大方廣佛華嚴經

2. CHAPTER TWO: THE TATHAGATA MANIFESTS A SIGN

(Complete Chinese Collection, Fascicle 6)

At that time, the bodhisattvas and all the Lords of the Worlds thought: “What is the station of the Buddhas? What is the realm of the Buddhas? What is the empowerment of the Buddhas?

What are the deeds of the Buddhas? What are the powers of the Buddhas? What are the fearlessnesses of the Buddhas?

What are the samadhis of the Buddhas? What are the spiritual powers of the Buddhas? What is the mastery of the Buddhas?

What is it about the Buddhas that none can grasp? What are the eyes of the Buddhas? What are the ears of the Buddhas?

What are the noses of the Buddhas? What are the tongues of the Buddhas? What are the bodies of the Buddhas?

What are the minds of the Buddhas? What is the radiance of the Buddhas’ bodies? What is the light of the Buddhas?

What are the voices of the Buddhas? What is the wisdom of the Buddhas? May the Blessed One have compassion upon us and expound these matters.

Moreover, the Buddhas of the ten directions expound for the bodhisattvas the ocean of worlds, the ocean of sentient beings, the ocean of the establishment of the Dharma-realm, the ocean of Buddhas, the ocean of the Buddhas’ paramitas, the ocean of the Buddhas’ liberations, the ocean of the Buddhas’ transformations, the ocean of the Buddhas’ teachings, the ocean of the Buddhas’ names, and the ocean of the Buddhas’ life spans.

They also expound the ocean of the bodhisattvas’ vows, the ocean of the bodhisattvas’ resolutions, the ocean of the bodhisattvas’ aids to the path, the ocean of the bodhisattvas’ vehicles, the ocean of the bodhisattvas’ practices, the ocean of the bodhisattvas’ transcendence, the ocean of the bodhisattvas’ spiritual powers, the ocean of the bodhisattvas’ paramitas, the ocean of the bodhisattvas’ stages, and the ocean of the bodhisattvas’ wisdom.

May the Blessed One likewise expound these matters for us.” At that moment, through the spiritual power of the bodhisattvas, voices naturally issued from all the cloud clusters of offerings, proclaiming these verses:

Through measureless kalpas, his practices were perfected;

Beneath the bodhi tree, he attained perfect enlightenment.

To liberate sentient beings, he manifests bodies everywhere,

Like clouds filling the reaches of the future.

He causes all sentient beings’ doubts to cease,

Causes vast faith and understanding to arise,

Causes boundless suffering and affliction to be removed,

And causes the bliss of the Buddhas to be realized.

Bodhisattvas as numerous as the dust motes in countless lands

Have assembled at the Dharma gathering to behold the Buddha.

May the Buddha, according to what each should receive,

Teach the wondrous Dharma and dispel their doubts.

How may one comprehend the Tathagata’s station?

How may one contemplate the Tathagata’s realm?

The Dharma empowered by the Buddha is boundless;

May he teach this Dharma and bring about purity.

What are the practices cultivated by the Buddha,

And how may they be entered through wisdom?

The Buddha’s pure powers are vast and boundless;

For the bodhisattvas’ sake, may he reveal them.

What are the vast samadhis?

How are the teachings of fearlessness purified?

The functions of spiritual powers cannot be fathomed;

May he teach according to sentient beings’ inclinations.

The Buddhas, Dharma Kings, are like Lords of the Worlds;

Their deeds are masterful and unobstructed.

For the benefit of sentient beings, may he expound

All those vast and magnificent teachings.

How are the Buddha’s eyes immeasurable?

His ears, nose, tongue, and body are likewise so.

How, too, is the Buddha’s mind immeasurable?

May he explain these skillful means to us.

As sentient beings and lands are immeasurable,

And all that is established throughout the Dharma-realm,

So too are the vast Buddhas boundless;

For the Buddha’s children, may he expound them all.

Utterly transcending all conceivable paramitas,

Universally entering the skillful gateways of liberation—

May all the oceans of Dharma gateways that exist

Be proclaimed within this site of enlightenment.

At that time, the Blessed One knew the thoughts in the minds of the bodhisattvas and immediately emitted from his face and from between his teeth rays of light as numerous as dust motes. There were rays called Precious Flowers Universally Illuminating; rays called Various Voices Adorning the Dharma-Realm; rays called Canopies of Sublime Clouds; rays called Buddhas of the Ten Directions Seated at Sites of Enlightenment Manifesting Spiritual Transformations; rays called Clouds of Precious Canopies; rays called Unobstructedly Filling the Dharma-Realm; rays called Adorning and Universally Illuminating All Buddha Lands; rays called Establishing Pure Vajra Precious Banners; rays called Universally Adorning the Bodhisattva Assemblies at Sites of Enlightenment;

and rays called Wondrous Sounds Proclaiming the Names of All Buddhas.

The Buddha emitted rays such as these, as numerous as dust motes. Each ray was, in turn, accompanied by rays as numerous as dust motes. All these rays possessed beautiful precious colors and universally illuminated, throughout the ten directions, worlds as numerous as the dust motes in a hundred million Buddha lands.

Through the light, the assemblies of bodhisattvas in those worlds all beheld this adorned Flower Treasury world. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, the light proclaimed these verses before all the assemblies of bodhisattvas:

Throughout measureless kalpas, he cultivated practices,

Making offerings to measureless Buddhas of the ten directions,

Teaching and liberating every kind of sentient being;

He has now become the Wondrously Enlightened Honored One of the World.

From the Buddha’s pores stream clouds of jewels;

Their light universally illuminates the lands of the ten directions.

All those ready to be liberated see and understand,

And are brought unobstructedly to bodhi.

In the past, the Buddha passed among the various kinds of beings,

Teaching, transforming, and bringing multitudes to maturity.

His mastery of spiritual powers is measureless and boundless;

In a single thought, he causes them all to attain liberation.

The precious bodhi tree is adorned with mani jewels;

Its various adornments are all supremely excellent.

Beneath this tree, the Buddha attained perfect enlightenment

And emitted great light that universally illumined all.

