Commentary: Venerable Master Hsuan Hua (宣化)
Chinese translation: Tang Dynasty by the Tripitaka Master Shramana Shikshananda of Khotan
Vietnamese translation: Bhikshu Thích Minh Định
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Chapter 19 – Ascending to the Palace of the Yama Heaven
Shakyamuni Buddha did not leave the foot of the Bodhi tree, but ascended to the Jeweled Adornment Palace in Yama Heaven to expound the Dharma of the Ten Practices for the devas. The Buddha went not only to Yama Heaven in this Saha world, but also to all the Yama heavens throughout all worlds in the ten directions. Hence:
“Without moving from his original seat,
He ascended everywhere.”
This realm is inconceivable: one and many are without obstruction; one is many, and many is one. One and many are perfectly interfused without obstruction. That is, it is a realm that, although it rises up throughout all places, still remains in one place.
The Trāyastriṃśa Heaven is translated as “Differentiating Time,” meaning distinguishing the hours. This is the third heaven in the desire realm. Because it is separate from Mount Sumeru, it is called the Heaven in the Sky (a heaven situated above the air). This heaven has no sunlight or moonlight: the blooming of lotus flowers marks the day, and their closing marks the night. The gods there radiate light from their bodies, illuminating both heaven and earth. Moreover, because this light is constant, there is no distinction between day and night. Another explanation says that red lotuses blooming mark the day, while white lotuses blooming mark the night. In short, this heaven radiates light continually. This is the nineteenth chapter of the Flower Garland Sutra, and is therefore called “Chapter Nineteen: Ascending to the Yāma Heaven Palace.”
At that time, by the Tathagata’s awe-inspiring spiritual power, in every world throughout the ten directions—in each of the four-continent worlds, in Jambudvipa and atop Mount Sumeru—all saw the Tathagata present among the assembly. All those Bodhisattvas, through the Buddha’s spiritual power, expounded the Dharma, each believing that they were constantly face to face with the Buddha.
Commentary: After the Buddha finished speaking the Chapter on Understanding the Dharma, he then displayed his great spiritual power. In every world throughout the ten directions, in each and every four-continent world (the four great continents: Jambudvīpa in the south, Pūrvavideha in the east, Aparagodānīya in the west, and Uttarakuru in the north. These four great continents surround Mount Sumeru. One Mount Sumeru and its four great continents are called one four-continent world), there were immeasurable Mount Sumerus and immeasurable sets of four great continents. In each four-continent world, on Jambudvīpa (the Southern Continent) and atop Mount Sumeru, everyone saw Śākyamuni Buddha in the assembly. In short, there were great Dharma assemblies both beneath the bodhi tree and atop Mount Sumeru. Among those assemblies were the influential members of the congregation (the great Bodhisattvas). Relying on the great spiritual power of Śākyamuni Buddha, those great Bodhisattvas expounded the wondrous Dharma to the assemblies of the Avataṃsaka Sutra. To every Bodhisattva and every sentient being, they said: “I always see Śākyamuni Buddha right before me.”
At that time, the World-Honored One, without leaving the foot of any Bodhi tree or the summit of Mount Sumeru, proceeded to the Jeweled Adornment Hall in the palace of the Yāma Heaven.
Commentary: At that time, Shakyamuni Buddha did not leave from beneath any of the bodhi trees, nor from any of the peaks of Mount Sumeru. Using his spiritual powers, he ascended to the Jeweled Adornment Palace in the Yama Heaven to expound wondrous Dharma and wondrous practices to the celestial assembly.
At that time, the King of the Yama Heaven saw the Buddha approaching from afar and immediately used his supernatural power to manifest within his palace a lion throne adorned with a jeweled lotus-flower treasury.
Commentary: At that time, the Lord of the Yama Heaven, seeing the Buddha approaching from afar, immediately used his supernatural powers to manifest a lion throne, the Jeweled Lotus Flower Treasury, in the Jeweled Adornment Hall.
A million tiers served as adornment, a million golden nets as interwoven hangings, a million flower canopies, a million garland canopies, a million incense canopies, and a million jeweled canopies covering the top.
