Toh 289The Great Sūtra of Bimbisāra’s Going Out to Meet [the Buddha]
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bimbisārapratyudgamananāmamahāsūtra
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AN EXPLANATION OF THE SŪTRA OF BIMBISĀRA GOING OUT TO MEET THE BUDDHA
Background
The Bimbisārapratyudgamanāma Sūtra (The Sūtra on Bimbisāra Going Out to Meet the Buddha) is one of the important scriptures in the Kangyur of the Mahāyāna Northern Transmission tradition. Bimbisāra was the king of Magadha, one of the principal figures connected with the early period of Buddha Śākyamuni’s activity in spreading the Dharma.
In Buddhist history, Bimbisāra is regarded as one of the assisting bodhisattvas, a Dharma protector who made great contributions to the spread of the Buddhadharma. King Bimbisāra was not only one who had faith in the scriptures and Dharma, but also a shield protecting the Sangha and the places where monks practiced. The king’s action, personally going out to meet the Buddha, reflects a profound aspiration of reverence and sincerity.
This sūtra belongs to the Northern Transmission tradition, where the concept of the bodhisattva, one who wishes to become a Buddha in order to liberate sentient beings, is the spiritual foundation. Bimbisāra is not an ordinary worldly king, but a bodhisattva practicing on the path of awakening.
Main Content
The sūtra recounts the journey of King Bimbisāra when he hears that the Buddha Tathāgata is about to arrive in the region of Magadha. With a sincere aspiration, the king decides to organize a solemn ceremony of welcome. This is not simply an act of royal ritual, but an expression of profound spiritual resolve: the preparation of body, speech, and mind to welcome the Buddha.
The act of “going out to meet” (pratyudgamana) has deep meaning in Mahāyāna philosophy. It symbolizes actively connecting with the Dharma, not waiting by chance, but energetically reaching toward the light of awakening. King Bimbisāra prepares his mind, organizes the retinue to follow him, and prepares the finest offerings to express reverence.
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