His mighty voice resounds throughout the ten directions,

Widely proclaiming to the assembly the Dharma of quiescent cessation.

According to the inclinations in sentient beings’ minds,

He brings them to awakening through various skillful gateways.

The paramitas he cultivated in the past are all perfected,

As numerous as the dust motes in a thousand lands.

He has already accomplished all powers of wisdom;

You should all go forth together to honor him.

Buddha’s children of the ten directions, as numerous as the dust motes in the lands,

Have all joyfully gathered together.

Having rained clouds of jewels as offerings,

They now stand before the Buddha, gazing upon him single-mindedly.

The Tathagata’s single voice is immeasurable,

Able to expound profound and vast sutras.

He universally rains the wondrous Dharma in response to the minds of all beings;

You should go and behold the Honored One, Perfect in Wisdom and Merit.

The Buddhas of the three times made great vows,

Which they all proclaimed beneath the bodhi tree.

In a single instant, they all appear before you;

You should swiftly go to the Tathagata’s presence.

Vairocana, ocean of great wisdom,

Is beheld through wondrous gateways of emitted light.

He now awaits the gathered assembly to arouse resolve;

You should go there and hear the Buddha’s teaching.

At that time, all the assemblies throughout the worlds of the ten directions, having received instruction through the Buddha’s light, came together to the presence of Vairocana Buddha and reverently made offerings.

To the east of this Flower Treasury Adorned Ocean of Worlds was an ocean of worlds named Adorned with Lotuses of Pure Light. Within this ocean of worlds was a land named Mani Necklace Vajra Treasury, where a Buddha named Dharma-Water Enlightenment of the Boundless Directions of Space dwelt. In that Tathagata’s great assembly was a great bodhisattva named Banner of the Lotus of Contemplation of the Supreme Dharma.

Together with bodhisattvas as numerous as dust motes, he came to the Buddha’s presence. They each manifested ten kinds of bodily forms of bodhisattvas, filling all of space without dispersing. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds that rained radiant precious lotuses.

They also manifested ten kinds of clouds shaped like precious Mount Sumerus. They also manifested ten kinds of sunlight. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of precious floral garlands.

They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of every kind of jeweled necklace. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of powdered incense. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of fragrant ointments and burning incense.

They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of every kind of fragrant wood. Clouds of offerings such as these, as numerous as dust motes, filled all of space without dispersing. These bodhisattvas bowed reverently to the Buddha and made offerings.

Then, in the east, they transformed various splendid and radiant lion seats, and the bodhisattvas sat cross-legged upon those Dharma seats.

To the south of this Flower Treasury ocean of worlds was an ocean of worlds named Treasury Adorned with the Radiant Light of All Jeweled Moons. Within this world-seed was a land named Adorned with the Perfection of Boundless Light. The Buddha there was named Universal Wisdom Radiant Virtue Sumeru King.

In the assembly of that Tathagata was a great bodhisattva named Wisdom Universally Illuminating the Ocean of Dharma, who came together with bodhisattvas as numerous as motes of dust to the Buddha’s presence. They all manifested ten kinds of clouds adorned with resplendent sovereign mani jewels, filling all space without dispersing. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of mani jewels displaying ornaments; ten kinds of clouds of mani jewels proclaiming the honored names of the Buddhas; ten kinds of clouds of mani jewels expounding all the Buddha-Dharma; ten kinds of clouds of mani jewels forming beautiful trees that adorned the places of enlightenment; ten kinds of clouds of mani jewels manifesting transformation Buddhas;

ten kinds of clouds of mani jewels universally displaying the adorned forms of all places of enlightenment; ten kinds of clouds of mani jewels expounding the realms of the Buddhas; ten kinds of clouds in the forms of innumerable inconceivable palaces; and ten kinds of clouds universally displaying the bodily forms of the Buddhas of the three times.

Having manifested innumerable such clouds of sovereign mani jewels, filling all space without dispersing, these bodhisattvas reverently bowed to and made offerings to the Buddha. Then, to the south, they transformed into lion thrones of blue jewels and Jambunada gold lotus treasuries, as numerous as motes of dust, and all sat cross-legged upon those jeweled thrones.

To the west of this Flower Treasury ocean of worlds was an ocean of worlds named Delightful Jeweled Radiance. Within that world-seed was a land named Producing Exquisite, Sublime Personal Adornments. The Buddha there was named Fragrant Flame Merit Jeweled Adornment.

In the assembly of that Tathagata was a great bodhisattva named Moonlight Fragrant Flame Universal Adornment, who came together with bodhisattvas as numerous as motes of dust to the Buddha’s presence. They all manifested ten kinds of clouds of beautiful, fragrant, radiant pavilions made of precious jewels, filling all space without dispersing. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of pavilions of boundless forms and colors; ten kinds of clouds of pavilions with resplendent jeweled lamps; ten kinds of clouds of pearl pavilions; ten kinds of clouds of jeweled-flower pavilions; ten kinds of clouds of pavilions adorned with jeweled necklaces; ten kinds of clouds of radiant, adorned pavilions appearing throughout the ten directions;

ten kinds of clouds of pavilions adorned with intermingled jeweled powders; ten kinds of clouds of pavilions of precious jewels pervading the ten directions; and ten kinds of clouds of pavilions with beautiful gateways and jeweled nets.

After manifesting clouds of pavilions as numerous as motes of dust, these bodhisattvas reverently bowed to and made offerings to the Buddha. Then, in the west, they transformed great lion thrones of true gold and precious jewels, and all sat cross-legged upon those jeweled thrones.

To the north of this Flower Treasury ocean of worlds was an ocean of worlds named Treasury of Perfect Vaidurya Lotus Light. Within that world-seed was a land named Adorned with Utpala Flowers. The Buddha there was named Universal Wisdom Banner Voice King.

