Mahaprajnaparamita_v2 – Shurangama Temple

THE MAHAPRAJNAPARAMITA SUTRA

Chinese translation: Tang Dynasty, Tripitaka Master Xuanzang

VOLUME 2

– o0o –
Chapter 1: THE ARISING OF THE TEACHING (2)

At that time, at the far end of the innumerable worlds in the northern direction, there was a world called Most Supreme (Toi thang). The Buddha of that land bore the title: Victorious Emperor Tathagata (Thang De Nhu Lai), Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who was dwelling there, expounding the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas. At that time, there was a Bodhisattva named Victorious Longevity (Thang Tho), who, having seen that great radiance together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, became filled with wonder, and straightway approached the Buddha Victorious Emperor, bowed at his feet, and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?
The Buddha Victorious Emperor said to Great Bodhisattva Victorious Longevity:

Good man, to the South of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called Endurance (Kham nhan). The Buddha dwelling there bears the title: Sakyamuni Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who is presently dwelling in that land and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared. Bodhisattva Victorious Longevity, having heard this, was overjoyed beyond measure, and again addressed the Buddha:

World-Honored One, I now wish to travel to that world of Endurance to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Tathagata Sakyamuni and the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas – those who have attained penetrating mastery of the Dharani gateways and Samadhi gateways, with supernatural powers and perfect freedom, and who in that final body will assuredly succeed to the position of Buddhahood. I humbly beseech you to compassionately grant permission!

Buddha Victorious Emperor said to Bodhisattva Victorious Longevity:

Excellent! Excellent! Now is the right time! Go, you may set out. Having spoken, the Buddha then took one thousand stalks of golden lotus flowers, each having a thousand petals adorned with various jewels, and gave them to Bodhisattva Victorious Longevity, with this instruction:

– Take these flowers to the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, and as I have instructed you, report: “The Tathagata Victorious Emperor respectfully inquires whether you are free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?” Then present these lotus flowers to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering. When you arrive in that world of Endurance, you must perceive correctly

– Upon seeing that Buddha-land and the great assembly therein, do not give rise to a sense of contempt, lest you harm yourself. Why is that? Because those Bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue beyond compare; driven by great compassionate vows aimed at saving beings, they were born into that land for great and profound reasons.

Bodhisattva Victorious Longevity received the flowers, accepted the instruction, and together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of innumerable Great Bodhisattvas – both those who had gone forth and those remaining in household life – and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and women, bowed at the feet of the Buddha Victorious Emperor, circumambulated to the right, and took their leave. Each one carried innumerable kinds of incense, flowers, banners, jeweled canopies, precious garments, ornaments, and various other offerings, and set out on their journey. Through the innumerable Buddha-lands in the northern direction through which they passed, at each Buddha-land they reverently made offerings, paid respect and praise, and did not omit a single one.

Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side. Bodhisattva Victorious Longevity stepped forward and addressed the Buddha:

World-Honored One, to the North of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called Most Supreme. The Buddha of that land bears the title: Victorious Emperor Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – and respectfully inquires whether the Blessed One is free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?

Having finished speaking, Bodhisattva Victorious Longevity then took those golden lotus flowers and presented them to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering.

At that time, the Buddha Sakyamuni received those lotus flowers and then scattered them back to the innumerable worlds of the Buddhas in the northern direction. By the supernatural power of the Buddha, these flowers all fell throughout every Buddha-land in that direction. In the calyx of each flower, a Transformation Buddha sat cross-legged expounding the Dharma in accordance with the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas; any sentient beings who heard that wondrous Dharma would all attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

At that time, Bodhisattva Victorious Longevity and those who had come with him, upon witnessing this, were all overjoyed beyond measure, praised it as never seen before, and each, according to the depth of their wholesome roots and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings and praised the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas with respect. Then they withdrew and sat to one side.

In this same way, from that far end of the worlds all the way to every Buddha-land in the northern direction, each and every land had Tathagatas who were presently expounding the wondrous Dharma for the great assembly. At the place of each of those Buddhas who were expounding the Dharma, there was also a leading Bodhisattva, who, having seen that great radiance together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, all came to the presence of the Buddha who was teaching and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?

At the same time, all those Buddhas replied:

– To the South of this land, there is the world of Endurance. The Buddha of that land bears the title Sakyamuni, and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared.

