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Chapter One: Preface

Akanistha Deva’s Questions.

(Comprehensive Collection of All Buddha-Crown Dharmas)

Thus have I heard: At one time the Bhagavan was dwelling in the palace of the Akanistha Heaven together with assemblies of devas and their retinues, numbering hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis. There were also hundreds of thousands of kotis of bodhisattvas, as well as hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of devas and spirits who were masters of mandalas. All the Great Yaksha Vajra Generals, together with their respective retinues, were seated upon seats before the Tathagata, while devas and humans reverently surrounded the Blessed One.

At that time, the Tathagata sat upon a precious lotus throne within a palace made of the seven treasures. The palace had four gates and four pillars, all adorned with the seven treasures. Lofty, spacious, and magnificent, it emitted a great radiance of hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of light rays that illuminated the ten directions.

The palace was also covered by a net of the seven treasures, and on its four sides hung garlands, bells, chimes, banners, and canopies. Before the palace were flowers and music. From his body, the Tathagata emitted a great radiance of every color, issuing from his crown, and he was fully endowed with the thirty-two excellent marks.

He further emitted innumerable rays of various colors that illuminated the entire trichiliocosm, reaching upward to the Heaven of the Summit of Existence and downward to the eighteen hells. These rays gathered into multicolored precious clouds. From those clouds in the sky there rained down the seven treasures and wondrous lotus flowers of various colors, filling the entire ground.

Garments and every kind of bodily adornment—robes, crowns, bracelets, and so forth—were all present in abundance. From the upper left side of the Tathagata’s crown, light was also emitted, illuminating hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of Buddha-worlds throughout the ten directions. The light from the right side of the Tathagata’s crown likewise illuminated hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of Buddha-worlds throughout the ten directions, causing all beings to leap with joy and come together to rejoice in it.

The light from the Tathagata’s right side illuminated every world inhabited by devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, humans, nonhumans, and others, extending even to hell beings, hungry ghosts, and humankind. When that brilliant light touched their bodies, they were liberated from all suffering, calamity, and grievous karmic retribution. This was truly wondrous and immeasurable.

The devas of the Tusita Heaven were reborn in the Heaven of Delighting in Emanations, while the other celestial assemblies each ascended one level higher, and the power of merit of them all increased.

When the Great Yaksha Vajra General saw this, a rare thought arose in him. Such inconceivable wonders he had never before seen, but now he saw them; what he had never before heard, he now heard. He immediately approached the Buddha, circumambulated him three times, joined his palms, bowed to the Buddha, and then withdrew to sit to one side. Kneeling, he addressed the Buddha, saying: “The Blessed One, stainless and undefiled, free from greed and anger, joyful and benevolent, sits upon the seat of samyaksambodhi.”

The Buddha told Vajra: “You have seen this wondrous event. Why has this radiance today caused devas, humans, asuras, and gandharvas all to bow in homage, caused all Buddha-Crown Dharma mandalas to bow in homage, enabled beings to attain sovereign radiance in their bodies, and enabled them to attain the body of samyaksambodhi? Excellent!

Excellent! Vajra, for the peace and happiness of all sentient beings, for the assemblies of devas and humans, and for the Dharmas of liberation, you should establish this great cause and condition so that they may attain liberation and all realize anuttara-samyaksambodhi. Perform extensive deeds to relieve suffering so that all worlds may obtain this Dharma.

Like an udumbara flower, bestow upon sentient beings the teachings of the Vinaya, enabling them all to attain the path of samyaksambodhi.”

Having heard this Dharma, Vajra praised it, saying: “Excellent! Excellent! It is truly inconceivable.” He then addressed the Buddha again: “How should it be received and upheld? How should its rites be performed? And what is the mandala Dharma of the Buddha-Crown Heart? I pray that, out of compassion, you will explain it.”

After hearing the request of the Great Yaksha Vajra General, the Buddha expounded for him: “I possess the great mandala of the Vairocana Treasury; the great mantra and mudra of the secret heart of all Tathagatas; the ritual method of the Great Fearless Buddha-Crown Heart Dharma that emits a vast mass of light; and the kingly Dharma of the great mantra rites of every secret heart, with all their various manifestations. All manner of inconceivable transformations may thereby be manifested.

When these manifestations occur, the Buddha-realms throughout the trichiliocosms of the ten directions are illuminated everywhere. When all the asuras, hell beings, hungry ghosts, and animals throughout the trichiliocosms of the ten directions encounter this light, all their karmic hindrances, transgressions, and afflictions are extinguished. This light possesses every color: blue, yellow, red, white, purple, crystal, agate, and other hues.

Moreover, this light can rain down various beautiful flowers of the seven treasures. This Buddha-Crown Dharma and its mandala rites possess immeasurable wonders. When the devas of the Akanistha realm, devas, nagas, mandala spirits, and bodhisattvas hear of the wonders of the Vast Precious Collection of the Fearless Precious Buddha-Crown Heart Dharma and the mudra Dharma of the great mantra king of the heart of all Tathagatas, they immediately attain the Stainless Lotus Samadhi.

