Flower Adornment Sutra
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 5 – The Chapter on the Flower-Store World
“Flower” means lotus flower; “Store” means storehouse, and also has the meaning of birth. There are lotus-flower seeds stored there, so the Lotus Flower World comes into being. Stated in full, it is called the Flower Treasury Adorned and Ornamented World Ocean. In brief, it is called the Flower Treasury World. Because that world is adorned with lotus flowers, it is called the Flower Treasury World. This is the fifth chapter, so it is called the Fifth Chapter on the Flower Treasury World.
When studying Buddhist sutras, first study the more superficial parts. Once you clearly understand their shallow meaning, you can go deeper, step by step, and only then will you see things clearly and thoroughly. Otherwise, if you do not want to understand them deeply, it is like swallowing them whole: eating without knowing the taste is of no benefit.
As we begin studying the Buddhist scriptures, if we go too deeply into them, I fear that beginners in Buddhism will be unable to take it in. If no one can understand what is being taught, it is as if nothing were taught at all—then we would be wasting time and energy, with no value whatsoever. Someone might say, “I can understand it, so what’s wrong with going a little deeper?” Although you can understand it, most people cannot. We cannot let many people fail to understand just because one person does. So, at the beginning, we should explain only a few of the principles. Once people become interested, we can study them in greater depth. In time, if you apply yourself to studying, you will ultimately understand the Buddhadharma. For now, don’t be in a hurry. Studying the Buddhadharma requires patience. You must not cling to the self or to your own views; you must use wisdom to illuminate the true reality of all dharmas.
If you study the Buddhadharma with wisdom, you will certainly understand it clearly. If you study the Buddhadharma with a lustful mind, you will never be able to understand it. Studying the Buddhadharma is not merely a matter of talking about it; it means practicing it sincerely. The Buddhadharma teaches people to turn the light inward and reflect, to seek within themselves, to completely eliminate their habitual tendencies and faults, and to eradicate all lustful thoughts.
The Shurangama Sutra says: “If lustful thoughts are not eliminated, one cannot escape worldly suffering.”
The Diamond Sutra says: “Subdue one’s mind.”
This means subduing the mind of sexual desire. When thoughts of desire do not arise, that is: “Then all ten thousand things are accomplished.”
The fundamental problem has been resolved; everything else is merely superficial. Hence the saying: “When one thing is understood, everything is understood;
When one thing is clearly seen, everything is clearly seen.” If lust is completely eliminated, then the heavenly principle will flow freely. The heavenly principle is Buddha-nature; it is also wisdom and the inherent light that can illuminate all three thousand great thousand worlds. This is the most important key in our study of the Buddhadharma: to sever the mind of lust.
Like the elder Mahādeva, he was a false Arhat during the reign of King Ashoka. From morning until night, he deceived his disciples, saying, “I have attained the fruit of Arhatship.” In reality, he was like an ordinary person, constantly having nocturnal emissions. One day, while a disciple was washing his clothes, he noticed a stained spot and asked him: —Master! You’ve attained enlightenment, so why are you still producing bone essence? — He heard this and said angrily, “Nonsense! Don’t people who have attained spiritual fruition eat rice? Everyone who eats rice must have nocturnal emissions in their dreams.” The disciples don’t know whether it’s right or wrong. In fact, if someone has attained the fruit, the thought of sexual desire is no longer present, and they certainly cannot give rise to impure thoughts.
Whatever Elder Da Tian did, he always went to have his fortune told first. Whatever the fortune-teller said about him, he would return and tell his disciples exactly that. The disciples thought he had supernatural powers, so they greatly revered and respected their master. One day, he asked the fortune-teller when he would die. The fortune-teller was apparently somewhat accurate and said that he would die in seven days. He returned and announced this news to his disciples.
He said, “Disciples! Our karmic ties are about to end. In seven days, I will be reborn in some Buddha-land, and we will have to part.” When the disciples learned that their master knew the exact moment of his death, they revered him even more. Seven days later, Elder Great Heaven indeed died. The disciples discussed it among themselves: “Our master has attained Arhatship, so his body should not decay. Let’s preserve his fleshly body as a living Arhat, so it will be convenient to make offerings and pay our respects.” Before seven days had passed, the corpse swelled, blood and tears flowed from it, maggots writhed all over it, and it smelled utterly foul. Only then did the disciples realize they had been deceived.
Elder Mahādeva was like that because he could not put an end to his lustful thoughts. We who study the Buddhadharma must first put an end to our lustful thoughts. Then the Eight Classes of Devas and Nāgas will come to support you, seek blessings from you, pay homage to you, and cultivate merit.
A practitioner of the Way should not be lax, but must always strive diligently in practice. Whether reciting the Buddha’s name, bowing to the Buddha, upholding mantras, or performing repentance rites, all are methods for cutting off deluded thoughts and controlling lustful desires. If you have nothing to do all day and spend your days thinking about sexual desire, giving rise to defiled thoughts, how can you possibly attain accomplishment? Whatever the scripture, the truth is the same; there are only major similarities and minor differences. Once you understand the true principle of one scripture, you will understand the others. That truth is “cutting off desire and removing attachment.” It teaches you to rid yourself day by day of habitual tendencies and faults. If you can avoid getting angry and diligently strive forward day after day, lustful desire will gradually diminish, while your pure mind will grow stronger. When lustful desire has been completely cut off, the heavenly principle will flow freely, and the great treasury of light will manifest. Then “the sea will be calm and the sky clear,” and there will be no clinging to anything. Within, there will be no body or mind; outside, there will be no world. Heaven, earth, and I will be one, and all things and I will share the same nature. We who cultivate the Way must cultivate to this stage; only then will we not betray the resolve we made at the beginning to leave home and enter monastic life.
A few days ago at the Dharma assembly, I said, “I won’t let you watch television, because the programs on television stir up deluded thoughts and make you lose your resolve on the Way.” Today I’m telling you to watch television again. The television I mean here is not the television with an external image; it is the imageless television within—your own nature. You must make your own nature radiate great light; your own nature must give rise to wisdom. The television of your own nature contains all kinds of crystals of truth and all kinds of wondrous, inconceivable realms. So every day you must watch the television of your own nature. In other words, turn the light back and reflect inward; seek within yourself, and don’t pursue things outside. You cannot find truth outside. What is real is within, not outside.
Day after day I lecture on the sutras, and day after day you come to listen, undeterred by wind or rain, sincerely studying the Buddha Dharma. Yet some people find it dry and tasteless and don’t enjoy listening to the lectures. If you don’t like listening, that’s your business; I will still lecture every day. I can’t stop lecturing just because one or two people don’t want to listen. My guiding principle is to follow the majority, and never to be autocratic or dictatorial. We must put democratic policies into practice and support a democratic system. Buddhism is the most democratic: everyone has the opportunity to become a Buddha. It doesn’t say that only I can be God and that you can’t. Buddhism has no such authoritarian thinking.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again addressed the great assembly, saying: “Disciples of the Buddha! This Flower-Adorned Ocean of Worlds was adorned and purified by the great vows, as numerous as the dust motes in an ocean of worlds, that Vairocana Tathagata cultivated in the past while practicing the Bodhisattva path for kalpas as numerous as the dust motes in an ocean of worlds. In each kalpa, he drew near to Buddhas as numerous as the dust motes in an ocean of worlds, and before each Buddha he purely cultivated great vows as numerous as the dust motes in an ocean of worlds.”
Commentary: The name of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva carries the meaning of universally teaching all sages and worthies. It can also be said that all sentient beings are Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. It can also be said that all sentient beings are emanations of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Since Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is the Buddha’s foremost disciple, he possesses hundreds of thousands of billions of emanation bodies, as well as immeasurable, inconceivable spiritual powers. Do not take this to mean that it is literally so; this is merely a figurative way of speaking.
When Bodhisattva Samantabhadra had finished speaking the “Chapter on the Formation of Worlds,” he addressed the assembly gathered at the Bodhi site, saying: “Disciples of the Buddha, you should know: What causes this Ocean of Worlds Adorned with the Flower Treasury to come into being? It comes from Vairocana Buddha, whose Pure Dharma Body Pervades All Places. In the past, throughout kalpas as numerous as the dust motes in the ocean of worlds, when he practiced the Bodhisattva path, in every great kalpa he drew near to the Buddhas. How many Buddhas did he draw near to? He drew near to Buddhas as numerous as the dust motes in the ocean of worlds. At the site of each Buddha’s enlightenment, he practiced with purity, without a defiled mind. The Ocean of Worlds of the Flower Treasury came about because he cultivated and purified great vows, adorned with purity, as numerous as the dust motes in the ocean of worlds.” Cultivating the Bodhisattva path is not an easy practice. Sometimes, if one mistakenly takes a wrong path, one does indeed go down that wrong path. Though a Bodhisattva may take the wrong road, they know to turn back; they know that today is right and yesterday was wrong, and, while lost in delusion, they know to find their way back. Though they may be traveling a dangerous road, if they know to turn back, it is still not too late. If they do not know to turn back, the farther they go, the farther they stray from the true path; going back and forth, they will end up in hell. If they turn back, they will travel the broad, open great path straight to the realm of the Buddhas. Bodhisattvas of the past who took the wrong road knew how to turn back; Bodhisattvas of the present who take the wrong road will also know how to turn back; and Bodhisattvas of the future who take the wrong road will also know how to turn back. Everyone! If you take the wrong road, you must quickly turn back. If, while lost in delusion, you know how to find your way back, there is still hope of reaching the other shore.
When Vairocana Buddha was cultivating the bodhi path, he too mistakenly went astray and took many misguided detours. Therefore, when he became a Buddha, his Dharma Body pervaded everywhere, helping and guiding all sentient beings so they would not go astray.
Cultivating purity means being single-minded, without defiled thoughts. Defilement means sexual desire. We sentient beings constantly harbor defiled thoughts, so we must practice, using a pure mind to subdue the defiled mind and sweep away all the rubbish in the mind, so that the mind can become pure. In short, cultivation means sweeping away all dharmas so that none arise, and eliminating all dharmas so that none come into being.
Great Master Shenxiu said, “Always diligently wipe it clean.” At every moment, wipe the “mind-mirror” clean so it is pure. When the mirror is clean, things appear in it; even if the Buddha comes, it will reflect him. In this way, one can distinguish good from evil. This is pure cultivation. But one still has not reached the stage of “having completed what had to be done and taking no further body.” Some people believe that “always diligently wiping it clean” is not a method of sudden enlightenment. In fact, those who do not have great wholesome roots and great wisdom still need to cultivate gradually—to keep diligently wiping it clean until, at the very least, the mind reaches a stage where it has no worldly dust. Worldly dust means a defiled mind.
A cultivator of the Way must constantly reflect: Why did I leave home? What is the purpose of leaving home? One must cultivate diligently. And cultivation requires putting an end to lustful thoughts. Anyone who has thoughts of sexual desire will surely fall into hell. Someone asked, “If monastics who have lustful thoughts fall into hell, then laypeople have many lustful thoughts—why don’t they fall into hell?” Because monastics have received the full precepts and knowingly violate them. They clearly know it is wrong, yet deceive themselves and go and do what is wrong. This is why they fall into hell. As for laypeople, carrying on the family line and continuing the generations is a principle ordained by Heaven and Earth. But if they engage in sexual misconduct outside marriage, they too will fall into hell and suffer the karmic consequences.
The Shurangama Sutra mentions the Bhikshuni Baolianxiang. She said, “What does sexual desire have to do with anything? It is nothing more than men and women having intercourse. What is so evil about it?” Unexpectedly, as soon as she said this, hell immediately appeared before her, and she fell into hell. Today, there are people who know full well that sexual desire is wrong, yet still do something like covering their ears while stealing a bell. They deceive themselves, thinking that no one knows. In fact, the bell’s sound has long since rung out in every direction, and everyone knows. This is the behavior of a foolish person.
O disciples of the Buddha! This Flower-Treasury Adorned World Ocean is supported by wind wheels numbering as many as the dust motes of Mount Sumeru.
Commentary: The Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct continued, saying: “Disciples of the Buddha! In the Flower Treasury Adorned Sea of Worlds, there are wind wheels that uphold and sustain it, as numerous as the dust motes of Mount Sumeru (translated as Wondrous High Mountain).” The wind wheel studied by modern science follows the same principle of centripetal force and orbital paths in space. For example, once an artificial satellite is launched into space, it flies around the Earth. This is because it is held in place by the wind wheel, so it does not fall down. The Earth rotates, yet the water in the oceans cannot flow out into space. This is related to the Earth’s gravitational force, which is also the wind wheel holding it in place.
Although wind (fēng) cannot be seen, it has force and can set an engine running. The stars, the Earth, the Sun, the Moon, and so on in the universe all exert a sustaining force upon one another. This is the sustaining force of the wind-wheel. The stars all move along their orbits and cannot collide with one another—except for comets, which have no orbit and run amok, colliding with things; whoever encounters one will be destroyed.
We ordinary people cannot see the power of the wind. When we have the five eyes, we will be able to see its function: they mutually sustain and support one another without obstruction. The moon revolves around the earth, and the earth revolves around the sun; this is the sustaining and supporting function of the wind wheel.
“People who live in the air do not know the air; fish that live in water do not know the water”—the principle is the same. If people are separated from the air, they will die; if fish are separated from water, they will die. “Ghosts in the earth do not know the earth; spirits in emptiness do not know emptiness.” Ghosts in the earth move freely in and out, without any obstruction. Spirits in emptiness move freely up and down, also without any obstruction. Thus, the principles and phenomena in this world are infinitely complex. Study them over and over, and by the time they are fully understood, the time of death will have arrived.
The lowest wind-wheel is named Equality Pillar; it supports above it all the jeweled flames blazing in splendor. The next higher wind-wheel is named Birth of Various Jeweled Adornments; it supports above it the Banner of the King of Maṇi Jewels, whose Pure Light shines brilliantly. The next higher wind-wheel is named Jeweled Might and Virtue; it supports above it all the jeweled bells. The next higher wind-wheel is named Equal Flames; it supports above it the Wheel of the King of Maṇi Jewels, marked by the radiance of the sun. The next higher wind-wheel is named Various Universal Adornments; it supports above it the Flower of the Wheel of Radiance. The next higher wind-wheel is named Universally Pure; it supports above it all the lion thrones of flower-flames. The next higher wind-wheel is named Sound Pervading the Ten Directions; it supports above it all the banners of the Kings of Jewels. The next higher wind-wheel is named Radiance of All Jewels; it supports above it all the flowers of the trees of the Kings of Maṇi Jewels. The next higher wind-wheel is named Swiftly Sustaining All; it supports above it all the clouds of Mount Sumeru made of fragrant Maṇi jewels. The next higher wind-wheel is named Various Palaces in Motion; it supports above it all the clouds of jeweled-colored, fragrant pavilions.
Commentary: The Flower Treasury Adornment World-Ocean has ten kinds of wind wheels.
1). At the very bottom is the wind wheel called the Equality Pillar, which can gather and uphold all the jewels, radiant with blazing light and exceedingly magnificent.
2). Above that wind wheel is another wind wheel called “Producing Various Precious Adornments,” which is able to uphold the pure radiance shining from the jeweled banner of the King of Maṇi jewels above.
3). Above the Wind Wheel is another Wind Wheel called the Treasure of Majestic Virtue, which can gather and sustain all spiritual treasures above, above.
4). Above the wind wheel is another wind wheel called Equal Flame, which can uphold the appearance of the Sunlight-Radiant Wheel, the King of Precious Maṇi Jewels.
5). Above the wind wheel is another wind wheel called Various Universal Adornments, which is able to support the Flower of Light, the Flower-Light Wheel above.
6). Above the wind-wheel is another wind-wheel called Universal Purity, which can uphold all the flaming-flower lion thrones above.
7). Above the wind wheel there is another wind wheel called “Purity Pervading the Ten Directions,” which supports all the jeweled banners and kingly jewels above.
8) Above the wind wheel is another wind wheel named All-Encompassing Jewel Radiance, which supports all the maṇi king jewel-flower trees above.
9). Above the wind wheel there is another wind wheel named Swift and Universal Sustainer, which can gather and sustain all the Sumeru maṇi incense clouds above.
10). Above the aforementioned wind wheel is another wind wheel called “Various Palaces in Motion,” which is able to gather and sustain all the clouds of jeweled incense terraces above.
The ten kinds of wind wheels described above mutually support and sustain one another without destroying one another. Each wind wheel supports and sustains the wind wheel above it, and can also support and sustain the wind wheel below it.
O disciples of the Buddha! Of the wind-wheels, as numerous as the dust motes of Mount Sumeru, the uppermost is named Treasury of Excellent Majestic Light. It can support the fragrant-water ocean adorned with Universally Radiant Maṇi Jewels. In this fragrant-water ocean is a great lotus named Banner of Fragrant Stamens of Various Radiances. The Ocean of Worlds Adorned by the Flower Treasury rests within it, level in all four directions, pure and firm. The Vajra Wheel Mountains encircle it all around, and the many trees of its lands and oceans are each distinct.
Commentary: The Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Practice called out once more: “Disciples of the Buddha! There are as many wind-wheels as there are dust motes on Mount Sumeru. The uppermost wind-wheel is named Treasury of Excellent Majestic Light, and it can uphold the Ocean of Fragrant Waters Adorned with Universal Light and Mani Gems. In that Ocean of Fragrant Waters is a great lotus, taller and larger than Mount Sumeru, named Various Radiant Pistil Fragrant Banner. That great lotus has twenty tiers of worlds. We are in the thirteenth tier, the Saha World. The Flower Treasury Adorned World-Ocean abides withi
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, wishing to restate the meaning, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, gazed upon the ten directions and spoke these verses:
Commentary: At that time, the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Practice, wishing to restate the meaning just spoken above, relied on the Buddha’s great awesome spiritual power, universally contemplated the causes and conditions of all sentient beings throughout the Dharma realms of the ten directions, and spoke in verse.
In ages past, the World-Honored One, throughout all realms of existence,
Cultivated pure deeds before Buddhas as numerous as motes of dust;
Thus he attained every kind of precious radiance
Of the Flower-Treasury-Adorned Ocean of Worlds.
Commentary: In the past, when Vairocana Buddha practiced the deeds of a Bodhisattva, he drew near to all the Buddhas. Yet when he first aroused the aspiration, in the twenty-five realms of the three realms, he too engaged in deluded and inverted deeds. Once he had drawn near to the Buddhas, he abandoned delusion and returned to enlightenment, forsaking the wrong and returning to the right. In Buddha’s places of enlightenment, as numerous as dust motes, he single-mindedly cultivated pure karma and relinquished defiled karma. Thus he obtained every kind of precious radiance and ultimately brought to completion the Flower Treasury Adornment World-Ocean.
Having received the precepts, we must uphold them. To uphold the precepts is to be like the bright full moon: in the three karmic activities of body, speech, and mind, there is not even the slightest flaw. This is precious light, and it is also wisdom manifesting here and now. We should use the power of purity and luminous wisdom to adorn all lands.
Vast clouds of compassion pervade all;
Countless bodies given up, equal to the dust of world-realms;
Through the power of practice cultivated across oceans of past eons,
This world is now free from all defilements.
Commentary: The clouds of great, boundless compassion shine upon the minds of all sentient beings. Loving-kindness bestows happiness, and compassion relieves suffering, filling the entire realm of sentient beings. To rescue and teach sentient beings, the Buddha willingly gave up his body in innumerable places. Every mote of dust is a place where the Buddha Vairocana gave up his body. Through the power of his practice over innumerable kalpas in the distant past, this present world has become free of even the slightest defilement and has been transformed into the pure Flower Treasury Adorned World Ocean.
Emitting great light that pervades all space
Sustained by the force of wind, unmoving
The Buddha’s treasury of maṇi gems, adorned everywhere
The Tathāgata’s vow-power makes it pure
Commentary: The wisdom of all the Buddhas radiates great light and blesses all sentient beings, enabling them also to attain the radiance of wisdom and abide everywhere in space. Because they are held and sustained by the power of the wind, they do not move. The Tathāgata-garbha (neither empty nor existent—that is, it is both nature and appearance, the ultimate truth) is adorned everywhere with precious maṇi jewels. The Buddha uses various powers of vows to make the worlds pure.
In the world, the wind-wheels exert an attractive force and uphold one another. This world upholds that world, and that world upholds this one. The wind-wheels in space have the power to uphold them. Just as the planets, the moon, and the sun all have orbits along which they travel, they do not collide or fall into disorder. This is the supernatural power by which the Bodhisattvas sustain them, and it is also the response of sentient beings’ karmic force. From ancient times until now, scientists have studied this phenomenon, yet they have never reached a complete understanding or clearly discovered its cause. Why? Because they do not know that this is the principle of the power of precepts, the power of concentration, and the power of wisdom of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, together with the good and unwholesome karma of sentient beings, all upholding and sustaining one another.
The earth also becomes diseased, and at times it shakes, as when a volcano erupts, mountains collapse, and the sea roars. It is like a person who eats too much nourishing food: the blood has nowhere to circulate, so the blood vessels rupture. In mild cases, this causes paralysis on one side of the body; in severe cases, the brain fills with blood, blood pours from the seven orifices, and the person dies. When the crust surrounding the globe cracks, earthquakes occur, or mountains collapse, or the sea roars.
Universally scatter flowers from the wondrous mani treasury,
By the power of former vows, they abide in space,
Manifold, steadfast oceans of adornment,
Clouds of light hang and spread, filling the ten directions
Commentary: Wondrous-treasury jeweled maṇi lotuses are scattered everywhere through space. Emitted by the vow-power of the Buddhas in the past, they spread through space and abide there. All manner of adamantine adornments beautify the ocean of worlds, while those clouds of prajñā light spread out and fill the lands of the ten directions.
Among all mani jewels, clouds of Bodhisattvas;
They reach throughout the ten directions, their light blazing;
Flames of light form wheels, adorned with fragrant scents;
They circulate throughout the Dharma realm, present everywhere;
Commentary: Among all the jeweled maṇi clouds, there also appear clouds of Bodhisattvas, with a Bodhisattva in each cloud. These clouds pervade the ten directions and emit brilliant light. The light naturally transforms into circular forms, adorned with wondrous lotuses, filling all of space and pervading the Dharma realm, leaving no place where it is absent.
From among all treasures, pure light is emitted
Its light shines universally over the ocean of sentient beings
The lands of the ten directions are all pervaded
All are made to leave suffering and turn toward Bodhi
Commentary: In the ocean of worlds there are seven treasures, and all seven emit pure light. This light is emitted by the Buddha Jewel, the Dharma Jewel, and the Sangha Jewel. This wisdom-light shines throughout the mind-seas of sentient beings. In every Buddha-land in the ten directions, this light is present. Why is this light emitted? So that all sentient beings may leave suffering and attain joy, abandon delusion and return to awakening. To leave suffering is to abandon delusion; to turn toward bodhi is to return to enlightenment.
Buddhas among the jewels, equal in number to sentient beings
From their pores emanate transformed bodies
Brahmā, Śakra, Wheel-Turning Kings, and the like
All sentient beings and all Buddhas.
Commentary: The Three Jewels are the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. How many Buddha Jewels are there? They are as numerous as sentient beings. All manifest as transformation bodies from the pores of the Buddhas—hundreds of thousands of millions of transformation bodies, too many to count. These transformation bodies are not only transformation bodies of Buddhas; they also include transformation bodies of the Great Brahma King, of Śakra, of Wheel-Turning Sage Kings, and of all sentient beings.
Manifesting radiant light equal to the Dharma Realm,
Within the light, expounding the names of all Buddhas,
Using manifold skillful means to guide and tame,
Universally responding to the minds of the multitudes, leaving none unreached
Commentary: The manifestations of light extend throughout the Dharma Realm. The Buddhas emit light, within which they proclaim the names of the Buddhas, together with all kinds of inconceivable great majestic virtues and supernatural powers. These are skillful means manifested to subdue sentient beings and cause them to bring forth the bodhi mind, responding everywhere to the minds of sentient beings and reaching every place without exception.
Every dust mote in the Flower Treasury World,
Within each mote, the Dharma Realm is seen.
Precious light reveals Buddhas gathered like clouds
This is the Tathāgata’s sovereign realm.
Commentary: In the Flower Treasury Adorned Ocean World, every single particle of dust contains yet another realm of phenomena. The realm of phenomena and the particle of dust are no different from each other. Within the radiant jeweled light appear the Dharma bodies of all the Buddhas, like clouds gathering in the sky. In that realm, the one and the many are unobstructed, and the great and the small merge with one another. This is an inconceivable realm freely manifested within the Buddhas’ domain; we ordinary beings cannot comprehend it.
Vast clouds of vows pervade the Dharma Realm;
Throughout all kalpas, they liberate multitudes of sentient beings.
All practices of Samantabhadra’s ground of wisdom are perfected;
All adornments arise from this.
Commentary: The vast clouds of vows of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout the Dharma realm. In every kalpa, they manifest to teach and transform sentient beings. This is attained through the practices and vows of Samantabhadra cultivated at the stage of wisdom. All adornments arise from Samantabhadra’s practices and vows.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again addressed the great assembly, saying: “O sons of the Buddha! The great encircling mountain of this Flower-Treasury Adorned World Ocean rests upon the lotus flower of the Sun-Jewel King.”
Commentary: At that time, the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct again said to the assembly in the Dharma gathering: “Disciples of the Buddha! In this Flower Treasury Adorned World-Ocean, there is a Great Wheel Encircling Mountain, situated atop the Sun-Jewel-King Lotus.”
Sandalwood mani jewels form its body; majestic-virtue jewel kings form its peaks; wondrous-fragrance mani jewels make its wheels; it is fashioned together by Flame-Treasury Vajras. All fragrant waters flow through it. Multitudes of jewels form forests; fragrant scents blossom forth; fragrant grasses cover the ground, adorned here and there with luminous pearls. All kinds of fragrant flowers fill every place. Mani jewels form nets that hang down all around and cover it.
Commentary: That Great Cakravāḍa Mountain has a body made of sandalwood incense and mani jewels. Its summit is made of the precious king of great majesty and virtue. Its wheels are made of wondrous fragrance and mani. That mountain is formed from flame-treasury and vajra joined together. Around it is the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, whose waters are exceptionally fragrant and cool. All those fragrant waters flow inward, so that when sentient beings smell them, they give rise to bodhicitta and cultivate pure practices. Inside Great Cakravāḍa Mountain is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters, and outside the mountain is also an Ocean of Fragrant Waters. There are also forests of precious trees and abundant blooming precious flowers, whose fragrance spreads everywhere. Fragrant grasses cover the ground, adorned with all kinds of luminous jewels. Fragrant flowers of every kind are found everywhere, and nets of mani jewels are spread all around Great Cakravāḍa Mountain.
And so forth, there are as many wondrous adornments as there are dust motes in the oceans of worlds.
Commentary: All kinds of such precious jewels, used to adorn the Great Cakravāḍa Mountain, are as numerous as the dust particles in the world-ocean.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, wishing to restate the meaning, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, gazed in the ten directions and spoke in verse:
Commentary: At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct wished to restate the meaning of the prose passage above. Relying on the Buddha’s great awe-inspiring spiritual power, he surveyed the causes and conditions of sentient beings throughout the ten directions and used verses to explain the meaning above.
The boundless ocean of worlds
The pure jewel-wheel in manifold colors
All its adornments are wondrous beyond measure
This arises through the Tathāgata’s spiritual power.
Commentary: The Flower Treasury Adornment World-Ocean is boundless, and it is not easy to understand clearly how things are. Outside the world-ocean, the Great Wheel-Rim Mountain encircles the Fragrant Water Sea. This jeweled wheel (the Great Wheel-Rim Mountain) is made of various precious jewels, supremely pure and magnificent, with all kinds of colors and radiance. All its adornments are wondrous and inconceivable. These wondrous adornments are all created by the Buddha’s supernatural powers.
Mani-jewel wheels and wondrous-fragrance wheels,
Together with pearl wheels of radiant lamps;
Various wondrous jewels serve as adornments,
The Pure Wheel is their place of abiding.
Commentary: There are rings of maṇi jewels, rings of wondrous fragrance, and pearl rings, radiating light like brilliantly shining lamps. It is adorned with all kinds of wondrous jewels. It is the pure abode of the Great Cakravāḍa Mountain, atop a lotus of the King of Sun Jewels.
Firm maṇi serves as the treasury;
Jambunada gold serves as adornment;
Its radiant light blazes forth throughout the ten directions;
Within and without, all is illumined and pure;
Commentary: That Great Cakravāḍa Mountain is made of solid maṇi jewels. It is adorned and embellished with Jambunada gold from Jambudvīpa (where leaves fall into the water and turn into gold). Its radiant light therefore shines throughout the ten directions. The mountain is made of lapis lazuli, so its inside and outside are entirely illuminated and pure.
Formed from diamond-maṇi jewels
Again it rains maṇi and wondrous treasures
Those wondrous treasures are exquisite, not of just one kind
They emit pure light, adorning all in splendor.
Commentary: The Vajra possesses all three qualities: firmness, radiance, and sharpness. Firmness means being solid and unyielding, radiance means brightness, and sharpness means keenness. With these three qualities, one can cut off all afflictions, open up all wisdom, and arouse the bodhi mind with courageous, sustained diligence.
The substance of this Great Wheel-Enclosing Mountain is made of vajra maṇi, and it rains down maṇi and wondrous jewels. These jewels are exceedingly wondrous—not of just one kind, but made up of many kinds of jewels, all radiating pure, majestic, and beautiful light.
Fragrant waters flow in myriad colors,
Adorned with precious flowers and sandalwood.
Lotuses vie to bloom, spread out like silk;
Precious grasses grow everywhere, fragrant and lush.
Commentary: All the waters of Great Cakravāḍa Mountain are fragrant, flowing in the four directions, and possess immeasurable colors that are both solemnly adorned and beautiful. There are all kinds of flowers, all kinds of treasures, all kinds of sandalwood trees, and all kinds of lotuses, all vying in beauty and competing to radiate their colors, making the mountain’s colors beautiful. Precious fragrant grasses also grow everywhere, filling the air with their rich fragrance. Because the grasses are fragrant, the mountain is fragrant. Because the mountain is fragrant, the waters are fragrant. Thus they are called the fragrant-water rivers (River of Fragrant Water) and the fragrant-water sea (Sea of Fragrant Water).
Where does a fragrant, beautiful mountain like this come from? It comes from the Flower Treasury Adorned World Sea. And where does the Flower Treasury Adorned World Sea come from? It comes from the minds of sentient beings. Every sentient being has a Flower Treasury Adorned World Sea; they simply do not realize it. So when will they realize it? When your cultivation has come to fruition and you attain the Five Eyes and Six Spiritual Powers, you will naturally know.
Countless jeweled trees adorn everywhere
Blossoms open and buds emerge, their colors blazing brightly
All kinds of fine garments are within them
Clouds of light shine in all directions, ever complete
Commentary: Within the Great Cakravāḍa Mountains are countless jeweled trees adorning every part. They bloom with all kinds of flowers and form all kinds of stamens, in colors that are brilliantly radiant and exquisitely beautiful. Within the jeweled flowers appear all kinds of celestial garments, as well as all kinds of luminous clouds, which continually shine in every direction.
Countless, boundless great Bodhisattvas
Holding canopies and burning incense that fills the Dharma Realm
All utter every wondrous sound
Universally turning the Tathāgata’s true Dharma Wheel.
Commentary: Within the Flower Treasury Adorned World-Ocean, there are immeasurable, boundless great Bodhisattvas. All these great Bodhisattvas draw near to the Buddhas, holding precious canopies in their hands and reverently burning incense before the Buddhas, whose fragrance spreads throughout the Dharma Realm. Within the Dharma Realm, they emit all manner of subtle, wondrous sounds, representing the Buddhas in turning the Wheel of the True Dharma, proclaiming the Buddha-Dharma, and teaching and transforming sentient beings, causing them to arouse the Bodhi mind and cultivate the unsurpassed path.
All the maṇi trees are formed from precious dust
Each and every precious particle shines with radiance
The pure body of Vairocana — Vairocana’s pure body
enters within them all, making it visible everywhere
Commentary: There are also various kinds of mani trees, made from various kinds of precious powder. Within each precious powder, its inherent light appears. The pure Dharma body of Buddha Vairocana enters into the precious powder, enabling sentient beings everywhere to see for themselves the majestic adornments of the Dharma.
Amid all the adornments, the Buddha’s body appears;
Boundless forms and features, countless in number;
They go throughout the ten directions, pervading everywhere;
The sentient beings they transform are likewise limitless;
Commentary: In the Flower Treasury Adorned World-Sea, all the adornments within it manifest Buddha bodies, extraordinarily majestic and splendid, with countless beautiful forms and features. They all go to the ten directions to teach and transform sentient beings. The sentient beings they teach and transform are also limitless in number; no one knows how many there are.
All adornments emit wondrous sounds;
They proclaim the wheel of the Tathāgata’s original vows;
All the oceans of pure lands throughout the ten directions;
By the Buddha’s sovereign power, all are made manifest.
Commentary: Not only do the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas expound the wondrous Dharma; all the adornments also emit wondrous sounds. These sounds expound the past vows and practices of all the Buddhas throughout the ten directions and the three times, turning like a wheel without ceasing. All the oceans of pure Buddha-lands in the ten directions, through the Buddhas’ freely wielded spiritual powers, pervade everything.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again addressed the great assembly, saying: “O sons of the Buddha, all the great earth within the Great Wheel-Enclosing Mountains of this ocean of worlds is made entirely of vajra, firm and splendidly adorned, incapable of being destroyed by itself; pure and level, without high or low places. Maṇi jewels form its wheels, and many kinds of treasure its treasuries. All living beings, in their various forms, and all the maṇi jewels are interspersed throughout it. Fine dust of many treasures is scattered about, and lotus flowers are spread over it. Fragrant-treasury maṇi jewels are placed here and there among them. All kinds of adornments fill it everywhere, like clouds, embellishing it with all the adornments found in the lands of all the Buddhas of the three times. A net of wondrous maṇi jewels is spread over it, revealing everywhere all the realms of the Tathāgata, arrayed within it like Indra’s net.”
Commentary: At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Practice again addressed the assembly in the Dharma gathering, saying: “Disciples of the Buddha! All the lands within the Great Wheel Mountain, in the Flower Treasury Adorned World-Ocean, are made of vajra jewels. They are extremely firm and incomparably magnificent; nothing can damage or destroy them. Those lands are clean and level, with neither high places nor low places. They have maṇi jewels for wheels and various treasures for treasuries. All the sentient beings there have various forms. They are adorned with every kind of precious maṇi, and precious powders are scattered everywhere over the lotuses. Fragrance-Treasury maṇi jewels are arranged within them in perfect balance. All kinds of adornments fill the place like clouds. They are adorned with every kind of splendor found in the Buddha-lands of the Buddhas of the three times. Wondrous precious maṇi jewels form nets, and within those nets all the Buddha’s realms are revealed everywhere, like Indra’s jeweled net, arrayed throughout the net.”
O sons of the Buddha! In this ocean of worlds, there are adornments numbering as many as the dust motes in oceans of worlds such as this.
Commentary: Bodhisattva Samantabhadra called out once more, “Disciples of the Buddha! The lands of the Great Wheel Mountains in the ocean of worlds have adornments as numerous as the dust motes in the ocean of worlds.”
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, wishing to restate the meaning, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, surveyed the ten directions and spoke in verse, saying:
Commentary: At that time, the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct, wishing to restate the meaning of the prose passage above, relied on the Buddha’s great majestic spiritual power, surveyed the causes and conditions of all sentient beings in the ten directions, and used verses to clarify the meaning.
Its land is level and supremely pure
Firmly established, it cannot be destroyed
Mani jewels adorn it everywhere
All kinds of treasures are interspersed within
Commentary: The land of Mount Great Wheel Rim is very level, with no uneven places, and exceptionally clean, free of pollution and filth. It is firmly established, and nothing can destroy it. Why? Because it is made of vajra jewels. Precious maṇi jewels are everywhere, adorning the ground. Inside are various kinds of jewels that embellish it beautifully.
The diamond ground is exceedingly pleasing
Jeweled wheels and jeweled nets adorn it all
Lotus flowers spread upon it are all perfect
Wondrous robes and garments extend everywhere.
Commentary: The ground of Great Cakravāḍa Mountain is made of vajra and is exceedingly beautiful. It is fully adorned with jeweled wheels and jeweled nets. Great jeweled lotus flowers are also spread across it, all perfectly formed. Fine cloths are stretched overhead, covering the jeweled parasols everywhere.
The Bodhisattvas’ jeweled heavenly crowns and necklaces
Are all spread upon the ground to adorn it beautifully;
Sandalwood and maṇi jewels are scattered everywhere,
All containing and radiating wondrous, stainless light.