The leading Bodhisattvas, having heard this, were all joyful, and each earnestly requested to go to the world of Endurance to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. All those Tathagatas praised this as excellent and consented to their going. They each gave golden lotus flowers with a thousand jeweled petals to the leading Bodhisattvas, with this instruction:

– Take these flowers to the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni and fully report my words: “Respectfully inquiring whether you are free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?” Then present these lotus flowers to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering. When you arrive in that world of Endurance, you must perceive correctly – upon seeing that Buddha-land and those Bodhisattvas, do not give rise to a sense of contempt, lest you harm yourself. Why is that? Because those Bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue beyond compare; driven by great vows to save beings, they were born into that land for great and profound reasons.

Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, then presented the flowers and reported all matters. The Buddha Sakyamuni received the flowers and scattered them back in the northern direction. By the supernatural power of the Buddha, the flowers fell throughout every Buddha-land in that world. In the calyx of each flower, Transformation Buddhas expounded the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas, so that those who heard it would without exception attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

The leading Bodhisattva and those who had come with him, upon seeing this, were all joyful and praised it as never seen before; each, according to the depth of their wholesome roots and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings and praised the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas with respect. Then they withdrew and sat to one side.

At that time, at the far end of the innumerable worlds in the northeastern direction, there was a world called Samadhi Magnificence (Dinh trang nghiem). The Buddha of that land bore the title: Samadhi Image Supreme Virtue Tathagata (Dinh Tuong Thang Duc Nhu Lai), Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who was dwelling there, expounding the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Great Bodhisattvas. At that time, there was a Bodhisattva named Dust-free Courageous (Ly Tran Dung Manh), who, having seen that radiance spreading forth together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, became filled with wonder, and straightway approached the Buddha Samadhi Image Supreme Virtue, bowed at his feet, and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?

At that time, the Buddha Samadhi Image Supreme Virtue said to Great Bodhisattva Dust-free Courageous:

Good man, to the Southwest of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called Endurance. The Buddha of that land bears the title: Sakyamuni Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who is presently dwelling in that land and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared.

At that time, Bodhisattva Dust-free Courageous, having heard the Buddha speak, was overjoyed and again addressed the Buddha:

World-Honored One, I now wish to travel to that world of Endurance to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Tathagata Sakyamuni and the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas – those who have attained penetrating mastery of the Dharani gateways and Samadhi gateways, with supernatural powers and perfect freedom, and who in that final body will devote themselves to succeeding to the position of Buddhahood. I humbly beseech you to compassionately grant permission!

Buddha Samadhi Image Supreme Virtue said to Bodhisattva Dust-free Courageous:

– Take these flowers to the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, and as I have instructed you, report: “The Tathagata Samadhi Image Supreme Virtue respectfully inquires whether you are free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?” Then present these lotus flowers to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering. When you arrive in that land, you must perceive correctly

– Upon seeing that Buddha-land and the great assembly therein, do not give rise to a sense of contempt, lest you harm yourself. Why is that? Because those Bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue beyond compare; driven by great vows to save beings, they were born into that land for great and profound reasons.

Bodhisattva Dust-free Courageous received the flowers, accepted the instruction, and together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of innumerable Great Bodhisattvas – both those who had gone forth and those remaining in household life – and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and women, bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated to the right, and took their leave. Each one carried innumerable kinds of incense, flowers, banners, jeweled canopies, precious garments, ornaments, and various other offerings, and set out on their journey. Through the innumerable Buddha-lands in the northeastern direction through which they passed, at each Buddha-land they reverently made offerings, paid respect and praise, and did not omit a single one.

Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side. Bodhisattva Dust-free Courageous stepped forward and addressed the Buddha:

World-Honored One, to the Northeast of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called Samadhi Magnificence. The Buddha of that land bears the title: Samadhi Image Supreme Virtue Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – and respectfully inquires whether the Blessed One is free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?

Having finished speaking, Bodhisattva Dust-free Courageous then took the thousand golden lotus flowers and presented them to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering.

The Buddha Saky throughout every Buddha-land in that direction. In the calyx of each flower, Transformation Buddhas sat cross-legged expounding the Dharma in accordance with the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas; any sentient beings who heard that wondrous Dharma would all attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

At that time, Bodhisattva Dust-free Courageous and those who had come with him, upon witnessing this, were overjoyed beyond measure, praised it as never seen before, and each, according to the depth of their wholesome roots and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings and praised the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas with respect. Then they withdrew and sat to one side.