The radiance of the Vibula Samadhi then appears, and they immediately attain the Buddha-Crown Lotus Stainless Fearless Dharani Banner. Their bodies and minds become unmoving, and, joyful and delighted, they experience the bliss of this Dharma and attain great happiness.”

When the Great Yaksha Vajra General obtained the manifestation of the radiance of Vibula, he immediately attained the body of the Buddha-Crown Lotus Stainless Dharani Banner. Rejoicing and exulting in mind, he uttered the eight kinds of exceedingly wondrous lion’s roar.

At that time Vajrapani, holding a vajra in his hand and manifesting great majestic power, approached the Tathagata and circumambulated the Buddha three times. Joyful and delighted, he bowed at the Buddha’s feet, then withdrew to sit to one side and addressed the Buddha, saying: “Blessed One, you are as difficult to encounter as an udumbara flower. The Stainless Precious Lotus Crown-Heart Dharma’s Mass of Light, the secret Great Dharma King of all Tathagatas, is exceedingly profound and wondrous.

How is it to be practiced? How is it to be received and upheld? I beseech the Tathagata, teacher of devas and humans, to compassionately explain it.

How may one behold the Tathagata’s Buddha-crown? What are its characteristics? What are its mudra rites?

What are its mandala rites? How many Dharmas are there? How many mantras?

How much merit? How many heart-of-the-heart practices? How many wrathful practices, and how many valiant practices?

How many fierce practices, and how many benevolent practices? How many practices of destruction, and how many of command? How many recitation and retention practices?

How many methods? How many practices for attaining peace and well-being? How many practices of expulsion?

How many of subjugation? How many medicinal pills? How many medicinal ointments?

How many garments? How many fragrant medicines? How many flowers?

How many adornments? How many anointing practices? How many fasting practices?

How many practices of abstaining from food for one day and one night? How many scattering practices, and how many recitations? How many bathing practices?

How many practices performed at improper times? How many lamps? How many offerings?

How many samadhis? How many flower-burning practices? How many secret practices?

How many samadhis? How many flower-burning practices? How many secret practices?

How many kinds of oil? How many mantra rites? How many practices of repentance?

How should the mantras be upheld? How may rain be produced? How may rain be stopped?

How may accomplishment be attained? How may visions be obtained? Why is accomplishment sometimes not granted?

Why are visions sometimes not obtained? How many days, and how many months? How are the stars to be observed?

What is the seven-day Dharma? How is the rite of mutual affection performed? How is deliverance attained?

How is deliverance prevented? How is invisibility attained? How does one enter an asura palace?

How does one enter the ocean? I now ask concerning the fundamental mantra and beseech the Tathagata to explain it. This Dharma is profound and wondrous, difficult to understand and difficult to know, and many people harbor doubts about it.

I find it exceedingly extraordinary and difficult to comprehend. I beseech the Tathagata to expound it extensively for us.”

At that time, the Tathagata said to the Vajra Yaksha Great General: “Listen well! Listen well! I shall now explain for you the true characteristics of the dharani.

As you have asked, I shall now answer you. This is the Vairocana Great Secret Mind-Treasury Mandala, the wondrous and extraordinary Lotus Buddha-Crown, the great, fearless, secret, and supremely victorious teaching. Through practicing the Ten Grounds, all Tathagatas enter great bodhi, attain bodies endowed with all marks, and expound the various Dharma wheels.

Those who receive and uphold it wish to behold Amitabha Buddha and swiftly behold all the Tathagatas, Maitreya, and others. Excellent! Excellent!

You have asked about matters of great importance. I shall explain in due order the various forms and colors, as well as the methods of receiving and upholding it.”

Furthermore, the Blessed One, Shakyamuni Tathagata—the Universally Illuminating Radiance, Great Fearless and Stainless Lotus Buddha-Crown, the Tathagata King in secret samadhi and meditative concentration, whose body is a treasury of light—sent forth rays of light that shone everywhere, revealing the marks of the great being of the Buddha-Crown. The Tathagata emitted these rays of light, and his body was endowed with every wondrous form and mark.

His Five Eyes were pure. Upon the Stainless Lotus appeared the secret marks of the Tathagata’s Buddha-Crown. All Buddhas gave their approval; all bodhisattvas revered, honored, and bowed before it; and all devas venerated and paid homage to it.

All Buddhas rejoiced. The devas of the Akanishtha Heaven respectfully made offerings, and the devas of Tushita Heaven likewise made offerings. Shakra, the devas of the Heaven of the Thirty-Three, Brahma, and Maheshvara also rejoiced exuberantly and made offerings.

The Four Great Heavenly Kings likewise guarded and protected it. Humans and nonhumans throughout the worlds of the four directions also rejoiced, made offerings, and paid homage. All its features were dignified and splendid, and its wondrous spiritual transformations were subtle and sublime.

Body and mind were equanimous, and its brilliant radiance, like a thousand suns, illuminated all ten directions. All Buddhas praised it, saying: “Excellent! Excellent!

