THE SUTRA ON THE ORIGINAL VOWS AND MERITS OF THE SEVEN MEDICINE BUDDHAS,
LAPIS LAZULI LIGHT TATHAGATAS
Chinese translation: Tang Dynasty, Tripitaka Master Yijing, Buddha Light Monastery.
Vietnamese translation: Bhiksuni Tâm Thường
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Upper Volume
Thus have I heard: At one time, the Bhagavan traveled to teach and transform various lands. He came to Vaishali city and rested beneath the Great Banyan Tree, together with a full assembly of eight thousand great bhiksus and thirty-six thousand great bodhisattvas. The names of those great bodhisattvas were: Manjushri Bodhisattva, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, Maitreya Bodhisattva, Subhuti Bodhisattva, Great Wisdom Bodhisattva, Bright Wisdom Bodhisattva, Mountain Peak Bodhisattva, Eloquence Peak Bodhisattva, Wondrous Wisdom High Peak Bodhisattva, Infallible Transcendent Bodhisattva, Thorough Wondrous Sound Bodhisattva, Constant Contemplation Bodhisattva, Vajra-Holding Bodhisattva, and other great bodhisattvas.
These were the leaders, together with kings of many countries, great ministers, brahmins, householders, devas, nagas, the eight classes of beings, humans, non-humans, and immeasurable great assemblies, all respectfully gathered around to hear the Dharma. Its meaning was wondrous, good in the beginning, middle, and end, perfectly pure and complete. It bore the marks of pure brahma conduct, teaching benefit and peace, enabling beings to fulfill subtle vows and practices and proceed toward great Bodhi.
At that time, the great bodhisattva Manjushri, Prince of Dharma, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, rose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, knelt with his right knee touching the ground, joined his palms reverently, and addressed the Buddha:
“World-Honored One! Now immeasurable assemblies of gods and humans have gathered to hear the Dharma.
“World-Honored Buddha! From the time You first generated the mind until now, throughout immeasurable kalpas as numerous as dust motes and Buddha lands, You have seen and known all. We humbly ask the World-Honored One, out of compassion for us and for sentient beings in the future age of Dharma semblance, to teach the distinctions of the names, original vows, merits, adorned Buddha lands, and skillful means of the Buddhas, so that those who hear may have karmic obstructions eradicated and eventually attain non-retrogression toward Bodhi.”
Then the World-Honored One praised Bodhisattva Manjushri:
“Excellent! Excellent! Manjushri! Out of great compassion, you think of immeasurable beings burdened by karmic obstructions, many illnesses, worries, and suffering, wishing them peace and joy. Therefore you ask me to speak of the names, original vows, merits, and adorned lands of the Buddhas. This is due to the Tathagata’s majestic spiritual power, which enables you to ask this. Listen carefully and reflect well. I shall explain.”
Manjushri said:
“We humbly ask the World-Honored One to teach. We delight in hearing.”
The Buddha told Manjushri:
“To the east, beyond more than four Ganges-sand Buddha lands, there is a world named Radiant Victory. The Buddha there is called Tathagata Auspicious King of Good Renown, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, World-Honored One. He abides upon a lion throne adorned with seven jewels and is teaching the Dharma, surrounded by immeasurable kotis of non-retrogressing bodhisattvas.
“Manjushri, that Buddha land is beautiful and pure, level in all directions for a hundred thousand yojanas. The ground is Jambudvipa gold. The land is level and soft, fragrant like heavenly perfume. There are no evil paths and not even the name of woman. There are no tiles, bricks, sand, stones, thorns, or brambles. Jewel trees stand in rows, flowers and fruits are abundant and flourishing, and there are many bathing pools adorned entirely with gold, silver, pearls, and various treasures.
“Manjushri, the bodhisattvas of that land are all transformed from seven-jeweled lotus flowers. Therefore, pure-faith good men and good women should vow to be born in that Buddha land. Manjushri, when that Tathagata, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha first generated the mind and practiced the bodhisattva path, he made eight great vows:
* First great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings are afflicted by bodily illnesses, fever, poisoning, curses, or corpse-demons raised to torment them, then if they sincerely recite my name, by this power all such illnesses and suffering will be eradicated, and they will eventually realize unsurpassed Bodhi.
* Second great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings are blind, deaf, mute, stammering, leprous, insane, and distressed, then if they sincerely recite my name, by this power their faculties will be restored and their illnesses eradicated, and they will eventually attain Bodhi.
* Third great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings are bound by greed, anger, and delusion, create uninterrupted offenses and evil deeds, slander the true Dharma, and fail to cultivate good, so that they fall into hell and suffer pain, then if they sincerely recite my name, by this power those uninterrupted offenses and all karmic obstructions will be eradicated. No beings will remain fallen in evil destinies. They will continually receive supreme happiness in human and heavenly realms and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Fourth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings lack food, clothing, ornaments, bedding, wealth, jewels, flowers, incense, and music, yet sincerely recite my name, then by this power they will receive all necessities in full and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Fifth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings are bound in chains and beaten, enduring many sufferings, then if they sincerely recite my name, by this power they will be freed from all suffering and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Sixth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings in dangerous places are harmed by fierce beasts such as bears, lions, tigers, leopards, wolves, venomous snakes, and scorpions, and their lives are near ending, then if in such suffering they cry out loudly and sincerely recite my name, by this power they will be freed from fear and terror. The fierce beasts and others will all generate minds of kindness. They will dwell in peace and joy and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Seventh great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings become afflicted through disputes and lawsuits, then if they sincerely recite my name, by this power those disputes will be resolved, and they will approach each other with kindness and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Eighth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings traveling on rivers and seas encounter violent winds that drive their boats and leave no place to anchor or shelter, causing great fear, then if they sincerely recite my name, by this power they will safely reach stable places as wished, receive joy, and eventually attain Bodhi.
“Manjushri, these are the eight wondrous great vows made by that Tathagata, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha while cultivating the bodhisattva path. Furthermore, from the time he first generated the mind, that World-Honored One constantly used the power of samadhi to perfect sentient beings, make offerings to the Buddhas, and purify and adorn Buddha lands. His bodhisattva retinue is vast and complete; these merits are inconceivable. Even if all shravakas and pratyekabuddhas spoke for many kalpas, they could not exhaust them, except for Tathagatas and bodhisattvas in their final birth.
“Manjushri, if pure-faith men or women, kings, great ministers, elders, or householders seek merit, cut off afflictions, recite that Buddha’s name, and read and chant this sutra, wholeheartedly honoring and making offerings to that Tathagata, then all evil karma, karmic obstructions, and illnesses will be eradicated. Whatever they pray for will be fulfilled. They will attain non-retrogression and eventually realize Bodhi.”