Commentary: The Bodhisattvas’ golden crowns and jeweled necklaces are all laid out upon the ground, adorning it with great beauty. Fragrant sandalwood and precious maṇi jewels are scattered throughout the earth. All these treasures emit wondrous light; that light is free from dust and defilement, entirely pure.
Precious flowers blaze forth, emitting wondrous light;
Their brilliant glow, like clouds, shines upon all;
Scatter this fragrant incense and many treasures;
Spread them over the earth as adornment;
Commentary: That jeweled lotus radiates wondrous, brilliant light, like clouds illuminating everywhere. It scatters precious flowers and all kinds of jewels, covering the entire ground to adorn it and make it even more beautiful.
Dense clouds spread across all ten directions
Vast, luminous radiance has no end
Reaching throughout all ten directions, every realm
Expounding the Tathagata’s nectar-like Dharma.
Commentary: Dense clouds spread and envelop all ten directions, and within them they emit vast, boundless light. These dense clouds and their light reach every land in the ten directions to expound the Buddha’s ambrosial rain of Dharma, enabling sentient beings to rise from death and return to life.
Within the mani jewel are all the Buddhas’ vows;
They manifest throughout boundless, vast kalpas.
What the supremely wise one practiced in the past
Nothing of it is unseen within this jewel.
Commentary: All the Buddhas, in former times, when making vows at the causal stage, all appeared within the maṇi jewel. They appeared everywhere throughout boundless, vast kalpas. The Supreme Wisdom Buddha, while practicing in former times, saw everything within the maṇi jewel.
All the mani jewels upon that land
Contain all Buddha-lands within them;
In every particle of those Buddha-lands,
All worlds likewise enter within.
Commentary: The land of that Great Iron Encircling Mountain contains all the maṇi jewels and all the Buddha-lands. Within all the Buddha-lands, every particle of dust and all the lands also enter into the maṇi jewels.
Wondrous jewels adorn the Flower Treasury Realm
Bodhisattvas travel throughout the ten directions
They expound the great vows of the great beings
This is the autonomous power of the place of enlightenment.
Commentary: These wondrous treasures are used to adorn the Flower Treasury World-Ocean. The Bodhisattvas are not only in the Flower Treasury World-Ocean; they also constantly travel throughout the ten directions. They do not go sightseeing or take vacations, but go to teach and transform sentient beings. They expound the great vows of the Great Beings. This is the Buddha’s freely wielded spiritual power at the bodhimanda.
Wondrous mani jewels adorn the earth
Radiating pure light, adorned with myriad ornaments
Filling the Dharma Realm, equal to empty space
Naturally manifesting thus through the Buddha’s power.
Commentary: The land is adorned with beautiful maṇi jewels, which constantly emit pure light to adorn it. That light fills the entire Dharma realm, extending as far as space. This is the Buddha’s power naturally manifesting that realm.
All beings who cultivate and uphold Samantabhadra’s vows,
Enter the Buddha’s realm, O person of great wisdom,
Know, within this ocean of lands,
All such miraculous transformations.
Commentary: All sentient beings in the three realms and the twenty-five realms of existence must cultivate and refine Samantabhadra’s practices and vows before they can enter the realm of the Buddhas. Only those of great wisdom can know and clearly understand all the spiritual powers and transformations in that sea of worlds.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again addressed the Great Assembly, saying: “O disciples of the Buddha! Within the great earth of this ocean of worlds are fragrance-water oceans numbering as many as the particles of dust in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.”
Commentary: At that time, the greatly compassionate Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct said to the assembly in the Dharma gathering: “Disciples of the Buddha, do you know? Within the great earth of the Flower Treasury Adorned World-Ocean, there are Fragrant Water Seas as numerous as the unspeakable number of dust motes in Buddha-lands.”
Every wondrous jewel adorned its bottom; wondrous fragrant mani jewels adorned its banks, and Vairocana mani jewel kings formed its net. Fragrant waters, clear and translucent and possessing the colors of all kinds of jewels, filled it. Various jeweled flowers were strewn all over its surface, and fine sandalwood powder settled at its bottom. It resounded with the Buddha’s words and radiated jeweled light. Boundless bodhisattvas, holding various canopies, manifested their miraculous powers. All the adornments found in all worlds appeared within it.
Commentary: The Ocean of Fragrant Waters is adorned beneath its bottom with all kinds of wondrous treasures. Its shores are adorned with various wondrous fragrances and all kinds of maṇi jewels. Pure jeweled maṇi kings are spread everywhere to form nets. The Ocean of Fragrant Waters is exceedingly fragrant and clear, filled with precious lights of every color. Various jeweled flowers are also spread in rings above and around the Ocean of Fragrant Waters. Sandalwood incense powder settles clearly below. Within the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, all the words of the Buddhas are proclaimed; it constantly emits jeweled lights, and boundless assemblies of Bodhisattvas holding various jeweled canopies and jeweled banners manifest spiritual powers. All the adornments of every world appear within the Ocean of Fragrant Waters. These ten sentences clarify the substance and characteristics of the Ocean of Fragrant Waters.
Ten-jewel steps were arranged in rows; ten-jewel railings surrounded them on every side. In the water bloomed white lotuses adorned with every kind of jewel, numbering as many as the dust motes in the four continents. There were innumerable hundreds of thousands of kotis of nayutas of ten-jewel śīla banners; as many jewel-cloth, bell-net banners as the sands of the Ganges; as many jewel flower pavilions of boundless colors and forms as the sands of the Ganges; hundreds of thousands of kotis of nayutas of ten-jewel lotus cities; and forests of many-jewelled trees, numbering as many as the dust motes in the four continents. Their nets were made of jewel-flame maṇis. Sandalwood fragrances, maṇis ablaze with the radiant sound of the Buddhas’ voices, and innumerable hundreds of thousands of kotis of nayutas of gardens enclosed by many-jewelled walls surrounded them all, adorning the entire area.
Commentary: The ten kinds of jewels are gold, silver, lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl, agate, coral, amber, pearls, rose quartz, and qin-and-se zithers. The Ocean of Fragrant Waters also has steps made of these ten kinds of jewels, arranged in perfectly straight rows. There are also railings made of the ten jewels, enclosing it all around. There are white pundarika lotus flowers, adorned with every kind of jewel and as numerous as the dust particles of the four continents (Eastern Jambudvīpa, Southern Jambudvīpa, Western Godānīya, and Northern Uttarakuru), flourishing profusely in the water. There are also jeweled robes, jeweled bells, jeweled nets, and jeweled banners, made of every kind of jewel and as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. The jeweled bells sound throughout the ten directions, awakening sentient beings from their dreams so that they may quickly arouse the bodhi-mind and soon attain the fruit of bodhi. There are also jewel flowers of infinite colors and forms, and pavilions as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. There are also hundreds of thousands of kotis and nayutas of lotus-flower cities made of the ten kinds of jewels. There are also jewel forests, as numerous as the dust particles of the four continents, with nets made of blazing mani jewels. There are also sandalwood incense and the voices of all the Buddhas, radiating flames of light like mani jewels, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. There are also jewel walls, numbering hundreds of thousands of kotis and nayutas beyond description, all enclosing the entire Ocean of Fragrant Waters and adorning it.
Śīla has two meanings. The first is “fine jade,” and the second is “purity.” In all things, one must first understand the phenomena clearly, and only then understand the principle. Phenomena is cultivation; principle is awakening. Phenomenal practice is accomplished little by little, while understanding the principle comes all at once. Therefore: “In principle, enlightenment is sudden; in practice, cultivation is gradual.”
Phenomena have form, while principle has no form. Śīla is a term that encompasses both phenomena and principle. Fine jewels are the phenomenal aspect, while purity is the principial nature. The above refers to the ten precious jewels of śīla. One may say that a precious garland is made from ten kinds of fine jewels; one may also say that it is made from ten kinds of purity.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, wishing to restate the meaning, by the Buddha’s spiritual power surveyed the ten directions and spoke in verse, saying:
Commentary: At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Practice, because his vow-power was great and the practices he cultivated were extensive, compassionately wished to restate the meaning of the prose passage above. Relying on the Buddha’s great majestic spiritual power, he surveyed the causes and conditions of all sentient beings throughout the ten directions and used verses to restate the meaning above.
On the great earth in this world
There is a fragrant-water ocean adorned with maṇi jewels
Pure, wondrous treasures are spread out as its base
It rests on indestructible vajra
Commentary: In the Flower-Treasury Adornment World-Sea, there are oceans of fragrant water within the earth, adorned with mani jewels. Wondrous, pure, luminous jewels form their bottoms, and all rest upon indestructible vajra.
Fragrant-treasury maṇi jewels piled up to form banks
Sun-flame jewel wheels spread out like clouds
Lotus wondrous jewels make necklaces
Everywhere adorned, pure and unstained
Commentary: The shore of the Fragrant Water Sea is formed from accumulated fragrant substances and maṇi jewels. It shines with the brilliant light of the sun, and above it are spread circles of pearl radiance, like magnificent and beautiful clouds. It also has all kinds of lotuses and beautiful jewels to make into garlands. Everywhere, the Fragrant Water Sea is adorned and pure; it is free from defilement and filth.
The fragrant water is clear and still, displaying every hue;
Precious flowers spread everywhere, radiating brilliant light;
Sounds resound throughout, heard both near and far;
By the Buddha’s awesome power, the wondrous Dharma is expounded.
Commentary: The water of the Fragrant Water Sea is exceptionally clear, and is suffused with every kind of color, like lapis lazuli. There are also all kinds of precious lotus flowers, spread all around and emitting light upward. All the beautiful treasures and all the lotus flowers expound the wondrous Dharma. This is due to the great spiritual power of the Buddhas.
Steps and terraces are adorned with all kinds of jewels;
They are further embellished with māṇi gems set between.
All around, the railings are made of precious gems;
Lotus-and-jewel nets spread like clouds.
Commentary: Each tier of steps is made of various precious jewels, magnificent and resplendent with every color of radiance. Mani jewels are also used to adorn and embellish the ground. The railings on all four sides are made of ten kinds of precious jewels. There are all kinds of lotus flowers and jeweled nets spread across the sky like clouds.
Mani jewel trees are arrayed in rows
The flower stamens bloom in glorious, dazzling radiance
All kinds of music are continually played together
The Buddha’s supernatural power makes it so
Commentary: There are rows of mani jewel trees, neatly aligned. Lotus flowers bloom abundantly, sending forth dazzling red light. From within their stamens resound all kinds of music, exceedingly beautiful. The melodies vie with one another in harmonious performance, never ceasing. This is made possible by the Buddha’s supernatural powers.
Various wondrous jeweled pundarīkas
Spread out to adorn the fragrant-water ocean,
The radiance of fragrant flames never ceases,
Vast and perfect, they fill and pervade all,
Commentary: There are all kinds of wondrous treasures and white lotus flowers, magnificently arrayed throughout the Sea of Fragrant Water. These flowers emit fragrant, blazing light without ever ceasing. That radiance is vast and perfect, filling every place.
Jeweled banners of luminous pearls ever blaze in splendor.
Beautiful garments hang and spread as adornment.
The wondrous maṇi nets proclaim the Dharma’s sound.
Causing those who hear to attain the Buddha’s wisdom
Commentary: There are all kinds of luminous jewels and all kinds of jeweled banners, shining brightly at all times. All kinds of beautiful garments are spread out to adorn it. Within the wondrous nets of mani jewels, sublime Dharma sounds are expounded, causing sentient beings who hear them to immediately arouse bodhicitta and turn toward the wisdom of the Buddha.
Wondrous jeweled lotuses form the ramparts
Many-colored maṇi jewels adorn it, shining brightly
Pearl-cloud shadows spread to the four corners
Thus is the ocean of fragrant water adorned
Commentary: Use all kinds of beautiful treasures and lotus flowers to make the city walls and ramparts (the inner enclosure is the city wall, and the outer enclosure is the rampart). They are adorned with all kinds of beautiful rays of light from precious maṇi jewels. Pearl screens form jeweled clouds, spread out on all four sides, adorning the Sea of Fragrant Water in this way.
Round walls wind around, all adorned with jewels.
Towers and pavilions face one another, arrayed above.
Immeasurable light blazes eternally.
All manner of adornments form a pure ocean.
Commentary: Walls enclose all four sides of the Fragrant-Water Sea. There are towers and upper stories, visible to one another above. Immeasurable, boundless lights shine brilliantly without ceasing, and the Fragrant-Water Sea is adorned with all kinds of pure splendors.
Vairocana in the distant past
Adorned and purified all manner of seas of worlds
Vast and boundless as they are
All through the Buddha’s sovereign power.
Commentary:The Pure Dharma-Body Vairocana Buddha, in the past, adorned and purified all the many seas of Buddha-lands. Such vast and magnificent adornment, without bounds, was entirely accomplished through the Buddha’s sovereign spiritual powers.
When we listen to the Flower Adornment Sutra, we must expand our minds to encompass all of space and the entire Dharma realm. We must not narrow our minds until they are as small as a sesame seed or a speck of dust. Although a speck of dust can contain the Dharma realm, if we do not expand our minds, the Dharma realm cannot enter them. So when we expand our minds, we will naturally understand the realm described in the Flower Adornment Sutra.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again addressed the great assembly, saying: “O disciples of the Buddha! Each ocean of fragrant water has fragrant-water rivers as numerous as the dust motes in the four continents; some completely encircle it,”
Commentary: At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct, with a mind of great compassion, spoke to the great assembly in the ocean assembly, saying: “Disciples of the Buddha! Do you know? In each Sea of Fragrant Water, there are Fragrant Water Rivers as numerous as the dust motes of the four continents, all encircling the Sea of Fragrant Water on its right.”
All are bounded by vajra banks and adorned with Pure Light mani jewels. They constantly manifest clouds of light in precious hues belonging to all Buddhas, as well as the speech of all sentient beings. Wherever springs well up in their rivers, all the various forms of the causal practices cultivated by all Buddhas emerge from them. Mani jewels form nets, and jeweled bells of many kinds adorn them; all the adornments of the oceans of worlds appear within them. Mani-jeweled clouds spread over them, and these clouds everywhere reveal the emanation Buddhas of Vairocana in the Flower Treasury World throughout the ten directions, as well as all the miraculous deeds of the Buddhas. They also emit wondrous sounds praising the names of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the three ages. In their fragrant waters, clouds of jeweled flame-light continually arise, following one another without end.
Commentary: All the Fragrant Water Rivers have banks made of diamond jewels, adorned with pure-light mani jewels. Clouds of the precious radiance of all the Buddhas constantly appear above the Fragrant Water Rivers. All the languages of sentient beings are expounded and manifested upon the Fragrant Water Rivers. The various forms of the practices cultivated by all the Buddhas throughout the three periods of time and the ten directions are all manifested within them. There are also nets made of mani jewels, with bells and chimes made of various jewels. All the adornments of all the oceans of worlds are likewise manifested within them. Clouds transformed from mani jewels also cover the Fragrant Water Rivers. Those clouds universally reveal the Flower Treasury Adorned Ocean of Worlds, the ten-direction transformation-body Buddhas of Vairocana Buddha, and the miraculous deeds of all the Buddhas. The Fragrant Water Rivers also resound with wondrous sounds proclaiming the names of the Buddhas of the three periods of time. The Fragrant Water Rivers also pour forth clouds of the flaming radiance of all jewels, without interruption; such clouds are present at all times.
If explained in detail, each river has as many adornments as there are dust motes in the oceans of worlds.
Commentary: If one wishes to describe it in detail, each Fragrant Water River has adornments as numerous as the dust particles in the ocean of worlds.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, wishing to restate the meaning, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, surveyed the ten directions and spoke these verses: At that time, the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, wishing to restate the meaning above, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, gazed throughout the ten directions and spoke this verse: Commentary: At that time, the Bodhisattva Mahāsattva Samantabhadra, wishing to restate the meaning of the prose passage above, relied on the Buddha’s great majestic spiritual power, contemplated the causes and conditions of all beings throughout the ten directions, and spoke these verses.
Pure fragrant water flows, filling the great river;
Wondrous vajra jewels form its banks;
Jeweled powder forms wheels spread across the ground;
All kinds of adornments are precious and beautiful;
Commentary: Commentary: Pure, fragrant water flows, filling the Fragrant Water River. Both banks of that river are made of vajra and precious jewels. Powder made from ten kinds of precious jewels is used to form wheels, which are scattered over the ground. There are all kinds of adornments, exceedingly precious and beautiful.
Rows of jeweled stairways, wondrously adorned,
Jeweled railings encircle them, exquisitely beautiful,
Pearls form treasuries, adorned with many flowers,
All kinds of jeweled garlands and canopies hang down together,
Commentary:All the jeweled terraces are arranged in perfectly straight rows, exceedingly dignified and beautiful. Railings made of ten kinds of jewels enclose them on all four sides in surpassing splendor. Pearl netting is used, and various kinds of flowers adorn them. There are also all kinds of garlands and canopies, spread all around and hanging down.
Fragrant waters, jewel light, pure in hue
Forever pour forth mani jewels, racing swiftly as they flow
All the flowers sway along with the waves
All play musical sounds, proclaiming the wondrous Dharma
Commentary: The treasures in the River of Fragrant Water shine with pure, radiant colors and constantly pour forth mani jewels, which flow profusely across the river. There are also all kinds of fragrant flowers, swaying with the waves. From within the mani jewels and the fragrant flowers, wondrous sounds are played, proclaiming the wondrous Dharma.
Fine sandalwood powder is made into paste
All wondrous treasures are mixed together
The fragrant treasure is diffused and spread throughout the center
Flames rise and fragrance flows everywhere
Commentary: Powdered sandalwood is scattered along the riverbed to form the muddy ground. All kinds of wondrous jewels are mixed together. Fragrant substances are mixed in and scattered throughout it, radiating brilliant light and fragrance everywhere.
From the river arise all wondrous treasures,
All emitting radiant light in blazing hues.
Their light spreads its reflections, forming platforms and seats;
Flower canopies and pearl pendants are all complete.
Commentary: All kinds of beautiful treasures are continually produced in the Fragrant Water River. These treasures emit light of brilliant colors, and within that light, images appear, forming lion thrones and lotus platforms. There are also jeweled flowers, jeweled canopies, jewels, jeweled garlands, and so on; every kind is present in abundance.
Within the king of maṇi jewels appears the Buddha’s body
Radiance shines throughout the worlds of the ten directions
Using these wheels to adorn the earth
Fragrant water, clear and radiant, is ever full
Commentary: Within the precious maṇi jewels, the Dharma bodies of the Buddhas appear. Those Dharma bodies radiate great light, illuminating the worlds in the ten directions; they form wheels that adorn the ground. The water of the Fragrant Water River is crystal clear and always brimming.
Maṇi jewels form the net; gold forms the bells.
Covering the fragrant rivers, they sound forth the Buddha’s voice.
They proclaim the path to Bodhi in its entirety.
And the wondrous practices of Samantabhadra.
Commentary: They used maṇi jewels to make nets and pure gold to make bells, covering the area above the Fragrant Water River. They also sounded the wondrous voices of the Buddhas, proclaiming the truths of all the bodhi paths to awakening and the wondrous practices cultivated by Bodhisattva Samantabhadra.
The jeweled shore is supremely pure
It constantly emits the sound of the Thus Come One’s Original Vows
The practice of all the Buddhas
Its sound expounds all things everywhere, causing them all to be seen.
Commentary: On both banks of the Fragrant Water River, walls of mani jewels are made, exceedingly pure. Though the river water is an insentient being, it too knows how to expound the Dharma. It constantly proclaims the sound of the Buddhas’ original vows. All the Buddhas of the ten directions and three times, when they practiced in the causal ground in the past, universally revealed their original vows and practices within that sound, enabling all sentient beings to see them.
Wherever that river’s currents flow,
Bodhisattvas, like clouds, continually surge forth;
They all enter vast lands and realms,
Until the Dharma-realm is filled throughout.
Commentary: The Fragrant Water River flows everywhere. Countless Bodhisattvas spring forth, as numerous as clouds, and all go to the vast Buddha realms, filling all of space and pervading the Dharma Realm, to expound the Dharma for sentient beings, enabling them to draw near to the Buddhas and respectfully make offerings to them.
The King of Pure Jewels spreads like clouds
All fragrant rivers receive its blessings
That jewel is like the Buddha’s mark between the eyebrows
It clearly manifests the images of all Buddhas
Commentary: The pure jewel kings are spread throughout the sky like clouds, completely covering all the rivers of Fragrant Water. Their radiance is like the white tuft between the eyebrows of all the Buddhas in the sky.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again addressed the great assembly, saying, “O sons of the Buddha! The land between these fragrant-water rivers is entirely adorned with various wondrous jewels.”
Commentary: At that time, the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct again addressed the great assembly in the ocean-like gathering, saying, “Disciples of the Buddha! The land between the two banks of the rivers of Fragrant Water is adorned with all kinds of beautiful precious jewels.”
Each and every one is adorned with multitudes of jewels, as numerous as the dust motes in four continents; Pundarika flowers are spread all around and fill it, and each has jeweled groves of trees numbering as many as the dust motes in four continents, arranged in orderly rows. Within each tree, clouds of every kind of adornment constantly emerge; kingly mani jewels shine among them, and various flowers and fragrances fill every place. The trees also emit subtle, wondrous sounds, proclaiming the great vows practiced by all the Tathagatas throughout all kalpas; they also scatter various kingly mani jewels, filling that ground,
Commentary: In the midst of the Fragrant Water River, everything is adorned with jewels, as numerous as the dust motes of the four continents. White lotuses are scattered abundantly across the entire ground. There are also jeweled forests, as numerous as the dust motes of the four continents, arranged in straight, orderly rows without disorder. Within each jeweled tree, all kinds of clouds of adornment continually appear. Mani jewel kings shine with radiance. All kinds of fragrant flowers also abound everywhere. The jeweled trees resound with all kinds of wondrous sounds, proclaiming the great vows and practices of the Tathagatas throughout immeasurable kalpas in the past. They also scatter all kinds of mani jewel kings, which abound everywhere upon the ground.
Namely: the Lotus-Wheel Mani Jewel King; the Fragrant-Flame-Light-Cloud Mani Jewel King; the Mani Jewel Kings adorned in myriad ways; the Mani Jewel King manifesting inconceivable forms of adornment; the Sunlight-Bright-Robe-Treasury Mani Jewel King; the Mani Jewel King whose net of light-clouds spreads everywhere throughout the ten directions; the Mani Jewel King manifesting the miraculous transformations of all Buddhas; and the Mani Jewel King manifesting the ocean of karmic retributions of all sentient beings.
Commentary: Again, there are mani jewel kings in the form of lotus wheels. Again, there are mani jewel kings in clouds of luminous incense flames. Again, there are mani jewel kings adorned with all kinds of things. Again, there are mani jewel kings that manifest inconceivable adornments of color. Again, there are mani jewel kings that manifest a treasury of sun-radiant luminous garments. Again, there are mani jewel kings in clouds of nets of light, spread throughout all ten directions. Again, there are mani jewel kings that manifest all the Buddhas’ supernatural powers and transformations.
There are as many of these as there are dust motes in the oceans of worlds.
Commentary: Such mani jewel-kings are as numerous as the dust particles in the ocean of worlds, and cannot be counted.
Its fragrant-water rivers and the land between them are each adorned in this way.
Commentary: The land between the two banks of the Hương Thủy River is, in every respect, adorned with such majesty. All kinds of flowers, trees, clouds, sounds, and precious mani jewels adorn the ground.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, wishing to restate the meaning, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, observed the ten directions and spoke in verse, saying:
Commentary:At that time, the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct, wishing to restate the meaning of the prose passage above, relied on the Buddha’s great awe-inspiring spiritual power, surveyed the causes and conditions of all sentient beings throughout the ten directions, and used verses to clarify the meaning above.
Its land is tranquil and exceedingly pure;
Genuine gold and maṇi jewels adorn it together;
All the trees stand in rows, shading everything within.
Their tall trunks and drooping branches, their blossoms like clouds.
Commentary: The land of the Fragrant Water River is very level and serene. It is adorned with genuine gold and maṇi jewels. All the Bodhi trees stand in straight rows, providing shade everywhere. Their tall trunks cast a lovely, cloudlike shade and are exceptionally majestic.
Branches adorned with wondrous jewels,
Flaming flowers form wheels, their light shining in all four directions.
Maṇi jewels serve as fruits, spread like clouds,
Causing all in the ten directions to behold them always.
Commentary: All the branches of the bodhi trees are adorned with beautiful jewels. All the garlands shine brilliantly, radiating light in the four directions and throughout every place. Moreover, mani fruits are arrayed beautifully like clouds, enabling all sentient beings in the worlds of the ten directions to see this realm.
Maṇi gems completely fill the ground.
Various flowers and precious powders adorn it together.
They also use maṇi gems to make palaces.
All the images of sentient beings are manifested.
Commentary: Maṇi jewels are scattered abundantly across the entire ground. It is adorned with every kind of precious flower and all kinds of jeweled powder. Moreover, maṇi jewels are used to make palaces, all of which manifest the forms of sentient beings.
Images of all Buddhas in the King of Maṇi
Scattered everywhere across that land
Such awe-inspiring power pervades the ten directions
In every single mote of dust, a Buddha is seen
Commentary: Within the king of mani jewels appear images of all the Buddhas. They are scattered everywhere across the ground, with no place where they are absent. These images of the Buddhas have great power throughout the ten directions. In every particle of dust, one can see Buddhas within, turning the Wheel of Dharma and teaching sentient beings.
Wondrous jewels adorn and are skillfully arrayed;
Pearl lamps and nets are interwoven;
Everywhere there are maṇi wheels;
Each one manifests the Buddha’s spiritual powers.
Commentary: All the precious treasures and adornments are skillfully arranged between the two banks of the river. Pearls are used to make netted lamps, adorned with five radiances and ten colors. Jeweled maṇi wheels are found everywhere. Within each jeweled maṇi wheel, the vast spiritual powers of all the Buddhas are manifested.
Many jewels adorn and emit great light
Within the light, all the emanation Buddhas appear everywhere
Each one travels all around, leaving nowhere untouched
All broadly expound using the Ten Powers.
Commentary: All the jewels adorning the River of Fragrant Water emit great radiance. Within the radiance, countless manifested Buddhas appear everywhere, each going throughout all ten directions. That realm is revealed through the Buddha’s ten powers.
The precious Maṇi, the beautiful white lotus.
All are fully spread throughout the waters;
Their flowers are of many kinds, each different,
And all shine with light that never ceases.
Commentary: All the beautiful precious maṇi jewels and all the white lotuses are in the water, filling it and spreading everywhere. Those flowers have all kinds of radiance and colors, all different. Their radiance appears without ever ceasing.
All the adornments of the three times
Are revealed within the maṇi fruit.
Its intrinsic nature is unborn and cannot be grasped
This is the Tathāgata’s power of sovereign freedom.
Commentary: All the adornments of all Buddhas throughout the ten directions and the three times are manifested within the maṇi jewel. Its essential nature neither arises nor ceases, and therefore it cannot be grasped. This is accomplished through the Buddhas’ sovereign spiritual power.
Amid all the adornments of this land,
The Tathāgata’s vast body is revealed.
That body neither comes nor goes;
The Buddha’s past vows and power make it all be seen.
Commentary: The land between the two banks of the Fragrant Water River, with all its adornments, reveals the vast Dharmakaya of the Buddhas. That Dharmakaya is neither present nor absent; it neither comes nor goes. What is the reason for this? It is the power of the Buddhas’ vows, made long ago, which enables all sentient beings to see it.
Within each and every mote of dust of this land
The path practiced by all Buddha-sons
All see the future realms that have been foretold
All are pure according to their wishes and delight
Commentary: In every mote of dust in the ocean of worlds of the Adorned Flower Treasury, all the Buddha’s disciples are present, each cultivating the path to bodhi there. The Buddha gives each disciple a prediction: What will the name of their future land be? What will their Buddha-name be? In accordance with each disciple’s vows, practice, and aspirations, all are made pure and their wishes fulfilled.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again addressed the great assembly, saying: “Buddha-sons, the oceans of worlds of all the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones, are inconceivably adorned. Why? Buddha-sons, every realm in this Flower Treasury Adorned Ocean of Worlds is adorned by pure meritorious virtues numbering as many as the dust motes in an ocean of worlds.”
Commentary: At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct again addressed the great assembly in the oceanic assembly, saying, “Disciples of the Buddha! All the World-Honored Buddhas of the three times and ten directions, in each of their oceans of worlds, have adornments that are all inconceivable. Why? Disciples of the Buddha! All realms in the Ocean of Worlds of the Flower Treasury Adornment are adorned with pure merits, as numerous as the dust particles in an ocean of worlds.” At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, wishing to restate the meaning, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, gazed upon the ten directions and spoke these verses: At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, wishing to restate the meaning above, relied on the Buddha’s spiritual power, surveyed all ten directions, and spoke this verse: Commentary: At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, wishing to restate the meaning of the preceding prose passage, relied on the Buddha’s great spiritual power, surveyed the causes and conditions of all sentient beings throughout the ten directions, and used verses to explain the foregoing meaning.
In every place throughout the ocean of this realm
All are adorned with various treasures
Flames blaze upward into the sky, spreading like clouds
The light shines clear and penetrating, ever spreading over all
Commentary: Throughout that Flower Treasury Adornment World Ocean, every place is adorned with all kinds of jewels. Those jewels radiate brilliant light, illuminating the sky and spreading out like clouds. Their light is clear and translucent like lapis lazuli, and they constantly cover the space above.
The maṇi gem emits clouds without end
The images of Buddhas from the ten directions appear within them
Miraculous powers and transformations never cease for even a moment
All Bodhisattvas come together
Commentary: That maṇi jewel pours forth inexhaustible clouds of radiant light. Images of the Buddhas in the ten directions all appear within the clouds of radiant light. The Buddhas’ miraculous transformations never cease; they are always realms beyond conception. All the great Bodhisattvas gather there.
All maṇi jewels proclaim the Buddha’s voice
Their sound is wondrous, inconceivable
Vairocana’s former practices
Within this treasure, ever heard and seen
Commentary: All the wondrous maṇi jewels can utter the wondrous sounds of the Buddhas. Those sounds are exquisitely wondrous and inconceivable. This is the practice cultivated in the past by Buddha Vairocana. Within those jewels, one constantly hears the sounds of the Buddhas and constantly sees their forms.
The Honored One whose pure light shines everywhere,
In whom images appear in every adornment,
Surrounded by multitudes of transformed emanation bodies,
Pervading all the oceans of worlds.
Commentary: The Buddha’s Dharma body is pure and luminous, shining everywhere. Within every kind of adornment, images of all the Buddhas appear. The Buddha’s manifested emanation bodies are also surrounded by vast assemblies, who draw near and make offerings. This is not the case only in one world; it is so in all worlds. Therefore, it is said that all the oceans of realms are pervaded.
All the emanation Buddhas are like illusions;
Their place of origin cannot be found.
Through the awe-inspiring power of the Buddha’s realm,
They manifest in this way throughout all worlds.
Commentary: All the Buddha’s transformations are like magical illusions. If one seeks where they come from, they cannot be found. Through the realm of the Buddha’s great majestic spiritual power, such realms appear in all worlds.
The Tathagata’s sovereign miraculous powers
Pervade all the lands of the ten directions
With this ocean of lands, pure and splendidly adorned
All can be seen within the jewels.
Commentary: All Buddhas possess supernatural powers of sovereign freedom (freedom over one and many, far and near, great and small, self and others—in short, freedom over absolutely everything). From one land, they can reach throughout the lands of the ten directions. Though they pervade the lands of the ten directions, they have never left that one land. They use the ocean of that land as a pure adornment; everything appears among the treasures, so that all sentient beings can see it.
All the transformations in the ten directions
Are like images reflected in a mirror.
They arise solely from the Tathagata’s former practices,
And from his miraculous powers and the power of his vows.
Commentary: All transformations throughout the ten directions are like images appearing in a mirror. They are all due to the merit the Buddha cultivated in the past, through which the Buddha attained spiritual powers. That realm arises from the power of freely wielded spiritual powers and the power of great vows.
If anyone can cultivate Samantabhadra’s practices,
They enter the ocean of the Bodhisattvas’ supreme wisdom.
Within every particle of dust,
They universally manifest their bodies, purifying all lands.
Commentary: If someone practices the Dharma gate of Samantabhadra’s conduct and vows, they can enter the supreme ocean of the Bodhisattva’s wisdom. They can also manifest bodies cultivating the Way throughout every particle of dust, thereby purifying all the oceans of realms.
Inconceivable hundreds of millions of great kalpas
Drawing near to all the Tathāgatas
As all that they practice
All can be manifested in a single moment
Commentary: For inconceivable eons, they constantly draw near to the Buddhas, make offerings to them, and serve all the Tathāgatas. Just as all the Buddhas of the past practiced the various modes of conduct, in a single instant they all manifest that realm.
The lands of all Buddhas are like empty space;
Peerless, unborn, without any characteristics;
For the benefit of sentient beings, they are universally adorned and purified;
By the power of their original vows, they abide therein;
Commentary: The Buddha-lands are like empty space; one could also say that empty space is the Buddha-lands. They are not identical, do not arise, and have no form. Then why do the Buddhas manifest all kinds of lands, all kinds of adornments, and all kinds of transformations? It is because they wish to benefit sentient beings, and so they adorn and purify everywhere. Through the power of their original vows, the Buddhas attain pure, luminous lands and abide within them.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again addressed the great assembly, saying, “O disciples of the Buddha, I shall now explain what kinds of worlds abide here.”
Commentary: At that time, the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct again addressed the assembly at the Bodhi site of the Flower Adornment Dharma Assembly, saying: “Disciples of the Buddha! What worlds abide within the Ocean of Fragrant Waters? I will now explain them. Please listen attentively.”
O disciples of the Buddha! In these oceans of fragrant water, whose number is equal to the ineffable number of dust motes in Buddha-lands, there abide an ineffable number of world-seeds, equal to the number of dust motes in Buddha-lands; each world-seed, in turn, contains an ineffable number of worlds, equal to the number of dust motes in Buddha-lands.
Commentary: Bodhisattva Universal Worthy feared that everyone might not be paying attention, so he called out, “Disciples of the Buddha!” In the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, there are world-seeds as numerous as the dust motes in ten myriads of indescribable Buddha-lands. (Worlds also have seeds; without seeds, worlds could not come into being.) They abide upon great lotus blossoms in the Ocean of Fragrant Waters. Within each world there are further worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten myriads of indescribable Buddha-lands. Just how many worlds are there in all? I don’t know either. Wait until you attain the five eyes and six spiritual powers, and you will naturally know. If you want to know that number, you must cultivate diligently; when the “furnace fire is perfectly refined,” you will understand it clearly.
O sons of the Buddha! Those world-seeds in the ocean of worlds each have their own support, shape, nature, location, modes of entry, adornments, boundaries, arrangements, lack of distinction, and sustaining powers.
Commentary: Bodhisattva Samantabhadra called out once again, “O disciples of the Buddha! World seeds (a single world seed can give rise to immeasurable worlds, just as one grain of rice can produce many grains of rice). Within the ocean of worlds, there are ten kinds of circumstances:”
1). Each world has a different support on which it rests.
2). Each world has a different form.
3). Each world has a different intrinsic nature.
4). Each world has a different location.
5). Each world has different ways of access.
6). Each world has different adornments.
7). Each world has different dimensions. Although the kinds of worlds are the same, they differ in shape and size, the severity of their climates, the quality of their surroundings, and many other ways.
8). Each world has a different order of ranks.
9). Each world has different kinds of non-differentiation.
10). Each world has a different power of blessing.
In short, each world is different, as will be explained below.
The Buddha-lands have eighteen kinds of perfection:
1). Complexion.
2). Form and color.
3). Measure.
4). Location.
5). Cause.
6). Fruit/result.
7). Master.
8). Help.
9). Relatives.
10). Uphold.
11). Career.
12). Benefiting.
13). Fearlessness.
14). Abode.
15). Path.
16). Surplus.
17). Gate.
18). Support.
O sons of the Buddha! This world-cluster is supported by a great lotus-flower ocean, or by an ocean of jewel flowers of boundless colors, or by an ocean of jeweled necklaces containing all kinds of pearls, or by an ocean of fragrant water, or by an ocean of all flowers, or by an ocean of jeweled nets of maṇi, or by an ocean of flowing springlight, or by an ocean of jeweled, ornamented Bodhisattva crowns, or by an ocean of the bodies of various beings, or by an ocean of the kings of maṇi that are the sounds of all Buddhas.
Commentary: Bodhisattva Samantabhadra called out once again, “Disciples of the Buddha, listen attentively! These world-seeds abide in dependence on ten oceans.”