The Blessed Tathagata expounds the Stainless Lotus, the secret treasury of all Tathagatas, causing the trichiliocosm to quake in six ways and the heavens to rain down hundreds of thousands of kinds of exquisite jeweled lotus flowers.”

Furthermore, the devas of the Akanishtha Heaven and all the Vajra beings rose from their seats, knelt with palms joined, and addressed the Buddha: “World-Honored One! We now behold such marks as these. We see the Tathagata manifest the various Dharmas and expound the Mind of the Buddha-Crown of All Tathagatas.

We wish to recite, uphold, and make offerings to it. We wish to behold all the mudra methods, the procedure for entering the mandala, and the methods of contemplation and visualization; to attain non-retrogression and benefit all sentient beings; to transcend the world; and to cultivate the noble practices of the path to bodhi. We pray that the Tathagata will swiftly manifest it, swiftly manifest it!

May the Tathagata quickly expound these wholesome Dharmas, which are as difficult to obtain and encounter as the udumbara flower. The Buddha-Crown of the Tathagata is likewise difficult to obtain and encounter. We beseech the Tathagata to have compassion for sentient beings and quickly expound it for their sake.”

Then the Tathagata, arousing great loving-kindness and compassion, said to the devas of the Akanishtha Heaven and the Vajra beings: “Listen well. I shall expound it for you. For the sake of rescuing sentient beings—for the devas of the Akanishtha Heaven, the assemblies of Vajra beings, bodhisattvas, devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kinnaras, mahoragas, humans, nonhumans, and others who wish to hear the treasury of Vairocana—the Tathagatas of the ten directions also bear witness to and know it.

All musical instruments throughout the Buddha lands of the ten directions resound of themselves, producing sounds like a lion’s roar and proclaiming the Great Secret, Supremely Victorious, Sublime, Fearless Buddha-Crown Lotus Vast Assembly Mind of All Tathagatas—the Secret Great Dharma King of All Tathagatas. I shall now also expound it.” At that time, the World-Honored One then spoke the Fundamental Mind Mantra:

– Nam mô tất để lị da địa vĩ ca nẫm, tát phạ đát tha nga đa nẫm. Úm a mâu ca ma ni thập phạ ra thập phạ ra ma ha ba đầu mâu sắc nị sa hê lợi đà da y khư lợi ma ni ma ni ma ha ma ni ô sắc nị sa ra để sa na ma ni đế đổ rô đổ rô ma ha ra thẩm nhị tán nễ đế vi ca huyên đà ba đầu ma phạ lợi huyên rô huyên rô muội na tất địa đa ra đa ra đa ra da, cu ma ra dược khấc xoa da mạn trà la bát đầu mê sa ma ổn phạ bà da sa mạn đa tệ phạ lô chỉ đa bát đầu mê địa sắc tra na địa sắc sị đa đát kỉ như đa tát bố sắc nị sa dục khât xoa đa na nga hê ra tát bà đát tha nga đô ô sắc nị sa sát đầu ma tệ phạ lô chỉ đa. Nam mô túy đô đế tác phạ ha.

This mudra method and mantra are extensively taught for the sake of all beings. The Tathagata is the king of all Dharmas. You devas of the Akanishtha Heaven and others shall all certainly attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Bodhisattvas shall attain non-retrogression, and devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kinnaras, mahoragas, humans, nonhumans, and others shall all attain non-retrogression and accomplish the mark of the Buddha-Crown.”

When the Blessed One had finished expounding this Mind Dharani, within the four continents of this world, in the four Gunadhis, a Buddha-Crown Dharani stupa appeared in the palace of the Akanishtha Heaven. Adorned with the seven precious substances, it was one thousand yojanas in breadth and composed entirely of various treasures. Banners, canopies, bells, and chimes were suspended from it.

The stupa emitted light that illuminated the world, and devas, nagas, spirits, humans, and nonhumans constantly came to make offerings. From within the stupa came a wondrous voice praising: “Excellent! Excellent!

It is truly difficult to encounter Shakyamuni Tathagata’s attainment of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Every secret Buddha-Crown of all Tathagatas contains the Mind of the Tathagata. Whenever it is proclaimed, the Buddha-Crowns in empty space say: ‘Descend into this world, perform the various Buddha activities, and rescue the world from suffering.’ In the various lands, a hundred thousand kotis of sentient beings descended according to the measure of their lives and entered the stupa.

Before each Buddha, another Buddha emerged and ascended a lion throne, and in an instant entered the samadhi of the Great Stainless Lotus Buddha-Crown Mind, the Secret Vast Assembly Great Dharma King Dharani of All Tathagatas. The Heavenly King of Akanishtha, the great bodhisattvas, devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kinnaras, mahoragas, humans, nonhumans, and others all descended together, surrounded the Tathagata, reverently praised him, and requested that he expound the dharani and mudra methods.

All Tathagatas promised to rescue and deliver sentient beings.