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“Furthermore, Manjushri, to the east beyond more than five Ganges-sand Buddha lands, there is a world named Wondrous Jewel. The Buddha there is called Tathagata Jeweled Moon Wisdom-Adorned Radiant Sound Sovereign, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha, surrounded by immeasurable kotis of bodhisattvas, presently teaching the Dharma and expounding the profoundly subtle meaning of the Great Vehicle.
“Manjushri, when that Tathagata first generated the mind and cultivated the bodhisattva path, he made eight great vows:
* First great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings become preoccupied with agriculture or commerce, neglect cultivation of the supreme wholesome Dharma of Bodhi, cannot escape birth and death, and all endure boundless suffering, then if they sincerely recite my name, by this power clothing, food, drink, daily needs, gold, silver, and jewels will all be provided according to their vows. Their wholesome roots will grow; they will not abandon the bodhi mind; they will be freed from all suffering in evil paths and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Second great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, for all sentient beings in the ten directions, if they are oppressed by heat, cold, hunger, and thirst and endure much suffering, then if they sincerely recite my name, by this power the karmic offenses of former lives will be eradicated, they will depart from suffering, receive the happiness of the devas, and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Third great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, in all worlds of the ten directions, if women are covered by lustful afflictions, repeatedly pregnant, deeply weary, and at childbirth endure many pains, then if my name merely passes through their ears or they recite it, by this power all suffering will be removed. After leaving this body they will always receive male bodies and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Fourth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings, together with parents, siblings, spouses, children, relatives, and familiar friends, enter perilous places, are harmed by bandits, and suffer distress, then if they briefly hear my name or recite it, by this power they will escape all dangers and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Fifth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings must travel at night for work and are disturbed by fierce spirits, becoming deeply sorrowful, then if they briefly hear my name or recite it, by this power they will meet light from darkness; evil spirits will arouse compassion, and they will eventually attain Bodhi.
* Sixth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings engage in lowly deeds, do not believe in the Three Jewels, possess weak wisdom, do not cultivate wholesome Dharma, and do not practice the Five Faculties, Five Powers, Seven Factors of Enlightenment, Eightfold Right Path, mindfulness, concentration, and dharani, yet sincerely recite my name, then by this power their wisdom will gradually increase; they will cultivate all thirty-seven factors conducive to awakening, deeply trust the Three Jewels, and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Seventh great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings delight in inferior goals, abide in the path of the Two Vehicles, and turn away from the supreme and wondrous Bodhi, then if they sincerely recite my name and relinquish attachment to the Two Vehicles, they will attain non-retrogression toward unsurpassed enlightenment and eventually realize Bodhi.
* Eighth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings see their life approaching its end and, when fire arises, become terrified, afflicted, sorrowful, and weeping, and because of evil karmic force from former lives must endure these sufferings with no refuge, then if they sincerely recite my name, all sorrow and suffering will be eradicated, and they will receive coolness, peace, and joy. When they die from there, they will be transformed and born in lotuses in my Buddha land, constantly cultivate wholesome Dharma, and eventually attain Bodhi.
“Manjushri, these are the eight wondrous great vows made by that Tathagata, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha while cultivating the bodhisattva path. Furthermore, that Tathagata’s Buddha land is vast, adorned, and pure. The ground is level like a palm. Heavenly fragrant trees stand in rows. Celestial flowers are scattered everywhere. Heavenly music constantly sounds. Beautiful celestial bells hang throughout. Heavenly jewels adorn lion thrones and stairways. Its bathing pools are beautiful. The ground is soft and smooth. There are no tiles or bricks, no women, and no afflictions. All are non-retrogressing bodhisattvas transformed from lotuses. Whenever a thought for food, clothing, or daily needs arises, they appear at once. Therefore it is called the Wondrous Jewel World.
“Manjushri, if pure-faith men and women, kings, princes, great ministers, aides, and palace women, day and night in six periods, earnestly and sincerely make reverent offerings to that World-Honored Buddha, recite his name, create images, and offer incense, flowers, music, burning incense, powdered incense, and perfumed ointments with pure adornment, uphold the Eight-Branch Fasting Precepts for seven days, arouse compassion toward sentient beings, and vow to be born in that land, then that World-Honored Buddha and his bodhisattvas will protect and remember them. All karmic offenses will be eradicated. They will attain non-retrogression in unsurpassed Bodhi. Greed, anger, and delusion will gradually lessen. They will have no illness. Their lifespan will increase. Whatever they seek will be fulfilled. Even enemies and adversaries will become joyful. After leaving this body, they will be born in that land from lotus flowers, and their mindfulness, samadhi, and dharani will all become clear.
“Manjushri, thus you should know that the name of that Buddha has immeasurable merit. Whoever hears it and makes vows will accomplish what is sought.”
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“Furthermore, Manjushri, to the east beyond more than six Ganges-sand Buddha lands, there is a world named Perfect Fragrant Accumulation. The Buddha there is called Tathagata Golden-Hued Jeweled Radiance Wondrous Practice Accomplished, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha, now teaching the Dharma, surrounded by immeasurable myriads of kotis of bodhisattvas.
“Manjushri, when that Tathagata first generated the mind and practiced the bodhisattva path, he made four great vows:
* First great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings create countless acts of killing and cutting off the lives of others, and by this evil karma suffer hellish pain, and even when reborn human are often sick, short-lived, or killed painfully by water, fire, blades, clubs, or poison, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, by this power all evil karma they created will be eradicated. They will be free of illness, live long, not die untimely deaths, and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Second great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings commit evil deeds such as theft and taking others’ property and thus fall into evil destinies, and even when reborn human are born into poor and lowly families lacking food and clothing and always suffering, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, by this power all evil karma will be eradicated, and food and clothing will no longer be lacking. They will eventually attain Bodhi.
* Third great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings bully, insult, and provoke one another, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, by this power they will all give rise to kindness like that of parents and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Fourth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings are bound by greed, anger, and delusion, or among the seven assemblies of monastic and lay men and women violate the training precepts established by the Tathagata, create evil karma, and must fall into hell for painful retribution, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, by this power all evil karma already created will be eradicated. They will sever afflictions, honor the precepts, skillfully guard body, speech, and mind, never regress, and eventually attain Bodhi.
“Manjushri, these are the four wondrous great vows made by that Tathagata, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha while cultivating the bodhisattva path. Furthermore, that Tathagata’s Buddha land is vast, beautiful, and pure, the ground level like a palm, made entirely of treasures, always fragrant like fine sandalwood. Fragrant trees stand in rows. Pearls, necklaces, mani jewels, and heavenly treasures hang everywhere. There are many bathing pools adorned with heavenly treasures, filled with fragrant water possessing all virtues. Beautiful velvet and silk hangings are suspended on all sides. Eight roads interconnect, each place adorned accordingly. Beings there have no afflictions, sorrow, or suffering, and there are no women. Most are assemblies of bodhisattvas abiding there. Supreme wondrous music sounds of itself without being played, proclaiming the profound subtle Great Vehicle Dharma. Any beings who hear these sounds attain non-retrogression in Bodhi.