1). Or abide relying on the great ocean of lotus flowers.
2). Or abide relying on the ocean of boundless precious forms.
3). Or abide relying on the ocean of all precious pearl-treasury maṇi necklaces.
4). Or abide relying on the ocean of fragrant water.
5). Or abide relying on the ocean of all flowers.
6). Or abide relying on the sea of maṇi-jeweled nets.
7). Or abide relying on the sea of radiating rings of light.
8). Or abide relying on the sea of adorned jeweled crowns of Bodhisattvas.
9). Or abide relying on the sea of bodies of all kinds of sentient beings.
10). Or abide relying on the sea of maṇi kings of all the Buddha’s sounds.
If such things were explained at length, they would be as numerous as the fine particles in the oceans of worlds.
Commentary: In brief, there are ten kinds of oceans that serve as supports and abodes. In detail, there are supports and abodes as numerous as the dust motes in the ocean of worlds.
The lifespan of the world has four stages, and each stage is further divided into four smaller stages. The kalpa of formation is divided into formation, abiding, destruction, and emptiness. The kalpas of abiding, destruction, and emptiness are likewise divided. It is like the human lifespan, which also has four stages: birth, aging, illness, and death. They can be divided as follows: from one to twenty years of age is the stage of birth (the period of growth). From twenty to forty years of age is the stage of aging (when the body reaches its peak and the aging process begins). From forty-one to sixty is the stage of illness (when the four elements are out of balance and all kinds of illnesses arise). From sixty-one to eighty years of age is the stage of death (the period of dying). The period from one to twenty years of age can itself be divided into four stages: birth, aging, illness, and death. From one to five years is birth; from six to ten is aging; from eleven to fifteen is illness; and from sixteen to twenty is death.
The lifespan of human beings and the lifespan of the world follow the same principle. When the world is in the kalpa of abiding, the climate can also sometimes be abnormal: at times very cold, at times very hot. The climate today is not the same as it was a hundred years ago. Changes in climate are changes in the world through formation, abiding, decay, and emptiness.
O sons of the Buddha! Those world-seeds are shaped variously: some are shaped like Mount Sumeru, some like rivers, some like spirals, some like flowing streams, some like wheel-nets, some like altar platforms, some like forests, some like towers and pavilions, some like mountain banners, some like squares extending in all directions, some like womb-treasuries, some like lotus flowers, some like Kharaka, some like the bodies of sentient beings, some like clouds, some like the auspicious marks and features of the Buddhas, some like perfect, radiant light, some like nets of various kinds of jewels, some like gates and doorways of every kind, and some like all sorts of adornments.
Commentary: Bodhisattva Samantabhadra called out, “Disciples of the Buddha! You should know that within the Sea of Fragrant Water are all kinds of world-seeds, capable of giving rise to all worlds. However, those world-seeds have many different forms. Briefly stated, there are twenty kinds:
1). Or there are world-seeds shaped like Mount Sumeru (wide at the top and narrow at the bottom).
2). Or there are world-seeds shaped like rivers and streams.
3). Or there are world-seeds shaped like a revolving form.
4). Or there are world-seeds shaped like whirlpools.
5). Or there are world-seeds shaped like wheels.
6). Or there are worlds shaped like sacrificial altars.
7). Or there are worlds shaped like forests.
8). Or there are worlds shaped like pavilions.
9). Or there are worlds shaped like banner mountains.
10). Or there are worlds shaped with many angles.
11). Or there are world-seeds shaped like wombs.
12). Or there are world-seeds shaped like lotus flowers.
13). Or there are world-seeds shaped like khư lặc ca.
14). Or there are world-seeds shaped like the bodies of sentient beings.
15). Or there are world-seeds shaped like clouds.
16). Or there are world-seeds shaped like the excellent marks of all Buddhas.
17). Or there are world-seeds shaped like perfect radiance.
18). Or there are world-seeds shaped like nets of various jewels.
19). Or there are world-seeds shaped like all kinds of gateways.
20). Or there are world-seeds shaped like various adornments (incense burners, flower vases, lamps…).
If all such things were explained in detail, they would be as numerous as the fine particles in the oceans of worlds.
Commentary: In brief, there are twenty kinds of forms. In detail, there are forms as numerous as the dust particles in the world-ocean.
Buddhist disciples! Those world-seeds have, in some cases, clouds of māṇi jewels from the ten directions as their substance; in some cases, flames of many colors; in some cases, various lights; in some cases, flames of precious incense; in some cases, śāla flowers adorned with every kind of jewel; in some cases, images of Bodhisattvas; in some cases, the radiance of the Buddhas; in some cases, the physical forms of the Buddhas; in some cases, the light of a single jewel; and in some cases, the light of many jewels, …
Commentary: Bodhisattva Samantabhadra called out once again, “Disciples of the Buddha! You should know that all world seeds also have twenty kinds of characteristics:”
1). Or there are world-seeds that take the maṇi clouds of the ten directions as their substance and appearance.
2). Or there are world-seeds that take all kinds of brilliant colors as their substance and appearance.
3). Or there are world-seeds that take all light as their substance and appearance.
4). Or there are world-seeds that take blazing jeweled fragrances as their substance and appearance.
5). Or there are world-seeds that take all jeweled adornments and tāla flowers as their substance and appearance.
6). Or there are world-seeds that take images of Bodhisattvas as their substance and form.
7). Or there are world-seeds that take the radiance of the Buddhas as their substance and form.
8). Or there are world-seeds that take the physical forms of Buddhas as their substance and form.
9). Or there are world-seeds that take a single kind of precious light as their substance and form.
10). Or there are world-seeds that take many kinds of precious light as their substance and form.
Or some use as subtle sounds the ocean of merit and virtue of all sentient beings; or the ocean of the karma of all sentient beings; or the purity of the realms of all Buddhas; or the ocean of the great vows of all Bodhisattvas; or the skillful means of all Buddhas; or the arising and dissolution of all the adornments of the lands; or the boundless Buddhas; or the transformations of all Buddhas; or the wholesome sounds of all sentient beings; or the pure ocean of the virtues of all Buddhas.
Commentary: Above, ten kinds of form characteristics were used as the substance; now, ten kinds of sounds are used as the substance.
1). Or there are world-seeds that take the ocean of sounds of the merits and virtues of all sentient beings as their essence.
2). Or there are world-seeds that take the ocean of sounds of the karma of all sentient beings as their essence.
3). Or there are world-seeds that take the pure sounds of all Buddha realms as their essence.
4). Or there are world-seeds that take the ocean of sounds of the great vows of all Bodhisattvas as their essence.
5). Or there are world-seeds that take all the sounds of the Buddhas’ skillful means as their essence.
6). Or there are world-seeds that take as their substance the sounds of the adornments of the formation and destruction of all realms.
7). Or there are world-seeds that take as their substance the boundless sounds of the Buddhas.
8). Or there are world-seeds that take as their substance all the Buddhas’ transformative sounds.
9). Or there are world-seeds that take as their substance the sounds of all virtuous sentient beings.
10). Or there are world-seeds that take as their substance the ocean of sounds of all the Buddhas’ pure merits.
And so on; if explained at length, they are as numerous as the motes of dust in the ocean of worlds.
Commentary: Just like the twenty kinds of forms mentioned above. To explain in detail, there are as many kinds of forms as there are particles in the ocean of worlds.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, wishing to proclaim the meaning once more, relying on the Buddha’s spiritual power, gazed toward the ten directions and spoke these verses:
Commentary: At that time, the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct, wishing to restate the meaning of the prose passage above, relied on the Buddha’s great awesome spiritual power, surveyed all the causes and conditions of sentient beings, and used verses to clearly explain the meaning above.
The world-seeds are firmly established, wondrously adorned;
Vast, pure treasuries of light;
They abide supported by lotuses and jeweled oceans,
Or abide in oceans of fragrance, and so forth.
Commentary: Each world-seed is not only exceedingly solid, but is also wondrously adorned within itself, emitting a vast, pure treasury of light. That world-seed abides resting upon a lotus, or upon an ocean of jewels, or upon an ocean of fragrant water, or upon a river of fragrant water.
Mount Sumeru, cities, trees, and altars in wondrous forms
All world-realms throughout the ten directions
With manifold, distinct adorned forms
Are all arrayed and abide in place.
Commentary: The forms of the world-seeds are sometimes like Mount Sumeru, sometimes like fortified cities, forests, or altars. Throughout the Dharma realm in the ten directions, the world-seeds have all kinds of different adornments and forms. Each world-seed abides in orderly rows: when one world decays, another arises; when that world decays, yet another arises, without end.
Or its substance is Pure Light,
Or it is the Flower Treasury and Jeweled Clouds,
Or there are world-seeds formed of blazing radiance,
Abiding in an indestructible treasury of maṇi jewels.
Commentary: Some world-seeds have forms and characteristics that are luminous and pure; some are lotus treasuries, jeweled clouds, or radiant flames, with all kinds of accomplishments; and some world-seeds abide in indestructible maṇi jewels.
Lights, clouds, flames, colors, radiance, and so on
All kinds of boundless pure colors;
Or having spoken sounds as their substance;
The Buddha expounds them, beyond conception.
Commentary: There are world-seeds that take cloud lamps as their substance, or brilliant radiance as their substance, and so on. There are all kinds of boundless pure colors that serve as their substance, or they take speech as their substance. These are all inconceivable supernatural transformations manifested by the Buddha.
Or the sound arising from the power of vows,
The sound of miraculous transformations has a subtle nature,
All sentient beings’ great karmic merit,
The sound of the Buddha’s virtues is likewise so.
Commentary: Or the vow-power of Bodhisattvas, arising at the causal stage, resounds as sound and forms the essence of the world-seeds. The miraculous transformations and wondrous sounds of the Buddhas form the essence; or the great karmic merit of all sentient beings who practice forms the essence; or the Buddhas’ merit and sounds form the essence.
Each world-seed has its own distinct modes.
Inconceivable and without end.
Thus, the ten directions are all pervasively filled.
Vast and magnificent adornments manifest spiritual powers.
Commentary: Each world-seed can be counted differently. That world is inconceivable and endless. Likewise, those world-seeds fill the ten directions. This is the vast adornment manifested and brought to completion by the Buddha’s miraculous power.
All the vast realms of the ten directions
Enter this world-seed;
Though the ten directions are seen entering it everywhere,
In truth, there is no coming and no place of entry.
Commentary: The boundless world-systems of the ten directions, vast and immense, all enter that world-system. Yet although one sees the world-systems of the ten directions pervading and entering that world-system, in reality, that ocean of lands neither comes nor has anywhere to enter. This is the realm of coming without coming, and entering without entering.
One world-seed enters all;
All enter one, with nothing left out.
Essence and characteristics are, as before, without distinction;
Peerless and immeasurable, all pervade everywhere.
Commentary: A single world-seed can enter all world-seeds, and all world-seeds can in turn enter a single world-seed, without remainder. This is the realm of mutual interpenetration without obstruction. Their substance and aspects remain just as they are, without difference. Each world-seed is incomparable and distinct from the others. Though numberless, they pervade together without obstruction.
Within the dust motes of all lands
Universally behold the Tathagata there
The ocean of vows, its voice resounding like thunder
All sentient beings are subdued
Commentary: In every dust mote, all the lands are seen, with Buddhas dwelling within them, turning the great Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings. The sentient beings dwelling there hear the Buddha expound the wondrous Dharma. The Buddha’s power of vows is like the ocean, and the Buddha’s voice resounds like thunder. All sentient beings who hear this thunderous Dharma sound are subdued.
The Buddha’s body pervades all lands
Countless Bodhisattvas also fill them
The Tathagata’s sovereign freedom is incomparable
Universally transforming all sentient beings
Commentary: The Buddha’s pure Dharma body reaches everywhere. In each Buddha-realm, there are immeasurable, boundless Bodhisattvas, filling it completely. This is accomplished through the Buddha’s sovereign supernatural powers, which are incomparable to anything. The Buddha teaches and transforms all sentient beings everywhere.
— o0o —
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again addressed the great assembly, saying: “O sons of the Buddha! These oceans of fragrant water, equal in number to the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands, are distributed throughout the Flower Treasury Adorned World-Ocean, abiding like Indra’s net.”
Commentary: At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct again addressed the great assembly at the Flower Garland Dharma Assembly in the Bodhi Way-place: “O disciples of the Buddha! These oceans of fragrant water, as numerous as the dust motes of ten inconceivable Buddha-lands, are all within the Flower Treasury Adornment World-Ocean, abiding like Indra’s jeweled net spread throughout the ten directions.” Before Śakra’s palace is a very beautiful and magnificent net of jewels, serving as an adornment. The net is made of precious gems, with a large wish-fulfilling jewel at its center. Each jewel emits light, so that “the lights shine upon one another, and the openings connect with one another,” mutually unobstructed, layer upon layer, endlessly and without end. The Ocean of Fragrant Waters is like this: at its center is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters, surrounded on all four sides by immeasurable Oceans of Fragrant Waters as its retinue.
O sons of the Buddha! This centralmost ocean of fragrant water is named Boundless Fragrant-Aroma Light, and has as its base the Banner of the King of Mani Gems Manifesting the Forms of All Bodhisattvas. From it emerges a great lotus named Adornment with All Fragrant Mani Kings. A world seed rests upon it, named Universally Illuminating the Ten Directions with Blazing Jewel Light, with all adornments as its substance; within it are arrayed worlds numbering as many as the unspeakable dust motes in Buddha-lands.
Commentary: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva spoke again: “Disciples of the Buddha! In the Flower Treasury Adorned World Ocean are oceans of Fragrant Water, as numerous as dust motes. At the very center of one Fragrant Water Ocean, named Boundless Wondrous Flower Light, jeweled mani king banners manifest all the forms of Bodhisattvas as the ocean floor. In this Fragrant Water Ocean grows a great lotus named Adornment with the King of All Fragrant Mani Jewels. A world seed is situated atop that lotus, named Universal Illumination in All Ten Directions with Blazing Jeweled Light. That world takes every kind of adornment as its substance. There are also innumerable worlds, as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, arranged in straight rows in all four directions.” Worlds are innumerable and boundless. Because we have not gone to other worlds, we think they do not exist. This is a mistaken view. Not only do we ordinary beings not know how many worlds there are; even the holy Arhats do not know exactly how many worlds there are.
The Venerable Maudgalyayana, one of the Buddha’s foremost disciples, was supreme in supernatural powers. Once, he used his powers to travel eastward, passing through countless worlds until he arrived at a certain world. The people there were hundreds of zhang tall, and they discovered him.
Someone said, “Come and see, there’s a bug with a human head!” At that time, the Buddha of that world said, “That is not a human-headed worm; he is Maudgalyayana, a great disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha in the Saha World, and he possesses supernatural powers.” Therefore, everyone came to speak with Him and form a karmic affinity with the Dharma. When He returned to the Saha world, no one knew how many worlds He had passed through; only the Buddhas knew exactly how many worlds existed.
At present, when we speak of worlds that are infinite and boundless, we think of it as mythology. In fact, the mysteries of the universe have been revealed: there are countless suns in the galaxy, and in the future it may be discovered that there are countless galaxies in the universe. That is the three-thousand great thousand world system.
In the lowest direction there is a world called Supreme Victory, Pervasive Illumination of Light. Its boundary is a radiant wheel adorned with every kind of vajra, and it rests upon many jeweled maṇi flowers. Its shape is like a maṇi jewel, and clouds adorned with all kinds of jeweled flowers spread over it. It is surrounded on all sides by as many worlds as there are dust motes in Buddha-lands. They abide in various ways and are adorned in various ways. The Buddha’s name is Pure-Eyed, Stainless Lamp.
Commentary: Above the world-seed called Universal Illumination of the Ten Directions, Blazing Jewel Light, there are twenty tiers of worlds. At the very bottom is a world called Supreme Light Pervading Illumination. This world is bounded by all the majestic wheels of vajra adornment and radiant light, and rests upon precious maṇi flowers. Its shape is like a maṇi jewel (seemingly square but not square, seemingly round but not round). All kinds of clouds of adorned precious flowers cover the world above. This is the first tier of worlds. Worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands surround it on all four sides as its retinue; they have all kinds of abodes and every kind of adornment. In that world, a Buddha named Pure-Eyed, Defilement-Free Lamp is teaching sentient beings.
The first tier of worlds has as its retinue worlds as numerous as the dust motes in one Buddha-land. The second tier has as its retinue worlds as numerous as the dust motes in two Buddha-lands. Up to the twentieth tier, which has as its retinue worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twenty worlds. In total, there are worlds as numerous as two hundred times the number of dust motes in Buddha-lands, so each world contains immeasurably many smaller worlds. The smaller worlds in turn contain immeasurably many worlds: this is a realm of endless, interpenetrating layers.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in a Buddha-land, there is a world named Various Fragrant Lotus Flowers, Wondrously Adorned. It is bounded by all kinds of adornments and rests upon a net of jeweled lotuses. Its shape is like a lion’s throne, and clouds of bejeweled canopies in every color cover it completely. It is surrounded on all sides by a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in two Buddha-lands. The Buddha there is named Lion Light, Superior Radiance.
Commentary: Above the world of Supreme Victory Light Pervading Illumination, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Various Fragrant Lotus Flowers, Wondrously Adorned. That world has all kinds of adornments as its boundary and rests upon a net of precious lotus flowers. Its shape is like a lion throne. A canopy cloud of precious jewels of various colors also covers it above. This is a second-tier world, surrounded by retinues of worlds as numerous as the dust motes in two Buddha-lands. That world has a Buddha as its teacher, named Lion Light Pervading Illumination, who is dwelling there and teaching living beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named All-Jewels Adorned, Universally Shining Light. Bounded by fragrant wind-wheels, it rests upon various jeweled flower garlands. Its shape has eight corners, and clouds of wondrous-light maṇi sun-wheels cover it above. Worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in three Buddha-lands surround it on every side. Its Buddha is named Pure Light, Wisdom Victorious Banner.
Commentary: Above the world *Various Fragrant Lotus Flowers Adorned with Wonders*, after passing through as many worlds as there are dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named *All Jeweled Adornments Universally Shining with Light*. That world has a boundary formed by fragrance wind-wheels and rests upon various jeweled flower garlands. Its shape is eight-sided. Wondrous maṇi sun-wheel clouds also cover it from above. This is the third level of worlds, surrounded by a retinue of worlds as numerous as the dust particles in three Buddha-lands. In that world, a Buddha who serves as its teacher, named *Pure Light Wisdom Victory Banner*, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Adorned with Flowers of Various Radiances. It is bounded by all the kings of jewels and rests upon an ocean of banners of multicolored vajra śīla pillars. Its shape is like a maṇi lotus, and it is covered above by clouds of the radiance of vajra maṇi jewels. It is surrounded on all sides by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in four Buddha-lands, and is entirely pure. The Buddha’s name is Vajra Radiance, Immeasurable Vigor, and Skillful Manifestation.
Commentary: Above the world All-Adorned Treasury, Universal Illuminating Light, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha lands, there is a world named Various Light Flower Adornment. That world has all kinds of jewel kings as its boundaries and rests upon an ocean of banners of various-colored vajra śīla. Its shape is like a maṇi lotus. Above it, clouds of radiant vajra maṇi jewels spread over it. This is the fourth tier of worlds, surrounded on all sides by worlds as numerous as the dust particles in four Buddha lands. That world is entirely pure, without any impurity. It has a Buddha as its teacher, named Vajra Light, Immeasurable Vigor, Power, Well Manifested, who is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Universal Emanation of Fragrant-Aura Light. It is covered all over by a net adorned with every kind of jeweled bell, and rests upon an ocean of jeweled-wheel nets adorning all the forests of trees. Its shape is square throughout, with many corners; clouds of Brahma-sound maṇi kings cover its top. It is surrounded on every side by worlds equal in number to the dust motes in five Buddha-lands. The Buddha there is named Fragrant Light Ocean of Joyous Power.
Commentary: Above the world named Adorned with All Kinds of Radiant Flowers, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Universal Emission of Wondrous Flower Light. That world has all kinds of jeweled spiritual nets as its boundary and rests upon a sea of nets of jeweled wheels adorned with all kinds of forests. Its shape is square in every direction, with many corners and angles. Clouds of kings of mani jewels with Brahma sounds also cover it from above. This is the fifth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust particles in five Buddha-lands. In that world, the Buddha named Ocean of Fragrant Light and Good Strength is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-fields, is a world named Pure Wondrous Light. Bounded by banners adorned with the King of Illusions, it rests upon a sea of vajra palaces. Its shape is square, and clouds of mani wheel-crested banners cover it above. Six Buddha-field-dust-mote-number worlds surround it on every side. The Buddha there is named Universal Light Sovereign Banner.
Commentary: Above the world of Universal Radiance of Wondrous Flower Light, having passed through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pure Wondrous Radiance. That world has a boundary adorned with jeweled kings and rests upon an ocean of vajra palaces. Its shape is quadrangular. Clouds of maṇi wheel banners cover it overhead. This is the sixth-tier world, surrounded on all sides by attendant worlds as numerous as the dust motes in six Buddha-lands. That world has a Buddha as its teaching master, named Banner of Universal Light and Sovereignty, who is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in a Buddha-land, there is a world named Adorned with Multitudes of Flower Flames. It is adorned and surrounded by various flowers, and rests upon an ocean of flames in the colors of all jewels. Its shape resembles a pavilion, and clouds of garments in every jewel color and pearl balustrades cover its summit. It is surrounded all around by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in seven Buddha-lands, and is entirely pure. The Buddha there is named Joyful Ocean of Merit, Renown, and Sovereign Light.
Commentary: Above the world of Pure Wondrous Light, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Multitude of Flower-Flame Adornments. That world has various kinds of flowers as its boundary, rests upon an ocean of all kinds of radiant-colored jewels, and is shaped like a palace pavilion. Above it, clouds of all kinds of colored jewels and pearls cover it. This is the seventh-tier world, surrounded on all sides by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in seven Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. That world is wholly pure, without any defilement. It has a Buddha as its teaching master, named Joyful Ocean of Merits, Renown, and Sovereign Light, who is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, past a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Ground of the Arising of Majestic Power. It rests upon an ocean of space, upon a lotus seat of various-colored jewels, adorned with the King of All-Sound Mani. Its shape is like Indra’s net, with clouds of flower nets of boundless colors covering it above. It is surrounded on all sides by eight worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands. The Buddha there is named Banner of the Ocean of Wisdom with Vast Renown.
Commentary: Above the world of Adorned Flower Flames, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Land of Arising Majestic Power. That world has all-sound maṇi kings as its adornment and boundary, and rests upon an ocean of precious lotus seats of many colors, their color like space. Its shape is like Indra’s net. Above it, boundless clouds of flower nets in many colors spread as a canopy. This is the eighth-tier world, surrounded on all sides by worlds as numerous as the dust particles in eight Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. In that world, a Buddha presides as its teacher, named Vast Renown, Wisdom Ocean Banner, and is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the atoms in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Emanating Wondrous Sounds. Its boundary is a wheel adorned with mind-king mani jewels, and it rests upon an ocean of mani kings adorned with clouds that constantly emit every wondrous sound. Its shape is like the form of Brahma, and clouds of lion thrones adorned with immeasurable treasures cover its surface. It is surrounded on all sides by nine worlds equal in number to the atoms in Buddha-lands. The Buddha there is named Pure Moonlight, with a Sign None Can Overcome.
Commentary: Above the world called Land of Arising Might, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wondrously Emanating Sound. That world has the Wheel Adorned with the Mind-King Maṇi as its boundary, rests upon an ocean of clouds adorned with king maṇis, and constantly resounds with every wondrous sound. Its shape resembles the body of Brahmā. Moreover, countless clouds adorned with jeweled lion thrones spread over it. This is the ninth-level world, surrounded by a retinue of worlds as numerous as the dust motes in nine Buddha-lands. In that world, a Buddha teaches and guides sentient beings. His name is Pure Moonlight, Radiant Mark, Invincible.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Vajra Banner. It rests on an ocean of mani jewels adorned with all manner of precious lion thrones, encircled by necklaces of pearls and treasures bearing boundless adornments. Its shape is perfectly round. Clouds of Mount Sumeru made of all-fragrant mani flowers, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Mount Sumerus, densely cover it above. It is surrounded on all sides by a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. It is wholly pure, and its Buddha is named King Supreme in the Ocean of All Dharmas.
Commentary: Above the World of Emerging Wonderful Sounds, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Vajra Banner. That world has as its boundary adornments of immeasurable strings of jeweled treasure-store pearls, and rests upon all-adorned oceans of jeweled maṇi lion thrones. Its shape is perfectly round. Clouds of fragrant maṇi Mount Sumerus, as numerous as the dust particles of ten Mount Sumerus, cover it above. This is the tenth-tier world, surrounded on all sides by a retinue of worlds as numerous as the dust particles of ten Buddha-lands. That world is entirely pure, without any defilement. In that world, a Buddha named Supremely Victorious King of the Ocean of All Dharmas is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Ever-Manifesting Indra-Blue Jewel Light. Its boundary is formed by extremely firm, indestructible vajra adornments, and it rests upon various extraordinary flower oceans. Its shape is like a half-moon. Clouds of the devas’ jeweled canopies cover its upper side. It is surrounded on all sides by eleven worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands. The Buddha there is named Dharma of Immeasurable Merit.
Commentary: Above the Vajra Banner World, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-fields, there is a world named Ever-Manifesting Truth, Pure Jewel Radiance. That world takes as its boundary extremely solid, indestructible vajra adornments. It rests upon an ocean of flowers of many different kinds. The world is shaped like a half-moon. Clouds of heavenly jeweled canopies cover it above. This is the world of the eleventh tier, surrounded on all sides by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in eleven Buddha-fields, which form its retinue. That world has a Buddha as its teaching lord, titled Immeasurable Meritorious Dharma, who is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Radiant Illumination. Bounded by Universal Light Adornment, it rests upon the Flower-Whorl Fragrant-Water Ocean. It is shaped like a flower whorl, with clouds of various garments covering it above. Twelve times as many worlds as there are dust motes in Buddha-lands surround it on every side. The Buddha’s name is Surpassing Śakra and Brahmā.
Commentary: Above the world of Ever-Manifesting True Blue Jewel Light, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Radiant Illumination. That world has Universal Light Adornment as its boundary and rests upon a flower-wheel ocean of fragrant water. Its shape is that of a flower wheel. It is covered above by clouds of robes of every kind. This is the twelfth-tier world, surrounded on all sides by worlds as numerous as the dust particles in twelve worlds, which form its retinue. The Buddha in that world is named Surpassing Śakra-Brahmā, and is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, having passed through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, one reaches this world, named Saha. Adorned with diamond dust, it rests upon a net of lotuses supported by wind-wheels of various colors. Its appearance is like space, and clouds of space adorned with celestial palaces, full and complete, cover it above. It is surrounded on all sides by worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in thirteen Buddha-lands. Its Buddha is Vairocana Tathagata, the World-Honored One.
Commentary: Above the world Light Illuminating Everywhere, after passing through as many worlds as there are dust particles in Buddha lands, there is a world named Saha—the world we are now living in. This world has an enormous amount of suffering, but it is still bearable; any more than that would be unbearable. This world is adorned at its boundaries with vajra and rests upon a wind wheel that supports a net of lotus flowers, in a variety of colors. This world is shaped like empty space (empty space has no form and cannot be seen).
People in ancient times believed that heaven was round and the earth square, so they said it was circular in shape, because the empty sky represents the shape of heaven. Clouds fill the sky all around, and magnificent celestial palaces adorn the heavens above. This is the world on the thirteenth level, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in thirteen Buddha-lands, which are its retinue. The Buddha who is its guiding teacher is the World-Honored One, Vairocana Buddha of the Pure Dharma Body, who is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Light of Stillness Free from Dust. It is bounded by adornments of every kind of treasure and rests upon an ocean of various jeweled garments. Its shape is like that of a Vajra-bearer, and clouds of vajras in boundless colors cover its summit. Fourteen Buddha-land dust-mote-number of worlds surround it on every side. The Buddha’s title is Excellent Sound Pervading the Dharma Realm.
Commentary: Above the Saha World, beyond as many worlds as there are dust particles in Buddha-lands, lies a world named Quiescent, Free from Dust, and Radiant. Its boundaries are adorned with every kind of treasure, and it rests upon an ocean of various jeweled garments. The world is shaped like a vajra scepter. Boundless clouds of vajra colors cover it above. This is the fourteenth-tier world, surrounded on all sides by retinues of worlds as numerous as the dust particles in fourteen Buddha-lands. In that world, a Buddha who serves as its teacher, named Victory in Sound Throughout the Dharma Realm, is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named “Lamp of the Light of All Wonderful Things.” Its ground is formed of canopies adorned with every kind of ornament, and it rests upon an ocean of pure flower nets. Its shape resembles a swastika, and clouds of fragrant-water oceans and mani trees cover its top. It is surrounded on every side by fifteen worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, and is entirely pure. The Buddha there is named “Banner of the All-Illuminating, Indestructible Power.”
Commentary: Above the world of Silent Stillness, Freedom from Dust, and Light, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-fields, there is a world named Banner of Many Wondrous Lights. That world has all manner of jeweled banners as its boundary. It rests upon an ocean of pure flower nets. Its shape is that of the swastika character. Clouds of mani trees and fragrant-water oceans cover it above. This is the fifteenth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in fifteen Buddha-fields as its retinue, wholly pure and undefiled by admixture. In that world, a Buddha teaches and transforms sentient beings; his name is Unsubduable Power, Universally Illuminating Banner.
Beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands above this, there is a world named Pervasive Pure Light. Bounded by inexhaustible jeweled-cloud mani kings, it rests upon an ocean of various fragrant-flame lotuses. Its shape resembles a tortoise shell, and circular radiant mani wheels and sandalwood clouds cover its top. It is surrounded on all sides by worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in sixteen Buddha-lands. The Buddha’s name is Pure Sun Meritorious-Eye.
Commentary: Above the world named Many Wonderful Bright Light Lamps, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Pure Light Universally Shining. That world has boundless mani jewel kings as its boundary. It rests upon various oceans of fragrant, flaming lotus flowers, and is shaped like a tortoise shell. Clouds of sandalwood mani wheels with circular halos cover it from above. This is the sixteenth tier of worlds, surrounded on all sides by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in sixteen Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. In that world, a Buddha named Pure Sun Merit Eye is its teacher and is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Treasury of Jeweled Adornments. It has as its boundary the King Maṇi Jewel shaped like all sentient beings, and rests upon an ocean of Treasury-of-Light King Maṇi Jewels. Its shape has eight corners. A net of jeweled flower trees, adorned with all wheels as mountains, spreads over it. Worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in seventeen Buddha-lands encircle it. Its Buddha is named Unimpeded Wisdom Light Shining Throughout the Ten Directions.
Commentary: Above the world of Pure Light Pervading Illumination, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Treasury of Jeweled Adornments. Its boundaries are formed by all the forms of sentient-being Maṇi Kings, and it rests upon an ocean of treasury-light of Maṇi Kings. That world is eight-sided. All around it, nets of jeweled flower trees adorn the Wheel-Rim Mountains, which cover it above. This is the seventeenth-tier world, surrounded on every side by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in seventeen Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. In that world, a Buddha named Unimpeded Wisdom Light Universally Shining in the Ten Directions is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Free from Dust. It rests upon an ocean of lion thrones fragrant with many kinds of incense, with dust motes adorned by every wondrous feature. Its shape is like a pearl necklace, and a cloud of circular radiance from all the precious fragrant mani kings spreads over it. It is surrounded on every side by eighteen worlds, each numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands. It is wholly pure, and its Buddha is named Supreme Banner of Immeasurable Expedient Means.
Commentary: Above the world of Jeweled Adornments, beyond as many worlds as there are dust motes in Buddha-lands, is a world named Free from Dust. Its boundary is formed by every wondrous and supreme adornment, and it rests upon an ocean of wondrous flower lion thrones. Its shape is like a jeweled necklace. Clouds of circular light, precious incense, and maṇi jewels cover it above. This is the eighteenth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in eighteen Buddha-lands, which form its retinue; it is purely and wholly pure, without admixture. In that world, a Buddha who teaches and guides sentient beings is named Supreme Banner of Immeasurable Skillful Means.
Beyond this, after passing worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Pure Light Universally Shining. It is bounded by inexhaustible jeweled-cloud mani kings and rests upon an ocean of Mount Sumerus of immeasurable-colored fragrant flames. Its shape is like a jeweled flower spread in a circular pattern, and above it is covered by clouds of indra-blue mani kings of boundless-colored light. It is surrounded all around by worlds equal in number to the dust motes in nineteen Buddha-lands. The Buddha is named Universally Shining Light of the Dharma Realm and Void.
Commentary: Above the world of Separation from Dust, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pure Light Universally Shining. That world takes as its boundaries endless clouds of precious maṇi kings, and rests upon an ocean of Sumeru mountains of immeasurable colors, fragrances, and flames. It is shaped like precious flowers arranged in a circle. Boundless clouds of multicolored, radiant indranīla maṇi kings cover it above. This is the nineteenth-tier world, surrounded on all sides by retinues of worlds as numerous as the dust particles in nineteen Buddha-lands. The Buddha who presides over that world is named Universal Illumination of Dharma-Realm Space Light, and is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrous Jewel Flame. Its boundary is formed by universally radiant sun-and-moon jewels, and it rests upon an ocean of kingly maṇi jewels shaped like all the gods. Its form resembles a jeweled ornament, and its summit is covered with clouds of banners made of all kinds of jeweled garments and nets of maṇi lamp treasuries. It is surrounded on all sides by twenty times as many world-circles as there are dust motes in Buddha-lands. It is perfectly pure, and its Buddha is named Radiance of the Marks of Merit.
Commentary: Above the world Pure Light Universally Shining, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wondrous Jewel Flame. That world has the universal radiance of jeweled suns and moons as its boundary, rests upon an ocean of all forms of celestial mani kings, and is shaped like an adorned treasure. Jeweled banners and nets of mani lamp-treasuries cover it above. This is the twentieth-tier world, surrounded on all sides by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twenty Buddha-lands as its retinue; it is purely and uniformly clean, without admixture. In that world, a Buddha named Radiant Light of Auspicious Marks is its teacher and is teaching sentient beings.
Disciples of the Buddha! This Universally Illuminating Ten Directions Blazing Jewel Light World-Seed contains an indescribable number of vast worlds, each with its own abode, form, nature, orientation, means of entry, adornments, boundaries, arrays, distinctions, and powers of support. They surround and encircle, encompassing on every side, the Universally Illuminating Ten Directions Blazing Jewel Light World-Seed.
Commentary: Bodhisattva Universal Worthy called out once more, “Disciples of the Buddha! In the boundless sea of fragrant waters, wondrous flowers and radiant light, there arose a great lotus adorned with the fragrance of kingly mani jewels. Within that great lotus, the world seed called *Illuminating All Ten Directions with Blazing Jewel Light* abides above. There are worlds as numerous as the grains of dust in Buddha-lands—indeed, worlds as vast in number as the indescribable grains of dust in Buddha-lands.” Each dependent world is different. Some worlds rest upon mani flowers, some upon mani jewels, some upon vajras, and some upon Mount Sumeru.
The shape of each world is different: some worlds are shaped like rivers and mountains, some like lotus flowers, some like palaces, some are octagonal, and some are semicircular.
The fundamental nature of each world is different: some worlds have precious light as their substance, some have fragrant flames, some have maṇi clouds, and some have sound.
Each world has different aspects, different modes of entry, different adornments, different divisions, different ranks, different kinds of nondifferentiation, and different blessings. These are the twenty tiers of worlds and their retinues, surrounding the world-seed of Universal Illumination in the Ten Directions, Blazing Jeweled Light.
Namely: worlds of revolving form, worlds of river form, worlds of flowing-spring form, worlds of wheel-net form, worlds of sandalwood form, worlds of forest form, worlds of tower form, worlds of śīla-banner form, worlds of all-direction form, worlds of womb-treasury form, worlds of lotus form, worlds of kharakkha form, worlds of various-beings form, worlds of Buddha-mark form, worlds of halo form, worlds of cloud form, worlds of net form, and worlds of gateway form—each in a number equal to the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands.
Commentary: Lotus-shaped worlds, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-fields. Khuralaka-shaped worlds, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-fields. Worlds shaped like all kinds of sentient beings, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-fields. Worlds shaped like Buddhas, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-fields. Worlds shaped like circular halos, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-fields. Cloud-shaped worlds, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-fields. Net-shaped worlds, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-fields. Worlds shaped like gateways, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-fields.
