THE THREE PURE LAND SUTRAS
BDK English Tripiṭaka Series
The Larger Sutra on Amitāyus(Taishō Volume 12, Number 360)
The Sutra on Contemplation of Amitāyus(Taishō Volume 12, Number 365) The Smaller Sutra on Amitāyus(Taishō Volume 12, Number 366)
Translated from the Chinese by
Hisao Inagaki
in collaboration withHarold Stewart
Revised Second Edition
BDK America, Inc.2003
Copyright © 1995, 2003 by Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai andBDK America, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—in a retrieval system, or transcribed in any form or by any meanswithout the prior written permission of the publisher.
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2003109307Revised Second Edition, Third Printing, 2016ISBN: 978-1-886439-18-4
Moraga, California 94556BDK America, Inc.1675Published by School Street
Printed in the United States of America
The Buddhist canon is said to contain eighty-four thousand different teachings. I believe that this is because the Buddha’s basic approach was to prescribe a different treatment for every spiritual ailment, much as a doctor prescribes a different medicine for every medical ailment. Thus his teachings were always appropriate for the particular suffering individual and for the time at which the teaching was given, and over the ages not one of his prescriptions has failed to relieve the suffering to which it was addressed.
Ever since the Buddha’s Great Demise over twenty-five hundred years ago, his message of wisdom and compassion has spread throughout the world. Yet no one has ever attempted to translate the entire Buddhist canon into English throughout the history of Japan. It is my greatest wish to see this done and to make the translations available to the many English-speaking people who have never had the opportunity to learn about the Buddha’s teachings.
Of course, it would be impossible to translate all of the Buddha’s eightyfour thousand teachings in a few years. I have, therefore, had one hundred thirtynine of the scriptural texts in the prodigious Taishō edition of the Chinese Buddhist canon selected for inclusion in the First Series of this translation project.
It is in the nature of this undertaking that the results are bound to be criticized. Nonetheless, I am convinced that unless someone takes it upon himself or herself to initiate this project, it will never be done. At the same time, I hope that an improved, revised edition will appear in the future.
It is most gratifying that, thanks to the efforts of more than a hundred Buddhist scholars from the East and the West, this monumental project has finally gotten off the ground. May the rays of the Wisdom of the Compassionate One reach each and every person in the world.
Founder of the English NUMATA Yehan
August 7, 1991 Tripiṭaka Project
(In January 1982, Dr. NSociety for the Promotion of Buddhism), decided to begin the monumentalUMATA Yehan, the founder of Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai task of translating the complete Taishō edition of the Chinese Tripiṭaka (Buddhist canon) into the English language. Under his leadership, a special preparatory committee was organized in April 1982. By July of the same year, the Translation Committee of the English Tripiṭaka was officially convened.
The initial Committee consisted of the following members: (late) HANAYAMA
Shōyū (Chairperson), BANDŌ Shōjun, ISHIGAMI Zennō, KAMATA Shigeo,
KANAOKA Shūyū, MAYEDA Sengaku, NARA Yasuaki, SAYEKI Shinkō, (late)
SHIOIRI Ryōtatsu, TAMARU Noriyoshi, (late) TAMURA Kwansei, URYŪZU Ryūshin, and YUYAMA Akira. Assistant members of the Committee were as follows: KANAZAWA Atsushi, WATA NABE Shōgo, Rolf Giebel of New Zealand, and Rudy Smet of Belgium.
After holding planning meetings on a monthly basis, the Committee selected one hundred thirty-nine texts for the First Series of translations, an estimated one hundred printed volumes in all. The texts selected are not necessarily limited to those originally written in India but also include works written or composed in China and Japan. While the publication of the First Series proceeds, the texts for the Second Series will be selected from among the remaining works; this process will continue until all the texts, in Japanese as well as in Chinese, have been published.
Frankly speaking, it will take perhaps one hundred years or more to accomplish the English translation of the complete Chinese and Japanese texts, for they consist of thousands of works. Nevertheless, as Dr. NUMATA wished, it is the sincere hope of the Committee that this project will continue unto completion, even after all its present members have passed away.
It must be mentioned here that the final object of this project is not academic fulfillment but the transmission of the teaching of the Buddha to the whole world in order to create harmony and peace among humankind. To that end, the translators
Editorial Foreword
have been asked to minimize the use of explanatory notes of the kind that are indispensable in academic texts, so that the attention of general readers will not be unduly distracted from the primary text. Also, a glossary of selected terms is appended to aid in understanding the text.
the age of ninety-seven, entrusting his son, Mr. NTo my great regret, however, Dr. NUMATA passed away on May 5, 1994, atUMATA Toshihide, with the continuation and completion of the Translation Project. The Committee also lost its able and devoted Chairperson, Professor HANAYAMA Shōyū, on June 16, 1995, at the age of sixty-three. After these severe blows, the Committee elected me, Vice President of Musashino Women’s College, to be the Chair in October 1995. The Committee has renewed its determination to carry out the noble intention of
Dr. NUMATA, under the leadership of Mr. NUMATA Toshihide.
The present members of the Committee are MAYEDA Sengaku (Chairperson),
BANDŌ Shōjun, ISHIGAMI Zennō, ICHISHIMA Shōshin, KANAOKA Shūyū, NARA Yasuaki, TAMARU Noriyoshi, URYŪZU Ryūshin, YUYAMA Akira, Kenneth K.
Tanaka, WATANABE Shōgo, and assistant member YONEZAWA Yoshiyasu.
The Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research was established in November 1984, in Berkeley, California, U.S.A., to assist in the publication of the BDK English Tripiṭaka First Series. In December 1991, the Publication Committee was organized at the Numata Center, with Professor Philip Yampolsky as the Chairperson. To our sorrow, Professor Yampolsky passed away in July 1996. In February 1997, Dr. Kenneth K. Inada became Chair and served in that capacity until August 1999. The current Chair, Dr. Francis H. Cook, has been continuing the work since October 1999. All of the remaining texts will be published under the supervision of this Committee, in close cooperation with the Editorial Committee in Tokyo.
M ChairpersonAYEDA Sengaku
Editorial Committee of the BDK English Tripiṭaka
viii
The Publication Committee shares with the Editorial Committee the responsibility of realizing the vision of Dr. Yehan Numata, founder of Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai, the Society for the Promotion of Buddhism. This vision is no less than to make the Buddha’s teaching better known throughout the world, through the translation and publication in English of the entire collection of Buddhist texts compiled in the Taishō Shinshū Daizōkyō, published in Tokyo in the early part of the twentieth century. This huge task is expected to be carried out by several generations of translators and may take as long as a hundred years to complete. Ultimately, the entire canon will be available to anyone who can read English and who wishes to learn more about the teaching of the Buddha.
The present generation of staff members of the Publication Committee are Diane Ames, Marianne Dresser, Eisho Nasu, Koh Nishiike, and Reverend Kiyoshi Yamashita, president of the Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, Berkeley, California. The Publication Committee is headquartered at the Numata Center and, working in close cooperation with the Editorial Committee, is responsible for the usual tasks associated with preparing translations for publication.
In October 1999, I became the third chairperson of the Publication Committee, on the retirement of its very capable former chair, Dr. Kenneth K. Inada. The Committee is devoted to the advancement of the Buddha’s teaching through the publication of excellent translations of the thousands of texts that make up the Buddhist canon.
Francis H. Cook
Chairperson
Publication Committee
A Message on the Publication of the English Tripiṭaka
NUMATA Yehan v Editorial Foreword MAYEDA Sengaku vii Publisher’s Foreword Francis H. Cook ix
Translator’s Introduction Hisao Inagaki xiii Outlines of the Three Sutras xvi
Synopses of the Three Sutras xxii
The Three Pure Land Sutras
The Larger Sutra (Sutra on the Buddha of Infinite Life Delivered by
Śākyamuni Buddha) 1 Part One 3
Part Two 31
The Contemplation Sutra (Sutra on the Visualization of the Buddha of
Infinite Life Delivered by Śākyamuni Buddha) 63
The Smaller Sutra (Sutra on Amitāyus Buddha Delivered by
Śākyamuni Buddha) 89 Notes 97 Appendix 101 Glossary 105 Bibliography 129 Index 133
A List of the Volumes of the BDK English Tripiṭaka (First Series) 153
The Pure Land school is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that centers around the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life, known in Sanskrit as Amitābha and Amitāyus, in Chinese as Omituo fo, and in Japanese as Amida. This buddha is said to dwell in the Land of Utmost Bliss (Sukhāvatī), far to the west of this world, beyond the realm of samsara. With boundless wisdom and compassion, Amitābha perceives the problems of those who are suffering from karmic results in samsaric existence and provides means of liberation for them.
The most important scriptures of the Pure Land school are the three texts presented in this volume: (1) the Sutra on the Buddha of Infinite Life (also known as the Larger Sutra on Amitāyus, abbreviated to Larger Sutra; the Sanskrit text is popularly known as the Larger Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra); (2) the Sutra on Visualization of the Buddha of Infinite Life (abbreviated to Contemplation Sutra); and (3) the Sutra on Amitāyus Buddha (also known as the Amida Sutra or the Smaller Sutra on Amitāyus, abbreviated to Smaller Sutra; the Sanskrit text is popularly known as the Smaller Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra).
These sutras were chosen by Hōnen of Japan (1133–1212) and called the three Pure Land sutras. Actually there are many other sutras and discourses that mention Amitābha and his Land of Bliss. Accor ding to Prof. Kōtatsu Fujita, the total number of such scriptures in the Chinese Buddhist canon is two hundred and ninety. The Chinese canon, which was collected and edited in Japan under the title of the Taishō Tripiṭaka, contains two thousand one hundred and eightyfour texts. Thus, more than 13 percent of all the scriptures held to be authentic in the Chinese tradition recognize this buddha and his land.
Amitābha was mentioned from the advent of the rise of Mahayana Buddhism in India, and eminent exponents of Mahayana metaphysical thought, such as Nāgārjuna and Vasubandhu, took refuge in Amitābha and extensively promoted Pure Land faith and practice. From the beginning, worship of Amitābha was clearly distinguished from Hindu worship of gods, because it had its roots in the bodhisattva ideal. The Pure Land of Amitābha was also conceived of as more real than this ephemeral world of ours in samsara.
The Pure Land sutras and discourses were first transmitted to Central Asia and then to China. The first Chinese translation of the Larger Sutra was produced in the middle of the second century. Of the five extant translations of this sutra, the last was made in 980. Thus the whole history of Chinese Buddhism was strongly characterized by Amitābha worship, and the Mahayana schools that developed in China recognized the importance of this buddha and adopted into their systems practice and faith centering on Amitābha. Many discourses and commentaries were composed by dedicated Pure Land masters, and many images of the Pure Land were produced. Among lay followers as well as monks and nuns, the practice of repeating Amitābha’s Name, called nianfo (Jpn. nembutsu), was and is enthusiastically performed by many Chinese Buddhists at home and abroad, to say nothing of millions of followers of the Pure Land denominations that developed in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and other Asian countries.
As a higher practice of Pure Land Buddhism, meditation on Amitābha and his Pure Land, based on the Contemplation Sutra and the Pratyutpanna Samādhi Sutra (Taishō No. 418, translated by Paul Harrison, Numata Center, 1998), has been widespread from ancient times. Many devotees successfully followed the prescribed method and attained the samādhi of visualizing Amitābha and his Pure Land. Today, as it is impossible to follow the precise and complex method of visualization, simplified or syncretic forms of meditation are practiced by various groups and individuals.
Contrary to the impression of the general public, Pure Land Buddhism is not a belief of ignorant people of the past. It is very much alive and still continues to supply inexhaustible spiritual energy to intellectuals as well as less educated people. But its doctrinal systems have yet to be fully studied from various perspectives. Despite the importance of the three Pure Land sutras, which are the primary source of devotion to Amitābha, Western scholars and Buddhist followers had long been without a readable English translation of these sutras until publication of the first edition of this volume in 1995, as part of the BDK English Tripiṭaka series. We are now privileged to publish this revised second edition, which includes notes and an appendix.
We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Yehan Numata for initiating this historic project. Our sincere thanks are also due to the Editorial Committee and the Publication Committee for their time and labor in editing the manuscripts and seeing them through publication.
Those interested in the theoretical clarification and doctrinal development of Pure Land Buddhism are directed to the Introduction to The Three Pure Land Sutras: A Study and Translation, published by Nagata Bunshodo, Kyoto, 1994, 1995, and 2000 (revised edition).
The section numbers supplied in this translation follow those in the 1988 edition of the three Pure Land sutras in the Jōdo shinshū seiten (Hompa Hongwanji Temple, Kyoto), pp. 3–128.
Concerning proper nouns, the names of the Buddha’s disciples and those of well-known buddhas and bodhisattvas are given in Sanskrit; otherwise they are translated. The only exception is that the names of the buddhas in the Smaller Sutra, of which Sanskrit correspondents are fairly well established, are all presented in Sanskrit.
“The Buddha of Infinite Life” (Wuliangshou fo) and “Omituo fo” are rendered as “Amitāyus.” Elsewhere this buddha is referred to as “Amitābha.”
At one time Śākyamuni Buddha was staying on Vulture Peak near Rāja gṛha, the capital of Magadha, in northeast India, accompanied by twelve thousand monks and innumerable bodhisattvas. Each bodhisattva had already attained distinguished virtues and supreme wisdom. At that time, Śākyamuni’s appearance was extremely majestic and brilliant. Ānanda, the chief disciple in the audience, observed that the Buddha must be dwelling in the supreme samādhi and contemplating all the buddhas. Śākyamuni praised Ānanda’s pertinent observation, and began to reveal the wonderful Dharma.
In the distant past Dīpaṅkara Buddha appeared in the world, followed by fifty-three other buddhas, of whom the last was Lokeśvararāja (“World Sovereign King”). Under his guidance, a king renounced the throne and became a monk named Dharmākara (“Store house of the Dharma”). After praising the Buddha with a hymn (section 5), he expressed his resolution to become a buddha. At his earnest request, Lokeśvararāja showed him innumerable buddha lands, which he studied to make plans for his own buddha hood. After five kalpas’ contemplation, Dharmākara formulated his resolution as the Forty-eight Vows (section 7). After proclaiming the vows, he presented the gist of them in a hymn (section 8).
In order to fulfill his vows, Dharmākara performed various meritorious practices for many eons and finally became a buddha known as Amitāyus (“Infinite Life”). His land is full of glorious adornments, and his light is the most brilliant and majestic of all buddhas’. His lifespan is also immeasurable, and his disciples are innumerable. Those born in his land enjoy the highest spiritual bliss and attain supreme physical glory.
Part Two of the sutra begins with the description of how the eleventh, seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth vows have been fulfilled (sections 22–25). There it is clarified that those who, having heard the Name of Amitāyus, rejoice in faith and are mindful of him will be born in the Pure Land and dwell in the stage of non-retrogression. Three grades of aspirants who sincerely perform meritorious practices and are mindful of Amitāyus will, on their deathbeds, see him and a host of sages welcoming them to the Pure Land.
The virtues of Amitāyus are so glorious that all buddhas praise them. Innumerable bodhisattvas from other buddha lands visit the Pure Land to pay homage to Amitāyus and receive teachings from him. Śākyamuni describes this in a hymn (section 27). All the bodhisattvas in the Pure Land are endowed with majestic physical characteristics and distinguished spiritual powers. Dwelling in the highest bodhisattva stage, they display wonderful buddha activities. They thus attain excellent virtues that are beyond compare (section 30).
Śākyamuni then began to address Maitreya in particular thus: people of the world are ignorant and driven by passions and so are destined for the evil realms of samsara, where they undergo endless suffering (section 31). The Buddha’s admonishment continued: people are given to anger and greed, and are prone to five kinds of evil. If they refrain from immoral acts and strive to do good, then with the merits so acquired they will be reborn in higher and happier states of existence and finally reach nirvana (sections 34–40).
The Buddha told Ānanda to worship Amitāyus. At once Amitāyus manifested himself with a majestic appearance and his light shone everywhere, so that Ānanda and all the others in the assembly clearly saw the Pure Land. They witnessed two types of birth: (1) that of those born from within the lotus flowers, and (2) that of those remaining in the lotus buds. Those aspirants who have accepted the Buddha’s wisdom with pure faith are to be born by instantaneous transformation and fully enjoy the highest bliss, but those with doubts must remain in the lotus buds for five hundred years (section 43). The fault of harboring doubt is shown by the parable of a prince confined in a palace room as a punishment for his offenses (section 45).
There are a great number of bodhisattvas in other buddha lands who visit the Pure Land. Fourteen buddha lands, including the Sahā world, which is Śākyamuni’s land, are mentioned. Because of the special importance of this sutra, Śākyamuni promised that even after all the other sutras become extinct in the future, he would preserve it in the world for a hundred more years.
The sutra ends with a description of various spiritual benefits received by
different audiences.
The Contemplation Sutra
Shandao of China (613–681) gives in his commentary on this sutra a detailed account of the misfortune that befell the royal family of Magadha in northeast India, which led to the Buddha’s preaching of this sutra.
Śākyamuni had a cousin, Devadatta, who was greedy for fame and wealth. Seeing the Buddha receive many offerings from King Bimbisāra, he wanted to take over the leadership of the sangha. He first learned supernatural power from Ānanda, which he displayed to Prince Ajātaśatru; thus he won the respect of the prince and also received sumptuous offerings from him. Devadatta then approached Śākyamuni and suggested that the Buddha retire but was rebuked for his stupidity. Angered by this, he next incited Ajātaśatru to usurp the throne. Seeing that Ajātaśatru hesitated, Devadatta pointed at the prince’s broken little finger and told him the following story.
A long time ago King Bimbisāra was anxious to have an heir. Having heard from a soothsayer that a certain hermit living in the mountains would be reborn as his son three years later, the king immediately sent a messenger to the hermit suggesting that he terminate his own life, but the hermit refused to do so. The angry king ordered the messenger to kill him if the hermit still refused to commit suicide. On his death, the hermit vowed to take revenge.
Soon Queen Vaidehī became pregnant. The king rejoiced, but was horrified to hear from the soothsayer that she would bear a boy who would harm the king. So he told the queen to give birth to the baby on the roof of the tower and let it drop to the ground. She did as she was told, but the baby miraculously survived with only damage to his little finger.
Devadatta told Ajātaśatru that the king had thus tried to kill him a second time. Enraged to hear this, the prince imprisoned the king and left him to die.
At one time Śākyamuni Buddha was staying on Vulture Peak together with one thousand two hundred and fifty monks and thirty-two thousand bodhisattvas. Incited by Devadatta, Ajātaśatru imprisoned King Bimbisāra and later Queen Vaidehī too, because she brought food and drink to the king. In utter despair she requested the Buddha to help her. The Buddha immediately sent two disciples to her, and afterward himself appeared in the prison where she was confined. As she wished to be born in a land with no sorrow, he showed her many buddha lands to let her make her choice. To the Buddha’s satisfaction, she chose the Pure Land of Amitāyus. Vaidehī was thus able to visualize the Pure Land through the Buddha’s power. For the sake of later generations, the Buddha expounded a method of contemplation in thirteen stages (sections 9–21):
where in the Pure Land.
The next three contemplations are of the nine categories of Pure Land aspirants in three grades (sections 22–30). The highest grade corresponds to the fourteenth contemplation, the middle grade to the fifteenth, and the lowest grade to the sixteenth. Each grade is divided into three levels: highest, middle, and lowest.
When the above discourse was delivered, Vaidehī attained spiritual awakening and her five hundred court ladies aspired to enlightenment. After Śākyamuni and his attendants returned to Vulture Peak, Ānanda related the whole sutra to the assembly.
One day the Buddha was staying at Śrāvastī, in northeast India, together with one thousand two hundred and fifty monks and many bodhisattvas. He began to address the audience, headed by Śāri putra, thus: There is in the west a buddha land called Sukhāvatī (“Land of Utmost Bliss”), where Amitāyus Buddha presides. The land is full of wonders, pleasing to the mind and comforting to the senses, and those born there can enjoy the highest spiritual bliss. This buddha is called Amitāyus because his lifespan is immeasurable; he is also called Amitābha because his light shines out boundlessly. All beings there dwell in the stage of non-retrogression, assured of attaining enlightenment. In order to be born there one must concentrate on Amitāyus, holding fast to his Name for one to seven days. Then, at the time of death, Amitāyus, accompanied by a host of sages, appears before the devotee and ensures his attainment of birth in the Pure Land.
Innumerable buddhas dwelling in the six directions (i.e., the four cardinal directions of north, south, east, and west, plus the zenith and nadir) urge sentient beings to accept this sutra that is protected by all the buddhas. One who has faith in it is also protected by them and led to reach enlightenment without retrogression. For this reason, all beings should aspire to birth in the Pure Land. The sutra ends with praise of Śākyamuni for becoming a buddha during the period of the five defilements.
Outlines and List of Sections
with Taishō Tripiṭaka References
Amitāyus, as Dharmākara Bodhisattva, awakened aspiration for enlightenment, made the Forty-eight Vows, attained buddhahood, and established his glorious buddha land.
(267b19)
Land. (270a2)
heavenly beings and those in the Pure Land. (271c27)
Methods of attainment of birth in the Pure Land; the virtues of the bodhisattvas born there; moral teachings based on karma; reality of evil acts and suffering; admonitions against doubt; visits of bodhi sattvas to the Pure Land from other worlds; and the benefits gained by the audience.
birth by faith. (272b5)
kiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta. (273b19)
by the trees, etc. (273c14)
appreciation of the Buddha’s benevolence. (275b2)
to do good and aspire to birth in the Pure Land. (275b22)
good. (277b9)
who have committed offenses. (278b12)
lands. (278b26)
Buddhist teachings, and the difficulty of encountering this sutra, etc. (279a1)
A tragedy in the royal family of Magadha leads to the Buddha’s revelation of the Pure Land Way. Thirteen meditations and the recitation of the Name of Amitāyus are presented as the cause of birth there.
Amitāyus. (341c5)
meditation, on the lotus throne. (342c14)
the land of Amitāyus. (344b14)
sattvas. (344b25)
(344c9)
to Ānanda. (346b5)
ence of what has happened. (346b18)
The glorious features of the land of Amitāyus are explained, and the Dharma through which he saves beings is praised by the buddhas of the six directions.
required for the attainment of birth there. (347b4)
DELIVERED BY ŚĀKYAMUNI BUDDHATHE SUTRA ON THE BUDDHA OF INFINITE LIFE
Translated into Chinese during the Cao-Wei Dynasty by Tripiṭaka Master Saṃghavarman of India
1 Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha was staying on Vulture Peak in 265c Rājagṛha with a large company of twelve thousand monks. They were all great sages who had already attained supernatural powers. Their names included the following: Venerable Ājñātakauṇḍinya, Venerable Aśvajit, Venerable Vāṣpa, Venerable Mahānāma, Venerable Bhadrajit, Ven erable Vimala, Venerable Yaśodeva, Venerable Subāhu, Ven erable Pūrṇaka, Venerable Gav āṃpati, Venerable Uru vilvā kāśyapa, Venerable Gayākā śyapa, Venerable Nadī kāśyapa, Venerable Mahākāśyapa, Venerable Śāri putra, Ven erable Mahāmaudgalyāyana, Venerable Kapphiṇa, Venerable Mahākauṣṭhila, Venerable Mahākātyāyana, Venerable Mahācunda, Venerable Pūrṇa maitrāy aṇīputra, Ven erable Ani ruddha, Venerable Revata, Venerable Kimpila, Venerable Amogha rāja, Venerable Pārāyaṇika, Ven erable Vakkula, Venerable Nanda, Venerable Svāgata, Venerable Rāhula, and Venerable Ānanda. All of these were elders.
Mahayana bodhisattvas also accompanied the Buddha, including all those of this Auspicious Kalpa, such as Sa manta bhadra Bodhisattva, Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva, and Maitreya Bodhisattva. There were also the sixteen lay bodhisattvas, such as Bhadrapāla, as well as Profound Thought Bodhisattva, Wisdom of Faith Bodhisattva, Emptiness Bodhisattva, Bloom of Supernatural Power Bodhisattva, Hero of Light Bodhisattva, Superior Wis dom Bodhisattva, Banner of Wisdom Bodhisattva, Tranquil Ability Bodhisattva, Wisdom of Vows Bodhisattva, Sweet-smelling Ele phant Bodhisattva, Hero of Treasures Bodhisattva, Dwelling in the Center Bodhisattva, Practice of Restraint Bodhisattva, and Emancipation Bodhisattva.
2 Each of these bodhisattvas, following the virtues of Samantabhadra Mahāsattva, is endowed with the immeasurable practices and vows of the bodhisattva path and firmly dwells in all meritorious deeds. He freely travels in all the ten directions and employs skillful means of liberation. He enters the treasury of the Dharma of the buddhas and reaches the other shore. Throughout the innumerable worlds he attains enlightenment.
First, dwelling in Tuṣita Heaven, he proclaims the True Dharma. Having left the heavenly palace, he descends into his mother’s womb. Soon after he
3
is born from her right side, he takes seven steps. As he does so, an effulgence illuminates everywhere in the ten directions and innumerable buddha lands quake in six ways. Then he utters these words, “I shall become the most hon-
266a ored one in the world.” Śakra and Brahmā reverently attend him, and heavenly beings adore and worship him. He shows his ability in calculation, writing, archery, and horsemanship. He is also conversant with the divine arts and well read in many volumes. In the field outside the palace he trains himself in the martial arts, and at court he shows that he also enjoys the pleasures of the senses.
When he first encounters old age, sickness, and death, he realizes the impermanence of the world. He renounces his kingdom, wealth, and throne and goes into the mountains to practice the Way. After sending back the white horse that he has been riding, together with the jeweled crown and ornaments that he has been wearing, he takes off his magnificent clothes and puts on a Dharma robe. He cuts his hair and shaves his beard, sits upright under a tree, and strives at ascetic practices for six years in accord with the traditional way. Since he has appeared in the world of the five defilements, he behaves as the multitude. And as his body appears dirty, he takes a bath in the Golden River. As a god bends a branch down toward him, he is able to climb up the river bank. A divine bird follows him closely to the seat of enlightenment (bodhimaṇḍa). A deva takes the form of a youth and, perceiving a favorable sign, respectfully presents him with the auspicious grass. The Bodhisattva compassionately accepts it, spreads it under the bodhi tree, and sits upon it with his legs crossed. He emits a great flood of light to inform Māra of this. Māra and his army come to attack and tempt him, but he brings them under control with the power of wisdom and makes them all surrender. Then he attains the supreme Dharma and realizes highest, perfect enlightenment (anuttara samyaksaṃbodhi).
As Śakra and Brahmā request him to turn the wheel of the Dharma, the Buddha visits various places and preaches the Dharma in his thunderous voice. He beats the Dharma drum, blows the Dharma conch, brandishes the Dharma sword, hoists the Dharma banner, rolls the Dharma thunder, hurls the Dharma lightning, brings the Dharma rain, and bestows the Dharma gift. At all times, he awakens the world with the sound of the Dharma. His light illuminates countless buddha lands, causing the entire world to quake in six ways. It encompasses Māra’s realm, shaking his palace, so that he and his host become frightened and surrender. The Bodhisattva tears asunder the net of evil, destroys wrong views, removes afflictions, flushes the gutters of desire, protects the Dharma castle, opens the Dharma gate, washes off the grime of the passions, and reveals the pure white Dharma. He unifies everything in the Buddha-Dharma and thus proclaims the right teaching.
He enters the town to beg alms; he accepts even rich food to enable the donors to accumulate merit and also to show that he is a field of virtue. Wishing to expound the Dharma, he smiles and so cures the three pains with various Dharma medicines. He teaches that the aspiration for enlightenment (bodhicitta) has immeasurable merit, and by giving predictions to bodhisattvas, he enables them to attain buddhahood.
He demonstrates that he passes into nirvana but endlessly brings sentient beings to liberation. In removing their defile ments, planting various roots of virtue, and attaining excellent merit, he displays wonderful and inconceivable works.
Furthermore, each of the bodhisattvas in the assembly is able to visit various buddha lands and expound teachings of the Way. His manner of practice is pure and undefiled. Just as a magician with his perfect skill can create at will various illusions, including images of a man or a woman, so the bodhisattva, having thoroughly learned all the methods of liberation and attained serene awareness of reality, can freely teach and transform beings. He manifests himself everywhere in innumerable buddha lands, performing acts of compassion for sentient beings tirelessly and with diligence. He has thus obtained complete mastery of all such methods of liberation. 266b
He is thoroughly conversant with the essentials of the sutras for bodhisattvas; and, as his fame spreads everywhere, he guides sentient beings throughout the ten directions. All buddhas remember him and give him their protection. He has already dwelled in all the Buddha’s abodes and performed all the deeds of the Great Sage. He proclaims the Tathāgata’s teachings, acts as a great master for other bodhisattvas, and, with profound samādhi and wisdom, guides multitudes of beings. With penetrating insight into the essential nature of dharmas, he discerns different aspects of living beings and closely watches over all the worlds. In making offerings to the buddhas, he manifests transformed bodies like flashes of lightning. Having well learned the extensive wisdom of fearlessness in preaching and having realized the illusory nature of dharmas, he destroys Māra’s nets and unties all the bonds of passion. He rises above the stages of śrāvakas and pratyekabuddhas and attains the samādhis of emptiness, non-form, and non-desire. He skillfully provides expedient means and thus reveals three distinct teachings. Then for those of the middle and lower stages, he demonstrates his passing into nirvana. But, in reality, he is non-active and non-acquisitive, and, being aware that dharmas in themselves neither arise nor perish, he realizes that they are of absolute equality. He has attained innumerable dhāraṇīs, a hundred thousand samādhis, and various kinds of spiritual faculties and wisdom.
With the meditation of vast and universal tranquility, he enters deeply into the Dharma treasury for bodhisattvas. After attaining the buddha-garland samādhi, he proclaims and expounds all the sutras. While dwelling deep in meditation, he visualizes all the innumerable buddhas and in an instant visits every one of them.
By elucidating and teaching the ultimate truth to sentient beings, he delivers them from the state of extreme pain, from the conditions in which suffering is so great as to prevent people from finding time for Buddhist practices, and also from the conditions in which suffering is not so great as to prevent them from doing so. Having attained the Tathāgata’s thorough knowledge and eloquence, he has fluent command of languages, with which he enlightens all beings. He is above all worldly affairs and his mind, always serene, dwells on the path of liberation; this gives him complete control over all dharmas. Without being asked to do so, he becomes a good friend to each of the multitude of beings and carries their heavy karmic burdens on his back. He upholds the Tathāgata’s profound Dharma treasury and protects the seeds of buddhahood, so that they may continue to multiply. Having awakened great compassion for sentient beings, he kindly expounds the teaching and endows them with the Dharma eye. He blocks the paths to the three evil realms, opens the gate of virtue, and, without waiting for their request, provides beings with the Dharma. He does this for the multitude of beings just as a dutiful son loves and respects his parents. He indeed looks upon sentient beings as his own self.
With such roots of virtue, all the bodhisattvas in the assembly had reached the shore of liberation. They had acquired the buddhas’ immeasurable merit and attained the sacred, pure, and inconceivable wisdom. Incalculable bodhisattvas and mahāsattvas, such as these, assembled there all at once.
3At that time all the senses of the World-honored One radiated joy, his entire body appeared serene and glorious, and his august countenance looked most majestic. Having perceived the Buddha’s holy intention, Venerable Ānanda rose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, prostrated himself, and joining his palms in reverence, said to the Buddha, “World-honored One, today all your senses are radiant with joy, your body is serene and glorious, and your august 266c countenance is as majestic as a clear mirror whose brightness radiates outward and inward. The magnificence of your dignified appearance is unsurpassed and beyond measure. I have never seen you look so superb and majestic as today. With respect, Great Sage, this thought has occurred to me: ‘Today, the World-honored One dwells in the rare and marvelous Dharma; today, the World Hero dwells in the Buddha’s abode; today, the World Eye concentrates on the performance of the leader’s duty; today, the World Valiant One dwells in the supreme bodhi; today, the One Most Honored in Heaven realizes the Tathāgata’s virtue. The buddhas of the past, present, and future contemplate each other. How can this present buddha not contemplate the other buddhas?’ For what reason does his countenance look so majestic and brilliant?”
Then the World-honored One said to Ānanda, “Tell me, Ānanda, whether some god urged you to put this question to the Buddha or whether you asked about his glorious countenance from your own wise observation.”
Ānanda replied to the Buddha, “No god came to prompt me. I asked
you about this matter of my own accord.”
The Buddha said, “Well said, Ānanda. I am very pleased with your question. You have shown profound wisdom and subtle insight in asking me this wise question out of compassion for sentient beings. As the Tathāgata, I regard beings of the three worlds with boundless great compassion. The reason for my appearance in the world is to reveal teachings of the Way and save multitudes of beings by endowing them with true benefits. Even in countless millions of kalpas it is difficult to come upon and meet a tathāgata. It is as difficult as seeing an uḍumbara flower, which blooms very rarely. Your question is of great benefit and will enlighten all heavenly and human beings. Ānanda, you should realize that the Tathāgata’s perfectly enlightened wisdom is unfathomable, capable of leading innumerable beings to liberation, and that his penetrating insight cannot be obstructed. With just one meal, he is able to live for a hundred thousand koṭis of kalpas, or an incalculable and immeasurable length of time, or beyond. Even after that lapse of time, his senses will still be radiant with joy and show no signs of deterioration; his appearance will not change and his august countenance will look just the same. The reason for this is that the Tathāgata’s meditation and wisdom are perfect and boundless and he has attained unrestricted power over all dharmas. Ānanda, listen carefully. I shall now expound the Dharma.”
Ānanda replied, “Yes, I will. With joy in my heart, I wish to hear the Dharma.”
4 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “In the distant past—innumerable, incalculable, and inconceivable kalpas ago—a tathāgata named Dīpaṅkara appeared in the world. Having taught and freed innumerable beings and led them all along the Way of enlightenment, he passed into nirvana. Next appeared a tathāgata named Far-reaching Illumination. After him came Moonlight, and then Sandalwood Incense, King of Beautiful Mountains, Crown of Mount Sumeru, Brilliant like Mount Sumeru, Color of the Moon, Right Recollection, Free of Defilement, Nonattachment, Dragon Deva, Noc turnal Light, Peaceful and Brilliant Peak, Immovable Ground, Exquisite Beryl Flower, Golden
267a Beryl Luster, Gold Treasury, Flaming Light, Fiery Origin, Earth Shaking, Image of the Moon, Sound of the Sun, Flower of Freedom, Glorious Light,
Miraculous Power of the Ocean of Enlightenment, Water Light, Great Fragrance, Free of Dust and Defilement, Abandoning Enmity, Flame of Jewels, Beautiful Peak, Heroic Stance, Merit-possessing Wisdom, Outshining the Sun and Moon, Beryl Light of the Sun and Moon, Supreme Beryl Light, Highest Peak, Flower of Enlightenment, Brightness of the Moon, Sunlight, King of the Colors of Flowers, Moonlight on the Water, Dispelling the Darkness of Ignorance, Practice of Removing Hindrances, Pure Faith, Storehouse of Good, Majestic Glory, Wisdom of the Dharma, Voice of the Phoenix, Roar of the Lion, Cry of the Dragon, and Dwelling in the World. All these buddhas have already passed into nirvana.
5 “Then there appeared a buddha named Lokeśvararāja, the Ta thā gata, Arhat, Fully Enlightened One, Possessed of Wisdom and Practice, Well-gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Beings, Teacher of Gods and Humans, and Enlightened and World-honored One.
“At that time there was a king who, having heard the Buddha’s exposition of the Dharma, rejoiced in his heart and awakened aspiration for highest, perfect enlightenment. He renounced his kingdom and throne, and became a monk named Dharmākara. Having superior intelligence, courage, and wisdom, he distinguished himself in the world. He went to see Lokeś vararāja Tathāgata, knelt down at his feet, walked around him three times keeping him always on his right, prostrated himself on the ground, and, putting his palms together in worship, praised the Buddha with these verses:
The sun, the moon, and the maṇi-gem, Though shining with dazzling brightness, Are completely dimmed and obscured As if they were a pile of inksticks.
The great voice of the Enlightened One
Resounds throughout the ten directions.
His morality, learning, endeavor,
Absorption in meditation, wisdom, And magnificent virtues have no equal; They are wonderful and unsurpassed.
And penetrates to its farthest end.
Ignorance, greed, and anger
Are forever absent in the World-honored One. He is the lion, the most valiant of all men; His glorious virtue is unlimited.
His light, with awe-inspiring glory,
267b Shakes the universe of a thousand million worlds. I resolve to become a buddha,
Equal in attainment to you, O Holy King of the Dharma, To save living beings from birth and death, And to lead them all to liberation.
Moral virtues (śīla), patience (kṣānti), and effort (vīrya), And also1 in meditation (dhyāna) and wisdom (prajñā), Will be supreme and unsurpassed. I vow that, when I have become a buddha, I shall carry out this promise everywhere; And to all fear-ridden beings Shall I give great peace.
Countless as the sands of the Ganges River, I shall make offerings To all those buddhas. I shall seek the supreme Way Resolutely and tirelessly.
As the sands of the Ganges River,
And other regions and worlds Are also without number,
My light shall reach everywhere, Pervading all those lands.
Such being the result of my efforts,
My glorious power will be immeasurable.
My land shall be most exquisite
And its people wonderful and unexcelled; The seat of enlightenment will be supreme. My land, being like nirvana itself, Will be beyond comparison. I take pity on living beings
And resolve to save them all.
Will find joy and serenity of heart;
When they reach my land,
They shall dwell in peace and happiness. I beg you, the Buddha, to become my witness And to vouch for the truth of my aspiration.
Having now made my vows to you,
I will strive to fulfill them.
10. The World-honored Ones in the ten directions
Have unhindered wisdom; I call upon those Revered Ones To bear witness to my intention.
Even though I must remain In a state of extreme pain, I will diligently practice,
Enduring all hardships with tireless vigor.”
6 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “Having spoken these verses, Dharmā kara Bhikṣu said to Lokeśvararāja Buddha, ‘Respectfully, World-honored One, I announce that I have awakened aspiration for highest, perfect enlightenment. I beseech you to explain the Dharma to me fully, so that I can perform practices for the establishment of a pure buddha land adorned with innumerable excellent qualities. So please teach me how to attain enlightenment quickly and to remove the roots of the afflictions of birth and death of all.’”
The Buddha said to Ānanda, “At that time Lokeś va ra rāja Buddha replied to Dharmākara Bhikṣu, ‘You yourself should know by what practice you can establish a glorious buddha land.’ The bhikṣu said to the Buddha, ‘That is far too vast and deep for my comprehension. I sincerely beseech you, Worldhonored One, to explain in detail the practices by which buddha tathāgatas established their pure lands. After I hear that, I wish to practice as instructed and so fulfill my aspirations.’
“At that time Lokeśvararāja Buddha recognized Dharmā kara Bhikṣu’s noble and high aspirations and taught him as follows: ‘If, for example, one keeps on bailing water out of a great ocean with a pint measure,3 one will be
267c able to reach the bottom after many kalpas and then obtain rare treasures. Likewise, if one sincerely, diligently, and unceasingly seeks the Way, one will be able to reach one’s destination. What vow is there that cannot be fulfilled?’
“Then Lokeśvararāja Buddha explained in detail the greater and lesser aspects of two hundred and ten koṭis of buddha lands, together with the good and evil natures of heavenly and human beings living there. He revealed them all to the bhikṣu just as he had requested. Then the bhikṣu, having heard the Buddha’s exposition of the glorious pure lands and also having seen all of them, resolved upon his supreme, unsurpassed vows. His mind being serene and his aspirations free of attachment, he was unexcelled throughout the world. For five full kalpas he contemplated the vows and then chose the pure practices for the establishment of his buddha land.”