Commentary: The lion throne of the Precious Lotus-Flower Treasury is adorned with a million tiers. Golden nets are also spread and interwoven above the lion throne. A million canopies of flowers, garlands, incense, jewels, and so forth are also suspended above the lion throne, covering it in magnificent adornment.
Flower canopies, garland canopies, incense canopies, and jeweled canopies were each arrayed in their hundreds of thousands all around, and illuminated by a million rays of light.
Commentary: Again, there are a million canopies of flowers, canopies of banners, incense canopies, jeweled canopies, and so on, of every kind, spread densely throughout the sky to adorn the bodhimanda. There are also a million rays of light illuminating the bodhimanda. This scene is indescribably wondrous.
A million rays of light shone brilliantly. A million Yama Heaven Kings respectfully bowed in homage. A million Brahma Kings leaped for joy. A million Bodhisattvas extolled and praised. A million celestial musicians each played a million kinds of Dharma sounds, continuously without interruption. Clouds of a million kinds of flowers, clouds of a million kinds of garlands, clouds of a million kinds of adornments, and clouds of a million kinds of garments encircled and covered everything all around. Clouds of a million kinds of mani jewels shone brilliantly.
Commentary: Again, a million Yama Heavenly Kings respectfully bowed before the Buddha. Again, a million Great Brahma Heavenly Kings joyfully came to attend the Dharma assembly, delighted to listen to the Buddha expound the wondrous Dharma of the Ten Practices. Again, a million great Bodhisattvas came to the place of enlightenment as an influential assembly, praising, extolling, and lauding the Buddha. Again, a million celestial musicians continuously performed a million kinds of Dharma melodies, causing those who heard them to bring to mind the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. Again, a million kinds of clouds of flowers, clouds of banners, clouds of adornments, clouds of garments, and so forth were spread across the sky, hanging overhead. Again, a million clouds of mani gems shone their light throughout the Huayan Dharma assembly.
Born from a million kinds of roots of goodness, protected by a million Buddhas, increased by a million kinds of merit and virtue, adorned and purified by a million kinds of profound minds and a million kinds of vows, brought forth by a million kinds of practices, established by a million kinds of Dharma, manifested through a million kinds of supernatural powers, and constantly uttering a million kinds of sounds to reveal all Dharmas.
Commentary: It arises from a million kinds of wholesome roots. A million Buddhas come to protect and uphold the place of practice. A million kinds of merit and virtue also increase. There are also a million kinds of profound resolve; profound resolve can accord with principle. There are also a million vows to adorn and purify the palace in the Yama Heaven. A million kinds of practices also arise. A million kinds of Dharma are established. These are a million kinds of spiritual powers that manifest realms. A million kinds of words and sounds are continually voiced, revealing the inconceivable realms of all Dharmas.
At that time, that Heavenly King, having set out a seat, turned toward the Buddha, the World-Honored One, bowed respectfully with palms joined, and said to the Buddha: “Welcome, World-Honored One! Welcome, Well-Gone One! Welcome, Tathāgata, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One! We pray that, out of compassion, you will dwell in this palace!”
Commentary: At that time, the King of the Yama Heaven, having arranged and set up the Jeweled Lotus-Treasury Lion Throne, bowed with palms joined toward Shakyamuni Buddha, expressing reverence through his body. Reverence and respect expressed the reverence of the mind, and he addressed the Buddha, expressing reverence through his speech. The Lord of the Yama Heaven, showing reverence through all three karmic modes, said to the Buddha: “World-Honored One! Your arrival is truly timely; well come, well gone. It is truly the right moment for you, World-Honored One, to come to the Yama Heaven, O Worthy, Perfectly Enlightened One. I respectfully invite the Buddha, in his compassion and pity for all the heavenly beings and all sentient beings, to take his seat in the Jeweled Adornment Hall and expound the Dharma.”
At that time, the Buddha accepted the invitation and immediately ascended to the jeweled hall. All in the ten directions likewise did so.