Worlds shaped like whirlpools, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like rivers, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like water eddies, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like wheels, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like sacrificial altars, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like forests, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like pavilions, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like tràng-thi-la, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Square-shaped worlds, as numerous as the ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like wombs, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like lotuses, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like khư-lạc-ca, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like the bodies of all kinds of beings, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like the features of Buddhas, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like halos, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like clouds, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like nets, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Worlds shaped like gates and passageways, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands.
And so on; there are as many as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.
Commentary: The world mentioned above has eighteen kinds of forms, but this is only a general account; in detail, they are as numerous as the dust particles in ineffable Buddha-lands.
Upon the great lotus flower are countless, boundless worlds. We who live in this world do not know that there are other worlds in the ten directions. In truth, the number of worlds is equal to the number of dust particles in the Buddha realms. It is like living deep in the mountains, unaware that beyond the mountains there are many great cities. If you want to know about other worlds, you need only cultivate. When you attain the Five Eyes and Six Spiritual Powers, you will see the appearances of other worlds. You will see clearly everything the people in those worlds do and say. Then you will believe that the Buddha’s words are true. The Buddha does not lie, so do not doubt whether such realms exist. For now, they exist only as an impression; gradually, you will seek verification, and in the future you will reach a definitive conclusion.
Each of these worlds is surrounded on all sides by vast worlds, as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. Each of these worlds, in turn, has as its retinue worlds as numerous as the dust motes described above.
Commentary: In each world, there are great worlds surrounding it, as numerous as the dust particles in the Buddha-fields of the ten directions. Each of those worlds, in turn, has worlds as its retinue, as numerous as the dust particles of the ineffable, ineffable number.
In the Flower Afornment Sutra, each principle is illustrated by citing ten things. Ten represents immeasurable meanings and expresses the principle of layer upon layer without end. However, when it speaks of the number of dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, in fact it does not stop at that number, but extends to a hundred Buddha-lands, a thousand Buddha-lands, ten thousand Buddha-lands, and the number of dust motes in immeasurable Buddha-lands—a number that cannot be fully expressed. Hence the phrase “beyond description.”
All the worlds described in this way are contained in this boundless ocean of fragrant water, Fragrant Essence Light, and in the rivers of fragrant water that surround this ocean.
Commentary: The worlds mentioned are immeasurable and boundless. They dwell in the ocean of fragrant water called Boundless Wondrous Flower Light and, surrounding that ocean on all four sides, dwell in the River of Fragrant Water.
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At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again addressed the great assembly, saying: “All you Buddha-sons! To the east of this boundless fragrant-water sea of Fragrance-Light is another fragrant-water sea named Treasury of Flaming Defilement-Free Light. From it emerges a great lotus named Wondrous Adornment of the King of All Fragrant Maṇis. Above it rests a world-seed named All-Illuminating Realm-Wheel, whose essence is the lion’s roar of the Bodhisattva practices.”
Commentary: At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct again addressed the assembly at the Flower Adornment Dharma Assembly at the Bodhi Site: “Disciples of the Buddha! In the midst of the Flower Treasury Adorned World Sea is the Boundless Wondrous Flower Light Fragrant Water Sea, surrounded on all four sides by fragrant water seas.”
1). Ocean of the Stainless Flame Treasury.
2). Ocean of the Inexhaustible Wheel of Light.
3). Ocean of Vajra Jewel Flames.
4). Ocean of Indra-Blue Jewel Adornment.
5). Ocean of the Vajra Wheel Adornment Base.
6). Ocean of the Lotus Indra’s Net.
7). Ocean of the Accumulated Treasury of Precious Fragrance.
8). Ocean of Jeweled Adornments.
9). Ocean of Vajra Jewels.
10). Ocean of a Thousand Cities of Jeweled Leaves.
To the east of the Fragrant Water Sea of Boundless Wonderful Flower Light is the Fragrant Water Sea of Immaculate Flame Treasury, proceeding clockwise in order.
The ten oceans in the right-hand circle surround the central Ocean of Fragrant Waters, Boundless Wondrous Flower Light. In each Ocean of Fragrant Waters is a great lotus, with a type of world established above it. In the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, Stainless Flame Treasury, there is a world system called Universally Illuminating Realm Wheel. In the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, Endless Wheel of Light, there is a world system called Adornments of Buddha-Fields. In the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, Vajra Jewel Flame Light, there is a world system called Treasury of Buddha-Light Adornments. In the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, Indra-Blue Jewel Adornment, there is a world system called Light of the Ten Directions. In the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, Foundation of Vajra Wheel Adornment, there is a world system called Wondrous Jewels Interwoven in Indra’s Net. In the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, Lotus Indra’s Net, there is a world system called Images Manifested Throughout the Ten Directions. In the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, Accumulated Jewel-Fragrance Treasury, there is a world system called Adornment of All Majesty and Virtue. In the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, Jewel Adornment, there is a world system called Universally Stainless. In the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, Vajra Jewel Cluster, there is a world system called Dharma-Realm Practice. In the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, Thousand-City Jewel Petals, there is a world system called Lamp-Flame Radiance. This is a brief account of the ten world systems surrounding it on the right.
We now begin to speak of the ten oceans. Each ocean has twenty tiers of worlds, with worlds as numerous as the dust motes in 210 Buddha-lands surrounding it as its retinue. In all those worlds, Buddhas are teaching sentient beings. This realm is revealed only in the Flower Adornment Sutra, which is why it is the king of all sutras.
To the east of the Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Boundless Wonderful Flower Light, there is another Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Pure Flaming Treasury. In that Ocean of Fragrant Waters grows a great lotus made of precious jewels, named All-Fragrance Mani King Wonderful Adornment. Above it stands a world seed named Universally Illuminating Revolving Realm. That world seed takes the resounding roar of the Bodhisattva’s conduct as its essence.
At the very bottom among these, there is a world called the Banner of Palace Adornments. Its shape is square, and it rests upon an ocean adorned with all kinds of jewels. Clouds of a net of lotus light spread over it. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, and is entirely pure. The Buddha’s name is Light Shining Universally from Between the Brows.
Commentary: Above the world-seed called the All-Illuminating Realm-Encompassing World are twenty tiers of worlds. The lowest world in the direction below is named Banner of Adorned Palaces. It is square in shape and rests upon all the adorned jewel oceans. Luminous lotus-net clouds cover it from above. This is the first tier of worlds. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the particles of dust in Buddha-lands, which form its retinue; they are perfectly pure and unmixed. The Buddha in that world is named Light Between the Eyebrows, Universally Illuminating.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Virtue Flower Treasury. Its shape is perfectly round, and it rests upon an ocean of all-jeweled flower stamens. Clouds of pearl-banner lion thrones cover it all around. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in two Buddha-lands, and its Buddha is named Wisdom of the Boundless Dharma Ocean.
Above the world Banner-Adorned Palace, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in a Buddha-land, there is a world named Virtue Flower Treasury. It is round in shape and rests upon all the oceans of flower stamens, with clouds of pearl banners and lion thrones covering it above. This is the second-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in two Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. In that world there is a Buddha named All-Boundless Dharma-Sea Wisdom.
Above this, beyond worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Good Transformation, Wondrous Fragrance Wheel. It is shaped like a vajra and rests upon an ocean of nets of bells adorned with every kind of jewel. Clouds of halos, adorned in various ways, spread over its top. It is surrounded by worlds equal in number to the dust motes in three Buddha-lands. The Buddha there is named Light of the Marks of Merit, Shining Everywhere.
Commentary: Above the world of Virtue Flower Treasury, beyond as many worlds as there are dust motes in Buddha-lands, is a world named Well-Transformed Wondrous Fragrance Wheel. It is shaped like a vajra and rests upon an ocean of nets wondrously adorned with all kinds of jewels. Various clouds of adorned circular radiance cover it above. This is the third-tier world, surrounded by as many worlds as there are dust motes in three Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. In that world is a Buddha named Universal Illumination of the Light of the Marks of Merit.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called “Wondrous-Colored Radiance.” Its shape is like a maṇi-jeweled wheel. It rests upon an ocean of fragrant water adorned with jewels of boundless colors, and clouds of universally radiant pearl towers and pavilions densely cover its summit. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in four Buddha-lands, and is entirely pure. The Buddha’s name is “Good Retinue, Arising and Shining Everywhere.”
Commentary: Above the world of the Good Transformation of the Wondrous Fragrance Wheel, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrous Form Bright Light. It is shaped like a precious maṇi wheel and rests upon the ocean of fragrance-water of Boundless Colored Jewels. Clouds of universally radiant pearl pavilions cover it above. This is the fourth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in four Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. It is purely and wholly pure, without admixture. In that world, there is a Buddha named Good Retinue Arising and Universally Shining.
Beyond this, after passing worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Good Canopy of Blessings. It is shaped like a lotus and rests on an ocean of vajra-fragrant water, with a cloud of dust-free, radiant fragrant water covering it above. It is surrounded by worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in five Buddha-lands. Its Buddha is named Boundless Wisdom of Dharma Joy.
Commentary: Above the world Wondrous Form Light, beyond worlds as numerous as dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Good Canopy Covering. It is shaped like a lotus and rests upon an ocean of Vajra Fragrant Water. Clouds of luminous fragrant water, free of dust, cover it above. This is the fifth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as dust motes in five Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. The Buddha in that world is named Boundless Wisdom of Dharma Joy.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Śrī Flower Light Wheel. Its shape is triangular, and it rests upon an ocean adorned with all firm jewels. Clouds of light from the maṇi crowns of the Bodhisattvas cover its summit. It is surrounded by six worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands. The Buddha is named Pure Universal Light Cloud.
Commentary: Above the world Good Canopy Abundance, passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wheel of Auspicious Flower Light, triangular in shape and resting upon all the firmly adorned jeweled oceans. Clouds of light from the Bodhisattvas’ maṇi crowns cover it above. This is the sixth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust particles in six worlds, which form its retinue. The Buddha in that world is named Pure Universal Light.
Those of us who study the Buddhadharma and understand its principles should be broad-minded. Hence the saying: “When spread out, it fills the six directions; when rolled up, it withdraws and is hidden away in secrecy.”
This is the thinking of Confucian scholars. To open the mind so that it fills the six directions (above, below, and the four quarters) is also to fill the universe. Confucian scholars know only the six directions, not the ten directions. When contracted, it is hidden in the profound mystery; because people do not know of this place, it is called “mystery.” The scope of our minds not only extends throughout the six directions, but also fills all of space and the entire Dharma realm, everywhere. We must take compassion as our foundation and skillful means as our gateway, practicing the Bodhisattva path everywhere.
There are infinitely many worlds, but they do not extend beyond our minds. Thus, “The Ten Dharma Realms do not depart from a single thought,” and they cannot be counted. Although science is now very advanced and can reach the moon, this is merely a little progress; it has not yet reached other worlds inhabited by living beings. In the future, worlds will communicate with one another, proving that living beings are alive in other worlds. Yet once travel between them begins and the secrets of heaven and earth are fully understood, this world will perish and another world will arise. People learn, only to become confused again. For this reason, we who cultivate the Way must uphold the precepts and return to our origin; only then can we resolve birth and death.
So what does this world’s formation, abiding, decay, and emptiness have to do with us? Therefore, we who cultivate the Way must uphold the precepts at all times. To uphold the precepts, we must be attentive in every place and circumstance; hence, “Three thousand dignified deportments and eighty thousand subtle practices.” Do not be careless anywhere. If we act recklessly and indulgently and fail to observe the rules, we cannot bring birth and death to an end.
Beyond this, past a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Adornment of Precious Lotus Flowers. Its shape is like a half-moon, and it rests upon an ocean adorned with all lotus flowers. All jeweled flower clouds spread over its top. It is surrounded by worlds numbering seven times the dust motes in Buddha-lands, and is entirely pure. The Buddha is named Pure Eye of the Flower of Merit.
Commentary: Above the world of Śrī Flower Light Wheel, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-fields, there is a world called Adorned with Jeweled Lotuses. That world is shaped like a half-moon and rests upon an ocean of all-adorned lotuses. This is the seventh level of worlds, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in seven Buddha-fields, which form its retinue; it is entirely pure and unmixed. In that world there is a Buddha named Merit Flower Pure Eye.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Adorned with Stainless Flame. Its form is like rows of jeweled lamps; it rests upon an ocean of the Jeweled Flame Treasury, constantly rains fragrant water, and is covered above by clouds of various forms. It is surrounded by a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in eight Buddha-lands. The Buddha’s name is Wisdom-Power, None Can Surpass.
Commentary: Above the world of Jeweled Lotus Flower Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Immaculate Flame Adornment. Its shape is like rows of jeweled lamps. It rests upon a sea of jeweled flame-treasures. Clouds that constantly rain fragrant water in many forms cover it above. This is the eighth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in eight worlds, which form its retinue. That world has a Buddha named Unexcelled Wisdom Power.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrous Brahma Sound, shaped like the 卍 symbol and resting on an ocean of jeweled robe-banner pillars. Clouds of canopies adorned with every kind of flower spread over it above. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in nine Buddha-lands. The Buddha there is named Vast Eyes, Like the Pure Moon in the Sky.
Commentary: Above the world Immaculate Flame Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wondrous Brahma Sound. It is shaped like a swastika and rests upon an ocean of jeweled banners. Clouds adorned with all kinds of flowers cover it from above. This is the ninth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in nine Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. The Buddha in that world is named Vast-Eyed Pure Moon in the Sky.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Dust-Mote Number of Sounds. Its shape is like Indra’s net, and it rests upon an ocean of all-jeweled waters. Clouds of jeweled canopies bearing every kind of musical sound spread over it above. It is surrounded by worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, and is entirely pure. The Buddha’s name is Golden-Colored Sumeru Lamp.
Commentary: Above the world of Wonderful Brahma Sound, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Sounds as Numerous as Dust Motes. It is shaped like Indra’s net and rests upon an ocean of water composed of every kind of jewel. Clouds of every kind of musical jewel cover it from above. This is the tenth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. They are purely and uniformly pure, without admixture. In that world there is a Buddha named Golden Sumeru Lamp.
Beyond this, after passing worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Adornment of Jeweled Forms. Its shape is like a swastika, and it rests upon an ocean of kingly jewels shaped like Indra. A cloud-robe of sun-bright flowers covers it above. It is surrounded by worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in eleven Buddha-lands. The Buddha is named Radiant Wisdom of Light Returning to the Dharma Realm.
Commentary: Above the world named Dust-Mote-Number of Sounds, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Adorned with Precious Colors, shaped like a swastika. It rests upon an ocean shaped like Indra’s Precious Jewel King. Clouds of sun-radiant flowers spread over it above. This is the eleventh-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in eleven worlds, which form its retinue. That world has a Buddha named Wisdom of the Light that Reflects Back upon the Dharma Realm.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in a Buddha-land, there is a world named Golden-Colored Wondrous Light. Its shape is like a vast city, and it rests upon an ocean adorned with all kinds of jewels. Clouds of precious flowers from the bodhimanda spread over it, and it is surrounded by worlds numbering twelve Buddha-land dust-motes. The Buddha’s name is Banner of Universal Illumination by Precious Lamps.
Commentary: Above the world Adorned with Precious Colors, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Golden-Colored Wondrous Light. It is shaped like a vast city and rests upon all the oceans of jeweled adornments. Clouds of precious bodhimanda flowers cover it above. This is the twelfth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twelve Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. In that world, there is a Buddha named Banner of the Precious Lamp, Universal Illumination.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Universal-Illuminating Light Wheel. Its shape is like a whirling flower, and it rests upon an ocean of whirling jeweled garments. Clouds of Buddha-Sound Jewel-King Pavilions spread over it. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in thirteen Buddha-lands, is entirely pure, and its Buddha is named Lotus-Blaze Universal Illuminator.
Commentary: Above the world Golden Wonderful Light, beyond as many worlds as there are dust motes in Buddha-lands, is a world called Universal Illumination Light Wheel. Its shape is like a garland, and it rests upon a sea of jeweled robes. Clouds of jeweled pavilions resounding with the Buddha’s voice cover it above. This is the thirteenth-tier world, surrounded by as many worlds as there are dust motes in thirteen Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. It is perfectly pure and unmixed. The Buddha in that world is named Lotus Flame Universal Radiance.
Above this, beyond worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Adornment of the Jeweled Treasury. Its shape is like the Four Continents, and it rests upon a Mount Sumeru adorned with jeweled garlands. Clouds of flaming jewels cover its top. It is surrounded by worlds equal in number to the dust motes in fourteen Buddha-lands. The Buddha there is named Flower of Infinite Blessings Unfolding.
Commentary: Above the world called Universal Illuminating Light Wheel, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Adorned Jewel Treasury, shaped like the four great continents (the Eastern Victory-Body Continent is shaped like half a moon; the Southern Jambudvipa is elongated; the Western Cow-Transforming Continent is round like a full moon; and the Northern Kuru Continent is square). That world rests upon a chain of Mount Sumeru jewels, with brilliant clouds of mani jewels covering it above. This is the world on the fourteenth tier, surrounded on all sides by worlds as numerous as the dust particles in fourteen worlds, forming its retinue. That world has a Buddha named Infinite Merit Blossoming Flower.
Above this, beyond worlds equal in number to the dust motes in a Buddha-land, is a world called Universal Manifestation Like Images in a Mirror. Its shape resembles the body of an asura. It rests upon an ocean of vajra lotuses, with clouds of jeweled-crown light and shadow veiling its top. It is surrounded by worlds equal in number to the dust motes in fifteen Buddha-lands. The Buddha is named Nectar Voice.
Commentary: Above, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Universal Manifestation Like a Mirror Image, shaped like an Asura. That world rests upon an ocean of vajra lotuses, with clouds of jeweled canopies and radiant reflections covering it above. This is the fifteenth world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust particles in fifteen Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. That world has a Buddha named Nectar Sound.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Sandalwood Moon. Its shape is octagonal, and it rests upon a jeweled ocean of vajra sandalwood. Clouds of pearl-flower mani jewels spread over it. It is surrounded by a number of worlds equal to sixteen times the dust motes in Buddha-lands and is entirely pure. The Buddha is named Supreme Dharma, Unequalled Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world Like a Mirror Image Manifesting Everywhere, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Sandalwood Moon, shaped like an octagon. That world rests upon an ocean of jeweled vajra sandalwood. Clouds of maṇi pearl flowers cover it above. This is the sixteenth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in sixteen Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. In that world is a Buddha named Supreme Victorious Dharma, Unequalled Wisdom.
Above this, beyond worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pure Radiant Light. Its form is like swirling streams of fragrant water, and it rests upon an ocean of boundless-colored jeweled light. Clouds of wondrous fragrance and radiance spread over it. It is surrounded by worlds numbering as many as seventeen times the dust motes in Buddha-lands. The Buddha’s name is Universal Illumination of Space, Radiant Sound.
Commentary: Above the Sandalwood Moon World, after passing through as many worlds as there are dust motes in Buddha-fields, there is a world called Immaculate Light, shaped like a swirling current of water. That world rests upon an ocean of boundless, multicolored jewel light. Clouds of wondrous fragrant light cover it above. This is the seventeenth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes of seventeen worlds, which serve as its retinue. That world has a Buddha named Universally Illuminating Space, Light, and Sound.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Fragrant Aura Adornment. Its shape is like a coil, and it rests upon an ocean of all flowers. Clouds of wish-fulfilling jewels producing every kind of music spread over it. It is surrounded by a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in eighteen Buddha-lands. The Buddha is named Universal Manifestation of Excellent Light.
Commentary: Above the world of Stainless Light, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrous Flower Adornment. The adorned shape of that world is circular. It rests upon an ocean of all flowers, with clouds of every kind of maṇi music covering it above. This is the eighteenth level, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in eighteen Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. The Buddha of that world is named Universal Manifestation of Excellent Light.
Beyond this, after passing worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Splendid Sound Adornment. Its shape is like a lion throne. It rests upon the Ocean of Golden Lion Thrones, and clouds of multicolored lotus-treasury lion thrones cover it above. It is surrounded by worlds equal in number to the dust motes in nineteen Buddha-lands. The Buddha’s name is Boundless Merit, Renowned Universal Light.
Commentary: Above the world Wonderful Flower Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Victory-Sound Adornment, shaped like a lion throne and resting upon an ocean of golden lion thrones. Clouds of lotus-treasury lion thrones of various colors cover it above. This is the nineteenth-tier world. Worlds as numerous as the dust motes in nineteen Buddha-lands surround it as its retinue. The Buddha there is named Boundless Merit, Renown, Universal Radiance.
Beyond this, after passing a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lofty Victorious Lamp. Its shape is like a Buddha’s palm, and it rests on an ocean of fragrant banners adorned with jeweled garments, atop the auspicious banner shaded by clouds of the Sun-Wheel Universally Illuminating Jewel King Pavilion. It is surrounded by a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in twenty Buddha-lands, is entirely pure, and its Buddha is named Lamp that Universally Illuminates Space.
Commentary: Above the world Adorned with Victorious Sounds, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lofty Victory Lamp, shaped like a Buddha’s hand. That world rests upon an ocean of jeweled garments and fragrant banners. Clouds of jeweled towers and the universally illuminating jewel-king sun cover it above. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twenty Buddha-lands, which form its retinue; they are uniformly pure and unmixed. The world has a Buddha named Lamp of Universal Illumination of Space.
Now that we have briefly explained the first ocean, there are twenty kinds of worlds in the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, Immaculate Flame Treasury. Below is a brief explanation of the twenty tiers of worlds in the second ocean, the Infinite Light Wheel.
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O disciples of the Buddha, south of this Ocean of Fragrant Waters of the Immaculate Flame Treasury is another Ocean of Fragrant Waters, called the Endless Light Wheel. Its world-seed is called Adornment of the Buddha Banner, and is formed from the sounds of the ocean of all Buddhas’ virtues.
Commentary: Bodhisattva Samantabhadra called out once more, “Disciples of the Buddha! To the south of the Ocean of Fragrant Waters of the Stainless Flame Treasury, there is another ocean of fragrant waters called the Inexhaustible Light Wheel. Within that ocean of fragrant waters is a world-seed called Buddha Banner Adornment, whose substance is the ocean of all the Buddha’s sound-related merits.”
In the lowest direction among these is a world named Love-Seeing Flower. It is shaped like a jeweled wheel and rests upon an ocean of King-Treasures in the treasury of mani trees. A manifested bodhisattva form appears there, with clouds of treasure stores spreading thickly above it. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, and is perfectly pure. Its Buddha is named Lotus-Blossom Light Joyful Face.
Commentary: Above the World Adorned with the Buddha’s Field, there are also twenty tiers of worlds. At the lowest level in the south, there is a world called Seeing Love and Flowers, shaped like a jeweled wheel and resting upon an ocean of wish-fulfilling jewel trees. Clouds that manifest as bodhisattvas made of jewels cover it from above. Surrounding it as retinues are worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-fields. They are entirely pure and untainted. In that world, a Buddha named Lotus Light Joyful Face is turning the Wheel of Dharma and teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wonderful Sound, whose Buddha is called Sumeru Jewel Lamp.
Commentary: Above the world of Ái Kiến Hoa, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wonderful Sound. In that world, a Buddha named Sumeru Jewel Lamp is turning the Wheel of the Dharma to teach and transform sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Radiance Adorned with Multitudes of Jewels; the Buddha is named Banner of the Sounds of the Dharma Realm.
Commentary: Above the world of Wonderful Sound, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Light of Adornment with Many Treasures. In that world, there is a Buddha named Dharma Realm Sound Banner, who is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Beyond this, after worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Fragrant Treasury Vajra; the Buddha’s name is Radiant Sound.
Commentary: Above the world of Precious Jewel Adornment, beyond as many worlds as there are dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Fragrant Treasury Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named Light Sound is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, past worlds as numerous as dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Pure Wondrous Sound; the Buddha’s name is Supreme Victorious Power of Diligence.
Commentary: Above the world of Fragrant Treasury Vajra, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-realms, there is a world called Pure Wondrous Sound. In that world, a Buddha named Supreme Victorious Power of Diligence is turning the Wheel of Dharma and teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Precious Lotus Flower Adornment; the Buddha is named Dharma Accomplishment Cloud Thunder Sound.
Commentary: Above the world of Pure Wondrous Sound, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Adorned Precious Lotus Flower. In that world, there is a Buddha named Dharma-Accomplishing Cloud Thunder Sound, who is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Giving Peace and Joy, and its Buddha is named Great Renown Wisdom Lamp.
Commentary: Above the world of Jeweled Lotus Flower Adornment, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Bestowed Peace and Joy. In that world, a Buddha named Great Fame Wisdom Lamp is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Immaculate Net, whose Buddha is named Lion’s Light Ocean of Merit.
Commentary: Above the world of Giving Peace and Bliss, beyond Buddha-lands, there is a world named Immaculate Net. In that world, a Buddha named Lion’s Light, Ocean of Merit and Virtue, is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Flower Grove Banner Universal Illumination; the Buddha is named Great Wisdom Lotus Flower Light.
Commentary: Above the world of the Immaculate Net, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Flower Grove Banner Universal Illumination. In that world, a Buddha named Great Wisdom Lotus Light is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Infinite Adornments; its Buddha is named Universal Eye Dharma-Realm Banner.
Commentary: Above the world called Flower Forest Banner Universal Radiance, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Immeasurable Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named Universal Eye Dharma-Realm Banner is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Universal Light Jeweled Adornment; the Buddha is named Victorious Wisdom Great Merchant Leader.
Commentary: Above the world Immeasurable Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the grains of dust in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Universal Light Jeweled Adornment. In that world is a Buddha named Victorious Wisdom Great Merchant Leader, who is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, after passing through worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Flower King; the Buddha’s name is Moonlight Banner.
Commentary: Above the world of Universal Radiant Light Jewel Adornment, passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Flower King. In that world, a Buddha named Moonlight Banner is turning the Dharma wheel, teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Stainless Treasury, whose Buddha is named Pure Awakening.
Commentary: Above the Flower King World, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Stainless Treasury. In that world, a Buddha named Pure Awakening is turning the Wheel of the Dharma and teaching sentient beings.
Beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands above this, there is a world named Jewel Radiance, whose Buddha is called All-Knowledge Space Lamp.
Commentary: Above the world of the Stainless Treasury, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-fields, there is a world called Jewel Radiance. In that world, a Buddha named All-Knowing Space Treasury is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Emergence of Precious Necklaces; its Buddha is named Light of the Marks of the Ocean of Merit of All Perfections.
Commentary: Above the world of Jewel Light, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Birth of Precious Garlands. In that world, a Buddha named Radiance of the Marks of the Ocean of Blessings of All Deliverances is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrous Wheel Pervading Blessings; the Buddha is named Subduing All Minds Attached to Defilements and Making Them Joyful.
Commentary: Above the world of the Emergence of the Jeweled Garland, after passing through as many worlds as there are particles of dust in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wonderful Wheel Pervading Everywhere. In that world, there is a Buddha named Taming All Minds of Attachment and Bringing Them Joy, who is turning the Dharma Wheel and teaching sentient beings.
Further above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Jeweled Flower Banner; the Buddha is named Vast and Broad Merit-Virtue Sound, Great Renown.
Commentary: Above the world of Wondrous Wheel Pervasively Covering, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Jeweled Flower Banner. In that world, a Buddha named Vast and Broad Meritorious Virtue Sound, Great Renown, is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Immeasurable Adornments, whose Buddha is named Ocean of Meritorious Qualities of the Light of Equal Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world of Jeweled Flower Banner, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Immeasurable Adornments. In that world, there is a Buddha named Equal Wisdom Light Merit Ocean, who is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, is a world called Banner of Infinite Light Adornment. It is shaped like a lotus, rests upon an ocean of all-jeweled nets, and is covered above by a Lotus-Blossom-Light maṇi net. Twenty worlds, equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, surround it. It is perfectly pure, and its Buddha is named Dharmadhātu Pure Light.
Commentary: Above the world Immeasurable Adornments, passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Inexhaustible Light Adornment Banner. Its shape is like a lotus flower, and it rests upon all the oceans of jeweled nets. A net of lotus-light maṇi jewels covers it above. This is the twentieth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust particles in twenty Buddha-lands, which form its retinue, all pure and undivided, without admixture. In that world, there is a Buddha named Dharma-Realm Pure Light, who is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
We have now finished a brief explanation of the second ocean, the Buddha Banner Adornment World Seed, which contains twenty tiers of worlds in the Ocean of Fragrant Waters of the Inexhaustible Light Wheel.
Some people have this deluded thought: “You talk about the Dharma Realm every day! The Dharma Realm! There are worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands. What good does it do to hear the names of so many worlds?” Let me tell you: this is the realm of the Flower Adornment Sutra, which teaches you to open your mind and make it truly vast. Hence the saying: “At the tip of a hair, three thousand great thousand worlds can be contained.” One world teaches people to understand one thought. Each world, in turn, is surrounded by worlds as numerous as dust particles. This is just like how we give rise to deluded thoughts from morning till night every day, without knowing how many deluded thoughts we have. There are as many deluded thoughts as dust particles. Each person is like a world. The sentient beings in that world all have different deluded thoughts.
When the Flower Adornment Sutra speaks of many worlds, it means making the world-dust particles in your mind pure, so they are no longer confused and mixed together. Someone might ask, “Then if the world-dust particles are eliminated, won’t there be no worlds left?” The elimination here means that the evil age of the five turbidities, as numerous as dust particles, is no more, and only a single, pure world remains.
Among worlds as numerous as dust particles, it is not necessarily the case that each one has a Buddha there turning the great Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings. Only after passing through worlds as numerous as dust particles in Buddha-lands will you come upon a Buddha teaching sentient beings in that world. If you hear the name of a Buddha, you have already gained immeasurable merit. Hence the saying:
“Once it reaches the ears,
it forms an everlasting bond with the Buddha’s path.”
If you have a karmic affinity with that Buddha and hear His name, you will suddenly awaken and attain great liberation.
We are now speaking about the worlds and the names of the Buddhas. I hope that after hearing a Buddha’s name, everyone will feel that this Buddha has a karmic connection with them, and will single-mindedly recite that Buddha’s name.
This has a very profound meaning. It encompasses not merely words, but practice. Hearing a Buddha’s name can eradicate immeasurable karmic offenses; reciting a Buddha’s name brings even more inconceivable merit and virtue.
Those who give rise to deluded thoughts and believe that talking about worlds and Buddha-names all day long is meaningless are overly clever—and thereby become foolish. The principle has now been explained clearly, so do not remain in doubt. The sutra text was spoken directly by Shakyamuni Buddha. Every word is worth thousands upon thousands; its truth is boundless, and its benefits inexhaustible.
— o0o —
O sons of the Buddha! This fragrant water ocean, named Inexhaustible Light Wheel, revolves to the right. Next is a fragrant water ocean named Vajra Jewel Blazing Light. Its world-seed is named Buddha Light Adornment Treasury, and its substance is the sound of proclaiming the names of all Tathagatas.
Commentary: Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Practice called out once more, “Disciples of the Buddha! To the right of the Ocean of Fragrant Water called Inexhaustible Light Wheel, there is another Ocean of Fragrant Water named Vajra Jewel Flame Light, and a world named Treasury Adorned with Buddha Light. That world takes as its essential nature the sounds proclaiming all the names of the Tathagata.”
In the lowest direction here is a world named Jewel-Flame Lotus. Its form is like the maṇi-colored tuft between the brows. It rests upon an ocean of water vortices in every jewel color, with clouds of adorned towers and pavilions covering it above. It is surrounded by as many worlds as there are dust particles in Buddha-lands, all perfectly pure. The Buddha’s name is Immaculate Jewel Radiance.
Commentary: Above the Buddha Light-Adorned Treasury World are twenty tiers of worlds. The final world is named Jeweled-Flame Lotus, and its shape resembles the colored radiance of a maṇi jewel between the eyebrows. It rests upon oceans of swirling jeweled colors. Clouds of all kinds of adorned pavilions cover it from above. Worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands surround it as its retinue; they are pure and uniform, without admixture. In that world, a Buddha named Immaculate Jeweled Light is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Treasury of Radiant Flames, whose Buddha is named Light of Unimpeded Sovereign Wisdom.
Commentary: Beyond the world Jewel Flame Lotus, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Radiant Flame Treasury. In that world, a Buddha named Unimpeded Sovereign Wisdom Light is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wondrous Adornment of the Jeweled Wheel; its Buddha is named Light of All Treasures.
Commentary: Above the world of Radiant Flame Treasury, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrously Adorned Jewel Wheel. In that world, a Buddha named All-Jewel Radiance is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds numbering as many dust motes as there are in Buddha-fields, there is a world named Sandalwood Tree Flower Garland; the Buddha’s name is Pure and Clear Wisdom Light.
Commentary: Above the world of Jeweled Wheel of Wondrous Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Sandalwood Tree Flower Banner. In that world, a Buddha named Pure Wisdom Light is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, past worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrously Adorned Buddha-Land; its Buddha is named Vast Great Joyful Sound.
Commentary: Above the world of Sandalwood Tree Flower Banner, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Buddha-Land of Wondrous Adornment. A Buddha in that world, named Vast Great Joyful Sound, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-fields, there is a world called Wondrous Light Adornment. Its Buddha is named Dharma-Realm Sovereign Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the Buddha-land of Wondrous Adornment, after passing through as many worlds as there are particles of dust in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrous Light Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named Voice of Dharma-Realm Sovereignty is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through worlds as numerous as dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Boundless Marks; the Buddha is named Unobstructed Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world of Wondrous Light Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-fields, there is a world called Boundless Marks. The Buddha in that world, named Unimpeded Wisdom, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Flame-Cloud Banner. Its Buddha is named Expounding the Wheel of Nonretrogression.
Commentary: Above the world of Boundless Marks, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Banner of Flaming Clouds. The Buddha in that world, titled Expounding the Wheel of Nonretrogression, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Pure Wheel Adorned with Many Treasures; its Buddha is named Radiant Light of the Stainless Flower.
Commentary: Above the world Banner of Flaming Clouds, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-fields, there is a world called Pure Wheel Adorned with Many Treasures. The Buddha in that world, named Radiant Light of the Stainless Flower, is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Vast Great Transcendence; the Buddha is named Eye of the Sun of Unimpeded Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world of the Pure Wheel Adorned with Many Jewels, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Vast Great Liberation. The Buddha in that world is named Sun-Eye of Unimpeded Wisdom and is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wondrously Adorned Vajra Seat; its Buddha is named Great Radiance of Dharma-Realm Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world of Vast Great Renunciation, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Wonderful Adornment Vajra Throne. The Buddha in that world, named Dharma-Realm Wisdom Great Radiance, is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Universal Adornment of Wisdom, whose Buddha is named King of the Radiant Light of the Wisdom Torch.
Commentary: Above the world called Wonderful Adornment Vajra Throne, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world, also as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, called Universal Adornment. The Buddha in that world is named King of the Radiance of the Wisdom Torch, and is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands above this, there is a world called Lotus Flower, Sustaining Deep Wondrous Sound; its Buddha is called All-Knowing Universal Radiance.
Commentary: Above the world of Universal Adornment with Wisdom, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lotus Pond of Profound Wondrous Sound. The Buddha in that world, named Universal Illumination of All Wisdom, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, past worlds numbering as many as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Various-Colored Radiance; its Buddha is called Universal Radiant Flower-King Cloud.
Commentary: Above the world Lotus Flower Pond of Profound and Wondrous Sound, there is a world called Various Colors of Light. The Buddha in that world, whose name is Universal Light Flower King Cloud, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Sublime Jewel Banner; the Buddha is named Light of Merit.
Commentary: Above the world of Various Forms of Radiant Light, after passing through as many worlds as there are particles of dust in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wondrous Jeweled Banner. In that world, there is a Buddha named Merit Light, who is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Radiance of the Marks of Mani Flowers; its Buddha is named Universal Sound Cloud.
Commentary: Above the world of the Wonderful Jeweled Banner, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Mani Flower Garland Mark Light. In that world, a Buddha named Universal Sound Cloud is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the fine particles of dust in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Profound Deep Sea; its Buddha is called Lord of the Beings of the Ten Directions.
Commentary: Above the world of Mani Flower Garland Marks Light, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Deeply Profound Ocean. In that world is a Buddha named Lord of Beings of the Ten Directions, who is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through as many worlds as there are dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Sumeru Light; the Buddha is named Dharma-Realm Universal Wisdom Sound.
Commentary: Above the world of Profound Deep Sea, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Sumeru Light. In that world, a Buddha named Dharma Realm Universal Wisdom Sound is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Golden Lotus Flower. The Buddha’s name is Merit Treasury, Universal Light.