“Manjushri, through former vow power and skillful means, that Tathagata perfected his adorned Buddha land. Seated at the bodhi seat, he reflected: ‘In future times, if sentient beings are bound by greed, anger, and delusion, afflicted by illnesses, harmed by enemies, die untimely deaths, or by evil karma fall into hell and undergo severe suffering, then seeing such suffering beings, I will remove their karmic obstructions by teaching this spiritual mantra and instructing them to uphold it, so that in this present life they gain great benefit, leave suffering, and abide in Bodhi.’ He then immediately spoke the mantra:
“Đát điệt tha: tất đế tất đế, tô tất đế, mô triết nhĩ mộc sát nhĩ, mục đế tỳ mục đế, im mạt lệ tỳ mạt lệ, man yết lệ sắt lan, nhược yết tỳ hạt thích đát na, yết tỳ tát bà át tha bà đát nhĩ. Bát la ma át tha, bà đát nhĩ mạt nại tế. Mạt ha mạt nại tế, át bộ đế, át thất bộ đế, tỳ đà bà duệ. Tô bạt nê khư, bạt la ham ma. Cù hiệp khư, bạt la ham ma trụ hiệp đế. Tát bà át thế lâu. A bát la tạp đề tát bạt đát la. A bát sát để hiết đế, triết đổ sát cầm trí bột đà cu chi, bà hiệp đế, nạp ma bàbà, đát tha yết đa nam sa ha”
At that time, when the World-Honored One had spoken this great-power, great-light mantra, the great bodhisattvas in the assembly, the Four Great Heavenly Kings, Indra, Brahma King, and others all praised:
“Excellent! Excellent! Greatly compassionate World-Honored One! You can proclaim such a great-power mantra of past Tathagatas, for the benefit of immeasurable sentient beings, to dry up the ocean of afflictions, bring them to the shore of Nirvana, remove all disease, and fulfill all aspirations.”
The Buddha told the assembly:
“If pure-faith men and women, kings, princes, ministers, aides, and palace women seeking merit, with thirsty reverence and faith in this mantra, either read, recite, or explain its meaning to others, arouse great compassion for all conscious beings, bathe and purify day and night in six periods, earnestly make offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, and candles, uphold the Eight Precepts, and sincerely recite, then even boundless heavy karmic obstructions will all be eradicated. In this very present body they will be freed from afflictions. When life is about to end, they will be protected and remembered by the Buddhas and immediately transformed and born in lotuses in that land.”
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“Furthermore, Manjushri, to the east beyond more than seven Ganges-sand Buddha lands, there is a world named Sorrowless. The Buddha there is called Tathagata Supreme Auspicious Sorrowless One, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha, now teaching the Dharma to the great assembly. That Tathagata’s Buddha land is vast, solemn, and pure; the ground is level like a palm, made entirely of refined soft treasures, always fragrant, without cries of suffering, free from afflictions. There are no fierce beasts and no name of woman. Everywhere are bathing pools paved with gold at the bottom, filled with fragrant waters, jewel trees in rows, abundant flowers and fruits, and supreme wondrous music that sounds by itself, like the adorned merits of Amitayus’ western land.
“Manjushri, when that World-Honored Buddha cultivated the bodhisattva path, he made four great vows:
* First great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings are constantly bound by suffering and distress, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, by this power all sorrow and suffering will be eradicated. They will live long in peace and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Second great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings commit evil karma and are born in the dark uninterrupted regions of great hell, enduring suffering, then if in former life they once heard my name, I will at that time personally emit light to shine upon them. By this power, when they see the light, all karmic obstructions will be eradicated. They will escape suffering, be born among humans and devas, receive joys at will, and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Third great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings commit evil deeds such as killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct, and in this very life suffer punishment by blades and clubs and are destined for evil paths; or even if born human are often sick, short-lived, born in poor and low families, lacking food and clothing, suffering hunger, thirst, heat, and cold, with unattractive appearance and fierce relatives, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, by this power whatever they seek will be fulfilled. Food and clothing will be abundant, their appearance radiant and lovely like devas, and their relatives all virtuous. They will eventually attain Bodhi.
* Fourth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings are often disturbed by yakshas and fierce spirits, robbed of vitality and afflicted by suffering, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, by this power the yakshas and others will all withdraw and disperse and generate compassionate minds. They will be freed from suffering and eventually attain Bodhi.
“Furthermore, Manjushri, these are the four wondrous great vows made by that Tathagata, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha. If sentient beings hear that Buddha’s name, recite it day and night in six periods, bow, revere, sincerely make offerings, and arouse compassion and kindness for sentient beings, then karmic obstructions will be removed. They will be freed from sorrow, free of illness, long-lived, gain knowledge of past lives, be transformed and born in lotuses in that Buddha land, and constantly be protected by devas.
“Manjushri, reciting that Buddha’s name gives rise to immeasurable merit in this way, yet the superior vow-power and adorned merit of that Buddha cannot be known by shravakas and pratyekabuddhas, except by a Tathagata, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha.”
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“Furthermore, Manjushri, to the east beyond more than eight Ganges-sand Buddha lands from this Buddha land, there is a world named Dharma Banner. The Buddha there is called Tathagata Ocean-of-Dharma Thunder-Sound, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha, now teaching the Dharma.
“Manjushri, the Buddha land of that World-Honored One is pure and clean, with level and straight ground made of crystal, always bright and richly fragrant. City walls are made of blue treasures. There are eight-way roads and stairways of gold and silver. Towers, halls, palaces, gates, windows, and broad railings are all adorned with many treasures. Heavenly fragrant jewel trees stand in straight rows everywhere. From their branches hang celestial streamers, and jeweled bells are suspended throughout. When gentle breezes pass, wondrous sounds arise proclaiming impermanence, suffering, emptiness, and non-self. Beings who hear them immediately leave the bonds of desire, their habitual tendencies gradually dissolve, and they realize profound samadhi. Heavenly fragrant flowers rain everywhere. On the four sides are eight bathing pools with golden sand across the bottoms, filled with fragrant water.
“Manjushri, in that Buddha land there are no fierce beasts and no women. Beings are transformed from lotus flowers, and there are no afflictions. When that Tathagata cultivated the bodhisattva path, he made four great vows:
* First great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings are born in households of wrong views, fail to produce pure faith in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and turn away from the unsurpassed bodhi mind, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, by this power ignorance and false wisdom will be extinguished day and night. Right faith in the Three Jewels will continuously arise, without regression, and they will eventually attain Bodhi.