In the assembly of that Tathagata was the great bodhisattva Lion’s Vigorous Advance Radiance, who came together with bodhisattvas as numerous as motes of dust to the Buddha’s presence. These bodhisattvas all manifested ten kinds of clouds of beautiful, fragrant mani trees, filling all space without dispersing. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of adorned trees displaying boundless forms and colors; ten kinds of clouds of trees adorned with beautiful flowers; ten kinds of clouds of trees adorned with jeweled light; ten kinds of clouds of adorned trees manifesting the bodies of bodhisattvas; ten kinds of clouds of adorned trees revealing inconceivable places of enlightenment from former times; ten kinds of clouds of jeweled trees bearing garments as radiant as the sun;

and ten kinds of clouds of trees emitting every pleasing sound.

After manifesting these clouds of adorned jeweled trees, the bodhisattvas reverently bowed to and made offerings to the Buddha. Then, in the north, they each transformed a Mani Lotus lion throne and all sat cross-legged upon those jeweled thrones.

To the northeast of this Flower Treasury ocean of worlds was an ocean of worlds named Jambunada Gold Crystal-Colored Banner. Within that world-seed was a land named Adorned with Myriad Jewels. The Buddha there was named Fearless Lamp of All Dharmas.

In the assembly of that Tathagata was a great bodhisattva named Supreme Radiant Lamp Treasury of Inexhaustible Merit, who came together with bodhisattvas as numerous as motes of dust to the Buddha’s presence. These bodhisattvas all manifested ten kinds of clouds of jeweled lotus flowers of boundless forms and colors, filling all space without dispersing. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of radiant mani lion thrones; ten kinds of clouds of lion thrones with every kind of ornament; ten kinds of clouds of lion thrones with garlands of jeweled flowers; ten kinds of clouds of lion thrones universally showering jeweled necklaces; ten kinds of clouds of lion thrones bearing every kind of flower, incense, and jeweled necklace;

ten kinds of clouds of lion thrones displaying the adorned mani thrones of all Buddhas; ten kinds of clouds of lion thrones adorned with gateways, steps, and necklaces; ten kinds of clouds of lion thrones with all kinds of mani-jeweled trees and branches; and ten kinds of clouds of lion thrones adorned with intermingled precious fragrances and light as brilliant as the sun.

After manifesting innumerable such clouds of jeweled lion thrones, these bodhisattvas reverently bowed to and made offerings to the Buddha. Then, in the northeast, they each transformed a lion throne of jeweled canopies, flowers, and mani gems, and all sat cross-legged upon those jeweled thrones.

To the southeast of this Flower Treasury ocean of worlds was an ocean of worlds named Universally Illuminating Golden Adornment Vaidurya Light. Within that world-seed was a land named Pure Fragrant Radiance. The Buddha there was named King of Universal Joy and Profound Faith.

In the assembly of that Tathagata was a great bodhisattva named Wisdom Lamp Universal Radiance, who came together with bodhisattvas as numerous as motes of dust to the Buddha’s presence. These bodhisattvas all manifested ten kinds of clouds of curtains and canopies made of every kind of mani jewel, filling all space without dispersing. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of curtains and canopies of every fragrance; ten kinds of clouds of curtains and canopies bearing jeweled lamps; ten kinds of clouds of curtains and canopies displaying the Buddha’s spiritual powers and proclamation of the Dharma; ten kinds of clouds of curtains and canopies revealing every kind of adorned garment; ten kinds of clouds of curtains and canopies bearing every kind of jeweled flower;

ten kinds of clouds of curtains and canopies with jeweled nets sounding bells and chimes; ten kinds of clouds of curtains and canopies with lotus terraces and mani nets; and ten kinds of clouds of curtains and canopies bearing every kind of inconceivable ornament.

After manifesting such clouds of jeweled curtains and nets, as numerous as motes of dust, these bodhisattvas reverently bowed to and made offerings to the Buddha. Then, in the southeast, they each transformed a jeweled lotus lion throne and sat upon those jeweled thrones.

To the southwest of this Flower-Treasury Sea of Worlds was a sea of worlds named Sunlight Shining Everywhere. Within that world-seed was a land named Lion’s Sunlight Radiance. The Buddha there was named Universal Wisdom Radiant Voice.

In that Buddha’s assembly was a great bodhisattva named Universal Flower Radiant Flame-Crest, who came to the Buddha together with bodhisattvas numerous as motes of dust. These bodhisattvas each manifested ten kinds of clouds of wondrously adorned jeweled canopies, filling all of space without dispersing. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of beautifully adorned, resplendent jeweled canopies; ten kinds of clouds of jeweled canopies containing treasuries of pearls of boundless colors; ten kinds of clouds of jeweled canopies of mani jewels resounding with the compassionate voices of all bodhisattvas; ten kinds of clouds of jeweled canopies adorned with exquisite jeweled flower garlands; ten kinds of clouds of jeweled canopies hung with nets of small bells;

ten kinds of clouds of jeweled canopies adorned with branches of mani trees; ten kinds of clouds of jeweled canopies bearing mani jewels radiant as the sun; ten kinds of clouds of jeweled canopies bearing every kind of fragrant ointment and burning incense; ten kinds of clouds of jeweled canopies containing treasuries of sandalwood; and ten kinds of clouds of jeweled canopies in which the vast realms of the Buddhas shone everywhere.

Having manifested clouds of jeweled canopies such as these, numerous as motes of dust, these bodhisattvas reverently bowed to the Buddha and made offerings. Then, in the southwest, they each transformed a brilliantly adorned lion throne of indranila jewels and sat upon it in the lotus posture.

To the northwest of this Flower-Treasury Sea of Worlds was a sea of worlds named Wondrous Illumination of Jeweled Light. Within that world-seed was a land named Adorned with Myriad Fragrances. The Buddha there was named Radiance of the Ocean of Immeasurable Merit.

In that Tathagata’s assembly was a great bodhisattva named King of Mani of Inexhaustible Light, who came to the Buddha together with bodhisattvas numerous as motes of dust. These bodhisattvas each manifested ten kinds of clouds of perfect radiance from all precious jewels, filling all of space without dispersing. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of perfect radiance from all jeweled flames; ten kinds of clouds of perfect radiance from all wondrous flowers; ten kinds of clouds of perfect radiance from all transformation Buddhas; ten kinds of clouds of perfect radiance from the Buddha-lands of the ten directions; ten kinds of clouds of perfect radiance from the realms of the Buddhas; ten kinds of clouds of perfect radiance from all lapis-lazuli and precious mani jewels;

ten kinds of clouds of perfect radiance manifesting in a single thought the boundless forms of sentient beings; ten kinds of clouds of perfect radiance resounding with proclamations of the great vows of all Tathagatas; and ten kinds of clouds of perfect radiance from kings of mani jewels, resounding with teachings that transformed all sentient beings.