Commentary: Above the Sumeru Light World, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world where a Buddha named Universal Radiance, Treasury of Merit and Virtue, is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Treasury of Jeweled Adornments. Its shape is like a swastika, and it rests upon an ocean of trees adorned with all kinds of fragrant mani jewels. A banner of pure light clouds spreads over it above. It is surrounded by twenty times as many worlds as there are dust motes in Buddha-lands; all are perfectly pure. The Buddha’s name is Great Transformation Light Net.
Commentary: Above the Kim Lien Hoa World, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Treasure Adornment Treasury. It is shaped like a swastika and rests upon the ocean of fragrant water of the Jeweled Adornment Tree. A cloud of pure radiance covers it from above. This is the twentieth level. Worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twenty Buddha-lands surround it as its retinue; they are uniformly pure and unmixed. In that world, a Buddha named Great Transformation Light Net is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching and transforming sentient beings.
We have now finished briefly explaining the third sea: the Buddha Light Adorned Treasury World-Seed in the Vajra Jewel Flame Fragrant Water Ocean, which contains twenty tiers of worlds.
— o0o —
O sons of the Buddha! This ocean of fragrant water of Vajra Jeweled Flame revolves clockwise. Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Adorned with Indra’s Blue Jewel. Its world-seed is named Light Shining in the Ten Directions. It rests upon a cloud of fragrant water shaped like a lotus flower adorned with every wondrous ornament, and has boundless sounds of Buddhas as its substance.
Commentary: The Great Vow Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again called out, “Disciples of the Buddha! To the right of the ocean of fragrance-water called Vajra Jewel Flame, there is another ocean of fragrance-water called Sovereign Blue Jewel Adornment. In that ocean is a world-seed called Illuminating the Ten Directions, which rests upon all the wondrously adorned clouds of lotus flowers. That world takes the Buddha’s boundless sounds as its essential nature.”
In the lowest direction here, there is a world named the Wheel of the Treasury of Infinite Forms in the Ten Directions. Its shape is rounded, with innumerable corners. It rests upon the boundless sea of all jeweled treasuries of form, and an Indra’s net covers its summit. It is surrounded by as many worlds as there are dust motes in Buddha-lands, and is wholly pure. The Buddha there is named Lotus-Eye, Radiant Universal Illumination.
Commentary: Above the world called Seed-Light Illuminating the Ten Directions are twenty tiers of worlds. At the lowest tier is a world named the Wheel of Infinite Forms and Treasures in the Ten Directions. It is shaped like a revolving pearl, has countless corners, and rests upon all the boundless oceans of treasure-treasuries of various colors. Indra’s net covers it from above. This is the first-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, which form its retinue; they are entirely pure and unmixed. In that world, a Buddha named Lotus-Eye Light Universally Shining is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, past worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Treasury of Pure and Wondrous Adornments, whose Buddha is named Supreme Wisdom, Great Lion.
Commentary: Above the world of the Ten Directions Inexhaustible Form Treasury Wheel, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Pure Wondrous Adornment Treasury. There is a Buddha named Supreme Vow Great Lion, who is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Manifesting the Lotus Flower Seat; the Buddha’s name is King of Light Pervading the Dharma Realm.
Commentary: Above the world Pure Wondrous Adornment Treasury, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Manifestation of the Lotus Seat. That world has a Buddha named Radiant King of Universal Illumination of the Dharma Realm, who is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, past a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Jewel Banner Sound; the Buddha is named Great Merit Universally Renowned.
Commentary: Above the world Manifested Lotus Throne, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Jewel Banner Sound. In that world, a Buddha named Great Merit, Universally Renowned, is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, after passing worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Treasury of Vajra Jewel Adornments. The Buddha is named Lotus Flower Sunlight.
Commentary: Above the world of Jewel Banner Sound, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Vajra Jeweled Adornment Treasury. In that world, a Buddha named Lotus Sunlight Radiance is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Indra Flower Moon; its Buddha is called Dharma Sovereign Wisdom Banner.
Commentary: Above the world named Vajra Jewel Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Indra Flower Moon. In that world, a Buddha named Dharma Sovereign Wisdom Banner is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wondrous Wheel Treasury, whose Buddha is called Great Joy Pure Sound.
Commentary: Above the world of Indra’s Flower Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrous Wheel Treasury. In that world, a Buddha named Great Joy, Pure Sound is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, past a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrous Sound Treasury. Its Buddha is named Great Power, Good Merchant Leader.
Commentary: Above the Wondrous Wheel Treasury World, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrous Sound Treasury. In that world, a Buddha named Great-Power Skillful Merchant Leader is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, past worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pure Moon; the Buddha is named Sumeru Light Wisdom Power.
Commentary: Above the world of Wonderful Sound Treasury, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Pure Moon. In that world, a Buddha named Sumeru Light Wisdom Power is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, past worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Boundless Adornment Aspect; the Buddha is named Skillful Means Vow Pure Moonlight.
Commentary: Above the Pure Moon World, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Boundless Adornment Marks. In that world, a Buddha named Pure Moonlight of the Vow of Skillful Means is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands above this, there is a world called Fragrance-Breath Sound, whose Buddha is named Dharma-Sea Great-Vow Sound.
Commentary: Above the world of Boundless Adornments, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrous Flower Sound. In that world, a Buddha named Dharma Ocean Great Vow Sound is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, past worlds as numerous as dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named All-Jewels Adorned; its Buddha is named Radiant Sign of the Jewel of Merit.
Commentary: Above the world of Wondrous Flower Sound, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called All-Jewels Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named Radiant Marks of Merit is teaching living beings.
Above this, beyond worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Firm Ground; its Buddha is called Beautiful Sound, Supreme Victory Heaven.
Commentary: Above the world called Adorned with All Treasures, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Firm Ground. In that world, a Buddha named Supremely Excellent Heavenly Beautiful Sound is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Universal Light Skillful Transformation; its Buddha is named Great Vigor Tranquil Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world of Firm Ground, beyond worlds as numerous as the particles of dust in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Universal Light and Wholesome Transformation. In that world, a Buddha named Great Vigor, Quiescent Wisdom is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Well-Protected, Adorned Practice; its Buddha is named Seeing Him Gives Rise to Joy.
Commentary: Above the world Universal Light Good Transformation, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Good Guardianship and Adorned Conduct. In that world, a Buddha named Joy Arising in Those Who See Him is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, past worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Sandalwood Jeweled Flower Treasury; its Buddha is named Profound, Unshakable Wisdom Light, Universally Illuminating.
Commentary: In the worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, through which the Good Guardian’s Adornment of Conduct passes, there is a world named Sandalwood Jeweled Flower Treasury. In that world there is a Buddha named Profound, Imperturbable Wisdom Light Shining Everywhere, who is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Ocean of Manifesting Various Forms and Appearances. Its Buddha is named Universal Radiance of the King of Inconceivable Supreme Truth.
Commentary: Above the Sandalwood Jewel Flower Treasury World, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Ocean of Manifested Varied Forms and Marks. In that world, a Buddha named Universal Radiance of the Inconceivable Supreme Meaning King is teaching living beings.
Further above, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Manifesting Great Light in the Ten Directions; the Buddha is named Surpassing Merit and Majestic Light, Unequaled by Any.
Commentary: Above the world Ocean of Manifest Lords, Species, Colors, and Forms, across worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Great Light of the Ten Directions Manifested in Transformation. In that world, a Buddha named Superior Merit, Might, Light, Unequaled by Any Other is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Sumeru Cloud Banner; its Buddha is called Extremely Pure Light Eye.
Commentary: Above the world called Manifesting the Great Light of the Ten Directions, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Sumeru Cloud Banner. In that world, a Buddha named Purest Light Eye is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Beyond this, after a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lotus Universal Radiance. Its shape is perfectly round, and it rests on an ocean of wondrous, fragrant maṇi jewels in infinitely many colors. Clouds adorning all vehicles spread over it. It is surrounded by worlds equal in number to twenty times the dust motes in Buddha-lands, and is entirely pure. Its Buddha is named Liberation Diligence Sun.
Commentary: Above the Sumeru Cloud Banner World, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lotus Universally Illuminating. Its shape is perfectly circular, and it rests upon an ocean of mani jewels of boundless colors. Clouds adorned with all vehicles cover it above. This is the twentieth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twenty Buddha-lands, which form its retinue. It is entirely pure and unmixed. In that world, there is a Buddha named Sun of Liberation and Vigor, who is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
We have now finished giving a brief explanation of the fourth ocean, the world-seed Light Pervading the Ten Directions, which has twenty tiers of worlds within the ocean of fragrant water Adorned with Indra’s Blue Jewel.
— o0o —
O disciples of the Buddha! To the right of this fragrant-water ocean adorned with Indra-blue jewels is another fragrant-water ocean named the Vajra-Wheel-Adorned Base. Its world-seed is named the Indra’s Net of Interwoven Wonderful Jewels, and its substance is sound produced by Samantabhadra’s wisdom.
Commentary: The Greatly Practicing Bodhisattva Universal Worthy called out once more: “Disciples of the Buddha! To the right of the Fragrant Water Sea of Adorned Blue-Beryl Banks, there is another Fragrant Water Sea named Diamond-Wheel-Adorned Banks. Within that Fragrant Water Sea is a world seed named Wondrous Jewels Interspersed in an Indra’s Net, whose essential nature is the sound produced by Universal Worthy’s wisdom.” At the very lowest level here is a world named Lotus Net. Its form resembles Mount Sumeru. It rests upon the ocean of the Banner Mountain of Many Fragrances, and above it is covered by clouds of the Indra’s Net of King Mani Jewels of the Buddha Realm. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands. It is entirely pure, and its Buddha is named Dharma Body, Universal Enlightening Wisdom.
Among them, in the lowest direction, there is a world named Lotus Net, shaped like Mount Sumeru and resting upon an ocean of wondrous flower mountain banners. Clouds of the Buddha-realm of the Mani King’s Indra’s Net cover it above. Worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands encircle it; they are entirely pure. The Buddha in that world is named Dharma Body Universal Enlightenment Wisdom.
Above the world called the Wonderful Jewel Interwoven Indra Net, there are twenty tiers of worlds. The lowest world in the direction below is called Lotus Net, and is shaped like Mount Sumeru (wide at the top and narrow at the bottom). That world rests upon an ocean of wondrous-flower mountain banners. Clouds of Indra’s Net, Buddha-Realm King Maṇi jewels cover it above. Worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands surround it on all four sides as its retinue; they are wholly pure and unconfused. In that world, a Buddha named Dharma Body Universal Awakening Wisdom is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching living beings.
Beyond this, across worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Boundless Sunlight; its Buddha is named Supreme Great Enlightenment Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the Lotus Net world, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Infinite Sunlight. In that world, a Buddha named Supreme Victory Great Enlightened Wisdom is teaching living beings.
Beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands above this one, there is a world named Universally Emitting Wondrous Light; its Buddha is named Great Fortune Cloud of Inexhaustible Power.
Commentary: Above the world Infinite Sunlight Radiance, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Universal Emission of Wondrous Light. In that world, a Buddha named Great Blessings Cloud of Inexhaustible Power is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Tree-Flower Banner; its Buddha is named Boundless Wisdom Dharma-Realm Sound.
Commentary: Above the world of Universal Emission of Wondrous Light, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Tree-Flower Banner. In that world, a Buddha named Boundless Wisdom Dharma-Realm Sound is teaching sentient beings.
Proceeding upward beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Jeweled Pearl Canopy, where the Buddha is called Pāramitā Lion’s Stretching.
Commentary: Above the world called Flower Tree Banner, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Precious Pearl Canopy. In that world, a Buddha named Perfection Lion’s Majestic Bearing is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Boundless Sound; the Buddha’s name is All-Knowing Wondrous Awakening Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world of Pearl Canopy, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Boundless Sound. In that world, a Buddha named All-Knowing, Wondrously Enlightened Wisdom is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands above this one, there is a world named Universally Seen Tree Peak; the Buddha is named Universally Manifesting Before Sentient Beings.
Commentary: Above the world of Boundless Sound, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Universal Vision Tree Peak. In that world, a Buddha named Universally Manifesting Before Sentient Beings is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through as many worlds as there are particles of dust in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lion King Indra’s Net Light; the Buddha is named Immaculate Sun Golden-Colored Light-Flame Cloud.
Commentary: Above the world of Universal Vision Tree Wind, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Lion Indra’s Net Light. In that world, a Buddha named Stainless Sun Golden-Colored Radiant Cloud is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Interspersed with Many Treasures, whose Buddha is named Supreme Wisdom of the Emperor’s Banner.
Commentary: Above the world Lion Indra Net Light, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Many Jewels Interspersed. In that world, a Buddha named Indra Banner Supreme Victory Wisdom is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands above this, there is a world named Immaculate Luminous Ground; its Buddha is named All-Powers Pure Moon.
Commentary: Above the world of Many Jewels Interwoven, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Immaculate Radiant Land. In that world, a Buddha named All-Powerful Pure Moon is teaching sentient beings.
Going upward, beyond worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Constantly Emitting Sounds Praising the Buddha’s Virtues. Its Buddha is named Wisdom of Universal Enlightenment Like Space.
Commentary: Above the world of Immaculate Light Ground, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Constantly Sounding Praise of the Buddha’s Meritorious Virtues. The Buddha in that world, whose name is Wisdom of Universal Enlightenment Like Space, is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Treasury of Lofty Flames. Its Buddha is named Manifesting the Great Cloud Banner of the Ten Directions.
Commentary: Above the world named Constantly Emanating the Sound of Praising the Buddha’s Merits, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Treasury of Lofty Flames. In that world, a Buddha named Manifesting the Great Cloud Banner of the Ten Directions is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Light-Adorned Bodhimanda. The Buddha’s name is Unequaled Wisdom, Universally Shining.
Commentary: Above the world of High Flame Treasury, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Light-Adorned Bodhimanda. In that world, a Buddha named Incomparable Wisdom, Universal Radiance, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Arising All Jeweled Adornments. Its Buddha is named King of Spiritual Powers Who Universally Liberates Sentient Beings.
Commentary: Above the world called Radiant Adornment Bodhimanda, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Producing All Jeweled Adornments. In that world, a Buddha named King of Supernatural Powers Who Universally Saves Sentient Beings is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Radiant Adornment, Wondrous Palace; its Buddha is named Accomplisher of All Meanings, Vast and Great Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world called Producing All Jeweled Adornments, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Radiant Adornment, Wondrous Palace. In that world, a Buddha named Accomplisher of All Meanings, Vast and Great Wisdom, is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Dust-Free Quiescent Stillness; its Buddha is named Not Appearing in Vain.
Commentary: Above the world of the Wondrous Palace of Radiant Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Quiescent Stillness Apart from Dust. In that world, a Buddha named Bất Đường Hiện is teaching sentient beings.
Further above this, beyond worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Jeweled Flower Banner; the Buddha’s name is Pleasing Auspicious Sound.
Commentary: Above the world of Tranquil Stillness, Free from Dust, and beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Jeweled Flower Banner. In that world, a Buddha named Auspicious Sound That Delights the Mind is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Universal Cloud Treasury. Its shape is like a tower-pavilion, resting upon various palace fragrant-water oceans, with clouds of every kind of jeweled lamp covering it above. It is surrounded by twenty worlds, each as numerous as the dust motes in a Buddha-land, and is wholly pure. Its Buddha is named King of Supreme Excellent Enlightenment and Spiritual Powers.
Commentary: Above it are worlds as numerous as the dust motes of Buddha-lands. One world is named Universal Cloud Treasury, shaped like a pavilion and abiding upon the Ocean of Fragrant Water and Various Palaces. It is covered above by clouds of jeweled lamps. This is the twentieth world-level, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes of twenty Buddha-lands, which form its retinue; it is wholly pure and unmixed. In that world, a Buddha named Supreme Enlightenment, King of Spiritual Powers, is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
We have now finished a brief explanation of the fifth ocean: the world of the Variously Wondrous Interwoven Indra’s Net, which has twenty tiers of worlds within the Ocean of Fragrant Water on the Adorned Vajra Wheel Ground.
— o0o —
O sons of the Buddha! The fragrant-water sea of this Vajra-Wheel-Adorned Ground revolves clockwise. Next is a fragrant-water sea named Lotus Indra’s Net; its world-seed is named Images Universally Manifest in the Ten Directions. It rests upon a lotus adorned with all fragrant maṇi jewels, and its substance is the light and sound of the wisdom of all Buddhas.
Commentary: The Bodhisattva Mahāsattva Samantabhadra once again called out, “Disciples of the Buddha! Circling to the right of the Ocean of Fragrant Water called Adornment of the Vajra Wheel, there is another ocean of fragrant water named Lotus Indra’s Net. Within that ocean of fragrant water is a world seed named Images Universally Manifest in the Ten Directions. It abides upon the adornment of all lotus-fragrance maṇis, and takes all the sounds of the Buddha’s wisdom light as its substance.”
In the lowest direction here is a world named Ocean of Sentient Beings’ Jeweled Radiance. Its form is like a treasury of pearls. It rests upon a pillar of spiraling seas of all maṇi jewel necklaces, and water-radiant maṇi clouds cover it above. It is surrounded by as many worlds as there are dust motes in Buddha-lands, and is utterly pure. Its Buddha is named Inconceivable Merit, Moon of Universal Radiance.
Commentary: Above the world of Universal Manifestation of Images in the Ten Directions are twenty tiers of worlds. At the lowest level is a world called Ocean of Jewels and Light for Sentient Beings. Its shape is like a treasury of genuine pearls. It rests upon all the chains of swirling waters in the ocean of mani jewels. Clouds of water-bright mani jewels cover it from above. Worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands surround it as retinues; they are entirely pure and unmixed. In that world, there is a Buddha named Inconceivable Merit, Universally Illuminating Moon, who is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wonderful Fragrance Wheel; the Buddha’s name is Immeasurable Power Banner.
Commentary: Above the world Ocean of Sentient Beings, Jewel Light, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wonderful Fragrance Wheel. A Buddha named Immeasurable Power Banner is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wonderful Light Wheel; its Buddha is named Dharma-Realm Light-Sound Awakening Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the Wonderful Fragrance Wheel World, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wonderful Light Wheel. In that world, a Buddha named Dharma Realm Light-Sound Awakening Wisdom is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Roaring-Sound Maṇi Banner. Its Buddha is named Lotus Blossom Light, Ever-Lowering Wondrous Arms.
Commentary: Above the world Wondrous Light Wheel, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Roaring Sound Mani Banner. In that world, a Buddha named Lotus Light, Ever-Hanging Wondrous Arms, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands above this one, there is a world named Extremely Firm Wheel, whose Buddha is named Nonretrogressing Merit-Ocean Light.
Commentary: Above the world of the Roaring Sound Mani Banner, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Extremely Firm Wheel. In that world, a Buddha named Ocean of Merit and Light of Non-Retrogression is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond as many worlds as there are dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Splendor of Light of All Practices; the Buddha is called the All-Knowing, Universally Victorious Honored One.
Commentary: Above the world of the Extremely Firm Wheel, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Adorned with the Radiance of All Practices. In that world, a Buddha named the Venerable All-Knowing, Universally Supreme One is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lion Seat Universal Radiance. The Buddha is named Lion Light Immeasurable Power Awakening Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world Adorned with the Light of All Practices, across worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lion Seat Universal Radiance. In that world, there is a Buddha named Lion Light, Immeasurable Power, Enlightened Wisdom, who is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Jeweled Flame Adornment; its Buddha is named All-Dharmas Pure Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world Lion Throne Universal Illumination, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Jeweled Flame Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named Pure Wisdom of All Dharmas is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Immeasurable Lamps, whose Buddha is called Worry-Free Marks.
Commentary: Above the world of Jeweled Flame Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-fields, there is a world named Immeasurable Lamp. In that world, a Buddha named Mark of Freedom from Sorrow is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Always Hearing the Buddha’s Voice. Its Buddha is named Naturally Victorious Majestic Light.
Commentary: Above the world of Immeasurable Light, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Constantly Hearing the Buddha’s Voice. In that world, a Buddha named Naturally Victorious Majestic Light Buddha is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pure Transformation, whose Buddha is named Golden Lotus Flower Light.
Commentary: Above the world of Constantly Hearing the Buddha’s Voice, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pure Transformation. In that world, a Buddha named Golden Lotus Flower Radiance is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Universal Entry into the Ten Directions; its Buddha is named Wisdom of Frequent Expansion in Contemplating the Dharma Realm.
Commentary: Above the world of Pure Transformation, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Universal Entry into the Ten Directions. In that world, a Buddha named Wisdom of Contemplating the Dharma Realm and Diligently Cultivating the Body is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Blazing Flame. Its Buddha is called King of the Kinnaras of the Radiant Flame Tree.
Commentary: Above the world of Pervading the Ten Directions, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Blazing Flame. In that world, a Buddha named King of the Radiant Flame Tree Kinnaras is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Fragrant Light Pervading Everywhere; its Buddha is named King of Fragrant Lamps and Wholesome Transformation.
Commentary: Above the world of Sí Nhiên Diễm, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Fragrant Light Universal Illumination. In that world, a Buddha named Fragrant Lamp Skillful Transformation King is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wheel of Infinite Flower Clusters; the Buddha is named Universal Manifestation of Buddha’s Merits.
Commentary: Above the world Fragrance Light Pervading, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha lands, there is a world named Immeasurable Flower Cluster Wheel. In that world, a Buddha named Universally Manifesting Buddha Merit is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Further above, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Universal Purity of All Wonders; the Buddha is named King of Supernatural Powers of Equality of All Dharmas.
Commentary: Above the world Wheel of Infinite Flower Clusters, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called All Wondrous Universally Pure. In that world, a Buddha named King of Spiritual Powers of Equality of All Dharmas is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Golden Light Ocean, whose Buddha is named Ten-Directions自在 Great Transformation.
Commentary: Above the world of Universal Pure Wonderful Sounds, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Ocean of Golden Light. In that world, a Buddha named Great Transformation, Sovereign in the Ten Directions, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pearl Flower Treasury. The Buddha is named Dharma-Realm Jewel Radiance Inconceivable Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world called the Sea of Golden Light, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Pearl Flower Treasury. In that world, a Buddha named Dharma-Realm Jewel Light, Inconceivable Wisdom, is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Indra Sumeru Lion Seat; its Buddha is named Light of Victorious Power.
Commentary: Above the world of Pearl Flower Treasury, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Indra Mount Sumeru Lion Throne. In that world, a Buddha named Victorious Power Light is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, past worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twenty Buddha-lands, there is a world named Boundless Jewels Universal Illumination. Its shape is square, and it rests upon the Flower Grove Ocean. Above it is covered by an Indra’s net of king maṇi jewels of boundless colors, raining everywhere. It is surrounded on all sides by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twenty Buddha-lands, and is entirely pure. The Buddha’s name is Supreme Sound, Universally Illuminating the World.
Commentary: Above the world Indra’s Mount Sumeru Lion Throne, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Boundless Jewel Universal Illumination. It is square in shape and rests upon a sea of flower forests. An all-pervading net of Indra rains down boundless-colored king maṇi jewels, covering it above. This is the twentieth tier of worlds. Worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands surround it as its retinue; they are wholly pure, with no admixture. In that world, a Buddha named Universally Illuminating Supreme Sound of the World is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
We have now briefly explained the sixth ocean, the world-seed called Universal Manifestation of Images in the Ten Directions, which contains twenty tiers of worlds within the Lotus Indra’s Net Ocean of Fragrant Water.
— o0o —
O sons of the Buddha! This Lotus Indra’s Net Fragrant Ocean turns clockwise. Next is a fragrant ocean named Treasury of Accumulated Precious Fragrance; its world-seed is named Adornment of All Majestic Virtues, and takes the sounds of all the Buddhas’ Dharma wheels as its substance.
Commentary: The Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct called out once more, “O disciples of the Buddha! To the right of the Ocean of Fragrant Water named Lotus Indra’s Net, there is another Ocean of Fragrant Water named Treasury of Accumulated Jeweled Fragrance. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Adornment of All Majestic Virtues, whose essential nature consists of the sounds of all the Buddhas’ Dharma wheels.”
In the lowest direction within this, there is a world named Various Arisings. Its shape is like a vajra, and it rests upon various vajra mountain banners. Vajra jeweled-light clouds cover its top. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, and is wholly pure. The Buddha’s name is Lotus Eye.
Commentary: Above the world called Species of All Majestic Adornments, there are twenty tiers of worlds. Among them, in the lower direction, there is also a world called Various Kinds of Arising, shaped like a vajra and resting upon Vajra Banner Mountain. Clouds of precious vajra light cover it from above. Worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands surround it as its retinue; they are uniformly pure and unmixed. In that world, there is a Buddha named Lotus Eye, who is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Joyful-Seeing Sound; its Buddha is called Producing Good Bliss.
Commentary: Above the world Various Kinds of Birth, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Joyful Seeing Sound. In that world, a Buddha named Producing Joy and Bliss is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, past worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Jeweled Adornment Banner; the Buddha is named All-Knowing.
Commentary: Above the world of Joyful Seeing Sound, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Jeweled Adornment Banner. In that world, a Buddha named All-Knowing is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Sal Flower Universal Illumination, whose Buddha is named Immaculate Stillness, Wondrous Sound.
Commentary: In the direction of the world called Jeweled Adornment Banner, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Universal Radiance of Tāla Flowers. In that world, a Buddha named Immaculate, Tranquil, Wondrous Sound is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Transformation Light; its Buddha is named Pure Emptiness Wisdom Moon.
Commentary: Above the world of Dāla Flower Universal Illumination, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-fields, there is a world called Transformation Light. In that world, a Buddha named Pure Void Wisdom Moon is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Interwoven Array of Many Wonders. Its Buddha is named Revealing the Dense-Cloud Marks of the Ocean of Merits and Virtues.
Commentary: Above the world of Transformation Light, passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Interwoven Array of Many Wonders. In that world, a Buddha named Revealing the Ocean of Merit and Virtue, with the Marks of Dense Clouds, is teaching living beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named All Adornments Complete with Wondrous Sounds; the Buddha is called Joyful Cloud.
Commentary: Above the world of Interwoven Wonders, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called All Adornments Complete with Wondrous Sounds. In that world, a Buddha named Cloud of Joy is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Lotus Flower Sustainer; its Buddha is named Banner of Names.
Commentary: : Above the world of All Adornments with Wonderful Sounds, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Lotus Flower Pond. In that world, a Buddha named Banner of Renown is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named All Jewels Adorned; its Buddha is named Frequently Extending Observing Eye.
Commentary: Above the world of Lotus Wisdom, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called All-Jewels Adorned. In that world, a Buddha named Tần Thân Quán Sát Nhãn is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, after passing through worlds as numerous as dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pure Wondrous Flower; its Buddha is named Infinite Vajra Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world called All-Kinds-of-Jewels Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pure Wondrous Flower. In that world, a Buddha named Boundless Vajra Wisdom is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lotus-Flower-Adorned City; its Buddha is named Sun-Treasury-Eye Universal Light.
Commentary: Above the Pure Wondrous Flower World, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Lotus Adornment City. In that world, a Buddha named Sun Treasury Eye Universal Light is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Immeasurable Tree Wind, whose Buddha is named Thunderous Voice of All Dharmas.
Commentary: Above the world called Lotus Adornment City, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Immeasurable Lifespan Peak. In that world, a Buddha named All-Dharma Thunder Voice is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Sunlight Radiance; its Buddha is called Revealer of Immeasurable Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world of Infinite Life Peak, having passed through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Sunlight Brightness. In that world, a Buddha named Revealer of Infinite Wisdom is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Reliance on Lotus-Flower Leaves; its Buddha is named All Merit and Virtue Mountain.
Commentary: Above the world Sunlight Radiance, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Lotus-Leaf Reliance. In that world, a Buddha named Mountain of All Blessings and Virtues is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wind Universal Sustainer; the Buddha’s title is Sun Radiant Root.
Commentary: Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Manifestation of Radiant Light; its Buddha is named Body Light Universally Shining.
Above, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Manifestation of Radiant Light. The Buddha in that world is named Universally Shining Body Light.
Commentary: Above the world of Wind’s Universal Sustenance, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Manifestation of Radiance. The Buddha there is named Universally Shining Body and is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Fragrant Thunder-Sound Vajra Jewel Universal Illumination; its Buddha is named Most Victorious Flower-Blossoming Form.
Commentary: Above the world of Manifestation of Light, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Fragrant Thunder-Sound Vajra Jewel Universal Illumination. In that world, a Buddha named Most Victorious Flower-Blooming Form is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Further above, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Indra’s Net Adornment. Its shape is like a balustrade, and it rests upon the Ocean of All Adornments. Clouds of radiant flames, towers, and pavilions spread over its top. It is surrounded by twenty times a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, and is perfectly pure. Its Buddha is named Cloud Manifesting Fearlessness.
Commentary: Above the world Fragrant Thunder-Sound Vajra Jewel Universal Illumination, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Indra’s Net Adornment, shaped like a railing and resting upon an adorned ocean. Clouds of brilliantly shining pavilion-light cover it from above. This is the twentieth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, which serve as its retinue. It is wholly pure and unmixed. In that world, a Buddha named Manifesting Fearlessness Cloud is teaching living beings.
We have now finished briefly explaining the seventh sea: the world system called All Virtues and Majestic Adornments, which has twenty tiers of worlds and is within the Sea of Fragrant Water, Accumulated Precious Fragrance Treasury.
O sons of the Buddha! To the right of this Fragrant Water Ocean of the Treasury of Accumulated Precious Fragrance is another Fragrant Water Ocean, named Jewel Adornment. Its World Seed is named Universal Stainlessness, and its substance is the sounds of the miraculous transformations of Buddha-lands in every mote of dust.
Commentary: The Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct again called out, “Disciples of the Buddha! To the right of the ocean of fragrant water called Accumulating the Jeweled Fragrance Treasury is another ocean of fragrant water called Jeweled Adornment. In that ocean of fragrant water is a world-seed called Universally Stainless, whose substance is formed from the pure miraculous transformations in every particle of the Buddha-lands.”
In the lowest direction within this, there is a world called Pure, Wondrous, and Level. It is shaped like a precious body and rests upon an ocean of all-jewel light wheels. Clouds of various sandalwood, māṇi jewels, and pearls cover its top. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, and is entirely pure. Its Buddha is called the Incomparable Banner That Cannot Be Overcome.
Commentary: Above the world of Universal Cloud Defilement are twenty tiers of worlds. At the very lowest level is a world named Pure Wondrous Even Dawn, shaped like a precious body and resting upon all the oceans of jeweled light-wheels. Various clouds of sandalwood, maṇi gems, and pearls cover it above. Worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands surround it as its retinue; they are wholly pure and unmixed. In that world, there is a Buddha named Unexcelled Banner, Impossible to Overcome, who is turning the Wheel of the Dharma and teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Brilliantly Radiant Wondrous Adornment; its Buddha is named King of Lotus-Wisdom Supernatural Powers.
Commentary: Above the world of Pure Wondrous Dawn, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Consciousness-Born Wondrous Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named King Lotus Blossom Wisdom and Spiritual Powers is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Banner of the Wheel of Wondrous Marks. Its Buddha is named Great Renown of the Ten Directions, Inexhaustible Light.
Commentary: Above the world of Wondrous Natural Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wondrous Marks Wheel Banner. In that world, a Buddha named Ten Directions Great Renown Boundless Light is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Flame-Treasury Mani Wonderful Adornment; its Buddha is called Great Wisdom, Whose Sight and Hearing Bring Joy to All.
Commentary: Above the world of the Banner of the Wheel of Wondrous Marks, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wondrous Adornment of the Flaming Maṇi Treasury. The Buddha there is named Great Wisdom, Whose Sight and Hearing Bring Joy to All, and is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Fragrance-Aura Adornment, whose Buddha is named Infinite Power Supreme Victorious Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world of Flaming Treasury Mani Wonderful Adornment, passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wonderful Flower Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named Immeasurable Supreme Victorious Wisdom is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, past worlds as numerous as dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Producing Pure Dust Motes; the Buddha is named Supremely Victorious Brahma.
Commentary: Above the world of Wondrous Flower Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pure Fine Dust Emanation. In that world, a Buddha named Supremely Victorious Brahma is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Beyond this, across worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Universal Radiance Transformation Fragrance, whose Buddha is called Fragrant Elephant Vajra Great Power.
Commentary: Above the world of Pure Fine Dusts Arising, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Universal Light Transformation Fragrance. In that world, a Buddha named Fragrant Elephant Vajra Great Power is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Radiant Wheel; its Buddha is named Meaning Accomplished, Well-Known.
Commentary: Above the world Universal Light Transformation Fragrance, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Light Wheel. In that world, there is a Buddha named Meaning Accomplished, Well-Reputed Name.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Ocean of Jeweled Garlands; its Buddha is named Light Without Equal, Shining Everywhere.
Commentary: Above the world of the Radiant Light Wheel, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Ocean of Jeweled Garlands. In that world, a Buddha named Incomparable Light Universal Illumination is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, above a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Fragrant-Aura Lamp Banner; the Buddha is named Ultimate Merit Unimpeded Wisdom Lamp.
Commentary: Above the world Ocean of Jeweled Garlands, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrous Flower Lamp Banner. In that world, a Buddha named Ultimate Merit Unobstructed Wisdom Lamp is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Skillfully Adorned; its Buddha is named Wisdom Sun Perfection.
Commentary: Above the world Wondrous Flower Lamp Banner, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Skillful Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named Wisdom Sun Perfection is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Sandalwood Flower Universal Radiance; the Buddha’s name is Sound of the Dharma Realm of Boundless Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world of Skillful Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Universal Radiance of Sandalwood Flowers. In that world, a Buddha named Boundless Wisdom, Dharma-Realm Sound, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands above this, there is a world named Indra’s Net Banner; the Buddha’s name is Lamp-Light Returning Radiance.
Commentary: Above the world of Sandalwood Flower Universal Light, beyond worlds as numerous as dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Indra’s Net Banner. In that world, a Buddha named Lamp Light Reflecting Back is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Pure Flower Wheel, whose Buddha is called Dharma-Realm Sunlight.
Commentary: Above the world of Indra’s Net Banner, beyond as many worlds as there are dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pure Flower Wheel. In that world, a Buddha named Dharma Realm Sunlight Radiance is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Great Majestic Wonder, whose Buddha is named Boundless Ocean of Merit, Sound of the Dharma Wheel.
Commentary: Above the Pure Flower Wheel World, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Great Majestic Splendor. In that world, a Buddha named Boundless Ocean of Merit and Virtue, Dharma Wheel Sound, is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called “Abiding Together in the Jeweled Lotus Pond”; the Buddha’s name is “Revealing the Way into Inconceivable Wisdom.”
Commentary: Above the world of Great Majestic Radiance, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Shared Peaceful Abiding Jeweled Lotus Flower Pond. In that world, a Buddha named Revealing and Guiding Beings to Enter Inconceivable Wisdom is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Level Ground, whose Buddha is called King of the Radiant Light of the Jewel of Merit.
Commentary: Above the world of the Jeweled Lotus Pond of Peaceful Co-Abiding, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Tranquil Ground. In that world, a Buddha named King of the Radiant Light of Meritorious Jewels is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Fragrant Maṇi Cluster. Its Buddha is named Inexhaustible Ocean of Merit and Virtue, Wondrously Adorned.
Commentary: Above the world of Tranquil Ground, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Fragrant Maṇi Cluster. In that world, a Buddha named Ocean of Infinite Merit and Virtue, Wondrously Adorned, is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wondrous Radiant Light. Its Buddha is named Incomparable Power, Pervading Sound.
Commentary: Above the world of Fragrant Mani Accumulation, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wondrous Light. In that world, a Buddha named Incomparable Power, Universal Pervading Sound, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, across a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Ten-Directional Universal Firm Adornment, Radiant and Luminous. Its shape has eight corners, and it rests upon the ocean of the Mind-King Jewel Wheel. Clouds of canopies adorned with every kind of jewel spread over it. It is surrounded by twenty worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, and is wholly pure. The Buddha’s name is Universal-Eyed Great Bright Lamp.
Commentary: Above the world of Sublime Wondrous Light, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Ten Directions, Universal Firmness, Adorned and Radiant Illumination, with an eight-sided shape. That world abides upon an ocean of mind-king maṇi wheels. Clouds of nets adorned with all kinds of jewels cover it above. This is the twentieth-level world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, which serve as its retinue; they are uniformly pure and unmixed. The Buddha in that world is named Universal Eye Great Bright Lamp, and is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
We have now finished briefly explaining the eighth sea, the Universal Immaculate World-Seed, which contains twenty tiers of worlds within the Sea of Fragrant Waters Adorned with Jewels.
— o0o —
O sons of the Buddha! To the right of this Jeweled-Adornment Ocean of Fragrant Waters is another ocean of fragrant waters named Jeweled Vajra Mound. Its world-seed is named Dharma-Realm Practice, and its essence is the sounds of the Dharma of skillful means of all the Bodhisattva grounds.