In this same way, from that far end of the worlds all the way to every Buddha-land in the northeastern direction, each and every land had Tathagatas who were presently expounding the wondrous Dharma for the great assembly. At the place of each of those Buddhas who were expounding the Dharma, there was also a leading Bodhisattva, who, upon seeing that great radiance spreading forth together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, all came to the presence of the Buddha and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?

At the same time, all those Buddhas replied:

To the Southwest of this land, there is the world of Endurance. The Buddha of that land bears the title Sakyamuni, and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared.

The leading Bodhisattvas, having heard this, were all joyful, and each earnestly requested to go to the world of Endurance to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. All those Tathagatas praised this as excellent and consented to their going. They then gave golden lotus flowers with a thousand jeweled petals to the leading Bodhisattvas, with this instruction:

Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, then presented the flowers and reported all matters. The Buddha Sakyamuni received the flowers and scattered them back in the northeastern direction. By the supernatural power of the Buddha, the flowers fell throughout every Buddha-land in that direction. In the calyx of each flower, Transformation Buddhas expounded the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas, so that those who heard it would without exception attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

At that time, at the far end of the innumerable worlds in the southeastern direction, there was a world called Wondrous Enlightenment Magnificence (Dieu giac trang nghiem), most pleasing to behold. The Buddha of that land bore the title: Lotus Supreme Virtue Tathagata (Lien Hoa Thang Duc Nhu Lai), Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who was dwelling there, expounding the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Great Bodhisattvas. At that time, there was a Bodhisattva named Lotus Hand (Lien Hoa Thu), who, having seen that great radiance together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, became filled with wonder, and straightway approached the Buddha Lotus Supreme Virtue, bowed at his feet, and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?
Buddha Lotus Supreme Virtue said to Great Bodhisattva Lotus Hand:

Good man, to the Northwest of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called Endurance. The Buddha of that land bears the title: Sakyamuni Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who is dwelling there and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared.

At that time, Bodhisattva Lotus Hand, having heard the Buddha speak, was overjoyed beyond measure, and again addressed the Buddha:

World-Honored One, I now wish to travel to that world of Endurance to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Tathagata Sakyamuni and the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas – those who have attained penetrating mastery of the Dharani gateways and Samadhi gateways, with supernatural powers and perfect freedom, and who in that final body will succeed to the position of Buddhahood. I humbly beseech you to compassionately grant permission!

Buddha Lotus Supreme Virtue said to Bodhisattva Lotus Hand:

– Take these flowers to the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, and as I have instructed you, report: “The Tathagata Lotus Supreme Virtue respectfully inquires whether you are free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?” Then take these lotus flowers and present them to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering. When you arrive in that world of Endurance, you must perceive correctly – upon seeing that Buddha-land and the great assembly therein, do not give rise to a sense of contempt, lest you harm yourself. Why is that? Because those Bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue beyond compare; driven by great vows to save beings, they were born into that land for great and profound reasons.

Bodhisattva Lotus Hand received the flowers, accepted the instruction, and together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of innumerable Great Bodhisattvas – both those who had gone forth and those remaining in household life – and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and women, bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated to the right, and took their leave. Each one carried innumerable kinds of incense, flowers, banners, jeweled canopies, precious garments, ornaments, and various other offerings, and set out on their journey. Through the innumerable Buddha-lands in the southeastern direction through which they passed, at each Buddha-land they reverently made offerings, paid respect and praise, and did not omit a single one.
Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side. Bodhisattva Lotus Hand stepped forward and addressed the Buddha:

World-Honored One, to the Southeast of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called Wondrous Enlightenment Magnificence. The Buddha of that land bears the title: Lotus Supreme Virtue Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – and respectfully inquires whether the Blessed One is free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?