Having manifested clouds of perfect radiance such as these, numerous as motes of dust, these bodhisattvas reverently bowed to the Buddha and made offerings. Then, in the northwest, they each transformed a lion throne containing a treasury of inexhaustible radiance, awe-inspiring power, and virtue, and sat in the lotus posture upon that jeweled throne.

Below this Flower-Treasury Sea of Worlds was a sea of worlds named Treasury of the Wondrous Virtue of Lotus Fragrance. Within that sea of worlds was a land named Wondrous Illumination of Jeweled Lion’s Radiance. The Buddha there was named Wisdom of the Radiant Flame of the Dharma Realm, and bodhisattvas numerous as motes of dust came together to the Buddha.

These bodhisattvas each manifested ten kinds of clouds of radiance from all treasuries of mani jewels, filling all of space without dispersing. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of radiance from all fragrances; ten kinds of clouds of radiance from all jeweled flames; ten kinds of clouds of radiance resounding with the Dharma teachings of all Buddhas; ten kinds of clouds of radiance from the adornments of all Buddha-lands; ten kinds of clouds of radiance from towers adorned with all wondrous flowers; ten kinds of clouds of radiance displaying the deeds by which the Buddhas teach and transform sentient beings throughout all kalpas; ten kinds of clouds of radiance from stamens of inexhaustible jeweled flowers; and ten kinds of clouds of radiance from radiant jeweled thrones.

Having manifested ten kinds of clouds of radiance such as these, these bodhisattvas reverently bowed to the Buddha and made offerings. Then, below, they each transformed a lion throne of jeweled lotus flames and sat upon it in the lotus posture.

Above this Flower-Treasury Sea of Worlds was a sea of worlds named Wondrous Adornment Illuminated by Mani Jewels. Within that world-seed was a land named Wondrous Formless Radiance. The Buddha there was named King of the Radiance of Unobstructed Merit.

In that Tathagata’s assembly was a bodhisattva named Unobstructed Power, Vigor, and Wisdom, who came to the Buddha together with bodhisattvas numerous as motes of dust. These bodhisattvas each manifested clouds of jeweled radiant flames of boundless colors and forms, filling all of space without dispersing. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of radiant flames from nets of precious mani jewels; ten kinds of clouds of radiant flames from the vast adornments of all Buddha-lands; ten kinds of clouds of radiant flames from all wondrous fragrances; ten kinds of clouds of radiant flames from every kind of adornment; ten kinds of clouds of radiant flames from the transformations of all Buddhas; ten kinds of clouds of radiant flames from every kind of exquisite flowering tree;

ten kinds of clouds of radiant flames from all vajras; ten kinds of clouds of radiant flames from mani jewels manifesting the practices of boundless bodhisattvas; and ten kinds of clouds of radiant flames from all pearl lamps.

Having manifested clouds of radiant flames such as these, numerous as motes of dust, these bodhisattvas reverently bowed to the Buddha and made offerings. Then, above, they each transformed a lion throne of radiant lotuses that proclaimed the Buddha’s voice and sat upon that jeweled throne.

Within seas of worlds such as these, numerous as the motes of dust in ten koṭis of Buddha-lands, were great bodhisattvas numerous as ten koṭis of motes of dust, and each great bodhisattva came to gather in the assembly together with bodhisattvas numerous as the motes of dust in a sea of worlds. Each bodhisattva manifested clouds numerous as the motes of dust in a sea of worlds, bearing all manner of adornments and offerings that filled all of space without dispersing. Having manifested such clouds, the bodhisattvas together reverently bowed to the Buddha and made offerings. In accordance with the direction from which they had come, the bodhisattvas each transformed all manner of adorned jeweled lion thrones and sat upon those jeweled thrones in the lotus posture.

After they had seated themselves, from each pore of the bodhisattvas’ bodies appeared various kinds of jewel-colored radiance, numerous as the motes of dust in ten seas of worlds.

Within each ray of light appeared bodhisattvas numerous as the motes of dust in ten seas of worlds, all seated upon lion thrones within lotus treasuries.

These bodhisattvas were all able to enter universally into every mote of dust throughout all seas of Dharma realms.

Within each mote of dust were vast lands numerous as the motes of dust in ten worlds. Within each of these lands were Buddhas, World-Honored Ones, of the three periods of time.

These bodhisattvas were all able to go everywhere to draw near to and make offerings to those World-Honored Ones. Moreover, in each thought they were able to employ the Dharma-gate of sovereign manifestations to awaken sentient beings numerous as the motes of dust in a sea of worlds. In each thought they also employed the Dharma-gate manifesting the death and rebirth of all devas to awaken sentient beings numerous as motes of dust.

In each thought they further employed the Dharma-gate that expounds all bodhisattva practices; the Dharma-gate that shakes all lands and extols the meritorious qualities and miraculous transformations of the Buddhas; the Dharma-gate that adorns and purifies all Buddha-lands and reveals all oceans of great vows; the Dharma-gate of the Buddha’s voice, which encompasses all the languages of sentient beings; the Dharma-gate that is able to rain down all the Buddha-Dharmas; the Dharma-gate of radiance that illuminates the lands of the ten directions throughout the Dharma realm and manifests miraculous transformations; the Dharma-gate manifesting Buddha-bodies that fill the Dharma realm and the liberating power of all Tathagatas;

and the Dharma-gate by which Samantabhadra Bodhisattva establishes all assemblies at the seats of enlightenment.

In every thought they employed such Dharma-gates to awaken sentient beings numerous as the motes of dust in a sea of worlds.