* Second great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings are born in borderlands and, due to evil companions, create offenses, do not cultivate wholesome qualities, and have never even heard the names of the Three Jewels, then after death they fall into the three evil paths. If such beings briefly hear my name, by this power their karmic obstructions will be eradicated, they will meet good spiritual friends, avoid evil destinies, and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Third great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings lack all necessities such as food, clothing, beds, medicine, wealth, and daily goods, and because of this become deeply sorrowful and create evil karma while seeking them, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, by this power whatever they think of in their deficiencies will be fully supplied, and they will eventually attain Bodhi.
* Fourth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings, due to evil karma from former lives, quarrel and commit harmful acts, using bows, arrows, blades, and clubs to hurt one another, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, by this power all will generate compassionate minds and cease harming each other. Unwholesome thoughts will no longer arise, much less the wish to take another’s life. They will always practice loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity, and eventually attain Bodhi.
“Manjushri, these are the four wondrous great vows made by that Tathagata, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha while cultivating the bodhisattva path. If pure-faith good men and women hear that Buddha’s name, sincerely bow and pay reverence, earnestly make offerings, uphold and recite it, then karmic obstructions will be removed. They will attain the non-retrogressing bodhi mind, complete knowledge of past lives, and wherever they are born they will always see the Buddha, be free from illness, and live long. After death they will be born in that land, where clothing, food, wealth, and daily goods arise in full according to thought, with no lack. Manjushri, that World-Honored Buddha possesses immeasurable merit; therefore beings should always recollect him and never forget.”
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“Furthermore, Manjushri, to the east beyond more than nine Ganges-sand Buddha lands, there is a world named Good Assembly Jewel Ocean. The Buddha there is called Tathagata Ocean-of-Dharma Victor-Wisdom Playful Spiritual-Power, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha, now teaching the Dharma.
“Manjushri, when that Tathagata cultivated the bodhisattva path, he made four great vows:
* First great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings create evil karma by plowing, planting, and weeding that harm living beings, or give rise to arrogance and contempt for others, establish armies and warfare with guns, spears, and halberds, and continually engage in killing, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, by this power wealth and daily necessities will be fully provided without having to seek them. They will constantly cultivate wholesome karma and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Second great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings commit the ten evil deeds, offenses of killing and so on, and by these causes fall into hell, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, they will accomplish the ten wholesome paths, no longer fall into evil destinies, and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Third great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings lack freedom, are dependent on others, or are bound in cangues, fetters, and chains, beaten with rods and clubs, even subjected to severe punishment, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, by this power they will be freed from all calamities and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Fourth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings create evil karma, do not believe in the Three Jewels, follow false and deceptive wrong views, turn away from right view, delight in heterodox paths, slander Buddhist sutras as not spoken by the Buddha, respectfully uphold non-Buddhist scriptures, fiercely practice them and urge others to do the same, thereby generating delusion, then they will fall into hell without a period of release. Even if reborn human, they will be born amid the eight difficulties, far from the right path, blind and without the eye of wisdom. If such a person hears my name and sincerely recites it, by this power at the time of death right mindfulness will arise. They will escape calamities, often be born in great cities, receive excellent and wondrous joy, and eventually attain Bodhi.
“Manjushri, these are the four wondrous great vows made by that Tathagata, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha while cultivating the bodhisattva path.
“Manjushri, the adorned merits of that Buddha land are equal to those of the Most Wondrous Jewel world of the Tathagata, without difference.”
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“Furthermore, Manjushri, to the east beyond more than ten Ganges-sand Buddha lands, there is a world named Pure Lapis Lazuli. The Buddha there is called Tathagata Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha. Manjushri, when that World-Honored Buddha first generated the mind and practiced the bodhisattva path, he made twelve great vows:
* First great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, my body will shine brilliantly, illuminating boundless worlds, adorned with thirty-two marks and eighty excellent characteristics, and I will cause all sentient beings to become just like me, without difference.
* Second great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, my body will be like crystal, clear inside and out, with vast radiance pervading all directions, a blazing net of light more splendid than sun and moon. Even in dark spaces between Iron Ring Mountains, beings will see one another. In dark worlds, beings traveling at night who see my light will gain clarity and act accordingly.
* Third great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, by immeasurable and boundless wisdom and skillful means I will ensure that sentient beings receive inexhaustible provisions for all they use.
* Fourth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings follow wrong paths, I will cause them all to enter the right path of Bodhi. If they follow the paths of shravakas or pratyekabuddhas, I will also cause them to abide in the Great Vehicle Dharma.
* Fifth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings in my Dharma cultivate pure conduct, I will ensure all keep the precepts without deficiency, skillfully guard the three karmas, and avoid violating them to fall into evil destinies. Even if someone has violated them, if they hear my name, single-mindedly uphold and recite it, and sincerely confess, they will become pure and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Sixth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings have incomplete faculties, are ugly, foolish, blind, deaf, mute, stammering, hunchbacked, crippled, cancerous, ulcerated, insane, and bound by many painful illnesses, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, they will all become dignified in appearance and have their illnesses removed.
* Seventh great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings are poor, lowly, and miserable with nowhere to turn, afflicted by illness, without doctors and medicine, then if they briefly hear my name, all illness will disappear, family members will increase, wealth will become abundant, body and mind will be at peace and joy, and they will eventually attain Bodhi.
* Eighth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if any woman is oppressed by the sufferings of womanhood, deeply weary, and vows to relinquish the female body, then if she hears my name and sincerely recites it, she will immediately in her present body be transformed into a male body, fully possessing noble marks, and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Ninth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, I will free sentient beings from Mara’s net. I will gather all those with wrong views, cause right view to arise, and gradually lead them to cultivate bodhisattva practices until they attain Bodhi.
* Tenth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings are constrained by royal law, imprisoned in dark prisons, bound and beaten, even severely punished, or oppressed by many sufferings, sorrowful without even temporary joy, then upon hearing my name, through the blessed virtue and majestic spiritual power I possess, they will be freed from all sorrow and suffering and eventually attain Bodhi.
* Eleventh great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings are harmed by the fire of hunger and, seeking food and drink, create evil karma, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, I will first provide supreme food so they are fully satisfied; afterward I will use the flavor of Dharma to settle them in supreme peace and joy, and they will eventually attain Bodhi.
* Twelfth great vow: I vow that in a future life, when I realize unsurpassed Bodhi, if sentient beings lack clothing and are tormented by mosquitoes, heat, and cold, then if they hear my name and sincerely recite it, according to their wishes they will immediately receive supreme garments, beautiful jeweled ornaments and utensils, along with music, incense, and flowers in full abundance, far from suffering and distress, and eventually attain Bodhi.
“Manjushri, these are the twelve wondrous great vows made by Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha while cultivating the bodhisattva path.”