Having finished speaking, Bodhisattva Lotus Hand took those thousand golden lotus flowers and presented them to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering. The Buddha Sakyamuni received those lotus flowers and then scattered them back to the innumerable worlds of the Buddhas in the southeastern direction. By the supernatural power of the Buddha, these flowers all fell throughout every Buddha-land in that direction. In the calyx of each of these flowers, Transformation Buddhas sat cross-legged expounding the Dharma in accordance with the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas; any sentient beings who heard that wondrous Dharma would all attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

At that time, Bodhisattva Lotus Hand and those who had followed them, upon witnessing this, were all overjoyed beyond measure, praised it as never seen before, and each, according to the depth of their wholesome roots and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings and praised the Buddha and all the Bodhisattvas with respect. Then they withdrew and sat to one side.

In this same way, from that far end of the worlds all the way to every Buddha-land in the southeastern direction, each and every land had Tathagatas who were presently expounding the wondrous Dharma for the great assembly. At the place of each of those Buddhas who were expounding the Dharma, there was also a leading Bodhisattva, who, having seen that great radiance together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, all came to the presence of the Buddha and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?

At the same time, all those Buddhas replied:

To the Northwest of this land, there is the world of Endurance. The Buddha of that land bears the title Sakyamuni, and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared.

Each leading Bodhisattva received the flowers, accepted the instruction, and together with innumerable countless Bodhisattvas, young men and women, took leave of the Buddha, carried their offerings, and set out on their journey. Through every Buddha-land they passed, at each place they made offerings to the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas, missing not a single one.
Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, then presented the flowers and reported all matters. The Buddha Sakyamuni received the flowers and scattered them back in the southeastern direction. By the supernatural power of the Buddha, the flowers fell throughout every Buddha-land in that direction. In the calyx of each flower, Transformation Buddhas expounded the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas, so that those who heard it would without exception attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

At that time, at the far end of the innumerable worlds in the southwestern direction, there was a world called Free from Dust Assembly (Ly tran tu). The Buddha of that land bore the title: Sun-Wheel Universally Illuminating Supreme Virtue Tathagata (Nhat Luan Bien Chieu Thang Duc Nhu Lai), Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who was dwelling there, expounding the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Great Bodhisattvas. At that time, there was a Bodhisattva named Sun Light Brilliance (Nhat Quang Minh), who, having seen that radiance together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, became filled with wonder, and straightway approached the Buddha, bowed at his feet, and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?

Buddha Sun-Wheel Universally Illuminating Supreme Virtue said to Great Bodhisattva Sun Light Brilliance:

Good man, to the Northeast of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called Endurance. The Buddha of that land bears the title: Sakyamuni Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who is presently dwelling there and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared.

At that time, Bodhisattva Sun Light Brilliance, having heard the Buddha speak, was overjoyed beyond measure, and again addressed the Buddha:

Dharani gateways and Samadhi gateways, with supernatural powers and perfect freedom, and who in that final body will succeed to the position of Buddhahood. I humbly beseech you to compassionately grant permission!

Buddha Sun-Wheel Universally Illuminating Supreme Virtue said to Bodhisattva Sun Light Brilliance:

Excellent! Excellent! Now is the right time! Go, you may set out.

Having spoken, the Buddha then took one thousand stalks of golden lotus flowers, each having a thousand petals adorned with various jewels, and gave them to Bodhisattva Sun Light Brilliance, with this instruction:

– Take these flowers to the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, and as I have instructed you, report: “The Tathagata Sun-Wheel Universally Illuminating Supreme Virtue respectfully inquires whether you are free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?” Then present these lotus flowers to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering. When you arrive in that world of Endurance, you must perceive correctly – upon seeing that Buddha-land and the great assembly therein, do not give rise to a sense of contempt, lest you harm yourself. Why is that? Because those Bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue beyond compare; driven by great vows to save beings, they were born into that land for great and profound reasons.

At that time, Bodhisattva Sun Light Brilliance received the flowers, accepted the instruction, and together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of innumerable Great Bodhisattvas – both those who had gone forth and those remaining in household life – and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and women, bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated to the right, and took their leave. Each one carried innumerable kinds of incense, flowers, banners, jeweled canopies, precious garments, ornaments, and various other offerings, and set out on their journey. Through the innumerable Buddha-lands in the southwestern direction through which they passed, at each Buddha-land they reverently made offerings, paid respect and praise, and did not omit a single one.

Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side. Bodhisattva Sun Light Brilliance stepped forward and addressed the Buddha:

World-Honored One, to the Southwest of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called Free from Dust Assembly. The Buddha of that land bears the title: Sun-Wheel Universally Illuminating Supreme Virtue Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – and respectfully inquires whether the Blessed One is free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?