In every thought-moment and in every land, they enable as many beings as there are dust motes in Mount Sumeru who have fallen into the evil destinies to be forever freed from suffering and affliction. They enable as many beings as there are dust motes in Mount Sumeru who abide in wrong concentration to enter right concentration. They enable as many beings as there are dust motes in Mount Sumeru to be born in the heavenly realms according to their aspirations.

They enable as many beings as there are dust motes in Mount Sumeru to abide in the stages of the shravakas and pratyekabuddhas. They enable as many beings as there are dust motes in Mount Sumeru to serve spiritual benefactors and perfect all meritorious practices. They cause as many beings as there are dust motes in Mount Sumeru to arouse the aspiration for bodhi.

They enable as many beings as there are dust motes in Mount Sumeru to proceed directly to the stage of irreversible bodhisattvas. They enable as many beings as there are dust motes in Mount Sumeru to attain the pure eye of wisdom and behold the equality of all dharmas as beheld by the Tathagata. They enable as many beings as there are dust motes in Mount Sumeru to abide in all powers and vows, using inexhaustible wisdom as skillful means to purify the Buddha-lands.

They enable as many beings as there are dust motes in Mount Sumeru to abide in the vast ocean of Vairocana’s vows and be born into the family of the Tathagata.

At that time, the bodhisattvas within the radiance simultaneously spoke these verses:

From within all rays of light resound wondrous voices,

Pervading all lands throughout the ten directions,

Proclaiming the virtues of the Buddha’s children,

Who skillfully enter the subtle path of bodhi.

Practicing throughout oceans of kalpas without weariness,

They cause suffering beings to attain liberation;

Their minds neither inferior nor fatigued—

The Buddha’s children skillfully enter the path of means.

All the skillful means throughout oceans of kalpas,

Measureless and boundless, with none omitted;

They enter every Dharma gateway universally,

Yet always declare that their nature is quiescent extinction.

However many vows the Buddhas of the three times possess,

They practice them all and bring them to perfection;

Thereby benefiting all sentient beings,

While themselves carrying out pure karma.

All the Buddhas within the assemblies

Come from everywhere throughout the ten directions;

All employ the exceedingly profound ocean of wisdom

To enter the quiescent Dharma of all Buddhas.

Each and every ray of light is boundless,

Entering all inconceivable lands;

With pure eyes of wisdom they behold all universally—

This is the sphere of practice of bodhisattvas.

A bodhisattva can abide upon the tip of a single hair

And set all lands throughout the ten directions in motion,

Without causing sentient beings fear or doubt—

Such are the skillful means of those at the stage of purity.

Within each mote of dust are measureless bodies,

Which further manifest the adornments of all lands;

In a single thought, they cause birth and death to be seen everywhere,

Attaining the stage adorned with unobstructed understanding.

All the kalpas that exist throughout the three times

Can be manifested within a single instant;

Knowing that the body is like an illusion, devoid of substantial characteristics,

They realize the Dharma-nature and the stage of unobstructedness.

They enter all the supreme practices of Samantabhadra,

And all sentient beings delight in beholding them;

The Buddha’s children who abide in this Dharma gateway

Cause mighty voices to resound within all rays of light.

At that time, the Blessed One, wishing to enable the entire great assembly of bodhisattvas to attain the boundless spiritual powers belonging to the Tathagata’s domain, emitted from between his eyebrows a radiance called the Wisdom-Light of All Bodhisattvas. It illuminated the ten directions universally and appeared like luminous clouds of jewel-hued light, causing all lands and all sentient beings within every Buddha-land throughout the ten directions to become clearly manifest.

The radiance also caused all worlds everywhere to tremble. Within every mote of dust, innumerable Buddhas appeared. In accordance with the differing natures and inclinations of sentient beings, it universally showered clouds of the wondrous Dharma wheels of the Buddhas of the three times, revealing the ocean of the Tathagata’s paramitas.

It further showered measureless clouds of emancipation, enabling sentient beings to escape forever from birth and death. It also showered clouds of the Buddhas’ great vows, revealing throughout the worlds of the ten directions the assemblies at the bodhimandas of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. After the radiance had illuminated and manifested such things, it returned, circled the Buddha, and entered beneath the Buddha’s feet.

At that time, a great lotus suddenly appeared before the Buddha. That flower possessed ten kinds of adornment: diverse precious jewels intermingled to form its stem; a royal mani jewel forming its calyx; various treasures forming its petals; fragrant mani jewels forming its stamens; Jambunada gold adorning its receptacle; a wondrous net covering it above with pure, radiant hues; within each thought-moment, it revealed the boundless spiritual transformations of all Buddhas; it universally produced every kind of sound; royal mani jewels reflected the bodies of Buddhas; and within its sounds it could expound all the practices and vows of bodhisattvas.

When this lotus had appeared, within a single thought-moment there simultaneously emerged from the Tathagata’s white urna a great bodhisattva named Supreme Voice of All Dharmas, together with as many bodhisattvas as there are dust motes in an ocean of worlds. These bodhisattvas circumambulated the Buddha measureless times and bowed at his feet. Bodhisattva Supreme Voice sat upon the lotus receptacle, while the other bodhisattvas sat upon its stamens.

This Bodhisattva Supreme Voice comprehended the Dharmadhatu, and his heart was filled with great joy. He entered the sphere of Buddha-wisdom without doubt or obstruction, entered the immeasurable ocean of the Buddha’s Dharma-body, and traversed all the lands in which the Tathagatas dwelt. Every pore of his body manifested spiritual powers, and in every thought-moment he universally contemplated the entire Dharmadhatu. The Buddhas of the ten directions together bestowed their spiritual power upon these bodhisattvas, enabling them to abide universally in all samadhis and, throughout all future kalpas, constantly behold the Buddha’s boundless body of the Dharmadhatu and ocean of virtues, as well as all samadhis, liberations, spiritual powers, and transformations.

Then, within the assembly and through the awesome spiritual power of the Buddha, these bodhisattvas contemplated the ten directions and spoke these verses:

The Buddha’s body fills the entire Dharmadhatu,

Manifesting universally before all sentient beings;

Responding everywhere according to conditions and capacities,

Yet ever remaining upon this seat of bodhi.