Commentary: After the Lord of the Yama Heaven had earnestly invited the Buddha to expound the Dharma, the Buddha accepted the invitation. He immediately ascended and sat upon the lion throne of the Jeweled Lotus Flower Treasury. In all the worlds of the ten directions, the same thing was happening: the Lords of the Yama Heavens were inviting the Dharma, and Buddhas were there expounding it. This realm is wondrous beyond description. It is beyond the understanding of ordinary people.
At that time, the Heavenly King immediately recalled the roots of goodness he had planted in the presence of Buddhas in the past and, by the Buddha’s spiritual power, spoke these verses, saying:
Commentary: At that time, the King of the Yama Heaven, recalling how in the past he had planted all roots of goodness in the presence of the Buddhas, relied on the Buddha’s great awe-inspiring spiritual power and used verses to express the causes and conditions of the past.
The Tathāgata’s name is heard throughout the ten directions
Supreme above all that is auspicious
He once entered this maṇi palace
Therefore, this place is most auspicious.
Commentary: The King of the Yama Heaven said, “I recall that in the past, ten Buddhas (representing an innumerable number) once came to this Jeweled Adornment Hall to teach the Dharma to the heavenly beings.” One of the Buddhas was named Tathāgata Renown. If all sentient beings in the worlds of the ten directions hear His name, they will be freed from calamities, enjoy long life, and attain the most supreme auspiciousness. That Buddha, Tathāgata Renown, is the most supremely auspicious of all that is auspicious. He once came to this Mani Jewel Hall. Therefore, this Mani Jewel Adornment Hall is the most auspicious place for teaching the Dharma.
Jewel-King Tathāgata, lamp of the world
Supreme and unsurpassed among all auspicious things,
He once entered this pure hall;
Therefore, this place is most auspicious.
Commentary: There is also a Buddha named Jewel-King Tathagata. He is like a bright lamp in the world, able to illuminate and dispel the dark ignorance of sentient beings. That Buddha, Jewel-King, is the supreme auspicious one among all that is auspicious, and he once entered this pure hall. Therefore, this Pure Jeweled Adornment Hall is the most auspicious place for expounding the Dharma.
Joyful-Eyed Tathāgata sees without obstruction,
The most unsurpassed among all auspicious things;
He once entered this adorned hall,
Therefore this place is the most auspicious.
Commentary: There was also a Buddha named Tathāgata Joyful Eyes. Whoever sees him will attain every kind of unobstructed joy. That Buddha, Joyful Eyes, is the supreme auspicious one among all that is auspicious. He too once entered this Hall of Adornment. Therefore, the Jeweled Hall of Adornment is the most auspicious place for expounding the Dharma.
The Burning Lamp Tathāgata illuminates the world
Among all auspicious things, the most supreme;
He once entered this splendid hall;
Therefore, this place is the most auspicious.
Commentary: There is also a Buddha named Burning Lamp Tathagata. His wisdom and radiant light shine throughout all worlds, enabling sentient beings to abandon delusion and return to awakening, and to turn away from worldly afflictions and unite with awakening. That Buddha, Burning Lamp, is the supreme and most auspicious of all auspicious beings. He too once entered this supreme hall. Thus, the Hall of Supreme Jeweled Adornment is the most auspicious place for expounding the Dharma.
The Tathagata Beneficial to the World benefits the world
Supreme and unsurpassed among all that is auspicious
He once entered this undefiled palace
Therefore this place is most auspicious.
Commentary: There is also a Buddha named Beneficial Tathagata. He constantly benefits all sentient beings in the world, enabling them to leave suffering, attain joy, and realize Nirvana. This Beneficial Buddha is the most supremely auspicious of all that is auspicious. He too once entered this Stainless Jeweled-Adorned Hall. Therefore, this Stainless Jeweled-Adorned Hall is the most auspicious place for teaching the Dharma.
The Well-Awakened Tathagata has no teacher;
Among all auspicious things, he is supreme;
He once entered this jeweled incense hall;
Therefore, this place is most auspicious.