Furthermore, all the devas who wished to make vows came and rejoiced accordingly. Then a mighty and exceedingly wondrous voice issued from within the stupa, saying to the devas: “All your wishes shall be fulfilled. In the evil age in Jambudvipa, rescue sentient beings from suffering and affliction. Whatever their hearts delight in and desire shall be fulfilled according to their vows.” Then the devas of the Akanishtha Heaven, the Heaven of the Thirty-Three, Maheshvara Heaven, Ishvara Heaven, the Heaven of Enjoying Transformations, Yama Heaven, and the devas of the twelve celestial palaces, together with their retinues, came before the Buddha and addressed him: “World-Honored One! We all rejoice in the Tathagata’s rescue and protection of sentient beings in Jambudvipa.”

At that time, the Tathagata said to the bodhisattvas and devas: “I possess the inconceivable transformational Stainless Lotus Buddha-Crown Vajra Assembly Mantra.” He then spoke the Fundamental Mind Mantra:

– Nam mô tất để lị da địa vĩ ca nẫm đát tha nga đa nẫm. Úm a mục ca bát đầu ma, sa na ma ha mê, cước ba tra la bà dữu vĩ ca phạ đa ra nõa đát ra đát ra bát đầu ma mục thác sa ra sa ra phạ du xả vi sa la sa la, tam mạn đà phạ ra bát lợi bố lặc ni mạt ni mạt ni tam mạn đà si tứ da a phạ bạt sa thập phạ ra ni hồng hồng bát đầu mâu sắc nị sa nam mô túy đô đế tát phạ ha.

When the Tathagata had finished speaking, clouds of the seven treasures appeared in the sky and spread over everything. Winds bearing seven kinds of fragrance began to blow, and the flower banners emitted wondrous sounds. The Tathagata sat upon a lotus throne of the seven treasures, while all the bodhisattvas and devas sat upon great jeweled thrones. They all manifested various spiritual transformations and, filled with joy and delight, made offerings to the Tathagata.

At that time, the Tathagata manifested playful spiritual powers. Through the power of this mantra, he transformed into devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, and mahoragas, all of whom came to make offerings. The Akanishtha devas all faced toward the stupa and sat in silence.

At that time, wishing to adorn the bodhisattvas and devas, the Tathagata again spoke this mantra:

– Um a mâu ca, ma ha bát đầu ma bà la để sắc sỉ đa bạt chiết lợi hồng tất phạ ha.

When the Tathagata spoke the Stainless Lotus Dharani to adorn the great bodhisattvas and devas, jeweled lion thrones appeared, adorned with hundreds of thousands of kinds of garments. Hundreds of kotis of nayutas of thrones made from the seven treasures manifested and came before the Buddha. There also appeared a lion throne adorned with the seven treasures, shining brilliantly like a thousand suns.

The throne bore the thirty-two excellent marks and the eighty fine characteristics, radiating light everywhere. All the bodhisattvas in the assembly, the Akanishtha devas, the Four Great Heavenly Kings, devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, humans, nonhumans, and others each had a throne. The deities presiding over the mandala, the mantra masters, Indra, and the vajra beings likewise each sat upon their respective thrones.

The earth deities, mountain deities, ocean deities, all other deities, the fourfold assembly of bhikshus, bhikshunis, upasakas, and upasikas, as well as brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, shudras, kings, and their assemblies, all sat upon their own thrones surrounding the stupa.

Then the Great Vajra Yaksha General arose from his seat amid the assembly, circumambulated the Buddha three times, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, knelt upright with palms joined, and addressed the Buddha: “May the World-Honored One, out of loving concern for sentient beings, teach and transform them, extensively expounding for their sake the treasury of the universal mandala of the secret crown-heart of all Tathagatas.”

At that time, while seated upon his throne, the Tathagata silently entered the Great Lotus Radiance Buddha-Crown Samadhi of the Stainless and Fearless Mandala. Emerging from that samadhi, he told the Great Vajra General: “I possess the samadhi of the great vajra mandala, with many great jeweled lotus thrones as large as wheels situated at the center of the altar.” The Great Vajra General again addressed the Buddha: “I wish to receive and uphold the secret heart of the great altar of the Fearless Jeweled Lotus Buddha-Crown. I respectfully beseech the Tathagata to distinguish and explain it.” The Vajra Bodhisattva again rose from his seat, holding a vajra in his hand, approached the Buddha, and requested that the Buddha teach the Dharma.

At that time, the Tathagata immediately spoke the Heart Mantra of the Fearless Great Jeweled Buddha-Crown, saying:

– Um a mâu da mạt ni thất phạ ra bát đầu mâu sắc nị sa hồng địa rị khất sa sa ha.

After speaking the mantra, he immediately entered the great gateway of the city, intending to enter the stupa. Upon reaching the stupa, he opened its door and saw within it a hundred thousand kotis of Buddhas, all seated upon lofty thrones and absorbed in celestial samadhi. From within the stupa came wondrous voices of praise: “Tathagata Shakyamuni, excellent, excellent!