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Lower Volume
At that time, the Buddha said to Manjushri:
The great vows and magnificent merits of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata are so vast that even if I spoke for one kalpa or more, I could not fully express them. Yet that Buddha-land is perfectly pure, free of sensual defilement, without women, and without the cries of suffering from the three evil paths. The ground is clear lapis lazuli. City walls, palaces, corridors, eaves, windows, and jeweled nets are all made of seven precious substances, like the adornments of Amitabha’s Western Land of Bliss.
In that land there are two great Bodhisattvas:
1. Sunlight Universally Illuminating
2. Moonlight Universally Illuminating
They are foremost among immeasurable Bodhisattvas and preserve the precious treasury of that Buddha’s true Dharma. Therefore, Manjushri, pure-faith men and women should vow to be born in that world.
Furthermore, if beings do not know good from evil, cling only to greed and stinginess, do not understand generosity or its karmic fruit, are foolish, lacking wisdom and faith, and only labor to hoard and guard wealth, then when beggars come they become displeased. If forced to give, they suffer as if their own flesh were being cut.
Many such beings, after death, are reborn as hungry ghosts or animals. Yet because they once heard the name of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata in human life, they may remember that name even in evil destinies. Then they die there and are reborn human, gain knowledge of past lives, fear the suffering of evil paths, stop delighting in sensual pleasure, delight in generosity, praise those who give, and gradually become able to give even head, eyes, hands, feet, flesh, and blood, let alone worldly possessions.
Furthermore, if someone takes refuge in the World-Honored One and receives trainings but later destroys precepts and proper conduct, and abandons right view; or if one keeps precepts and right view but does not seek broad learning and cannot understand the deep meaning of Buddha’s sutras; or if one is learned but arrogant, saying “I am right, others are wrong,” slandering true Dharma and associating with Mara’s followers – then this deluded person practices wrong views and causes countless beings to fall into hell, animal, and ghost destinies.
If such a person has heard the name of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, then by that Tathagata’s power and original vows, even in hell they may remember the Buddha’s name. Dying there, they are reborn human, obtain right view and diligence, delight in harmony and goodness, renounce household life, uphold trainings in Buddha-Dharma without violation, possess right view and broad learning, understand profound principles, abandon arrogance, stop slandering true Dharma, avoid Mara’s companions, and gradually cultivate Bodhisattva practices up to Bodhi.
Furthermore, if beings are jealous and stingy, perform evil deeds, praise themselves and belittle others, after death they fall into the three evil destinies and endure severe suffering for countless years. Dying there, they may return as oxen, horses, camels, and similar beings, often beaten, hungry, thirsty, bound, and burdened with heavy labor. If born human, they may be lowly servants under constant command and never free.
Yet because they once heard the name of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata in former human life, by that wholesome root and sincere refuge, through the Buddha’s spiritual power they can escape suffering, gain sharp faculties and broad wisdom, seek supreme Dharma, often meet good spiritual friends, cut Mara’s net, break ignorance, dry up afflictions, and transcend birth, aging, sickness, death, sorrow, and grief, up to Bodhi.
Furthermore, if beings delight in opposition and conflict, creating evil by body, speech, and mind, plotting against each other, invoking mountain and forest spirits, killing beings for blood sacrifice to yakshas and raksasas, writing enemies’ names, making effigies, using harmful curses, poison spells, and corpse-sorcery to destroy others – if they hear the name of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, those evil conditions can no longer harm them. All gradually give rise to compassion and minds of benefit and peace, without harming, without hatred, and with joyful contentment.
Furthermore, if among the four assemblies – bhiksus, bhiksunis, male lay followers, female lay followers – and other pure-faith men and women, they uphold the Eight Precepts for a year, three months, or another period, and with this merit vow to be born in Amitabha’s Western Pure Land, then if they hear the name of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, at death eight Bodhisattvas come by spiritual power to guide their rebirth. They are spontaneously born in countless multicolored jeweled lotuses.
Some may be reborn in heavenly realms; their former wholesome roots remain, so they do not return to evil paths. After heavenly lifespan ends, they return to human birth – perhaps as Wheel-Turning Kings ruling the four continents, guiding countless beings to cultivate the ten wholesome paths; or as noble brahmins, ksatriyas, and eminent householders with abundant wealth, dignified appearance, many relatives, intelligence, wisdom, strength, and influence. If a woman hears and sincerely upholds the name of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, she will no longer receive a female body in the future.
Furthermore, Manjushri, when Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata attained Bodhi, by original vow power he saw beings afflicted by many illnesses – emaciation, wasting, yellowing, fever, curses, poisoning, untimely death, and sudden violent death. Wishing to remove these sufferings and fulfill aspirations, that World-Honored One entered samadhi called Eliminating All Sentient Beings’ Suffering and Affliction. Emerging from samadhi, great light radiated from his crown, and in that light he proclaimed a great dharani mantra:
“Nam mô Bạt già phạt đế, bệ sát xả lũ rô thích lưu ly bát lặt bà yết ra xà giả đát tha yết đa giả, a la hắc đế tam miệu tam bát đà giả. Ðát điệt tha: án bệ sát thệ, bệ sát thệ, bệ sát xả tam một yết đế sa ha”.
When the mantra was spoken in the light, the earth trembled and great radiance spread. All beings’ illnesses were removed, and they received peace and joy.
Manjushri, if one sees a sick man or woman, one should single-mindedly cleanse and recite this mantra 108 times over food, medicine, or clean water and give it to the patient. Illness can be removed. Whatever is sincerely prayed for can be fulfilled: no illness, long life, and after death rebirth in that world with non-retrogression up to Bodhi.
Therefore, Manjushri, men and women should always uphold this mantra and never forget it, with sincere reverence and offerings to Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata.
Furthermore, if pure-faith men and women hear the names of the seven Tathagatas, Arhats, and Perfectly Enlightened Ones, then recite and uphold them, purify body and mouth, offer flowers, incense, powdered incense, ointments, and music before sacred images, and copy this sutra themselves or have others copy it, uphold it single-mindedly, listen to its meaning, and support Dharma teachers with all needed goods and offerings, then they receive Buddhas’ protection. Whatever they pray for is fulfilled, up to Bodhi.
Then the youth Manjushri addressed the Buddha:
World-Honored One, in the final age I vow to use countless skillful means so that pure-faith men and women hear the names of the seven Buddhas. Even in dreams I will awaken them with the Buddha-names.
World-Honored One, if someone upholds and recites this sutra, explains it to others, copies it or has others copy it, reveres it, and offers flowers, incense, garlands, jewel strings, banners, and canopies; wraps it in five-colored silk; purifies a place and places it on a high seat – then the Four Great Heavenly Kings with their retinues and countless devas will come to make offerings and protect.
Wherever this precious sutra is circulated and upheld, by the original vows and merits of the seven Tathagatas, by hearing their names, and by their spiritual power, that place is free from untimely death, and fierce spirits cannot seize vitality. Even if vitality was seized, body and mind can be restored to peace.