Within every pore of the Tathagata,

Buddhas as numerous as dust motes in all lands are seated,

Surrounded by assemblies of bodhisattvas,

Expounding the supreme practices of Samantabhadra.

The Tathagata sits serenely at the place of bodhi,

While in a single mind manifesting many oceans of lands;

Every pore manifests in this same way,

Thus pervading the entire Dharmadhatu.

Within each and every land he sits in repose,

Universally pervading all lands;

Bodhisattvas of the ten directions gather like clouds,

All coming together to the assembly at the bodhimanda.

Bodhisattvas radiant with virtuous merit,

As numerous as dust motes in all lands,

Are everywhere within the Tathagata’s assemblies,

Filling even the entire Dharmadhatu.

Bodhisattvas of the ten directions gather like clouds,

All coming together to the assembly at the bodhimanda.

Bodhisattvas radiant with virtuous merit,

As numerous as dust motes in all lands,

Are everywhere within the Tathagata’s assemblies,

Filling even the entire Dharmadhatu.

In lands as numerous as dust motes in the Dharmadhatu,

They appear within every assembly;

Such division-bodies are a sphere of wisdom

Established through the practices of Samantabhadra.

Amid the assemblies of all Buddhas,

Bodhisattvas of Supreme Wisdom are seated;

All rejoice upon hearing the Dharma

And practice everywhere for measureless kalpas.

Having entered the practices and vows of Samantabhadra,

All rejoice upon hearing the Dharma

And practice everywhere for measureless kalpas.

Having entered the practices and vows of Samantabhadra,

They give rise to all the Dharmas of the Buddhas;

Within Vairocana’s ocean of Dharma,

They practice and realize the stage of the Tathagata.

Enlightened and awakened by Bodhisattva Samantabhadra,

They are praised and welcomed by all Tathagatas;

Having attained the Buddhas’ great spiritual powers,

They circulate throughout and universally pervade the Dharmadhatu.

With transformation-bodies as numerous as dust motes in all lands,

They constantly manifest and fill all places;

For the sake of sentient beings everywhere, they emit great radiance

And shower Dharma throughout the Dharmadhatu according to their hearts’ desires.

At that time, within the great assembly there was also a great bodhisattva named Wisdom-King Who Contemplates the Lotus-Radiance of All Supreme Dharmas. Through the awesome power of the Buddha, he contemplated the ten directions and then spoke these verses:

The Tathagata’s wisdom is exceedingly profound,

Entering everywhere throughout the Dharmadhatu;

It can turn in accord with the three times,

Serving as a bright guide for the world.

All Buddhas share one Dharma-body,

Without dependence and without distinction;

In accordance with the minds of sentient beings,

They enable them to behold the Buddha’s bodily form.

Perfectly endowed with all-wisdom,

They universally know all dharmas

Throughout all lands,

All are fully manifested.

The Buddha’s body and radiance,

Its forms and marks, are inconceivable;

Whatever beings delight in,

Accordingly, he causes them all to see.

Upon a single Buddha-body,

He transforms into immeasurable Buddhas;

His thunderous voice pervades all realms,

Proclaiming Dharma profound as the sea.

Within each and every pore,

A net of light pervades the ten directions,

Proclaiming the Buddha’s wondrous voice

To tame those difficult to tame.

Within the Tathagata’s radiance,

Profound and wondrous sounds constantly resound,

Praising the Buddha’s virtues

And the practices of bodhisattvas.

The Buddha turns the wheel of true Dharma,

In boundless and immeasurable ways;

The Dharma he proclaims is unequaled,

Beyond the measure of shallow wisdom.

In all worlds,

He manifests a body attaining perfect enlightenment;

Each one performs miraculous transformations,

Completely filling the Dharma Realm.

Each body of the Tathagata

Manifests Buddhas as numerous as sentient beings;

Throughout every mote of dust in all realms,

He universally manifests the power of spiritual mastery.

At that time, within the great assembly, there was also a great bodhisattva named Dharma-Joy Wisdom-Radiance. Through the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power, he surveyed the ten directions and then spoke these verses:

The Buddha’s body constantly appears,

Completely filling the Dharma Realm,

Always proclaiming a vast and mighty voice

That shakes the realms of the ten directions.

The Tathagata universally manifests bodies,

Pervading every place in the world;

According to the delights of sentient beings,

He reveals the power of spiritual mastery.

The Buddha, following the minds of sentient beings,

Appears universally before them;

Whatever sentient beings behold

Is entirely the Buddha’s spiritual power.

His radiance shines without bounds,

And the Dharma he teaches is likewise immeasurable;

The Buddha’s disciples, according to their wisdom,

Can enter it and contemplate it.

The Buddha’s body is originally unborn,

Yet he manifests birth;

The nature of Dharma is like empty space,

And all Buddhas abide therein.

Neither abiding nor departing,

The Buddha is seen in every place;

His radiance shines everywhere,

And his wondrous voice resounds throughout all realms.

Without substance or abiding place,

It also has no place of birth;

Without marks and without form,

Whatever appears is like a reflection.

The Buddha, following the minds of sentient beings,

Manifests clouds of Dharma for their sake;

Through various skillful means,

He awakens and tames them.

In all worlds,

They see the Buddha seated at the place of enlightenment,

Surrounded by the entire great assembly,

Illuminating the realms of the ten directions.

All bodies of all Buddhas

Possess inexhaustible marks;

Though their manifestations are immeasurable,

Their forms and marks are endless.

At that time, within the great assembly, there was also a great bodhisattva named Fragrant-Flame Radiance Universal-Bright Wisdom. Through the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power, he surveyed the ten directions and then spoke these verses:

The bodhisattvas in this assembly

Enter the Buddha-ground, which is difficult to fathom;

Each and every one can behold

The spiritual power of all Buddhas.

Their wisdom-bodies can universally enter

Every mote of dust in all realms;

They see their bodies abiding therein

And universally behold all Buddhas.

Like reflections appearing throughout all realms,

Wherever the Tathagatas are,

In every one of those places

They manifest deeds of spiritual mastery.