Having attained anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, you expound the Dharma of the radiant assembly of the Stainless Lotus Buddha-Crown Heart, which unifies all sentient beings, as well as the secret great mantra, mudra, and Dharma of all Tathagatas. Out of compassion, you rescue all sentient beings and teach the heart dharani. We respectfully beseech you to expound extensively the mantras, altar rites, and spiritual arts—the treasury of the past Tathagata Vairocana.” Tathagata Shakyamuni arose from his seat, entered the stupa of the seven treasures, and ascended a lion throne.

Before the Buddhas, he shone brilliantly like the sun, while hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of jeweled lotus thrones manifested the Vairocana Treasury. Those lotus flowers were all made of the seven treasures, and each throne was more than two zhang high. Celestial garments, banners, flowers, and canopies appeared, forming all manner of adornments.

All the devas also had their own thrones, and each requested the teaching of the essential Dharma.

The Buddha then said: “I possess the secret Buddha-Crown Samadhi of the hearts of all Tathagatas. Contemplate this samadhi and preserve it with the Samadhi Mudra.” At that time, there were twelve myriads of kotis of Buddhas. Buddha Shakyamuni emitted a great radiance of every color. Seeing this, the twelve myriads of kotis of Tathagatas all left their seats, circumambulated him three times, bowed their crowns before Tathagata Shakyamuni, and praised him, saying: “Excellent! Excellent! This is truly wondrous and exceedingly rare. We respectfully beseech you to expound it. A Tathagata is truly difficult to encounter; please teach the mantras, mudras, and altar rites.”

Furthermore, the Manifest Buddha-Crown Lotus, the Supremely Victorious Buddha-Crown Radiant Assembly, is called the Tathagata Speech Mudra. Shakyamuni Buddha taught the Bhagavat Buddha-Crown dharani altar and mudra rites. At that time, the Buddhas and bodhisattvas within the stupa all rejoiced in accord and wished to hear the Great Universal Assembly Buddha-Crown Dharani and the mudra and altar rites.

The Great Vajra Yaksha General also arose from his seat, faced the Buddha, and silently stood waiting. With his eyes closed and his mind purified, he was filled with joy and delight. Casting aside his fierce countenance, he gazed upon the World-Honored One.

Tathagata Shakyamuni told the Great Vajra Yaksha General: “Listen attentively and receive the extensive mantra, altar, and mudra Dharma.” Vajra addressed the Buddha: “I shall listen attentively and receive the true Tathagata mudra and mantra Dharma. I also wish reverently to bow, make offerings, and extensively teach it to others so that they may receive and uphold it, enabling them to obtain whatever they seek.” The Tathagata praised him: “Excellent! Excellent! Great Vajra General, you are able to make such a great vow.”

At that time, the Tathagata immediately spoke the Heart-within-the-Heart Mantra of the Assembly of Masters, saying:

– Úm bát đầu mâu ô sắc nị sa mạt ni thấp phạ ra hồng hồng tát phạ.

The Fundamental Mantra of the Wrathful King of the Buddha-Crown:

– Úm a mâu da mạt ni bát đầu mâu ô sắc nĩ sa cu rô đà năng sắc trá ra thập phạ lị đa xa lợi ra ha na ha na. úm ma ha cu rô đà ra xả, mạt ni mạt ni tam muội diễm bà ra da hồng phấn nhất thế Như Lai sân nộ vương.

The Lotus Buddha-Crown Heart Mantra:

– Um mạt ni bát đầu ma năng sắc tra rị hổ rô hổ rô hồng phấn.

The Heart-within-the-Heart Mantra of the Tathagata Buddha-Crown Wrathful King:

– Um cu rô đà bát đầu hồng phấn tát phạ ha.

As stated above, these great kings of mantras can accomplish all undertakings. Whatever one vows for will be attained, and one will swiftly accomplish unsurpassed bodhi.

***

The Great Buddha-Crown, Great Fearless Jeweled Radiant Assembly Buddha-Crown

All Tathagatas

Chapter Two: The Efficacy of Upholding the Mantra

Furthermore, one who contemplates, receives, upholds, reads, and recites this Dharma of the Vajra Great Fearless Jeweled Universal Assembly Buddha-Crown for even a brief moment will extinguish the transgressions accumulated throughout innumerable hundreds of thousands of kalpas. The seven hindrances, eight difficulties, five rebellious acts, four grave offenses, and all heavy and light uninterrupted offenses will be entirely eradicated.

One will attain a stainless, pure, radiant body of the Lotus Treasury. After relinquishing this body, one will be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss of Amitabha Buddha. Wherever one is born, one will possess knowledge of past lives.

One will not be born from a womb but will be born by transformation from a lotus flower, and all bodily adornments will naturally be complete.

The method of receiving and upholding it to attain accomplishment is further explained: First, upon reciting it eight hundred times, one will see a hundred thousand kotis of Tathagatas and behold the heaven of Akanishtha. Kings, great ministers, palace consorts, court ladies, and common people will all rejoice upon seeing such a practitioner. Whatever one seeks will be accomplished, and one will be liked and cherished by all sentient beings.