The Buddha said:
Manjushri, so it is, exactly as you say. If pure-faith men and women wish to make offerings to the seven Tathagatas, they should first respectfully create images of the seven Buddhas and place them on pure and beautiful high seats; offer flowers and incense; adorn with banners and streamers; uphold the Eight Precepts for seven days and nights; eat pure food; bathe and wear clean clothes; keep the mind undefiled and free of anger; cultivate loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity toward all beings; praise the Buddhas with music; circumambulate clockwise; recollect those Tathagatas’ original vows; recite this sutra; contemplate its meaning; and teach it.
According to aspiration, one may obtain long life, wealth, official position, sons, daughters, and other wholesome wishes.
If one sees bad dreams, evil omens, strange birds, or uncanny events, and then respectfully offers superior goods to those Buddhas, those inauspicious signs disappear. If there is danger from fire, water, blades, poison, perilous roads, fierce beasts, snakes, scorpions, and other terrors, then by sincere recollection and offering to that Buddha, all fears can be escaped. If invaded by other lands or troubled by rebellion and bandits, recollecting and revering that Tathagata causes enemies to retreat.
If pure-faith men and women throughout life do not worship other gods, but single-mindedly take refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and uphold precepts – five, ten, twenty-four bodhisattva precepts, 250 bhiksu precepts, or 500 bhiksuni precepts – then even if there are violations and fear of evil rebirth, by specially reciting that Buddha’s name and making reverent offerings, they certainly will not be born in the three evil paths.
If a woman at childbirth suffers extreme pain, and sincerely recites, praises, and offers to the seven Tathagatas, all suffering is removed. The child born will be upright, pleasing, intelligent, healthy, peaceful, and not harmed by non-human beings.
Then the World-Honored One told Ananda:
As I have praised the merit of the names of the seven Tathagatas, this is a profoundly deep Buddha-realm, difficult to understand clearly. You should not doubt.
Venerable Ananda said:
World-Honored One, regarding the deep meaning of the Tathagata’s sutra teaching, I have no doubt. Why? Because all Tathagatas’ actions of body, speech, and mind are never false. Even if sun and moon could fall and Mount Sumeru could collapse, the Buddhas’ words would not change.
World-Honored One, yet some beings with weak faith hear this profound realm and think: “How can merely reciting the names of seven Buddhas bring such supreme merit and benefit?” Because of disbelief they slander, losing great benefit and happiness through lifetimes and falling into evil paths.
The Buddha told Ananda:
If beings truly hear the Buddhas’ names, falling into evil destinies is not the proper result, except where fixed karma has not yet changed. This Buddha-realm is difficult to trust and understand. That you can accept it is by Tathagata power.
Ananda, all sravakas and pratyekabuddhas cannot fully know this, except bodhisattvas in their final birth. Human birth is hard to gain; faith and reverence for the Three Jewels are hard to gain; hearing the names of the seven Buddhas is harder still. Those Tathagatas cultivated immeasurable Bodhisattva practices, skillful means, and vast vows. Even if I spoke for one kalpa or more, I could not exhaust them.
Then in the assembly, a great Bodhisattva named Deliverance rose, bared his right shoulder, knelt on his right knee, joined palms, and said:
World-Honored One, in later times if beings are gravely ill, near death, unable to eat or drink, with dry throat and failing vision, while relatives weep around them, they may see Yama’s messengers leading consciousness before King Yama. Co-born spirits record all wholesome and unwholesome deeds and present them for judgment.
If relatives can, for the sick person, take refuge in the Buddhas and make proper offerings, then after seven, fourteen, up to forty-nine days, the person may recover as from a dream, with clear awareness of karma and results. Knowing karmic truth directly, even in mortal danger one will not create evil. Therefore pure-faith men and women should uphold the names of the seven Buddhas and make reverent offerings according to ability.
Then Ananda asked Deliverance Bodhisattva:
Good man, what is the method of making reverent offerings to those seven Tathagatas?
Deliverance replied:
If someone is ill or afflicted by calamity and seeks release, one should uphold the Eight Precepts for seven days and nights; offer food, drink, and goods to Buddha and Sangha according to means; bow to the seven Buddhas six times day and night; recite this sutra forty-nine times; light forty-nine lamps; create seven images of the seven Buddhas; place seven lamps before each image and keep them lit continuously for forty-nine days and nights; make forty-nine five-colored banners, each forty-nine cubits long; and release forty-nine living beings. In this way calamities and violent spirit harm can be avoided.
Venerable Ananda, this is the offering rite for the Tathagatas. Offering to even one of the seven Buddhas yields immeasurable merit and fulfilled aspirations, all the more when offering to all seven. If an anointed ksatriya king faces plague, foreign invasion, internal rebellion, ominous celestial signs, eclipses, unseasonal storms, or prolonged drought, such kings should arouse compassion for all beings, grant broad amnesty, release prisoners from dark suffering, and make offerings according to this rite. Through this wholesome root and Tathagata vow-power, the kingdom becomes peaceful, weather harmonious, crops abundant, people healthy and happy, harmful yakshas cease disturbance, evil omens disappear, and kings gain increased lifespan, strength, health, and sovereign ease.
Venerable Ananda, Likewise, princesses, queens, heirs, ministers, aides, palace women, officials, and common people afflicted by illness and calamity should respectfully create seven Buddha images, recite this sutra, burn incense, make banners, release life, and offer sincerely; then illnesses are removed and calamities escaped.
Then Ananda asked Deliverance Bodhisattva:
Venerable, why can a life near its end be increased and extended?
Deliverance replied:
Venerable one, have you not heard the Tathagata teach that there are nine kinds of untimely death? Therefore the World-Honored One taught this healing-mantra method – treatment, lamp offering, banner making, and cultivation of merit. Through cultivating merit, lifespan can be prolonged.
Ananda asked:
What are the nine kinds of untimely death?
Deliverance answered:
1. If sentient beings are only mildly ill but have no medicine or healer, or even if they meet a doctor but are not given the correct treatment, though they should not die they die an untimely death. They may also trust false teachers, demons, non-Buddhist sorcerers, and strange spirits of the world who deceitfully speak of fortune and misfortune, causing their minds to become shaken and lose right mindfulness. They then divine good and bad omens, kill sentient beings, pray to spirits, summon demons, and seek blessings and long life, yet this can never truly be attained. Through ignorance and deluded understanding, they are led to untimely death, fall into hell, and have no time of release.
2. Untimely death by royal execution.
3. Untimely death through reckless indulgence, hunting, drunkenness, and excess, with vitality seized by non-human spirits.