Commentary: The Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct called out once again, “Disciples of the Buddha! To the right of the Fragrant-Water Ocean of Jewel Adornment, there is another Fragrant-Water Ocean named Vajra Jewel Aggregate. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Dharma-Realm Practice, whose essential nature is formed by the sounds of all the expedient means of the Bodhisattva grounds and their teachings.”
At the very lowest point within this is a world named Pure Light Shining. Its shape is like a jeweled crown, and it rests upon an ocean of pillars adorned with pearl garlands of every precious hue. The Bodhisattva Jewel-Crest Radiance Maṇi Cloud covers its top. It is surrounded by as many worlds as there are dust motes in Buddha-lands, and is wholly pure. Its Buddha is named Supreme Excellent Merit Light.
Commentary: Above the Dharma Realm Conduct world-seed are twenty tiers of worlds. At the lowest level is a world named Pure Light Shining Radiantly. It is shaped like a precious jewel and rests upon an ocean of all kinds of colored jewels and jeweled ornaments. Clouds of radiance from the Bodhisattvas’ jeweled topknots cover it above. Worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands surround it as its retinue; they are entirely pure and unmixed. In that world is a Buddha named Supreme Merit Light, who is turning the Dharma wheel to teach and transform sentient beings.
Above this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Wonderful Canopy; its Buddha is named Dharma Freedom Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world of Pure Light Universal Illumination, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Wondrous Canopy. In that world, a Buddha named Dharma Sovereign Wisdom is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Jewel-Adorned Lion Throne, whose Buddha is named Great Dragon Abyss.
Commentary: Above the world of Wonderful Canopy, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Jewel-Adorned Lion Throne. In that world, a Buddha named Great Dragon Abyss is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Manifestation of the Vajra Seat; the Buddha is named Ascending the Lion-Seat Lotus Pedestal.
Commentary: Above the world called Jeweled Adornment Lion Throne, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha lands, there is a world named Manifestation of the Vajra Throne. In that world, a Buddha named Rising Lion Lotus Flower Throne is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Manifestation of the Vajra Seat, whose Buddha is called Ascending the Lion-Seat Lotus Platform. Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lotus Victory Sound, whose Buddha is called Wisdom Light Universally Awakening.
Commentary: Above the world Manifestation of the Vajra Throne, passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lotus Supreme Sound. In that world, a Buddha named Wisdom Light Universally Opening Awakening is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Well-Contemplated Collection. Its Buddha is named King of Wondrous Light Who Sustains the Earth.
Commentary: Above the world of Lotus Victory Sound, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Good Contemplation Collection. In that world, a Buddha named King Who Sustains the Earth with Wondrous Light is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Good and Joyful Sound; its Buddha is called Dharma Lamp King.
Commentary: Above the world of Good Contemplation Collection, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Joyful Delight Sound. In that world, a Buddha named Dharma Lamp King is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Maṇi-Treasury Indra’s Net; the Buddha is named Infallible Vision.
Commentary: Above the world of the Sound of Joy and Bliss, beyond worlds as numerous as the particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Jeweled Treasury Indra’s Net. In that world, a Buddha named Infallible Vision is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Treasury of Many Wonders, whose Buddha is named Flaming Body Banner.
Commentary: Above the world Maṇi Treasury Indra’s Net, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Multitude of Wondrous Earth Treasury. In that world, a Buddha named Flaming Body Banner is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Golden Light Wheel, whose Buddha is named Pure Upholding of the Practices of Sentient Beings.
Commentary: Above the world of Many Wondrous Kṣitigarbha, across worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Golden Light Wheel. In that world, a Buddha named Purely Governing the Conduct of Sentient Beings is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Adorned Mount Sumeru; its Buddha is named Universal Radiance of the Clouds of All Merits.
Commentary: Above the Golden Light Wheel World, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Sumeru Mountain Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named All Merits Cloud Universally Shining is teaching sentient beings.
Further above, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Many-Trees Form; its Buddha is named Jewel-Flower-Feature Pure-Moon Awakening.
Commentary: Above, passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Many Tree Forms. The Buddha in that world is named Jewel-Flower-Form Pure-Moon Enlightenment.
Beyond this, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Fearlessness, whose Buddha is named Most Victorious Golden Light Torch.
Commentary: Above the world of Many Tree Forms, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Fearlessness. In that world, a Buddha named Most Victorious Golden Light Torch is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Great Name Dragon King Banner; the Buddha is named Contemplating All Dharmas Equally.
Commentary: Above the Fearlessness World, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Great Renown Dragon King Banner. In that world, a Buddha named Contemplating the Equality of All Dharmas is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Manifestation of Mani Color; its Buddha is named Transformation Sun.
Commentary: Above the world called Great Name Dragon King Banner, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Manifesting Mani Form. In that world, a Buddha named Transformation Sun is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Adornment with Lamps of Radiant Flames. The Buddha there is named Jeweled Canopy Light, Universally Illumining.
Above, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-fields, there is a world called Radiant Flame Lamp Adornment. The Buddha in that world is named Jeweled Canopy Light Shining Everywhere.
Commentary: Above the world called Manifesting Mani Color, passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Adorned with Radiant Flame Lamps. In that world, a Buddha named Jeweled Canopy Light Universal Illumination is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, is a world named Fragrant Light Cloud; its Buddha is named Thought-Nature Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world Adorned with Radiant Flame Lamps, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Fragrant Light Cloud. In that world, a Buddha named Contemplative Wisdom is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named No Enmity; its Buddha is named Ocean of Superior Wisdom of Diligent Effort.
Commentary: Above the world of Fragrant Light Clouds, having passed through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called No Enmity. In that world, a Buddha named Ocean of Supreme Wisdom of Diligent Effort is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Beyond this, among the worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Banner of Light of All Adornments. Its Buddha is named King of the Lotus of Freedom Who Universally Manifests Delight to the Mind.
Commentary: Above the World of No Enmity, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called the Banner of Light of All Adornments. In that world, a Buddha named Universal Manifestation, Delightful Lotus Sovereign King, is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, is a world named Hair-Mark Adornment. Its shape is like a half-moon, and it rests upon the ocean of mani flowers on Mount Sumeru. Clouds of the Mani King, blazing with the radiance of all adornments, spread over it. It is surrounded by twenty worlds equal in number to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, is wholly pure, and its Buddha is named Pure Eye.
Commentary: Above the world called All-Adornments-Equipped Light Banner, after passing through as many worlds as there are dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Majestic Marks Adornment, shaped like a half-moon and resting upon a Mount Sumeru and an ocean of mani jewels. All kinds of blazing, radiant mani-adornment clouds cover it above. This is the twentieth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twenty Buddha-lands, which form its retinue; it is entirely pure and unmixed. In that world, a Buddha named Pure Eye is turning the Wheel of the Dharma and teaching living beings.
We have now finished briefly explaining the ninth ocean, the Dharma Realm Conduct World Seed, which has twenty tiers of worlds within the Vajra Jewel Cluster Fragrant Water Ocean.
— o0o —
O Buddha-sons! To the right of this Ocean of Fragrant Waters called Vajra Jewel Cluster is another Ocean of Fragrant Waters, named Precious Register of the Heavenly City. Its World Seed is named Lamp-Flame Radiance, and its essence is the sound of universally revealing all the equal Dharma wheels.
Commentary: Bodhisattva Great Conduct Samantabhadra called out once again, “Disciples of the Buddha! To the right of the Vajra Jewel Cluster Fragrant-Water Ocean, there is another Fragrant-Water Ocean named Thousand Cities Jewel Leaves. Within that ocean is a world seed named Lamp-Flame Radiance, whose nature is formed by the equal and universal revelation of all Dharma-wheel sounds.”
In the lowest direction among these is a world named Jewel Moonlight Flame Wheel. It is shaped like every kind of adornment and rests upon the Sea of Flowers Adorned with All Jewels. A cloud of lapis-lazuli-colored lion thrones covers it above. It is surrounded by as many worlds as there are dust particles in Buddha-lands, all perfectly pure. The Buddha’s name is Sun-Moon Sovereign Light.
Commentary: Above the world of Lamp-Flame Radiant Light, there are twenty tiers of worlds. At the lowest level among them is a world named Jeweled Moonlight Flame Wheel. Its shape is like all kinds of adornments, and it rests upon oceans of adorned jeweled flowers. Clouds of lion thrones in the colors of lapis lazuli cover it above. Worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands surround it as its retinue; they are perfectly pure and unmixed. In that world, a Buddha named Sun-Moon Sovereign Light is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Sumeru Jewel Light; the Buddha’s name is Infinite Dharma Treasure Banner.
Commentary: Above the world of Precious Moonlight Flame Wheel, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Sumeru Jewel Light. In that world, a Buddha named Inexhaustible Dharma Jewel Banner is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Banner of Many Wondrous Lights; the Buddha is named Great Flower Cluster.
Commentary: Above the Sumeru Jewel Light World, beyond worlds as numerous as the particles of dust in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Banner of Multitudinous Wondrous Light. In that world, a Buddha named Great Flower Cluster is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Jewel Radiant Flower; the Buddha is called Most Sovereign Among Men.
Commentary: Above the world Banner of All Wonderful Lights, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Mani Light Flower. In that world, a Buddha named Most Sovereign Among Men is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, past a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Universal Sound; its Buddha is named All-Knowing Wisdom, Universally Illuminating.
Commentary: Above the world called Mani Light-Brilliance Flower, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Universal Sound. In that world, a Buddha named All-Knowing Universal Illumination is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Beyond this, after worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Great Tree Kinnara Sound. Its Buddha is named Dragon of Immeasurable Merit and Virtue Sovereignty.
Commentary: Above the world of Universal Sound, passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Great Tree Kinnara Sound. In that world, a Buddha named Immeasurable Blessings and Virtues, Sovereign Dragon, is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Boundless Pure Light; its Buddha is called Merit Treasure Flower Light.
Commentary: Above the Great Tree Kinnara Sound World, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Boundless Pure Light. In that world, a Buddha named Merit and Virtue Jewel Flower Light is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-fields, there is a world called Most Excellent Sound; its Buddha is named All-Knowledge Adornment.
Commentary: Above the world of Boundless Pure Light, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Most Excellent Sound. In that world, a Buddha named Adornment of All Knowledge is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Adorned with Various Treasures; its Buddha is named Jewel-Flame Mount Sumeru.
Commentary: Above the world of Supreme Victory Sound, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Adorned with Various Treasures. In that world, a Buddha named Jeweled Flame Mount Sumeru is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through worlds as numerous as dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pure Sumeru Sound, whose Buddha is named Manifestation of the Light of All Practices.
Commentary: Above the world Adorned with an Array of Many Jewels, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pure Sumeru Sound. In that world, a Buddha named Manifestation of the Light of All Practices is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Fragrant Water Canopy; the Buddha is named All-Paramitas Unobstructed Ocean.
Commentary: Above the world called Pure Sound Mount Sumeru, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Fragrant Water Canopy. In that world, a Buddha named All Paramitas Unimpeded Ocean is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lion Flower Net, where the Buddha is called Jeweled Flame Banner.
Commentary: Above the Fragrant Water Canopy World, passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Lion Flower Net. In that world, a Buddha named Jewel Flame Banner is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Vajra Fragrance Lamp; the Buddha is named Light of All Great Vows.
Commentary: Above the Lion Flower Net World, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Vajra Wonderful Flower Lamp. In that world, a Buddha named Light of All Great Vows is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Ground of the Light of All Dharmas; its Buddha is named True and Real Meaning of the Vastness of All Dharmas.
Commentary: Above the world Vajra Wondrous Flower Lamp, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Ground of the Light of All Dharmas. In that world, a Buddha named Vast True Meaning of All Dharmas is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Jewel-Pearl-Powder, Flat and Adorned; its Buddha is named Victorious Wisdom Light-Net.
Commentary: Above the world called All Dharmas Light Ground, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Pearl-Powder Level and Peaceful Adornment. In that world, there is a Buddha named Superior Wisdom Light Net.
Beyond this, having passed worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lapis Lazuli Flower; the Buddha is named Jeweled Banner.
Commentary: Above the world of Pearl Dust, Level and Adorned, beyond worlds as numerous as the grains of dust in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Lapis Lazuli Flower. In that world, a Buddha named Jeweled Banner is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Infinite Wondrous Light Wheel; its Buddha is named Great Majestic Power Wisdom Ocean Treasury.
Commentary: Above the Lapis Lazuli Flower world, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-fields, there is a world called Immeasurable Wondrous Light Wheel. In that world, a Buddha named Great Majestic Power Wisdom Ocean Treasury is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing through a number of worlds equal to the dust particles in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Clear Seeing in the Ten Directions. The Buddha’s name is Banner of Purely Cultivating All Merits.
Commentary: Above the world Immeasurable Wondrous Light Wheel, beyond worlds as numerous as the grains of dust in Buddha-lands, there is a world called Clear Seeing of the Ten Directions. In that world, a Buddha named Purely Cultivating the Banner of All Merits is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named “Lovely Brahmā Sound.” Its shape is like a Buddha’s hand, and it rests upon an ocean of jeweled-light nets. Clouds of every adornment of Bodhisattva bodies cover it above. It is surrounded by twenty Buddha-lands’ worth of worlds, equal in number to the dust motes, and is entirely pure. The Buddha is named “Light Shining Everywhere Throughout the Dharma Realm Without Obstruction.”
Commentary: Above the world Brightly Seeing the Ten Directions, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, there is a world named Lovely Brahma Sound, shaped like the Buddha’s palm and resting upon an ocean of jeweled nets of light. Clouds of Bodhisattva bodies, adorned in every way, cover it from above. This is the world on the twentieth tier, surrounded on all sides by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twenty Buddha-lands, which form its retinue; they are perfectly pure and unmixed. In that world, a Buddha named Unimpeded Light Universally Shining Through the Dharma Realm is turning the Wheel of the Dharma and teaching sentient beings.
At present, we have finished giving a brief explanation of the tenth sea, the Lamp-Flame Light World Seed, which has twenty world levels and is in the Heavenly City Jeweled Leaves Fragrant Water Sea.
— o0o —
In the Flower Adornment Sutra, it says that the fragrant seas and worlds of the Sea of Fragrance Water are as numerous as particles of dust. It is only because our wisdom is not sufficiently penetrating that we do not know this. In fact, there are countless, boundless kinds of fragrant seas and worlds. Worlds are like a net—we do not know how many there are, and our wisdom is not powerful enough to reach other worlds. However, even now that we can travel to the moon, that is still only within our own world, not another world.
Commentary: Our world feels very vast, yet in the eyes of the Buddhas, it is nothing more than a speck of dust. Worlds each have their own definite place; they are not jumbled together, but arranged in order. When this world is destroyed, another comes into being. The cycle continues without end, ending and beginning again.
To study the Flower Adornment Sutra is to expand the mind’s capacity. Our mind’s capacity originally extends throughout empty space and pervades the Dharma Realm. In our minds, we encompass immeasurable worlds, as numerous as dust particles. But because our selfishness is so strong, we think only of our own interests and forget the Bodhisattva spirit of selfless dedication. As a result, we cannot accommodate great matters, much less an entire world. When selfish thoughts and concern for our own benefit fill the mind, how can there be room to contain a world? We should therefore expand the mind’s capacity to embrace all things and phenomena. Hence: “The mind encompasses the Great Void; its capacity extends throughout realms as numerous as grains of sand.” That means: The entire expanse of empty space and the Dharma realm are all within our minds.
The worlds are immeasurable and boundless in number, like grains of dust, and our minds contain immeasurable and boundless deluded thoughts. Those deluded thoughts represent the grains of dust. The grains of dust in the world also represent the deluded thoughts of sentient beings. Therefore:
“When the mind is still, demons are subdued, and every day is joyful;
When delusive thoughts do not arise, peace is found everywhere.”
If your mind is settled, even demons can be subdued, and every day will be joyful. If delusive thoughts do not arise, then wherever you go, you will be safe and sound, and no problems will occur.
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again addressed the great assembly, saying, “Disciples of the Buddhas, to the east of that Ocean of Fragrant Water called the Treasury of Stainless Flames…”
Commentary: At that time, the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct again addressed the great assembly at the Flower Adornment Assembly: “Disciples of the Buddha! To the east of that Sea of Fragrant Water of the Stainless Flaming Treasury, there are another ten Seas of Fragrant Water. In each Sea of Fragrant Water is a world seed, and each world seed has twenty tiers of worlds.”
Next is a fragrant-water ocean called Wondrous Subtle Transformational Body. In this ocean is a world-seed called Well-Distributed Separate Directions.
Commentary: There is also an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Wondrously Transforming Bodies. In that ocean is a world-seed named Well-Arranged Distinct Directions.
Next is the fragrant-water ocean named Vajra Eye Banner; its world-seed is named Adornment of the Dharma-Realm Bridge.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Vajra Eye Banner. In that ocean, there is a world-seed named Adornment of the Dharma Realm Bridge.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Various Lotus Flowers of Wondrous Adornment; its world-seed is named Constantly Emanating Transformations in the Ten Directions.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named “Adorned with Wonderful Lotuses of Various Kinds.” In that ocean is a world-seed named “Constantly Emanating Transformations throughout the Ten Directions.”
Next is a fragrant-water sea named the Uninterrupted Wheel of the Jewel King; the world-seed is named Dense Cloud of the Conduct of Jewel Lotuses.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Incessant Jeweled King Wheel. Within that ocean is a world seed named Dense Cloud of Jeweled Lotus Flower Practices.
Next is a Fragrant Water Ocean named Wondrous Fragrance Flame Universal Adornment; the World Seed is named Vairocana’s Transformative Practice.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named Wondrous Fragrance Flame Universal Adornment. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Vairocana’s Transformative Practices.
Next is the Fragrant Water Sea, named the Jeweled-Dust Jambudvīpa Banner; the world-seed is named the Realm Protected and Cherished by All Buddhas.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named Jewel-Dust Jambū Banner. In that ocean, there is a world-seed named Realm Protected and Mindfully Recollected by All Buddhas.
Next there is an ocean of fragrant water named “Blazing Light of All Forms”; its world-seed is named “Most Excellent Light Pervading Everywhere.”
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water called All Forms Blazing with Light. Within that ocean is a world-seed called Supreme Light Pervading and Illuminating.
Next there is an ocean of fragrant water, named the Realm Adorned with All Things; the world-seed is named Jewel Flame Lamp.
Commentary: Next, there is also an Ocean of Fragrant Water named the Realm of All Adornments and Implements. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Jeweled Flame Lamp.
In this way, there are as many fragrant-water oceans as there are dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands,
Commentary: Just like the Ocean of Fragrant Water mentioned above, there are as many ineffables as there are dust particles in Buddha-lands.
Its fragrant-water ocean nearest the ring of mountains is named Crystal Ground; the world seed is named Ever-Radiant Light, and takes the purified kalpa-sounds of the ocean of worlds as its essence.
Commentary: The place nearest Mount Luân Vi is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Lapis Lazuli Ground. In that ocean is a world-seed named Constantly Emitting Light, whose substance is the pure sound of the world-ocean kalpa.
Here, in the lowest direction, there is a world called Delightful Pure Light Banner, surrounded by worlds as numerous as dust motes in Buddha-lands, wholly pure. Its Buddha is named Supreme Samādhi Diligent Wisdom.
Commentary: The World of Constantly Radiating Light has twenty levels of worlds. At the very bottom is a world named Pure and Delightful Light Banner. Worlds as numerous as the dust particles in Buddha-lands surround it, forming its retinue; they are perfectly pure and unmixed. The Buddha in that world is named Most Victorious Samādhi Diligence Wisdom, and is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, and equal in extent to the Vajra Banner World, there is a world named Fragrant-Adorned Banner, surrounded by a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands. It is entirely pure, and its Buddha is named Lamp of the Unobstructed Dharma Realm.
Commentary: Above the world Lovely Pure Light Banner, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands and equal in extent to the world Vajra Banner, there is a world named Fragrant Adornment Banner. This is the tenth-tier world, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands as its retinue, all purely and uniformly pure, without admixture. In that world, there is a Buddha named Unimpeded Dharma-Realm Lamp, who is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
Above this, after passing worlds as numerous as the dust motes in three Buddha-lands, there is a world equal in size to the Saha World, named Radiant Light Treasury; its Buddha is named All-Pervading Dharma-Realm Unobstructed Wisdom Light.
Commentary: Above the world Fragrant-Adorned Banner, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in the three Buddha realms, there is a world on the same level as the Saha World—that is, the thirteenth-level world—called Radiant Light Treasury. In that world, a Buddha named Buddha of Unobstructed Wisdom Light Pervading the Dharma Realm is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in seven Buddha-fields, at the uppermost direction of this world-seed, there is a world named Most Excellent Body Fragrance, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twenty Buddha-fields, entirely pure and immaculate. Its Buddha is named Awakening-Branch Flower.
Commentary: Above the world Radiant Light Treasury, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in seven Buddha-lands, is the lowest region of the world-seed Constantly Radiating Light. There is a world named Most Excellent Body Fragrance, which is also the twentieth-tier world. Worlds as numerous as the dust motes in twenty Buddha-lands surround it as its retinue; they are purely pure and unmixed. In that world, a Buddha named Awakening Branch Flower Buddha is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching and transforming sentient beings.
O sons of the Buddha, beyond that ocean of fragrant water of the Wheel of Infinite Light,
Commentary: The Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct once again called out, “Disciples of the Buddha! Outside the Boundless Light Wheel Sea of Fragrant Waters, there are another ten Seas of Fragrant Waters. In each Sea of Fragrant Waters there is a world-seed, and above each world-seed there are another twenty tiers of worlds.”
Next, there is a fragrant-water ocean named Complete Wondrous Light; the world-seed is named Pervading Without Defilement.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water called Complete Wondrous Light. Within that ocean is a world-seed called Pervading Immaculacy.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Radiant Canopy, and a world-seed named Boundless Universal Adornment.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water called the Radiant Light Canopy. Within that ocean is a world-seed called Boundless Universal Adornment.
Next is an ocean of fragrant waters named Wondrous Jewel Adornment; its world-seed is named Fragrant Maṇi Measure-Form.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Wonderful Jewel Adornment. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Fragrant Mani Measure-Form.
Next is the Fragrant Water Sea, named “Emergence of the Buddha’s Voice”; the World Seed is named “Well-Established Adornment.”
Commentary: Next, there is a Fragrant Water Ocean named Emanating the Buddha’s Voice. In that ocean is a world-seed named Well-Seeing Establishment of Adornments.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water called the Fragrant Banner Sumeru Treasury; the world-seed is called Light Pervading Everywhere.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Fragrant Banner Sumeru Treasury. Within that ocean is a world seed named Light Pervading Everywhere.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Sandalwood Wondrous Radiance; the world-seed is named Flower-Flame Wheel.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Sandalwood Sublime Light. In that ocean is a world seed named Flower Flame Wheel.
Next is the ocean of fragrant water called Wind-Power Sustainer; the world-seed is called Jeweled Flame Cloud Banner.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water called the Wind Power Pool. Within that ocean is a world-seed called the Precious Flame Cloud Banner.
Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Adornment of Indra’s Body; the world-seed is named Pearl Treasury.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named Adornment of Indra’s Body. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Pearl Treasury.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water called Level, Solemn, and Pure; the world-seed is called Vaidurya Dust, Various Adornments.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named Serene, Adorned, and Pure. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Various Adornments of Vaidurya Dust.
And so forth, oceans of fragrant water numbering as many as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.
Commentary: Just as the Ocean of Fragrant Waters was mentioned above, there are Oceans of Fragrant Waters, as numerous as the dust particles in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.
The fragrant-water sea nearest to the ring of mountains is called “Wondrous Tree Flower.” The world-seed is called “Giving Rise to Vast Lands in All Directions,” and its essence is the sound of all Buddhas subduing Māras.
Commentary: Near the First Great Wheel-Encircling Mountain is an ocean of fragrant water named Wondrous Tree Flowers. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Production of the Vast Great Realms of All Directions, whose essential nature is all the Buddhas’ sounds that subdue demons.
In the lowest direction among these, there is a world named Flame-Torch Banner; the Buddha is named Ocean of Worldly Merit.
Commentary: Above the Great World-System of Light Arising in All Directions are twenty tiers of worlds. At the very bottom is a world called Blazing Torch Banner. In that world, a Buddha named Ocean of Worldly Merits Buddha is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, there is a world equal in extent to the Vajra Banner World, named Jewel Birth; its Buddha is named Lion Power Jewel Cloud.
Commentary: Above the world of Flame Banner, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in ten Buddha-lands, there is a world equal in size to the world of Vajra Banner, named Jewel Emanation. In that world, a Buddha named Lion’s Strength Jewel Cloud is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this is a world equal in size to the Saha World, named Banner of Garments; its Buddha is named King of the Ocean of All Knowledge.
Commentary: Above the world of Birth-Producing Jewel, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in the Buddha-realms of the three realms, there is a world equal in size to the Saha World, named Garment Banner. In that world, a Buddha named King of the Ocean of All Knowledge is teaching and guiding sentient beings.
Above this world-system is a world called Jeweled Garland Lion’s Radiance; the Buddha there is named Skillful Transformation Lotus Banner.
Commentary: Above the world-system called the Vast Realm of the Arising of All Directions, there is a world named Jeweled Garland Lion Radiance. In that world, a Buddha named Good Transformation Lotus Banner Buddha is teaching sentient beings.
O children of the Buddha! Beyond that ocean of fragrant water called Vajra Flame Light, there is another ocean of fragrant water named Banner Adorned with All Ornaments. Its world-seed is named Adornment of Pure Conduct.
Commentary: The Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct called out once more, “Disciples of the Buddha! Beyond that Ocean of Fragrant Water of Vajra Flame Light, there are another ten Oceans of Fragrant Water. Within each Ocean of Fragrant Water is a world-seed, and each world-seed contains twenty tiers of worlds.” Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named Banner Adorned with All Adornments. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Adornment of Pure Practices.
Next is a fragrant-water ocean named the Ocean of Radiance of All Jewel Flowers; the world-seed is named Adornment with the Marks of Merit.
Commentary: Next, there is a Sea of Fragrant Water named the Sea of Radiant Wondrous Light of All Jeweled Flowers. In that sea, there is a world seed named Adorned with the Marks of Merit.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Lotus Blossom Opening, and a world-seed named Bodhisattva Maṇi-Crown Adornment.
Commentary: Next, there is another ocean of fragrant water named Lotus Blossom in Bloom. In that ocean is a world named Bodhisattva Mani Crown Adornment.
Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Wonderful Jewel Garments; the World Seed is named Pure Jewel Wheel.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water called Wondrous Jeweled Garments. In that ocean is a world-seed called Pure Continent Wheel.
Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Lovely Flower Pervasive Illumination; the world seed is named Hundred-Light Clouds Shining Brightly.
Commentary: Next, there is a Fragrant Water Ocean named Lovely Flowers Universally Illuminating. In that ocean is a world-seed named Hundred Lights and Clouds Radiantly Shining.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water called Great Light Illuminating All Space; the world-seed is called Jeweled Light Shining Everywhere.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Great Light Pervading Empty Space. In that ocean, there is a world-seed named Jeweled Light Shining Everywhere.
Next is the Fragrant Water Sea, named the Fragrant-Aura Adornment Banner; the world seed is named the Golden-Moon-Eye Necklace.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Wondrous Flower Adornment Banner. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Golden Moon-Eyed Necklace.
Next is the fragrant-water ocean, named the Precious Pearl Fragrant Ocean Treasury; the world-seed is named Buddha Light.
Commentary: Next, there is also an Ocean of Fragrant Waters called the Pearl Fragrance Ocean Treasury. Within that ocean is a world seed called Buddha’s Radiance.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water called the Radiance of the Jeweled Wheel, and a world-seed called the Radiance of the Buddha Realm of Good Manifestation.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Jewel-Wheel Light. In that ocean is a world-seed called Light of the Realm of the Buddha Manifested through Good Transformations.
Such and so forth: oceans of fragrant water, as numerous as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands
Commentary: The Fragrant Water Oceans, as mentioned above, are as numerous as the inconceivable number of dust particles in Buddha-lands.
The fragrant-water sea nearest to the encircling wheel-mountain is called “Ground Adorned with Boundless Wheels”; the world-seed is called “Infinite Differentiations of Directions,” and its substance is the various sounds of speech in all lands.
Commentary: Nearest to Mount Great Cakravāḍa is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Foundation Adorned by Boundless Wheels. In that ocean is a world-seed named Infinite Differences in Direction, whose substance consists of all kinds of sounds and speech from all lands.
At the very lowest point here is a world called Diamond Flower Canopy, whose Buddha is named Infinite Marks Light, Universal Gate Sound.
Commentary: Above the world seed called Boundless Directions and Differences are twenty tiers of worlds. At the very bottom is a world called Vajra Flower Canopy, where a Buddha named Infinite Marks, Light, Universal Gate Sound is teaching sentient beings.
Further above, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, there is a world equal in size to the Vajra Banner World, named Arising Jewel Banner. Its Buddha is called Cloud of Merit and Virtue, Great Majestic Power.
Commentary: Above the world Vajra Flower Canopy, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, there is a world equal in size to the Vajra Banner World, named Banner of the Emerging Jeweled Robes. In that world, a Buddha named Cloud of Merit and Virtue, Great Awe-Inspiring Power, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, at a distance equal to that of the Saha World, there is a world called Wondrously Adorned with All Precious Treasures. Its Buddha is named Ocean of Superior Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world called the Banner of Emanating Jeweled Robes, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in the three Buddha-realms, there is a world equal in size to the Saha World, named Wondrously Adorned with Many Jewels. In that world, a Buddha named Ocean of Superior Wisdom is teaching sentient beings.
Above this world-seed, at the very top, there is a world named Sunlight Bright Garment Banner; its Buddha is named Wisdom Sun Lotus Flower Cloud.
Commentary: In the uppermost direction of the world-seed Immeasurable Directional Differences, there is a world called Sunlight Bright Robe Banner. In that world, a Buddha named Wisdom Sun Lotus Flower Cloud is teaching sentient beings.
O disciples of the Buddha! Beyond that ocean of fragrant water adorned with Indra-blue jewels is an ocean of fragrant water named Asura Palaces; its world-seed is named Sustained by the Light of Fragrant Water.
Commentary: The Bodhisattva Greatly Vowed Samantabhadra called out again, “Disciples of the Buddha! Beyond that Indra-Blue Jewel-Adorned Fragrant Sea, there are ten more Fragrant Seas. In each Fragrant Sea there is a world seed, and each world seed has twenty tiers of worlds.” There is also a Fragrant Water Sea called Asura Palace. In that sea is a world-seed called Fragrant Water Light Sustained.
Next, there is a fragrant-water sea named Jeweled Lion Adornment, and a world-seed named Manifesting All the Treasures of the Ten Directions.
Commentary: Next, there is a Fragrant Water Sea named Precious Lion Adornment. In that sea is a world seed named Universally Beholding All Treasures in the Ten Directions.
Next is an ocean of fragrant waters named Cloud of Radiant Light in the Colors of Palaces; its world-seed is named Marvelously Adorned Jeweled Wheel.
Commentary: Next, there is a Fragrant Water Sea named the Palace of Cloudlike Radiant Light. Within that sea is a world seed named the Wondrously Adorned Jewel Wheel.
Next there is a fragrant-water ocean named “Emergence of the Great Lotus,” and a world-seed named “Wondrous Adornment, Universally Illuminating the Dharma Realm.”
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Great Lotus Emergence. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Wondrous Adornment Universally Illuminating the Dharma Realm.
Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Lamp-Flame Wondrous Eye, and a World-Seed named Universal Observation of Transformations throughout the Ten Directions.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters called Lamp-Flame Wondrous Eye. Within that ocean is a world-seed called Universally Observing the Transformations of the Ten Directions.
Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named Inconceivable Adornment Wheel; its world-seed is named Universal Renown of Light in the Ten Directions.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Inconceivable Adornment Wheel. In that ocean is a world seed named Light of the Ten Directions, Universally Renowned.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Adornment of Treasure Accumulations; the world-seed is named Lamp Light Shining Radiantly.
Commentary: Next, there is also an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Adornment of Jeweled Treasures. In that ocean is a world-seed named Radiant Lamp Light.
Next is a fragrant-water ocean named Pure Jewel Radiance; the world-seed is named Sumeru, Wind That Cannot Be Obstructed.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named Pure, Clear Jewel Light. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Sumeru, the Unobstructed Wind.
Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Jeweled Garment Railings; its World Seed is named Tathāgata Body Radiance.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Jeweled Cloth Railings. Within that ocean is a world seed named Radiance of the Tathagata’s Body.
Such and so forth, as many oceans of fragrant water as there are dust particles in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.
Commentary: As the Ocean of Fragrant Waters just said above, there are as many as the dust particles in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.
Its fragrant-water sea nearest the encircling mountain is named Tree-Adorned Banner; its world-seed is named Abiding in Indra’s Net, and its substance is the sounds of the wisdom grounds of all Bodhisattvas.
Commentary: Closest to Mount Great Wheel-Encircling is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Tree-Adorned Banner. In that ocean is a world seed named Abiding in Indra’s Net, whose essential nature is the sounds of all the wisdom grounds of the Bodhisattvas.
In the lowest direction here, there is a world called Wonderful Golden Color, whose Buddha is named Fragrant Flame Victorious Majestic Light.
Commentary: The An Trụ Đế Võng world-system has twenty tiers of worlds. At the very bottom is a world called Wonderful Golden Color. In that world, a Buddha named Fragrant Flame Victorious Majestic Light is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, there is a world equal in size to the Vajra Banner World, named Mani Tree Flower; its Buddha is named Unimpeded Universal Manifestation.
Commentary: Above the world of Wondrous Golden Color, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, there is a world equal in size to the world of Vajra Banner, named Mani Tree Flower. In that world, a Buddha named Unimpeded Universal Manifestation is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, equal in extent to the Saha World, there is a world called Vaidurya Wondrous Adornment; its Buddha is named Firm Wisdom of Dharma Sovereignty.
Commentary: Above the Ma Ni Tree Flower World, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in the three Buddha realms, there is a world equal in size to the Saha World, named Vaidurya Wonderful Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named Dharma Sovereign Firm Wisdom is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
In the uppermost direction from this world-seed is a world named Sublime Adornment of Brahma Sound; its Buddha is named King of Light of the Blossoming Lotus.
Commentary: In the uppermost region of the An Trụ Đế Võng world-seed is a world called Brahma Sound Wondrous Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named Lotus Blossom Opening Radiant Light King is teaching sentient beings.
O sons of the Buddha! Beyond that ocean of fragrant water, whose base is adorned with a Vajra Wheel, there is another ocean of fragrant water named Lotus Manifestation Realm; its world-seed is named Equal and Upright Land.
Commentary: The Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Practice called out again, “Disciples of the Buddha! Beyond the Fragrant-Water Sea of the Adorned Base of the Vajra Wheel, there are another ten Fragrant-Water Seas. In each Fragrant-Water Sea there is a world-seed, and in each world-seed there are twenty tiers of worlds.” Next is the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, named the Realm Where Lotuses Manifest. In that ocean is a world-seed named the Land of Equality and Rectitude.
Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Mani Light; its world-seed is named Pervading the Dharma Realm Without Delusion.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Mani Light. In that ocean is a world seed named Pervading the Dharma Realm Without Delusion.
Next is the ocean of fragrant waters, named Multitudinous Wondrous Fragrance Sun Maṇi; its world-seed is named Universally Manifest in the Ten Directions.
Commentary: Next is the Fragrant Water Sea, named Multitude of Wondrous Sun Maṇi. Within that sea is a world-seed named Universally Manifest in the Ten Directions.
Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Constantly Receiving the Jeweled Flow; the world-seed is named Universal Practice of the Sound of the Buddha’s Words.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Constantly Receiving Jewel Streams. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Universal Practice Buddha Speech and Sound.
Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Boundless Deep and Wondrous Sound; its world-seed is named Boundless Differences of Directions.
Commentary: Next is the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, named Boundless Profound and Wondrous Sounds. Within that ocean is a world seed named Boundless Differences in Direction.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Accumulation of Firm Reality; the world-seed is named Differentiation of Infinite Places.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named Accumulation of Solid Reality. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Differentiations of Boundless Places.
Next is a fragrant-water ocean named Pure Brahma Sound; the world-seed is named Universal Pure Adornment.
Commentary: Next is the Sea of Fragrant Waters, named Pure Brahma Sound. Within that sea is a world-seed named Universal Pure Adornment.