Having finished his report, Bodhisattva Sun Light Brilliance then took those thousand golden lotus flowers and presented them to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering.

At that time, the Buddha Sakyamuni received those lotus flowers and then scattered them back to the innumerable worlds of the Buddhas in the southwestern direction. By the supernatural power of the Buddha, these flowers all fell throughout every Buddha-land in that direction. In the calyx of each flower, Transformation Buddhas sat cross-legged expounding the Dharma in accordance with the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas; any sentient beings who heard that wondrous Dharma would all attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

At that time, Bodhisattva Sun Light Brilliance and those who had come with him, upon witnessing this, were exceedingly joyful, praised it as never seen before; each, according to the depth of their wholesome roots and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings and praised the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas with respect. Then they withdrew and sat to one side.
In this same way, from that far end of the worlds all the way to every Buddha-land in the southwestern direction, each and every land had Tathagatas who were presently expounding the wondrous Dharma for the great assembly. At the place of each of those Buddhas who were expounding the Dharma, there was also a leading Bodhisattva, who, having seen that great radiance together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, all came to the presence of the Buddha and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?

At the same time, all those Buddhas replied:

To the Northeast of this land, there is the world of Endurance. The Buddha of that land bears the title Sakyamuni, and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Great Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared.

Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, then presented the flowers and reported all matters. The Buddha Sakyamuni received the flowers and immediately scattered them back in the southwestern direction. By the supernatural power of the Buddha, the flowers fell throughout every Buddha-land in that direction. In the calyx of each flower, Transformation Buddhas expounded the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas, so that those who heard it would without exception attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

The leading Bodhisattva and those who had come with him, upon seeing this, were all joyful and praised it as never seen before; each, according to the depth of their wholesome roots and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings and praised the Buddha and all the Bodhisattvas with respect. Then they withdrew and sat to one side.

At that time, at the far end of the innumerable worlds in the northwestern direction, there was a world called True Freedom (Chan tu tai). The Buddha of that land bore the title: One Jewel Canopy Supreme Tathagata (Nhat Bao Cai Thang Nhu Lai), Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who was dwelling there, expounding the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Great Bodhisattvas. At that time, there was a Bodhisattva named Jewel Victorious (Bao Thang), who, having seen that radiance together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, became filled with wonder, and straightway approached the Buddha, bowed at his feet, and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?

Buddha One Jewel Canopy Supreme said to Great Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious:

Good man, to the Southeast of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called Endurance. The Buddha of that land bears the title: Sakyamuni Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who is presently dwelling there and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared.

Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious, having heard this, was overjoyed beyond measure, and addressed the Buddha: – World-Honored One, I now wish to travel to that world of Endurance to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Tathagata Sakyamuni and the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas – those who have attained penetrating mastery of the Dharani gateways and Samadhi gateways, with supernatural powers and perfect freedom, and who in that final body will assuredly succeed to the position of Buddhahood. I humbly beseech you to compassionately grant permission!

Buddha One Jewel Canopy Supreme said to Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious:

– Take these flowers to the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, and as I have instructed you, clearly report: “The Tathagata One Jewel Canopy Supreme respectfully inquires whether you are free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?” Then present these lotus flowers to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering. When you arrive in that world of Endurance, you must perceive correctly – upon seeing that Buddha-land and the great assembly therein, do not give rise to a sense of contempt, lest you harm yourself. Why is that? Because those Bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue beyond compare; driven by great vows to save beings, they were born into that land for great and profound reasons.

Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious received the flowers, accepted the instruction, and together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of innumerable Great Bodhisattvas – both those who had gone forth and those remaining in household life – and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and women, bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated to the right, and took their leave. Each one carried innumerable kinds of incense, flowers, banners, jeweled canopies, precious garments, ornaments, and various other offerings, and set out on their journey. Through the innumerable Buddha-lands in the northwestern direction through which they passed, at each Buddha-land they reverently made offerings, paid respect and praise, and did not omit a single one.

Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side. Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious stepped forward and addressed the Buddha:

World-Honored One, to the Northwest of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called True Freedom. The Buddha of that land bears the title: One Jewel Canopy Supreme Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – and respectfully inquires whether the Blessed One is free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?

