Maya throughout the worlds of the ten directions dream of a white elephant approaching them, and they are constantly guarded and assisted by Sakra, the Four Heavenly Kings, and the twenty-eight great yakṣa generals. Four celestial maidens named Biển-khư-lê, Mâu-khư-lê, Tràng Chí, and Hữu Quang also come with their retinues to protect them.

At that time, while the bodhisattva dwelt within his mother’s womb, his physical form was always radiant, like a great torch blazing brilliantly upon the summit of a lofty mountain in the darkness of night, or like pure gold gleaming within a precious vaiḍūrya gem. That radiance illuminated all worlds. Every morning at dawn, the Four Great Heavenly Kings, the twenty-eight great yakṣa generals, and their retinues came to reverently make offerings to the bodhisattva and inquire after his well-being.

The bodhisattva calmly raised his right arm and indicated where they should be seated. He then taught them the Dharma, instructing them in beneficial and joyful matters, enabling them to attain unprecedented dharmas. When they wished to depart, the bodhisattva again calmly raised his right arm, granting them leave.

They all bowed reverently, circumambulated him, and then took their leave. At midday each day, Sakra and the celestial princes of the Heaven of the Thirty-Three came to reverently make offerings to the bodhisattva. Wishing to hear the Dharma, they came to inquire after his well-being.

The bodhisattva calmly raised his right arm and indicated where they should be seated. He then taught them the Dharma, instructing them in beneficial and joyful matters, enabling them to attain unprecedented dharmas. When they wished to depart, the bodhisattva again calmly raised his right arm and granted them leave.

They all bowed reverently, circumambulated him, and then took their leave. Every evening, Great Brahma, lord of the Sahā world, came together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of Brahma celestial princes to reverently make offerings to the bodhisattva. Wishing to hear the Dharma, they always came to inquire after his well-being.

The bodhisattva calmly raised his right arm and indicated where they should be seated. He then taught them the Dharma, instructing them in joyful and beneficial matters, causing them to rejoice and attain unprecedented dharmas. When they wished to depart, the bodhisattva again calmly raised his right arm to signify his assent.

They all bowed reverently, circumambulated him, and then took their leave.

Ānanda, immeasurable hundreds of thousands of bodhisattvas from the east, west, south, and north, from the four intermediate directions, and from above and below—from throughout the ten directions—came each day at sunset to reverently make offerings to the bodhisattva. Wishing to hear the Dharma taught, they assembled there in such vast numbers. The bodhisattva then manifested magnificent lion thrones upon which the bodhisattvas sat, questioning and answering one another, debating and analyzing the teachings of the Supreme Vehicle.

The assemblies of great bodhisattvas who came there and all that they did could be seen and known only through the powers of a bodhisattva; even the noble Lady Māyā could not see them. Venerable Ānanda, while the bodhisattva dwelt within his mother's womb, he never caused the noble lady to feel heaviness in body or mind, nor did he subject her to any suffering. On the contrary, her body and mind were always at ease and light, joyful and blissful.

No thoughts of craving, anger, delusion, or affliction ever arose in her. She experienced neither sensual desire, rage, nor malice. She was never troubled by excessive heat or cold, hunger or thirst, confusion, transgression, or mental agitation.

Nor was she disturbed by disagreeable forms, sounds, fragrances, tastes, or tactile sensations. She never had nightmares while asleep, nor did she possess the afflictions and faults often associated with women, such as greed, deceit, flattery, pettiness, and jealousy. The noble lady always observed the pure precepts and practiced the ten wholesome deeds.

She never conceived desire for another, nor did she cause anyone else to entertain sensual thoughts toward her. Throughout the city of Kapilavastu and all the villages and hamlets of the kingdom, whenever any man, woman, boy, or girl afflicted by spirits encountered the bodhisattva's mother, that person immediately became well. Some beings suffered from illnesses such as chills caused by wind, coughing with phlegm, blindness, muteness, deafness, paralysis, aching decayed teeth, boils covering the body, hives, ulcerating sores, diarrhea, smallpox, tumors, skin disease, growths, or scars.

Whatever their illness or suffering, if the bodhisattva's mother extended her hand and stroked their heads, all their pain and suffering immediately ceased. When beings afflicted by such diseases were unable to come to the bodhisattva's mother themselves, the noble lady would break stalks of grass into small pieces and give them to those beings. As soon as the afflicted beings held those pieces of grass, all their illnesses vanished, and they recovered their former health.

Whenever the noble lady looked upon the bodhisattva, she clearly saw him abiding on the right side within her womb, just as one looking into a bright mirror clearly sees forms and images. Thus her body and mind remained serene, relaxed, and joyful.