Ānanda asked the Buddha, “How long was the lifespan of beings in the
land of Lokeśvararāja Buddha?”4
The Buddha replied, “The length of life of that buddha was forty-two
kalpas.”
He continued, “After that, Dharmākara Bodhisattva adopted the pure practices that had led to the establishment of the excellent lands of two hundred and ten koṭis of buddhas. When he had finished this task, he went to the Buddha, knelt down at his feet, walked around him three times, joined his palms in worship, and sat down. He then said to the Buddha, ‘I have adopted the pure practices for the establishment of a glorious buddha land.’ The Buddha said to him, ‘You should proclaim this. Know that now is the right time. Encourage and delight the entire assembly. Hearing this, other bodhisattvas will practice this Dharma and so fulfill their innumerable great vows.’ The bhikṣu replied, ‘I beg you to grant me your attention. Now I will fully proclaim my vows.’
7 1. If, when I attain buddhahood, there should be in my land a hell, a realm of hungry ghosts, or a realm of animals, may I not attain perfect enlightenment.
not possess the divine ear of hearing the teachings of at least a hundred thou- 268a sand koṭis of nayutas of buddhas and should not remember all of them, may I not attain perfect enlightenment.
268b deeds, and sincerely desire to be born in my land, should not, at their death, see me appear before them surrounded by a multitude of sages, may I not attain perfect enlightenment.
with little store of merit, should not be able to see the bodhi tree, which has 268c immeasurable light in countless colors and is four million li in height, may I not attain perfect enlightenment.
by all the buddhas, may I not attain perfect enlightenment.’”
8 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “Dharmākara Bhikṣu, having thus proclaimed those vows, spoke the following verses:
In lives to come for immeasurable kalpas To save the poor and the afflicted everywhere, May I not attain perfect enlightenment.
My Name will be heard throughout the ten directions; Should there be any place where it is not heard, May I not attain perfect enlightenment.
And pure wisdom, I will perform the sacred practices; I will seek to attain the unsurpassed Way
And become the teacher of devas and humans.
Illuminating the worlds without limit,
And dispel the darkness of the three defilements; Thus I will deliver all beings from misery.
I will remove the darkness of ignorance;
I will block all evil paths
And open the gate to the good realms.
My majestic light will radiate in the ten directions,
Outshining the sun and moon
And surpassing the brilliance of the heavens.
I will proclaim the Dharma with the lion’s roar.
When my vows are fulfilled and wisdom perfected, I shall be the sovereign of the three worlds.
Mine shall reach everywhere, illuminating all;
May my supreme wisdom Be like yours, Most Honored One.
Let this universe of a thousand million worlds quake in response
And let all the devas in heaven 269c
Rain down rare and marvelous flowers.
9 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “As soon as Dharmākara Bhikṣu spoke those verses, the entire earth quaked in six ways and a rain of wonderful flowers fell from heaven, scattering everywhere. Spontaneous music was heard and a voice in the sky said, ‘Surely you will attain highest, perfect enlightenment.’
“Then Dharmākara Bhikṣu kept all those great vows, which were true, unfailing, and unsurpassed in the whole world, and intensely aspired to attain nirvana.
“Then, Ānanda, after proclaiming and establishing those universal vows in the presence of Lokeśvararāja Buddha before the multitude of beings, including the eight kinds of superhuman beings, such as devas and dragon spirits, and also Māra and Brahmā, Dharmākara Bhikṣu was solely intent on producing a glorious and exquisite land. The buddha land that he sought to establish was vast in extent, unsurpassed, and supremely wonderful, always present and subject neither to decay nor change. During inconceivable and innumerable kalpas, he cultivated the immeasurable meritorious practices of the bodhisattva path.
“He did not harbor any thought of greed, hatred, or cruelty; nor did he allow any ideas of greed, hatred, or cruelty to arise. He was unattached to any form, sound, smell, taste, touch, or idea. Possessed of the power to persevere, he did not avoid undergoing various afflictions. Having little desire for his own sake, he knew contentment. Without any impure thought, enmity, or stupidity, he dwelled continually in tranquil samādhi. His wisdom was unobstructible and his mind free of falsehood and deceitfulness. With expressions of tenderness on his face and with kindness in his speech, he spoke to others in consonance with their inner thoughts. Courageous and diligent, strong willed and untiring, he devoted himself solely to the pursuit of the pure Dharma, thereby benefiting a multitude of beings. He revered the Three Treasures, respected his teachers and elders, and thus adorned his practices with a great store of merit. By so doing, he enabled sentient beings to partake of them.
“He dwelled in the realization that all dharmas are empty, devoid of distinctive features, and not to be sought after, and that they neither act nor arise; he thus realized that all dharmas are like magical creations. He avoided all wrong speech that would bring harm upon himself or others or both; he engaged in right speech that would bring benefit to himself or others or both. He abandoned his kingdom and renounced the throne, leaving behind wealth and sensuous pleasures. Practicing the six pāramitās himself, he taught others to do the same. During innumerable kalpas, he accumulated merit and amassed virtues.
“Wherever he was born, an immeasurable store of treasure spontaneously appeared as he wished. He taught countless sentient beings and guided them on the path of highest, true enlightenment. He was reborn as a rich man, a lay devotee, a member of the highest caste or of noble family (brahman), a kṣatriya king, a wheel-turning monarch (cakravartin), a king of one of the six heavens in the world of desire, or even higher, as a Brahmā king. He revered and worshiped all buddhas by making the four kinds of offerings to them. The merit he thus acquired was indescribably great. Fragrance issued from his mouth as from a blue lotus flower, and every pore of his body emitted the scent of sandalwood, which permeated innumerable worlds. His appearance was majestic and his physical characteristics and marks were truly wonderful. From his hands inexhaustible treasures, clothes, food and drink, rare and exquisite flowers and incense, silken canopies,8 banners, and other ornaments 270a were produced. In such manifestations he was unrivaled among all heavenly and human beings. He thus attained command of all dharmas.”
10 Ānanda asked the Buddha, “Has Dharmākara Bodhisattva already attained buddhahood and then passed into nirvana? Or has he not yet attained buddhahood? Or is he dwelling somewhere at present?”
The Buddha replied to Ānanda, “Dharmākara Bodhisattva has already attained buddhahood and is now dwelling in a western buddha land called
‘Peace and Bliss,’ a hundred thousand koṭis of lands away from here.”
Ānanda further asked the Buddha, “How much time has passed since
he attained buddhahood?”
The Buddha replied, “Since he attained buddhahood about ten kalpas
have passed.”
He continued, “In that buddha land, the earth is composed of seven kinds of jewels—namely, gold, silver, beryl, coral, amber, agate, and ruby—that have spontaneously appeared. The land itself is so vast, spreading boundlessly to the farthest extent, that it is impossible to know its limit. All the rays of light from those jewels intermingle and create manifold reflections, producing a dazzling illumination. Those pure, superb, and exquisite adornments are unsurpassed in all the worlds of the ten directions. They are the finest of all gems and are like those of the sixth heaven. In that land, there are no mountains, such as Mount Sumeru and the Encircling Adamantine Mountains. Likewise, there are neither oceans nor seas and neither valleys nor gorges. But one can see those manifestations by the Buddha’s power if one so wishes. In that land there is no hell; neither are there realms of hungry ghosts or animals nor other adverse conditions. Neither do the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter exist. It is always moderate and pleasant, never cold or hot.”
Then Ānanda asked the Buddha, “If, World-honored One, there is no Mount Sumeru in that land, what sustains the Heaven of the Four Kings and the Heaven of the Thirty-three Gods?”
The Buddha said to Ānanda, “What sustains Yāma, which is the third heaven of the world of desire, and other heavens up to the highest heaven of the world of form?”
Ānanda answered, “The consequences of karma are inconceivable.”
The Buddha said to Ānanda, “Inconceivable indeed are the consequences of karma, and so are the worlds of the buddhas. By the power of meritorious deeds, sentient beings in that land dwell on the ground of karmic reward. That is why those heavens exist without Mount Sumeru.”
Ānanda continued, “I do not doubt this myself but have asked about it simply because I wished to remove such doubts for the benefit of sentient beings in the future.”
11 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “The majestic light of Amitāyus Buddha is the most exalted. No other buddha’s light can match his. The light of some buddhas illuminates a hundred buddha lands, and that of others a thousand buddha lands. Briefly, that of Amitāyus illuminates the eastern buddha lands as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River. In the same way, it illuminates the buddha lands in the south, west, and north, in each of the four intermediate directions, and above and below. Further, the light of some buddhas extends seven feet; that of others, one yojana, or two, three, four, or five yojanas; and the distance covered increases in this way until the light of some buddhas illuminates one buddha land.
“For this reason, Amitāyus is called by the following names: the Buddha of Infinite Light, the Buddha of Boundless Light, the Buddha of Unhindered
270b Light, the Buddha of Incomparable Light, the Buddha of the Light of the King of Flame, the Buddha of Pure Light, the Buddha of the Light of Joy, the Buddha of the Light of Wisdom, the Buddha of Unceasing Light, the Buddha of Inconceivable Light, the Buddha of Ineffable Light, and the Buddha of the Light Outshining the Sun and Moon.
“If sentient beings encounter his light, their three defilements are removed; they feel tenderness, joy, and pleasure; and good thoughts arise. If sentient beings in the three realms of suffering see his light they will all be relieved and freed from affliction. At the end of their lives they all reach liberation. “The light of Amitāyus shines brilliantly, illuminating all the buddha lands of the ten directions. There is no place where it is not perceived. I am not the only one who now praises his light. All the buddhas, śrāvakas, pratyekabuddhas, and bodhisattvas praise and glorify it in the same way. If sentient beings, having heard of the majestic virtue of his light, glorify it continually, day and night, with sincerity of heart, they will be able to attain birth in his land as they wish. Then the multitudes of bodhisattvas and śrāvakas will praise their excellent virtue. Later, when they attain buddhahood, all the buddhas and bodhisattvas in the ten directions will praise their light, just as I now praise the light of Amitāyus.”
The Buddha continued, “The majestic glory of the light of Amitāyus could not be exhaustively described even if I praised it continually, day and night, for a period of one kalpa.”
12 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “The lifespan of Amitāyus is so long that it is impossible for anyone to calculate it. To give an illustration, let us suppose that all the innumerable sentient beings in the worlds of the ten directions were reborn in human form and that every one became a śrāvaka or pratyekabuddha. Even if they assembled in one place, concentrated their thoughts, and exercised the power of their wisdom to the utmost to reckon the length of the Buddha’s lifespan by the number of kalpas, even after a thousand million kalpas they could still not reach its limit. So it is with the lifespan of śrāvakas, bodhisattvas, heavenly beings, and human beings in his land. Similarly, it is not to be encompassed by any means of reckoning or by any metaphorical expression. Again, the number of śrāvakas and bodhisattvas living there is incalculable. They are fully endowed with transcendent wisdom and free in their exercise of majestic power; they could hold the entire world in their hands.”
13 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “The number of śrāvakas at the first teaching assembly of that buddha was incalculable; so was the number of bodhisattvas. Even if an immeasurable and countless number of humans multiplied by millions of koṭis should all become like Mahāmaudgalyāyana and together reckon their number during innumerable nayutas of kalpas, or even until they attain nirvana, they still could not know that number. Let us suppose that there is a great ocean, infinitely deep and wide, and that one takes a drop 270c of water out of it with a one-hundredth part of a split hair. How would you compare that drop of water with the rest of the ocean?”
Ānanda replied, “When the drop of water is compared with the great ocean, it is impossible even for one skilled in astronomy or mathematics to know the proportion, or for anyone to describe it by any rhetorical or metaphorical expression.”
The Buddha said to Ānanda, “Even if people like Mahāmaud galyāyana were to count for millions of koṭis of kalpas, the number of the śrāvakas and bodhisattvas at the first teaching assembly who could be counted would be like a drop of water, and the number of sages yet to be counted would be like the rest of the ocean.
14 “Again, seven-jeweled trees completely fill that land. There are some made of gold, some of silver, and others made of beryl, crystal, coral, ruby, or agate. There are also trees made of two to seven kinds of jewels.
“There are gold trees with leaves, flowers, and fruits of silver; silver trees with leaves, flowers, and fruits of gold; beryl trees with leaves, flowers, and fruits of crystal; crystal trees with leaves, flowers, and fruits of beryl; coral trees with leaves, flowers, and fruits of ruby; ruby trees with leaves, flowers, and fruits of beryl; agate trees with leaves, flowers, and fruits made of various jewels.
“Again, there are jeweled trees with purple-gold roots, white-silver trunks, beryl branches, crystal twigs, coral leaves, ruby flowers, and agate fruits. There are jeweled trees with white-silver roots, beryl trunks, crystal branches, coral twigs, ruby leaves, agate flowers, and purple-gold fruits. There are jeweled trees with beryl roots, crystal trunks, coral branches, ruby twigs, agate leaves, purple-gold flowers, and white-silver fruits. There are jeweled trees with crystal roots, coral trunks, ruby branches, agate twigs, purple-gold leaves, white-silver flowers, and beryl fruits. There are jeweled trees with coral roots, ruby trunks, agate branches, purple-gold twigs, whitesilver leaves, beryl flowers, and crystal fruits. There are jeweled trees with ruby roots, agate trunks, purple-gold branches, white-silver twigs, beryl leaves, crystal flowers, and coral fruits. There are jeweled trees with agate roots, purple-gold trunks, white-silver branches, beryl twigs, crystal leaves, coral flowers, and ruby fruits.
“These jeweled trees are in parallel rows, their trunks are evenly spaced, their branches are in level layers, their leaves are symmetrical, their flowers harmonize, and their fruits are well arranged. The brilliant colors of these trees are so luxuriant that it is impossible to see them all. When a fresh breeze 271a wafts through them, exquisite sounds of the pentatonic scales, such as gong and shang, spontaneously arise and make symphonic music.
15 “Again, the bodhi tree of Amitāyus Buddha is four million li in height and five thousand yojanas in circumference at its base. Its branches spread two hundred thousand li in each of the four directions. It is a natural cluster of all kinds of precious stones and is adorned with the kings of jewels, namely, moonbright maṇi-gems and ocean-supporting wheel gems. Everywhere between its twigs hang jeweled ornaments with a thousand million different colors intermingling in various ways, and their innumerable beams shine with the utmost brilliance. The bodhi tree itself is covered with nets of rare, excellent gems, and on it appear all kinds of ornaments in accordance with one’s wishes.
“When a gentle breeze wafts through its branches and leaves, innumerable exquisite Dharma sounds arise, which spread far and wide, pervading all the other buddha lands in the ten directions. Those who hear the sounds attain penetrating insight into dharmas and dwell in the stage of non-retrogression. Until they attain buddhahood, their senses of hearing will remain clear and sharp9 and they will not suffer from any pain or sickness. Whether they hear the sounds of the bodhi tree, see its colors, smell its perfume, taste its flavors, perceive its lights, or conceive of the Dharma in their minds, they all attain profoundly penetrating insight into dharmas and dwell in the stage of nonretrogression. Until they attain buddhahood, their six sense organs will remain sharp and clear and they will not suffer from any pain or sickness.
“Ānanda, when humans and devas of that land see the bodhi tree, they will attain three insights: first, insight into reality through hearing the sacred sounds; second, insight into reality by being in accord with it; and third, insight into the non-arising of all dharmas. These benefits are all bestowed by the majestic power of Amitāyus, the power of his Original Vow, his perfectly fulfilled vow, his clear and manifest vow, his firm vow, and his accomplished vow.”
The Buddha said to Ānanda, “A king of this world possesses a hundred thousand kinds of music. From the realm ruled by a wheel-turning monarch up to the sixth heaven [of the world of desire], the sounds of the music produced in each higher realm are ten million koṭis of times superior to those of a lower one. The thousands of varieties of musical sound produced in the sixth heaven are a thousand koṭis of times inferior to one sound produced by the seven-jeweled trees in the land of Amitāyus. Again, in that land, there are thousands of varieties of spontaneous music, which are all, without exception, sounds of the Dharma. They are clear and serene, full of depth and resonance, delicate, and harmonious; they are the most excellent sounds in all the worlds of the ten directions.
16 “Again, the halls, monasteries, palaces, and pavilions are spontaneous apparitions, all adorned with the seven kinds of jewels and hung with curtains of various other jewels, such as pearls and moonbright maṇi-gems.
“Inside and out, to right and left, are bathing ponds. Some of them are ten yojanas in length, breadth, and depth; some are twenty yojanas; others, thirty; and so on, until we come to those measuring a hundred thousand yojanas in length, breadth, and depth. They are full to the brim with the water that possesses the eight excellent qualities, clear, fragrant, and tasting like nectar.
271b “There are golden ponds with beds of silver sand; silver ponds with beds of golden sand; crystal ponds with beds of beryl sand; beryl ponds with beds of crystal sand; coral ponds with beds of amber sand; amber ponds with beds of coral sand; agate ponds with beds of ruby sand; ruby ponds with beds of agate sand; white jade ponds with beds of purple-gold sand; purple-gold ponds with beds of white jade sand. Others are composed of two to seven jewels.
“On the banks of these ponds are sandalwood trees, whose flowers and leaves hang down and diffuse perfumes everywhere. Heavenly lotuses, blue, pink, yellow, and white, bloom profusely in various tints and tones, completely covering the surface of the water.
“If bodhisattvas and śrāvakas in that land enter the jeweled ponds and wish the water to rise to their ankles, it rises to their ankles. If they wish it to rise to their knees, it rises to their knees. If they wish it to rise to their waists, it rises to their waists. If they wish it to rise to their necks, it rises to their necks. If they wish it to pour over their bodies, it spontaneously pours over their bodies. If they wish it to recede, it recedes. Its temperature is moderate, cool, or warm according to their wishes. The water comforts the body and refreshes the mind, washing away their mental defilements. Clear and pure, the water is so transparent that it seems formless. The jewel sand shines so brightly that even the depth of the water cannot prevent its brilliance from being seen. The rippling water forms meandering streams, which join and flow into each other. Their movement is peaceful and quiet, neither too fast nor too slow, and their ripples spontaneously produce innumerable wonderful sounds. One can hear whatever sound one wishes. For example, some hear the sound ‘Buddha,’ some hear the sound ‘Dharma,’ some ‘Sangha,’ others hear ‘tranquility,’ ‘emptiness and no-self,’ ‘great compassion,’ ‘pāramitā,’ ‘ten powers,’ ‘fearlessness,’ ‘special qualities,’ ‘supernatural powers,’ ‘nonactivity,’ ‘neither arising nor perishing,’ ‘insight into the non-arising of all dharmas,’ and so on until the various sounds of the wonderful Dharma, such as ‘the sprinkling of nectar upon the head of a bodhisattva,’ are reached. As one hears those sounds, one attains immeasurable joy and accords with the principles of purity, absence of desires, extinction, and reality. One is in harmony with the Three Treasures, the Buddha’s powers, fearlessness, and special qualities, and also with supernatural powers and other methods of practice for bodhisattvas and śrāvakas. Not even the names of the three realms of suffering are heard there, but only nirvanic sounds of bliss. For this reason, that land is called ‘Peace and Bliss.’
17 “Ānanda, those born in that buddha land are endowed with such bodies of purity and provided with various exquisite sounds, supernatural powers, and virtues. The palaces in which they dwell; their clothing, food, and drink; the wonderful flowers; and the various kinds of incense and adornments are like those naturally provided in the sixth heaven of the world of desire.
“At mealtimes, plates made of the seven kinds of jewels—gold, silver,
beryl, agate, ruby, coral, and amber, and also of moonbright pearl—sponta- 271c neously appear, filled with food and drink of a hundred tastes according to one’s wishes. Although the food is offered no one actually eats it. Once it has been seen and smelled, one naturally feels that it has been eaten and so is satisfied; thus one feels relaxed in mind and body, free from attachment to the sense of taste. When the meal is over everything disappears, but it reappears at the next mealtime.
“That buddha land, like the realm of unconditioned nirvana, is pure and serene, resplendent and blissful. The śrāvakas, bodhisattvas, heavenly beings, and humans there have lofty and brilliant wisdom and are masters of the supernatural powers. They are all of one form, without any differences, but are called ‘heavenly beings’ and ‘humans’ simply by analogy with states of existence in other worlds. They are of noble and majestic countenance, unequaled in all the worlds, and their appearance is superb, unmatched by any being, heavenly or human. They are all endowed with bodies of naturalness, emptiness, and infinity.”
18 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “If a beggar in extreme poverty sits by the side of a king, how can their appearances be compared?”
Ānanda replied, “If such a man sits by the side of a king, his emaciated, mean, and ragged appearance cannot be compared with the king’s. His appearance is a thousand million koṭis or even incalculable times inferior to the king’s. What is the reason for this? The conditions of a beggar in extreme poverty—being at the lowest social level, with barely enough clothes to cover his body, scarcely enough food to sustain his life, with hunger and cold always tormenting him, and having almost lost human contact—are all the result of his misdeeds in former lives. In the past he did not cultivate roots of virtue but instead accumulated riches without giving anything to others. He became more miserly as his wealth increased, desired to obtain more, insatiably hankered after further acquisitions, and gave no thought to good acts. Thus he piled up a mountain of evil karma. When his life ended all his wealth was gone, and what he had accumulated with great toil and worry was of no avail to him; all passed in vain into the possession of others. Having no store of merit on which to depend and no virtue on which to rely, after death he fell into one of the evil realms, where he suffered pain for a long period. When his karmic retributions ended, he was able to escape but was reborn into a lower class; being foolish, base, and inferior, he barely maintains the appearance of a human being.
“The king of a country is the most honored of all men. This is the reward for virtues accumulated in former lives, in which he, with a compassionate heart, gave generously to many, saved people from suffering through kindness and benevolence, performed good deeds with sincerity, and never disputed with others. When that life ended, he was rewarded with rebirth into a higher state. Born in a heavenly realm, he enjoyed bliss and happiness. His accumulated virtues produced such a surplus of good that when he was reborn as a man in this life his birth was, deservedly, into a royal family. Since he is naturally noble, his dignified and majestic demeanor commands the respect of his people, and superb clothes and sumptuous food are prepared and served to him as he pleases. All this is a reward for virtues in his former lives.”
19 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “What you say is true. Even though a king is the noblest of all men and has a regal countenance, if he is compared with a wheel-turning monarch he will appear as base and inferior as a beggar beside a king. Likewise, however excellent and unrivaled the majestic appearance of such a monarch may be, if he is compared with the lord of the Heaven 272a of the Thirty-three Gods, he will also appear incomparably inferior, even ten thousand koṭis of times more so. Again, if this heavenly lord is compared with the lord of the sixth heaven, he will appear a hundred thousand koṭis of times inferior. If the lord of the sixth heaven is compared with a bodhisattva or a śrāvaka dwelling in the land of Amitāyus, his countenance and appearance will be far from equal to that of the bodhisattva or śrāvaka, being a thousand million koṭis of times or even incalculable times inferior.”
20 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “Devas and humans in the land of Amitāyus are each provided with robes, food and drink, flowers, perfume, ornaments, silken canopies,10 and banners, and are surrounded by exquisite sounds. Their abodes, palaces, and pavilions are exactly in accordance with the size of their bodies. One, two, or even innumerable jewels appear before them, as soon as they wish. In addition, beautiful jeweled fabric covers the ground where all the devas and humans walk. In that buddha land there are innumerable jeweled nets, all adorned with skeins of gold thread, pearls, and a hundred thousand kinds of rare and marvelous treasures. All around the nets hang jeweled bells of the utmost beauty, which shine brilliantly. When a natural breeze of virtue arises and gently blows, it is moderate in temperature, neither cold nor hot, and refreshing and soft to the senses; it moves neither too slowly nor too quickly. When the breeze wafts over the nets and the various jeweled trees, countless excellent sounds of the Dharma are heard, and ten thousand kinds of delicate fragrances of virtue are diffused. If one smells those fragrances one’s impurities and passions spontaneously cease to arise. If touched by the breeze itself, one enjoys the same pleasure as a monk who has entered the samādhi of extinction.
21 “Again, as the breeze blows, flowers are scattered throughout the buddha land; they spontaneously divide into different colors, not mixed together. They are soft and pleasant to touch, glow brilliantly, and diffuse rich fragrances. When one’s foot is placed on them they sink down four inches, but when the foot is lifted they rise to their former level. When the flowers have served their purpose the earth opens up and they vanish, leaving the ground clean and without trace of them. At the right moment, six times a day, the breeze wafts, scattering the flowers in this way. Moreover, lotus flowers of various jewels fill the land; each has a hundred thousand koṭis of petals with lights of numerous colors—green lotuses glow with a green light; white ones with a white light; and likewise dark blue, yellow, red, and purple lotuses glow with lights of their respective colors. The brilliance of these lights is so magnificent that it outshines the sun and moon. Each flower emits thirtysix hundred thousand koṭis of rays of light, each sending forth thirty-six hundred thousand koṭis of buddhas. The bodies of these buddhas are purplegold, and their physical characteristics and marks are superb beyond compare. Each buddha emits a hundred thousand rays of light and expounds the wonderful Dharma to beings in the ten directions, thus setting innumerable beings 272b on the right path of the Buddha.
End of Part One of the Sutra on the Buddha of Infinite Life Delivered by Śākyamuni Buddha
22 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “Sentient beings who are born in that buddha land all reside among those assured of nirvana. The reason is that in that land there are neither beings who are destined to adverse conditions nor those whose destinies are uncertain.
“All buddha tathāgatas in the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, together praise the inconceivable, supernal virtue of Amitāyus. All sentient beings who, having heard his Name, rejoice in faith, think of him even once, and sincerely transfer the merit of virtuous practices to that land,11 aspiring to be born there, will attain birth and dwell in the stage of non-retrogression. But excluded are those who have committed the five grave offenses and abused the Right Dharma.”
23 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “Devas and humans in the worlds of the ten directions who sincerely aspire to be born in that land can be classified into three grades. The higher grade of aspirants are those who leave their homes and abandon worldly desires to become monks. Having awakened aspiration for enlightenment, they singlemindedly think of Amitāyus and perform meritorious practices, aspiring to be born in his land. When they are about to die, Amitāyus, together with a host of sages, will appear before them. Then they will follow him and attain birth in his land. At once they will be born by transformation spontaneously from within seven-jeweled lotus flowers. They will dwell in the stage of non-retrogression, attain steadfast wisdom, and be capable of freely exercising supernatural powers. For this reason, Ānanda, sentient beings who wish to see Amitāyus while in this world should awaken aspiration for highest enlightenment, perform meritorious deeds, and aspire to be born in his land.”
24 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “The middle grade of aspirants are the devas and humans in the worlds of the ten directions who sincerely desire to be born in that land. Although unable to become monks and cultivate much merit, they awaken aspiration for the highest enlightenment, singlemindedly think of Amitāyus, perform some good deeds, observe the precepts of abstinence,
31
build stupas, donate Buddhist statues, give alms to mendicants, hang banners, light candles, scatter flowers, burn incense, and so forth. They transfer the merit of those practices to his land, aspiring to be born there. When they are
272c about to die, Amitāyus will manifest his transformed body, which is fully possessed of the same radiance and physical characteristics and marks as those of the real Buddha, and make it appear before them, together with a host of sages. Then they will follow this transformed buddha and be born in the Pure Land, where they will dwell in the stage of non-retrogression. Their virtue and wisdom will be next to those of the higher grade of aspirants.”
25 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “The lower grade of aspirants are the devas and humans in the worlds of the ten directions who sincerely desire to be born in that land. Although unable to do many meritorious deeds, they awaken aspiration for highest enlightenment and singlemindedly think of Amitāyus even ten times, desiring birth in his land. When they hear the profound Dharma they joyfully accept it and do not entertain any doubt; and so, thinking of the Buddha even once, they sincerely aspire to be born in that land. When they are about to die they will see the Buddha in a dream. Those aspirants, too, will be born in the Pure Land. Their merit and wisdom will be next to those of the middle grade of aspirants.”
26 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “The majestic virtue of Amitāyus is boundless. All the innumerable, countless, and inconceivable buddha tathāgatas in the worlds of the ten directions praise him. Innumerable and countless bodhisattvas in the buddha lands of the eastern direction, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, all without exception, visit Amitāyus in order to worship and make offerings to him and to the assembly of bodhisattvas and śrāvakas. Having heard the teaching, they expound it to lead people into the path of the Buddha. As in the eastern direction, so it is in the southern, western, and northern, as well in the four intermediate directions and above and below.” 27 Then the World-honored One spoke the following verses:
As numerous as the sands of the Ganges River;
Bodhisattvas dwelling in those lands
Go to pay homage to Amitāyus,12 the Enlightened One.
The intermediate directions, above, and below; Bodhisattvas dwelling in those lands
Go to pay homage to Amitāyus, the Enlightened One.
Exquisite heavenly flowers,
Precious incense, and priceless robes,
Make offerings to Amitāyus, the Enlightened One.
Producing harmonious and delicate sounds,
They praise the Most Honored One with hymns saying:
With which you freely enter the gates of the profound Dharma; You also possess stores of merit and virtue And unparalleled supreme knowledge.
You disperse the clouds of birth and death.” Having reverently walked round him three times,
The bodhisattvas pay homage to the Unsurpassed One.
They are led to awaken supernal aspiration13 273a
And wish their lands to be like his.
From his mouth come forth innumerable rays of light, Which illuminate the worlds of the ten directions.
His clothes and bowed his head,
Asked the Buddha, “Why are you smiling?
Reverently I inquire. Please tell me why.”
Producing wonderful sounds in the eight qualities of voice:
“Because I am about to give predictions to the bodhisattvas. I shall now explain to you. Listen carefully!
Who come from ten directions;
They seek to glorify their pure lands.
After receiving my predictions, they will become buddhas.
An illusion, or an echo,
They will fulfill their excellent vows
And surely establish pure lands such as this.
They will pursue the bodhisattva path to its end And amass a store of merit. After receiving My predictions, they will become buddhas.
They will singlemindedly seek to produce their pure lands
And will surely establish lands such as this.”
All who hear his Name and desire birth
Will, without exception, be born in his land
And effortlessly enter the stage of non-retrogression.
That your lands will be like this,
While aspiring to save all beings everywhere,
Your name will be renowned throughout the ten directions.
You can assume various forms and fly to those lands; After worshiping them with joyful hearts,
You will return to the Land of Peace and Provision.”
One cannot hear this sutra;
But those who have strictly observed the precepts Can hear the Right Dharma.
Can accept this teaching.
Such a person respectfully worships, hears, And upholds it, and rejoices so greatly as to dance.
But those who have met buddhas in their former lives Rejoice to hear it.
The Sage’s mind exhaustively;
They are like those who are born blind And yet wish to guide others.
Even sages of the Hinayana cannot fathom it; Only the Buddha clearly knows it.
And, with pure wisdom, realized original emptiness.
Even if they pondered the Buddha’s wisdom for myriads of kalpas
It is difficult, too, for a person to attain faith and wisdom.
Once you have heard the Dharma, strive to reach its heart.
But adore and revere it with great joy,
You are my good friend. For this reason,
You should awaken aspiration for enlightenment.
Be sure to pass through it to hear the Dharma;
Then you will surely enter the Buddha’s enlightenment And everywhere deliver beings from the river of birth and death. 28 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “All the bodhisattvas in the land of Amitāyus will ultimately attain the stage of becoming a buddha after one more life. Excepted are those who have made original vows for the sake of sentient beings, resolving to cultivate the merit of realizing their great vows to save all sentient beings. Ānanda, each śrāvaka in the buddha land of Amitāyus emits a light for one fathom around his body. The light of a bodhisattva shines a hundred yojanas. There are two bodhisattvas who are the most dignified; their majestic light reaches everywhere in the universe of a thousand million worlds.”
Ānanda asked, “What are the names of those two bodhisattvas?”
The Buddha replied, “One is called Avalokiteśvara and the other Mahāsthāmaprāpta. They had both performed bodhisattva practices in this world and, at the end of their lives, were born by transformation in that buddha land. Ānanda, the sentient beings born there all fully possess the thirty-two physical characteristics of a great being as well as perfect wisdom, with which they penetrate deeply into the nature of all dharmas and reach their subtle essence. Their supernatural powers know no obstruction and their physical senses are sharp and clear. The bodhisattvas of lesser capacities attain two insights. Those with superior capacities attain innumerable [merits 273c through the]15 insight into the non-arising of all dharmas. Those bodhisattvas will not be subject to rebirth in evil realms before they become buddhas. Excepted are those who seek birth in the worlds of other directions during the turbulent period of the five defilements, manifesting their forms in the likeness of the beings there, as in this world. They can freely exercise supernatural powers and always remember their former lives.”
The Buddha said to Ānanda, “By the Buddha’s power, bodhisattvas of that land go to innumerable worlds of the ten directions, in as short a time as it takes to eat a meal, in order to pay homage and make offerings to the buddhas and World-honored Ones. If those bodhisattvas so wish, countless and innumerable offerings, such as flowers, incense, music, silken canopies, and banners, spontaneously appear before them as soon as they are imagined. They are rare and marvelous, unlike anything in this world. They are, accordingly, offered to the assemblies of buddhas, bodhisattvas, and śrāvakas. The flowers remain in the sky and gather into canopies. Their brilliance is dazzling and their fragrance pervades everywhere. The flower canopies range in size from those of four hundred li in circumference up to those large enough to cover the universe of a thousand million worlds. As new flower canopies appear old ones disappear. These bodhisattvas all rejoice together, and, while poised in midair, play heavenly music and praise the virtues of the buddhas with hymns accompanied by wonderful sounds. They listen to the Dharma and attain immeasurable joy. After thus worshiping the buddhas, they quickly return home to the Pure Land before their meal.”
29 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “When Amitāyus preaches the Dharma to śrāvakas and bodhisattvas, they all assemble in the seven-jeweled lecture hall. There he fully expounds the teachings of the Way and proclaims the wonderful Dharma. The whole audience rejoices, comprehends, and attains enlightenment. At that time a breeze spontaneously arises in each of the four directions and wafts over the jeweled trees, producing sounds of the pentatonic scales and causing innumerable exquisite flowers to fall like rain and scatter everywhere. Natural ways of glorification such as these are endlessly repeated. All the devas bring with them a hundred thousand flowers, pieces of aromatic wood, and thousands of musical instruments to use as offerings to the Buddha and the assembly of bodhisattvas and śrāvakas; they scatter flowers, diffuse perfumes everywhere, and play various kinds of music. They come and go in succession, giving way to each other. At such times their joy and happiness are beyond description.”
30 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “The bodhisattvas born in that buddha land expound the Right Dharma whenever appropriate and, because they are in accord with the wisdom of enlightenment, their expositions are infallible and free of error. In regard to the myriads of things in that land, they have no thought of possession or attachment. Whether going or coming, proceeding or remaining, their hearts are unattached, their acts are in accordance with their will and are unrestricted, and they have no thought of discrimination. In them there is no idea of self or others, no idea of competition or dispute. With the heart of great compassion to benefit all living beings and with tenderness and self-control, they bear no enmity or grudge against anyone. Free of mental hindrances, they are pure in mind and without indolence. Unbiased,
274a noble-minded, sincere, and tranquil, their hearts can revere, appreciate, and enjoy the Dharma.
“Having extinguished all evil passions, they are free of those tendencies that cause one to fall into evil realms. They have accomplished all the duties of a bodhisattva and are fully endowed with immeasurable virtues. Having reached deep meditation and gained supernatural powers, transcendent knowledge, and wisdom, they are established in the seven practices leading to enlightenment and are devoted to the Buddha-Dharma.
“With the physical eye they see clearly, discerning objects without error; the sight of their divine eye reaches everywhere without limit; with the Dharma eye they observe and know thoroughly the teachings of the Way; with the wisdom eye they see truth and attain the other shore; with the buddha eye they completely realize the nature of dharmas; and with unhindered wisdom they expound the Dharma to others.
“Although they observe with the eye of equality that the three worlds are empty and nonexistent, they strive to learn the Buddha-Dharma and acquire varied eloquence to rid living beings of affliction caused by the evil passions. Since all dharmas have arisen from suchness, the bodhisattvas see them as they really are and know skillful means of speech that will develop good habits and destroy bad ones in living beings. They dislike secular talk, enjoying only right discourse on the Dharma.
“They cultivate roots of virtue, revere the path of the Buddha, and know that all dharmas are completely tranquil and nonexistent. Their samsaric bodies and evil passions have been extinguished together with their remaining karmic tendencies. When they hear the profound Dharma their minds are free of doubt and fear. They are always able to cultivate great compassion, which is deep and subtle, embracing everything like the sky and bearing all like the earth. Having reached the end of the single path they have gone to the other shore. Since they have cut the net of doubt wisdom arises in their minds. Within the Buddha-Dharma there is nothing that they do not comprehend.
“Their wisdom is like the ocean, and their samādhi is like the king of mountains. The light of their wisdom, being brilliant and pure, outshines the sun and moon. They are in complete possession of the pure, undefiled Dharma. They are like the Himalayas, because the brilliance of their virtues is reflected evenly and clearly. They are like the great earth, because they have no discriminative thoughts, such as pure or impure, beautiful or ugly. They are like pure water, because they wash away afflictions and defilements. They are like the king of fire, because they burn the firewood of all evil passions. They are like a great wind, because they travel throughout the worlds without hindrance. They are like the sky, because they have no attachments. They are like lotuses, because nothing in the world can defile them. They are like a great vehicle, because they carry the multitude of beings out of birth and death. They are like a heavy cloud, because they cause the great thunder of the Dharma to roar and awaken the unenlightened. They are like a great rain, because they cause the nectar of the Dharma to fall like rainshowers to nourish living beings. They are like the [Encircling] Adamantine Mountains, because demons and non-Buddhists cannot move them. They are like the king of the Brahmā Heaven, because they are foremost in the performance of various good deeds. They are like the nyagrodha tree, because they afford shelter to all beings. They are like the uḍumbara flower, because they rarely appear in the world and are difficult to encounter. They are like the gold-winged garuḍa, because they subdue non-Buddhists. They are like a flock of playful birds, because they do not store things. They are like the king of bulls, because they are invincible. They are like the king of elephants, because they conquer adversaries. They are like the king of lions, because they fear nothing. They are
274b like the vast sky, because their great compassion reaches everywhere without discrimination.
“They have destroyed envy by not being envious of the superiority of others. With singleheartedness they seek the Dharma tirelessly. Always desiring to expound the doctrine, they never grow weary. Striking Dharma drums and hoisting Dharma banners, they cause the sun of wisdom to shine forth and dissipate the darkness of ignorance. They perform the six acts of accord and respect, and always provide others with the gift of the Dharma. Strong willed and diligent, their determination never falters. Thus they become lamps for the world and fields of supreme merit; they always become teachers and harbor no thought of discrimination, aversion, or attachment. They seek only the right path, finding neither joy nor sorrow in other matters. They extract thorns of passion and give peace of mind to multitudes of beings. Because of their merit and wisdom,16 there is no one who does not revere them.
“They have destroyed the hindrance of the three defilements and mastered the supernatural powers. They also possess the power of good karma from their former lives,17 the power of guiding others, of the will, of vows, of employing skillful means, of continuous practice, of doing good, of meditation, of wisdom, and of hearing the Dharma widely. They also possess the power of the six pāra mitās—giving (dāna), morality (śīla), patience (kṣānti), effort (vīrya), meditation (dhyāna), and wisdom (prajñā)—and the power of right mindfulness, concentration, contemplation, the supernatural faculties, and transcendent knowledge, the power to tame and train living beings in the right way, as well as other powers.