4. Untimely death by fire.
5. Untimely death by drowning.
6. Untimely death by being eaten by fierce beasts.
7. Untimely death by falling from high cliffs.
8. Untimely death by poison, curses, malicious sorcery, and corpse-spirit harm.
9. Untimely death by hunger and thirst without food or drink.
This is the Tathagata’s brief teaching on nine kinds of untimely death. In addition, there are countless other kinds of untimely death that are difficult to fully describe.
Furthermore, Ananda, King Yama keeps records of all people in the world. If sentient beings are unfilial, commit the five gravest offenses, insult the Triple Gem, violate the laws of rulers and officials, or break moral precepts, then King Yama investigates the severity and administers punishment accordingly. Therefore, I now advise sentient beings to light lamps, make banners, release living beings, and cultivate merit so they may cross beyond suffering and no longer encounter such calamities.
At that time, in the Dharma assembly, there were twelve Yaksha Great Generals seated there, named: General Kumbhira, General Vajra, General Mihira, General Anila, General Manila, General Shanila, General Indra, General Pajira, General Makura, General Cindara, General Cora, and General Vikala. Each of these twelve Yaksha Great Generals had seven thousand Yaksha attendants. At the same moment, they all addressed the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, today by the Buddha’s majestic power we have heard the names of the seven Buddhas, and therefore we no longer fear even before fierce beings. We generals and our troops are of one mind: throughout life we take refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and vow to carry and support all sentient beings, doing works of benefit and peace. Wherever it may be – in cities, villages, forests, or lonely wilderness – if there are people who read, recite, and spread this sutra, or uphold the names of the seven Buddhas with reverence and offerings, all our retinues will protect them and help them escape calamities. Whatever they pray for, we will help fulfill. If someone is afflicted by illness or disaster and seeks release, they should also recite this sutra and tie knots in five-colored threads with our names; once their wish is fulfilled, they may untie them.”
Then the World-Honored Ones praised the Yaksha Great Generals:
“Excellent, excellent, great Yaksha Generals. If you remember and wish to repay the grace of the seven Tathagatas, you should always do such works that benefit and bring peace to all sentient beings.”
At that time, many devas in the assembly who had little wisdom thought: “Why is it that those who merely hear the names of Tathagatas currently dwelling in worlds as numerous as Ganges sands immediately gain boundless, supreme merit?”
Then Sakyamuni Tathagata, knowing the thoughts of the devas, entered a profound samadhi and respectfully invited all those Tathagatas. As soon as he entered samadhi, the three-thousand great-thousand world system trembled in six ways, and celestial flowers and heavenly powdered incense rained down. Seeing these signs, those seven Tathagatas each came swiftly from their own realms to this Saha world and inquired together of Sakyamuni Tathagata.
By the power of their former vows, each World-Honored One then sat, according to circumstance, upon a heavenly jeweled lion throne magnificently adorned. Bodhisattvas, devas, dragons, eightfold assemblies, humans and non-humans, princes, queens, ministers, brahmins, elders, and lay followers gathered all around to hear the Dharma. The devas, seeing all the Tathagatas assembled, felt great wonder and all doubts were ended. The whole assembly exclaimed, “Never before has such a thing occurred,” and praised in unison:
“Excellent, excellent, Sakyamuni Tathagata. For our benefit, and to remove our doubt, you caused those Tathagatas to come here.” Then each according to ability offered beautiful incense and flowers, jeweled garlands, and celestial music to the Tathagatas, circumambulated to the right seven times, joined palms, bowed, and praised:
“Rare indeed, rare indeed. The realm of all Buddhas and Tathagatas is profound and inconceivable. By former skillful means and vow-power, such wondrous and beautiful manifestations now appear.”
At that time everyone in the great assembly made this vow:
“May all sentient beings attain such supreme Tathagata samadhi.”
Then Manjushri rose from his seat, joined palms respectfully, circumambulated the Buddha seven times, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, and said:
“World-Honored One, excellent, excellent. The Tathagata’s samadhi power is inconceivable. By former skillful vow-power, you accomplish beings. I beg the World-Honored One to teach a great-power mantra that can become a refuge for beings of little merit in future ages – those bound by illness and suffering, troubled by calamities from sun, moon, stars, diseases, enemies, and dangers on perilous roads. May they find peace.
“If those beings copy this mantra themselves or have others copy it, uphold it, read and recite it, and explain it broadly to others, they will always be protected and remembered by the Buddhas. The Buddha will personally appear so their wishes are fulfilled, they do not fall into evil destinies, and they do not die untimely deaths.”
Then the Tathagatas praised Manjushri:
“Excellent, excellent. By our spiritual power you request this mantra out of compassion, wishing beings to be free from calamities and suffering. Listen well and consider carefully; we shall speak.”
“Manjushri, there is a great mantra called ‘Tathagata Samadhi Power Lapis Lazuli Light.’ If good men and women copy it, read and recite it, make reverent offerings, and arouse great compassion for all sentient beings, whatever they aspire to will be fulfilled. The Buddhas will appear to protect and remember them; they will leave afflictive obstacles and adverse conditions far behind, and be reborn in Buddha-lands.”
Then the seven Tathagatas, with one voice, proclaimed the mantra:
“Đát điệt tha, cụ mê cụ mê khánh ni, mê nị sắc mạt để mạt để, sắc hài đát tha yết đa tam ma địa át để sắt sỉ đế, át đế mạt đế ba lệ, ba bả thâu đát nhĩ. Tát bà ba bả na thế giả, bột thê bột đồ, xướng đáp mê ổ mê củ mê. Phất đạt khí đát la, bát la thâu đát nhĩ, đàm mê nật đàm mê. Mê lỗ mê lỗ, mê lư thi khiết lệ? Tát bà ca la, mật lật đổ, ni bà lại nhĩ bột đề tô bột thê. Phật đà át đề sắt sá nê na hạt lạc xoa đổ mê, tát bà đề bà, tam mê át, tam mê tam mạn noa. Hán lư? Đổ mê tát bà. Phật Đà, Bồ đề tát đỏa. Khổ mê khổ mê, bát lạt khổ mê mạn đổ mê, tát bà y để ổ la đạt bà tát bà tỳ hà đại giả. Tát bà tát đỏa nan giả, phụ lan nê phụ lan nê? Phụ lan giả mê, tát bà a xá, bệ lưu ly giả, bát lạt để bà ty. Tát bà ba bả tước dương yết lệ sa ha”.
When the seven Buddhas proclaimed this mantra, light shone everywhere, the great earth trembled, and many miraculous signs appeared all at once. Seeing this, the whole assembly offered heavenly flowers, perfumed ointments, and powdered incense according to their ability, cried out, “Excellent!” and circumambulated to the right seven times.