Samantabhadra’s practices and vows

Have been cultivated until luminous and pure;

Thus, throughout all realms,

One can universally behold the Buddha’s miraculous transformations.

Their bodies are present in every place,

Everywhere wholly equal;

Wisdom capable of being thus

Enters the Buddha’s realm.

Having realized the Tathagata’s wisdom,

They shine throughout the Dharma Realm

And universally enter, within the Buddha’s pores,

All lands whatsoever.

In all Buddha lands,

They manifest the power of spiritual mastery,

Displaying various bodies

And various names.

Within the space of a single thought,

They universally manifest miraculous transformations:

Attaining perfect enlightenment at the place of enlightenment

And turning the wondrous Dharma wheel.

All vast realms

Throughout inconceivable billions of kalpas

Can be manifested in a single thought

By bodhisattvas in samadhi.

All Buddha lands

And every bodhisattva within them

Universally enter the Buddha’s body,

Boundless and inexhaustible.

At that time, there was also a great bodhisattva named Lion’s Vigorous Advance Wisdom-Radiance. Through the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power, he surveyed the ten directions and then spoke these verses:

Vairocana Buddha

Skillfully turns the wheel of true Dharma;

Throughout all lands in the Dharma Realm,

Like clouds, it spreads everywhere.

In the ten directions, wherever there are

Vast worlds,

Through the spiritual power of the Buddha’s vows,

He turns the Dharma wheel everywhere.

Throughout all lands,

Within the vast assemblies,

Their names are all different;

Accordingly, he proclaims the wondrous Dharma.

The Tathagata’s awesome power is great,

Brought to fulfillment by Samantabhadra’s vows;

Throughout all lands,

His wondrous voice reaches everywhere.

The Buddha’s body pervades the Dharma Realm,

Universally showering rains of Dharma;

Unborn and without distinction,

It manifests everything in the world.

Throughout countless billions of kalpas,

In all lands,

The deeds performed since ancient times

Are fully proclaimed by his wondrous voice.

Throughout realms as numerous as dust motes in the ten directions,

A net of light spreads everywhere;

Within every ray of light are Buddhas

Universally teaching and liberating sentient beings.

The Buddha’s body is without distinction,

Completely filling the Dharma Realm;

He causes all to behold his physical body

And skillfully tames them according to their capacities.

Throughout all realms of the three periods of time,

All the Guiding Masters

Have names that differ from one another;

Their proclamations cause all to behold them.

Past, present, and future,

All Tathagatas

Turn the subtle and wondrous Dharma wheel,

And all the assemblies can hear it.

At that time, within the great assembly, there was also a great bodhisattva named Dharma-Ocean Treasury of Virtue. Through the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power, he surveyed the ten directions and then spoke these verses:

The Buddha’s disciples in this assembly

Skillfully cultivate all forms of wisdom;

These beings have already entered

Such a gateway of skillful means.

Throughout all lands,

They universally proclaim a vast and mighty voice,

Telling of the practices performed by the Buddha,

Which is heard throughout the realms of the ten directions.

Within each and every thought,

They universally contemplate all dharmas,

Abide securely on the ground of true suchness,

And thoroughly comprehend the ocean of true Dharma.

Within each and every Buddha-body,

Throughout inconceivable billions of kalpas,

They cultivate the paramitas

And adorn and purify lands.

Within each and every mote of dust,

They realize all dharmas;

Attaining such unobstructed mastery,

They travel throughout the realms of the ten directions.

Every one of the Buddha’s realms

They reach without omission;

They behold the Buddha manifest spiritual powers

And enter the Buddha’s practices.

The vast voices of all Buddhas

Are heard throughout the Dharma Realm;

Bodhisattvas clearly comprehend them

And skillfully enter the ocean of sounds.

Throughout the ocean of kalpas, wondrous voices are proclaimed,

All wondrous voices identical and undifferentiated;

Those whose wisdom pervades the three periods of time

Enter the Buddha’s wondrous voice.

The voices of sentient beings

And the Buddha’s sovereign voice—

They attain wisdom concerning all sounds

And clearly comprehend them all.

From one ground they attain another,

Abiding upon the ground of powers;

Through diligent cultivation over billions of kalpas,

They attain Dharma such as this.

At that time, within the assembly, there was also a great bodhisattva named Wisdom-Lamp Universal-Brightness. Through the Buddha’s awesome power, he surveyed the ten directions and then spoke these verses:

All Tathagatas

Are far removed from every form and mark;

Only one who understands this Dharma

Can behold the Guiding Master.

Bodhisattvas abiding in samadhi,

Their wisdom-radiance universally luminous and clear,

Understand that the essential nature of all Buddhas

Is originally sovereign and free.

Seeing the Buddha’s true essence,

They then uphold the most profound Dharma;

Universally contemplating the Dharma Realm,

They assume bodies according to their vows.

Born from the ocean of merit,

They abide securely on the ground of wisdom,

Contemplate all dharmas,

And cultivate the supreme path.

Throughout all Buddha realms,

Wherever all Tathagatas dwell,

Thus, throughout the Dharma Realm,

They behold the true essence everywhere.

Throughout the vast realms of the ten directions,

They cultivate diligently for billions of kalpas,

Journeying within the ocean of all dharmas

Of perfect and universal knowledge.

Even within a single solid body,

It is seen in every mote of dust;

Unborn and also without marks,

It appears universally throughout all realms.

Following the minds of sentient beings,

It appears universally before them,

Manifesting various gateways of taming

To bring them swiftly to the Buddha’s path.

Through the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power,

All bodhisattvas appear;

Constantly sustained by the Buddha’s power,

They universally behold all Tathagatas.

All the Guiding Masters,

Possessing immeasurable awesome spiritual power,

Awaken all bodhisattvas,

Pervading the entire Dharma Realm.

At that time, within the assembly, there was also a great bodhisattva named Flower-Flame Cowl Universal-Bright Wisdom. Through the Buddha’s awesome power, he surveyed the ten directions and then spoke these verses:

Throughout all lands,

He universally proclaims a subtle and wondrous voice,

Praising the Buddha’s virtues,

Completely filling the Dharma Realm.