“Fully possessed of all the physical characteristics and marks, virtues, and eloquence, they have no equals. They revere and worship innumerable buddhas and are, in turn, always praised by them. They have completed the bodhisattva’s course of pāramitās and practiced the samādhis of emptiness, non-form, and non-desire; the samādhi of non-arising, non-perishing, and many other samādhis; they have gone far beyond the stages of śrāvakas and pratyekabuddhas.
“Ānanda, bodhisattvas of that land have innumerable virtues such as these, of which I have given you only an outline. If I were to expound them in full detail, a thousand million kalpas would not be long enough to do so.” 31 The Buddha said to Maitreya Bodhisattva and to devas and humans, “The virtue and wisdom of śrāvakas and bodhisattvas in the land of Amitāyus are indescribable. That land is sublime, blissful, serene, and pure. Why do you not diligently practice good, reflect on the naturalness of the Way, and realize that it is above all discrimination and is boundlessly pervasive? You should each make a great effort to attain it. Strive to escape from samsara and be born in the Land of Peace and Provision. Then, the causes of the five evil realms having been destroyed, they will naturally cease to be and so you will progress unhindered in your pursuit of the Way. The Pure Land is easy to reach but very few actually go there. It rejects no one but naturally and unfailingly attracts beings. Why do you not abandon worldly matters and strive to enter the Way? If you do, you will obtain an infinitely long life and one of limitless bliss.
“People of the world, being weak in virtue, engage in strife over matters that are not urgent. In the midst of abject wickedness and extreme afflictions they painstakingly toil for their living. Whether noble or corrupt, rich or poor, young or old, male or female, all people worry about wealth and property. In this there is no difference between rich and poor; both have their anxieties. Groaning in dejection and sorrow, they pile up thoughts of anguish or, driven by inner urges, they run wildly in all directions and thus have no time for 274c peace and rest.
“For example, if they own fields they are concerned about them. If they have houses they worry about them. They are also anxious about their six domestic animals, such as cows and horses, about their male and female servants, money, wealth, clothes, food, and furnishings. With deepening troubles they sigh repeatedly, and anxiety increasingly torments and terrifies them. Sudden misfortune may befall them: all their possessions may be destroyed by fire, swept away by floods, plundered by robbers, or seized by adversaries or creditors. Then gnawing grief afflicts them and incessantly troubles their hearts. Anger seizes their minds, keeps them in constant agitation, increasingly tightens its grip, hardens their hearts, and never leaves them.
“When their lives end in such agonizing conditions, they must leave everyone and everything behind. Even nobles and wealthy people have these worries. With much anxiety and fear, they endure such tribulations. Breaking out in cold sweats or fevers, they suffer unremitting pain.
“The poor and the underprivileged are constantly destitute. If, for example, they have no fields, they are unhappy and want them. If they have no houses, they are unhappy and want them. If they have none of the six domestic animals, such as cows and horses, or if they have no male or female servants, or lack money, wealth, clothes, food, or furnishings, they are unhappy and want those as well. If they possess some of these things, others may be lacking. If they have this, they do not have that, and so they wish to possess all. But even if by some chance they come to possess everything, it will soon be destroyed or lost. Then, dejected and sorrowful, they may strive to obtain such things again but it may be impossible. Brooding over this is to no avail. Exhausted in mind and body, they become restless in all their activities and anxieties follow on their heels. Such are the troubles they must endure. Breaking out in cold sweats or fevers, they suffer unremitting pain. Such conditions may result in the sudden end of their lives or an early death. Since they have not done any good in particular, nor followed the Way, nor acted virtuously, when they die they will depart alone to an inferior world. Although they are destined to different states of existence, none of them understands the law of karma that sends them there.
“People of the world, parents and children, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, and other family members and kinsmen,18 should respect and love each other, refraining from hatred and envy. They should share things with others, not be greedy and miserly, always speak friendly words with a pleasing smile, and not hurt each other.
“If one disagrees with others and grows angry, however small one’s grudge and enmity may be in this life, these will increase in the life to come until they grow into a mass of hostility. For if people are engaged in tormenting and harming each other in this life, such conflict may not immediately end in mutual destruction. But persistent bitterness and raging fury are impressed upon the mind, and thus naturally leave indelible marks on consciousness, so that those involved will be reborn at about the same time to take revenge on each other.
“Further, in the midst of worldly desires and attachments one comes and goes alone, is born alone, and dies alone. After death, one goes to a painful or pleasant state of existence. Each receives his karmic consequences, and no one else can take his place. In accordance with different acts of good and evil, people are destined to realms of bliss or suffering. Unalterably bound by their karma, they depart for those realms all alone. Having reached the other world, they cannot see each other. The law of good and evil naturally pursues them, and wherever they may be reborn distance and darkness always separate them. Since their paths of karma are different, it is impossible to tell the time of their reunion and it is difficult to meet again. Can they ever see each other once more?
“Why do they not abandon all worldly involvements and strive, while 275a
they are strong and healthy, to pursue good and diligently seek deliverance from samsara? If they do they will be able to attain infinite life. Why do they not seek the Way? What is there in this world that should be longed for? What pleasure is there that ought to be sought after?
“Thus people of the world do not believe in pursuing good and receiving its reward or in practicing the Way and attaining enlightenment; neither do they believe in transmigration and retribution for evil acts or reward for good ones, such as obtaining merit by helping others. Believing that these do not exist, they totally reject such a view.
“Further, by so doing, they cling to their own views more tenaciously. Later generations learn from previous ones to act likewise. Fathers, perpetuating their wrong views, pass them on to their children. Since parents and grandparents from the beginning did not do good deeds, were ignorant of the Way, committed foolish acts, and were benighted, insensitive, and callous, their descendants are now unable to realize the truth of birth and death and the law of karma. There is no one to tell them about this. Nobody seeks to know the cause of fortune and misfortune, happiness and misery, although these states result from such acts.
“The reality of birth and death is such that the sorrow of parting is mutually felt by all generations. A father cries over the deaths of his children; children cry over the death of their father. Brothers, sisters, husbands, and wives mourn each other’s deaths. According to the basic law of impermanence, whether death will occur in order of seniority or in the reverse order is unpredictable. All things must pass. Nothing stays forever. Few believe this, even if someone teaches and exhorts them. And so the stream of birth and death continues everlastingly.
“Because they are stupid and callous, such people do not accept the teachings of the Buddha; they lack forethought and only wish to satisfy their own desires. They are deluded by their passionate attachments, unaware of the Way, misguided and trapped by anger and enmity, and intent on gaining wealth and gratifying their carnal desires like wolves. And so, unable to follow the Way, they are again subject to suffering in evil realms in an endless cycle of birth and death. How miserable and pitiable this is!
“In the same family, when one of the parents, children, brothers, sisters, or the husband or wife dies, those surviving mourn over the loss and their attachment to the deceased persists. Deep sorrow fills their hearts and, griefstricken, they mournfully think of the departed. Days pass and years go by, but their distress goes on. Even if someone teaches them the Way, their minds are not awakened. Brooding over fond memories of the dead, they cannot rid themselves of attachment. Being ignorant, inert, and illusion-bound, they are unable to think deeply, keep their self-composure, practice the Way with diligence, or dissociate themselves from worldly matters. As they wander here and there they come to their end and die before entering on the Way. Then what can be done for them?
“Because they are spiritually defiled, deeply troubled, and confused, people indulge their passions. Hence, many are ignorant of the Way and few realize it. Everyone is restlessly busy, having nothing on which to rely. Whether moral or corrupt, of high or low rank, rich or poor, noble or base, all are preoccupied with their own work. They entertain venomous thoughts, creating a widespread and dismal atmosphere of malevolence. Subversive activities are planned, contrary to the universal law and the wishes of the people.
“Injustice and vice inevitably follow and are allowed to run their course unchecked until evil karma accumulates to the limit. Before they expect their lives to end people meet sudden death and fall into evil realms, where they will suffer excruciating torments for many lives. They will not be able to 275b escape for many thousands of koṭis of kalpas. How indescribably painful!
How pitiable this is!”
32 The Buddha said to Maitreya Bodhisattva and to devas and humans, “I have told you the truth about people of the world. Such being their mode of life, they are unable to enter the Way. Therefore, you should think deeply and try to avoid various evil acts; choose the good and diligently practice it. A life of addiction to desires or a life of pomp and vainglory cannot last long. All must pass; there is nothing you can really enjoy. Since you have encountered a buddha in this world you should assiduously practice the Way. Anyone who sincerely desires birth in the Land of Peace and Bliss is able to attain purity of wisdom and supremacy in virtue. You should not follow the urges of the passions, break the precepts, or fall behind others in the practice of the Way. If you have doubts and are not clear about my teaching, ask me, the Buddha, about anything and I shall explain it to you.”
Maitreya Bodhisattva prostrated himself on the ground and said, “Your majestic glory, O Buddha, is awe-inspiring, and your exposition is most pleasing to me. Having heard your teaching I feel deeply that people of the world are just as you have described. Your compassionate revelation of the Great Way has opened our eyes and ears, awakening us to liberation. Those who have heard your teachings are all filled with joy. Devas, humans, and lesser beings, including even those that crawl, have all been blessed by your compassionate guidance and have thereby attained deliverance from suffering and affliction.
“The Buddha’s admonition is indeed profound and appropriate, and his wisdom clearly surveys things in the eight directions, above and below, penetrating all in the past, present, and future. Our liberation in the present life is entirely due to the Buddha’s perseverance and painstaking efforts in his former lives when he was seeking the Way. His benevolence covers the whole world and the extent of his merit is majestic and glorious. His light penetrates to the utmost ends of space and guides people to nirvana. He reveals the sutras, destroys wrong views, and subdues demons. Thus his influence extends boundlessly in the ten directions. The Buddha is the King of the Dharma; his virtue surpasses that of all the sages. He is the teacher of all devas and humans and enables them to enter the Way according to their wishes. Having been able to meet you, O Buddha, and also to hear the Name of Amitāyus,19 we have all attained joy and illumination.”
33 The Buddha said to Maitreya, “What you say is true. Those who adore and revere a buddha attain great merit. Buddhas very rarely appear in the world. Having become a buddha in this life, I have taught the Dharma, expounded teachings of the Way, cleared people’s doubts, eradicated the causes of lust and desire, and blocked the source of all evils. Visiting various places in the three worlds, I encounter no obstructions. The wisdom disclosed in the scriptures provides for all ways of life. It keeps essential principles together and clearly reveals the truth. I have explained the reality of the five realms, thereby freeing those who have not yet attained deliverance and distinguishing between the paths of samsara and nirvana.
“Maitreya, you should know that you have, for innumerable kalpas, been perfecting the bodhisattva practices to save sentient beings. Incalculable indeed is the number of beings who under your guidance have attained the
275c Way and reached nirvana. From time immemorial, you and all the devas and humans in the ten directions and the four groups of followers have been floundering in the five realms of samsara, undergoing indescribable troubles and afflictions. Until you were born in this life, you, too, underwent endless cycles of birth and death. Now you have encountered a buddha, listened to his expositions of the Dharma, and been able to learn about Amitāyus. What pleasure and joy this is for you and me to share! I share the joy with you.
“It is time for all to seek deliverance from the pains of birth, sickness, old age, and death. Outflows of depravity and defilement are everywhere, and there is nothing in which you can find true joy. You should resolutely do worthy deeds with propriety, strive to do more good, control and purify yourselves, wash away the mental defilements, be sincere in word and deed, and allow no contradiction between what you think and what you do. Seek your own liberation and then turn to saving others; straightforwardly aspire to be born in the Pure Land and accumulate roots of virtue. However hard you may practice in this life, it can only be for a short while. In the life to come you will be born in the land of Amitāyus and enjoy endless bliss there. Being forever in accord with the Way, you will no longer be subject to birth and death and be free of the afflictions caused by greed, anger, and ignorance. If you wish your life to be as long as a kalpa, a hundred kalpas, or ten million koṭis of kalpas, it will be just as you please. You will dwell in effortless spontaneity and attain nirvana. You should each diligently seek to realize your aspiration. Do not entertain any doubt or give up your endeavors, lest as a result of that fault you should be born into the seven-jeweled palace in the border region of the Pure Land and be subject to various disadvantages for five hundred years.”
Maitreya said to the Buddha, “Having received your considerate admonition, we will diligently practice the Way and follow your teaching. We will not allow any doubt to arise.”
34 The Buddha said to Maitreya, “If here in this world you are upright in thought and will, and abstain from doing evil, then you will attain the utmost virtue, unsurpassed in all the lands throughout the ten directions. Why is this so? Devas and humans in the buddha lands naturally do good and rarely commit evil, and so it is easy to teach and train them. Having become a buddha in this world, I now dwell in the midst of the five evils, the five sufferings, and the five burnings. This is extremely painful for me. I will teach multitudes of beings, making them abandon the five evils, avoid the five sufferings, and escape from the five burnings. I will train their minds and lead them to practice the five good deeds, so that they may acquire merit and virtue and attain liberation, long life, and nirvana.”
The Buddha continued. “What are the five evils? What are the five sufferings? What are the five burnings? What is the way to extinguish the five evils and lead people to practice the five good deeds, so that they may acquire merit and virtue and attain liberation, long life, and nirvana?”
35 The Buddha said, “The first evil is this. Devas, humans, and lesser beings, including even those that crawl, are bent on doing evil. There is no being that is not. The strong subdue the weak; all inflict serious injuries [upon] and kill each other; all devour their prey. Not knowing how to do good, they commit evil and commit outrageous and unruly deeds. Later, they receive retri- 276a bution; it is natural that they should be destined to evil realms. Demigods keep records of offenders’ acts and make sure that they are punished. That is why some are poor and destitute, corrupt, beggarly, lonely, deaf, dumb, blind, stupid, wicked, physically handicapped, deranged, or subnormal. But others are honorable, noble, wealthy, intelligent, or clever. This is the result of good and meritorious acts of benevolence and the performance of their duties to their parents in former lives.
“In this world prisons are set up by the law, and those who are unafraid of them and commit offenses are sent there for punishment. However desperately they may wish to escape, it is impossible to do so. Such is retribution in this world, but in lives to come, punishment is longer and more severe for such evildoers. The suffering of transmigration through dark and dismal realms is comparable to the severest and most painful punishment ever enforced by law.
“Thus, through the natural working of karma, they undergo immeasurable sufferings in the three evil realms. In successive transmigrations they are reborn into different states and forms; their lifespans are sometimes long and sometimes short. Their transient selves, vital energy, and consciousness20 transmigrate through the natural working of karma. Although each individual is reborn alone, those bound by common karma come to be born together and take revenge upon each other. So this condition persists endlessly, and until the effect of their evil karma is exhausted there is no possibility of avoiding their enemies. Floundering in samsara, they have no chance of escape or of attaining liberation. The pain that they must undergo is indescribable. Since this law naturally obtains everywhere between heaven and earth, even if good or evil acts do not immediately bring about reward or retribution they will certainly result in them sooner or later. This I call the first great evil, the first suffering, and the first burning. Those afflictions are such that they are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive.
“If, in the midst of this, one controls one’s thoughts with singlemindedness, does worthy deeds with proper demeanor, commits no evil, and performs only good, then with the merit and virtue acquired one reaches liberation and is able to escape from this world, be reborn in heavenly realms, and finally reach nirvana. This is the first great good.”
36 The Buddha continued, “The second evil is that people of this world— parents, children, brothers and sisters, family members, husbands and wives— all lack moral principles, break laws, conduct themselves arrogantly, commit licentious and unruly acts, pursue their own pleasures, enjoy themselves as they will, and deceive each other. What they think contradicts what they say; they speak without sincerity, flatter others with deceitful intention, fawn upon others with artful words, envy the reputation of sages, abuse the virtuous, and entrap people by dishonest means.
“Masters are unwise in appointing retainers, who, exploiting the situation, seek every opportunity for trickery and deceit. Rulers, being unrighteous, are deceived by ministers and foolishly remove loyal and faithful subjects. This is contrary to the will of heaven. Ministers betray their rulers; children deceive their parents; brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, kinsmen, and friends deceive each other. They harbor greed, anger, and ignorance and, desiring many possessions, seek their own advantage. All people are the same at heart, whether they are people of high and honorable positions or of lower and despised classes. They bring their homes and themselves to ruin and recklessly destroy their kindred. Although there are family members, friends, villagers, townspeople, ignorant and vulgar groups working together, all seek to gain 276b their own profit, thereby incurring the anger and enmity of others. When people grow rich, they become miserly and uncharitable. Greedily attached to their wealth,21 they toil with mind and body to retain it. When their end comes, they find nothing on which to rely. Ultimately they are born and depart alone, with nobody to accompany them. Bliss or misery resulting from good or evil acts follow them in their future lives. Thus they are reborn in pleasant or painful states. Even if they later feel regret, what good will that do?
“People of the world, being dark-hearted and lacking insight, hate and abuse good people and show them no respect. They are attached to wrongdoing and willfully commit unlawful acts. They always covet the wealth of others and harbor intentions of stealing. After spending and squandering what they have robbed from others, they seek to regain it. Because of their own hidden motives and dishonesty, they slyly study the reactions shown on the faces of others. Since they are unable to think far ahead, when things go wrong they become despondent with chagrin.
“In this world there are prisons established by law where offenders are sent to receive punishment according to their offenses. In their previous lives they neither believed in the Way nor cultivated roots of virtue. In this life, too, if they commit evil, demigods know and keep records of their acts; so when they die, they fall into evil realms. Thus, because of the natural working of karma, there are the three evil realms and innumerable sufferings through which evildoers must pass, life after life, for many kalpas, with no end in sight. It is indeed difficult for them to attain release. The pain they must undergo is indescribable. This is called the second great evil, the second suffering, and the second burning. The afflictions are such that they are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive.
“If, in the midst of this, one controls one’s thoughts with singlemindedness, does worthy deeds with proper demeanor, commits no evil, and performs only good, then with the merit and virtue acquired one reaches liberation and is able to escape from this world, be reborn in heavenly realms, and
finally reach nirvana. This is the second great good.”
37 The Buddha continued, “The third evil is this. People of the world live together, inhabiting this realm between heaven and earth, with a limited life- span. On the one hand, among the higher levels there are wise, rich, honorable, noble, and wealthy people. On the other hand, among the lower levels there are people who are poor, debased, crude, and foolish. Besides, there are evildoers who always harbor vicious thoughts and think only of self-gratification; they are full of worries and sunk in lust and attachment; they are restless in their daily lives, greedy and miserly, and desirous of what they have no right to possess. They gloat over fair-skinned women, behave licentiously and commit obscene acts with them, hate their own wives, and secretly frequent brothels. Consequently, after squandering all their resources they begin to break the law. They form bands, start riots, engage in fighting, unlawfully attack and kill people, and plunder property.
“Some have evil designs on the possessions of others. Without working at their own occupations, they acquire things through theft. Driven by desire, they commit further offenses. Feverishly agitated, they intimidate and rob people to support their own wives and children with the goods thus acquired. Obeying only the dictates of their passions, they become addicted to wanton pleasures. They also disregard seniority in kinship, causing sorrow and anguish to other family members and relatives; furthermore, they take no account of the laws of the state.
“But such evils are known to others and also to demons. The sun and
276c moon recognize them, and demigods keep records of their doings. Thus, because of the natural workings of karma, there are three evil realms and innumerable sufferings through which evildoers must pass, life after life, for many kalpas, with no end in sight. It is indeed difficult for them to gain release. The pain they must undergo is indescribable. This is called the third
great evil, the third suffering, and the third burning. The afflictions are such that they are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive.
“If, in the midst of this, one controls one’s thoughts with singlemindedness, does worthy deeds with proper demeanor, commits no evil, and performs only good, then with the merit and virtue acquired one reaches liberation and is able to escape from this world, be reborn in heavenly realms, and finally reach nirvana. This is the third great good.”
38 The Buddha continued, “The fourth evil is this. People of the world do not think of doing good. They incite each other to commit various kinds of evil— uttering harsh and abusive words, telling lies, and engaging in idle talk. They slander others and cause contention. They hate and envy good people and ruin the wise, while they rejoice in watching this behind the scenes. They are neglectful of their parents, make light of their teachers and elders, fail to win the trust of their friends, and lack sincerity. Holding themselves in high esteem, they think that they are virtuous but act waywardly in an overbearing manner and despise others. Unaware of their own evil, they never feel ashamed of themselves. Boastful of their physical strength, they demand respect and fear from others. Taking no heed of heaven, earth, demigods, or the sun and moon, they disdain to do any good. So they are difficult to train and convert. Holding themselves in high esteem, they demand their own way. Arrogant and afraid of nothing, they always assume a haughty attitude. But demigods keep records of their evils. Perhaps there was some meritorious act in their former lives, and they can count on the effect of that small amount of good. But, since they commit evil again in this life, their store of merit is soon exhausted; good divinities forsake them, leaving them alone with no one on whom to depend. When their lives end, all their evil recoils upon them and forces them, through the natural working of karma, to descend to the evil realms. Again, as the exact records of their deeds in the hands of the demigods dictate, their karmic transgressions and offenses condemn them to hellish realms. Retribution for evil comes about naturally and nothing can stop it. They must go into the red-hot cauldrons, where their bodies are melted down with the utmost torment and anguish. Even if at that time they repent of their evil deeds, what good will that do? The way of heaven takes its inevitable course without mistake.
“Thus, because of the natural working of karma, there are the three evil realms and innumerable kinds of suffering through which evildoers must pass, life after life, for many kalpas, with no end in sight. It is indeed difficult for them to gain release, and the pain they must undergo is indescribable. This is called the fourth great evil, the fourth suffering, and the fourth burning. The afflictions are such that they are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive.
“If, in the midst of this, one controls one’s thoughts with singlemindedness, does worthy deeds with proper demeanor, commits no evil, and performs only good, then with the merit and virtue acquired one reaches liberation and is able to escape from this world, be reborn in heavenly realms, and finally reach nirvana. This is the fourth great good.”
277a 39 The Buddha continued, “The fifth evil is this. People of the world are indecisive and slothful, reluctant to do good, lacking in self-discipline, and they do not work hard at their occupations; so their families and dependents are left to suffer from hunger and cold. When reproached by their parents, they retort angrily with scornful looks. In such conflicts they are far from peaceful; they can be as violent and frenzied as when enemies confront each other; as a result, parents wish that they had no children.
“In dealing with others, they are licentious and wayward, causing trouble and annoyance to many. Even when they are morally obliged to others, they neglect their duties and have no intention of repaying their indebtedness. Destitute and driven to the most desperate ends, they have no way of regaining their wealth. Although eager to obtain much profit and appropriate the riches of others, they waste their money on wanton pleasures. As this becomes a habit, they grow accustomed to acquiring property illegally and to spending their ill-gained profits on personal luxuries; indulging in wine and sumptuous food, they eat and drink to excess. Profligate and contentious as they are, they engage in foolish quarrels. Unable to understand others, they forcibly impose their will upon them.
“When they come upon people who are good, they hate and abuse them. Lacking morality and decorum, they do not reflect on their conduct, and so are presumptuous and insistent, refusing to take the advice and admonitions of others. They are unconcerned if their kinsmen, from the closest to the sixth blood relative, have no means of livelihood. They disregard their parents’ benevolence and do not fulfill obligations to their teachers and friends. They think only of doing evil; their mouths continuously speak malice; and with their bodies, they are forever committing evil. In their whole lives they do not do even one good deed.
“Furthermore, they do not believe in the ancient sages, nor the Buddhist teachings, nor the path of practice leading to liberation. Neither do they believe that after death one is reborn into another state of existence, that good deeds bring about good rewards, or that evil acts bring about evil consequences. They plot to murder an arhat or to cause disruption in the sangha; they even think of killing their parents, brothers, sisters, or other relatives. For this reason, even their kinsmen, from the closest to the sixth blood relative, hate them so much as to wish them dead.
“Such people of the world are all of the same mind. They are foolish and ignorant, lacking the wisdom to know whence they have come into life or whither they are going after death. Neither humane toward others nor obedient to their elders, they rebel against the whole world. Nevertheless, they expect good fortune and seek long lives, only to meet death in the end. Even if someone compassionately admonishes them, trying to lead them to thoughts of good, and teaches them that there are naturally good and evil realms of samsara, they will not believe him. However hard one may try to persuade them, it is useless. Their minds are closed, and they refuse to listen to others or understand their teachings. When their lives are about to end, fear and revulsion arise in turn. Not having previously done any good, they are filled with remorse when they come to their end. But what good will that do then?
“Between heaven and earth, the five realms are clearly distinguishable. They are vast and deep, extending boundlessly. In return for good or evil deeds, happiness or misery ensues. The result of one’s karma must be borne by oneself alone, and no one else can take one’s place. This is natural law. Misfortune follows evil deeds as their retribution, which is impossible to avoid. Good people do good deeds, and so enjoy pleasure after pleasure and proceed from light to greater light. Evildoers commit crimes, and so suffer pain after pain and wander from darkness to deeper darkness. No one, except the Buddha, knows this completely. Even though someone admonishes and teaches them, very few believe; and so the cycles of birth and death never cease and the evil paths continue endlessly. The karmic consequences for
such worldly people cannot be described in detail. 277b “Thus, because of the natural working of karma, there are innumerable kinds of suffering in the three evil realms through which wicked beings must pass, life after life, for many kalpas, with no end in sight. It is indeed difficult for them to gain release, and the pain they must undergo is indescribable. This is called the fifth great evil, the fifth suffering, and the fifth burning. The afflictions are such that they are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive.
“If, in the midst of this, one controls one’s thoughts with singlemindedness, does worthy deeds with proper demeanor, mindfully recollects, harmonizes words and deeds, acts with sincerity, utters true words, speaks from the heart, commits no evil, and performs only good, then with the merit and virtue acquired one reaches liberation and is able to escape from this world, be reborn in heavenly realms, and finally reach nirvana. This is the fifth great good.” 40 The Buddha said to Maitreya, “I shall explain further. Such are the afflictions of the five evils in this world. The five sufferings and the five burnings continue to arise from them. People commit nothing but evil and fail to cultivate roots of virtue, and so it is natural that they all go to evil realms. Even in this life they suffer from incurable illnesses. Longing for death, they cannot die; craving for life, they cannot live. Thus they are an example to others of what the retribution for evil acts is like. After death, driven by their karma, they fall into the three evil realms, where they suffer countless tortures and are themselves consigned to the flames.
“After a long time they are reborn again in this world, only to foment hatred against each other. At first hatred is slight but finally develops into a major evil. All this is because of their greedy attachment to wealth and sensuous pleasures and of their refusal to share with others. Further, wayward thoughts arise from the desires born of stupidity. Their bondage to evil passions will never be severed. In the pursuit of selfish gain, there is no chance for them to reflect on their evils and turn to good. When wealthy and prosperous, they are happy and do not learn to be modest and virtuous. Consequently, their pomp and power are short-lived; when these are exhausted, they must undergo further afflictions. Their sufferings are bound to increase in time to come.
“The law of karma operates like a net stretched everywhere; in its meshes it inevitably catches all offenders. The net woven of large and small ropes covers the whole world, from top to bottom, and those caught in it feel utterly helpless and tremble in fear. This net has been in existence from of old. How painful and heart-rending!”
The Buddha said to Maitreya, “People of this world are as I have described. All the buddhas pity them and with divine powers destroy their evils and lead them all to good. If you give up wrong views, hold fast to the scriptures and the precepts, and practice the Way without committing any fault, then you will finally be able to attain the path to liberation and nirvana.”
The Buddha continued, “You and other devas and people of the present and future generations, having received the Buddha’s teachings, should reflect upon them and, while following them, should remain upright in thought and do virtuous deeds. Rulers should abide by morality, reign with beneficence, and decree that everyone should maintain proper conduct, revere the sages, respect people of virtue, be benevolent and kind to others, and take care not to disregard the Buddha’s teachings and admonitions. All should seek liberation, cut the roots of samsara and its various evils, and so aspire to escape from the paths of immeasurable sorrow, fear, and pain in the three evil realms. 277c
“In this world, you should extensively plant roots of virtue, be benevolent, give generously, abstain from breaking the precepts, be patient and diligent, teach people with sincerity and wisdom, do virtuous deeds, and practice good. If you strictly observe the precepts of abstinence with upright thought and mindfulness even for a day and a night, the merit acquired will surpass that of practicing good in the land of Amitāyus for a hundred years. The reason is that in that buddha land of effortless spontaneity all the inhabitants do good without committing even a hair’s breadth of evil. If in this world you do good for ten days and nights, the merit acquired will surpass that of practicing good in the buddha lands of other directions for a thousand years. The reason is that in the buddha lands of other directions many practice good and very few commit evil. These are lands where everything is naturally provided as a result of one’s merit and virtue, and so no evil is done. But in this world much evil is committed and few are provided for naturally; people must work hard to get what they want. Since they intend to deceive each other, their minds are troubled, their bodies are exhausted, and they drink bitterness and eat hardship. In this way, they are too much preoccupied with their toil to have time for rest.
“Out of pity for you and other devas and humans, I have taken great pains in exhorting you to do good deeds. I have given you instructions appropriate to your capacities. You have, without fail, accepted my teachings and practiced them, and so have all entered on the Way as you wished.
“Wherever the Buddha comes to stay, there is no state, town, or village that is not blessed by his virtues. The whole country reposes in peace and harmony. The sun and moon shine with pure brilliance; wind arises and rain falls at the right time. There is no calamity or epidemic, and so the country becomes wealthy and its people enjoy peace. Soldiers and weapons become useless; and people esteem virtue, practice benevolence, and diligently cultivate courteous modesty.”
The Buddha continued, “My concern for you, devas and humans, is greater than the care of parents for their children. I have become a buddha in this world, destroyed the five evils, removed the five sufferings, and extinguished the five burnings. I have countered evil with good, eradicated the suffering of birth and death, and enabled people to acquire the five virtues and attain the peace of unconditioned nirvana. But after I have departed from this world, my teaching will gradually decline and people will fall prey to flattery and deceit and commit various evils again, resulting in the recurrence of the five sufferings and the five burnings. As time goes on, their sufferings will intensify. As it is impossible to describe this in detail, I have given you only a brief outline.”
The Buddha said to Maitreya, “You should each ponder on this well, teach and admonish each other, and be on guard against disobeying the Buddha’s instruction.”
Maitreya Bodhisattva, with his palms together, said, “O Buddha, how appropriate your admonition is! People of the world are just as you have described. O Tathāgata, you take pity on and care for us without discrimination and seek to deliver us all from suffering. Having accepted the Buddha’s repeated exhortations, I will be careful not to disobey them.”
41 The Buddha said to Ānanda, “Rise to your feet, rearrange your robes, put your palms together, and respectfully revere and worship Amitāyus. Buddha tathāgatas in the lands of the ten directions always praise with one accord that buddha’s virtue of non attachment and unimpeded activity.”
Ānanda stood up, rearranged his robes, assumed the correct posture, faced westward, and, demonstrating his sincere reverence, joined his palms together, prostrated himself on the ground, and worshiped Amitāyus.
Then he said to Śākyamuni Buddha, “World-honored One, I wish to see 278a
that buddha, his Land of Peace and Bliss, and its hosts of bodhisattvas and śrāvakas.”
As soon as he had said this, Amitāyus emitted a great light, which illuminated all the buddha lands. The Encircling Adamantine Mountains, Mount Sumeru, together with large and small mountains and everything else shone with the same [golden] color. That light was like the flood at the end of the period of cosmic change that fills the whole world, when myriads of things are submerged, and as far as the eye can see there is nothing but the vast expanse of water. Even so was the flood of light emanating from Amitāyus. All the lights of śrāvakas and bodhisattvas were outshone and surpassed, and only the Buddha’s light remained shining bright and glorious.
At that time Ānanda saw the splendor and majesty of Amitāyus resembling Mount Sumeru, which rises above the whole world. There was no place that was not illuminated by the light emanating from his body of glory. The four groups of followers of the Buddha in the assembly saw all this at the same time. Likewise, those of the Pure Land saw everything in this world. 42 Then the Buddha said to Ānanda and Maitreya Bodhisattva, “Have you seen that land filled with excellent and glorious manifestations, all spontaneously produced, from the ground to the Heaven of Pure Abode?”
Ānanda replied, “Yes, I have.”
The Buddha asked, “Have you also heard the great voice of Amitāyus expound the Dharma to all the worlds, guiding sentient beings to the Way of the Buddha?”
Ānanda replied, “Yes, I have.”
The Buddha further asked, “Have you also seen the inhabitants of that land move freely, riding in seven-jeweled airborne palaces as large as a hundred thousand yojanas, to worship the buddhas of the lands in the ten directions?” “Yes, I have,” replied Ānanda.
“Have you also seen that some of the inhabitants are in the embryonic
state of rebirth?”
“Yes, I have. Those in the embryonic state dwell in palaces as high as a hundred yojanas or five hundred yojanas, where they spontaneously enjoy pleasures as do those in the Heaven of the Thirty-three Gods.”
43 Then Maitreya Bodhisattva said to the Buddha, “World-honored One, for what reason are some of the inhabitants of that land in the embryonic state and the others born by transformation?”
The Buddha replied, “Maitreya, if there are sentient beings who do various meritorious deeds, aspiring for birth in that land while still entertaining doubt, such beings are unable to comprehend the buddha wisdom, inconceivable wisdom, ineffable wisdom, boundless Mahayana wisdom, and incomparable, unequaled, and unsurpassed supreme wisdom. Although they doubt these wisdoms, they still believe in retribution for evil and reward for virtue and so cultivate a store of merit, aspiring for birth in that land. Such beings are born in a palace, where they dwell for five hundred years without being able to behold the Buddha, hear his exposition of the Dharma, or see the hosts of bodhisattvas and śrāvakas. For this reason, that type of birth in the Pure Land is called the ‘embryonic state.’
“If there are sentient beings who with resolute faith accept these kinds of wisdom, from the Buddha’s wisdom to the supreme wisdom, do meritorious deeds, and sincerely transfer the merit acquired [to that land], those beings
278b will be spontaneously born by transformation, seated with legs crossed, in the seven-jeweled lotus flowers, and instantly attain the same glorious forms, wisdom, and virtue as those of the bodhisattvas there.
44 “Further, Maitreya, if great bodhisattvas in the buddha lands22 of other directions desire to see Amitāyus, and revere and make offerings to him and the hosts of bodhisattvas and śrāvakas, they will, after death, be born in the land of Amitāyus. Spontaneously transformed, they will be born from within the seven-jeweled lotus flowers.
“Maitreya, you should know that those born by transformation are possessed of supreme wisdom, while those in the embryonic state lack that wisdom and must pass five hundred years without being able to behold the Buddha, hear his teaching of the Dharma, see the hosts of bodhisattvas and śrāvakas, make offerings to the Buddha, learn the rules of conduct for bodhisattvas, or perform meritorious practices. You should know that this is because those beings harbored doubt and lacked wisdom in their previous lives.” 45 The Buddha said to Maitreya, “Let us suppose that a wheel-turning monarch has a special chamber that is adorned with the seven kinds of jewels and provided with curtained couches and silken banners hanging from the ceiling. If princes have committed an offense against the king, they are taken to that chamber and fettered with gold chains. There they are served with food and drink and provided with clothes, couches and cushions, flowers and incense; and they can enjoy music. Being treated just like the wheelturning monarch himself, they have no wants. Do you think that those princes would enjoy living there?”
“No, they would not,” replied Maitreya. “They would seek various means
of approach to ask a person of power to help them escape.”
The Buddha said to Maitreya, “Those beings born within the lotus buds are like that. Because of their doubt of the Buddha’s wisdom they have been born in palaces. Although they receive no punishment or ill treatment even for a single moment, they must pass five hundred years there without being able to see the Three Treasures, make offerings to the Buddha, or cultivate a store of virtue. This is distressing to them. Though there are other pleasures, they do not enjoy living there.
“If those beings become aware of the faults committed in their former lives and deeply repent, they can, as they wish, leave and go to where Amitāyus dwells. Then they can worship and make offerings to him; they can also visit innumerable and countless other tathāgatas to perform various meritorious practices. Maitreya, you should know that the bodhisattvas who allow doubt to arise lose great benefits. For this reason, you should have resolute faith in the supreme wisdom of the Buddha.”
46 Maitreya Bodhisattva said to the Buddha, “World-honored One, how many non-retrogressive bodhisattvas are there in this world who will be born in that buddha land?”
The Buddha replied, “Sixty-seven koṭis of non-retrogressive bodhisattvas from this world will be born there. Each of these bodhisattvas has previously made offerings to innumerable buddhas with almost as much diligence as you 278c did, Maitreya. Furthermore, bodhisattvas of lesser practices and those who have performed small acts of merit, whose number is beyond calculation, will all be born there.”
The Buddha said to Maitreya, “Not only those bodhisattvas from this world but also those from buddha lands in other directions are born there. First, in the land of the buddha named Far-reaching Illumination there are one hundred and eighty koṭis of bodhisattvas who all visit there. Second, in the land of Jewel Storehouse Buddha there are ninety koṭis of bodhisattvas who all visit there. Third, in the land of Immeasurable Sound Buddha there are two hundred and twenty koṭis of bodhisattvas who all visit there. Fourth, in the land of Taste of Nectar Buddha there are two hundred and fifty koṭis of bodhisattvas who all visit there. Fifth, in the land of Dragon Subduing Buddha there are fourteen koṭis of bodhisattvas who all visit there. Sixth, in the land of Superior Power Buddha there are fourteen thousand bodhisattvas who all visit there. Seventh, in the land of Siṃha Buddha there are five hundred koṭis of bodhisattvas who all visit there. Eighth, in the land of Undefiled Light Buddha there are eighty koṭis of bodhisattvas who all visit there. Ninth, in the land of Peak of Virtue Buddha there are sixty koṭis of bodhisattvas who all visit there. Tenth, in the land of Mountain of Excellent Virtue Buddha there are sixty koṭis of bodhisattvas who all visit there. Eleventh, in the land of King of Humans Buddha there are ten koṭis of bodhisattvas who all visit there. Twelfth, in the land of Splendid Flower Buddha there are innumerable and incalculable bodhisattvas who are all non-retrogressive and possessed of unrivaled wisdom, who have previously made offerings to countless buddhas, and are able to learn in seven days the adamantine teachings of the Dharma that can only be attained by mahāsattvas after practicing for a hundred thousand koṭis of kalpas. Those bodhisattvas all visit there. Thirteenth, in the land of Fearlessness Buddha there are seven hundred and ninety koṭis of great bodhisattvas and incalculable minor bodhisattvas and bhikṣus who all visit there.”
The Buddha said to Maitreya, “Not only do the bodhisattvas from those fourteen buddha lands23 visit that land, but also bodhisattvas from innumerable buddha lands in the ten directions, whose number is incalculable. Even if I were to give you only the names of the buddhas in the ten directions and the number of the bodhisattvas and bhikṣus who visit that land, enumerating them continuously day and night for a kalpa, I would not be able to complete the list. This is why I have given you only a brief description.”
47 The Buddha said to Maitreya, “If there are people who hear the Name of 279a that buddha, rejoice so greatly as to dance, and think of him even once, then you should know that they have gained great benefit by receiving unsurpassed virtue. For this reason, Maitreya, even if a great fire were to fill the universe of a thousand million worlds, you should pass through it to hear this sutra, to arouse joyful faith, to uphold and chant it, and to practice in accordance with its teachings. This is because there are many bodhisattvas who wish to hear this teaching but are still unable to do so. If there are sentient beings who have heard it, they will attain the stage of non-retrogression for realizing the highest enlightenment. This is why you should singleheartedly accept in faith, uphold, and chant this sutra, and practice in accordance with its teachings.”