Ānanda, while the bodhisattva dwelt within his mother's womb, the devas constantly played celestial music and showered down many kinds of celestial flowers as offerings to him. At that time, the kingdom was peaceful, the climate and natural conditions were harmonious, and the people lived in happiness, delighting in benevolent and meritorious deeds. All members of the Śākya clan abandoned evil and performed wholesome deeds. During traditional festivals, great crowds gathered to celebrate, visiting places throughout the land and enjoying the peace and happiness of that tranquil age. King Śuddhodana, for his part, lived in harmony with the Dharma. He did not indulge in worldly pleasures and became less entangled in affairs of state, living like an ascetic practitioner.

Ānanda, such were the manifestations accomplished by the bodhisattva through his spiritual power while he dwelt within his mother's womb.

The Blessed One then said to Venerable Ānanda:

“Would you like to behold the magnificent jeweled palace in which the Buddha dwelt while within his mother's womb?”

Venerable Ānanda replied:

“Blessed One, we very much wish to behold it again. May the Blessed One manifest it and clearly show it to us.”

The Blessed One then manifested for Venerable Ānanda, Śakra, the four World-Guardians, and the vast multitude of devas and humans the magnificent jeweled palace in which he had dwelt while within his mother's womb. All who beheld it gave rise to purity of mind and unprecedented joy. When the manifestation was complete, the Great Brahmā King returned the jeweled palace to the Brahmā heaven.

The Buddha told the bhikṣus:

“While dwelling within his mother's womb, the bodhisattva taught and transformed thirty-six nayutas of devas and humans, causing them to abide in the Three Vehicles.”

The Blessed One, wishing to restate this meaning, then spoke these verses:

When the supreme Victorious One entered the womb,

Mountains, forests, and the earth all trembled.

His pure golden radiance dispelled the evil destinies;

All devas and humans rejoiced.

Wishing to become the Great Dharma King,

He manifested a magnificent jeweled palace within the womb.

The Guiding Master dwelt within that jeweled palace,

Pervaded by the wondrous fragrance of sandalwood.

This fragrance, most precious to devas and humans,

Surpassed all jewels in the trichiliocosm.

At the water's edge, a great lotus appeared,

Its blossom rising as high as the Brahmā heaven.

Within the flower was gathered the flavor of ambrosia,

Which the Brahmā King brought and offered to the bodhisattva.

Among all the myriad beings throughout the world,

None had ever tasted even a single drop.

Only the bodhisattva in his final body

Was able to partake of that ambrosia.

Through the mighty merit cultivated over many kalpas,

His body and mind were now perfectly pure.

Śakra, the Brahmā King, and the four World-Guardians

Bowed their heads and made offerings to the Guiding Master.

Reverently bowing, they heard the wondrous Dharma;

Joyfully they circumambulated him, then requested leave.

In the same way, bodhisattvas throughout the ten directions

All came there to hear the wondrous Dharma.

Seated upon radiant jeweled couches,

They joyfully heard the Dharma of the Great Vehicle.

Gathered together in harmony, they all discussed it;

After offering boundless praise, they returned to their lands.

Throughout the land, men and women

Held in the grasp of demonic beings,

With uncovered heads and minds deranged,

Were completely freed upon meeting the Buddha's mother.

Some suffered severely from consumption, palsy, or madness,

Or from blindness, deafness, stammering, or muteness.

When the Buddha's mother extended her hand and stroked their crowns,

All their illnesses vanished at once.

Some were ill and distressed in distant regions;

She broke grass into tokens and bestowed them upon them.

When the tokens reached the patients, they immediately recovered;

The entire realm benefited from her saving grace.

Because the King of Physicians dwelt within his mother's womb,

Sentient beings were freed from suffering and gained peace and joy.

The noble lady constantly gazed upon the bodhisattva's body,

As though beholding the bright moon in empty space.

His wondrous form and marks were truly majestic and upright;

Her mind rested securely in joyful bliss.

Never did thoughts of craving, anger, or delusion arise,

Nor lust, malice, or jealousy.

Heat, cold, hunger, and thirst caused her no distress;

Her body and mind were tranquil, free from sorrowful thoughts.

Devas and humans throughout the world beheld him with reverence;

Music sounded forth though no one played it.

Every region of the kingdom was peaceful.

Her kinsfolk rejoiced and abandoned all anxiety.

Nāgas and devas accordingly sent down rain and dew;

Grasses, trees, flowers, and fruits all flourished.

Bounty was bestowed for beings everywhere to enjoy;

For seven days, jewels rained upon the royal palace.

At that time, no one remained hungry or poor;

It was like Śakra's Garden of Joy.

The king practiced according to the Dharma and observed the pure precepts;

Though dwelling in the palace, he lived as an ascetic.

Because the bodhisattva had entered the noble lady's womb,

Whenever the king entered the palace, he always came to inquire after her well-being.