Next there is a fragrant-water sea named the Treasury of Sounds of Sandalwood Railings; its world-seed is named the Banner Rising Far Above.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named the Treasury of the Sound of Sandalwood Railings. Within that ocean is a world-seed named the Banner of Returning Emergence.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Adornment with the Light of the Wondrous Fragrance Jewel King; the world-seed is named Universal Manifestation of the Power of Light.
Commentary: Next, there is a Fragrant Water Ocean named Adornment of the Light of the Wondrous Jewel King. In that ocean is a world seed named Universal Manifestation of the Power of Light.
In Buddhism, there is a saying that: “The Dao rises one foot, and the demon rises ten feet.” Demons come to help those who cultivate the Way. From what appears at first glance, demons are destroyers of those who cultivate the Way. In truth, demons come to test your cultivation. If you pass the test, you are qualified to make progress and will soon attain success in your cultivation of the Way. If you fail the test, you will surrender to the demons, willingly become their retinue, and be at their command—you will have to “start all over again.” In all things, one must look for the good in what seems adverse. If you understand this, then demons are helpers to those who cultivate the Way. If you do not understand it, then demons are destroyers of those who practice the Way. Therefore, in every place of cultivation, when someone is about to attain fruition, become enlightened, or is single-mindedly cultivating, demons will come to test them. This test does not come from just one direction; it comes from all eight directions. Demons are invisible and formless. When they come, you do not know; only after they leave do you realize it. If you cannot pass the test, then you have failed, because you have not yet reached a state of pure, unmixed clarity. Thus, “your power of concentration is not firm,” so you cannot transform your circumstances; instead, you are transformed by them.
Kim Sơn Monastery is a place where dragons and snakes are all mixed together, a Dharma assembly where ordinary people and sages cultivate together. Some truly engage in cultivation and observe the precepts; others do not cultivate at all, but spend the whole day laughing and talking, disrupting the cultivation of others. This is the behavior of demons. If you recognize this, you will not be turned by states; if you do not recognize it, you will be turned by them. In cultivating the Way, we must have the power of samadhi to turn states. Remember this, remember this:
“All the trial
Let’s see how you do.
For now, knowing nothing,
You must train again from the beginning.
Last month, I mentioned that I intended to transmit the Mind Dharma to those who sincerely cultivate the Way and sincerely uphold the precepts. I have now received the verses you all composed. Since I must go to Asia to propagate the Dharma, I will set this aside for the time being. When I return, I will decide who is qualified to receive the Buddha’s Mind Dharma Seal.
Some people say, “In transmitting the Dharma through the mind-seal, one can transmit the Dharma only after attaining enlightenment.” That is not wrong! Only by using mind to seal mind can the Dharma be transmitted and received. But anyone who has the power of concentration, an unwavering mind, and vajra wisdom—anyone who meets these conditions—can receive the Great Dharma. You should pay attention! Before you receive it, heavenly demons will surely come to disturb you. These demons are extremely formidable, so you must be careful. This is absolutely no joke.
Buddhist disciples! Beyond that lotus-flower Indra-net sea of fragrant water…
Commentary: Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct called out once again, “O disciples of the Buddha! Outside that Lotus-Flower Indra’s Net Fragrant-Water Ocean, there are another ten Fragrant-Water Oceans. In each Fragrant-Water Ocean is a world seed. Each world seed has twenty tiers of worlds.”
Next there is a fragrant-water sea named Silver Lotus Flower of Wondrous Adornment; the world-seed is named Universal Practice.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Silver Lotus Flower of Wondrous Adornment. In that ocean is a world-seed named Universally Pervasive Practice.
Next is the ocean of fragrant water named Beryl Bamboo Dense Flame Cloud; the world-seed is named Universal Emission of Sounds in the Ten Directions.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Vaiḍūrya Bamboo Honey Flame Cloud. In that ocean is a world-seed named Universal Manifestation of the Sounds of the Ten Directions.
Next there is a fragrant-water ocean named “Gathering of Light-Flames in the Ten Directions,” and a world-seed named “Constantly Emanating Transformations, Dispersed Throughout the Ten Directions.”
Commentary: Next, there is also an ocean of fragrant water named Gathering of Radiant Flames of the Ten Directions. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Constantly Emanating Transformations Distributed throughout the Ten Directions.
Next is a fragrant-water ocean named Manifestation of the True-Gold Maṇi Banner; the world-seed is named the Mark of the Diamond Banner.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Manifestation of the True-Gold Maṇi Banner. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Vajra Banner Mark.
Next is the fragrant-water ocean named Great Equality Adornment, and the world-seed named Dharma-Realm Valiant Wheel.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Great Equality Adornment. In that ocean is a world-seed named Dharma Realm Valiant Wholeness.
Next is an ocean of fragrant waters named Jewel Flower Cluster of Infinite Light; its world-seed is named Boundless Pure Light.
Commentary: Next, there is the Fragrant Water Sea, named Jeweled Flower Cluster of Infinite Light. In that sea is a world-seed named Boundless Pure Light.
Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Wondrous Golden Banner; the world-seed is named Place of Expounding Subtle Mysteries.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Wonderful Golden Banner. Within that ocean is a world seed named Expounding Subtle and Secret Realms.
Next there is an ocean of fragrant water named Light and Shadow Pervading Everywhere; the world-seed is named Universal Adornment.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Light and Shadow Pervasive Illumination. In that ocean is a world-seed named Universal Adornment.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Silent Sound; the world-seed is named Displayed Before One.
Commentary: Next is a Fragrant Water Sea named Silent Sound. Within that sea is a world-seed named Displayed Before One.
Such and so forth, oceans of fragrant water numbering as many as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.
Commentary: The Ocean of Fragrant Waters mentioned above is as numerous as the dust motes in ineffable Buddha-lands.
The fragrant-water ocean nearest the encircling mountain is named Dense-Flame Cloud Banner. The world-seed is named Adorned with All Light, and its substance is the sound of the assemblies at the awakening halls of all Tathāgatas.
Commentary: The place closest to the Great Wheel-Encircling Mountain has an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Dense Flame Cloud Banner. In that ocean is a world seed named All-Light Adornment. That world takes as its essential nature the sounds of all assemblies in the Thus Come One’s bodhimandas.
Below this, in the furthest direction, there is a world called Pure-Eyed Adornment, whose Buddha is named Vajra Moon, Universally Illumining the Ten Directions.
Commentary: Above the world system called All Light Adornments are twenty tiers of worlds. At the very bottom is a world called Pure Eye Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named Vajra Moon Universally Illuminating the Ten Directions is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, and equal in size to the Vajra Banner World, there is a world named Lotus Virtue, whose Buddha is named Great Vigor, Good Enlightened Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world Pure Eye Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in ten Buddha realms, at a distance equal to that of the world Vajra Banner, there is a world called Lotus Virtue. In that world, a Buddha named Great Vigor, Well-Awakened Wisdom, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, equal in extent to the Sahā World, there is a world named Vajra Secret Adornment, whose Buddha is named Sāla King Banner.
Commentary: Above the world Lotus Virtue, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in three Buddha-realms, there is a world equal in size to the Saha World, named Vajra Secret Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named Sal King Banner is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond this, past worlds as numerous as the dust motes in seven Buddha-lands, there is a world named Pure Ocean Adornment; its Buddha is named Majestic Virtue Beyond Compare, None Able to Subdue.
Commentary: Above the world of Vajra Esoteric Adornment, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in seven Buddha-fields, there is a world called Pure Ocean Adornment. In that world, a Buddha named Majestic Virtue, Supreme and Unconquerable, is teaching sentient beings.
O children of the Buddha! Beyond the ocean of fragrant water of that Treasury of Accumulated Precious Fragrances…
Commentary: The Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct called out once more, “Disciples of the Buddha! Beyond the Ocean of Fragrant Waters Accumulating Jeweled Fragrance Treasuries, there are ten more oceans of fragrant waters. In each Ocean of Fragrant Waters, there is a world-seed. In each world-seed, there are twenty tiers of worlds.”
Next is the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, named Universal Illumination of the Light of All Jewels; the World Seed is named Adornment of Immaculate Renown.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named All-Encompassing Jewel Radiance, Universally Illuminating. Within that ocean is a world seed named Immaculate Renown Adornment.
Next is the ocean of fragrant water, named Many Jewels Blossoming Open; the world seed is named Empty-Space Aspect.
Commentary: Next there is an ocean of fragrant water called Many Treasures, Flowers in Full Bloom. In that ocean is a world-seed called Void Appearance.
Next is a fragrant-water ocean named Auspicious Banner Shining Everywhere; its world-seed is named Universal Adornment of Unimpeded Light.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named Auspiciously Subduing All-Illumination. In that ocean is a world-seed named Unhindered Light, Universally Adorned.
Next is the Fragrant Water Sea, named Accumulation of Jeweled Necklaces; the World Seed is named Purification of Doubt.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Accumulated Jeweled Garlands. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Purifying Doubts.
Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Producing Treasures of Wondrous Forms; its world-seed is named Victorious Banner, Pervasive Practice.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Emergence of Wondrous-Colored Jewels. In that ocean is a world-seed named Victorious Banner, Pervasive Practice.
Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Universally Arising Vajra Flower; its world-seed is named Manifesting Inconceivable Adornments.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Universal Birth Vajra Flower. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Manifestation of Inconceivable Adornments.
Next is the Fragrant Water Sea, named Adornment with the Mind-King Maṇi Wheel; its world-seed is named Manifesting the Unobstructed Buddha-Light.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Adorned with the Mind-King Maṇi Wheel. Within that ocean is a world seed named Manifesting the Unimpeded Light of the Buddha.
Next is an ocean of fragrant waters called Sandalwood Tree Flowers; its world-seed is called Complete Manifestation throughout the Ten Directions.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Sandalwood Tree Flowers. In that ocean is a world seed named Complete Universal Manifestation of the Ten Directions.
Next there is a fragrant-water ocean named Pearl Wheel Universal Adornment, and a world seed named Where the Vows of All Buddhas Flow.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Pearl-Wheel Universal Adornment. In that ocean is a world-seed named That Which Flows from the Vows of All Buddhas.
Such oceans of fragrant water, numbering as many as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands
Commentary: The oceans of fragrant water mentioned above are as numerous as the dust particles in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.
Its nearest encircling mountain and fragrant-water sea is named Jambūnada Treasure Wheel; the world-seed is named Universal Sound Banner, with the sound of entering the gateway of omniscience as its essence.
Commentary: At the place nearest Mount Luân Vi, there is a Fragrant Water Sea named Jambūnada Treasure-Store Wheel. In that sea is a world seed named Universal Sound Banner, whose essential nature is sound entering all wisdom gates.
In the lowest direction here, there is a world named Flower-Bud Flame; the Buddha’s name is Diligent Giving.
Commentary: Above the Universal Sound Banner world-seed are twenty tiers of worlds. On the bottommost tier is a world called Flower-Stamen Flame. In that world, a Buddha named Diligence Bestower is teaching sentient beings.
Beyond this, after passing worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, there is a world equal in size to the Vajra Banner World, named Lotus Light Banner. Its Buddha is named King of the Supreme Mind of All Virtues.
Commentary: Above the Flower Bud Flame World, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in ten Buddha-lands, there is a world equal in size to the Vajra Banner World, named the Lotus Light Banner World. In that world, a Buddha named King of the Supreme Mind of All Merits is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Beyond worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in three Buddha-fields above this, there is a world equal in size to the Saha World, named Adornment of the Ten Powers. Its Buddha is called King of the Excellent Manifestation of Immeasurable Merit.
Commentary: Above the world called Lotus Light Bright Banner, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles of the three Buddha realms, at a distance equal to the Saha World, there is a world called Majestic Adornment of the Ten Powers. In that world, a Buddha named King of Skillful Manifestation of Immeasurable Merit is teaching sentient beings.
At the very top of this world-seed is a world named Maṇi Fragrant Mountain Banner. Its Buddha is named Vast Great Good Eye, Purely Eliminating Doubts.
Commentary: In the uppermost direction of the Universal Sound Banner world-system, there is a world called Mani Fragrant Mountain Banner. In that world, a Buddha named Vast Great Good Eye, Purely Eliminating Doubts, is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
O disciples of the Buddha! Beyond that ocean of fragrant water adorned with jewels…
Commentary: The Bodhisattva of Great Conduct, Universal Worthy, called out once again, “Disciples of the Buddha! Outside that Ocean of Fragrant Water Adorned with Jewels are ten Oceans of Fragrant Water. In each Ocean of Fragrant Water there is a world seed, and each world seed has twenty tiers of worlds.”
Next is an ocean of fragrant waters named Upholding the Sumeru Light Treasury; the world-seed is named Vast Cloud Emanation.
Commentary: Next is the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, named the Sumeru Radiant Light Treasury. In that ocean is a world-seed named Vast Cloud of Emanation.
Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named the Realm of Great Power Adorned in Various Ways; the World Seed is named Unimpeded Pure Adornment.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water called the Ocean of Various Adornments and Great Awesome-Power Realms. Within that ocean is a world-seed called Unimpeded Pure Adornment.
Next is an ocean of fragrant waters named Dense Array of Jeweled Lotuses; the world-seed is named Most Excellent Lamp Adornment.
Commentary: Next, there is a Fragrant Water Ocean named Dense Jeweled Lotus. Within that ocean is a world seed named Most Victorious Lamp Adornment.
Next, there is a fragrant-water ocean named “Support of the Adornment of All Jewels”; its world-seed is named “Sunlight Bright Net Treasury.”
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Reliance on All Jeweled Adornments. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Treasury of the Net of Sunlight.
Next is the ocean of fragrant water, named Many Adornments and Purity; the world seed is named Jewel Flower Abode.
Commentary: Furthermore, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Many Adornments Pure. Within that ocean is a world seed named Place Where Jewels and Flowers Dwell.
Next is a fragrant water ocean named Extremely Intelligent Conduct; the world-seed is named Most Victorious Form Adornment.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Utmost Penetration of Wisdom and Practice. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Most Excellent Form Adornment.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Sustaining the Wondrous Maṇi Peak; its world-seed is named Universal Pure Void Treasury.
Commentary: Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Sustaining Wondrous Maṇi Peak. In that ocean is a world-seed named Universal Pure Void Treasury.
Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Great Light Pervading Everywhere; the world-seed is named Indra-Blue Great Light.
Commentary: Next there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Great Light Pervasively Shining. Within that ocean is a world seed named Indra-Blue Great Radiant Torch.
Next is the ocean of fragrant waters, named “Beloved Mani Jewels, Filling All and Shining Everywhere”; the world seed is named “Universal Roaring Sound.”
Commentary: Next there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named “Lovely Mani Jewels, Abundantly Pervading and Illuminating.”
In that ocean is a world-seed named “Universal Roaring Sound.” Such oceans of fragrant water, numbering as many as the indescribable dust motes of Buddha-lands.
Commentary: The oceans of fragrant water mentioned above are as numerous as the inconceivable number of dust particles in Buddha-lands.
The fragrant-water ocean closest to the encircling mountain is named Emerging Indra’s Blue Jewel; its world-seed is named Universally Pervading Without Distinction, and its essence is the roaring voice of all Bodhisattvas.
Commentary: Closest to the Great Iron Encircling Mountain is a Fragrant Water Sea named Supreme Blue Jewel. In that sea is a world-seed named Universal Without Difference, whose essential nature is the roar of all Bodhisattvas.
In the lowest direction below this, there is a world called the Wondrous Victory Treasury; the Buddha is named Supreme Victory Merit Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world-seed of Universal Non-Differentiation are twenty tiers of worlds. At the very bottom is a world called Wondrous Victory Treasury. In that world, a Buddha named Supreme Victory Merit and Wisdom is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, after passing worlds equal in number to the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, there is a world equal in size to the Vajra Banner World, named Adorned Aspect. Its Buddha is called Supremely Victorious Great Light.
Commentary: Above the world Wonderful Victory Treasury, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in ten Buddha-lands, there is a world equal in size to the world Vajra Banner, named Adorned Characteristics. In that world, a Buddha named Supremely Victorious Great Light is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, at the same level as the Saha World, there is a world named Universal Adornment of the Lapis Lazuli Wheel, whose Buddha is named Sumeru Lamp.
Commentary: Above the world called Adornment of Marks, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in the three Buddha realms, there is a world equal in size to the Saha World, named Universal Adornment of the Lapis Lazuli Wheel. In that world, a Buddha named Sumeru Lamp is teaching and transforming sentient beings.
In the uppermost direction of this world-seed, there is a world called Flower Banner Ocean; the Buddha’s name is Cloud of Wondrous Wisdom of Infinite Transformations.In the uppermost direction of that world-system is a world called Flower Garland Sea. The Buddha in that world is named Cloud of Infinite Transformations and Wondrous Wisdom.
Commentary: At the uppermost direction of the world-seed called Universal Pervasion Without Difference, there is a world named Flower Banner Ocean. In that world, a Buddha named Cloud of Wonderful Wisdom of Infinite Transformations is teaching sentient beings.
O disciples of the Buddha! Beyond that Diamond-Jewel-Cluster Fragrant-Water Sea, there is another fragrant-water sea named Reverently Adorned Jewel Vinaya. Its world-seed is named Outstanding Jewel Banner.
Commentary: The Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct called out once again, “Disciples of the Buddha! Outside the Ocean of Fragrant Water called Vajra Jewel Cluster, there are ten more Oceans of Fragrant Water. Each Ocean of Fragrant Water contains one world seed, and each world seed has twenty tiers of worlds. Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Exalted Adornment of Precious Skin (low-lying form). In that ocean is a world seed named Outstanding Precious Banner.”
Next is a fragrant-water ocean named Adornment with Jeweled Banners; the world-seed is named Manifesting All Light.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of Fragrant Water named Adornment of the Jeweled Banner. In that ocean is a world-seed named Manifesting All Light.
Next is an ocean of fragrant waters named Wondrous Jeweled Cloud; the world-seed is named All-Jewel Adornment, Light Shining Everywhere.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant waters named Wondrous Jewel Cloud. Within that ocean is a world-seed named All Treasures Adorned with Radiant Light Shining Everywhere.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Jewel-Tree Flower Adornment; the world-seed is named Fragrant Aura Interspersed Adornment.
Commentary: Next, there is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Jeweled Tree Flower Adornment. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Wondrous Flowers Interwoven as Adornments.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Adorned with Wondrous Jewel Garments; the world-seed is named Ocean of Light.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Adorned with Wonderful Jeweled Garments. In that ocean is a world-seed named Ocean of Light.
Next is the Fragrant Water Sea, named Jewel Tree Wind; the world-seed is named Jewel Flame Cloud.
Commentary: Next, there is the Fragrant Water Sea, named Jeweled Tree Peak. Within that sea is a world-seed called Jeweled Flame Cloud.
Next is the Fragrant Water Ocean, named Manifesting Light; the World Seed is named Entering Vajra Without Obstruction.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water called Manifesting Light. Within that ocean is a world-seed called Entering Vajra Without Obstruction.
Next is the fragrant-water ocean, named Lotus Universal Adornment; the world-seed is named Boundless Shore Ocean Abyss.
Commentary: Next, there is the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, named Lotus Universal Adornment. Within that ocean is a world seed named Boundless Shore Sea Abyss.
Next is the fragrant-water ocean named Wondrous Jewel Adornment; the world-seed is named Treasury of Universally Manifested Lands.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Water named Wondrous Jewel Adornment. In that ocean is a world-seed called the Treasury of Lands Universally Manifested.
Such oceans of fragrant water, as numerous as the dust motes in an ineffable number of Buddha-lands.
Commentary: The Fragrant Water Oceans, as mentioned above, are as numerous as the dust particles in ineffable Buddha-fields.
Its fragrant-water ocean nearest the encircling mountain is named the Indestructible Ocean; the world-seed is named the Wondrous Wheel-Interlaced Lotus Treasury, and its essence is the sound emanating from the power of all Buddhas.
Commentary: At the place nearest Mount Great Wheel, there is a fragrant-water ocean named the Indestructible Ocean. Within that ocean is a world-seed named the Wondrous Wheel Interlaced Lotus Banner, whose essential nature is formed by all the sounds emanating from the powers of the Buddhas.
Below this, there is a world called Most Wondrous Fragrance. The Buddha’s name is Transformation of Countless Dust-Mote Lights.
Commentary: Above the world-seed called Wondrous Wheel Interwoven Lotus Banner are twenty tiers of worlds. At the very lowest level is a world called Most Wondrous Fragrance. In that world, a Buddha named Light of Transformations as Numerous as Immeasurable Dust Motes is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond a number of worlds equal to the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, and equal in extent to the Vajra Banner World, there is a world named Inconceivable Distinctive Adornment Gate. Its Buddha is named Immeasurable Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world of Utmost Wondrous Fragrance, after passing through worlds as numerous as the dust particles in ten Buddha-lands, there is a world equal in size to the world of Vajra Banner, named the Gate of Inconceivable, Differentiated Adornments. In that world, a Buddha named Immeasurable Wisdom is teaching sentient beings.
Above this, on a level with the Saha World, there is a world called the Treasury of Fragrant Light of the Ten Directions; its Buddha is named Lion-Eye Light-Flame Cloud.
Commentary: Above the world named Inconceivable Differentiated Adornments Gate, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in the three Buddha realms, there is a world equal in size to the Saha World, named Ten-Direction Light Wondrous Flower Treasury. In that world, a Buddha named Lion-Eye Light-Flame Cloud is teaching sentient beings.
In the highest direction above this, there is a world named Ocean Sound, whose Buddha is named Water-Heaven Light-Flame Gate.
Commentary: In the uppermost direction of the world seed called Wondrous Wheel Interspersed Lotus Flower Banner, there is a world named Ocean Sound. In that world, a Buddha named Water Heaven Light Flame Gate is teaching sentient beings.
O disciples of the Buddha! Beyond that Fragrant Water Ocean of the Jeweled Ramparts of the Celestial City…
Commentary: The great-practice Bodhisattva Samantabhadra again called out, “Disciples of the Buddha, beyond that ocean of fragrant water, Heavenly City Jewel Leaf, there are ten oceans of fragrant water. In each ocean of fragrant water is a world seed, and each world seed has twenty levels of worlds.”
Next is a fragrant-water ocean named Blazing Wheel Brilliant Light, and a world-seed named Inconceivable Varieties of Adornments.
Commentary: Next, there is an Ocean of Fragrant Waters named Flaming Wheel Red-Wing Light. In that ocean is a world-seed named Inexpressible Varieties of Adornments.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Jewel-Dust Dew; its world-seed is named Universally Entering Infinite Revolutions.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water called Jewel-Dust Dew. In that ocean is a world-seed called Universal Entry into the Infinite Whole.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named “Complete with All Adornments”; its world-seed is named “Jewel Light Shining Everywhere.”
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water called Endowed with All Adornments. Within that ocean is a world seed called Jeweled Light Universally Shining.
Next is the Fragrant Water Sea, named the Net of Arrayed Jewels; the world-seed is named Profound and Secret Arrangement.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water called Bố Chúng Bảo Võng. In that ocean is a world-seed called Profound and Secret Arrangement.
Next is the Fragrant-Water Ocean, named Banner Adorned with Wondrous Jewels; the world-seed is named Ocean of Worlds with Clear, Distinct Sound.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named the Wondrous Jewel Adornment Banner. Within that ocean is a world seed named the World of Clear and Distinct Sound.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named the Pure Reflection of the Sun Palace; its world-seed is named Pervading Indra’s Net.
Commentary: Next, there is also an ocean of fragrant water named Pure Reflection of the Sun Palace. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Universally Entering Indra’s Net.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named “All Drums and Music, Wondrously Beautiful Sound”; its world-seed is named “Perfectly Complete, Level, and Upright.”
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named All Drums and Music, Wondrous Sound. In that ocean is a world-seed named Perfectly Complete and Upright.
Next is an ocean of fragrant water named Various Wonderful Adornments, and a world-seed named Pure Dense Light-Flame Cloud.
Commentary: Next, there is an ocean of fragrant water named Various Wondrous Adornments. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Pure Dense Light-Flame Cloud.
Next is the ocean of fragrant water named Universally Pervasive Jeweled-Flame Lamp; the world-seed is named Various Forms in Accordance with the Buddha’s Original Vows.
Commentary: Again, there is an ocean of fragrant water named Universally Pervading Jeweled Flame Lamps. Within that ocean is a world-seed named Various Forms According to the Buddha’s Original Vows.
Such and other oceans of fragrant water, as numerous as the dust motes in ineffable Buddha-lands.
Commentary: The oceans of fragrant water mentioned above are as numerous as the number of dust particles in ineffable Buddha-lands.
Its fragrant-water sea nearest the ring of mountains is named Accumulated Jeweled Garland Garment; its world-seed is named Manifested Wondrous Garment, and its substance is the sounds of all Buddhas of the three times.
Commentary: The fragrant-water sea nearest the Great Cakravāḍa Mountains is named Accumulated Garland Support. In that sea is a world-seed named Manifested Wondrous Support, whose essential nature is the sounds of all the Buddhas of the three times.
In its lowest direction, there is a fragrant-water ocean called Indra Flower Treasury. Its world is called Arising Joy, surrounded by as many worlds as there are dust motes in Buddha-lands, and wholly pure. The Buddha is named Firmly Awakened Wisdom.
Commentary: Above the world-seed called Manifested Wondrous Garment are twenty tiers of worlds. In the lowest region among them is a world named Joy Arisen, surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in Buddha-lands, which serve as its retinue. It is entirely pure and unadulterated. In that world, a Buddha named Firmly Awakened Wisdom is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching and transforming sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds equal in number to the atoms in ten Buddha-lands, at the same level as the Vajra Banner World, there is a world called Jeweled Net Adornment. It is surrounded by worlds equal in number to the atoms in ten Buddha-lands, wholly pure, and its Buddha is named Immeasurable Joyful Light.
Commentary: Above the world Joy Arising, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands, is the world Vajra Banner. Worlds as numerous as the dust motes in ten Buddha-lands surround it as its retinue, all pure and unmixed. In that world, there is a Buddha named Immeasurable Joyful Light, who is turning the Dharma wheel and teaching the assembly.
Beyond this, across worlds as numerous as the dust motes in three Buddha-lands, there is a world equal in size to the Saha world, named Jeweled Lotus Lion Seat. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in thirteen Buddha-lands. The Buddha is named Most Pure, Not Heard in Vain.
Commentary: Above the world Adorned with Jeweled Nets, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust motes in three Buddha realms, there is a world equal in size to the Saha World, called Precious Lotus Flower Lion Throne. It is surrounded by worlds as numerous as the dust motes in thirteen Buddha realms, which serve as its retinue. In that world, a Buddha named Supremely Pure, Never Hearing in Vain, is turning the Dharma Wheel and teaching sentient beings.
Above this, beyond worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in seven Buddha-lands, at the highest point of this world-seed, there is a world named Precious-Colored Dragon Radiance, surrounded by worlds numbering as many as the dust motes in twenty Buddha-lands. It is perfectly pure, and its Buddha is named Universally Illuminating the Dharma Realm
Commentary: Above the world of the Jeweled Lotus Lion Throne, beyond worlds as numerous as the dust particles in seven Buddha-lands—that is, in the upper direction of the world-cluster called Wondrous Manifestation Adornment—is a world named Dragon Light of Jeweled Splendor. Worlds as numerous as the dust particles in twenty Buddha-lands surround it as its retinue; they are entirely pure and unmixed. In that world is a Buddha named Universal Illumination of the Dharma Realm, who is turning the Dharma wheel to teach and transform sentient beings.
O disciples of the Buddha! In oceans of fragrant water numbering ten ineffable Buddha-land dust-mote numbers, there are world seeds numbering ten ineffable Buddha-land dust-mote numbers. They all abide upon lotus flowers adorned with maṇi-king banners that display the forms of all Bodhisattvas.
Commentary: Bodhisattva Samantabhadra of Great Conduct called out once more, “Disciples of the Buddha, please pay close attention and listen carefully! As stated above, within the Fragrant Water Seas, as numerous as the dust motes in ten ineffable Buddha-lands, are world-seeds, as numerous as the dust motes in ten ineffable Buddha-lands, all abiding upon lotus flowers adorned with banners of Bodhisattva mani kings in every form.”
Each and every adorned realm is uninterrupted; each and every one emits jewel-colored radiance; clouds of light cover each and every one above; each and every adornment, each and every kalpa, is distinct; each and every Buddha appears; each and every one expounds an ocean of Dharma; each and every one is filled throughout with sentient beings; each and every one universally enters the ten directions; each and every one is empowered by the spiritual might of all Buddhas.
Commentary: In every world-system and every world, all the adornments throughout its expanse are continuous, with no gaps. Every world-system and every world constantly emits precious-colored light. Every world-system and every world has clouds of light covering it above. Every world-system and every world has adornments. The number of kalpas through which each world-system and each world passes differs. In every world-system and every world, Buddhas appear in the world, and their appearances differ. In every world-system and every world, Buddhas are expounding an ocean of Dharma. Every world-system and every world is filled with sentient beings. Although the forms of the sentient beings differ, they are all present in abundance. In every world-system and every world, all the Dharma realms of the ten directions are directed toward that world. Every world-system and every world is blessed by the spiritual powers of all Buddhas, enabling it to remain for a long time without being destroyed.
Within each of these world-seeds, all worlds abide upon various kinds of adornment, linking to one another in succession to form a net of worlds; throughout the Flower-Treasury Adorned World-Ocean, they are established in manifold distinct arrangements.
Commentary: Within each world-seed, all the worlds abide, relying on various kinds of adornment. They abide through the spiritual power of all the Buddhas and all the Bodhisattvas. Those worlds are all close to one another, forming a net of worlds. Thus: “This world, that world, and immeasurable worlds are brought to completion through the Buddha’s spiritual power.” In the Flower-Adorned Treasury World Ocean, there are all kinds of differences, which together establish worlds throughout the Dharma Realm.
Taking part in a Dharma assembly where sutras are expounded brings inconceivable benefits, whether one understands what one hears or not. I remember that when I was expounding sutras at Sai Lok Yuen in Hong Kong, there was a laywoman who was over sixty years old. Because she was deaf, everyone called her “the Deaf Lady.” Her surname was Chen, and her Dharma name was Guojuan. She lived below the hill at Sai Lok Yuen. Every time I expounded sutras, rain or shine, she would walk from the foot of the hill to Sai Lok Yuen. She had to climb more than three hundred steps to get there and listen to the sutras. It is truly admirable how sincerely a deaf person came to listen to the sutras.
– Someone asked her: “What did you come to hear?” – She said, “I don’t even know what to listen to?” The matter was truly miraculous, as follows: One day, after the sutra lecture ended, everyone was chanting, “Homage to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the Lotus Pond Assembly.” Suddenly, she heard it very clearly. From then on, her hearing returned to normal. She diligently applied herself to cultivation; this was the result of her sincere heart, and so it is said:
Where utmost sincerity reaches,
Even metal and stone will open.
It means:
When sincerity reaches its utmost,
Even gold and stone will melt.
Sincere and steadfast faith in the Buddha will bring about inconceivable responses.
That deaf lay Buddhist woman also had a strange ailment: she had to eat a great deal every day. If she didn’t eat, she could hardly bear it. Whenever she came to listen to the Dharma, after half an hour she would want to go down to the kitchen to find something to eat; otherwise, she couldn’t endure it. She had consulted many doctors, but they were all at a loss.
On the seventh day of the second month, I returned from Mount Đại Tự to Tây Lạc Viên, and she then said to me: — “Master! Someone is talking inside my belly.” I said, “There is someone speaking inside your belly. Could it be a child? You are over sixty years old—are you still having children?” —She said, “I don’t know either!” I asked again, “What is your belly saying?” — She said: “Early in the morning, when you use flour to make something to eat, someone inside your stomach said, ‘I don’t like eating that thing!’” —I said, “You don’t like this, so what do you like to eat? As long as you’re full, that’s enough. What more do you want?” At that moment, the one in my belly didn’t say anything else. I heard very clearly that someone in my belly said that.
“I told her, ‘If there’s a child in your belly who can talk, then you must give birth to it. Go home tonight, and at midnight, go before the Buddha altar and light incense. Then see if there’s any reaction.’” She descended the mountain and returned home. At midnight, she went before the Buddha altar, lit incense, and sat quietly. As she drifted in a state that was like sleep but not sleep, like a dream but not a dream, she saw three plump little children emerge from her belly, lively and robust. Then she saw Bodhisattva Weituo holding a bowl of steaming noodles, fragrant and delicious. The three children rushed to eat the noodles. Bodhisattva Weituo grabbed them by the ears and led them away, no one knew where! Afterward, she felt empty inside her belly and very comfortable. From then on, her illness of constant hunger went away without any medicine, and everything returned to normal.
Where did her strange illness come from? One night, while she was sleeping, she saw three children with plump heads and big ears, who were very cute, and became attached to them. From then on, those three little ghosts entered her belly. After enduring three years of suffering, the illness finally went away. No one would believe such a strange illness. Yet it cannot be disbelieved, which is why it is called wondrous.
Why does she suffer from that illness? Because in a previous life, someone else suffered from the same illness. That person told her, but she did not believe them, so in this life she must reap that karmic consequence. The law of cause and effect is never off by so much as a hair.
We who cultivate the Way must first have compassion. Whenever we encounter someone who is ill, we must feel pity for them and do everything we can to help relieve their suffering. Illness is one of the eight sufferings. At such a time, if someone with a compassionate heart offers the sick person spiritual comfort, they will feel boundless warmth and become more hopeful; a serious illness may become mild, and a mild one may disappear altogether. This is psychological treatment. Therefore, Buddhists must all be compassionate and care about others. Even if our enemy falls ill, we must still rescue them from dire distress. Hence the saying: Resentment should be let go, not held onto.
Do not repay hatred with hatred; repay it with kindness instead. Someone wants to know who those three children were? I’ll tell you now: Two were four-legged snakes from the tropics, also called *diêm xà*, because they crawl around beneath the eaves of houses; the other was a frog. When they were about to wreak havoc, they went everywhere harming people. Later, Bodhisattva Weituo captured the three children and released them in a remote place, where they no longer caused trouble.
There is also a story of someone being cured of an incurable illness by reciting the Great Compassion Mantra. Since someone currently needs to recite the Great Compassion Mantra, today I will recount a story of its inconceivable efficacy.
Last spring, Quả Quy and his father traveled to England. After they arrived, his father began to feel unwell, so he went to the hospital for an examination and was found to have cancer. He had no choice but to return home for treatment. A period of taking medicine at the hospital did not help. Even now, there is no medicine that can cure the disease.
When Guo Gui was at the Buddhist Lecture Hall, he joined our group and was very diligent in his cultivation. He saw that his father’s illness was getting worse by the day and became very anxious. From Long Beach, he called me (I was in Hong Kong at the time) and asked what he could do so that his father would not die of cancer—was there any way at all to save him? I told him that there was only one way: recite the Great Compassion Mantra 108 times every day. So he devoted himself wholeheartedly to reciting it. Later, when his father went for another examination, it confirmed that the cancer had disappeared. Unfortunately, in 1975, he passed away from another illness, but not from cancer.
Guo Gui sincerely recited the Great Compassion Mantra, and in response, his father’s cancer was eliminated. His father could originally have lived for several more years, but he could not give up smoking or drinking, so he developed another illness and died. Although his father had died, Guo Gui did not become discouraged; he continued to diligently recite the Great Compassion Mantra as before. You should be as diligent as Shakyamuni Buddha, remaining diligent life after life and kalpa after kalpa, without ever becoming discouraged.
The Great Compassion Mantra can cure incurable illnesses and afflictions; its efficacy is truly inconceivable. Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara said to the Buddha, “If sentient beings recite and uphold the Great Compassion Mantra but are not reborn in the lands of the Buddhas, do not attain immeasurable samādhis and eloquence, or fail to have all their wishes in this present life fulfilled, then I vow not to attain Perfect Enlightenment—except in the case of those who are not sincere.”
At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, wishing to restate its meaning, relying on the Buddha’s mighty power, spoke these verses:
Commentary: At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra wished to restate the meaning of the prose section just given above. Relying on the Buddha’s great majestic spiritual power, he used one hundred and one verses to make that meaning clear.
Ocean of Worlds in the Flower Treasury
Equal to the Dharma Realm, without distinction
Adorned with utmost purity
Abiding in space
Commentary: The Flower Treasury Adorned World Sea and the Dharma Realm are neither two nor different. Its adornments are purely pure, unmixed. It rests upon space, sustained and held in place by the attractive force of the Wind Wheel.
This ocean of worlds,
The realm-seeds are inconceivable,
Each and every one is free,
All are without admixture or disorder,
Commentary: Within that world-ocean of Flower Treasury Adornment, all the Buddha-lands and world-seeds are inconceivably numerous. Each Buddha-land and each world-seed is arranged with great freedom, follows its own order, and is not chaotic, but neatly aligned in straight rows.