The Buddha further said, “I have expounded this teaching for the sake of sentient beings and enabled you to see Amitāyus and all in his land. Strive to do what you should. After I have passed into nirvana, do not allow doubt to arise. In the future, the Buddhist scriptures and teachings will perish. But, out of pity and compassion, I will especially preserve this sutra and maintain it in the world for a hundred years more. Those beings who encounter it will attain deliverance in accord with their aspirations.”
The Buddha said to Maitreya, “It is difficult to encounter and behold a tathāgata when he is in this world. Difficult to access, difficult to hear are the buddhas’ teachings and scriptures. It is also difficult to hear the excellent teachings for bodhisattvas, the pāramitās. Difficult too is it to meet a good teacher, to hear the Dharma, and perform the practices. But most difficult of all difficulties is to hear this sutra, have faith in it with joy, and hold fast to it. Nothing is more difficult than this. Thus have I formed my Dharma, thus have I expounded my Dharma, thus have I taught my Dharma. You must receive it and practice it by the method prescribed.”
48 When the World-honored One had finished his presentation of this sutra, aspiration for highest enlightenment was awakened in innumerable sentient beings. Twelve thousand nayutas of human beings attained the pure Dharma eye; twenty-two koṭis of devas and humans attained the stage of non-returner (anā gāmin); eight hundred thousand bhikṣus realized the wisdom of destroying defilements; forty koṭis of bodhisattvas attained the stage of non-retrogression; and all, adorned with the virtue of the universal vows, will ultimately attain perfect enlightenment.
At that time the entire universe of a thousand million worlds quaked in
six ways, and a great light illuminated all the lands in the ten directions. A hundred thousand kinds of music played spontaneously, and innumerable marvelous flowers fell in profusion from the sky.
When the Buddha finished delivering this sutra, Maitreya Bodhisattva and bodhisattvas from the lands in the ten directions, together with Elder Ānanda, other great śrāvakas, and all those in the assembly, without exception, rejoiced at the Buddha’s discourse.
End of Part Two of the Sutra on the Buddha of Infinite Life Delivered by Śākyamuni Buddha
THE SUTRA ON THE VISUALIZATION OF THEDELIVERED BY ŚĀKYAMUNI BUDDHABUDDHA OF INFINITE LIFE
Translated into Chinese during the Liu-Song Dynasty by Tripiṭaka Master Kālayaśas24 of Central Asia
1 Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha was staying on Vulture Peak in Rājagṛha with a great assembly of twelve hundred and fifty monks. He 341a was also accompanied by thirty-two thousand bodhisattvas led by Mañjuśrī, the Dharma Prince.
2 At that time, in the great city of Rājagṛha, there was a prince named Ajāta śatru. Instigated by his wicked friend Devadatta, he seized his father, King Bimbisāra, confined him in a room with walls seven deep, and forbade all the court officials to visit the king.
Vaidehī, the king’s consort, was devoted to him. After having bathed and cleansed herself, she spread over her body ghee and honey mixed to a paste with wheat flour, filled her ornaments with grape juice, and secretly offered this food and drink to the king. He ate the flour paste, drank the juice, and then asked for water. Having rinsed his mouth, he joined his palms in reverence and, facing Vulture Peak, worshiped the World-honored One from afar, and said, “Mahāmaudgalyāyana is my close friend. I beseech you to have pity on me and send him here to give me the eight precepts.”
Then Mahāmaudgalyāyana flew as swiftly as a hawk to the king. Day after day he came like this to give the king the eight precepts. The Worldhonored One also sent Venerable Pūrṇa to the palace to expound the Dharma to the king. Three weeks passed in this way. Because he had eaten the flour paste and heard the Dharma, he appeared peaceful and contented.
3 Then Ajātaśatru asked the guard, “Is my father still alive?”
The guard replied, “Great King, his consort spreads flour paste over her body, fills her ornaments with grape juice, and offers these to the king. The monks Mahāmaudgalyāyana and Pūrṇa come here through the air to expound the Dharma to him. It is impossible to stop them.”
Hearing this, Ajātaśatru became furious with his mother and said, “Because you are an accomplice of that enemy, Mother, you too are an enemy. Those monks are evil, for with their delusive magic they have kept this wicked king alive for many days.” So saying, he drew his sharp sword, intending to kill her.
At that time the king had a minister named Candraprabha who was intelligent and wise. Together with Jīvaka he made obeisances to the king and
65
said, “Great King, according to a certain Vedic scripture,25 since the beginning of this cosmic period there have been eighteen thousand wicked kings who have killed their fathers out of their desire to usurp the throne, but we have never heard of anyone who has committed the outrage of killing his mother. Your Majesty, if you commit such an outrage, you will bring disgrace upon the kṣatriya class. As your ministers, we cannot bear to hear what people will say. As this would be the act of an outcaste, we could no longer remain here.”
Having spoken these words, the two ministers grasped their swords and stepped back. Agitated and frightened, Ajātaśatru said to Jīvaka, “Are you not on my side?”
Jīvaka replied, “Your Majesty, please restrain yourself and do not kill
your mother.”
Hearing this, the king repented and begged their forgiveness. Having
341b thrown away his sword, he stopped short of killing his mother and instead ordered the court officials to lock her up in an inner chamber and not allow her to leave.
4 Vaidehī, thus confined, grew emaciated with grief and despair. Facing Vulture Peak, she worshiped the Buddha from afar and said, “O Tathāgata, Worldhonored One, you used to send Ānanda to comfort me. Now I am in deep sorrow and distress. Since there is no way of my coming to look upon your august countenance, World-honored One, I pray you send Venerable Mahāmaudgal yāyana and Venerable Ānanda here to see me.”
When she had said these words, tears of sorrow streamed down her cheeks like rain. Then she bowed toward the Buddha in the distance. Even before she raised her head, the World-honored One, who was then staying on Vulture Peak,26 knew Vaidehī’s thoughts and immediately ordered Mahāmaudgal yā yana and Ānanda to go to her through the air; he himself disappeared from the mountain and reappeared in the inner chamber of the royal palace.
After worshiping him, Vaidehī raised her head and saw Śākyamuni Buddha, the World-honored One. He was the color of purple-gold and was seated upon a lotus flower of a hundred jewels. He was attended by Mahāmaudgalyāyana on his left and Ānanda on his right. Śakra, Brahmā, the guardian gods of the world, and other devas were in the air about him. Scattering heavenly blossoms like rain, they paid homage to the Buddha.
When she saw the World-honored One, Vaidehī tore off her ornaments and prostrated herself on the ground. Weeping bitterly, she said to the Buddha, “O World-honored One, what bad karma did I commit in former lives that I have given birth to such an evil son? I wonder, World-honored One, what karmic relations could have made you a relative of Devadatta?
5 “I beseech you, World-honored One, to reveal to me a land of no sorrow and no affliction where I can be reborn. I do not wish to live in this defiled and evil world of Jambudvīpa where there are hells, realms of hungry ghosts, animals, and many vile beings. I wish that in the future I shall not hear evil words or see wicked people. World-honored One, I now kneel down to repent and beg you to take pity on me. I entreat you, O sunlike Buddha, to teach me how to visualize a land of pure karmic perfection.”
Then the World-honored One sent forth from between his eyebrows a flood of light that was the color of gold and illuminated the innumerable worlds in the ten directions. Returning to the Buddha, the light settled on his head and transformed itself into a golden platform resembling Mount Sumeru. On the platform appeared the pure and resplendent lands of all the buddhas in the ten directions. Some of these lands were made of the seven kinds of jewels, some solely of lotus flowers; some resembled the palace in the Heaven of Free Enjoyment of Manifestations by Others, while some were like a crystal mirror in which all the lands in the ten directions were reflected. Innumerable buddha lands like these, glorious and beautiful, were displayed to her.
Vaidehī then said to the Buddha, “O World-honored One, these buddha lands are pure and free of defilement, and all of them are resplendent. But I wish to be born in the Land of Utmost Bliss of Amitāyus. I beseech you, Worldhonored One, to teach me how to contemplate that land and attain samādhi.” 341c
6 The World-honored One smiled, and from his mouth came five-colored rays of light, each shining on King Bimbisāra’s head. Although the old king was confined, with his unhindered mind’s eye he saw the World-honored One in the distance. He knelt down in homage to the Buddha and effortlessly made spiritual progress until he reached the stage of non-returner.
7 Then the World-honored One said to Vaidehī, “Do you know that Amitāyus is not far away? Fix your thoughts upon and contemplate that buddha land.
Then you will accomplish the pure acts.27 I shall describe it to you in detail with various illustrations, so that all ordinary people in the future who wish to practice pure karma may also be born in that Western Land of Utmost Bliss. Whoever wishes to be born there should practice the three acts: first, caring for one’s parents, attending to one’s teachers and elders, compassionately refraining from killing, and doing the ten good deeds; second, taking the Three Refuges, keeping the various precepts, and refraining from breaking the rules of conduct; and third, awakening aspiration for enlightenment (bodhicitta), believing deeply in the law of causality, chanting the Mahayana sutras, and encouraging people to follow their teachings. These three are called pure karma.”
The Buddha further said to Vaidehī, “Do you know that these three acts are the pure karma practiced by all the buddhas of the past, present, and future as the right cause of enlightenment?”
8 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “Listen carefully, listen carefully and ponder deeply. I, the Tathāgata, shall discourse on pure karma for the sake of all sentient beings of the future who are afflicted by the enemy, evil passions. It is very good, Vaidehī, that you have willingly asked me about this. Ānanda, you must receive and keep the Buddha’s words and widely proclaim them to the multitude of beings. I, the Tathāgata, shall now teach you, Vaidehī, and all sentient beings of the future how to visualize the Western Land of Utmost Bliss. By the power of the Buddha all will be able to see the Pure Land as clearly as if one were looking at one’s own reflection in a bright mirror. Seeing the utmost beauty and bliss of that land, they will rejoice and immediately attain insight into the non-arising of all dharmas.”
The Buddha said to Vaidehī, “You are unenlightened and so your spiritual powers are weak and obscured. Since you have not yet attained the divine eye, you cannot see that which is distant. But the buddha tathāgatas have special ways to enable you to see afar.”
Vaidehī said to the Buddha, “World-honored One, through the Buddha’s power, even I have now been able to see that land. But after the Buddha’s passing sentient beings will become defiled and evil and be oppressed by the five kinds of suffering. How then will those beings be able to see the Land of Utmost Bliss of Amitāyus?”
9 The Buddha said to Vaidehī, “You and other sentient beings should concentrate and, with one-pointed attention, turn your thoughts westward. How do you contemplate? All sentient beings except those born blind—that is, all those with the faculty of sight—should look at the setting sun. Sit in the 342a proper posture, facing west. Clearly gaze at the sun, with mind firmly fixed on it; concentrate your sight and do not let it wander from the setting sun, which is like a drum suspended above the horizon. Having done so, you should then be able to visualize it clearly, whether your eyes are open or closed. This is the visualization of the sun and is known as the first contemplation. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.”
10 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “After you have accomplished the first contemplation, next practice the visualization of water. Envision the western direction as entirely flooded by water. Then picture the water as clear and pure, and let this vision be distinctly perceived. Keep your thoughts from being distracted. After you have visualized the water, envision it becoming frozen. After you have visualized the ice as transparent to its depth, see it turning into beryl. When you have attained this vision, next imagine that the beryl ground shines brilliantly, inside and out, and that this ground is supported from below by columns that are made of diamond and the seven kinds of jewels and hung with golden banners. These columns have eight sides and eight corners, each side being adorned with a hundred kinds of jewels. Each jewel emits a thousand rays of light, each ray in turn having eighty-four thousand colors. As they are reflected on the beryl ground, they look like a thousand koṭis of suns, so dazzling that it is impossible to see them in detail.
“On this beryl ground, golden paths intercross like a net of cords. The land is divided into areas made of one or the other of the seven jewels, so the partitions are quite distinct. Each jewel emits a flood of light in five hundred colors. The light appears in the shape of a flower or a star or the moon; suspended in the sky, it turns into a platform of light on which there are ten million pavilions made of a hundred kinds of jewels. Both sides of this platform are adorned with a hundred koṭis of flowered banners and innumerable musical instruments. As eight pure breezes arise from the light and play the musical instruments, they proclaim the truths of suffering, emptiness, impermanence, and no-self. This is the visualization of the water and is known as the second contemplation. 11 “When you have attained this contemplation, visualize each object quite clearly without losing the image, whether your eyes are closed or open. Except when sleeping,28 always keep it in mind. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.”
The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “When the visualization of the water has been accomplished, it is called the general perception of the ground of the Land of Utmost Bliss. If you attain a state of samādhi, you will see this ground so clearly and distinctly that it will be impossible to describe it in detail. This is the visualization of the ground and is known as the third contemplation.”
The Buddha said to Ānanda, “Keep these words of the Buddha in mind, and expound this method of visualizing the ground for the benefit of the multitude of future beings who will seek liberation from suffering. If one has attained a vision of the ground of that land, the evil karma that would bind one to birth and death for eighty koṭis of kalpas29 will be extinguished, and so one will certainly be born in the Pure Land in the next life. Do not doubt this. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice 342b otherwise is incorrect.”
12 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “When you have accomplished visualization of the ground, next contemplate the jeweled trees. This is how to do so. Visualize each one and then form an image of seven rows of trees, each being eight thousand yojanas high and adorned with seven-jeweled blossoms and leaves. Each blossom and leaf has the colors of various jewels. From the beryl-colored blossoms and leaves issues forth a golden light. From the crystal-colored [blossoms and leaves] issues forth a crimson light. From the agate-colored [blossoms and leaves] issues forth a sapphire light. From the sapphire-colored [blossoms and leaves] issues forth a green pearl light. Coral, amber, and all the other jewels serve as illuminating ornaments. Splendid nets of pearls cover the trees. Between these seven rows of nets covering each tree there are five hundred koṭis of palaces adorned with exquisite flowers, like the palace of the Brahmā king, where celestial children naturally dwell. Each of these children wears ornaments made of five hundred koṭis of śakra-abhilagna-maṇi-gems, which light up a hundred yojanas in all directions, like a hundred koṭis of suns and moons shining together, and so it is impossible to describe them in detail. Manifold jewels intermingle, producing the most beautiful colors.
“Rows of these jeweled trees are evenly arranged and their leaves are equally spaced. From among the leaves appear wonderful blossoms which spontaneously bear fruits of the seven kinds of jewels. Each leaf is twentyfive yojanas in both length and breadth. Like the celestial ornaments, the leaves are of a thousand colors and a hundred patterns. These trees have marvelous blossoms which are the color of gold from the Jambu River and spin like firewheels among the leaves. From these blossoms appear various fruits, as from Śakra’s vase, and from the fruits issue forth great floods of light which transform themselves into banners and innumerable jeweled canopies. Inside the jeweled canopies can be seen reflections of all the activities of the Buddha throughout the universe of a thousand million worlds. The buddha lands in the ten directions are also reflected in them.
“After you have seen these trees, visualize each detail in order: the trunks, branches, leaves, blossoms, and fruits, and let your vision of all of them be clear and distinct. This is the visualization of the trees and is known as the fourth contemplation. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.”
13 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “When you have accomplished visualization of the trees, next contemplate the ponds.30 This is how to do so. In the Land of Utmost Bliss, there are ponds of water possessing the eight excellent qualities, each made of the seven kinds of jewels that are soft and pliable. The water, springing from a wish-fulfilling king maṇi-gem, forms fourteen streams. Each stream is the color of the seven kinds of jewels. Its banks are made of gold and its bed is strewn with diamond sand of many colors. In each stream there are sixty koṭis of lotus flowers of the seven kinds of jewels, which are round and symmetrical, measuring twelve yojanas in diameter. The water from the maṇi-gem flows among the flowers and meanders between the trees. As it ripples it produces exquisite sounds, which pro- 342c claim the truths of suffering, emptiness, impermanence, and no-self, and of the pāramitās. Its sound also praises the physical characteristics and marks of the buddhas. The wish-fulfilling king maṇi-gem emits a splendid golden light, which transforms itself into birds with the colors of a hundred jewels.
Their songs are melodious and elegant, constantly praising the virtue of mindfulness of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. This is the visualization of the water possessing the eight excellent qualities and is known as the fifth contemplation. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.”
14 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “In each region of this jeweled land there are five hundred koṭis of jeweled pavilions in which innumerable devas play heavenly music. There are also musical instruments suspended in the sky, which, like those on the heavenly jeweled banners,31 spontaneously produce tones even without a player. Each tone proclaims the virtue of mindfulness of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. When this contemplation has been accomplished, it is known as the general perception of the jeweled trees, jeweled ground, and jeweled ponds of the Land of Utmost Bliss. This is a composite visualization and is called the sixth contemplation.
“Those who have perceived these objects will be rid of extremely heavy evil karma which they have committed during innumerable kalpas and will certainly, after death, be born in that land. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.” 15 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “Listen carefully, listen carefully and ponder deeply. I will expound for you the method of removing suffering.
Bear my words in mind and explain them to the multitude of beings.”
When these words were spoken, Amitāyus appeared in the air above, attended on his left and right by the two mahāsattvas Ava lo kiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta. So brilliant was their radiance that it was impossible to see them in detail. They could not be compared even with a hundred thousand nuggets of gold from the Jambu River.
After she had this vision of Amitāyus, Vaidehī knelt down in worship at Śākyamuni’s feet and said to him, “World-honored One, through your power I have been able to see Amitāyus and the two bodhisattvas, but how can sentient beings of the future see them?”
The Buddha said to Vaidehī, “Those who wish to see that Buddha should form an image of a lotus flower on the seven-jeweled ground. They visualize each petal of this flower as having the colors of a hundred kinds of jewels and eighty-four thousand veins like a celestial painting, with eighty-four thousand rays of light issuing forth from each vein. They should visualize all of these clearly and distinctly. Its smaller petals are two hundred and fifty yojanas in both length and breadth. This lotus flower has eighty-four thousand large petals. Between the petals there are a hundred koṭis of king maṇi-gems as illuminating adornments. Each maṇi-gem emits a thousand rays of light which, like canopies made of the seven kinds of jewels, cover the entire earth. 343a
“The dais is made of śakra-abhilagna-maṇi-gems and is decorated with eighty thousand diamonds, kiṃśuka-gems, brahma-maṇi-gems, and also with exquisite pearl nets. On the dais four columns with jeweled banners spontaneously arise, each appearing to be as large as a thousand million koṭis of Mount Sumerus. On the columns rest a jeweled canopy similar to that in the palace of the Yāma Heaven. It is also adorned with five hundred koṭis of excellent gems, each emitting eighty-four thousand rays shining in eightyfour thousand different tints of golden color. Each golden light suffuses this jeweled land and transforms itself everywhere into various forms, such as diamond platforms, nets of pearls, and nebulous clusters of flowers. In all the ten directions it transforms itself into anything according to one’s wishes and performs the activities of the Buddha. This is the visualization of the lotus throne and is known as the seventh contemplation.”
The Buddha further said to Ānanda, “This majestic lotus flower was originally produced by the power of Dharmākara Bhikṣu’s [Original] Vow. Those who wish to see Amitāyus Buddha should first practice this contemplation of the flower throne. In doing so, do not contemplate in a disorderly way. Visualize the objects one by one—each petal, each gem, each ray of light, each dais, and each column. See all of these as clearly and distinctly as if you were looking at your own image in a mirror. When this contemplation is accomplished, the evil karma that would bind you to birth and death for five hundred koṭis of kalpas will be extinguished, and you will certainly be born in the Land of Utmost Bliss. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.”
16 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “After you have seen this, next visualize the Buddha. Why the Buddha? Because buddha tathāgatas have cosmic bodies,32 and so enter into the meditating mind of each sentient being. For this reason, when you contemplate a buddha, your mind itself takes the form of his thirty-two physical characteristics and eighty secondary marks. Your mind produces the Buddha’s image and is itself the Buddha.33 The ocean of perfectly and universally enlightened buddhas thus arises in the meditating mind. For this reason, you should singlemindedly concentrate and deeply contemplate the Buddha Tathāgata, Arhat, and Perfectly Enlightened One. “When you visualize the Buddha, you should first form his image. Whether your eyes are open or closed, perceive a jeweled image of him, who is the color of gold from the Jambu River, sitting on that flower throne. When you have thus perceived a seated image of the Buddha, your mind’s eye will open and you will clearly and distinctly see the seven-jeweled glorious objects of the Land of Utmost Bliss, including the seven-jeweled ground, the jeweled ponds, the rows of jeweled trees covered with heavenly jeweled curtains, and jeweled nets spreading over the sky. Perceive these as clearly and distinctly as if you were seeing an object in the palm of your hand.
“After you have seen this image, visualize on the Buddha’s left a large
343b lotus flower which is exactly the same as the one described above, and then another large one on his right. Visualize an image of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva sitting on the flower seat on his left, sending forth a golden light just like the buddha image described above, and then an image of Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva sitting on the flower seat on his right.
“When you have attained this vision, you will see these images of the Buddha and bodhisattvas sending forth golden rays, which illuminate the jeweled trees. Under each tree there are also three lotus flowers with images of a buddha and two bodhisattvas sitting on them, so that the land is completely filled with such images.
When you have attained this vision, you will perceive the streams, rays of light, jeweled trees, ducks, geese, male and female mandarin ducks, and so forth, all expounding the wonderful Dharma. Whether in meditation or not, you will always hear the wonderful Dharma. When you rise from meditation you should remember what you have heard, not forget it, and confirm it with the sutras. If it does not agree with the sutras it should be called an illusion, but if it does agree it is called the attainment of the general perception of the Land of Utmost Bliss. This is the visualization of the buddha image, and is known as the eighth contemplation. If you have attained this, the evil karma that would bind you to birth and death for innumerable koṭis of kalpas will be extinguished and, while in this life, you will attain the buddha-recollection samādhi. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.”
17 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “After you have succeeded in seeing these images, next envision the physical characteristics and the light of Amitāyus. Ānanda, you should realize that his body is as glorious as a thousand million koṭis of nuggets of gold from the Jambu River of the Yāma Heaven and that his height is six hundred thousand koṭis of nayutas of yojanas multiplied by the number of the sands of the Ganges River. The white tuft of hair curling to the right between his eyebrows is five times as big as Mount Sumeru. His eyes are clear and as broad as the four great oceans; their blue irises and whites are distinct. From all the pores of his body issues forth a flood of light as magnificent as Mount Sumeru. His aureole is as broad as a hundred koṭis of universes, each containing a thousand million worlds. In this aureole reside transformed buddhas numbering as many as a million koṭis of nayutas multiplied by the number of the sands of the Ganges River. Each buddha is attended by innumerable and countless transformed bodhisattvas.
“Amitāyus Buddha possesses eighty-four thousand physical characteristics, each having eighty-four thousand secondary marks of excellence. Each secondary mark emits eighty-four thousand rays of light; each ray of light shines universally upon the lands of the ten directions, embracing and not forsaking those who are mindful of the Buddha. It is impossible to describe in detail these rays of light, physical characteristics, and marks, transformed buddhas, and so forth. But you can see them clearly with your mind’s eye through contemplation.
“Those who have envisioned them see all the buddhas of the ten directions. Because they see the buddhas, this is called the buddha-recollection samādhi. To attain this contemplation is to perceive the bodies of all the buddhas. By perceiving these, one also realizes the buddhas’ mind. The 343c buddhas’ mind is great compassion. It embraces sentient beings with unconditional benevolence. Those who have practiced this contemplation will, after death, be born in the presence of the buddhas and realize insight into the non-arising of all dharmas. For this reason, the wise should concentrate their thoughts and visualize Amitāyus.
“In contemplating him, begin with one of his physical characteristics. Visualize first the white tuft of hair between his eyebrows until you see it quite clearly and distinctly. When you visualize it, all the eighty-four thousand physical characteristics will spontaneously become manifest. When you see Amitāyus you will also see innumerable buddhas of the ten directions. Having visualized these innumerable buddhas you will receive from each the prediction of your future buddhahood. This is the general perception of all the physical characteristics of the Buddha and is known as the ninth contemplation. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.”
18 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “After you have seen Amitāyus clearly and distinctly, next visualize Avalo kiteśvara Bodhisattva. His height is eighty koṭis of nayutas of yojanas multiplied by the number of the sands of the Ganges River. His body is the color of purple-gold, and on the top of his head is a mound surrounded by an aureole with a radius of a hundred thousand yojanas, in which there are five hundred transformed buddhas. Each transformed buddha resembles Śākyamuni and is attended by five hundred transformed bodhisattvas and innumerable devas. In the light emanating from his entire body are seen the sentient beings of the five realms of samsara in all their distinct physical forms. On his head he wears a heavenly crown made of śakra-abhilagna-maṇi-gems, on which stands a transformed buddha (Amitāyus) measuring twenty-five yojanas in height.
“The face of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva is the color of gold from the Jambu River, while the tuft of hair between his eyebrows has the colors of the seven kinds of jewels, and from it issue forth eighty-four thousand different rays of light. In each of these rays dwell innumerable and countless hundreds of thousands of transformed buddhas, each attended by countless transformed bodhisattvas, all of whom manifest in various forms at will, filling completely the worlds of the ten directions. Avalokiteśvara’s arms are the color of red lotus flowers. They emit eighty koṭis of exquisite rays of light in the shape
344a of ornaments, in which are reflected all the glorious objects of that land. The palms of his hands are the color of five hundred koṭis of various lotus flowers. Each of his ten fingertips bears eighty-four thousand signs like impressed patterns, each with eighty-four thousand colors. Each color in turn emits eighty-four thousand delicate rays of light, illuminating all beings. With his jeweled hands he welcomes and guides sentient beings.
“When he lifts one of his feet, the mark of a thousand-spoked wheel on its sole spontaneously changes into a pedestal, which emits five hundred koṭis of light rays. When he puts his foot down, flowers made of diamond and maṇi-gems scatter, covering everywhere. All the other physical characteristics and marks that he fully possesses are the same as the Buddha’s, except for the mound on his head and the uppermost, invisible part,34 which are not equal to those of the World-honored One. This is the visualization of the true physical features of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva and is known as the tenth contemplation.”
Then the Buddha said to Ānanda, “Those who wish to see Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva should follow the method of contemplation just mentioned. Those who practice this contemplation will not encounter any misfortune but will be freed from karmic hindrances and rid of the evil karma that would bind them to birth and death for innumerable kalpas. If you only hear the name of this bodhisattva, you will obtain immeasurable merit. And so, how much more merit will you acquire if you clearly visualize him! Those who wish to see Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva should first envision the mound on his head and next his heavenly crown. Then they should visualize the other physical characteristics in order, as clearly as if they were looking at something in the palm of their hand. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.”
19 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “Next visualize Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva. The dimensions of this bodhisattva are the same as those of Avalokiteśvara. His aureole, two hundred and twenty-five yojanas in diameter, shines to a distance of two hundred and fifty yojanas. The light emanating from his entire body illuminates the worlds of the ten directions, making them shine like purple-gold. This light can be seen by anyone who has a close karmic relationship with him. Even if one sees the light emanating from only one pore of his skin, one can perceive the pure and glorious lights of the innumerable buddhas of the ten directions. That is why this bodhisattva is called Boundless Light. Furthermore, he has great power to illumine all beings with the light of wisdom in order to deliver them from the three evil realms. It is for this reason that he is also called Possessed of Great Power. “The heavenly crown of this bodhisattva is adorned with five hundred jeweled lotus flowers, each having five hundred jeweled pedestals. On each pedestal appear the pure and resplendent lands of the buddhas in the ten directions with all their boundless and glorious features.
“The mound on his head, shaped like a lotus bud, has a jeweled vase in front. This is suffused with various lights which reveal all the activities of the Buddha. The rest of the characteristics of his body are exactly the same as Avalokiteśvara’s. When this bodhisattva walks all the worlds in the ten
344b directions quake. Wherever the earth trembles, five hundred koṭis of jeweled flowers appear, each as beautiful and brilliant as a flower in the Land of Utmost Bliss. When this bodhisattva sits down all the seven-jeweled lands, from the land of Golden Light Buddha in the nadir to that of King of Light Buddha in the zenith, tremble simultaneously. From between these, manifested bodies of Amitāyus, Avalo kiteśvara, and Mahāsthāmaprāpta, as innumerable as particles of dust, all assemble like clouds in the Land of Utmost Bliss, filling the entire sky. Sitting on lotus seats, they expound the wonderful Dharma to save suffering beings. To visualize thus is known as the contemplation of Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva, and is also called the contemplation of Mahāsthāma- prāpta’s physical characteristics. To visualize that bodhisattva in this way is known as the eleventh contemplation. It extinguishes the evil karma that would bind one to birth and death for immeasurable and countless kalpas. Those who practice this contemplation will no longer be subject to birth from the womb. They can journey to the pure and exquisite lands of the buddhas. These contemplations are known as the complete contemplations of Avalokiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.”
20 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “After you have contemplated thus, next visualize yourself as born in the Western Land of Utmost Bliss sitting cross-legged upon a lotus flower. Visualize this lotus flower as closed; as it opens, five hundred rays of colored light illuminate your body; then your eyes open and you see buddhas and bodhisattvas filling the sky and hear the sounds of the water, birds, and trees, and the voices of the buddhas all expounding the wonderful Dharma in accord with the twelve divisions of the scriptures. When you rise from meditation, keep those things in mind and do not forget them. Seeing them thus is known as the visualization of the Land of Utmost Bliss of Amitāyus Buddha. This is the comprehensive visualization and is known as the twelfth contemplation.
“Innumerable transformed bodies of Amitāyus, together with those of Avalokiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta, will always accompany those who contemplate thus. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.”
21 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “If you sincerely desire to be born in the Western Land, you should first picture a figure, sixteen feet tall, on the surface of a pond. The dimensions of Amitāyus as previously described are boundless and beyond the mental scope of ordinary beings. But by the power of the Original Vows of that tathāgata, those who contemplate him will certainly succeed. You can acquire immeasurable merit simply by visualizing an image of that buddha. And so, how much more merit will you acquire by visualizing his complete physical characteristics!
“Amitāyus, exercising supernatural powers at will, can freely manifest 344c
his various forms in the lands of the ten directions. At times he may appear as a large figure, filling the whole sky; at other times as a smaller figure, only sixteen or eight feet high. The figures that he manifests are all of the color of pure gold. The transformed buddhas and jeweled lotus flowers in the aureole of each manifested form are like those described above.
“Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva and Mahā sthāma prāpta Bodhisattva have a similar appearance, wherever they are. Sentient beings can only tell one from the other by looking at the emblems on their heads. These two bodhisattvas assist Amitāyus in saving all beings everywhere. This is the miscellaneous visualization, and is known as the thirteenth contemplation. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.”
22 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “Those born in the Western Land are of nine grades. Those who attain birth on the highest level of the highest grade are sentient beings who resolve to be born in that land, awaken the three kinds of faith, and so are born there. What are the three [kinds of faith]? They are, first, sincere faith; second, deep faith; and third, the faith that seeks birth there by transferring one’s merit. Those who have these three kinds of faith will certainly be born there.
“There are three other kinds of sentient beings who also attain birth. Who are the three [other kinds of sentient beings]? They are, first, those who have a compassionate heart, abstain from killing, and observe the precepts; second, those who chant the Mahayana sutras of greater scope; and third, those who practice the six forms of mindfulness. They aspire to be born in that buddha land by transferring there the merit of practice. With the merit acquired from doing these acts for one to seven days, they attain birth.
“When an aspirant is about to be born in that land through dedicated and undaunted practices, Amitāyus Tathāgata arrives together with Avalokiteśvara, Mahāsthāmaprāpta, innumerable transformed buddhas, a great assembly of a hundred thousand monks and śrāvakas, and innumerable devas in seven-jeweled palaces. Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, carrying a vajra seat, together with Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva, approaches the aspirant. Amitāyus releases a great flood of light that illuminates the aspirant’s body and, along with the bodhisattvas, extends his hands in welcome. Avalokiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta, together with innumerable bodhisattvas, praise and encourage the aspirant. Seeing this, the aspirant rejoices so greatly as to dance. Then he sees himself sitting on the vajra seat, and, following the Buddha, is born into that land in the time it takes to snap one’s fingers.
“After being born in that land, he sees the Buddha’s body complete with
345a all its physical characteristics and also the bodies of the bodhisattvas equally complete with all their physical characteristics. Hearing the discourse on the wonderful Dharma sent forth by the light and the jeweled trees, he then reaches the insight into the non-arising of all dharmas. In a single moment, he visits and worships all the buddhas of the ten directions and receives from each of them the prediction of his future buddhahood. Returning to the Pure Land, he is endowed with innumerable hundreds of thousands of dhāraṇīs. Such a person is called one who attains birth on the highest level of the highest grade. 23 “Those who attain birth on the middle level of the highest grade do not necessarily uphold and chant the sutras of greater scope, but they comprehend the teachings of the Buddha so well that when they hear the supreme truths they are not dismayed. They have deep faith in the law of karmic cause and effect and do not slight the Mahayana. They transfer the merit acquired to the Land of Utmost Bliss, aspiring to be born there.
“When such an aspirant is about to die, Amitāyus appears before him, surrounded by Avalokiteśvara, Mahāsthāmaprāpta, and innumerable sages and attendants, carrying a purple-gold lotus seat. The Buddha praises him, saying, ‘Son of the Dharma, because you have practiced the Mahayana and appreciate the supreme truths, I have come to welcome you.’ So saying, he and a thousand transformed buddhas extend their hands all at once toward the aspirant, who, seeing himself sitting on the purple-gold seat, joins his palms35 and praises the buddhas. In an instant, he is born in a seven-jeweled pond of that land.
“The purple-gold seat has become like a great jeweled flower, which opens after one night. The body of the aspirant has become the color of purple-gold and beneath his feet are seven-jeweled lotus flowers. The Buddha and bodhisattvas together release a flood of light that illuminates the aspirant’s body. His eyes open, and because of the store of merit from his previous life, he hears voices everywhere expounding only the most profound and supreme truths. Descending from his golden seat, he bows with joined palms and praises the Buddha, the World-honored One. After seven days, he immediately reaches the stage of non-retrogression for realizing highest, perfect enlightenment. He is also able to fly in the ten directions, as he wishes, and to revere all the buddhas and learn various samādhis from them. After the lapse of a smaller kalpa, he attains the insight into the non-arising of all dharmas and receives from each buddha the prediction of his future buddhahood. Such a person is called one who attains birth on the middle level of the highest grade. 24 “Those who attain birth on the lowest level of the highest grade likewise accept the law of karmic cause and effect, do not speak slightingly of the Mahayana, and awaken aspiration for highest enlightenment. They transfer the merit acquired to the Land of Utmost Bliss, aspiring to be born there.
“When such an aspirant is about to die, Amitāyus, together with Avalokiteśvara, Mahāsthāmaprāpta, and a host of attendants, come to welcome him, bringing a golden lotus flower and manifesting five hundred transformed buddhas. Those transformed buddhas extend their hands all at once and praise the aspirant, saying, ‘Son of the Dharma, since you have awakened pure aspiration for highest enlightenment, we have come to welcome you.’
“When he has viewed all this, the aspirant finds himself seated upon a golden lotus flower, which then closes. Following the World-honored One, he immediately attains birth on a seven-jeweled pond. After a day and night, 345b the lotus flower opens and, within seven days, the aspirant beholds the Buddha. Although he sees the Buddha’s body, he is still unable to discern his physical characteristics and marks clearly. But after three weeks he sees them distinctly, and also hears all the sounds and voices proclaiming the wonderful Dharma. Then he can travel in all the ten directions to make offerings to the buddhas and hear their profound teachings. After three smaller kalpas he acquires clear understanding of the one hundred dharmas and dwells in the stage of joy. Such a person is called one who attains birth on the lowest level of the highest grade. These three together are known as the contemplation of the highest grade of aspirants, and the fourteenth contemplation. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.”
25 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “Those who attain birth on the highest level of the middle grade are the sentient beings who keep the five precepts, observe the eight abstinences, practice in compliance with various precepts, and abstain from committing the five grave offenses and other transgressions. They transfer the merit acquired to the Western Land of Utmost Bliss, aspiring to be born there.
“When such a person is about to die, Amitāyus appears before him, surrounded by a host of monks and radiating a golden light. He then expounds the truth of suffering, emptiness, impermanence, and no-self, and praises renunciation of the world as the way to escape from suffering.
“Seeing this, the aspirant greatly rejoices and finds himself seated upon a lotus flower. He kneels down, joins his palms, and worships the Buddha. Before he raises his head he attains birth in the Land of Utmost Bliss, where his lotus bud soon opens. When the flower opens, he hears various sounds and voices extolling the Four Noble Truths. He immediately attains arhatship, acquires the three kinds of transcendent knowledge and the six supernatural powers, and realizes the eight samādhis of liberation. Such a person is called one who attains birth on the highest level of the middle grade.
26 “Those who attain birth on the middle level of the middle grade are the sentient beings who observe for at least a day and a night the eight abstinences, the precepts for a novice, or the complete precepts of a monk or a nun, and do not violate any of the rules of conduct. They transfer the merit acquired to the Land of Utmost Bliss, aspiring to be born there.
“When such an aspirant, perfumed by the virtue of observing the precepts, is about to die, he sees Amitāyus coming toward him with his attendants, radiating a golden light and carrying a seven-jeweled lotus flower. He hears a voice in the sky above praising him, saying, ‘Person of good deeds, since you are virtuous and have followed the teachings of the buddhas of the three periods, I have come to welcome you.’ The aspirant finds himself seated upon the lotus flower. The flower having closed, the aspirant is born on a jeweled pond of the Western Land of Utmost Bliss. After seven days the lotus bud unfolds, and he then opens his eyes. With joined palms he pays homage to the World-honored One, rejoices at hearing the Dharma, and reaches the stage of stream-winner (śrota-āpanna). After half a kalpa, he becomes an arhat. Such a person is called one who attains birth on the middle level of the middle grade.
27 “Those who attain birth on the lowest level of the middle grade are good 345c men and women who are dutiful to and care for their parents and do benevolent deeds for others. When such a person is about to die, he may meet a good teacher, who fully explains to him the bliss of the land of Amitāyus and the Forty-eight Great Vows of Dharmākara Bhikṣu. Having heard this, he dies; and in as short a time as it takes a strong man to bend and straighten his arm he attains birth in the Western Land of Utmost Bliss. Seven days after his birth there, he meets Avalokiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta, rejoices at hearing the Dharma from them, and so reaches the stage of stream-winner. After one smaller kalpa, he becomes an arhat. Such a person is called one who attains birth on the lowest level of the middle grade. These three together are known as the contemplation of the middle grade of aspirants and the fifteenth contemplation. To practice in this way is called the correct contemplation, and to practice otherwise is incorrect.”
28 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “Those who attain birth on the highest level of the lowest grade are the sentient beings who commit various evil acts but do not slander the Mahayana sutras of greater scope. When a foolish person such as this, who has committed much evil but feels no remorse, is about to die, he may meet a good teacher, who praises the titles of the twelve divisions of the Mahayana scriptures. By hearing these sutra titles, he is released from the burden of evil karma that would bind him to birth and death for a thousand kalpas. Furthermore, this wise teacher advises him to join his palms and call, ‘Homage to Amitāyus Buddha (Namo omituo fo).’ Calling the Name of the Buddha extinguishes the evil karma that would bind the dying person to birth and death for fifty koṭis of kalpas.