Commentary: There is also a Buddha named the Tathāgata Good Awakening. He is skilled in awakening—that is, he attained realization on his own, without a teacher. The Buddha Good Awakening is the most supremely auspicious of all auspicious things. If all sentient beings hear the sound of this Buddha’s name, they too will attain auspiciousness. He has also entered this Jeweled Fragrance Adornment Palace before, so the Jeweled Fragrance Adornment Palace is the most auspicious place for teaching the Dharma.
Victorious Heaven Tathāgata, lamp of the world,
Supreme and unsurpassed among all that is auspicious.
He once entered this wondrous Fragrance Hall;
Therefore, this place is most auspicious.
Commentary: There is also a Buddha named Victorious Heaven Tathagata. He is the lamp of the world. The light of the jeweled lamp continually shines forth, dispelling all darkness and enabling sentient beings to attain the light of wisdom, escape the three realms, and be forever liberated. Victorious Heaven Buddha is the most supremely auspicious of all that is auspicious. He, too, once entered this Hall of Wondrous Fragrance; therefore, this Hall of Jeweled Adornment and Wondrous Fragrance is the most auspicious place for expounding the Dharma.
The Tathagata of No-Going, champion among debaters
Supreme among all auspicious things
He once entered this Hall of Universal Vision
Therefore this place is most auspicious
Commentary: There is also a Buddha named Tathāgata No-Going. He possesses unobstructed eloquence and is a great hero in debate. This Buddha No-Going is the supreme auspicious one among all that is auspicious. He, too, once entered this Universal Eye Jeweled Adornment Hall. Therefore, this Universal Eye Jeweled Adornment Hall is the most auspicious place for expounding the Dharma.
The Unconquered Tathagata, endowed with every virtue,
Supreme and unsurpassed among all that is auspicious,
Once entered this splendidly adorned hall;
Therefore, this place is most auspicious.
Commentary: There is also a Buddha named the Tathāgata of Unexcelled Excellence. He is endowed with every virtue. That Buddha of Unexcelled Excellence is the most supreme auspicious one among all that is auspicious. He too once entered this Hall of Good Adornment. Therefore, this jeweled and splendid Hall of Good Adornment is the most auspicious place for expounding the Dharma.
The Tathagata who practiced austerities benefits the world
Supreme and unsurpassed among all auspicious things
He once entered this Universal Adornment Hall
Therefore, this place is the most auspicious.
Commentary: There was also a Buddha named the Tathagata of Ascetic Practice. In the past, he devoted himself to ascetic practices, benefiting all sentient beings in the world. That Buddha of Ascetic Practice was the supreme auspicious one among all auspicious things, and he too had once entered this Hall of Universal Adornment. Therefore, this Jeweled Hall of Universal Adornment is the most auspicious place for expounding the Dharma.
Just as the Yama Heaven Kings in this world, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, recollect the virtues of the Buddhas of the past and proclaim and praise them, so too do all the Yama Heaven Kings in the worlds of the ten directions praise the Buddha’s virtues.
Commentary: Just as in this Saha World, the King of the Yama Heaven, relying on the blessing of Shakyamuni Buddha’s great spiritual power, remembers the merit and virtue of all Buddhas and therefore praises and extols them, so too do all the Kings of the Yama Heavens in the worlds of the ten directions praise and extol the merit and virtue of the Buddhas.
At that time, the World-Honored One entered the Maṇi-adorned hall and sat in full-lotus posture upon the lion throne in the jeweled lotus treasury.
Commentary: At that time, our Fundamental Teacher, Shakyamuni Buddha, entered the Hall of Jeweled Adornments and sat cross-legged on the lion throne of the Jeweled Lotus Treasury, expounding to the assembly of heavenly beings the wondrous Dharma of the Ten Practices of the Flower Adornment Sutra.
This hall suddenly became vast and spacious, like all the places where the hosts of devas dwell. The worlds in the ten directions were all likewise.
Commentary: The Mani-Adorned Palace suddenly expanded, its area becoming boundlessly vast, able to contain all the heavenly beings of the Yama Heaven and all their dwellings. The Mani-Adorned Palaces in the Yama Heavens throughout the worlds of the ten directions were likewise.
END OF CHAPTER 19