Flower-Treasury World-Ocean
World-seeds skillfully arranged,
Unusual forms, adorned in diverse ways
All kinds of features differ
Commentary: In the Flower Treasury Adorned World-Ocean are Buddha-lands and world-seeds as numerous as dust motes, arranged in perfect order, with very distinctive forms, immeasurably magnificent and beautiful, and taking all kinds of different shapes.
The sounds of the Buddhas’ transformations
Various kinds form their essence
Seen according to their karmic power
World-seeds are wondrously adorned
Commentary: All the Buddhas of the three times manifest sounds that constitute the essential nature of that world. That world is established according to the karma of sentient beings. Because sentient beings have different karmic forces, the worlds have different forms and adornments, and all kinds of appearances also differ. They manifest according to the karmic forces of sentient beings.
For example, in the world where we live, sentient beings see it as the evil age of the five turbidities, consisting of nothing but plants and trees, earth and stones, rivers and oceans. But the Buddhas see it as a pure and majestic world, everything adorned with the seven treasures. Likewise, in the eastern direction, the perceptions of sentient beings and the Buddhas are completely different. Why? Because the minds of sentient beings are defiled, what they see is impure; the minds of the Buddhas are pure, so everything they see is majestic and adorned.
Is the world really different? Yes! It is not the same. If you wear blue-tinted glasses to look at the world, you will see people and things as blue; if you wear red-tinted glasses, you will see people and things as red. Why? Because you are wearing colored lenses, you see the world in color. Sentient beings create karmic obstructions in the same way, and perceive appearances in the same way—it is the same principle. If the same matter is handled from different standpoints, the conclusions will differ. Why? Because they are subjective, not objective, and so people arrive at different views and conclusions.
Because it depends on the karmic laws governing sentient beings, each Buddha-realm and each world-seed possesses inconceivably wondrous adornments.
Mount Sumeru becomes a net
Water swirls in a circular form
A vast lotus blossoms open
Here and there, they surround one another
Commentary: Mount Sumeru forms something like a La Trang net. There are many Fragrant Water Seas, circling to the right and to the left, forming circular shapes. Within the Fragrant Water Sea are immense lotus flowers, flourishing and fully open. Each Fragrant Water Sea and the next, each world-seed and the next, and each Mount Sumeru and the next are all closely encircled together.
Mountain-banner tower-pavilion form
Wheel-turning vajra form
Thus, inconceivable
Vast multitude of world-realms
Commentary: There are worlds shaped like mountains, banners, towers and pavilions, revolving circles, or vajras. There are so many forms of this kind that they cannot all be described. The Buddha-lands and vast world-seeds are all inconceivable.
Blazing pearls of the great ocean
An inconceivable net of light
Such seeds of all world-systems
All abide in the lotus
Commentary: In the Ocean of Fragrant Waters, pearls emit light, blazing like flames. The world-seeds also emit light, and the lights weave together into a net. This is manifested through the supernatural powers of the Buddhas, giving rise to an inconceivable realm. Just like the various Buddha lands and various world-seeds mentioned earlier, they all abide entirely within the lotus.
Every single kind of all realms
Inconceivable nets of light
Many realms appear within the light
Pervading throughout the oceans of the ten directions.
Commentary: In every Buddha-realm, all the world-seeds are linked together in a net of radiant light, yet remain unmixed and perfectly orderly; they are so numerous they cannot be fully described. Within each radiance appear all the Buddha-realms and world-seeds, pervading the world-oceans in the ten directions.
All kinds of worlds,
All their adornments,
All lands enter within;
Universally seen without end.
Commentary: All Buddha realms, all adornments, and all lands are drawn into the net of luminous radiance. This realm is visible not only in one world, but throughout all the worlds in the ten directions—boundless and inexhaustible.
Inconceivable are the world-seeds
The worlds are boundless
Adorned with every kind of wondrous beauty
All through the power of the Great Sage
Commentary: Buddha-lands and world-seeds are as numerous as dust motes. That realm is inconceivable, and all worlds are without boundaries. They are adorned with every kind of wondrous splendor, through the spiritual powers of all the Buddhas of the ten directions and the three times.
Among all world-seeds,
Worlds inconceivable,
Some are forming, some are being destroyed,
Some have already been destroyed.
Commentary: Among all Buddha-lands and world systems as numerous as dust particles, there are inconceivable worlds. Worlds pass through four stages: formation, abiding, destruction, and emptiness. Some worlds are in the process of forming; some are undergoing destruction; some have already been destroyed; and some are in the kalpa of emptiness.
Like leaves in the forest,
which come into being and fall,
so it is in the world:
realms arise and perish.
Commentary: That realm is also like leaves in a forest: they sprout in spring and fall in autumn. Sprouting is formation; being on the tree is abiding; falling is decay; and landing on the ground is emptiness. Leaves go through these four stages, and every world is the same. Therefore, it is said that where there is arising, there is also falling. As mentioned earlier, the worlds within the world-seeds: where there is formation, there must be decay; where there is decay, there is formation.
Just as in a forest of trees
There are many different kinds of fruit,
So in the various worlds
Many different kinds of sentient beings dwell.
Commentary: Another example is given, like forest trees bearing all kinds of different fruits. All Buddha-lands and world systems likewise have all kinds of sentient beings dwelling within them. In short, each kind of tree bears its corresponding fruit; each kind of world is inhabited by its corresponding sentient beings.
Just as the seeds differ
Bear fruits of many kinds
Because karmic forces differ
The realms of sentient beings are not the same
Commentary: Here is another example: different seeds produce different plants, and the results are different as well. Because sentient beings have different karmic forces, their karmic retributions are also different. Therefore, the worlds in which sentient beings live are also different.
Like the mind-king jewel
Seeing all forms according to the mind
Because sentient beings’ minds are pure
They can see the pure land.
Commentary: To give another example, it is like a precious mind-king that manifests all kinds of different colors according to sentient beings’ aspirations. If sentient beings’ minds are pure, they can see a pure Buddha-land; this is the function of sympathetic response.
Just as the Great Dragon King
Raises clouds throughout the empty sky
So too is the power of the Buddha’s vows
That brings forth all realms.
Commentary: Just as the Great Dragon King raises clouds throughout the expanse of space, so too, long ago, the Buddha vowed to liberate all sentient beings and therefore brought forth all realms to teach and transform them.
Like an illusionist’s spell
It can manifest all kinds of things
Because of the karmic power of sentient beings
The lands are inconceivable
Like a magician, one can manifest all kinds of realms. Because sentient beings’ karmic forces differ, the lands that appear are also inconceivable.
Just as an assembly of images
Made by a painter
So all worlds
Are fashioned by the mind, the painter
Just as an image painted on paper is made by a painter, so the Flower Treasury Adorned World-Ocean, with all its lands as numerous as dust particles, is brought into being by the minds of sentient beings and the power of their karma.
The bodies of sentient beings are all different;
They arise according to the mind’s discrimination;
Thus are the myriad kinds of worlds;
None are not all due to karma;
The bodies of all sentient beings are different, each formed according to the distinctions in sentient beings’ minds. Just as there are various Buddha realms and various world seeds, the formation, abiding, destruction, and emptiness of all worlds are all brought about by the karma of sentient beings.
For example, seeing the Guide
Various differences in form
According to sentient beings’ mental activities
Seeing the various lands is likewise
Commentary: Just as the Teacher (the Buddha) appears in various forms according to the aspirations of sentient beings, so too does the perception of all lands differ in accordance with the karmic responses generated by sentient beings. The principle is the same.
In every particle of all the realms
Spread throughout in a net of lotus flowers
With all kinds of differing forms
Adorned, all pure and clean
Commentary: The boundaries of all Buddha realms are everywhere covered with nets of lotus flowers, each arranged according to order and not in disarray. All the Oceans of Fragrant Water and world systems, though different in form, are adorned in a manner that is utterly pure and free from defilement.
Those lotus-flower nets,
where the nets of worlds abide,
with all kinds of adornments,
are inhabited by all kinds of beings.
Commentary: All those lotus-flower nets are in the places where the world nets abide. Some are adorned with mani jewels, some with gold and silver, some with lapis lazuli, and some with agate. All these various adornments manifest according to the karmic power of sentient beings. Those lands are all inhabited by various kinds of sentient beings.
Or in some Buddha-lands
Harsh and perilous, uneven
Because of sentient beings’ afflictions
They see them as such
Commentary: Or there are lands where the ground is uneven; this is created by the afflictions of sentient beings. When sentient beings’ afflictions are heavy, the world is full of dangers and evils; when their afflictions are light, the world has fewer dangers and evils. Because of afflictions, the land is perceived as dangerous and uneven.
The earth we inhabit is in the Saha World. Within this world, there are many different lands. All sentient beings live in their own lands, yet together in the Saha World. This is shared karma (everyone has the same karmic force), and it is also karma whose effects are interconnected (karmic forces extend from one land to another). Although we live on the same earth, we are divided into different races and nationalities, and all kinds of different circumstances arise. Some countries are wealthy, their people live in comfort, and they have no fear of war. Other countries have little land and scarce resources, insufficient production, and people who suffer hardship. Natural and man-made disasters occur constantly; they live in anxiety and fear, and their lives are insecure. This too is the result of individual karma. If one creates pure karma, one is born in a prosperous and powerful country. If one creates defiled karma, one is born in a poor and lowly country, constantly threatened by hunger, thirst, and fear.
Defilement and purity
Innumerable kinds of worlds
Arising according to sentient beings’ minds
Sustained by the power of the Bodhisattvas
Commentary: There are defiled worlds and pure worlds. Whether defiled or pure, each has immeasurable Buddha-fields and immeasurable world-seeds, all created according to the minds of sentient beings. This is the great majestic spiritual power upheld by the Bodhisattvas.
Or within some Buddha-lands,
There are both defilement and purity;
These arise through the power of karma,
And are transformations wrought by Bodhisattvas.
Commentary: In realms that are defiled or pure, all are created by sentient beings’ karmic power, and are also manifested through the Bodhisattvas’ spiritual powers. It is like us: in one thought, we want to cultivate, have few desires and few defiled thoughts—that is purity. But in the next thought, we no longer want to cultivate, and think that defiled practices are not wrong: worldly people like doing them, so why shouldn’t we? That is defilement. Purity and defilement are both created by the mind. If you create pure karma, the world is pure; if you create defiled karma, the world is defiled.
Some lands emit radiant light;
A jeweled abode free from defilement is formed
Adorned with various wondrous ornaments
The Buddhas make them pure.
Commentary: There are Buddha-lands that constantly radiate light. Why? Because the precious quality of being free from defilement has been perfected (that is, the minds of sentient beings are pure); this is also the manifestation of sentient beings’ karmic power. These Buddha-lands not only radiate light, but are also adorned with all kinds of wondrous and beautiful features. This is because all the Buddhas of the ten directions and the three times cause the worlds to remain pure at all times.
Within each and every world-seed,
through inconceivable kalpas of conflagration,
though what appears is ruined and corrupted,
that place remains ever firm.
Commentary: In each Buddha-land and world-seed consumed by the kalpa fire, an inconceivable world-scene appears. Yet although they are ravaged by the kalpa fire, the fundamental nature of the Buddha-land and world-seed remains firm and indestructible.
Through the karmic power of sentient beings
Many lands come into being,
Relying upon the wind wheel
And resting upon the water wheel.
Commentary: Because sentient beings’ karmic force is so heavy, many kinds of worlds come into being. If the karmic force of sentient beings were completely purified, all Buddha-lands would also cease to exist. Those worlds all depend on the wind wheel, are sustained in space, or abide by relying on the water wheel.
The world of Dharma is thus
Seen in all kinds of different ways,
Yet in truth there is no arising
Nor is there any destruction.
Commentary: The phenomena of the world are like this, appearing in all sorts of forms. All sentient beings see them differently. In truth, their fundamental essence is neither born nor destroyed.
Within each and every thought
Countless worlds arise
Through the Buddha’s awe-inspiring spiritual power
All are seen as pure and undefiled
Commentary: In the mind of each sentient being appear immeasurable, boundless Buddha lands. Because sentient beings have many thoughts, many Buddha lands appear. Through the Buddha’s great awe-inspiring spiritual power, the worlds seen by sentient beings are all pure and free of defilement.
There are realms made of mud and earth,
Their substance exceedingly hard and solid.
Dark, with no light shining,
They are the dwelling place of those with evil karma.
Commentary: Some Buddha realms are made of mud and earth. The Saha world, for example, is made of mud, earth, gold, and stone, yet its substance is very solid. There are also dark realms where neither sunlight nor moonlight shines, such as the hells; these are worlds inhabited by beings who have created evil karma.
There is a realm, a vajra city
Defiled, with great anxiety and fear
Much suffering and little joy
Where those of scant merit dwell
Commentary: There is a world made of diamond, yet it is half pure and half defiled. Because it is mixed with impurities and not wholly pure, there is fear. That world has much suffering and little joy; it is where people of little merit dwell.
We were born after the Buddha’s time, as beings with scant blessings. When the Buddha was alive, even drinking water was more nourishing than cow’s milk is today. The cow’s milk we drink now is not as good as the water people drank when the Buddha was still in the world. Why? Because our blessings are running thin, and so the world is seeing more and more disasters.
Or there are realms with walls of iron.
Or [they are] made of red copper.
Rocky mountains, perilous and fearsome.
Evildoers are plentiful.
Commentary: There are worlds made of iron, with iron as a major constituent, or made of red copper. If they were made entirely of iron or copper, sentient beings would have no way to survive. Some worlds have mountains made of stone, which are very dangerous; when sentient beings see them, they become frightened. In those worlds, everywhere is filled with sentient beings who create evil karma and commit sins; they are all beings burdened with grave sins.
Within the realm are hells
Sentient beings suffer, beyond saving
They are always in darkness
Burned by a sea of flames
Commentary: There are worlds in which there are hells, where sentient beings endure terrible suffering, yet no Buddhas or Bodhisattvas come to save them. Why? Because they are drawn there by the power of their karma. They dwell constantly in dark hells (those with wisdom dwell in worlds of light, while the ignorant dwell in worlds of darkness) and are constantly burned by fierce fires (without wisdom, one is continually afflicted by vexations; vexations are like a sea of fire, in which one burns oneself and finds no peace).
Or again, there are animals
With all kinds of foul, ugly forms.
Because of the evil karma they themselves have made,
They constantly endure all manner of suffering.
Commentary: Or there are worlds filled with all kinds of animals (being greedy and never knowing contentment is being an animal), with all sorts of ugly forms. This is because they create evil karma, and therefore constantly undergo all kinds of suffering. In this world, we are greedy for wealth, beauty, fame and gain, food and drink, and excessive sleep. We cannot let go of these five kinds of desires, so all kinds of afflictions arise; this is the animal within the mind. Afflictions are ugly forms that cause people to be constantly scorched by them.
Or find oneself in the realm of Yama,
Tormented by hunger and thirst,
Climbing the great mountain of fire,
Enduring every grievous torment.
Commentary: Or they may see the realm of Yama (the king of demons, the lord who judges evil deeds), then become hungry ghosts, tormented by hunger and thirst as if being consumed by fire, suffering as though immersed in boiling oil. This is because their evil karma compels them to undergo punishment. Or they may arrive atop a great volcano, where their bodies are burned and they endure all kinds of severe suffering. Such suffering is utterly beyond description—too agonizing to put into words.
Or there are Buddha-lands,
formed from the seven treasures,
various palaces,
are attained through pure karma,
Commentary: Or there are Buddha-lands made up of the seven treasures—gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, mother-of-pearl, red pearls, and agate (the world of Ultimate Bliss is made up of the seven treasures). There are also all kinds of splendidly adorned, pure palaces, all attained through cultivating pure karma.
You should contemplate the world
The humans and devas within it
The fruits of pure karma come to fruition
Enjoy bliss at all times
Commentary: Bodhisattva Samantabhadra called out once more, “Disciples of the Buddha! All of you should contemplate all the cause-and-effect retributions in the world. In this world there are devas, humans, asuras, animals, hungry ghosts, and beings in hell. If you cultivate pure karma, the resulting retribution will be pure, thereby creating a pure world in which you may enjoy pure happiness and pleasure at all times.”
Within each and every hair pore
Inconceivable billions of worlds
Adorned with all kinds of features
Never has there been any obstruction
Commentary: Within every pore on the Buddha’s body are hundreds of millions of Buddha lands. This is the small manifesting the great, an inconceivable realm. All kinds of magnificent adornments are contained within a single pore, yet there has never been any sign of constriction.
Sentient beings have various karmas,
Worlds of countless kinds,
Born while clinging within them,
They experience suffering and happiness differently.
Commentary: Each sentient being has different karmic blessings, and therefore there are immeasurably vast kinds of worlds. All sentient beings in these worlds cling greedily to things in order to survive, and thus experience different kinds of suffering and joy. In short, plant wholesome causes and reap wholesome results; plant evil causes and reap evil results.
Some lands have citadels of many jewels;
They constantly emit boundless light;
Wondrous diamond lotus flowers;
Adorned, pure, and undefiled;
Commentary: Some lands are made of various jewels, and therefore constantly radiate immeasurable light. Within those lands are beautiful vajra lotuses, adorned and pure, free of dust.
Some lands have light as their substance
Dwelling in dependence on the wheel of light
Golden sandalwood fragrance
Flaming clouds shine brightly everywhere
Commentary: There are realms whose essential nature is light, abiding in dependence upon a wheel of radiance. Clouds of golden-hued ox-head sandalwood fragrance blaze brilliantly, illuminating all worlds everywhere.
There are realms formed like the moon’s orb
Fragrant robes are spread all around
Within a single lotus flower
Bodhisattvas fill it completely.
Commentary: There is a realm whose city walls are made of moon discs, and fragrant garments are found everywhere. In both hot and cold seasons, these garments continually spread their fragrance all around. Within a great lotus blossom, Bodhisattvas sit at the place of enlightenment, turning the great Dharma wheel and teaching sentient beings.
Some lands are formed of many jewels
Their forms and appearances are free of all defilement
Like the net of the Heavenly King
their radiance shines brilliantly without cease
Commentary: There are lands made of precious jewels, with exceedingly brilliant colors and pure forms, free of dust. Like the jeweled net of Śakra, King of the Devas, they constantly shine everywhere.
Some realms have fragrance as their substance;
Some are vajra flowers,
Forms of maṇi light and radiance,
Observed to be exceedingly pure.
Commentary: Some realms have fragrance as their substance, while others have vajra flowers as their essential nature. Images of radiant maṇi pearls appear; on close inspection, they are seen to be very pure.
Or there are inconceivable Buddha-lands
formed from flower-wheels,
all filled with Transformation Buddhas
and Bodhisattvas radiant everywhere.
Some are pure lands;
Filled with all kinds of flowering trees;
Their wondrous branches spread throughout the bodhimanda,
Shaded by clouds of maṇi jewels.
Commentary: Or, in a pure realm, there are all kinds of flowers and trees, whose branches are exceedingly majestic and beautiful, covering the entire place of practice; above, exquisite māṇi-jeweled clouds spread over it.
There is a Buddha-land called Pure Light Shining
Formed from vajra flowers
There are sounds emanated by the Buddha
Arrayed without limit into a net.
Commentary: There are lands illuminated by pure, radiant light, made of vajra lotuses. The sounds emanated by the Buddha form their very substance. Countless lotuses also adorn the bodhimaṇḍa, arranged in rows to form a very straight and beautiful net.
Some realms are like Bodhisattvas
Wondrous jeweled maṇi crowns
Or some are shaped like seats
Emerge from transformed radiance
Commentary: There are lands whose form resembles the jeweled maṇi crown worn on a Bodhisattva’s head. Some lands are shaped like lion thrones. All of these are manifested from within the Buddha’s light.
Or it is sandalwood powder;
Or it is the light between the eyebrows;
Or the sound within the Buddha’s radiance;
And thus these wondrous Buddha-lands are formed.
Commentary: Or some realms are brought to fruition through sandalwood powder, or through the white light from the tuft between the Buddha’s eyebrows, or through voices issuing from the Buddha’s radiance. It is for these reasons that such wondrous Buddha realms come into being.
Some see a pure land,
Adorned with a single radiance;
Others see it adorned with many,
All kinds are wondrous.
Commentary: Some sentient beings see a pure land adorned with one kind of radiance, or with many kinds of radiance. The various adornments are all wondrous and inconceivable.
Or use ten lands
Wonderful things as adornments
Or within a thousand lands
All as adornments
Commentary: Or use the precious things of ten lands to adorn one land. Or use the precious things of a thousand lands, using all wondrous treasures to adorn all Buddha-lands.
Or, with the things of a hundred million Buddha-lands
Adorn a single realm
Forms of every kind, all different
All appear like images
Commentary: Or use precious objects from a hundred million lands to adorn a land. All sorts of precious objects, each with different characteristics, appear like images in a mirror.
Inconceivable beings are delivered
Adorned in a single land
Each and every one radiates light
Arising from the Tathāgata’s vow-power
Commentary: Some worlds are shaped like oceans, and some like Mount Sumeru. There are also worlds as numerous as particles of dust, all inconceivable.
Some realms are well established;
Their forms are like Indra’s net,
Or they may be shaped like a forest of trees,
Buddhas fill their midst;
Commentary: There are worlds that are well established, shaped like the net before Śakra’s palace or like a forest. All the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas fill them.
Or fashioned in the shape of a jeweled wheel
Or having the form of a lotus
Eight-cornered and adorned with various ornaments
All kinds are entirely pure
Commentary: Some worlds are shaped like a jeweled wheel, some like a lotus, and some are octagonal, all fully adorned. Their adornments are entirely pure and free from defilement.
Or some are shaped like a seat
Or perhaps have three corners
Or like a kharalaka,
Like city walls, the body of King Brahma.
Commentary: There are worlds shaped like a lion throne, or realms shaped like a triangle, or like a khư lặc ca, or like a fortress, or like the body of Brahmā.
Or like the Lord of Heaven’s topknot
Or some like a half-moon
Or like a mountain of maṇi jewels
Or like the shape of the sun’s disk.
Commentary: There are worlds shaped like the topknot of the Lord of Heaven, or like a half-moon, or like a Maṇi mountain, or like a solar disc.
Or there are worlds of this form
Like a whirling sea of fragrance
Or shaped as a wheel of light
The place the Buddha once adorned and purified.
Commentary: Whether they take the form of a world, an ocean of swirling water shaped like the Fragrant Water Ocean, or a wheel of light, all are adorned and purified by the power of the Buddha’s past vows.
Or having the form of a wheel-web,
Or having a raised-and-recessed form,
Or like the Buddha’s urna mark
An ushnisha, broad and long eyes.
Commentary: Or it has the shape of a wheel, a convex shape, a concave shape, the Buddha’s white radiance between the eyebrows, the protuberance on the crown of the Buddha’s head, or the Buddha’s long, broad eyes.
Some are like the Buddha’s hand
Some are like a vajra scepter
Some are shaped like a mountain of flames
The Bodhisattvas pervade everywhere
Commentary: Some worlds are shaped like the Buddha’s hand, or like the vajra pestle in the hand of Bodhisattva Weituo, or like volcanoes. All the Bodhisattvas fill those worlds.
Or in the shape of a lion
Or in the shape of a sea clam
Countless forms and appearances
Their natures all differ.
Commentary: There are worlds shaped like lions, or like seashells. There are immeasurable forms and immeasurable natures, all different.
Within a single world-seed
The forms of worlds are endless
All are due to the power of the Buddha’s vows
Through protection and mindfulness, they abide in peace.
Commentary: In every Buddha-land and world-seed, the forms of the realms are boundless and inexhaustible. All these various forms are brought to completion through the power of the Buddhas’ vows. The power of the Buddhas’ vows protects and sustains all sentient beings, enabling them to abide securely in that world.
Some lands abide for one kalpa,
Or for ten kalpas,
Even for more than the number of dust motes
In a hundred thousand lands.
Commentary: Human beings are born, grow old, fall ill, and die; worlds undergo formation, abiding, destruction, and emptiness. All are impermanent. Some worlds have a lifespan of one great kalpa. Others have a lifespan of ten great kalpas, or even hundreds of thousands of millions of great kalpas. There are even worlds whose lifespan lasts as many great kalpas as there are grains of dust in Buddha-fields.
Or within a single kalpa
See realms undergo formation and destruction
Or immeasurable and innumerable
Even unto the inconceivable
Commentary: There are worlds that, within a single great kalpa, undergo formation, abiding, destruction, and emptiness; others remain serenely in existence through immeasurable, boundless great kalpas, and continue to exist even after inconceivable great kalpas have passed.
Or there are lands with Buddhas
Or there are lands without Buddhas
Or there is only one Buddha
Or there are immeasurable Buddhas
Commentary: There are worlds in which a Buddha is teaching and transforming sentient beings, and worlds in which there is no Buddha. When sentient beings have deep and abundant roots of goodness, they evoke the appearance of a Buddha in the world; when their roots of goodness are shallow and scant, no Buddha appears in the world. In one world, either a single Buddha appears, or immeasurable Buddhas appear.
If a land has no Buddha,
In worlds in other directions,
Buddhas come by transformation
To manifest all their wondrous powers.
Commentary: If that world has no Buddha, Buddhas from other worlds will manifest and come there to teach and guide sentient beings. For the sake of sentient beings, they manifest all kinds of Buddha-activities, causing them to awaken and give rise to bodhicitta.
The Sage descends from heaven, accompanied by the gods
Entering the womb and being born
Subduing Mara and attaining perfect enlightenment
Turning the supreme Dharma Wheel.
Commentary: When the Buddha was about to appear in the world, he first dwelt in Tusita Heaven, awaiting his succession to the Buddha’s position. When the conditions were ripe, he descended from heaven to the human realm and abode in the womb. In due time, he was born from the right side of Queen Maya. After his birth, he renounced the household life and cultivated the Way. As he was nearing enlightenment, the demon king came to disturb him, but the Buddha subdued the demon king with the power of his samadhi and attained perfect enlightenment. He then set the unsurpassed Dharma wheel in motion and taught and transformed sentient beings. These are the eight stages of attaining Buddhahood.
According to the inclinations of sentient beings’ minds
Manifests all kinds of forms
To turn the wondrous Dharma Wheel
All must accord with their faculties and desires
Commentary: When the Buddha sets the Dharma wheel in motion, he teaches the Dharma according to the inclinations of sentient beings. He can manifest in all kinds of different forms to teach wondrous Dharma to sentient beings, adapting it to their faculties and dispositions so that they may attain benefit from the Dharma.
In each and every Buddha-land,
A Buddha appears in the world.
For countless thousands of years,
He expounds the unsurpassed Dharma.
Commentary: In each Buddha-land, a Buddha appears in the world and lives for countless thousands of years, constantly expounding the wondrous, unsurpassed Dharma, enabling sentient beings to leave suffering and attain joy, understand birth and transcend death, and reach the other shore.
Sentient beings who are not vessels of the Dharma
Cannot see the Buddhas; cannot see the Buddhas
If there are those whose minds delight in seeing
They see everywhere; they see in every place.
Commentary: If sentient beings are not vessels for the Dharma, they cannot see the Buddhas. If they are vessels for the Dharma, they will often see the Buddha, or see the Buddha in a dream. If sentient beings wish in their hearts to see the Buddha, they can see him everywhere. Why can’t you see the Buddha? Because you lack sincerity. If you are sincere, you will certainly see the Buddha! A vessel of the Dharma is the “dragon-elephant” of Buddhism—that is, one who bears the Dharma. We monastics must pay special attention to this. Look! The patriarchs, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas of the past were all enlightened beings who walked a path fraught with hardship. If you have no wish to practice, nothing will happen. But if you wish to practice and truly devote yourself to it, demons will come—demons of wealth, demons of sensual beauty, and all kinds of demons of adversity. They will all come to disturb the pure mind with which you cultivate the Way.
At that time, it was truly a difficult barrier to get through; even enduring it was no easy matter. As soon as you wanted to sit in meditation, lustful thoughts would arise. You might even want to set yourself on fire, yet not know what would be best. Men would have delusions about women, and women would have delusions about men; it was not easy to control. At that time, you wanted to cultivate patience, diligence, meditation, wisdom, and all kinds of Dharma practices to subdue the mind and break through that barrier!
The situation was like being on a battlefield, wearing armor, holding a sword and spear, and charging into the fray. If you were not skilled in martial arts and your movements were slow, you would either be killed or captured alive and surrender to the enemy. Those who cultivate the Way must regard death as a return home, break through the fortress, fulfill their mission, and achieve final victory. Only then can they get through the barrier.
We who cultivate the Way must do the same: muster our spirits and press forward courageously in order to win. Otherwise, you will be defeated by the Demon King and will not be able to pass the test. Whether monastic or layperson, when cultivating, one must overcome the opponent. How can one win? By always being patient, by always yielding. It also means:
“Endure what others cannot endure
Bear what others cannot bear
Cultivate what others cannot cultivate
Do what others cannot do.”
A cultivator of the Dao must show exceptional qualities in everything, must be different from everyone else and display distinctive characteristics; only then can they pass the test.
In each and every land-realm
Buddhas arise in the world
The Buddhas in all lands
Are countless, inconceivable in number.
Commentary: In every realm, a Buddha appears in the world. Throughout all realms, there are inconceivably many Buddhas, who are there teaching and transforming sentient beings, enabling them to awaken and give rise to the aspiration for bodhi.
Each and every Buddha among these
Displays immeasurable miraculous transformations,
Pervades the entire Dharma Realm,
Subdues the ocean of sentient beings.
Commentary: Each Buddha in every Buddha-land manifests immeasurable and boundless supernatural powers and transformations throughout the Dharma realm to subdue stubborn sentient beings; even the ocean of sentient beings who are difficult to tame and subdue can all be subdued.
There are realms without light
Darkness abounds in terror
Suffering strikes like swords
Whoever sees it is pained to the heart.
Commentary: There are worlds without light, filled only with darkness. They are brought about by the karmic force of sentient beings, who therefore live constantly in fear. Such a wretched condition is like the agony of knives and swords cutting into the body. Anyone who sees that dreadful condition feels heartbroken, as if poisoned.
Or there is the light of the devas
Or there is the light of palaces
Or the radiance of sun and moon
The net of worlds is inconceivable
Commentary: Some worlds are illuminated by light emitted by the devas; others by radiance emitted from the palaces of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas; and others by light emitted by the sun and moon (our world is illuminated by light from the sun and moon). If one studies the net of realms, one finds realms that are inconceivable.
Some realms are naturally luminous;
some trees radiate pure light.
There has never been any suffering,
because of the beings’ power of merit.
Commentary: There are worlds where my own body emits great light. In some, a wheel of light embraces and sustains the world. In others, all the trees and forests emit pure light to illuminate the world. There is no suffering of any kind in that world. Why? Because sentient beings have karmic merit, and therefore there is no suffering.
Or there is the radiance of mountains;
Or there is the radiance of maṇi jewels;
Or they illuminate with the light of lamps,
According to the karmic power of all sentient beings.
Commentary: There are worlds where high mountains emit light, or maṇi jewels emit light, or lamps emit light that illuminates those worlds. All of this is manifested in response to the karmic power of sentient beings. If sentient beings create evil karma, then that world will appear perilous and evil. If sentient beings create wholesome karma, then that world will appear beautiful. Therefore, it is said: Whatever karma sentient beings create, that is the karmic retribution they receive.
Perhaps there is Buddha-radiance
Bodhisattvas fill its midst
There is this Lotus-Flower Light
Its blazing colors are exceedingly splendid and beautiful.
Commentary: Some worlds are illuminated by the Buddha’s radiance. Bodhisattvas also abound in those worlds. Others are illuminated by the radiance of lotus flowers, which emit brilliant colors and are exceedingly majestic and beautiful.
Some lands are illuminated by Flower Light;
Some are illuminated by fragrant water;
Some by perfumed paste and burning incense
All through the power of pure vows.
Commentary: There are worlds in which all kinds of flowers radiate light, or fragrant water emits light to illuminate, or powdered incense emits light to illuminate, or burning incense emits light and illuminates. All of these are accomplished through the pure power of vows.
Some are illumined by cloud-light
The maṇi-shell radiance shines
The light of the Buddha’s divine power shines
Able to proclaim sounds pleasing to the mind
Commentary: There are worlds illuminated by clouds of light, by the radiance of mani jewels, or by the light of the Buddha’s spiritual powers. Within the Buddha’s all-pervading light, the unsurpassed wondrous Dharma can also be expounded in a way that is pleasing to hear.
Or by jeweled light, shine;
Or let the diamond flame shine;
Pure sound can resound far;
Wherever it reaches, there are no sufferings.
Commentary: There are worlds illuminated by precious light, or by brilliant vajra light, or by the sound of pure light. That pure sound shakes other worlds, and wherever it reaches, it destroys all suffering.
Or there is maṇi light,
Or there is the radiance of adornments,
Or the bodhimanda shines with light,
Illuminating the assembly.
Commentary: There are worlds where light radiates from maṇi jewels, or from various adornments, or from the bodhimaṇḍas, illuminating all the assemblies in other worlds.
The Buddha emits great radiant light
Emanated Buddhas fill it
Its light shines everywhere, touching all
Pervading every Dharma realm entirely.
Commentary: In that world, the Buddha emits great radiance, and emanated Buddhas fill the world. That radiance shines throughout all worlds, pervading the entire Dharma realm.
There is a realm most terrifying,
Where cries of anguish howl,
Their sound is deeply heartrending;
Those who hear it grow weary and afraid.
Commentary: There are worlds that are truly terrifying, filled with cries of anguish that make everyone who hears them shudder. Because those sounds are so sorrowful, they cause listeners to feel joy and make them willing to follow the teachings and put them into practice. Why do pleasing, melodious sounds ring out? They arise in response to the karmic force of sentient beings.
Or in some lands
One constantly hears Indra’s voice;
Or hears Brahmā’s voice,
All the voices of the lords of the world.
Commentary: There are realms in which one can always hear the wondrous voice of Śakra, Lord of the Gods, expounding the Dharma; or always hear the wondrous voice of the Great Brahma King expounding the Dharma; or always hear the wondrous voices of all the kings expounding the Dharma.
Or there are various Buddha-lands,
where wondrous sounds emerge from the clouds,
jeweled seas and maṇi trees,
and music fills every place.
Commentary: In some lands, wondrous sounds appear among the clouds. Or there are jeweled seas and maṇi-jewel trees, constantly resounding with wondrous music that fills the entire Dharma realm.
Within the Buddhas’ perfect radiance
Emanated sounds without end
And Bodhisattva Wonderful Sound
Is heard throughout the lands of the ten directions
Commentary: Throughout the worlds of the ten directions, the Buddhas’ perfect radiance shines. Within their halos, they expound the Dharma in all kinds of languages and transformations, endlessly and without limit. The Buddhas are thus, and so are the Bodhisattvas. Their wondrous voices preaching the Dharma resound throughout the lands of the ten directions.
Inconceivable realm
Sound of the Dharma wheel turning everywhere
Sound arising from the ocean of vows
Wondrous sound of practice
Commentary: In inconceivably numerous lands, wondrous sounds of turning the Dharma wheel resound everywhere. Also resounding are sounds expounding the ocean of the Buddhas’ vows, and wondrous sounds of making vows and cultivating the path.
All Buddhas of the three times
Arise in all the worlds
Their names are all complete
Their sounds are without end
Commentary: The vow-power of all Buddhas of the ten directions and the three times gives rise to all worlds; the names of the Buddhas are all complete; and the sounds of the Buddhas expounding the wondrous Dharma fill the entire Dharma Realm, boundless and inexhaustible.
Or within a world, one hears
the sound of all Buddha-powers
lands, deliverance, and the immeasurable
All such Dharma is expounded
Commentary: Or throughout all the Buddha realms, one may hear the voices of all the Buddhas of the ten directions, or hear the Four Noble Truths, the Six Perfections, the Ten Grounds, the four immeasurable minds, and various Dharma teachings—all such teachings are expounded.
The power of Samantabhadra’s vows
In countless lands, wondrous sounds resound
Their sound is like thunderclaps
Enduring through kalpas without end.
Commentary: That is the power of the Bodhisattva’s vows. He is always expounding the wondrous Dharma in countless realms. His voice is like rumbling thunder, resounding everywhere. He expounds wondrous sounds without end, and his abiding through kalpas is likewise without end.
The Buddha in the Pure Land
Manifests the sound of sovereign freedom;
Throughout the Dharma realms of the ten directions,
There is none who does not hear.
Commentary: The Buddha in the Pure Land constantly manifests the sound of the Dharma freely. Sentient beings throughout the Dharma realms of the ten directions can all hear the Buddha expounding the Dharma.
END OF CHAPTER 5