“The Buddha then sends his transformed body and those of Avalokiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta to the aspirant; they praise him, saying, ‘Well done, person of good deeds! By calling the Name of the Buddha your evil karma has been extinguished, and so we have come to welcome you.’ When these words are uttered, the aspirant sees a flood of light from that transformed buddha fill his room. Having seen this, he rejoices and dies. Seated on a jeweled lotus flower, he follows the transformed buddha and is born on a jeweled pond. In seven weeks the lotus bud opens and the bodhisattva of great compassion, Avalokiteśvara, and Mahā sthāma prāpta Bodhisattva appear before him, releasing great floods of light, and explain to him the extremely profound teachings of the twelve divisions of the scriptures. Having heard these, the aspirant accepts them in faith and awakens aspiration for highest enlightenment. After ten smaller kalpas, he acquires clear understanding of the one hundred dharmas and enters the first stage of a bodhisattva. Such a person is called one who attains birth on the highest level of the lowest grade. Thus he is born by hearing the Name of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—that is, the Three Treasures.”
29 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “Those who attain birth on the middle level of the lowest grade are the sentient beings who violate the five precepts, the eight precepts, or the complete precepts of a monk or a nun. A foolish person such as this steals from the sangha, or takes the personal
346a belongings of monks, or preaches the Dharma with impure motives, but feels no remorse. Thus he defiles himself by evil karma36 and because of this he is liable to fall into hell.
“When he is about to die and the flames of hell suddenly close in on him, he may meet a good teacher, who compassionately explains to him the ten supernal powers of Amitāyus, fully describing the majestic power of the light of that buddha and his virtues in the observance of the precepts, meditation, wisdom, liberation, and knowledge of liberation. When he has heard this, the evil karma that would bind him to birth and death for eighty koṭis of kalpas are extinguished; thus, the fierce flames of hell turn into cool and refreshing breezes, wafting heavenly flowers. On each flower is a transformed buddha accompanied by bodhisattvas welcoming him.
“In an instant, he attains birth within a lotus bud on a seven-jeweled pond. After six kalpas the lotus bud opens, and then Avalo kiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta comfort him with their noble voices and teach him profound Mahayana sutras. Upon hearing these, he immediately awakens aspiration for highest enlightenment. Such a person is called one who attains birth on the middle level of the lowest grade.”
30 The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī, “Those who attain birth on the lowest level of the lowest grade are the sentient beings who commit such evils as the five grave offenses, the ten evil acts, and all kinds of immorality. Owing to such evil karma, a fool like this will fall into evil realms and suffer endless agony for many kalpas. When he is about to die, he may meet a good teacher, who consoles him in various ways, teaching him the wonderful Dharma and urging him to be mindful of the Buddha; but he is too tormented by pain to do so. The good teacher then advises him, ‘If you cannot concentrate on the Buddha then you should say instead, “Homage to Amitāyus Buddha.”’ In this way, he sincerely and continuously says, ‘Homage to Amitāyus Buddha’ (Namo omituo fo) ten times. Because he calls the Buddha’s Name, with each repetition the evil karma that would bind him to birth and death for eighty koṭis of kalpas is extinguished. When he comes to die, he sees before him a golden lotus flower like the disk of the sun, and in an instant he is born within a lotus bud in the Land of Utmost Bliss. After twelve great kalpas the lotus bud opens. When the flower opens, Avalokiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta teach him with voices of great compassion the method of extinguishing evil karma through the realization of the suchness of all dharmas. Hearing this, he rejoices and immediately awakens aspiration for enlightenment. Such a person is called one who attains birth on the lowest level of the lowest grade. These three together are known as the contemplation of the lowest grade of aspirants and the sixteenth contemplation.”
31 As the Buddha delivered these words, Vaidehī and her five hundred female attendants listened to his teaching. Having envisioned the boundless features of the Land of Utmost Bliss, of [Amitāyus] Buddha, and of the two bodhi-
346b sattvas, Vaidehī rejoiced in her heart. Wonder-struck at this revelation, she attained great awakening with clarity of mind and insight into the non-arising of all dharmas.37 Her five hundred female attendants awakened aspiration for highest, perfect enlightenment and desired to be born in that land. The World-honored One gave them all assurances that they would be born there and that they would then gain the samādhi of being in the presence of all the buddhas. Innumerable devas also awakened aspiration for highest enlightenment.
32 Then Ānanda rose from his seat, stepped forward, and said to the Buddha, “World-honored One, what should we call this sutra and how should we receive and retain the essentials of its teaching?”
The Buddha answered, “Ānanda, this sutra is called the ‘Visualization of the Land of Utmost Bliss of Amitāyus Buddha and of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva and Mahā sthāma prāpta Bodhisattva.’ It is also called the ‘Purification and Elimination of Karmic Hindrances for Attaining Birth in the Presence of All Buddhas.’ Hold fast to this sutra and do not forget it. Those who practice this samādhi will be able to see, during their lifetime, Amitāyus Buddha and the two mahāsattvas. If good men or women simply hear the Name of this buddha or the names of those two bodhisattvas, the evil karma that would bind them to birth and death for innumerable kalpas will be extinguished. And so, how much more merit will they acquire if they concentrate on them! You should know that all who are mindful of that buddha are like white lotus flowers among humankind; Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva and Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva become their good friends. They will sit in the seat of enlightenment and be born into the family of the buddhas.”
The Buddha further said to Ānanda, “Bear these words well in mind. To bear these words in mind means to hold fast to the Name of Amitāyus Buddha.”
When the Buddha had spoken thus, Venerable Mahā maud gal yā yana, Venerable Ānanda, Vaidehī, and all the others greatly rejoiced to hear the Buddha’s discourse.
33 Then the World-honored One returned to Vulture Peak through the air. There Ānanda fully explained to the assembly what had happened. Innumerable humans, devas, nāgas, yakṣas, and all other beings greatly rejoiced to hear the Buddha’s teaching. Having worshiped the World-honored One, they departed.
End of The Sutra on the Visualization of the Buddha of
Infinite Life Delivered by Śākyamuni Buddha
DELIVERED BY ŚĀKYAMUNI BUDDHATHE SUTRA ON AMITĀYUS BUDDHA
Translated into Chinese during the Yao-Qin Dynasty by Tripiṭaka Master Kumārajīva of Kucha
1 Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha was staying in the Jeta Grove monastery of Anāthapiṇḍada’s Garden at Śrāvastī, together with a large assembly of twelve hundred and fifty monks who were all great arhats well known to the people. Among them were great disciples such as the elders Śāriputra, 346c
Mahā maud galyā yana, Mahākāśyapa, Mahākātyāyana, Mahākauṣṭhila, Revata, Śuddhipanthaka, Nanda, Ānanda, Rāhula, Gavāṃpati, Piṇḍola-Bhāradvāja, Kālodayin, Mahākapphiṇa, Vakkula, and Aniruddha. He was also accompanied by many bodhisattva mahāsattvas, such as Dharma Prince Mañjuśrī, Ajita Bodhisattva, Sweet-smelling Elephant Bodhisattva, and Constant Endeavor Bodhisattva, and by innumerable devas, including Śakra, lord of the gods, and many others.
2 The Buddha then said to Elder Śāriputra: “If you travel westward from here, passing a hundred thousand koṭis of buddha lands, you will come to the land called Utmost Bliss, where there is a buddha named Amitāyus.38 He is living there now, teaching the Dharma.
3 “Śāriputra, why is that land called Utmost Bliss? The beings in that land suffer no pain but only enjoy pleasures of various kinds. For this reason, that land is called Utmost Bliss. Again, Śāriputra, in the Land of Utmost Bliss there are seven rows of balustrades, seven rows of decorative nets, and seven rows of trees. They are all made of four kinds of jewels and extend over the whole land, encompassing everything. For this reason, that land is called Utmost Bliss. Again, Śāriputra, in the Land of Utmost Bliss there are sevenjeweled ponds filled with water possessing the eight excellent qualities. The 347a beds of the ponds are covered solely with gold sand, and from the four sides of each bed rise stairs of gold, silver, beryl, and crystal. Above these stand pavilions adorned with gold, silver, beryl, crystal, sapphire, rosy pearls, and cornelian. In the ponds are lotuses as large as chariot wheels—the blue ones radiating a blue light, the yellow a yellow light, the red a red light, and the white a white light. They are marvelous and beautiful, fragrant and pure.
Śāriputra, the Land of Utmost Bliss is filled with such splendid adornments.
“Again, Śāriputra, in that buddha land heavenly music is played continually. The ground is made of gold. Six times during the day and night māndārava flowers rain down from the sky. Every day, in the serenity of
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The Three Pure Land Sutras
early morning, the people of that land fill the hems of their robes with exquisite flowers and go to make offerings to a hundred thousand koṭis of buddhas dwelling in the worlds of all the other directions. Then they return to the Pure Land for their morning meal. After the meal they enjoy a stroll. Śāri- putra, the Land of Utmost Bliss is filled with such splendid adornments.
“Again, Śāriputra, in that land there are always many kinds of rare and beautiful birds of various colors, such as white geese, peacocks, parrots, śāris, kalaviṅkas, and jīvaṃjīvakas. Six times during the day and night birds sing with melodious and delicate sounds, which proclaim such teachings as the five roots of good, the five powers, the seven practices leading to enlightenment, and the Noble Eightfold Path. On hearing them, all the people of that land become mindful of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. But, Śāri- putra, you should not assume that these birds are born as retribution for evil karma. The reason is that none of the three evil realms exists in that buddha land. Śāriputra, even the names of the three evil realms do not exist there; how much less the realms themselves! These birds are manifested by Amitāyus so that their singing can proclaim and spread the Dharma.
“In that buddha land, Śāriputra, when soft breezes waft through the rows of jeweled trees and jeweled nets they produce subtle, wonderful sounds. It is as if a hundred thousand musical instruments were playing together. Everyone who hears the sounds spontaneously becomes mindful of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Śāriputra, that buddha land is filled with such splendid adornments.
4 “For what reason, Śāriputra, do you think that buddha is called Amitābha? Śāriputra, the Buddha’s light shines boundlessly and without hindrance over all the worlds of the ten directions. It is for this reason that he is called Amitābha. Again, Śāriputra, the lives of the Buddha and the people of his land last for innumerable, unlimited, and incalculable kalpas. It is for this reason that the buddha is called Amitāyus. Śāriputra, ten kalpas have passed since Amitāyus attained enlightenment. Moreover, Śāriputra, he has an
347b immeasurable and unlimited number of śrāvaka disciples, all of them arhats, whose number cannot be reckoned by any means. His assembly of bodhisattvas is similarly vast. Śāriputra, that buddha land is filled with such splendid adornments.
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The Smaller Sutra
5 “Again, Śāriputra, all sentient beings born in the Land of Utmost Bliss dwell in the stage of non-retrogression. Many of them are in the stage of becoming a buddha after one more life. Their number is so great that it is beyond reckoning; it can only be described as innumerable, unlimited, and incalculable.
“Śāriputra, those sentient beings who hear of that land should aspire to be born there. Why? Because they will be able to meet such sages of supreme virtue. Śāriputra, one cannot attain birth in that land with few roots of good or a small store of merit. Śāriputra, if a good man or woman who hears of Amitāyus holds fast to his Name even for one day, two days, three, four, five, six, or seven days with a concentrated and undistracted mind, then, at the hour of death, Amitāyus will appear with a host of holy ones. Consequently, when their life comes to an end, the aspirants’ minds will not fall into confusion and so they will be born immediately in the Land of Utmost Bliss of Amitāyus. Śāriputra, perceiving these benefits, I say: All sentient beings who hear this teaching should aspire to birth in that land.
6 “Śāriputra, just as I praise the inconceivable virtue of Amitāyus, so do the buddhas in the eastern direction as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, such as Akṣobhya Buddha,39 Meru dhvaja Buddha, Mahāmeru Buddha, Meruprabhāsa Buddha, and Mañjusvara Buddha. While dwelling in their own lands, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should accept this sutra entitled ‘Praise of the Inconceivable Virtue and Protection by All Buddhas.’
7 “Śāriputra, there are in the southern direction buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, such as Candrasūrya pradīpa Buddha, Yaśasprabha Buddha, Mahārciskandha Buddha, Merupradīpa Buddha, and Anantavīrya Buddha. While dwelling in their own lands, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should accept this sutra entitled ‘Praise of the Inconceivable Virtue and Protection by All Buddhas.’ 8 “Śāriputra, there are in the western direction buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, such as Amitāyus Buddha, Amitaketu Buddha, 347c
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The Three Pure Land Sutras
Amitadhvaja Buddha, Mahāprabha Buddha, Mahāprabhāsa Buddha, Ratna ketu Buddha, and Śuddhara śmi prabha Buddha. While dwelling in their own lands, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should accept this sutra entitled ‘Praise of the Inconceivable Virtue and Protection by All Buddhas.’
9 “Śāriputra, there are in the northern direction buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, such as Arciskandha Buddha, Vaiśvānaranirghoṣa Buddha, Duṣpradharṣa Buddha, Ādityasaṃbhava Buddha, and Jālinīprabha Buddha. While dwelling in their own lands, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should accept this sutra entitled ‘Praise of the Inconceivable Virtue and Protection by All Buddhas.’ 10 “Śāriputra, there are in the nadir buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, such as Siṃha Buddha, Yaśas Buddha, Yaśasprabhāsa Buddha, Dharma Buddha, Dharmadhvaja Buddha, and Dharmadhara Buddha. While dwelling in their own lands, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should accept this sutra entitled ‘Praise of the Inconceivable Virtue and Protection by All Buddhas.’
11 “Śāriputra, there are in the zenith buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, such as Brahmaghoṣa Buddha, Nak ṣatra rāja Buddha,
348a Gandhottama Buddha, Gandhaprabhāsa Buddha, Mahā rciskandha Buddha, Ratnakusumasaṃ puṣ pitagātra Buddha, Śālendrarāja Buddha, Ratnotpalaśrī Buddha, Sarvārtha darśa Buddha, and Sumerukalpa Buddha. While dwelling in their own lands they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should accept this sutra entitled ‘Praise of the Inconceivable Virtue and Protection by All Buddhas.’
12 “Śāriputra, why do you think this teaching is called the ‘Sutra of Protection by All Buddhas’? Śāriputra, all good men and women who hear this sutra and hold fast to it, and also those who hear the names of those buddhas,40 are protected by all the buddhas and dwell in the stage of non-retrogression
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The Smaller Sutra
for realizing highest, perfect enlightenment. This is why, Śāriputra, you should accept my words in faith and the teachings of all the buddhas.
“Śāriputra, those who have already aspired, now aspire, or in the future will aspire to be born in the land of Amitāyus Buddha all dwell in the stage of non-retrogression for realizing highest, perfect enlightenment. They have already been born, are now being born, or will be born in that land. Hence, Śāriputra, good men and women of faith should aspire to birth there.
13 “Śāriputra, just as I now praise the inconceivable virtue of other buddhas, they also praise my inconceivable virtue, saying, ‘Śākyamuni Buddha, you have accomplished an extremely difficult and unprecedented task. In this Sahā world, during the evil period of the five defilements—those of time, views, passions, sentient beings, and lifespan—you have attained highest, perfect enlightenment and, for the sake of sentient beings, have delivered this teaching which is the most difficult in the world to accept in faith.’
“Śāriputra, you must realize that I have accomplished this difficult task during the period of the five defilements. That is to say, having attained highest, perfect enlightenment, I have for the sake of the world delivered this teaching, which is so hard for [people] to accept in faith. This is indeed an extremely difficult task.”
14 When the Buddha had delivered this sutra, Śāriputra and all the monks, together with beings of the whole world, including devas, humans, and asuras, rejoiced at what they had heard and reverently accepted it. Having worshiped him, they departed.
End of The Sutra on Amitāyus Buddha
Delivered by Śākyamuni Buddha
95
1 here its other meaning “and also” applies.“And also”; this reading follows the Sanskrit text; tathā is rendered ru zhi (such), but
2 The ordinary reading of this stanza, which is not appropriate to the context, is:
Suppose there are buddhas,
A thousand million koṭis in number,
And great sages in multitudes
Countless as the sands of the Ganges River.
Rather than making offerings To all those buddhas,
I shall seek the Way
Resolutely and unflinchingly.
rudescribes is the essential part of the bodhisattva path, far from being contradictory to the practiceMy reading is attested to by the Tang and Song versions and the Sanskrit text. (“nothing is better than. . .”) may correspond to bodhi (Way). From the Mahayana viewpoint, to make offerings to buddhasatulya (incomparable), whichFu of “seeking the Way resolutely and unflinchingly.”
3 “A pint measure”: I have followed the popular edition which says dou (peck), which is too large a measure to be applied here.sheng (pint); the Taishō
Tripiṭaka edition has
4 “How long was. . . ?”: The Taishō Tripiṭaka and other editions read, “How long was versions and the Sanskrit text.the duration of the land of that buddha?”; amended according to the Tang and Song 5 the popular editions which read “Not knowing”: The Taishō Tripiṭaka edition reads fu zhi (not knowing).zhi (knowing); I have followed
6 Land schools in China and Japan is “call my Name even ten times.” The correspondingof thought”; cf. Max Müller’s translation, “even those who have only ten times repeatedNei zhi shi nian,in the the thought (of that buddha country).” According to Tanluan, Sanskrit phrase Contemplation Sutra,antaśo daśabhiś cittotpāda-parivartaiḥ“think of me even ten times”: The traditional reading in the Puremeans ten concentrated and uninterrupted thoughts onmeans “even with ten arisingsshi nian, which appears
Amitābha and also means ten continuous sayings of his Name.
7 Fu ke si-yito describe a large number; cf. (inconceivable), acintyaMahāvyutpatti,in Sanskrit; often used, as in this and other cases,7814.
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Notes
8 “Silken canopies”: This reading follows the Ming and popular editions; the TaishōTripiṭaka edition reads “various canopies.” 9 “Their senses of hearing. . .”: The Taishō Tripiṭaka edition omits “their senses ofhearing will remain clear and sharp”; supplied by other editions.
10 “Silken canopies”: See note 8.
11 transfers the merit, so his reading of this sentence is: “through the Buddha’s sincere“Sincerely transfer the merit. . .”: According to Shinran, it is Amitāyus who sincerely transference of the merit (to the aspirants), they aspire to be born there. . . .”
12 “Wu liang jiao” (Immeasurable Enlightened One) except the Tang and the Sanskrit“Amitāyus”: As for this and four more occurrences of “Amitāyus,” all editions read texts, which read “Amitāyus.”
13 “Supernal aspiration”: This reading follows the popular editions; the Taishō Tripiṭakaedition reads “immeasurable mind.”
14 “The nature of all dharmas”: I have followed the popular editions; the Taishō Tripiṭaka edition reads “various teaching gates.”
15 “immeasurable” describes “merits,” not “insight.”The bracketed interpolation is based on the Sanskrit text, in which “innumerable” or 16 edition reads “merit.”“Merit and wisdom”: This reading follows the popular editions; the Taishō Tripiṭaka
17 contextually rather than translated literally.“The power of good karma. . .”: This and the following few words have been explained 18 the mother’s side.“Kinsmen,” lit., “inner and outer relatives,” i.e., relatives on the father’s side and on
19 “The Name of Amitāyus,” lit., “voice of Amitāyus.”
20 Harrison, Numata Center, 1998). From its Tibetan version, we can confirm that thisvital energy, and consciousness.” Although this section is missing in the Sanskrit and“Their transient selves...,” rnam par śes pahun shen jing shi,Pratyutpanna Samādhi Sutra(vijñāna,see alsois translated here as “transient selves,consciousness).the English translation by Paula similar phrase, shi hun shenTibetan texts, we find in the (Taishō Vol. 13, No. 418, 899b, 905b;
phrase corresponds to
21 “Wealth”: I have followed the popular editions; the Taishō Tripiṭaka edition reads“retain.”
22 “Buddha lands”: This phrase is missing in the Taishō Tripiṭaka edition and so is supplied according to other editions.
23 land called “Sahā.”“Fourteen buddha lands”: These include this world, which is Śākyamuni Buddha’s Notes
24 duration of this era is 424–453.“Kālayaśas”: The popular editions read “Kālayaśas during the Yuan-jia era”; the
25 “A certain Vedic scripture”: Source unknown.
26 then preaching the “The World-honored One . . . was staying on Vulture Peak”: Śākyamuni Buddha wasLotus Sutra.
27 “. . . the pure acts,” (1) According to Shandao, this passage reads, “Fix your thoughts upon and visualizeguan bi guo jing ye cheng zhe, admits of different interpretations: ying Temple and Yuanzhao, “Fix your thoughts upon and visualize that buddha landthat buddha land; this is called ‘accomplishing the pure acts.’” (2) Huiyuan of Jing-
Kyōgyōshinshō: On Teaching, Practice, Faith, and Enlightenment,Inagaki, Numata Center, 2003), Shinran interprets of Unhindered Light Shining throughout the Ten Directions,” namely, Amitābha.and the person of pure karmic perfection.” (3) Shinran’s reading is: “Fix your thoughtsKyōgyō shinshō,upon and visualize the person of pure karmic perfection in that buddha land.” In hisChapter VI, “Revealing the Transformed Buddhas and Lands” (seejing ye cheng jiatranslated by Hisaoas “the Tathāgata
28 ṭaka edition reads “except when eating.”“Except when sleeping”: This reading follows the popular editions; the Taishō Tripi -
29 lation supports the other reading, which is adopted here.and similar phrases in the passages below have also been construed as “evil karmathat one has committed during eighty “Evil karma that would bind one to birth and death for eighty koṭis of kalpas”; a fragment of the Uigur trans-koṭis of kalpas”: This
30 “Ponds,” lit., “water.”
31 “Like those on the heavenly jeweled banners”: Some scholars take to the Tuṣita Heaven,referring to the god of music, Ratnaketu. According to the there are in the palace of the Tuṣita Heaven five great gods,Sutra on Maitreya’s Ascentbao-chuang as tones that are pleasing to people’s minds (Taishō Vol. 14, 49b).each jewel transforms itself into a musical instrument, which hovers in midair andheaded by Jewel Banner (Ratnaketu). He showers from his body seven kinds of jewels;produces music spontaneously without a player. The music contains immeasurable
32 Dharma-realm body). This term was interpreted in different ways by Chinese masters:“Cosmic bodies”: This is a provisional translation of Non-Pure Land masters, such as Huiyuan of Jingying Temple, Zhiyi, and Jizang,dharmakāyatrue suchness (”; in this case, bhūta-tathatāfa jie shendharma dhātu()dharma dhātu kāya. (2) According toor Dharma,
realm is synonymous with Tanluan, this phrase means the Buddha’s image produced by the meditating mind;took this as meaning “formless (1)the realm of sentient beings—as the Buddha’s compassion reaches sentient beings, sohere fa jiai means the sphere of mental perception. (3) Shandao interprets zhen ru, fa jiai as phrase as “the body accommodated to the realm of sentient beings.”does his bodily manifestation without hindrance; Shandao thus construes the whole
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Notes
33 xin zuo fa shi xin shi fo“Your mind produces the Buddha’s image, and is itself the Buddha”: The phrase was differently interpreted: (1) Masters of non-Pure Landshi ically expressed as Amitābha or Amitāyus) is accomplished, one becomes a buddhaschools took this as meaning that when the meditation on one’s pure nature (symbolis this: Just as the image of an object is seen reflected in the clear water, so the Buddha’sthe Buddha’s image as if one produced it and that the Buddha manifests his body inarable from one’s meditating mind, and so the Buddha does not exist apart from one’smind. (3) According to Shandao, the phrase implies that through devotion one perceivesimage is perceived by the meditating mind; thus the Buddha’s glorious body is insep-and that there is no buddha apart from one’s true nature. (2) Tanluan’s interpretation
panna Samādhi Sutra,hood, it becomes a buddha. Similar terms mind. (4) According to Shinran, the meditating mind implicitly refers to the entrustingresponse to one’s contemplation, and so no buddha exists apart from this meditatingbodhi-and mind and the cause of buddha-xin shi fa occur in the ContemplationPratyutmind given by the Buddha; since this mind is the
Sutra. which shares much common ground with the xin zuo fa
34 “The uppermost, invisible part,” of the tenth stage, is able to see.protuberance on the Buddha’s head (of the thirty-two physical characteristics of the Buddha. It is the highest point of thewu jian ding xianguṣṇīṣa-śīrṣa), which no one, not even a bodhisattva(anavalokita-mūrdhatā), is one
35 “Joins his palms,” lit., “joins his palms and crosses his hands.”
36 reads “evil teaching,” “Evil karma”: This reading follows the popular editions; the Taishō Tripiṭaka editione fa.
37 prior to Śākyamuni’s exposition of the lotus throne in section 15 of the Sutra,“. . . attained insight. . .”: In Shandao’s view, Vaidehī attained insight into the non-pp. 72–73.dharmas when she saw Amitāyus and the two attendant bodhisattvas,Contemplation arising of all
38 “Amitāyus”: Throughout this sutra the Taishō Tripiṭaka edition has in my rendition, either “Amitāyus” or “Amitābha” is used, depending on the context.a mi tuo (Amida); 39 skrit; when no names are available in the Sanskrit text, they have been reconstructed“Akṣobhya Buddha”: The names of the buddhas in the six directions are given in SanAppendix, List of the Buddhas in the from their Chinese translations. For English meanings of the Sanskrit names, see theSmaller Sutra, pp. 101–102. 40 name of this sutra.”“All good people . . . those buddhas”: The popular editions read “all good men andwomen who hear the Name of Amida Buddha expounded by all the buddhas and the
List of the Buddhas in the Smaller Sutra with English Equivalents
EastMerudhvaja (Sumeru Banner)Akṣobhya (Immovable)
Mañjusvara (Beautiful Voice)
SouthYaśasprabha (Light of Fame)Candrasūryapradīpa (Lamp of the Sun and Moon)
Merupradīpa (Sumeru Lamp)Mahārciskandha (Shoulders of Great Flame)
Anantavīrya (Limitless Effort)
WestAmitaketu (Immeasurable Ensign)Amitāyus (Immeasurable Life) Mahāprabha (Great Light)Amitadhvaja (Immeasurable Banner)
Ratnaketu (Jewel Banner)Mahāprabhāsa (Great Brilliance)
Śuddharaśmiprabha (Brilliance of Pure Light)
NorthVaiśvānaranirghoṣa (Universal Sound)Arciskandha (Flaming Shoulder)
Jālinīprabha (Net Light)Ādityasaṃbhava (Sunrise)Duṣpradharṣa (Not to Be Assailed)
NadirSiṃha (Lion)
Yaśasprabhāsa (Brilliance of Fame)Yaśas (Fame) Dharma
101
Appendix
Dharmadhara (Holding the Dharma)Dharmadhvaja (Banner of the Dharma)
ZenithNakṣatrarāja (King of Stars)Brahmaghoṣa (Brahma’s Voice) Gandhaprabhāsa (Fragrant Light)Gandhottama (Best Fragrance)
Sarvārthadarśa (Seeing All Benefits)Ratnotpalaśrī (Glory of Blue Lotus Flower Jewels)
Sumerukalpa (Sumeru-like)
Buddhist Cosmology
B. Abode of Boundless Consciousness (ākiñcanya-āyatana
III. World of Form (B. The Second A. The First 1. Brahmapurohita (Heaven of the High Priests of Brahmā) . Brahmāpāriṣadya (Heaven of the Councilors of Brahmā) Dhyānarūpadhātu) )
32. Mahābrahman (Heaven of Great Brahmā
1
3. Ābhāsvara (Heaven of Supreme Light. Apramāṇa-ābha (Heaven of Infinite Light. Parītta-ābha (Heaven of Lesser Light) Dhyāna
1
D. The Fourth C. The Third 21322. Puṇyaprasava (Merit-producing Heaven. Anabhraka (Cloudless Heaven. Śubhakṛtsna (Heaven of Universal Purity. Apramāṇaśubha (Heaven of Infinite Purity. Parīttaśubha (Heaven of Lesser PurityDhyānaDhyāna ) ))) ))))
43
65. Sudṛśa (Heaven of Excellent Viewing. Atapa (Heaven without Affliction. Abṛha (Heaven Free of Trouble. Bṛhatphala (Heaven of Greater Fruits) ) )
Appendix
87. Akaniṣṭha (Highest Heaven. Sudarśana (Heaven of Excellent Observation) )
IV. World of Desire (A. Realm of the Gods (1. Cāturmahārāja (Heaven of the Four Kingsa. East: Dhṛtarāṣṭra (Protector of the State)kāmadhātudevas): The Six Heavens) )
632. Tuṣita (Heaven of Contentment. Yāma or Suyāma (Heaven of Good Time. Trāyastriṃśa (Heaven of the Thirty-three Godsd. North: Vaiśravaṇa (Extensively Heard)) ) ) ) )
54
B. Realm of Human Beings (1. Paranirmitavaśavartin (Heaven of Free Enjoyment of Manifestations by Others. Nirmāṇarati (Heaven of Enjoyment of Pleasures Provided by Themselves
C. Realm of Fighting Spirits (4. West: Avaragodānīya (the western country where cows are used for transactions. North: Uttarakuru (the country of the northern Kuru. South: Jambudvīpa (the mango-growing island. East: Pūrvavideha (the eastern country of the Videhasmanuṣya): The Four Great Continents) ) 2
F. Hells (E. Realm of Hungry Ghosts (D. Realm of Animals (33 narakas), from top to bottom)tiryañc) preta)asuras)s) ) )
21
4
8765. Avīci (Interminable. Pratāpana (Great Burning. Tāpana (Burning. Mahāraurava (Great Shrieks. Raurava (Shrieks. Saṃghāta (Crushing. Kālasūtra (Black Rope. Saṃjīva (Revival)) )) ) )
103
abusing the Right Dharma: Disparaging the true Buddhist teachings, particularly theMahayana teachings. See also Mahayana; Right Dharma.
Ādityasaṃbhava (“Sunrise”): The name of a buddha in the north.
affliction (also three defilements.kleśa): A mental function that disturbs and pollutes the mind and body. See
Ajātaśatru: The son of King Bimbisāra and Queen Vaidehī; he imprisoned his father andAlong with the monk Devadatta, under whose influence he committed these evilleft him to die in jail, imprisoned his mother, and usurped the throne of Maga dha. of the Buddha’s compassion. He later repented and became a disciple of the Buddha.acts, he appears in some sutras as the archetypal evil person who becomes the objectBimbisāra; Devadatta; Magadha; Vaidehī.
See also
Ajita (“Unconquerable”): The name of a bodhisattva identified with Maitreya.
Ājñātakauṇḍinya: One of the five earliest disciples of the Buddha.
Akṣobhya (“Immovable”): The name of a buddha in the east. Amida. See Amitābha.
Amitābha (“Infinite Light”; Jpn: Amida): The name of a transcendent buddha who dwellsinfinite wisdom. Also known as Amitāyus (“Infinite Life”), which symbolizes infinitein the Pure Land, from the Sanskrit amita (“infinite”); “Infinite Light” symbolizes
Vows and performed various bodhisattva practices to fulfill them. After many eonsas one of the canonical texts of Pure Land Buddhism in China and Japan. Amitābhabegan his spiritual career as a mendicant called Dharmākara, who made Forty-eightin more than two hundred sutras, of which the compassion. Amitābha/Amida is one of the most popular buddhas and is mentionedLarger Sutra is the most important, land is called Sukhāvatī, “Land of Utmost Bliss,” also known as the Pure Land andhis vows were fulfilled and he became the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. His describe Amitābha’s land as being in the west. As promised in the Eighteenth Vow,the Western Paradise. For purposes of meditative practice, the Pure Land sutrasnembutsu, alsois thus the principal buddha in the Jōdo, Shin, and other Pure Land schools. worship of Amitābha arose in India and further developed in China and Japan. Heare assured of rebirth in the Pure Land. The tradition of Buddhism centering aroundthose who have joyful faith and recite his Name, a practice called the Dharmākara; Forty-eight Vows; Name; Pure Land; Pure Land school. See
105
Amitadhvaja (“Immeasurable Banner”): The name of a buddha in the west.
Amitaketu (”Immeasurable Ensign”): The name of a buddha in the west. Amitāyus. See Amitābha.
Ānanda (“Happiness” or “Joy”): Śākyamuni’s cousin, close disciple, and personal atten-dant, renowned for his ability to recite all the Buddha’s sermons from memory. also Śākyamuni. See
Anantavīrya (“Limitless Effort”): The name of a buddha in the south.
Anāthapiṇḍada (“Giver of Food to the Poor”): Another name of Sudatta, a wealthy mer-Buddha and his sangha. chant of Śrāvastī who purchased the Jeta Grove and built a monastery there for theSee also Śrāvastī.
Aniruddha (“Unobstructed”): One of the ten great disciples of the Buddha, renownedfor his divine sight. Arciskandha (“Flaming Shoulder”): The name of a buddha in the north.
arhat (“worthy one”): A saint, one who has completely eradicated the evil passions andfor a buddha.four stages of spiritual attainment in the Hinayana. When capitalized, the term isone of the ten epithets for a buddha.attained liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara); the highest of theSee also evil passions; Hinayana; ten epithets
aspiration for enlightenment: The mind of enlightenment (ration of the bodhisattva to attain enlightenment (bodhibodhicittaSee also ) and realize liberation inbodhisattva; enlight-), the altruistic aspienment.order to help other sentient beings toward liberation. asura:that protect Buddhism.A class of demigods; a fighting spirit; one of the eight kinds of superhuman beingsSee also eight kinds of superhuman beings.
Aśvajit (“Gaining Horses”): One of the five earliest disciples of the Buddha.
Auspicious Kalpa: The present cosmic period, in which a thousand buddhas are believedto appear.
Avalokiteśvara: (“Lord of Beholding”): The name of a great bodhisattva who representsprāpta.who frequently appears in a triad with Avalo kiteśvara on his left and Mahāsthāma -Amitābha’s great compassion. One of the two attendant bodhisattvas of Amitābha,See alsoAmitābha; bodhisattva; great compassion; Mahāsthāmaprāpta on his right.
Bhadrajit (“Gaining Happiness”): One of the five earliest disciples of the Buddha.
Bhadrapāla (“Gracious Protector”): The foremost of the sixteen lay bodhisattvas. bhikṣu: A fully ordained Buddhist monk.
Bimbisāra: The fifth king of the Śaiśnāga dynasty in Magadha and a follower of theconfinement. Buddha. In his later years he was imprisoned by his son Ajātaśatru and died inSee also Ajātaśatru; Magadha. birth and death. See samsara. birth by transformation: A form of birth in the Pure Land attained by aspirants who sincerelyphysical maturity. entrust themselves to Amitābha; they are instantaneously born there and attain fullSee also birth in the embryonic state.
birth in the embryonic state: A form of birth in the Pure Land attained by devotees whohundred years without being able to see or hear the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.cultivate merit by good acts but who do not entirely entrust themselves to Amitābha;at death they are reborn in lotus buds in the Pure Land and remain there for fivebirth by transformation.
See also
bodhi. See enlightenment. bodhicitta. See aspiration for enlightenment.
bodhisattva (“enlightenment being”): The spiritual ideal of the Mahayana, one who cul-tivates wisdom, accumulates merit by performing the practice of six attains enlightenment for the sake of all beings. Upon completion of all the bodhi-pāramitās, and from entering nirvana until all beings are liberated. Capitalized, the term refers tosattva practices and stages, the bodhisattva achieves buddha hood but vows to refrainSee alsos. bodhisattva stages; buddhahood; enlightenment; Mahayana; six Śākyamuni before his enlightenment. pāramitā
bodhisattva stages (vows, culminating in the attainment of buddhahood. In these stages, one is expectedbodhisattva who has awakened aspiration for enlightenment (bhūmis): A series of spiritual stages that must be accomplished by abodhicitta) and made were established in Indian Buddhism; Chinese Buddhists later developed a systemto perform various practices for innumerable eons over many lifetimes. Ten stageslife; stage of joy; stage of non-retrogression.of fifty-two stages. See also bodhisattva; stage of becoming a buddha after one more bodhienment. tree: The tree beneath which Śākyamuni sat in contemplation and attained enlight-See also contemplation; enlightenment; Śākyamuni.
Boundless Light: (1) One of the twelve kinds of light of Amitābha; (2) another name forMahāsthāmaprāpta. See also Amitābha; Mahāsthāmaprāpta.
Brahmā: Originally, the creator god in Hinduism, incorporated into Buddhism as a tutelarygod.
Brahmaghoṣa (“Brahmā’s Voice”): The name of a buddha in the zenith.
Brahmā Heaven: The heaven of the world of form. See also three worlds.
Buddha (“Awakened One”): As a proper noun this refers to Śākyamuni; in general usewho embody and represent ultimate truth. it refers to any fully enlightened person or any of a number of transcendent beingsSee also Śākyamuni; ultimate truth.
Buddha-Dharma. See Right Dharma.
buddhahood: The state of becoming a buddha, the goal of the bodhisattva. sattva. See also bodhibuddha-garland the Dharma. samādhi:See also samādhi;The samādhiSamantabhadra.entered into by Samantabhadra before teaching buddha-nature: The potentiality for buddhahood; the essential nature of a buddha thatall beings possess. buddha-recollection Name; the practitioner visualizes Amitābha; also, an intensive practice of recitation of thesamādhi: A state of meditative concentration (See also samādhiAmitābha;) in which
Name of Amitābha through which one attains union with him. samādhi.
Candraprabha (“Moonlight”): The name of one of King Bimbisāra’s ministers.
Candrasūryapradīpa (“Lamp of the Sun and Moon”): The name of a buddha in the south. Cao-Wei dynasty: The Chinese kingdom of Wei founded by Cao Cao in 216.
clear understanding of the one hundred hundred principles of truth in the stage of joy; (2) in the Consciousness Only school,a type of wisdom in which one clearly discerns the one hundred constituent elements(dharmas) of all that exists. See also dharmastage of joy.s: (1) Clear understanding of the one compassion: Empathy with those who suffer and the desire to end the suffering of others.alsoCompassion and wisdom are the two most important virtues in the Mahayana. great compassion. See complete precepts of a monk or nun: The two hundred and fifty precepts for a fullyordained monk (bhikṣuṇī). See alsobhikṣuprecepts.) or three hundred and forty-eight for a fully ordained nun
(
Confucianism: An ethical, religious system of China originating in the teaching of Con-fucius (c. 551–479 of benevolence and propriety. More specifically, Confucianism teaches the five con-wisdom, and sincerity. The original individualistic ethical ideal developed into astant virtues to be followed by all people: benevolence, righteousness, propriety,influence was so great that the number of his disciples is said to have been threepolitical one; Confucius sought to establish the norm of ethics for the king. HisB.C.E.); it centers around filial duty and emphasizes the virtues
its teachings spread far and wide in China and beyond— Confucianism formed thethousand. After his death, Confucian sanctuaries were built throughout China andSee also five virtues. basic ethical norm of Korea, Vietnam, and Japan.
contemplation: A state of meditative concentration in which the meditator and the objectof meditation become one; serene contemplation. See also samādhi. definitely assured stage: The stage attained by those who have absolute faith in Amitābhaas the stage of non-retrogression. and are thus assured of birth in the Pure Land and attainment of buddhahood; sameof non-retrogression. See alsoAmitābha; buddhahood; Pure Land; stage deva:Buddhism. A god, a divine being; one of the eight kinds of superhuman beings that protectSee also eight kinds of superhuman beings.