Those World-Honored Buddhas proclaimed in one voice:
“All of you, the great assemblies of devas and humans, should know this. If good men and good women, whether kings, princes, queens, ministers, or common people, uphold, read and recite, listen to, and explain this mantra; offer fine incense and flowers to this sutra; wear new clean garments; remain in a pure place; uphold the Eight Precepts; and constantly generate compassion for all sentient beings, then the merit of such offerings is immeasurable. If someone has any prayer or aspiration, they should make images of these seven Buddhas, place them in a clean place, and offer incense, flowers, silk canopies, banners, exquisite food and drink, and music; and also make offerings to Bodhisattvas and devas. Sitting upright before the Buddha images, recite the mantra; for seven days uphold the Eight Precepts and recite it fully 1,008 times. Then those Tathagatas and Bodhisattvas will together protect and remember that person.
“Vajra-Holding Bodhisattva, Sakra, Brahma, the Four Heavenly Kings, and others will also come to support that person. Even the five uninterrupted offenses and all karmic obstructions will be eradicated. One will be free of illness, long-lived, and not suffer untimely death or disease. If invaders, warfare, conflict, litigation, famine, drought, or similar fearful events arise, all such things can cease, and people together arouse loving-kindness like that of parents. Whatever is prayed for can be fulfilled.”
At that time Vajra-Holding Bodhisattva, Sakra, Brahma, and the Four Heavenly Kings rose from their seats, joined palms, bowed respectfully at the feet of Sakyamuni Buddha, and said:
“World-Honored One, we in this great assembly have all heard the supreme merits of the Buddhas’ original vows and seen such compassion from the Buddhas that beings and we ourselves may draw near and make offerings. World-Honored One, wherever this sutra exists, together with the names of the seven Buddhas and the dharani circulating, being offered to and copied, we will rely on Buddha’s power to go there and protect that place. Kings, ministers, cities, villages, men and women there will always be peaceful and secure, with abundant wealth, and not troubled by sickness and disease. In this way, we repay the grace of the Buddhas. World-Honored One, before the Buddha we now make this solemn vow: if pure-faith men and women recollect us, they should recite this mantra.”
Then they proclaimed:
“Đát điệt tha át lâu? Mạt lâu, đát la lâu, ma ma lâu cụ sái ha hô ê mạt la mạt la mạt la, khẩn thọ sái bồ sái sa ha”.
“If pure-faith men and women, kings, ministers, aides, queens, and palace women recite the names of the seven Buddhas and this mantra, read and recite, copy, and reverently make offerings, then in this present life they will be free from illness, long-lived, far from suffering, not fall into the three evil paths, and attain non-retrogression up to Bodhi.
“They may be reborn according to their wishes in the Buddha-lands of those Buddhas, constantly see the Buddhas, gain knowledge of past lives, and fully perfect mindfulness, concentration, and dharani. If troubled by spirits and similar harms, they should write this mantra and tie it behind the elbow; once healed, place it in a clean place.”
Then Vajra-Holding Bodhisattva went before the seven Buddhas, circumambulated them three times to the right, paid homage personally, and said:
“World-Honored One, I beseech the World-Honored One to compassionately protect and remember me. For the benefit of future men and women who uphold this sutra, I now proclaim a dharani mantra.”
Then the seven Buddhas praised Vajra-Holding Bodhisattva:
“Excellent, excellent, Vajra-Holding One. We empower you to proclaim this mantra, so that future people upholding this sutra will be free from suffering and have their aspirations fulfilled.”
Then Vajra-Holding Bodhisattva proclaimed:
“Nam mô đa nam, tam miệu tam Phật đà nam. Nam mô tát bà bả, chiết la đạt la nam. đát điệt tha: yểm bả chiết sái, bả chiết sái, mạt ha bả chiết sái, bả chiết la ba xả, đà lạt nhĩ tam ma tam ma, tam mạn tu, a bát lạt để tu yết đa, bả chiết sái, khổ ma khổ ma, bát la khổ mạn đổ mê, tát bà tỳ a đại giả. Củ lô củ lô, tát bà yết ma, a đại lạt noa nhĩ xoa giả. Tam ma giả mạt nô tam mạt la bạt già bạn bả chiết la bà nhĩ tát bà xá mê bát lã bộ, lạt giả, sa ha.
“World-Honored One, if anyone upholds the names of the seven Buddhas, recollects the original-vow merits of those Buddhas, and upholds this mantra – reading, reciting, and explaining it – I will ensure that person’s aspirations are fulfilled.
“If someone wishes to see me and ask about good and evil matters, they should copy this sutra, create images of the seven Buddhas and of Vajra-Holding Bodhisattva, place Buddha relics within the images, and perform the offerings previously described before those images; bow, circumambulate, generate compassion for sentient beings, uphold the Eight Precepts, divide each day into three periods, bathe and purify themselves, and from the eighth lunar day to the fifteenth, in each day recite the mantra 108 times with undistracted mind. Then, in dreams, I will appear and tell that person accordingly, so their wishes may be fulfilled.”
Then all Bodhisattvas in the assembly proclaimed:
“Excellent, excellent, Vajra-Holding One. You have truly well spoken this inconceivable dharani.”
Then the seven Tathagatas said:
“We protect your proclamation of this mantra because we wish all sentient beings to gain benefit and peace, to have their wishes fulfilled, and to ensure this mantra does not disappear from the world.”
Then the seven Buddhas told the Bodhisattvas, Sakra, Brahma, and the Four Heavenly Kings:
“We now entrust this mantra and this sutra to you. In the future five-hundred-year period, when the true Dharma is about to decline, you should protect this sutra. Its power brings great benefit, can remove offenses, and fulfills wholesome vows. Do not give this sutra to beings of scant merit who slander true Dharma and despise sages, lest the true Dharma quickly perish.”
At that time, in the eastern direction, the seven World-Honored Ones saw that the assembly’s work was complete, causes and conditions fulfilled, and no doubts remained. Each returned to his original land, and their lion thrones suddenly disappeared.
Then Venerable Ananda rose from his seat, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, knelt on his right knee, joined palms respectfully, and asked:
“World-Honored One, what is this sutra called, and how should we uphold it?”
The Buddha said to Ananda:
“This sutra is called The Supreme Adorned Merit of the Original Vows of the Seven Tathagatas, Arhats, Perfectly Enlightened Ones.
“It is also called Manjushri’s Inquiry.
“It is also called The Original Vow Merit of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata.
“It is also called The Essential Vow of Vajra-Holding Bodhisattva.
“It is also called Purifying All Karmic Obstructions.
“It is also called All Aspirations Are Fully Accomplished.
“It is also called The Twelve Great Generals’ Vow to Protect and Uphold.
“By these names, you should uphold it.”
Then Bhagavan finished speaking this sutra. The great Bodhisattvas, the Sravaka assembly, devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kinnaras, mahoragas, humans and non-humans – all the great assembly, having heard the Buddha’s Dharma, were all greatly joyful, accepted it in faith, and practiced accordingly.
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