Through the power of merit, one’s lifespan will increase, and the Heavenly Kings will constantly come to protect one. If there is a sick person, upon going to that person and uttering the words that arise in one’s mouth, the illness will immediately be dispelled and healed. These are the efficacious accomplishments attained through the first eight hundred recitations.

Again, when one recites it eight hundred times for the second cycle, all bodhisattvas and heavenly spirits will once again be brought into submission and will all manifest themselves. One's vitality and physical strength will increase; the aged will become young again, as though only twenty years old; wisdom will increase; one will attain mastery in all things; countless hundreds of thousands of kotis of nayutas of Buddhas will manifest themselves before one; one will plant roots of goodness in the presence of hundreds of thousands of kotis of nayutas of Buddhas; one will acquire vast merit and become a teacher of all sentient beings, receiving their reverence and respect; one will attain the pure body of the Great Stainless Lotus;

one will possess keen intelligence and wisdom, increasing daily by one hundred million; one will become young again, as though ten years old; one's strength will be vigorous and incomparable; one will always recollect former lives and be reborn in the Joyful Land of the Tathagata Akshobhya, forever dwelling beside the Buddha and being born by transformation from a lotus flower; all garments and bodily adornments will be naturally and fully provided; all the gates of the hells will open, and all sinful beings will be liberated.

This is called the accomplishment of merit attained through the second cycle of eight hundred recitations.

Furthermore, if one completes three cycles of eight hundred recitations as described above, the efficacy of every accomplishment will be increased three hundred millionfold. One will behold the Tathagata face to face, and all the devas of the thirty-two heavenly realms will again manifest themselves. The devas of the Thirty-Three, Shakra, the Four Heavenly Kings, and all their retinues will likewise manifest themselves.

The foremost among hundreds of thousands of myriads of devas, the naga kings Nanda, Upananda, and others, together with their retinues, will all manifest themselves. Vemachitrin, king of the asuras, and innumerable others, upon one's fully observing the prescribed number of recitations stated above, will manifest themselves, as will all the heavenly spirits. Thirty-two thousand great yaksha generals and their retinues will all manifest themselves.

Gandharvas, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, and their hundreds of thousands of attendants will all manifest themselves. All the clans of the Tathagata, by virtue of this mantra of mine, will say to anyone who recites and upholds it: "I am a Mantra Deity of the perfectly complete mandala of the Great Dharma King, the Stainless Jeweled Buddha-Crown Lotus, and I have come from within that realm. I shall bring the mantra master's body into the great mandala of the Wrathful Vajra and bestow samadhi upon him, enabling him to attain great accomplishment.

I am the Buddha-crown mark of all Tathagatas and the mark of all transformations, which I shall cause the mantra master to behold."

The Tathagata, Teacher of the Three Realms, will personally come and touch the mantra master's head with his golden hand. Shakyamuni Tathagata will bring the mantra master into the great mandala, where, within that realm, he will behold the Buddha lands. All the Tathagatas will praise the mantra master, saying: "Excellent!

Excellent!" All bodhisattvas dwelling in those lands will rejoice upon seeing the mantra master. He will attain the samadhi gateway called Fearless Radiance of the Land of Ultimate Bliss. He will also attain the Stainless Radiant Lotus Jeweled Banner Buddha-Crown Dharani.

Emerging from this samadhi, he will further attain the Fearless Pure Moonlight Samadhi; the Fearless Jeweled Sun, Mass of Radiance, Pure Eye Samadhi; and the Fearless Jeweled Lotus, Supremely Victorious, Universally Pervading Mandala, Pure Tongue Samadhi. He will further attain fearless radiance, brilliant and majestic, with countless fragrant breezes; he will attain the Pure Nose Samadhi; and he will attain Fearless Sound, turning the great Dharma wheel and teaching the six paramitas amid the great assembly with a beautiful and wondrous voice.

He will also attain the Samadhi of Purification of the Faculty of Hearing and possess great merit.

The devas, the Mani devas endowed with the meritorious radiance described above, the heavenly spirits, and all their adornments will manifest themselves. He will also receive the protection of the devas named Laoni Huai, Stainless Messenger, Supremely Victorious Nanda, Sunanda, the Spirit of the Firm and Solid Earth, the Flower Spirit, the Wrathful Spirit, the Face Spirit, the Great Wrathful-Faced Spirit, the Shangtuoli Spirit, the Valiant Spirit, the Incomparable Spirit, the Vajra-Wielding Spirit, the Vajra Spirit, the Gandharva Spirit, the Mother Hariti Spirit, Indra, and other great heavenly spirits.

This king of dharanis possesses great majestic power and great radiance, such as the Tathagata's bestowal, the lotus bestowal, the jewel bestowal, and the mark bestowal. Among all dharanis are all the mandalas of the Seven Buddha-Crowns. When the mantra master turns the bestowal of radiance, all accomplishments will immediately be attained at once in accordance with this Dharma. It can also protect all mudras and the offerings of the Wubi Mandala. Those who cultivate the Dharma mandala of the Lotus Buddha-Crown will all uphold it and attain accomplishment, beholding the Supremely Victorious Upper Mandala. Day and night, the deities will surround and protect them, though ordinary people cannot see them.