Devadatta (“God-given”): A cousin of the Buddha who became his disciple but latertried to murder him and assume leadership of the sangha. Devadatta incited PrinceAjātaśatru to kill his father, King Bimbisāra, and usurp the throne. Bimbisāra; sangha. See alsoAjātaśatru; dhāraṇī: A mystic phrase, spell, or incantation.
dharma:perceived phenomenal world.Any phenomenon, thing, element, or attribute; the elements that make up the
Dharma: The truth, law; the teachings of the Buddha. See also Right Dharma. Dharmadhara (“Holder of the Dharma”): The name of a buddha in the nadir.
Dharmadhvaja (“Banner of the Dharma”): The name of a buddha in the nadir.
Dharmākara (“Store of the Dharma”): The name of the bodhisattva who made the Forty-Amitābha; Forty-eight Vows.eight Vows and upon fulfillment of those vows became Amitābha Buddha. See also
Dharma Prince: An epithet for a bodhisattva; especially used as a title for Mañjuśrī. also Mañjuśrī. See
Dharma realm (conception in general; the entire universe. dharmadhātu): The sphere of ultimate truth or reality; objects of mentalSee also ultimate truth. dhyānapractice meditation (pp. 102–103; three worlds.heaven: The four types of heavens of the world of form, in which those whodhyāna) are reborn. See alsoAppendix, Buddhist Cosmology,
Dīpaṅkara (“Making Light”): The name of a past buddha.
divine ear. See six supernatural powers. divine eye. See six supernatural powers.
Duṣpradharṣa (“Not to Be Assailed”): The name of a buddha in the north.
effortless spontaneity: The ultimate state of enlightenment in which one thinks and actsreborn in the Pure Land.in accord with the Dharma effortlessly; the nirvanic state attained by those who are eight abstinences. See eight precepts.
eight kinds of superhuman beings: Eight classes of mythical beings from Indian folklorethat were incorporated into Buddhism as protectors: yakṣas (flesh-eating demons), garuḍas (giant birds), kiṃnaragandharvas (heavenly singers), and s (heavenly musicians), devas (gods), mahoraganāgaasuras (dragons),s (fightings (snake spirits), demons).
eight precepts: Undertaken by lay Buddhists for certain periods of time, they includeingesting intoxicants; and refraining from indulging in such idle pleasures as usingabstaining from killing, stealing, engaging in sexual activity, using false speech, and perfumes, singing and dancing, wearing bodily decoration, going to dances or plays,five precepts. sleeping on a raised bed, and eating after noon. The first five of these constitute theSee also five precepts; precepts.
eight qualities of voice: The voice of a buddha possesses these eight qualities—it is pleas-ant, soft, harmonious, dignified and wise, masculine, unerring, deep and far-reaching,and inexhaustible.
eight perceptions and enables the practitioner to dwell in the stage of complete nirvana.ment to nonexistence; and (8) the final impurity of the body, to extinguish physical passions; (2) the impurity of externalobjects, to extinguish desire; (3) pure aspects of external objects, to extinguish passions;sciousness, to remove attachment to space; (6) nonexistence, to remove attachmentto consciousness; (7) the stage of neither thought nor non-thought, to extinguish attach-(4)samādhi boundless space, to remove attachment to material objects; (5) boundless cons of liberation: States of meditative concentration (nirvana. samādhi that extinguishes all thoughts andsamādhi) on (1) the-
See also samādhi;
emptiness: A central Mahayana doctrine that all phenomena (only in dependence on causes and conditions (empty of independent, inherent, and eternal selfhood. Mahayana; no-self. pratītya samutpādadharmaSee alsos) come into existencelaw of causality;), and thus are
Encircling Adamantine Mountains: The outermost mountain range encircling this worldsystem, made of iron. See also Mount Sumeru. enlightenment (ized the Dharma of suchness and the innate buddha-nature of all beings and becamepurity and eternal bliss. Śākyamuni’s awakening under the a buddha, represents the Buddhist ideal of enlightenment. suchness. bodhi): The state of the highest perfection of wisdom; the state of undefiledbodhiSee also tree, when he real-buddha-nature;
evil passions: (are considered the cause of transmigration in samsara; by extinguishing them, onekleśas): Mental functions that disturb and defile the mind and body. They the evil passions, a bodhisattva attains liberation and realizes enlightenmentbecomes an arhat. In the Mahayana, through recognizing the nonsubstantiality ofalso arhat; bodhisattva; enlightenment; Mahayana; samsara. . See
evil paths. See five evil realms; three evil realms. Exalted Being: A synonym for “bodhisattva.”
faith: Generally in Buddhism, this means acceptance of the Buddha’s teachings; in Purerecitation of his Name. This practice of concentration and dedication ultimatelyLand Buddhism, it is singlehearted concentration of Amitābha accompanied by leads to complete entrusting in Amitābha’s salvific power and, through it, acceptanceof his merits of wisdom and compassion. five burnings: The suffering caused by committing the five kinds of evils. See five evils. five evil realms: The five lower states of samsaric existence through which sentient beingstransmigrate due to the results of their past karma—(1) the realm of heavenly beings(4)(deva hungry ghosts s and asuras), (2) the realm of humans, and the three evil realms of (3) animals,(pretas), and (5) hell. See also karma; samsara; three evil realms.
five evils: There are two interpretations—(1) the five acts prohibited by the five precepts—killing, stealing, engaging in sexual misconduct, using false speech, and ingestingintoxicants; and (2) the five acts contrary to the five constant virtues taught in Con-fucianism—benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and sincerity. See also
Confucianism; five precepts.
five good deeds: (1) The five precepts, and (2) the five acts which accord with the constantvirtues of Confucianism. See also Confucianism; five precepts; five virtues. five grave offenses: The most serious offenses of Buddhist followers, commission of whichdisunity in the Buddhist order (sangha). consigns one to the hell realm. They are: (1) killing one’s father, (2) killing one’smother, (3) killing an arhat, (4) causing a buddha’s body to bleed, and (5) causingSee also arhat; sangha; three evil realms. five sufferings: Birth, sickness, old age, death, and being parted from loved ones.
five powers: Powers obtained by the practice of the five roots of good—(1) the powerThree Treasures. power of mindfulness of the true Dharma, (4) the power of concentration, and (5)of faith in the Three Treasures, (2) the power of effort to practice the good, (3) theSee also five roots of good; the power of investigation into the true nature of things. five precepts: The five basic precepts undertaken by all lay Buddhists: not to kill, steal,commit adultery, use false speech, or ingest intoxicants. five roots of good: The good spiritual elements that lead one to enlightenment: (1) faithin the Three Treasures and the Four Noble Truths, (2) making efforts to do good,(3)true nature of reality. being mindful of the true Dharma, (4) concentration, and (5) insight into theSee also Four Noble Truths; Three Treasures. five virtues: The virtues gained by doing the five good deeds; they are commonly inter-good deeds.preted as the five constant virtues of Confucianism. See also Confucianism; five Forty-eight Vows: The vows made by Dharmākara Bodhisattva; upon their fulfillmenthe became Amitābha Buddha and established his Pure Land for all sentient beings.Dharmākara; Original Vow; Pure Land.The Forty-eight Vows are fully explicated in the Larger Sutra. See also Amitābha; four great oceans: The oceans surrounding Mount Sumeru. See also Mount Sumeru.
four groups of followers: Monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. four kinds of jewels: Gold, silver, beryl, and crystal. See also seven kinds of jewels. four kinds of offerings: The four requisites of a monk—clothing, food, bedding or asleeping place, and medicine or herbs.
Four Noble Truths: The fundamental Buddhist doctrine: (1) the truth of suffering, i.e., thatlife entails suffering; (2) the truth regarding the cause of suffering, i.e., that the causeto nirvana, i.e., the Noble Eightfold Path. of suffering is the evil passions; (3) the truth regarding the extinction of suffering,i.e., nirvana, the state of release from all suffering; and (4) the truth regarding the pathSee also nirvana; Noble Eightfold Path.
Gandhaprabhāsa (“Fragrant Light”): The name of a buddha in the zenith. gandharva:protect Buddhism. A heavenly musician; one of the eight kinds of superhuman beings thatSee also eight kinds of superhuman beings.
Gandhottama (“Best Fragrance”): The name of a buddha in the zenith. garuḍa:human beings that protect Buddhism. A mythological giant bird said to devour dragons; one of the eight kinds of super-See also eight kinds of superhuman beings.
Gavāṃpati (“Lord of Cows”): A disciple of the Buddha.
Gayākāśyapa (“Kāśyapa of Gayā”): A younger brother of Uruvilvākāśyapa who convertedto Buddhism with his two hundred disciples.
Golden Light: The name of a buddha in the nadir.
Golden River: The Nairañjanā River, which flows near the village of Bodh Gayā, wherethe Buddha attained enlightenment. gong: The first tone of the Chinese pentatonic scale. good teacher (Buddhist Way.kalyāṇamitra): A good friend in the Dharma, who leads seekers to the great compassion: The mind of a buddha or bodhisattva, which embraces all sentientbeings without discrimination. See also compassion.
Great Sage: An epithet for a buddha.
Heaven of Free Enjoyment of Manifestations by Others (Paranirmita vaśa vartin): Thesixth and highest heaven of the world of desire, where demons are said to dwell. also Appendix, Buddhist Cosmology, p. 103; six heavens; three worlds. See Heaven of Pure Abode: The fourth into five levels. See also Appendix, Buddhist Cosmology, pp. 103; three worlds.dhyāna heaven of the world of form; it is divided
Heaven of the Four Kings (Cāturmahārāja): The first of the six heavens of the world ofeast, 2) Virūḍhaka in the south, 3) Virūpākṣa in the west, and 4) Vaiśravaṇa in thenorth. desire, presided over by the four guardian gods of the world—1) Dhṛtarāṣṭra in theSee alsoAppendix, Buddhist Cosmology, pp. 103; six heavens; three worlds.
Heaven of the Thirty-three Gods (Trāyastriṃśa): The second of the six heavens of theworld of desire, located on top of Mount Sumeru. Each of the four peaks in the fourcardinal directions is inhabited by eight gods, with Indra, the lord of the gods,dwelling in a palace in the center. Mount Sumeru; six heavens; three worlds.See alsoAppendix, Buddhist Cosmology, p. 103; hell. See Appendix, Buddhist Cosmology, p. 103; five evil realms; three evil realms. highest heaven of the world of form: Fourth and highest of the four heavens of the worldof form, popularly known as Akaniṣṭha Heaven. mology, p. 103; three worlds. See alsoAppendix, Buddhist Cos-
Hinayana (“Lesser Vehicle”): A derogatory term applied by Mahayanists to variousHinayana schools based on various points of doctrine formed in the early centuriesschools of early Buddhism whose highest spiritual goal was the attainment of indi-vidual liberation, in contrast to the bodhisattva ideal of the Mahayana. Twenty
Mahayana; is used to describe this school of Buddhism, which is practiced primarily in SriLanka, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and southern Vietnam. of the development of Buddhism. Today the term Theravāda (“Way of the Elders”)śrāvaka. See also arhat;
ignorance (insight into the Dharma. It takes two forms, wrong beliefs and absence of wisdom.avidyā): The basic cause of suffering, which hinders one’s ability to attain impermanence (nomena (dharmaanityas) are subject to change and are impermanent. ): One of the basic principles of Buddhism; the truth that all pheSee also dharma.insight into the non-arising of all recognizes that no phenomenon (See also dharma; dharmaemptiness; non-arising of all dharmas: A higher spiritual awakening in which one) really arises or perishes; insight intodharmas. emptiness.
Jālinīprabha (“Net Light”): The name of a buddha in the north.
Jambudvīpa: In Buddhist cosmology, the triangular continent situated to the south ofthis fruit. the word Mount Sumeru, corresponding to the Indian subcontinent; the name derives fromjambuSee also(mango) because this continent is said to produce a good deal ofMount Sumeru.
Jambu River: A mythological river that runs through the mango forest in the northern partof Jambudvīpa, famous for producing purple-gold. See also Jambudvīpa; purple-gold.
Jeta Grove. See Anāthapiṇḍada.
Jīvaka: A nephew of King Bimbisāra who served as a royal minister; also a famous andskilled physician who once cured the Buddha of a serious illness. See also Bimbi sāra.
jīvaṃjīvaka: A mythological two-headed bird. kalaviṅka:A mythological bird with a woman’s head said to possess a wonderful voice.
Kālayaśas (d. 442): A monk from Central Asia who went to China and translated severalimportant sutras into Chinese, including the Contemplation Sutra.
Kālodayin (“Black Udayin”): A disciple of the Buddha.
kalpa:medium, and large; a smaller span increases by one year every hundred years until it reaches eighty-four thousandyears.An eon, an immensely long period of time. There are three types of kalpa is a period in which the average human life -kalpas: small,
Kapphiṇa: A disciple of the Buddha.
karma (lit., “action”): Any action of body, speech, or mind (thought), which may belaw of causality; samsara.negative formation in one’s consciousness that lead to rebirth in samsara. either morally good, bad, or neutral. The concept of karma is connected with theBuddhist theory of transmigration, since most actions create either a positive orSee also
kiṃnara:Buddhism. A heavenly singer; one of the eight kinds of superhuman beings that protectSee also eight kinds of superhuman beings.
Kimpila: A disciple of the Buddha.
kiṃśuka: A kind of tree that bears beautiful red blossoms.
King of Light: The name of a buddha in the nadir.
koṭi: A large unit of measurement, said to equal ten million. kṣatriya: The Indian caste (social class) of warriors and nobles.
Kumārajīva (344–413): A monk-scholar from Central Asia who went to China in 401and translated many Buddhist texts into Chinese, including the Smaller Sutra on
Amitāyus.
Land of Peace and Bliss: Another name for Amitābha’s Pure Land. See Pure Land. Land of Peace and Provision: Another name for Amitābha’s Pure Land. See Pure Land. Land of Utmost Bliss: Another name for Amitābha’s Pure Land. See Pure Land.
law of causality: The fundamental Buddhist doctrine which teaches that one’s good andone’s present life is based on one’s acts in past lives, and one’s acts in the presentbad acts (karma) will result in happiness or suffering, respectively. The state of life determine the state of one’s next life. Based on this principle, the unique ethicaland religious system of practice and discipline developed in Buddhism. In thebodhisattvas and buddhas take all sentient beings’ karma as their own. bodhisattva; karma; Mahayana.Mahayana, the law of causality is conceived of in a wider sense; the individualisticview of karma has been expanded to the view of universal interrelatedness, so thatSee also
li: A Chinese unit of measurement, approximately one-fourth to one-third of a mile. Liu-Song dynasty (442–479): A Chinese kingdom that existed south of the Yangze River.
Lokeśvararāja (“World-sovereign King”): The name of a buddha; the teacher of thebodhisattva Dharmākara. See also Dharmākara.
Magadha: A kingdom in northern India at the time of Śākyamuni Buddha.
Mahācunda: A brother of Śāriputra who became a disciple of the Buddha. Mahākapphiṇa: A disciple of the Buddha.
Mahākāśyapa: The disciple designated by the Buddha as his successor, renowned forhis strict observance of the precepts. Mahākātyāyana: One of the ten great disciples of the Buddha, renowned for his skill indebate.
Mahākauṣṭhila: A disciple of the Buddha.
Mahāmaudgalyāyana: One of the Buddha’s foremost disciples, noted for his supernaturalpowers.
Mahāmeru (“Great Sumeru”): The name of a buddha in the east.
Mahānāma (“Great Name”): One of the five earliest disciples of the Buddha.
Mahāprabha (“Great Light”): The name of a buddha in the west.
Mahāprabhāsa (“Great Brilliance”): The name of a buddha in the west.
Mahārciskandha (“Shoulders of Great Flame”): (1) The name of a buddha in the south;(2) the name of a buddha in the zenith. mahāsattvareached an advanced stage of enlightenment. (“great being”): A bodhisattva of great compassion and energy who hasSee also bodhisattva. Mahāsthāmaprāpta (“Possessed of Great Power”): One of the two bodhisattvas attendingwisdom.Amitābha; he represents Amitābha’s wisdom. See also Amitābha; Avalokiteśvara;
Mahayana (“Great Vehicle”): Along with the Hinayana, one of the two major schools oflowers of the Mahayana are called bodhisattvas, who at the outset of their careersBuddhism. The Mahayana aims at bringing all sentient beings to buddhahood. Folmake vows to save all beings, and cultivate merit and wisdom in order to fulfillhistorical evidence shows that the Mahayana arose a few centuries after the Buddha’sthese vows. When their vows are fulfilled, bodhisattvas become buddhas. Although
(revealed by the Buddha. The development of the Mahayana resulted in a great out-pouring of Buddhist literature, including the lifetime, Mahayanists believe that the essential part of the Mahayana teaching was“Perfection of Wisdom”) sutras, and others, including the three Pure Land sutras.Garland Sutra, the Prajñāpāramitā
Bhutan, Tibet, China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan. Mahayana is the primary form of Buddhism practiced in northern Vietnam, Nepal,See also bodhisattva; Hinayana.
mahogara:Buddhism. a snake; a god of music; one of the eight kinds of superhuman beings that protectA type of supernatural being said to have the body of a human and the head ofSee also eight kinds of superhuman beings.
Maitreya (“Friendly”): A bodhisattva currently dwelling in the Tuṣita Heaven, who willappear in this world as the next buddha. See also Tuṣita Heaven. māndārava:flower.”A beautiful and fragrant flower; its name translates as “heavenly wonderful maṇi-the “wish-fulfilling gem” because it is supposedly able to produce treasure or performgem: A legendary precious gem of a globular shape with a short pointed top, called supernatural feats at the wish of its owner.
Mañjuśrī (“Beauty and Glory”): The name of a bodhisattva who represents the wisdomŚākyamuni.and enlightenment of all buddhas; often portrayed mounted on a lion, attending
Mañjusvara (“Beautiful Voice”): The name of a buddha in the east.
Māra: King of the devils, the personification of evil in the Buddhist sutras. meditation. See contemplation; samādhi. meditation of vast and universal tranquility: The the ninth stage before teaching the Dharma. samādhiSee also entered into by bodhisattvas ofsamādhi; bodhisattva stages.
Merudhvaja (“Sumeru Banner”): The name of a buddha in the east.
Meruprabhāsa (“Sumeru Light”): The name of a buddha in the east. Merupradīpa (“Sumeru Lamp”): The name of a buddha in the south. middle and lower stages: The two stages of advanced Hinayana practice, those of theśrāvakas and pratyekabuddhas. See also Hinayana; pratyekabuddha; śrāvaka.
Mount Sumeru: In Buddhist cosmology, the highest mountain rising from the center ofmountain ranges; in the ocean between the seventh and eighth of these ranges arethe world; it has four sides, is narrowest in the center, and is surrounded by eight the four great continents inhabited by human beings.
Nadīkāśyapa (“Kāśyapa of Nadī”): The younger brother of Gayākāśyapa who convertedto Buddhism with his three hundred disciples. nāga:See alsoA dragon deity; one of the eight kinds of superhuman beings that protect Buddhism.eight kinds of superhuman beings.
Nakṣatrarāja (“King of Stars”): The name of a buddha in the zenith.
Name: Refers to the Name of Amitābha. Recitation of the Name, called the is an important Pure Land practice. The Name is believed to perform Amitābha’snembutsu, salvific activity; hence, the term does not refer to the figure of this buddha but tothe phrase tee’s taking of refuge in Amitābha Buddha. Namu amida butsu (Chinese: Namo omituo foSee also Amitābha; Pure Land school.), which signifies the devo-
Nanda (“Joy”): A disciple of the Buddha.
Nārāyaṇa (“Son of the Original Man”): A Vajra-god possessing enormous physical power.See also Vajra-god. naturalness: The state of things as they really are, suchness; ultimate truth or ultimatereality. See also suchness; ultimate truth. nayuta:billion.A large numerical measurement, said to be equal to ten million or one hundred nembutsu. See Name.
nirvana: Liberation from samsara, a state in which all evil passions are extinguished andthe highest wisdom attained; enlightenment. See also enlightenment; evil passions; samsara.
Noble Eightfold Path: The eight aspects of practice for attaining nirvana, as taught by theBuddha in the fourth of the Four Noble Truths: (1) right view, (2) right thought, (3) and (8) right meditation. right speech, (4) right action, (5) right livelihood, (6) right effort, (7) right mindfulness,See also Four Noble Truths.
non-arising of all from the viewpoint of ultimate truth they do not. of reality. Although phenomena (nor perishing,” often used by Mahayanists to describe the ultimate truth or natureof all dharmadharmas: Corresponds to the first part of the phrase “neither arisingdharmas) appear to arise and fall away, when seenSee also insight into the non-arising s; ultimate truth.
non-returner (Hinayana; one who has attained this stage is no longer subject to rebirth in the worldanāgāminSee also Hinayana; three worlds.): The third of the four stages of spiritual attainment in the of desire.
no-self: The teaching that all phenomena (inherent, independent, and eternal selfhood. dharmas), including one’s self, do not possessSee also dharmas; emptiness. nyagrodha tree: A banyan or Indian fig tree.
once-returner (alsoHinayana; one who has attained this state is subject to rebirth only once in each ofsakṛdāgāmin): The second of the four stages of spiritual attainment in theSee the human and the heavenly realms of the three worlds before attaining nirvana. Hinayana; nirvana; three worlds.
Original Vow: Specifically, the Forty-eight Vows made by the bodhisattva Dharmākarato save all sentient beings and establish a Pure Land for them. Forty-eight Vows; Pure Land. See also Dharmākara; original vows (sattvas at the outset of their religious careers. pūrva-praṇidhāna): The vows to save all sentient beings made by bodhiSee also Original Vow. other shore: Refers to liberation from samsara, when one reaches the other shore of theriver of birth and death. See also samsara.
Pārāyaṇika: A disciple of the Buddha.
Perfected One: An epithet for the Buddha.
Perfectly Enlightened One: One of the ten epithets for a buddha. buddha. See ten epithets for a period of cosmic change: The four periods in the endlessly recurring cycle of (1) creation,(2) duration, (3) destruction, and (4) nonexistence of universes. period of the five defilements: A period of general degeneration characterized by five(4)signs, consisting of degradation of the (1) human condition, and (5) human life span.kalpa, or eon, (2) views, (3) passions, physical characteristics and marks: Buddhas and bodhisattvas are said to possess thirty-two physical characteristics, such as golden skin, blue eyes, a long and broad tongue,etc.; and eighty secondary marks, such as soft hands, large ears, blue-black hair, etc.
Piṇḍola-Bhāradvāja (“Piṇḍola of the Skylark”): A disciple of the Buddha.
pratyekabuddhaalong with pratyekabuddhaśrāvaka(“solitary enlightened one”): One of the two kinds of Hinayana sages,attains liberation by observing the principle of the twelve causationss, who seek to reach the stage of arhat and attain nirvana. ASee also arhat; Hinayana; without the guidance of teacher, and does not teach others. nirvana; śrāvaka.
precepts (by lay Buddhists for certain periods of time, and the complete precepts of a monkThere are five basic precepts for lay Buddhists, a set of eight precepts undertakenśīlaSee also): Vows regarding moral conduct undertaken by lay Buddhists and monastics.s. complete precepts of a monk or nun; five precepts; eight precepts;
six or nun. pāramitā
pure Dharma eye: Insight into the Four Noble Truths attained in the Hinayana stage ofstream-winner. See also Four Noble Truths; Hinayana; stream-winner.
Pure Land: Generally, any buddha land; specifically, refers to Sukhāvatī (“Land of UtmostBliss”), the buddha land in the West created by the bodhisattva Dharmākara onfulfillment of his vows and attainment of buddha hood as Amitābha. Those who areof nirvana. born in Amitābha’s Pure Land are free from afflictions and enjoy the supreme blissSee also Amitābha; Dharmākara; Forty-eight Vows; nirvana.
Pure Land school: A school of Mahayana Buddhism that developed in fifth- century Chinaand which remains one of the most popular schools of Buddhism in China and Japan.Mahayana; Pure Land.The salvific goal of this school centers on attaining rebirth in Amitābha’s Pure Land,and the Three Pure Land Sutras serve as its doctrinal basis. See also Amitābha;
Pūrṇaka (“Abundant”): A disciple of the Buddha.
Pūrṇamaitrāyaṇīputra (“Son of Pūrṇamaitrāyaṇī” [“abundant friendliness”]): One of theten great disciples of the Buddha, renowned for his skill in teaching the Dharma. purple-gold: A type of gold produced by the Jambu River. See also Jambu River.
Rāhula (“Fetter”): The son of Prince Siddhārtha who later became the Buddha’s disciple,renowned for his strict observance of the monastic rules (Vinaya).
Rājagṛha: The capital of Magadha at the time of the Buddha; the present-day city ofRajgir, India. See also Magadha.
Ratnaketu (“Jewel Ensign”): The name of a buddha in the west.
Ratnakusumasaṃpuṣpitagātra (“Having a Body Adorned with Jewel Flowers”): Thename of a buddha in the zenith.
Ratnotpalaśrī (“Glory of Blue Lotus Flower Jewels”): The name of a buddha in the zenith. Revata: A disciple of the Buddha.
Right Dharma: The Buddha-Dharma; the teaching of the true Dharma expounded by theBuddha.
Sahā (“Endurance”) world: The world system that consists of Mount Sumeru at the centerand the four great continents surrounding it; the world of human existence, in whichbeings must endure suffering, synonymous with samsara. samsara. See also Mount Sumeru;
Śakra: Another name for Indra, the lord of the Heaven of the Thirty-three Gods; originallyof the Thirty-three Gods.a Hindu god, later incorporated into Buddhism as a protector deity. See also Heaven śakra-abhilagna-maṇi-cious gem in the world. gem: The gem on the top of Śakra’s head, said to be the most pre-See also maṇi-gem; Śakra. Śakra’s vase: A divine vase that produces anything its owner desires. See also Śakra.
Śākyamuni (“the sage [India in the fifth century Buddhism. Born Prince Siddhārtha Gautama in the kingdom of Kapilavastu inmuni] of the Śākya clan”): The historical Buddha, who lived inB.C.E. and whose life and teachings form the basis for
After six years of arduous practice and seeking, he attained enlightenment andage of eighty in Kuśinagara. became the Buddha, and taught the Dharma to others. He passed into nirvana at thecentral India, he left home at the age of twenty-nine to seek the Way of liberation.See also enlightenment; Dharma; nirvana; Way.
Śālendrarāja (“Lord King of the Śāla Tree”): The name of a buddha in the zenith. samādhi:alsopoint; also a transcendent mental state attained by the repeated practice of contem-plation, such as visualizing a buddha or buddha land and realizing emptiness. contemplation; emptiness.A state of meditative concentration or absorption, focusing the mind on oneSee samādhi(samādhiof being in the presence of all the buddhas: A state of meditative concentration) in which the practitioner visualizes standing face to face with all buddhas,See also samādhi. in particular Amitābha.
samādhi(existence and thus are not to be grasped as objects of perception and desire. also dharma; samādhis of emptiness, non-form, and non-desire: States of meditative concentration) in which the practitioner realizes that all emptiness; samādhi. dharmas are empty of inherentSee samādhititioner enjoys the pleasures of non-thought. of extinction: A state of meditative concentration (See also samādhi.samādhi) in which the pracsamādhithe practitioner can see innumerable buddhas. of “universal equality”: A state of meditative concentration (See also samādhi.samādhi) in which
Samantabhadra (“Universally Gracious”): The name of a great bodhisattva who representsadherence to vows of great compassion; also the right-hand attendant of Śākyamuni;the ultimate principle, meditation, and practice of all buddhas, the embodiment of often portrayed mounted on a white elephant.
Saṃghavarman (ca.third century): A monk from India or Samarkand who went to Chinain 245 and translated several sutras into Chinese, including the Larger Sutra. samsara: The cycle of birth and death through which beings transmigrate due to karmiccauses; the world of suffering, contrasted with the liberation of nirvana that can beattained through following the Buddha’s teachings. nirvana; three evil realms; three worlds. See also five evil realms; karma; sangha: The Buddhist monastic order; in a more general sense, the larger community offour groups of followers; Three Treasures.Buddhist followers. Capitalized, the term is one of the Three Treasures. See also śāri: A talking bird; possibly a mynah.
Śāriputra: One of the leading disciples of the Buddha, especially renowned for his wis-dom. Sarvārthadarśa (“Seeing All Benefits”): The name of a buddha in the zenith. seven kinds of jewels: Gold, silver, beryl, coral, amber, agate, and ruby.
seven practices leading to enlightenment: (1) Distinguishing the true Dharma from wrongviews, (2) making efforts to practice the true Dharma, (3) rejoicing in the truemindfulness to maintain the equilibrium of concentration and insight, (6) concen-Dharma, (4) eliminating torpor and attaining ease and relaxation, (5) practicing tration, and (7) mental detachment from external objects, thereby establishing aserene mind.
shang: The second tone of the Chinese pentatonic scale.
Siṃha (“Lion”): The name of a buddha in the nadir. single path: The single path leading to buddhahood.
six acts of accord and respect: The six compassionate acts of a bodhisattva toward thesangha in order to save people—(1) performing the same bodily practices as others,sutras; (3) doing the same mental acts, such as faith; (4) observing the same precepts;such as worshiping the Buddha; (2) doing the same verbal acts, such as chanting(5) sharing the same view, such as the view of emptiness; (6) sharing the same proSee also bodhisattva; precepts; sangha. visions, such as food.
six domestic animals: Horses, cows, sheep, dogs, pigs, and chickens.
six forms of mindfulness: The six objects of mindfulness or contemplation—Buddha,heaven with the desire to be reborn there. Dharma, and Sangha (the Three Treasures); precepts (See also contemplation.śīla); giving (dāna); and six heavens of the world of desire: In ascending order, they are—1) Heaven of the FourHeaven of Enjoyment of Pleasures Provided by Themselves (Nirmāṇarati), and 6)Kings, 2) Heaven of Thirty-three Gods, 3) Yāma Heaven, 4) Tuṣita Heaven, 5)See also Buddhist CosHeaven of Free Enjoyment of Manifestations by Others. mology in Appendix, p. 103; Heaven of Free Enjoyment of Manifestations by Others;
Heaven of the Four Kings; Heaven of Thirty-three Gods; three worlds; TuṣitaHeaven; Yāma Heaven.
six pāramitāprecepts; buddhahood—1) giving (vīrya), 5) meditation s: The six types of practices to be perfected by bodhisattvas on the path tosamādhi; wisdom.(samādhidāna), 2) precepts ), and 6) wisdom (śīla)(, 3) patience prajñā). See also(kṣāntibodhisattva;), 4) effort
( six sense organs: The eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind.
six supernatural powers: Six transcendent faculties attributed to buddhas, bodhisattvas,and arhats—(1) the ability to go anywhere at will and to transform oneself or objects capable of hearing any sound at any distance, (4) the ability to know others’ thoughts,at will, (2) divine eyes capable of seeing anything at any distance, (3) divine earsdestroy all evil passions. (5) the ability to know one’s former lives and those of others, and (6) the ability toSee also evil passions; three kinds of transcendent knowledge.
sixth heaven: The sixth heaven of the world of desire, i.e., the Heaven of Free Enjoymentof Manifestations by Others. Heaven of Free Enjoyment of Manifestations by Others; three worlds.See also Appendix, Buddhist Cosmology, p. 103; skillful means (out of their compassion, teach sentient beings according to their spiritual capacityupāya): The various expedient methods by which buddhas or bodhisattvas,See also bodhisattva; enlightenment.and intelligence and guide them to enlightenment.
special qualities: The eighteen special qualities of a buddha—(1) absence of bodilyimperfection, (2) unmistakable speech that guides human beings to enlightenment,(3)mind, (6) knowing and accepting all beings, (8) unceasing effort to save sentient beings, (9) spiritual communication perfect concentration, (4) nondiscriminative thought, (5) a perfectly settleddharmas, (7) limitless desire to save all sentient
physical forms to guide sentient beings to salvation, (14) employment of subtlewith other buddhas, (10) omniscience, (11) complete liberation from all bondage,(12) complete knowledge of all aspects of liberation, (13) manifestation of excellent words to teach sentient beings, (15) pure mental acts to teach sentient beings, (16)future events, and (18) complete knowledge of all events in the present.complete knowledge of the past lives of all beings, (17) complete knowledge of sprinkling the nectar: The Buddha sprinkles nectar on the heads of bodhisattvas upontheir attainment of the tenth stage. See also bodhisattva stages. śrāvakasages, along with the teachings directly; later, the term came to refer to one of the two kinds of HinayanaHinayana; (“word-hearer”): Originally, a disciple of the Buddha, one who heard him expoundpratyekabuddha.pratyekabuddhas; generally, a Hinayana practitioner. See also
Śrāvastī: A kingdom in central India where the Jeta Grove donated by Anāthapiṇḍada toing the the Buddha and his sangha was located, the present-day site of Sāhetmāhet in GondaProvince. At this place many Mahayana sutras were delivered by the Buddha, includ-Smaller Sutra on Amitāyus. See also Anāthapiṇḍada; Mahayana.
stage of becoming a buddha after one more life (development in which the practitioner has reached the highest bodhisattva stage andis destined to become a buddha in the next life. eka-jāti-pratibaddhaSee also bodhisattva stages.): The stage of spiritual stage of joy (undefiled wisdom. pramuditā):See also The first of the ten bodhisattva stages, attained by awakeningbodhisattva stages. stage of non-retrogression (highest enlightenment (avinivartanīyaanuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi): The stage in which a bodhisattva proceeds to) and will advance to buddhahood stage.without regressing to lower stages. See also bodhisattva stages; definitely assured stages of alsośrāvakaHinayana; s and pratyekabuddha; śrāvaka.pratyekabuddhas: The stages of advanced Hinayana practice. See stream-winner (Hinayana; one who has entered the stream of the Dharma by abandoning variousśrota-āpannaSee also Hinayana.): The first of the four stages of spirtual attainment in the wrong views.
stupa: A tomb mound or a shrine, sometimes containing relics of the Buddha. Subāhu (“Having Well-developed Arms”): A disciple of the Buddha.
suchness (also naturalness; ultimate truth.tathatā): The state of things as they really are, thusness; ultimate truth. See
Śuddharaśmiprabha (“Brilliance of Pure Light”): The name of a buddha in the west. Śuddhipanthaka: A disciple of the Buddha.
Sumerukalpa (“Sumeru-like”): The name of a buddha in the zenith. sutra: Buddhist scriptures that contain the discourses of the Buddha. Capitalized, it refersto one of the three categories of the Buddhist canon, the Tripiṭaka. See also Tripiṭaka.
Svāgata (“Well-come”): A disciple of the Buddha.
Tathāgata (“Thus Come One”): One of the ten epithets for a buddha, popularly construedepithets for a buddha.as meaning “one who has come from thusness (suchness).” See also suchness; ten ten directions: The four cardinal directions (north, east, south, west), the four intermediateAs a general term, it refers to the entire sphere of reality; everywhere. directions (northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest), plus the zenith and nadir.
ten epithets for a buddha: (1) Tathāgata, (2) Arhat, (3) Fully Enlightened One, (4) Possessorpassed One, (8) Tamer of Beings, (9) Teacher of Gods and Humans, and (10) Enlight-of Wisdom and Practice, (5) Well-gone One, (6) Knower of the World, (7) Unsurened and World-honored One.
ten evil deeds: The acts of killing, stealing, committing adultery, lying, uttering harshanger, and holding wrong views.words, uttering words that cause division among people, engaging in idle talk, greed, ten good deeds: Not killing, not stealing, not committing adultery, not lying, not utteringin idle talk, not being greedy, not being angry, and not holding wrong views. harsh words, not uttering words that cause division among people, not engaging ten supernal powers: The powers attributed to a buddha, which confer perfect knowledgeof (1) distinguishing right and wrong; (2) the karma of all sentient beings of the past, present, and future and its outcome; (3) all forms of meditation; (4) the superiorand inferior capacities of sentient beings; (5) the desires and thoughts of sentientvarious methods of practice; (8) the transmigratory states of all sentient beings andbeings; (6) the different levels of existence of sentient beings; (7) the results ofnirvanic state of nondefilement; and (10) how to destroy the evil passions.the courses of karma they follow; (9) the past lives of all sentient beings and the
three acts of merit: (1) Worldly meritorious acts, such as filial devotion, respectfullyformed in observing precepts, such as the five precepts; and (3) meritorious actsserving one’s teachers, and performing the ten good deeds; (2) meritorious acts per-
Mahayana; ten good deeds; Way.performed in practicing the Buddhist Way, such as believing in the law of causalityand chanting the Mahayana sutras. See also five precepts; law of causality; three defilements: Greed or craving, anger or hatred, and ignorance or delusion, oftenreferred to as the “three poisons.” See also affliction. three distinct teachings: The teachings for bodhisattvas, respectively. See also bodhisattva; pratyekabuddha; śrāvakapratyekabuddha. s, and śrāvakas, three evil realms: The three lowest of the five evil realms of samsaric existence—1) thefive evil realms; samsara.realm of animals, 2) the realm of hungry ghosts, and 3) the realm of hell. See also three grades of aspirants: The higher, middle, and lower grades of aspirants for birth in thebecome monastics, perform meritorious deeds, and awaken aspiration for enlightenmentPure Land, as distinguished in the Larger Sutra. The higher grade are those who aspiration for enlightenment; Pure Land.by contemplating Amitābha; the middle grade are those who do only the first two ofthese acts; and the lower grade are those who do only the last. See also Amitābha;
three insights: Insights into the nature of the sacred sound, (2) insight into reality by coming into accord with it, and (3)all insight into the non-arising of all dharmas. dharmadharmas. s: (1) insight into reality through hearingSee also insight into the non-arising of three kinds of faith: The three aspects of faith mentioned in the that are necessary for birth in Amitābha’s Pure Land—1) sincere faith, 2) deep faith,Contemplation Sutra See also and 3) faith that seeks birth in the Pure Land through transference of one’s merit.Pure Land; transference of merit.
three kinds of transcendent knowledge: Three kinds of knowledge attained by buddhas,evil passions; six supernatural powers.knowledge of one’s future and that of others, and 3) knowledge of the suffering ofbodhisattvas, and arhats—1) knowledge of one’s former lives and those of others, 2)See also the present and the ability to remove its root cause, i.e., the evil passions.
three pains: The three kinds of pain experienced by human beings—1) physical and mental objects of one’s attachment; and (3) pain caused by various worldly vicissitudes.pain caused by illness, hunger, thirst, etc.; (2) the pain of being separated from the three periods: Past, present, and future. three realms of suffering. See three evil realms. three refuges: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha (i.e., the Three Treasures), in which Buddhistsvow to take refuge. See also Three Treasures. three supernatural faculties: The three special faculties attained by a buddha, bodhisattva,faculty of knowing one’s future destiny and that of others, and (3) the faculty ofknowing all the suffering of the present life and of removing its root cause, i.e., theor arhat: (1) the faculty of knowing one’s former lives and those of others, (2) theevil passions. See also arhat; bodhisattva; evil passions.
Three Treasures: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. See also three refuges.
three worlds: The three categories of samsaric states of existence. They are: the worldhungry ghosts; and the realm of hell, of which there are eight levels (see Appendix,of desire (and attachment. There are six realms: the realm of the realm of kāmadhātuasuras; the realm of human beings; the realm of animals; the realm of), this world of suffering in which beings are given to desiredevas, which has six heavens;rūpa dhātu) is inhabited
Buddhist Cosmology, pp. 102–103). The world of form (by those who have severed all desires but still experience the world as form; thisworld has four desires and attachment to form but have not yet attained enlightenment; this worldThe world of non-form (has four levels (see Appendix, Buddhist Cosmology, p. 102). dhyāna heavens (see Appendix, Buddhist Cosmology, pp. 102–103).ārūpya dhātu) is inhabited by those who have severed all
transference of merit: Transferring one’s merit toward the attainment of buddhahood;Amitābha Buddha transfers his merit to sentient beings to enable them to attaintransferring one’s merit to other beings for their benefit. In Pure Land Buddhism,birth in his Pure Land. See also Amitābha; Pure Land. transmigration. See samsara.