The Buddha takes Dharma as his body,

Pure as empty space;

He manifests various forms and shapes,

Causing beings to enter that Dharma.

If there is anyone who believes and rejoices

And are embraced and protected by the Buddha.

Know that people such as these

Can give rise to the Buddha’s wisdom.

Those of little and inferior wisdom

Cannot know this Dharma;

Only those whose wisdom-eye is pure

Can perceive it herein.

Through the awesome power of the Buddha,

They contemplate all dharmas;

Upon entering, abiding, and emerging,

Whatever they perceive is perfectly clear.

Within all dharmas

Are boundlessly many Dharma gates;

They accomplish all-wisdom

And enter the profound ocean of Dharma.

Abiding within Buddha lands,

They manifest in all places;

Neither coming nor going—

Such is the Dharma of all Buddhas.

Throughout the oceans of all sentient beings,

The Buddha’s body appears like a reflection;

According to their differing understandings,

All are able to behold the Guiding Teacher.

Within every pore,

Each manifests spiritual powers;

Those who cultivate the vows of Samantabhadra

And are pure can behold them.

With each and every body, the Buddha

Turns the Dharma wheel everywhere;

It pervades the entire Dharma realm,

Beyond the reach of thought or conception.

At that time, within the assembly there was also a great bodhisattva named Wisdom of the Majestic Virtue of Inexhaustible Light. Through the awesome power of the Buddha, he universally contemplated the ten directions and then spoke these verses:

Within each and every Buddha land,

Everywhere the Buddha sits at the place of enlightenment,

Surrounded by the assembled multitude,

And utterly subdues the armies of Mara.

The Buddha’s body emits radiant light,

Filling all ten directions;

Manifesting according to what is appropriate,

It displays diverse forms and characteristics.

Within each and every mote of dust,

The light is wholly present;

Throughout the lands of the ten directions are seen

Multitudes of every differing kind.

The lands throughout the ten directions,

Realms measureless and boundless,

Are all level and pure,

Formed of Indra’s net of jewels.

Some cover others, some lie alongside;

Some resemble lotus buds;

Some are round, and some are four-cornered—

Their forms and appearances differ.

The lands throughout the Dharma realm

Move everywhere without obstruction;

Amid all assemblies,

The wondrous Dharma wheel is constantly turned.

The Buddha’s body is inconceivable;

All lands are contained within it,

And in every one of those places

He teaches the Dharma and transforms beings.

Though the wondrous Dharma wheel is turned,

The Dharma-nature has no differences;

Relying upon the one true principle,

He expounds the characteristics of all dharmas.

With his perfect voice, the Buddha

Elucidates the principle of ultimate truth;

According to beings’ differing understandings,

He reveals inexhaustible Dharma gates.

Within all lands,

The Buddha is seen seated at the place of enlightenment;

The Buddha’s body appears like a reflection,

Its arising and cessation cannot be apprehended.

At that time, within the assembly there was also a great bodhisattva named Wisdom of Universal Illumination of the Dharma Realm. Through the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power, he contemplated the ten directions and then spoke these verses:

The Tathagata’s body is wondrous and subtle,

Its forms and characteristics inconceivable;

Those who behold it rejoice in their hearts

And reverently trust in the Buddha-Dharma.

Within every characteristic of the Buddha’s body

Measureless Buddhas all appear,

Universally entering the lands of the ten directions

Within each and every mote of dust.

Throughout the lands of the ten directions,

Measureless and boundless Buddhas

Each separately manifest spiritual powers.

The greatly wise bodhisattvas

Profoundly enter the ocean of Dharma;

Ever sustained by the Buddha’s power,

They can know this skillful means.

Those who already abide in

The practices and vows of Samantabhadra

Behold those lands

And the spiritual powers of all Buddhas.

Those who possess faith and understanding,

Who have attained patience and made great vows,

And are endowed with profound wisdom,

Comprehend all dharmas.

They are able, within the Buddha’s body,

To contemplate each and every thing;

Forms and sounds are unobstructed,

And they thoroughly understand all objects of perception.

They are able, within the Buddha’s body,

To abide in the sphere of wisdom,

Swiftly enter the ground of the Tathagata,

And universally encompass the entire Dharma realm.

Buddha lands as numerous as motes of dust—

Lands such as these—

Can, within a single thought,

Appear in every mote of dust.

All those lands,

Together with their spiritual manifestations,

All appear within a single land—

Such is the power of bodhisattvas.

At that time, within the assembly there was a great bodhisattva named Wisdom of Unobstructed Power of Diligence. Through the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power, he universally contemplated the ten directions and then spoke these verses:

The Buddha proclaims a single wondrous sound,

Heard throughout the lands of the ten directions;

It fully contains every kind of voice,

And the rain of Dharma pervades everywhere.

With the entire ocean of words

And every voice suited to each kind of being,

Throughout all Buddha lands

He turns the pure Dharma wheel.

In all lands,

The Buddha’s spiritual transformations are seen;

Beings hear the Dharma sound spoken by the Buddha,

And, having heard it, attain bodhi.

In every mote of dust

Throughout all lands of the Dharma realm,

Through the Buddha’s power of liberation,

His body universally appears therein.

The Dharma body is like empty space,

Unobstructed and without distinction;

Its forms are like reflected images,

Manifesting various characteristics.

Reflected images abide nowhere,

Without intrinsic nature, like empty space;

Those of vast wisdom

Thoroughly understand their nature of equality.

The Buddha’s body cannot be grasped,

Unborn and uncreated;

Responding to beings, it universally appears before them,

Equal, like empty space.

Measureless Buddhas of the ten directions

All enter a single pore;

Each separately manifests spiritual powers,

Which can be seen with the eye of wisdom.

Vairocana Buddha’s

Power of vows pervades the Dharma realm;

Throughout all lands,

He constantly turns the unsurpassed Dharma wheel.

A single pore manifests spiritual powers,

And all Buddhas speak together;

Even throughout measureless kalpas,

Their bounds could never be exhausted.