***

The Merit of Reciting and Upholding the Great Buddha-Crown, Fearless Jewel, Vastly Gathered Buddha-Crown

Chapter Three: The Buddhas of the Six Directions Manifest

At that time, in the eastern direction, there were ninety-nine hundred million Ganges-sands of kotis of Tathagatas, in whose presence roots of goodness were brought to accomplishment. The Tathagatas of the eastern direction praised the mantra master, saying: "Excellent! Excellent!" All the Tathagatas came to the mantra master, rubbed his head, bestowed predictions upon him, and pronounced blessings for him.

All devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, and others of the eastern direction came to protect the mantra master. All food and drink, flowers and fruits, clothing, bedding, medicines, and bodily adornments came of themselves without being sought. Brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, shudras, and all sentient beings came to revere him, make offerings, bow in homage, and obey his commands.

The mantra master who recites this mantra will live for as many as eight hundred million, ten billion, or one hundred billion years. After death, he will be reborn throughout ninety-two hundred million hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of nayutas of hundreds of thousands of myriads of millions of Buddha lands. In those Buddha lands, for hundreds of thousands of myriads of millions of Ganges-sands of periods, he will enjoy peace and happiness.

After passing through countless kalpas in one Buddha land, he will be born in another, casting off his body as a snake sheds its skin, until he attains Buddhahood. Throughout the eastern direction, he will come and go in complete freedom.

At that time, in the southern direction, there were ninety-nine hundred million Ganges-sands of kotis of Tathagatas, in whose presence roots of goodness were brought to accomplishment, and who possessed great merit. The Tathagatas of the southern direction praised the mantra master, saying: "Excellent! Excellent!" All the Tathagatas came to the mantra master, rubbed his head, bestowed predictions upon him, and pronounced blessings for him.

All devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, humans, nonhumans, and others of the southern direction rejoiced in accord and came to protect the mantra master. All food and drink, flowers and fruits, clothing, bedding, medicines, and bodily adornments came of themselves without being sought. Brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, shudras, and all sentient beings came to revere him, make offerings, bow in homage, and obey his commands.

If one constantly recites this mantra, one's lifespan will increase by eight hundred million, ten billion, or one hundred billion years. After death, one will be reborn throughout ninety-two hundred million kotis of nayutas of hundreds of thousands of myriads of millions of Buddha lands. In those Buddha lands, for hundreds of thousands of Ganges-sands of kalpas, one will enjoy peace and happiness.

After passing through countless kalpas, one will again be born from that Buddha land into another, as a snake sheds its skin, until one attains Buddhahood. Throughout the southern direction, one will come and go in complete freedom.

At that time, in the western direction there were ninety-nine kotis of nayutas of Tathagatas, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. Having planted roots of goodness in the presence of those Tathagatas, one possesses great merit and virtue. All the Tathagatas of the western direction praised the mantra master, saying: “Excellent!

Excellent!” All the Tathagatas came to the mantra master, stroked his head, bestowed a prediction upon him, and gave him their blessings. The devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, humans, and nonhumans of the western direction all came to protect the mantra master. All food and drink, clothing, flowers and fruits, bedding, medicines, and bodily adornments came of themselves without being sought.

Brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, shudras, and all sentient beings came to reverently make offerings and prostrations, complying with his commands. The mantra master who recites this mantra will live as long as eight kotis, one hundred kotis, or one thousand kotis of years. After death, he will be born in Buddha-realms—amid ninety-two kotis of hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of nayutas of hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of Buddha-realms.

In those Buddha-realms he will enjoy hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of peaceful joys, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. Throughout countless kalpas, he will be born from one Buddha-realm into another, casting off each body as a snake sheds its skin, until he attains Buddhahood, freely coming and going throughout the western direction.

At that time, in the northern direction there were ninety-nine kotis of Tathagatas, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. In the presence of those Tathagatas, he perfected roots of goodness. All the Tathagatas of the northern direction praised the mantra master, saying: “Excellent!

Excellent!” All the Tathagatas came to the mantra master, stroked his head, bestowed a prediction upon him, and gave him their blessings. The devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, humans, and nonhumans of the northern direction all came to protect the mantra master. All food and drink, clothing, flowers and fruits, beds, medicines, and bodily adornments came of themselves without being sought.

Brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, shudras, and all sentient beings came to reverently make offerings and prostrations, complying with his commands. The mantra master who recites this mantra will live as long as eight kotis, one hundred kotis, or one thousand kotis of years. After death, he will be born in Buddha-realms—amid ninety-two kotis of hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of nayutas of hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of Buddha-realms.

In those Buddha-realms he will enjoy hundreds of thousands of myriads of kotis of peaceful joys, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. Throughout countless kalpas, he will be born from one Buddha-realm into another, casting off each body as a snake sheds its skin, until he attains Buddhahood, freely coming and going throughout the northern direction.