Tripiṭaka (lit., “three baskets”): The three divisions of the Buddhist canon, Sutra (theBuddha’s teachings), Vinaya (the monastic code), and Abhi dharma (discourses on
Buddhist teachings).
Tripiṭaka Master: A monk who is well versed in the Buddhist scriptures.
Tuṣita (“Contentment”) Heaven: The fourth of the six heavens of the world of desire, inalsowhich the future buddha Maitreya now dwells preaching the Dharma to Appendix, Buddhist Cosmology, p. 103; deva; Maitreya; three worlds.devas. See twelve divisions of the scriptures: The classical categorization of the twelve forms ofBuddhist teachings—(1) the Buddha’s exposition of the Dharma in prose (sūtra),
(2)not expressed in prose (present state ((itivṛttaka verses that repeat ideas expressed in prose ), (6) narratives of the Buddha’s past lives nidāna), (5) narratives of the past lives of the Buddha’s disciplesgāthādeva), (9) discussions of doctrine ), (4) narratives of the past that explain a person’s(adbhuta-dharma(geya)(, (8) expositions of the Dharmajātaka), (3) verses containing ideas(upadeśa), (7) accounts of miracles), (10) expositions through allegories (pulyaperformed by a buddha or of buddhahood (of the Dharma by the Buddha without awaiting questions or requests from his dis-udāna), (11) extensive and detailed expositions of principles of truth avadāna (vai ciples (), and (12) prophecies by the Buddha regarding his disciples’ future attainmentvyākaraṇa). uḍumbara:used metaphorically to describe the rare appearance of a buddha.A kind of fig tree that is said to bloom only once in three thousand years; ultimate truth: The perception of the ultimate reality of things as they really are, truesuchness, the state of enlightenment in which ultimate truth is apprehended; asopposed to relative or conventional truth, which is unenlightened perception ofreality. See also enlightenment; naturalness; suchness. unconditioned nirvana: Ultimate truth or reality; the ultimate sphere of non-action; perfectnirvana. See also nirvana; ultimate truth. universe of a thousand million worlds: One thousand worlds comprise a small one-thousandthese make a great one-thousand world. The universe of a great one-thousand world,world, a thousand of these make a medium one-thousand world, and a thousand of
i.e., of a thousand million worlds, comes under the care of one buddha.
Uruvilvākāśyapa (“Kāśyapa of Uruvilvā”): The eldest of the three Kāśyapa brothers, whofive hundred disciples.first engaged in Brahmanical fire worship but later converted to Buddhism with his
Vaidehī: The wife of King Bimbisāra and mother of Ajātaśatru. In her later years she andBimbisāra.teach her the practices that will lead to birth in the Pure Land. is recounted in the the king were imprisoned by their son. This tragedy in the royal family of MagadhaContemplation Sutra, in which Vaidehī appeals to the Buddha toSee also Ajātaśatru;
Vaiśvānaranirghoṣa (“Universal Sound”): The name of a buddha in the north.
Vajra-god: A kind of gods often flank the entrances to temples.deva possessing enormous physical power. Images of a pair of such
Vakkula: A disciple of the Buddha.
Vāṣpa (“Tears, Vapor”): Sometimes mentioned as one of the ten earliest disciples of theBuddha.
Vedic scriptures: Refers to the four Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures.
Vimala (“Free of Defilement”): A disciple of the Buddha.
virtues of Samantabhadra: The meritorious practices, represented by Samantabhadra,that are performed by all bodhisattvas. See also Samantabhadra. visualization: A meditative practice involving an elaborate, extensive mental visualizationof a specific object of devotion, such as a buddha, bodhisattva, or buddha land. Vulture Peak (Gṛdhrakūṭa): A mountain near Rājagṛha, the capital of Ma ga dha in theLarger SutraBuddha’s time, where the Buddha delivered many important sutras, including the. See also Magadha; Rājagṛha.
water possessing the eight excellent qualities: The water of the ponds in the Pure Landthirst-quenching, and nourishing. has these eight qualities—it is pure, cool, smooth, sweet, moistening, comforting,See also Pure Land.
Way: The ultimate state of enlightenment; also enlightenment. bodhi; also refers to the Buddhist path. See
Well-gone One: One of the ten epithets for a buddha. See ten epithets for a buddha. Western Land: Amitābha’s Pure Land. See also Amitābha; Pure Land.
wheel of the Dharma: The Buddha-Dharma is compared to a wheel having eight spokes,wheel-turning monarch.to bring the Dharma to all sentient beings. which correspond to the Noble Eightfold Path, because (1) like the wheel of a wheel-turning monarch it crushes all evil, and (2) like a wheel in motion, it travels endlesslySee also Dharma; Noble Eightfold Path;
wheel-turning monarch (the world with a special wheel (cakravartin): The ideal king, as conceived of in India, who rulescakra) that flies through the air and destroys his enemies; said to possess seven treasures: the wheel, elephants, horses, gems, ladies,attendants, and generals. wisdom (prajñā): Transcendental wisdom, enlightened insight. See also six pāramitās. World-honored One (Bhagavān): One of the ten epithets for a buddha. for a buddha. See ten epithets world of desire. See three worlds. world of form. See three worlds. yakṣa:Buddhism. A flesh-eating demon; one of the eight kinds of superhuman beings that protectSee also eight kinds of superhuman beings.
Yāma (“Well Regulated”) Heaven: The third of the six heavens of the world of desire.See also Appendix, Buddhist Cosmology, p. 103; six heavens; three worlds.
Yao-Qin dynasty (384–417): The Later Qin dynasty, ruled by the Yao family.
Yaśas (“Fame”): The name of a buddha in the nadir.
Yaśasprabha (“Light of Fame”): The name of a buddha in the south.
Yaśasprabhāsa (“Brilliance of Fame”): The name of a buddha in the nadir. Yaśodeva (“God of Fame”): A disciple of the Buddha.
yojana:the distance the royal army could march in one day; one An Indian unit of distance, roughly equivalent to seven to nine miles, based onli. See also li. yojana is equivalent to forty
Éracle, Jean, trans. un Traité sur la Terre Pure,Soutra des paroles du Buddha sur la Vie Infinie.pp. 67–223. Geneva: Éditions Aquarius, 1984. In Trois Soutras et
Gómez, Luis, trans. Honolulu and Kyoto: University of Hawaii Press and Higashi Honganji Otaniha,The Larger Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra. In The Land of Bliss, pp. 61–122.
1996.
Inagaki, Hisao, trans. pp. 225–313. Kyoto: Nagata Bunshodo, 1994, 1995, 2000.The Larger Sutra on Amitāyus. In The Three Pure Land Sutras,
Müller, Friedrich Max, trans. the East,Publications, 1969.vol. 49, part 2, pp. 1–72. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1894; New York: DoverThe Larger Sukhāvatī-vyūha-sūtra. The Sacred Books of
Yamamoto, Kōshō, trans. Sermon on the Buddha of Eternal Life.The Bussetsu Muryojukyo: The Scripture of the Buddha’sIn Shinshu Seiten, pp. 7–73. Honolulu:
Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, 1955. The Contemplation Sutra
Assaji, Bhikkhu, trans. Time. Taipei: n.p., 1962.The Sūtra of Visualizing the Buddha of Immeasurable Length of Éracle, Jean, trans. In Trois Soutras et un Traité sur la Terre Pure,Soutra des paroles du Buddha sur la contemplation de la Vie Infinie.pp. 225–80. Geneva: Éditions Aquarius, 1984.
Inagaki, Hisao, trans. Sutras, pp. 315–30. Kyoto: Nagata Bunshodo, 1994, 1995, 2000.The Sutra on Contemplation of Amitāyus. In The Three Pure Land
Kawagishi, Yoshitaka, trans. Buddhist Academy Press, 1949.Meditation on Buddha Amitāyus. New York: American
Lu K’uan-yu (Luk, Charles), trans. Secrets of Chinese Meditation, pp. 85–106. London: Rider, 1964.The Sūtra of Contemplation of Amitāyus. In The
Takakusu, Junjirō, trans. Amitāyus. The Sacred Books of the East,Amitāyur-Dhyāna-Sūtra: The Sūtra of the Meditation onvol. 49, part 2, pp. 159–201. Oxford:
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131
Index
A
Abode of Boundless Consciousness 102abode(s) 5, 7, 29Ābhāsvara 102Abandoning Enmity 8
Abode of Nothingness 102Abode of Neither Thought nor Non-Abode of Boundless Space 102thought 102
Abṛha 102act(s) (evil xxiii, 43, 45, 48, 49, 53, 54, 8449, see also80 deed) 5, 38, 43, 47, 48,
of merit, meritorious xxiv, 15, 47, 51,good 28, 43, 47, 48, 49immoral, licentious, obscene xvii, 48,foolish, unlawful, unruly 43, 48, 496050
six, of accord and respect 40pure 68, 99
three xxiv, 68ten evil 85
Ājñātakauṇḍinya 3 Ajātaśatru xviii, xxiv, 65, 66agate (affliction(s) 5, 11, 20, 22, 39, 41, 45, 46,adornments 21, 27, 73, 91, 92Ādityasaṃbhava 94, 1012148, 24, 26, 27, , 50, 51, 52, 54, see alsosee alsoMaitreya) 91jewels, seven kinds of)70 67
Ajita (
Amida (Akṣobhya 93, 100, 101amber (Akaniṣṭha 102xiii, 10021, 26, 27, see alsosee also70jewels, seven kinds of)Amitābha; Amitāyus)
Amida Sutra. See Smaller SutraAmitābha xiii–xiv, xv, xxi, xxv, 92, 97,land of xiii, xiv100
Name of xiv, xximeditation on xiv
Amitadhvaja 94, 101 worship of xiii, xiv
Amitāyus xiii, xv, xvi, xvii, xviii, xix,Amitaketu 93, 101598210025xx, xxi, xxii, xxiii, xxiv, xxv, 22, 23,, 61, 67, 72, 73, 75, 76, 79, 80, 81,, 83, 84, 85, 86, 91, 92, 93, 98, 99,, 31–32, 33, 34, 37, 46, 56, 57, 58,, 101 see also transformed body(ies) of (
land of (image of. bodies) 78, 79 see alsoSee image, of AmitāyusPure Land) xxiv, xxv,
Name of (light of xvii, xxi, xxii, 22, 57, 75, 80xxiv, 45, 86, 98see also Name) xix, xxiii,see also
physical characteristics of (
|
133 |
power(s) (mark; physical characteristics) 75see also ten powers) 25, 85 Amitāyus (virtue(s) of xvi, xxv, 31, 32, 93continued) vows of (voice of 57, 98Original Vow) 25 see also Forty-eight Vows;
Anabhraka 102Amogharāja 3 stage, of non-returner
Ānanda xvi, xvii, xviii, xxi, xxv, 3, 7, 8,anāgāmin. See1127577691, 12, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,, 28, 29, 31, 32, 36, 37, 38, 40, 56,, 62, 66, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 75,, 77, 78, 79, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87,
anger (Anāthapiṇḍada’s Garden 91Anantavīrya 101, 106rance) xvii, 9, 41, 44, 49see also greed, anger, and igno-
anuttara samyaksaṃbodhi. SeeAniruddha 3, 91ment, highest, perfect enlighten Apramāṇaśubha 102Apramāṇa-ābha 102 arhat(s), arhatship xx, 53, 82, 83, 91, 92Arciskandha 94, 101
aspirants xxv, 32, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 93,middle grade of xx, xxiii, 31, 32, 83lowest grade of xx–xxi, xxii, xxv, 32,higher, highest grade of xvii, xix, xxii,9885xxv, 31, 32, 82
aspiration(s) 11, 12, 14, 47, 61for enlightenment xx, xxi, xxii, 5, 9,for birth in the Pure Land xxiii, xxvithree grades of 31–32nine categories of xix–xxi, 79–851182, 14, 16, 31, 32, 36, 61, 68, 81,, 84, 85, 86
asurasupernal 33, 98s 95, 103
Avaragodānīya 103Auspicious Kalpa 3Avalokiteśvara xix, xxiii, xxiv, 34, 36, 72,attachment(s) 12, 13, 27, 38, 39, 40, 43,Atapa 102Aśvajit 37444, 76–78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 85, , 50, 54 86
awakening (Avīci 10386 see also enlightenment) xxi,
B
banner(s) 21, 29, 32, 37, 59, 69, 71Dharma 4, 40jeweled 72, 73, 99 See Beautiful Peak 8Banner of Wisdom 3Banner of the Dharma. See MañjusvaraDharmadhvaja
benevolence 28, 45, 47, 52, 56, 75beggar, beggarly xxii, 28, 29, 47 Beautiful Voice. see also jewels, seven kinds of)
beryl (
Bhadrajit 3Best Fragrance. Beryl Light of the Sun and Moon 8xix, 21, 24, 26, 27, 69, 70, 91, 112See Gandhottama
Bimbisāra xviii, xxiv, 65, 67bhikṣuBhadrapāla 3see also(s) (see also78 birth and death) 29, 37,see alsomonk) 11, 12, 60, 62rebirth; sam-
birth (
3677
birth in the Pure Land xvi, xix, xx, xxi,birth and death (in an embryonic state 5835xxii, xxiii, xxiv, xxv, xxvi, 23, 31, 32,sara; transmigration) 10, 11, 15, 33,46, 45, 58, 80–85, 93, , 39, 43, 44, 46, 53, 56, 70, 73, 74,, 78, 84, 85, 86, , 67, 99 95
nine grades of xxv, 79 –85
Bloom of Supernatural Power 3bliss, blissful (Black Rope. within a lotus blossom, bud xvii, xxiv,two types of xvii, xxiiixxii, 27, 28, 29, 41, 43, 46, 49, 68, 8385(see also Seesee alsoenlightenment; Way) 7,Kālasūtrajoy) xvi, xvii, xxi,
Bodhisattva (
bodhisattva(s) (bodhi-bodhimaṇḍa. Seebodhicitta. Seebodhilay, sixteen 3 xxiv, xxv, 3, 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, 15, 16,17345984xv, xvi, xvii, xviii, xix, xx, xxi, xxiii,aspiration for) 100ment; 97, 18, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33,, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 57, 58,, 60, 61, 62, 65, 74, 77, 78, 80, 81,, 85, 91, 92, mind (bodhi-see alsosee alsoaspiration, for enlighten-see also mahāsattvamindenlightenment, seat of100enlightenment,Buddha) 4, 5) xiv,
path 3, 20, 34, 97non-retrogressive 59light 36, 57
practice(s) 15, 17, 36, 46
two (transformed xx, 75, 76stage(s) xvii, xx, 15, 84see also Avalokiteśvara; Mahā -
body(ies) (of Amitāyus 32, 33, 57, 75, 78vows 3, 34, 35virtues xvi, xvii, xxii, xxiii, xxv, 38,16533972sthāma prāpta) xix, xxiv, xxv, 36,, 26, 27, 28, 29, 36, 39, 42, 49, 51,, 55, 80, 81, tree xxii, 4, 25, 40, , 74, 79, 86, see also41 99transformed body)100 bodhi of Avalokiteśvara 76, 78, 84
of Mahāsthāmaprāpta 77, 78, 84cosmic 73, 99of Dharmākara 21Dharma-realm 99of Buddha, buddhas, World-honoredof bodhisattvas 80One 4, 7, 30, 75, 80, 82, 84, 100 Bṛhatphala 102Brahmāpāriṣadya 102Brahmapurohita 102Brahmaghoṣa 94, 102Brahmā Heaven 39Brahmā 4, 20, 66brahman 20king 21, 70of Vaidehī 65, 78of Nārāyaṇa 15of Ratnaketu 99SeeSeeBrahmaghoṣaMahāsthāmaprāpta
Boundless Light.
Brahma’s Voice.
Brilliance of Pure Light. Brilliance of Fame. Brightness of the Moon 8raśmiprabha See YaśasprabhāsaSee Śuddha -
Buddha (Brilliant Like Mount Sumeru 8Tathāgata; World-honored One) xv,see also Amitāyus; Śākyamuni;
6233726xvi, xvii, xviii, xix, xx, xxi, xxii, xxiv,, 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24,, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61,, 38, 41, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51,, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36,
52
74
and Ānanda 7–8, 11–12, 18, 19–20,activities of 71, 73, 788421, 85, 86, 87, 91, 92, 95, 98, 99, , 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83,, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73,100
body 81, 82, 100image(s) 74, 99, 10058–24, 26–30, 31–32, 36–41, 56–, 68, 69–72, 73–86 Buddha (discourse 86continued)
marks, physical characteristics 76, 77,and Maitreya 41–45, 46–47, 54–56,10057, 58–62
power xviii, 37, 68path 39
teachings 55, 80, 86and Śāriputra 91–95
buddha(s) xiii, xiv, xv, xvi, xvii, xix, xxi,wisdom xvii, 36, 58, 59 and Vaidehī xviii, 66–862355769310xxii, xxiii, xxv, xxvi, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,, 30, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40, 45, 46, 47,, 56, 57, 59, 60, 61, 68, 73, 74, 75,, 77, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 91, 92,, 94, 95, 97, 100, , 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22,101
image 74, 79bodies 30, 75eye 38 merit 6light 22, 30, 85fifty-three xvi, xxii virtue(s) 37, 56, 95 transformed 32, 75, 76, 79, 80, 81, 84,physical characteristics and marks 71mind 7585
Buddha-Dharma 5, 38, 39wisdom 58 see also
72
buddha land(s) (buddhahood xvi, xxii, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14,buddha-garland Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha (xvii, xviii, xxi, xxii, xxiv, 4, 5, 10, 11,15100Three Refuges; Three Treasures) 27,, 16, 17, 18, 21, 23, 25, 76, 80, 81,, 84, 92 samādhisee also Pure Land) xvi,6 122547, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23,, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 36–37, 38,
Buddha of Incomparable Light (Buddha of Boundless Light (fourteen xxiv, 60, 98Amitāyus) 22 Amitāyus) 22 91, 55, 57, 58, 59, 60, 67, 71, 78, 80,, 92, 97, 98, 99, 102 see alsosee alsosee also
Buddha of Ineffable Light (Buddha of Inconceivable Light (Amitāyus) 22 Amitāyus) 22 see alsosee also
Buddha of Infinite Light (Buddha of Infinite Life (Amitāyus) xiii, xv see also
Amitābha) 22 see also
Buddha of the Light of Joy (Buddha of Pure Light (Amitāyus) 22 22 see alsoAmitāyus)
Buddha of the Light of Wisdom (Buddha of the Light of the King ofAmitāyus) 22 Flame (see also Amitāyus) 22 see also
Buddha of Unceasing Light (Buddha of the Light Outshining the SunAmitāyus) 22 and Moon (see also Amitāyus) 22 see alsosee also
Buddha of Unhindered Light (
buddha tathāgatas (buddha-recollection Amitāyus) 22 see alsosamādhiTathāgata,75
Buddhism xiii, xiv, xvtathāgata) 11, 15, 31, 32, 56, 68, 73
Buddhist 32, 102practices, teachings xxiv, 6, 16, 53canon, scriptures xiii, 61
Buddhists xiv Burning. See Tāpana
C
Candraprabha 65cakravartin. See wheel-turning monarch
Cao-Wei dynasty 1Candrasūryapradīpa 93, 101See Heaven of the Four
Central Asia xiv, 63Cāturmahārāja. Kings
Color of the Moon 8Cloudless Heaven. Chinese xiii, xiv, 99China xiv, 97language xiii, xiv, 1, 63, 89, 100See Anabhrakasee also pity)
compassion, compassionate (xiii, 5, 7, 61
Constant Endeavor 91concentration 17, 40great 6, 7, 27, 38, 39, 40, 75, 84, 85, 99see also meditation;
40
contemplation(s) (thirteen stages xviii, xix, 69–79correct 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, 77,samādhi;78, 69–79, 82, 83, 85, , 79, 82, visualization) xvi, xix–xxi,83 xiii, xiv, xvii–xxi,100
Crown of Mount Sumeru 8Crushing. coral (Contemplation Sutra2163, 24, 26, 27, –87, 97, see alsoSee Saṃghāta100jewels, seven kinds of)70
crystal 24, 26, 67, 70, 91Cry of the Dragon 8
D
deed(s) (death(s) (dānaxx, xxi, 4, 13, 14, 16, 17, 28, 42, 43,44(, 46, 53, 54, 58, 72, 75, see alsosee alsosee alsogiving; act) 5, 46, 51, 54birth and death) xix,pāramitā93s) 10, 40 benevolent, good, meritorious, virtuous defilement(s) (worthy 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54evil, unruly 47, 51, 53period of, world of) 5, 39, 46, 62, 6753xix, 3, 14, 22, 28, 31, 32, 39, 43, 47,, 55, 56, 58, 68, 83, see also five defilements,84
three 18, 22, 40mental 27, 46 See stage,
demigod(s) 47, 49, 50, 51desire(s) (demon(s) 39, 45, 50deliverance (Deformed-eyed One. definitely assured stage. 546definitely assured, 14, 17, 20, 27, 44, 45, 46, 50, , 61 see alsosee alsolust; world of desire)liberation) 43, 45,See Virūpākṣa54
devaworldly 31, 4342956103, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25,(s) , 31, 32, 33, 38, 41, 45, 46, 47, 55,, 61, 66, 72, 76, 80, 86, 87, 91, 95,(see also gods; heavenly beings)
dhāraṇīdharmaDevadatta xviii, 65, 67nature of 5, 6, 18, 34, 37, 38, 98the nature of of all ((s) s) 6, 16, dharma(see alsodharmas) 6, 18, 16, 20, 21, 25,80insight, into s, the non-arisingdharma100s,
27, 34, 37, 39, 68, 75, 80, 81, 86,
Dharma (one hundred 82, 84, 85Right Dharma; True Dharma) xix,see also Buddha-Dharma;
banner(s) 4, 405819xxiii, xxv, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15,, 60, 61, 65, 81, 82, 83, 84, 91, , 25, 27, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 46, 57,92
eye 6, 38, 61drum(s) 4, 40 gate 5, 33, 98 Dharma (thunder 4, 39sound(s) 4, 25, 26, 27, 29profound 32, 33, 39pure 5, 20, 39storehouse, treasury 3, 6, 19 gift 4, 40continued)
wheel 4treasury 3, 6
wonderful xvi, 27, 30, 37, 74, 78, 80,
Dharmadhara 94, 102Dharma 94, 10182, 85 Dharma realm
Dharma realm 99dharmakāyaDharmākara xvi, xxii, 9, 11–12, 18, 19–dharmadhātu. SeeDharmadhvaja 94, 10221, 73, 8399 See Mañjuśrī
Dharma Prince.
diamond(s) 69, 71, 73, 77dhyānaDhṛtarāṣṭra 10310, 40, (see also102 meditation; pāramitās) discrimination 38, 40, 41, 56disciple(s) xv, xvi, xviii, xxii, 91, 92Dīpaṅkara xvi, 8
divine 4Dispelling the Darkness of Ignorance 8eye 13, 15, 38, 68ear 13 see also supernatural power) power(s) (
Dragon Deva 8doubt(s) xvii, xxiii, 22, 32, 39, 45, 46,4715, 58, 59, , 18, 5561
Duṣpradharṣa 94, 101Dwelling in the Center 3Dragon Subduing 60dream(s) 32, 34dragon spirits 20
Dwelling in the World 8
E
eight abstinences (effort(s) (Earth Shaking 841, 45see also pāramitāsee also precepts,s) 10, 36, 40,
eight kinds of superhuman beings 20eight) 82, 83
eight pure breezes 69eight qualitiesof water 26, 71, 72, 91of voice 34
Emancipation 3eloquence 6, 15, 16, 39, 40elder(s) 3, 20, 51, 53, 68, 91eighty secondary marks 74
enlightenment (Enlightened One (Encircling Adamantine Mountains 21,Emptiness 3emptiness 6, 27, 28, 36, 69, 71, 82perfect 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 34, 62highest, perfect 4, 9, 11, 19, 20, 31,aspiration for xx, xxi, xxii, 5, 31, 36,bodhi6832393268, , , 923357, 61, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, , 85 see alsosee alsoawakening;Buddha) 9,95
) xxi, 3, 8, 11, 36, 37, 38, 43,
seven practices leading to 38, 92seat of 4, 11, 86
evil(s) xxiii, 5, 12, 43, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51,enmity 20, 38, 42, 44, 49five xvii, xxiii, 47–54, 56act(s), deed(s) (52xxiii, 43, 45, 48, 49, 51, 53, 54, 84, 95, , 53, 54, 55, 56, 58, 65, 67, 68, 84,100 see also ten evil deeds)
85
evildoers xx, xxi, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53passions 38, 39, 54, 68paths 19, 53realms xvii, 6, 13, 28, 37, 38, 41, 44,karma 28, 44, 48, 70, 72, 73, 74, 77,477878, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55,, 85, , 84, 85, 86, 92, 99, 92 100
eye(s) (Extensively Heard. Exquisite Beryl Flower 8see also buddha, eye; Dharma,See Vaiśravaṇa
divine 13, 15, 38, 6878eye) xix, 38, 45, 57, 69, 70, 74, 75,, 81, 83
mind’s 67, 74, 75of equality 38 wisdom 19, 38
F
faith xiii, xiv, xvi, xvii, xxi, xxiii, 16, 17,in birth through merit transference 8031, 36, 61, 84, 95 resolute 58, 59deep xx, 79, 80
Far-reaching Illumination 8, 60three kinds of 79–80sincere xix, 79See Yaśas
Fame.
fearlessness 6, 27fear 10, 39, 42, 51, 53, 55
five evils xvii, xxiii, 47–54, 56five burnings 47–54, 56five defilements, period of, world of xxi,fire 36, 39, 41, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 61first teaching assembly 23, 24Fearlessness 60Fiery Origin 84, 37, 95
five powers. five good deeds 47–54five grave offenses 14, 31, 82, 85See power(s), five
Flame of Jewels 8five sufferings 47–54, 56, 68five precepts. five virtues 56See precept(s), five
flower(s) (Flaming Shoulder. Flaming Light 8uḍumbaralotus flower; see alsoflower) xxi, xxii, xv, 19,māndāravalotus blossoms, bud;See Arciskandhaflower;
2159, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 37, 38, jeweled (heavenly 33, 8583, 62, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 77, 78, 82,, 85, 92see also jeweled, blossoms,
Flower of Enlightenment 8throne (flowers) 78, 81see also lotus seat) 73, 74
Forty-eight Vows xvi, xxii, 83former lives 13, 28, 29, 35, 37, 40, 45,Flower of Freedom 847, 51, 59, 67
fruit(s) 24, 25, 71Free of Defilement 8Free of Dust and Defilement 8four kinds of offerings 21Four Noble Truths 82four groups of followers 46, 57four great continents, oceans 75, 103See Gandhaprabhāsa
Fragrant Light.
Fujita, Kōtatsu xiii
G
Ganges River 10, 15, 22, 31, 32, 75, 76,Gandhottama 94, 102Gandhaprabhāsa 94, 10293, 94,
Gavāṃpati 3, 91gate(s) 6, 19garuḍaDharma 5, 33, 98 4097
Gayākāśyapa 3
Glorious Light 8giving (gem(s) (kiṃśuka-ocean-supporting wheel 25see also deva;see also pāramitāsee also maṇi-73 heavenly beings;gem) 21, 25, 73s) 10, 40
god(s) (
gold, golden (kinds of; purple-gold) 13, 21, 24, 26,Vajra god) xiii, 4, 7, 66, 91, 99 see also jewels, seven
27
Golden River 4Golden Light 78Golden Beryl Luster 873, 29, 39, 57, 59, 67, 69, 70, 71, 72,, 74, 75, 76, 79, 81, 82, 83, 85, 91
good xvii, xxiii, 12, 29, 35, 39, 40, 41, 42,Gold Treasury 8friend(s) 6, 36, 86act(s), deed(s) (4355deeds; ten good deeds) xx, 28, 31,, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54,, 56, , 43, 45, 47, 48, 49, 53, 56, 83, 68 see also five good 84
39
realms 19, 53men and women, people 49, 51, 53,karma 40, 9883, 86, 93, 94, 95, 100
thoughts 22, 53teacher xx, xxi, 61, 83, 84, 85See
Great Shrieks. Great Sage (Great Light. Great Fragrance 8Great Burning. Great Brilliance. see alsoSeeSeeSeeSeeMahāprabhaMahārauravaMahāmeruPratāpanaWay) 45Buddha) 5, 7Mahāprabhāsa
Growing. greed, greedy xvii, xviii, 18, 20, 42, 50,greed, anger, and ignorance 9, 46, 49 Great Way (Great Sumeru. 54 Seesee alsoVirūḍhaka Guanyin. See Avalokiteśvara
H
Harrison, Paul xivhappiness (17, 29, 38, 43, see also53bliss; joy) 11, 16, Having a Body Adorned with a JewelFlower. See Ratna kusu masaṃ puṣpita -
Heaven Free of Trouble.
heavenly being(s) (heavenly 3, 29, 74heaven(s) xxii, 19, 22, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53blossoms, flowers, lotuses 26, 33, 66,crown 76, 77, 78jeweled banners 72, 99music 33, 37, 72, 91realm(s) 29, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54third, in the world of desire 22six, sixth of the world of desire 21, 26,highest, in the world of form 22gātra8527, 29, 103 see also deva;See Abṛhagod)
xxii, 4, 7, 12, 21, 23, 29See
Heaven of Great Brahmā. Heaven of Good Time. Heaven of Free Enjoyment of Manifesta-Heaven of Excellent Observation. Heaven of Enjoyment of Pleasures Pro-Heaven of Contentment. tions by Others 67, 103Sudarśanavided by Themselves. Heaven SeeSeeSeeYāma HeavenTuṣitaNirmāṇa ratiSeeMahābrah-SudṛśaSee
Heaven of Excellent Viewing.
Heaven of Infinite Light. Heaven of Greater Fruits. man SeeSeeApramāṇa-Bṛhatphala
Heaven of Infinite Purity. śubhaābha See Apramāṇa Heaven of Pure Abode 57Heaven of Lesser Purity. Heaven of Lesser Light. śubha SeeSeeSeePāritta-ābhaParītta- ĀbhāsvaraSee
Heaven of the Councilors of Brahmā. Heaven of Supreme Light.
Heaven of Universal Purity. Heaven of the Thirty-three Gods 22, 29,Heaven of the High Priests of Brahmā.Heaven of the Four Kings 22, 10358SeeBrahmāpāriṣadya, 103Brahmapurohita See Śubha -
Heroic Stance 8hell(s), hellish xx, xxi, 12, 21, 51, 67,Heaven without Affliction. 84kṛtsna, 85, 103 See Atapa
Highest Peak 8Highest Heaven. Hero of Treasures 3Hero of Light 3 See Akaniṣṭha
Hinayana 35Himalayas 39
hymn(s) 33, 37Huiyuan 99hungry ghosts. “Homage to Amitāyus Buddha” 84, 85Hōnen xiiiHolding the Dharma. Hindu xiiighosts See realm, of hungrySee Dharmadhara
I
illusion(s) 3, 34, 44, 74ignorance (ignorance) 19, 40see also greed, anger, and
image(s) 5, 16, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 100of Avalokiteśvara 74of Amitāyus xix, xxiv, xxv, 79 of the Buddha 74, 99, 100
Immovable Ground 8Immeasurable Sound 60Immeasurable Life. Immeasurable Enlightened One (Immeasurable Banner. Image of the Moon 8Immeasurable. of the Pure Land xivof Mahāsthāmaprāpta 74Amitāyus; Buddha) 98SeeSeeAkṣobhyaAkṣobhyaSeeSeeAmitāyusAmitaketuAmitadhvajasee also
Immeasurable Ensign. See Immovable.
incense 21, 27, 32, 33, 37, 59impermanence 4, 43, 69, 71, 82
insight(s) 7, 8, 25, 49, 98, 100Infinite Life. India xiii, xvi, xvii, xxi, 1three 25into non-arising of all dharma, 27, 37, 68, 75, 80, 81, 86, Sees, the nature of Amitāyusdharmadharmas 5, 16, 18,100s, the
25
Interminable. two 37 See Avīci
J
Japan xiii, xiv, 97Jambudvīpa 67, 103Jambu River 71, 72, 74, 75, 76Jālinīprabha 94, 101
Jeta Grove 91Japanese language xiiisee also Ratnaketu) 99, Jewel Banner (
jeweled xix, 4, 25, 29, 47, 72, 74, 77, 78blossoms, flowers, lotus flowers (canopy(ies) 71, 73 banners 72, 73, 99101also, 78, 79, 81, see also seven-jeweled, ground)see
70 seven-jeweled, lotus flowers)84 ground (72
jeweled (nets 29, 74, 92ponds (land(s) (2672, 72, 74, 83, , see also73continuedsee alsosee alsoseven-jeweled, trees)seven-jeweled, ponds))seven-jeweled, lands)84
Jewel Storehouse 60jewels (seven kinds of 21, 24, 26, 27, 59, 67,trees (6970xix, xxii, xxiv, 17, 24, 25, 29, 37,, 71, 73, 76, , 71, 72, 74, 80, see also gem) xix, 9199 92
Jizang 99Jīvaka 65, 66Jingying Temple 99see also, 46, 61s 92bliss) 7, 8, 11, 22, 38, 40, jīvaṃjīvaka
joy (45
immeasurable 27, 37great 33, 36See stage, of joy stage of.
K
kalaviṅkaKālasūtra 103
kalpaKālodayin 91Kālayaśas 63, 99immeasurable 18, 7824(, 36, 41, 44, 46, 49, 50, 52, 54, 60,, 70, 73, 83, 84, 85, 92, s) xvi, xx, 7, 12, 13, 14, 21, 23,s 92 99
61
smaller xx, 81, 82, 83, 84innumerable 8, 20, 23, 46, 72, 75, 77,86, 92
karma (Kapphiṇa 3bad, evil 28, 44, 48, 67, 70, 72, 73, 74,twelve great xxi, 8577see also, 78, 84, 85, 86, 92, 99, 54 karmic) xxi, xxiii, 22, 43,100
48, 53,
good 40, 98law of (see also
natural working(s) of 48, 49, 50, 51,pure 684252, 43, , 54 54 law of causality) xx,
karmic 80, 81perfection 67, 99consequences, results, retribution(s)burdens, hindrances 6, 77xiii, 28, 43, 53 reward(s) xxii, 22relations, relationship 67, 77
Kimpila 3king(s), kingdom xvi, xviii, xxii, 4, 9,killing 68, 80of jewels, Brahmā, of the Brahmā Heaven 21,2039, 26, 28, 29, 39–40, 59, 65, 66, , 70 maṇi-gem 25, 71, 73 67
King of the Colors of Flowers 8King of the Dharma (King of Humans 60 King of Stars. King of Light 78knowledge (King of Beautiful Mountains 8of liberation 8510, 45 see alsoSee Nakṣatrarājawisdom) 6, 33, 36see also Buddha)
Kucha 89kṣatriyakṣāntiKorea xivtranscendent 38, 40, 8240 (see also pāramitā20, 66 s; patience) 10,
Kuru 103Kyōgyōshinshō: On Teaching, Practice,Kumārajīva 89Faith, and Enlightenment 99
L
Land of Peace and Bliss (Land of Bliss (Lamp of the Sun and Moon. and Bliss”; Pure Land) 45, 57sūryapradīpa see also Pure Land) xiiisee alsoSeesee alsoCandra -“Peace
Land of Peace and Provision ( Land of Utmost Bliss (Land) xiii, xxi, xxv, 67, 68, 70, 71,Pure Land) 34, 35, 41see also Pure
72
Larger SutraLarger Sukhāvatīvyūha-sūtra. See LargerSutra91, 73, 74, 78, 79, 81, 82, 83, 85, 86,, 92, 93 xiii, xiv, xvi–xvii,
law of causality (Larger Sutra on Amitāyus. See LargerSutraxxii–xxiv, 1–62see also karma, law of)
lay bodhisattvas, sixteen 3 42, 68
Lion. Limitless Effort. lifespan(s) xvi, 12, 14, 23, 48, 50, 95 liberation xiii, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 22, 45, 46,lay devotee(s), followers xiv, 20eight path of 6, 5547, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 70, SeesamādhiSiṃhasamādhiSees of 82Seeof 17YaśaprabhaAnantavīrya 85
“pure,” Light of Fame.
Lokeśvararāja xvi, xxii, 8, 9, 11, 12, 19Liu-Song dynasty 63 See Śālendra -
lotus flower(s) xv, xvii, xxi, xxii, 39, 67,lotus blossoms, bud(s) xiv, xvii, xx, 59,Lord King of the Śāla Tree. dark blue, blue 21, 26, 307278rāja, 73, 74, 76, 78, 82, 83, , 82, 83, 84, 85 91 golden xxi, 81, 82, 85
red 30, 76pink 26purple 30jeweled, of a hundred jewels, of vari-green 30ous jewels, seven-jeweled 30, 31,, 66, 71, 78, 79, 81, 83, 84
58
lotus seat(s), throne xix, xxiv, 73, 78, 81, lust (Lotus Sutra100see also99desire) 46, 50
M
Mahācunda 3Mahābrahman 102magic, magical, magician 5, 20, 65Magadha xvi, xvii, xxiv
Mahākāśyapa 3, 91Mahākapphiṇa 91
Mahāmeru 93, 101Mahāmaudgalyāyana 3, 23, 24, 65, 66,Mahākauṣṭhila 3, 91Mahākātyāyana 3, 9186, 91
Mahāraurava 103Mahāprabhāsa 94, 101
Mahāvyutpatti 97mahāsattvaMahāsthāmaprāpta xix, xxiii, xxiv, 36, 72,Mahārciskandha 93, 94, 101, 10274, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 85, (s) 7, 60, 72, 86, 91 86
Maitreya xvii, xxiii, 3, 41, 45, 46, 47,Mahayana xiii, xiv, xix, xx, xxi, 3, 58,5468, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, , 80, 81, 84, 85, 97 62
māndāravaMajestic Glory 8flowers 91
maṇi-wish-fulfilling king 71śakra-abhilagna-brahma-moonbright 25, 26gem(s) 9, 71, 73, 7773 70, 73, 76
Māra 4, 5, 6, 20Mañjuśrī 3, 65, 91Mañjusvara 93, 101see also physical characteris-
mark(s) (secondary 74, 75tics) 21, 30, 32, 40, 42, 71, 75, 77, 82 of a thousand-spoke wheel 77see also
merit(s) xvii, xx, xxiv, 5, 6, 15, 19, 20,meditation(s) (214886dhyāna; pāramitāteen stages) xxiv–xxv, 31, 32, 36, 37, 40, 43, 45, 46, 47,, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 60, 77, 79, 80,, 98 contemplation, thir-100) xiv, 6, thirteen (8, 9, 10, 38, 40, 74, 79, 85, see also s; contemplation;samādhi
meritorious act(s), deed(s) xix, 3, 14, 15,meritorious practices xvi, 20, 31, 59store(s) of 15, 17, 20, 28, 33, 34, 51,transference of 14, 31, 32, 58, 80, 81,228258, 31, 32, 47, 51, , 83, , 81, 9893 58
Merit-producing Heaven. Merit-possessing Wisdom 8See Puṇya -
Ming dynasty 98minister(s) 49, 65, 66mindful, mindfulness 18, 40, 55Merupradīpa 93, 101Meruprabhāsa 93, 101of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha 72, 92of Amitāyus, buddha, Buddha xvi,six forms of 80 xix, 75, 85, 86, 92 Moonlight 8moon(s) 9, 19, 30, 39, 50, 51, 56, 69, 70moonbright monk(s) (Miraculous Power of the Ocean ofxxi, 3, 9, 17, 30, 31, 65, 80, 82, 83,Enlightenment 8, 91, see also bhikṣu95maṇi-gems, pearl 25, 26, 27) xiv, xvi, xviii,
84
Most Honored One (moral, morality (Moonlight on the Water 8precept; , 55 śīla) xxiii, 9, 10, 40, 44, 48,see also pāramitāsee also Buddha)s;
52
musical instruments 38, 69, 72, 92, 99music 19, 25, 26, 37, 38, 59, 62, 99heavenly 33, 72, 91
N
Namo omituo fo. SeeNakṣatrarāja 102Name(s) xiv, xvi, xxi, xxiv, 14, 16, 17,nāgaNadīkāśyapa 3Nāgārjuna xiiiAmitāyus Buddha”1898s 87, 31, 35, 45, 61, 84, 85, 86, 93, 97,, 100 “Homage to
Nārāyaṇa 15naraka. SeeNanda 3, 91xiv, xixSeehell, hellishJālinīprabha
nembutsu nianfo. See nembutsuNet Light.
nirvana xvii, 5, 6, 8, 11, 13, 19, 21, 23,Nirmāṇarati 1033161, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55,, 102 non-arising of all Nocturnal Light 8Noble Eightfold Path 92dharma
non-formnon-Buddhists 39, 40non-desire, Nonattachment 8nonattachment 56samādhiworld of 10237, 68, 75, 80, 81, 86, of 6, 40samādhi of 6, 40s 16, 25, 27,100
non-retrogressive bodhisattvas 59, 60non-retrogression, stage of 18, 25, 31,non-Pure Land masters, schools 99, 10032, 35, 61, 62, 81, 93, 94, 95
novice 83no-self 27, 69, 71, 82non-returner, stage of 61, 67 See Duṣpradharṣa
Not to Be Assailed.
nun(s) xiv, 83, 84Numata, Dr. Yehan xivtree 39 nyagrodha
O
offense(s) (xx, xxi, xxiv, 48, 49, 50, 51, 59see also transgression) xvii,
One Most Honored in Heaven (offerings xviii, 5, 10, 15, 17, 19, 32, 33,four kinds of 21five grave 14, 31, 82, 8537, 38, 58, 59, 60, 82, 92, 97 See Amitāyus see also
Omituo fo.
Original Vow(s) 25, 35, 73, 79 Buddha) 7
Outshining the Sun and Moon 8
P
pain(s), painful (5111, 25, 28, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49,, 52, 53, 54, 55, 85, see also suffering) 5, 6,91 palace(s) 4, 5, 16, 26, 27, 29, 58, 59, 65,heavenly 366, 67, 70, 73, 99
pāramitāParanirmitavaśavartin. seven-jeweled 47, 57, 80Free Enjoyment of Manifestations by(s) 20, 27, 40, 61, See Heaven of71
passion(s) xvii, 5, 6, 17, 29, 40, 44, 45,Parīttaśubha 102Parītta-ābha 10250, 95
path(s) 20, 39, 40, 43, 46, 55, 69evil, to the three evil realms 6, 19, 53 bodhisattva 3, 20, 34, 97evil 38, 39, 54, 68 of the Buddha 30, 32, 39of liberation 6, 53, 55see also pāramitās) 10, 40
“Peace and Bliss” (patience (pavilions 16, 26, 29, 69, 72, 91peace, peaceful 10, 11, 16, 27, 40, 41,Peace and Bliss) 21, 2752, 56, 65 see also Land of
Peak of Virtue 60pearl(s) 26, 29, 70, 73, 91Peaceful and Brilliant Peak 8moonbright 27
perception 70, 72, 74, 76, 99nets 70, 73 see also mark)
physical characteristics (thirty-two 14, 37, 74, 100xvii, 21, 30, 32, 40, 71, 75, 76, 77,, 79, 80, 82
78
Piṇḍola-Bhāradvāja 91see also
pond(s) xix, xxiv, 16, 26, 71, 79, 91, 99pity (jeweled, seven-jeweled 26, 72, 74, 81,6582, 67, 83, 84, 85, 91 compassion) 11, 56, 61, Possessed of Great Power (power(s) xx, 8, 10, 20, 21, 22, 27, 37,divine 15, 18, 5540sthāmaprāpta) 78, 54, 59, 68, 72, 77, 98see also Mahā -
of the Original Vow 25, 35, 73, 79five 92majestic 23, 25, 87
ten 27, 85supernatural xviii, 3, 13, 27, 28, 31,spiritual xvii, 6833, 34, 37, 38, 40, 79, 82
practice(s) xiv, xxv, 3, 5, 6, 11, 15, 16, 20,of wisdom 4, 2327, 31, 32, 40, 45, 53, 60, 61, 80, 97 bodhisattva xxii, 15, 17, 36, 46ascetic 4
seven, leading to enlightenment 38, 92sacred 16, 18meritorious 20, 31, 59
precepts (prajñāPratāpana 103“Praise of the Inconceivable Virtue andPractice of Restraint 3Practice of Removing Hindrances 83540Protection by All Buddhas” (, 45, 55, 68, 80, 82, 83, (s) 6, 14, 23, ) xxvi, 93, s; wisdom) 10,94xiv, 98, 10040see also
Smaller Sutra(see also pāramitā
Pratyutpanna Samādhi Sutrapratyekabuddhaof abstinence 31, 55see also moral, morality) xx,85 eight 65, 84complete, of a monk or nun 83, 84
prediction(s) 5, 34, 76, 80, 81five xx, 82, 84 Puṇyaprasava 102Protector of the State. Profound Thought 3 See Dhṛtarāṣṭra
Pure Faith 8
“Purification and Elimination of KarmicPure Land Buddhism, school xiii, xiv,Pure Land xiv, xvi, xvii, xviii, xix, xx,masters xivsutras xiii, xiv, xv Contemplation SutraPresence of All Buddhas” (Hindrances for Attaining Birth in thexv, 97, 10041xxi, xxii, xxiii, xxiv, 32, 33, 34, 37,, 46, 47, 57, 58, 70, 80, ) 86 92see also
Pūrvavideha 103Pūrṇamaitrāyaṇīputra 3Pūrṇaka 3Pūrṇa 65 see also81gold, golden) purple, purple-gold (24, 26, 30, 66, 76, 77,
Q
quality(ies) 11, 27eight, of voice 34
eight excellent, of water 26, 71, 72, 91
R
Ratnotpalaśrī 94, 102Ratnakusumasaṃpuṣpitagātra 94, 102Ratnaketu 94, 99, 101Rājagṛha xvi, 3, 65Rāhula 3, 91 realm(s) 26, 43, 48, 50, 92, 99, 103 Raurava 103Dharma 99of animals 12, 21, 67, 103 of fighting spirits 103evil xvii, 6, 28, 37, 38, 44, 47, 49, 51,53, 54, 85
good 19, 53hellish 51of the gods, heavenly 29, 48, 50, 51,five, five evil 41, 46, 53, 76 52, 54, 103
of hungry ghosts 12, 21, 67 103
of unconditioned nirvana 28three, three evil 6, 22, 26, 48, 49, 50,52, 54, 55, 78, see also birth and death) 28, 37,92
rebirth (
retribution(s) xxi, 28, 43, 47, 48, 51, 53,remorse 53, 845457, 58, 92
Revival.
Right Recollection 8Right Dharma 35, 38reward(s) 22, 43, 48, 53Revered Ones 11Revata 3, 91abuse of 14, 31for virtue(s) 28, 29, 58See Saṃjīva
Roar of the Lion 8see also
rules of conduct (ruby (6821, , 24, 26, 83 27jewels, seven kinds of)see also precepts) 58,
S
sage(s) xvi, xix, xx, xxi, 3, 10, 14, 24,31, 32, 35, 45, 48, 53, 55, 81, 93, see also Śakra 4, 66, 71, 91Sahā (world) xvii, 95, 98Sage ( Buddha; Great Sage) 3597
Śālendrarāja 94, 102Śākyamuni xvi, xvii, xviii, xxi, xxiii,xxiv, xxvi, 57, 66, 72, 76, 98, 99, 100(s) (see also meditation) xiv, xvi, samādhixix, 5, 6, 20, 39, 40, 67, 70, 81, 86 buddha-garland 6of being in the presence of all thebuddhas 86 buddha-recollection, of mindfulness of
of non-arising and non-perishing 40of extinction 30of emptiness, non-form, and non-desireeight, of liberation 826the Buddha xix, 75, 40 xix nembutsu
Samantabhadra 3, 15“universal equality” 17“pure liberation” 17
Saṃghāta 103Saṃghavarman 1samsara (Saṃjīva 103xvii, 41, 43, 46, 48, 55see also birth and death) xiv,
sandalwood 21, 26realm(s) of xiii, 46, 53, 76
Sangha (Sandalwood Incense 8sangha xviii, xx, 53, 84Sangha) 27see also Buddha, Dharma, and Śāriputra xxi, 3, 91–95sapphire 70, 91Sanskrit xiii, xv, 97, 98, 100s 92 śāriSarvārthadarśa 94, 102scripture(s) (tures) xiii, 46, 55, 61, 84see also sutra; Vedic scrip-
sense(s), sense organs xxi, 4, 7, 8, 17,sentient beings xxi, 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15,twelve divisions of 78–79, 8416618225, 20, 22, 23, 31, 36, 37, 46, 57, 58,, 68, 69, 72, 73, 75, 76, 77, 79, 80,, 83, 84, 85, 93, 94, 95, , 27, 29, 37, 98 99
seven-jeweled 37, 74lands (ground (74 see alsosee alsojeweled, land) 78jeweled, ground) 72, lotus flowers (see also
Shandao xvii, 99, 100trees (ponds (palace(s) 57, 80soms, flowers) 31, 58, 81, 83see also91 jeweled, trees) 24, 26jeweled, ponds) 81,jeweled, blos-
82, 85, see also
śīlaShrieks. Shoulders of Great Flame. Shizhi. Shinran 98, 99, 100skandha(see alsoSeeSeeMahāsthāmaprāptaRauravamoral, morality; SeepāramitāMahārci -s;
silken canopies 21, 29, 37, 59, 98precept) 10, 40see also jewels, seven kinds of)
silver (
sincere, sincerely, sincerity 11, 12, 14,Siṃha 60, 94, 101235521, 28, 31, 32, 38, 45, 46, 48, 51, 54,, 57, 58, 79, 85, , 24, 26, 27, 91 98
Smaller Sutra on Amitāyus. See SmallerSong dynasty 97sorrow, sorrowful 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 50,spiritual xiv, xix, xx, xxi, 6, 67Sound of the Sun 8spirits 20, 103Smaller SutraSmaller Sukhāvatīvyūha-sūtra. Seeskillful means 3, 39, 40bliss xvi, xxibenefits xvii, xxSutra5589Smaller Sutra, 66, –95, 100, 67 xiii, xv, xxi, xxv–xxvi,101
Splendid Flower 60powers xvii, 68(s) xxii, 6, 14, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, śrāvaka2962, 32, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 57, 58,, 80, 92 śrota-āpanna. SeeŚrāvastī xxi, 91
stage(s) xx, 6bodhisattva xvii, xx, 15, 84, 100of becoming a buddha after one morelife 15, 36, 93stage, of stream-winner
of non-returner 61, 67of non-retrogression xvi, xx, xxi, 18,of joy 82definitely assured 13śrāvaka25, 31, 32, 35, 61, 62, 81, 93, 94, s and pratyekabuddhas 6, 4095
of
state(s) xix, 28, 43, 48of existence xvii, 28, 29, 42, 43, 53embryonic 57, 58of stream-winner xx, 83
Storehouse of Good 8of painful, of pain 6, 11, 43, 49samādhi xix, 70 See Dharmā stream-winner. Storehouse of the Dharma. nerkara See stage, of stream-win-
Śuddharaśmiprabha 94, 101Subāhu 3Śubhakṛtsna 102stupidity (suchness 39, 85, 99Sudarśana 103stupas 32see also ignorance) xviii, 20, 54
Sumerukalpa 94Sumeru Banner. suffering(s) xvii, xxi, xxiii, 6, 28, 44, 45,Sudṛśa 102Śuddhipanthaka 91five 47–54, 56, 68realms, three realms of 22, 27, 434882, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54, 56, 69, 70, 72,See Land of Utmost BlissSeeSeeMerupradīpaMerudhvaja
Sukhāvatī.
Sumeru Lamp.
sun(s) xxiv, 9, 19, 30, 39, 50, 51, 56, 69,Sumeru-like. Sumeru Light. of wisdom 33, 4070, 85 SeeSeeSumerukalpaMeruprabhāsa
Supreme Beryl Light 8supernatural power(s) xviii, 3, 13, 27,Superior Power 60Superior Wisdom 3Sunrise. Sunlight 828, 31, 33, 34, 37, 38, 40, 79, Seesee alsoĀdityasaṃbhavascripture) xiii, xiv, xvi,82
sutra(s) (3594xvii, xviii, xxi, xxiv, xxvi, 5, 6, 15,, 45, 61, 62, 68, 74, 80, 84, 86, 93,, 95, 100
Pure Land, three xiii, xiv, xv, xvi, xxiiMahayana xx, 68, 80, 84, 85
Svāgata 3Suyāma. Sutra on the Buddha of Infinite Life. SeeSutra on Maitreya’s Ascent to the TuṣitaSutra on Contemplation of Amitāyus. SeeSutra on Amitāyus Buddha. See SmallerSutra on Visualization of the Buddha of“Sutra of Protection by All Buddhas.”Infinite Life. See Contemplation SutraHeavenLarger SutraContemplation SutraSutraSee Smaller SutraSee99Yāma Heaven
Sweet-smelling Elephant 3, 91
T
Tāpana 103Tanluan 97, 99, 100Tang dynasty 97, 98Taishō Tripiṭaka xiii, xxii, 97, 98, 99, 100
Tathāgata(s), tathāgata(s) (Taste of Nectar 60 see also
Three Refuges (Three Pure Land Sutras: A Study andten good deeds 68three evil realms 6, 13, 48, 49, 50, 52,ten powers 27, 85ten evil acts 85Translation, The5435, 55, 78, 92 , 56, 59, 61, 66, 68, 74, 79, 80, see alsoxv Buddha, Dharma,99
Three Treasures (and Sangha) 68Dharma, and Sangha) 20, 27, 59, 84see alsosee alsoworld of desire;Buddha,
three world(s) (
tranquil, tranquility 6, 20, 27, 38, 39Tibetan 98world of form) 7, 19, 38, 46
transmigration(s) (transgression(s) (transformed 58transformation, birth by xvii, 31, 36, 58Tranquil Ability 3body(ies) xx, 5, 32, 79, 84buddha(s) 32, 75, 76, 79, 80, 81, 84, 85bodhisattva(s) xx, 75, 76death; rebirth) 43, 4851, 82 Seesee alsoHeaven of the Thirty-see alsooffense) xx,birth and
Trāyastriṃśa.
Tuṣita Heaven 3, 99, 103truth(s) (True Dharma 3Tripiṭaka 1, 63, 89of suffering, emptiness, impermanence,11three Godsand no-self 69, 71, 82, 38, 43, 45, 46, 93, see also Four Noble Truths) 6,94
U
uḍumbaraUigur 99Undefiled Light 60flower 7, 39
universe(s) 75Universal Sound. of a thousand million worlds 10, 14,See Vaiśvā nara nir ghoṣa
Uttarakuru 103Uruvilvākāśyapa 3Unsurpassed One (19, 36, 37, 61, 62, 71, 75, 93, see also Buddha) 3394
V
Vaidehī xviii, xix, xxi, 65–66, 67–73,
Vaiśvānaranirghoṣa 94, 101Vaiśravaṇa 10375–79, 82, 83–86, 100
Vakkula 3, 91vajraVajra god 15seat 80
Vedic scriptures 66, 99Vāṣpa 3Vasubandbu xiii
Vimala 3view(s), viewpoint 43, 95, 97, 100 Vietnam xivVidehas 103wrong 5, 43, 45, 55 virtue(s) 5, 6, 10, 19, 23, 27, 28, 29, 32,4159, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 58,, 61, 62, 72, 83, 93
of Dharmākara 20of buddha(s), Buddha, Tathāgata 7, 9,of bodhisattvas xxii, xxiii, xvi, xvii,of Amitāyus xx, 23, 31, 32, 33, 85, 9337xxv, 38, 39, 40, 41, 45, 56, 95
of Samantabhadra 3, 15 five 56of Śākyamuni xxvi, 95
virtuous 31, 48, 51, 54, 55, 83Virūḍhaka 103roots of 6, 14, 19, 28, 39, 46, 49, 54, 55
vīryaVirūpākṣa 103(see also effort; pāramitās) 10, 40 visualization (“Visualization of the Land of Utmostalso Contemplation SutraAvalokiteśvara Bodhisattva andBliss of Amitāyus Buddha and ofxiv, xix, 67–79see also contemplation)see
Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva” (
vow(s) (Voice of the Phoenix 8Original Vow) 12, 40see also Forty-eight Vows;) 86
of bodhisattvas 3, 12, 34, 35of Dharmākara xvi, 11, 12, 18, 19of Amitāyus 25original 14, 15, 36great 12, 15, 19, 36
Vulture Peak xvi, xviii, xxi, xxv, 3, 65,universal 19, 6266, 87, 99
W
western buddha land, region (Way xxiv, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 18, 37, 38,water possessing eight excellent qualitiesWater Light 8Pure Land; Western Land) xix, 2141xix, 26–27, 71–72, 91, , 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 55, 56,97 see also Land of Utmostsee also
57
wisdom(s) (wheel-turning monarch 20, 26, 29, 59all-knowing 152355Bliss; Pure Land) 68, 78, 79, 82, 83 see also knowledge) 10, 19,
, 28, 31, 32, 36, 37, 38, 40, 46, 53,, 58, 59, 77, 85, 98
of bodhisattvas xvi, 15, 16, 38, 39, 40,of Amitāyus, buddha, Buddha, Tathā-41xvii, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 19, 33, 35,gata, World-honored One(s) xiii,, , 45, 58, 59 60
36
unhindered 19, 38sun of 33, 40supreme xvi, 19, 58, 59 power of 4, 23profound 5, 7pure, purity of 7, 18, 36, 45inconceivable 7, 58of fearlessness 6eye 19, 38 of Dharmākara 9, 19, 20of destroying defilements 62
world(s) (Wisdom of Vows 3womanhood, renunciation of 16Wisdom of the Dharma 8Wisdom of Faith 3worlds; universe of a thousand millionsee also Sahā world; three
escape from 48, 50, 51, 52, 54appearance of buddha(s) in xvi, 4, 7,10284556worlds) xiv, xvii, xxiii, xxiv, 3, 4, 5, 9,8, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 26,, 31, 33, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43,, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55,, 57, 59, 60, 61, 66, 82, 92, 95, , 45, 46, 56 98
World-honored One(s) (World Eye (of the ten directions 16, 21, 23, 26, 31,defiled, of the five defilements 4, 677, 9, 11, 17, 22, 32, 35, 37, 57, 58, 59,32, 33, 37, 67, 76, 77, 78, see alsosee alsoBuddha) 7Buddha) 7see also92Buddha)
World Hero (
worldly 6, 31, 41, 43, 44, 536186, 65, 66, 67, 68, 72, 77, 81, 82, 83,, 87, 99 see also world of desire, six heavens of (three worlds) 21, 103
world of form (sixth heaven of 26, 27third heaven of 22see also three worlds)
22, 102 see also
world of non-form (102 See three worlds)
Wuliangshou fo. Wuliang jiao. World Valiant One (World Sovereign King. Lifeened Onerāja SeeSeeImmeasurable Enlight-see alsoBuddha of InfiniteLokeśvara -Buddha) 7
Y
yakṣaYāma Heaven 22, 73, 75, 103s 87
Yaśasprabha 93, 101Yaśas 94, 101Yao-Qin dynasty 89
Yuan-jia era 99Yaśodeva 3Yaśasprabhāsa 94, 101
Yuanzhao 99
Z
Zhiyi 9
Abbreviations
Eng.:Skt.:Ch.:Jp.: Japanese Published title Chinese Sanskrit
Title Taishō No. Ch. Chang ahan jing (Skt. Dīrghāgama 長阿含經) 1 Ch. Zhong ahan jing (Skt. Madhyamāgama 中阿含經) 26
Ch. Da sheng bensheng xindi guan jing (大乘本生心地觀經) 159
Skt. BuddhacaritaEng. Ch. Fo suoxing zan (Buddhacarita: In Praise of Buddha’s Acts佛所行讃) (2009) 192
Eng. Ch. Zabao zang jing (The Storehouse of Sundry Valuables雜寶藏經) (1994) 203 Ch. Faju piyu jing (Eng. The Scriptural Text: Verses of the Doctrine, with Parables法句譬喩經) (1999) 211
Skt. Aṣṭasāhasrikā-prajñāpāramitā-sūtraCh. Xiaopin banruo boluomi jing (小品般若波羅蜜經) 227
Ch. Jingang banruo boluomi jing (Skt. Vajracchedikā-prajñāpāramitā-sūtra金剛般若波羅蜜經) 235
Ch. Daluojingangbukongzhenshisanmoyejing 243Skt. Adhyardhaśatikā-prajñāpāramitā-sūtra (大樂金剛不空眞實三麼耶經)
153
Ch. Renwang banruo boluomi jing (Skt. *Kāruṇikārājā-prajñāpāramitā-sūtra仁王般若波羅蜜經) 245
Skt. Prajñāpāramitāhṛdaya-sūtraCh. Banruo boluomiduo xin jing (般若波羅蜜多心經) 251
Skt. Saddharmapuṇḍarīka-sūtraCh. Miaofa lianhua jing (Eng. The Lotus Sutra (Revised Second Edition, 妙法蓮華經) 2007) 262
Ch. Wuliangyi jing (無量義經) 276 Ch. Guan Puxian pusa xingfa jing (觀普賢菩薩行法經) 277
Ch. Dafangguang fo huayan jing (Skt. Avataṃsaka-sūtra 大方廣佛華嚴經) 279
Ch. Shengman shizihou yisheng defang bianfang guang jing 353Skt. Śrīmālādevīsiṃhanāda-sūtraEng. (The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar勝鬘師子吼一乘大方便方廣經) (2004)
Skt. SukhāvatīvyūhaEng. Ch. Wuliangshou jing ( Revised Second Edition, 2003)The Larger Sutra on Amitāyus無量壽經) (in The Three Pure Land Sutras, 360
Skt. *Amitāyurdhyāna-sūtraCh. Guan wuliangshou fo jing (Eng. (in The Sutra on Contemplation of AmitāyusThe Three Pure Land Sutras,觀無量壽佛經Revised Second Edition, 2003)) 365
Ch. Amituo jing (Skt. SukhāvatīvyūhaEng. Revised Second Edition, 2003)The Smaller Sutra on Amitāyus阿彌陀經) (in The Three Pure Land Sutras, 366
Ch. Da banniepan jing (Skt. Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra大般涅槃經) 374
Ch. Fochuibo niepan lüeshuo jiaojie jing (Eng. The Bequeathed Teaching Sutra (in Apocryphal Scriptures,佛垂般涅槃略説教誡經2005)) 389
Ch. Dizang pusa benyuan jing (Skt. *Kṣitigarbhapraṇidhāna-sūtra地藏菩薩本願經) 412 Title Taishō No.
Ch. Banzhou sanmei jing (Skt. Pratyutpanna-buddhasaṃmukhāvasthita-samādhi-sūtraEng. The Pratyutpanna Samādhi Sutra般舟三昧經)(1998) 418
Skt. Bhaiṣajyaguru-vaiḍūrya-prabhāsa-pūrvapraṇidhāna-viśeṣavistaraCh. Yaoshi liuli guang rulai benyuan gongde jing 450 (藥師琉璃光如來本願功徳經)
Ch. Mile xiasheng chengfo jing (Skt. *Maitreyavyākaraṇa 彌勒下生成佛經) 454
Skt. *MañjuśrīparipṛcchāCh. Wenshushili wen jing (文殊師利問經) 468 Skt. Vimalakīrtinirdeśa-sūtraEng. Ch. Weimojie suoshuo jing (The Vimalakīrti Sutra (2004)維摩詰所説經) 475
Skt. Candrottarādārikā-paripṛcchāCh. Yueshangnü jing (月上女經) 480
Ch. Zuochan sanmei jing (坐禪三昧經) 614 Ch. Damoduoluo chan jing (達磨多羅禪經) 618
Skt. Samādhirāja-candrapradīpa-sūtraCh. Yuedeng sanmei jing (月燈三昧經) 639
Ch. Shoulengyan sanmei jing (
Eng. Skt. Śūraṅgamasamādhi-sūtraThe Śūraṅgama Samādhi Sutra首楞嚴三昧經(1998) ) 642
Skt. Suvarṇaprabhāsa-sūtraCh. Jinguang ming zuishengwang jing (金光明最勝王經) 665 Skt. Laṅkāvatāra-sūtraCh. Dasheng rulengqie jing (大乘入楞伽經) 672
Ch. Jie shenmi jing (Eng. Skt. Saṃdhinirmocana-sūtraThe Scripture on the Explication of Underlying Meaning解深密經) (2000) 676
Ch. Yulanpen jing (Skt. *Ullambana-sūtraThe Ullambana Sutra盂蘭盆經(in ) Apocryphal Scriptures, 2005) 685
Eng.
Eng. Ch. Sishierzhang jing (The Sutra of Forty-two Sections四十二章經) (in Apocryphal Scriptures, 2005) 784
Eng. Ch. Dafangguang yuanjue xiuduoluo liaoyi jing (The Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment大方廣圓覺修多羅了義經) (in Apocryphal Scriptures, 2005) 842
Ch. Da Biluzhena chengfo shenbian jiachi jing 848Skt. Mahāvairocanābhisambodhi-vikurvitādhiṣṭhāna-vaipulyasūtrendra-Eng. ( rājanāma-dharmaparyāyaThe Vairocanābhisaṃbodhi Sutra大毘盧遮那成佛神變加持經) (2005)
Skt. Sarvatathāgata-tattvasaṃgraha-mahāyānā-bhisamaya-mahākalparājaCh. Jinggangding yiqie rulai zhenshi she dasheng xianzheng dajiaoEng. wang jing (The Adamantine Pinnacle Sutra金剛頂一切如來眞實攝大乘現證大教王經(in Two Esoteric Sutras,) 2001) 865
Ch. Suxidi jieluo jing (Skt. Susiddhikara-mahātantra-sādhanopāyika-paṭalaEng. The Susiddhikara Sutra蘇悉地羯囉經(in Two Esoteric Sutras,) 2001) 893
Skt. *Mātaṅgī-sūtraCh. Modengqie jing (摩登伽經) 1300
Ch. Mohe sengqi lü (Skt. *Mahāsāṃghika-vinaya摩訶僧祇律) 1425
Skt. *Dharmaguptaka-vinayaCh. Sifen lü (四分律) 1428
Ch. Shanjianlü piposha (Pāli Samantapāsādikā 善見律毘婆沙) 1462 Ch. Fanwang jing (Skt. *Brahmajāla-sūtra梵網經) 1484
Eng. Skt. Upāsakaśīla-sūtraCh. Youposaijie jing (The Sutra on Upāsaka Precepts優婆塞戒經) (1994) 1488
Ch. Miaofa lianhua jing youbotishe (Skt. Saddharmapuṇḍarīka-upadeśa 妙法蓮華經憂波提舍) 1519 Title Taishō No. Ch. Shizha biposha lun (Skt. *Daśabhūmika-vibhāṣā十住毘婆沙論) 1521
Ch. Fodijing lun (Skt. *Buddhabhūmisūtra-śāstraEng. The Interpretation of the Buddha Land佛地經論) (2002) 1530
Skt. Abhidharmakośa-bhāṣyaCh. Apidamojushe lun (阿毘達磨倶舍論) 1558 Ch. Zhonglun (Skt. Madhyamaka-śāstra中論) 1564 Skt. Yogācārabhūmi-śāstraCh. Yüqie shidilun (瑜伽師地論) 1579
Ch. Cheng weishi lun (Eng. (in Demonstration of Consciousness OnlyThree Texts on Consciousness Only,成唯識論) 1999) 1585
Skt. TriṃśikāEng. Ch. Weishi sanshilun song ( (in The Thirty Verses on Consciousness OnlyThree Texts on Consciousness Only,唯識三十論頌) 1999) 1586
Eng. Skt. ViṃśatikāCh. Weishi ershi lun ( (in The Treatise in Twenty Verses on Consciousness OnlyThree Texts on Consciousness Only,唯識二十論) 1999) 1590
Ch. She dacsheng lun (Skt. MahāyānasaṃgrahaEng. The Summary of the Great Vehicle攝大乘論) (Revised Second Edition, 2003) 1593
Ch. Bian zhongbian lun (Skt. Madhyāntavibhāga 辯中邊論) 1600
Skt. MahāyānasūtrālaṃkāraCh. Dasheng zhuangyanjing lun (大乘莊嚴經論) 1604
Ch. Dasheng chengye lun (Skt. Karmasiddhiprakaraṇa大乘成業論) 1609
Ch. Jiujing yisheng baoxing lun (Skt. Ratnagotravibhāga-mahāyānottaratantra-śāstra究竟一乘寳性論) 1611 Ch. Yinming ruzheng li lun (Skt. Nyāyapraveśa 因明入正理論) 1630
Skt. ŚikṣāsamuccayaCh. Dasheng ji pusa xue lun (大乘集菩薩學論) 1636
Skt. VajrasūcīCh. Jingangzhen lun (金剛針論) 1642
Ch. Zhang suozhi lun (Eng. The Treatise on the Elucidation of the Knowable彰所知論) (2004) 1645
Skt. BodhicaryāvatāraCh. Putixing jing (菩提行經) 1662
Ch. Jingangding yuqie zhongfa anouduoluo sanmiao sanputi xin lun 1665 (金剛頂瑜伽中發阿耨多羅三藐三菩提心論)
Ch. Dasheng qixin lun (Skt. *Mahāyānaśraddhotpāda-śāstraEng. The Awakening of Faith大乘起信論(2005)) 1666
Ch. Shimoheyan lun (釋摩訶衍論) 1668
Ch. Naxian biqiu jing (Pāli Milindapañha 那先比丘經) 1670
Ch. Banruo boluomiduo xin jing yuzan (Eng. (A Comprehensive Commentary on the Heart SutraPrajñāpāramitā-hṛdaya-sūtra) (2001)般若波羅蜜多心經幽賛) 1710
Ch. Miaofalianhua jing xuanyi (妙法蓮華經玄義) 1716 Ch. Guan wuliangshou fo jing shu (觀無量壽佛經疏) 1753 Ch. Sanlun xuanyi (三論玄義) 1852 Ch. Dasheng xuan lun (大乘玄論) 1853 Ch. Zhao lun (肇論) 1858
Ch. Huayan yisheng jiaoyi fenqi zhang (華嚴一乘教義分齊章) 1866
Ch. Yuanren lun (原人論) 1886 Ch. Mohe zhiguan (摩訶止觀) 1911 Ch. Xiuxi zhiguan zuochan fayao (修習止觀坐禪法要) 1915
Ch. Tiantai sijiao yi (天台四教儀) 1931 Ch. Guoqing bai lu (國清百録) 1934
Eng. Ch. Zhenzhou Linji Huizhao chanshi wulu (The Recorded Sayings of Linji (in Three Chan Classics,鎭州臨濟慧照禪師語録1999)) 1985
Ch. Foguo Yuanwu chanshi biyan lu (Eng. The Blue Cliff Record (1998) 佛果圜悟禪師碧巖録) 2003
Eng. Ch. Wumen guan (Wumen’s Gate無門關(in Three Chan Classics,) 1999) 2005
Eng. Ch. Liuzu dashi fabao tan jing (The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch六祖大師法寶壇經(2000)) 2008 Ch. Xinxin ming (Eng. The Faith-Mind Maxim信心銘) (in Three Chan Classics, 1999) 2010
Ch. Huangboshan Duanji chanshi chuanxin fayao Eng. (Essentials of the Transmission of Mind黄檗山斷際禪師傳心法要) (in Zen Texts, 2005) 2012A
Ch. Yongjia Zhengdao ge (永嘉證道歌) 2014
Ch. Chixiu Baizhang qinggui (Eng. The Baizhang Zen Monastic Regulations勅修百丈清規)(2007) 2025
Eng. Skt. SamayabhedoparacanacakraCh. Yibuzonglun lun (The Cycle of the Formation of the Schismatic Doctrines異部宗輪論) (2004) 2031
Ch. Ayuwang jing (Skt. AśokāvadānaThe Biographical Scripture of King Aśoka阿育王經) (1993) 2043
Eng.
Ch. Maming pusa zhuan (Eng. (in The Life of Aśvaghoṣa BodhisattvaLives of Great Monks and Nuns,馬鳴菩薩傳) 2002) 2046
Ch. Longshu pusa zhuan (Eng. (in The Life of Nāgārjuna BodhisattvaLives of Great Monks and Nuns,龍樹菩薩傳) 2002) 2047
Eng. Ch. Posoupandou fashi zhuan ( (in Biography of Dharma Master VasubandhuLives of Great Monks and Nuns,婆藪槃豆法師傳2002) ) 2049 Eng. Ch. Datang Daciensi Zanzang fashi zhuan ( Monastery of the Great Tang DynastyA Biography of the Tripiṭaka Master of the Great Ci’en(1995)大唐大慈恩寺三藏法師傳) 2053
Ch. Gaoseng zhuan (高僧傳) 2059
Ch. Biqiuni zhuan (Eng. (in Biographies of Buddhist NunsLives of Great Monks and Nuns,比丘尼傳) 2002) 2063
Eng. Ch. Gaoseng Faxian zhuan ( (in The Journey of the Eminent Monk FaxianLives of Great Monks and Nuns,高僧法顯傳)2002) 2085
Ch. Datang xiyu ji (Eng. The Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions大唐西域記) (1996) 2087
Ch. Youfangjichao: Tangdaheshangdongzheng zhuan 2089-(7) (遊方記抄: 唐大和上東征傳)
Ch. Hongming ji (弘明集) 2102 Ch. Fayuan zhulin (法苑珠林) 2122
Ch. Nanhai jigui neifa zhuan (Eng. Buddhist Monastic Traditions of Southern Asia南海寄歸内法傳) (2000) 2125
Ch. Fanyu zaming (梵語雑名) 2135 Jp. Shōmangyō gisho (勝鬘經義疏) 2185 Jp. Yuimakyō gisho (維摩經義疏) 2186 Jp. Hokke gisho (法華義疏) 2187 Jp. Hannya shingyō hiken (般若心經秘鍵) 2203
Jp. Daijō hossō kenjin shō (大乘法相研神章) 2309 Jp. Kanjin kakumu shō (觀心覺夢鈔) 2312
Eng. Jp. Risshū kōyō (The Essentials of the Vinaya Tradition律宗綱要) (1995) 2348
Jp. Tendai hokke shūgi shū (Eng. The Collected Teachings of the Tendai Lotus School天台法華宗義集) (1995) 2366
Jp. Kenkairon (顯戒論) 2376 Title Taishō No. Jp. Sange gakushō shiki (山家學生式) 2377
Jp. Hizōhōyaku (Eng. The Precious Key to the Secret Treasury秘藏寶鑰) (in Shingon Texts, 2004) 2426
Eng. Jp. Benkenmitsu nikyō ron ( TeachingsOn the Differences between the Exoteric and Esoteric(in Shingon Texts辨顯密二教論, 2004) ) 2427
Eng. Jp. Sokushin jōbutsu gi ( (in The Meaning of Becoming a Buddha in This Very BodyShingon Texts, 2004)即身成佛義) 2428
Jp. Shōji jissō gi (Eng. The Meanings of Sound, Sign, and Reality聲字實相義) (in Shingon Texts, 2004) 2429 Eng. Jp. Unjigi (The Meanings of the Word Hūṃ吽字義) (in Shingon Texts, 2004) 2430 Eng. Jp. Gorin kuji myōhimitsu shaku ( and the Nine SyllablesThe Illuminating Secret Commentary on the Five Cakras(in Shingon Texts五輪九字明秘密釋, 2004) ) 2514
Jp. Mitsugonin hotsuro sange mon (Eng. The Mitsugonin Confession (in Shingon Texts,密嚴院發露懺悔文2004)) 2527
Eng. Jp. Kōzen gokoku ron ( (in A Treatise on Letting Zen Flourish to Protect the StateZen Texts, 2005)興禪護國論) 2543
Jp. Fukan zazengi (Eng. (in A Universal Recommendation for True ZazenZen Texts, 2005)普勧坐禪儀 ) 2580
Eng. Jp. Shōbōgenzō ( Shōbōgenzō: The True Dharma-eye Treasury Shōbōgenzō: The True Dharma-eye Treasury Shōbōgenzō: The True Dharma-eye TreasuryShōbōgenzō: The True Dharma-eye Treasury正法眼藏) ((((Volume I, Volume II, Volume III, Volume IV, 2007)2008)2008)2008) 2582
Eng. Jp. Zazen yōjinki (Advice on the Practice of Zazen坐禪用心記) (in Zen Texts, 2005) 2586
Jp. Senchaku hongan nenbutsu shū (Eng. on the Nembutsu Chosen in the Original VowSenchaku Hongan Nembutsu Shū: A Collection of Passages選擇本願念佛集(1997)) 2608
Eng. Jp. Kenjōdo shinjitsu kyōgyō shōmon rui ( EnlightenmentKyōgyōshinshō: On Teaching, Practice, Faith, and(2003) 顯淨土眞實教行証文類) 2646
Eng. Jp. Tannishō (Tannishō: Passages Deploring Deviations of Faith歎異抄) (1996) 2661
Eng. Jp. Rennyo shōnin ofumi (Rennyo Shōnin Ofumi: The Letters of Rennyo蓮如上人御文) (1996) 2668
Jp. Ōjōyōshū (往生要集) 2682
Jp. Risshō ankoku ron (Eng. of the Orthodox Teaching and the Peace of the Nation (in Risshōankokuron or The Treatise on the EstablishmentTwo Nichiren Texts,立正安國論2003) ) 2688
Eng. Jp. Kaimokushō (Kaimokushō or Liberation from Blindness開目抄) (2000) 2689
Eng. Jp. Kanjin honzon shō ( by Introspecting Our Minds for the First Time at the Beginning of the Fifth of the Five Five Hundred-year Ages (in Kanjinhonzonshō or The Most Venerable One RevealedTwo Nichiren Texts,觀心本尊抄2003) ) 2692
Eng. Ch. Fumu enzhong jing ( (in The Sutra on the Profundity of Filial LoveApocryphal Scriptures,父母恩重經2005) ) 2887
Eng. Jp. Hasshūkōyō (The Essentials of the Eight Traditions八宗綱要) extracanonical(1994)
Jp. Sangō shīki (三教指帰) extracanonical
Eng. Jp. Mappō tōmyō ki (The Candle of the Latter Dharma末法燈明記) extracanonical(1994)
Jp. Jūshichijō kenpō (十七條憲法) extracanonical