At that time, in the direction above, the Tathagata Vairocana and ninety-nine kotis of Tathagatas, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges—all Tathagatas, Arhats, and Samyaksambuddhas—abided in empty space. If a person upholds and recites this mantra, then in a single instant all the Buddhas in the direction above will cherish that person, stroke the crown of his head, and bestow a prediction upon him. The bodhisattvas and their countless retinues, together with devas, humans, and naga kings, will each manifest great spiritual powers and will further praise the mantra master and make all kinds of offerings to him.

The merit obtained by reciting and upholding this mantra is like that of a naga king raining ambrosia continuously throughout the entire world, whose drops of water cannot be counted. The Tathagata praised him, saying: “Excellent! Excellent!” The merit obtained by upholding and reciting this mantra surpasses even those raindrops.

The power of his merit increases beyond conception, and he becomes endowed with the excellent marks, radiant as the sun and moon. He also attains mastery of spiritual powers and samadhis and may travel playfully to the Buddha-realms without obstruction. Then the Tathagata Vairocana extended his left arm, stroked the mantra master’s head, and said: “Excellent!

Excellent! You possess the boundless wisdom of the Buddhas. You will also attain the body of non-retrogression, realize the Ten Grounds, and attain the position of succession in the Buddha family.

May you swiftly accomplish the secret samadhi mandala of the Radiant Assembly, Fearless Lotus, Heart of All Tathagatas. May you swiftly accomplish the recitation and upholding of all mantras. May you accomplish all the Tathagatas’ samadhis.” He then proclaimed the seven great Buddha-crowns and the Wheel-Turning Mandala:

First, the Buddha-Crown of the Tathagata Family; second, the Buddha-Crown of the Lotus Family; third, the Buddha-Crown of the Vajra Family; fourth, the Buddha-Crown of the Jewel Family; fifth, the Buddha-Crown of the Image Family; sixth, the Buddha-Crown of the Treasury Assembly of the Tathagata Vairocana; and seventh, the Buddha-Crown of the Jewel Wheel.

The Great Buddha-Crown Mandala, the Vajra-Mallet Mandala, the Vajra-Awakening Mandala, the Great Samadhi Mandala, the Mandala of All Great Messengers, the Jewel Family of the Tathagata Vairocana, and so forth; the samadhi mantras and mudra methods of the Mandala of the Great Messengers, and so forth—all these, too, you will accomplish by reciting this mantra as explained above. The Tathagata further told the mantra master: “Even if you have neither heard nor seen the other mandala methods, mudras, and mantras, by entering this Vairocana Mandala you will thereby enter all those other mandalas.

All offenses will be eradicated: the five heinous offenses, the four grave offenses, the eight grave offenses, slander, and so forth; the seven rebellious offenses, the eight difficulties, and all obstructions will be completely removed.

At that time, the Blessed One spoke these verses:

If one enters this King of Mandalas,

One thereby enters every mandala.

Sentient beings, lowly and of every kind,

With scant merit and countless evil deeds,

Who through five heinous and ten evil acts fall into Avici—

All grave offenses such as those described above—

If they uphold and praise the King of Buddha-Crowns,

All their offenses will be extinguished.

In this very body they will possess every peace and joy;

On casting off the body, they will be born in Buddha-realms.

If anyone recites and upholds this Buddha-Crown,

All Buddhas and bodhisattvas

Will come, encircle him, and grant protection.

All devas, nagas, and gandharvas,

The deities who guard the mandala, the Four Heavenly Kings,

And all benevolent deities will encircle him.

Whatever is sincerely received and upheld will be accomplished;

He will certainly swiftly attain the path to bodhi

And thereupon turn the Dharma-wheel for Brahma.

At that time, in the direction below, extending to the Vajra boundary, the vast multitudes of devas and naga kings arrived with their retinues. The deities of the earth, flowers, fruits, and trees, upon hearing the mantra, all gave rise to joy. They manifested their bodies, made offerings, reverently circumambulated him, delighted in and honored him, and bowed their heads in homage. They said to the mantra master: “Rare indeed! Rare indeed! Truly, you are supreme and most honored, for you receive and uphold the Buddha-Crown dharani. Excellent! Excellent! Great bodhisattva, you truly are a rare teacher!” The heavenly deities further said: “We shall follow and protect you day and night, never leaving you, and shall comply with your commands.”

At that time, the deities spoke these verses:

We, the deities of the seas and the earth,

Surround and protect the mantra master.

Day and night, we will not depart even half a step,

But will always obey his commands, never daring to disobey.

We will act according to the mantra master’s instructions;

We vow to serve him throughout our lives.

Whatever the mantra master may wish—

Should he wish to enter the asura realm or its jeweled palaces,

Other lands or the palaces of deities—

We shall convey him to them all.

All the merits fully described above

Arise from reciting and upholding this eight thousand times;

Only then will one behold these supremely excellent signs.

THE SUTRA OF THE GREAT FEARLESS BUDDHA-CROWN

FASCICLE ONE