Having finished speaking, Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious then took those thousand golden lotus flowers and presented them to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering.

The Buddha Sakyamuni immediately received those lotus flowers and then scattered them back to the innumerable worlds of the Buddhas in the northwestern direction. By the supernatural power of the Buddha, these flowers all fell throughout every Buddha-land in that direction. In the calyx of each of these flowers, Transformation Buddhas sat cross-legged expounding the Dharma in accordance with the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas; any sentient beings who heard that wondrous Dharma would without exception attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

At that time, Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious and those who had come with him, upon witnessing this, were overjoyed beyond measure, praised it as never seen before, and each, according to the depth of their wholesome roots and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings and praised the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas with respect. Then they withdrew and sat to one side.

In this same way, from that far end of the worlds all the way to every Buddha-land in the northwestern direction, each and every land had Tathagatas who were presently expounding the wondrous Dharma for the great assembly. At the place of each of those Buddhas who were expounding the Dharma, there was also a leading Bodhisattva, who, having seen that great radiance together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, all came to the presence of the Buddha and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?

At the same time, all those Buddhas replied:

To the Southeast there is the world of Endurance. The Buddha of that land bears the title Sakyamuni, and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared.

– Take these flowers to the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni and fully report my words: “Respectfully inquiring whether you are free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?” Then carry these lotus flowers and present them to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering. When you arrive in that world of Endurance, you must perceive correctly – upon seeing that Buddha-land and those Bodhisattvas, do not give rise to a sense of contempt, lest you harm yourself. Why is that? Because those Bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue beyond compare; driven by great vows to save beings, they were born into that land for great and profound reasons.

Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, then presented the flowers and reported all matters. The Buddha Sakyamuni received the flowers and then scattered them back in the northwestern direction. By the supernatural power of the Buddha, those flowers fell throughout every Buddha-land in that direction. In the calyx of each flower, Transformation Buddhas expounded the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas, so that those who heard it would without exception attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

The leading Bodhisattva and those who had come with him, upon seeing this, were all very joyful and praised it as never seen before; each, according to the depth of their wholesome roots and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings and praised the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. Then they withdrew and sat to one side.

At that time, at the far end of the innumerable worlds in the lower direction, there was a world called Lotus (Lien hoa). The Buddha of that land bore the title: Lotus Virtue Tathagata (Lien Hoa Duc Nhu Lai), Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who was dwelling there, expounding the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Great Bodhisattvas. At that time, there was a Bodhisattva named Lotus Victorious (Lien Hoa Thang), who, having seen that radiance spreading to them together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, became filled with wonder, and straightway approached the Buddha, bowed at his feet, and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?

The Buddha Lotus Virtue said to Great Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious:

Good man, in the upper direction of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called Endurance. The Buddha of that land bears the title: Sakyamuni Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who is now dwelling there and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared.

At that time, Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious, having heard the Buddha speak, was overjoyed beyond measure, and again addressed the Buddha:

World-Honored One, I now wish to travel to that world of Endurance to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Tathagata Sakyamuni and the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas – those who have attained penetrating mastery of the Dharani gateways and Samadhi gateways, with supernatural powers and perfect freedom, and who in that final body will with wholehearted resolve succeed to the position of Buddhahood. I humbly beseech you to compassionately grant permission!

Buddha Lotus Virtue said to Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious:

– Take these flowers to the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, and as I have instructed you, clearly report: “The Tathagata Lotus Virtue respectfully inquires whether you are free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?” Then present those lotus flowers to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering. When you arrive in that world of Endurance, you must perceive correctly – upon seeing that Buddha-land and the great assembly therein, do not give rise to a sense of contempt, lest you harm yourself. Why is that? Because those Bodhisattvas there possess awe-inspiring virtue beyond compare; driven by great vows to save beings, they were born into that land for great and profound reasons.

At that time, Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious received the flowers, accepted the instruction, and together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of innumerable Great Bodhisattvas – both those who had gone forth and those remaining in household life – and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and women, bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated to the right, and took their leave. Each one carried innumerable kinds of incense, flowers, banners, jeweled canopies, precious garments, ornaments, and various other offerings, and set out on their journey. Through the innumerable Buddha-lands in the lower direction through which they passed, at each Buddha-land they reverently made offerings, paid respect and praise, and did not omit a single one.

Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side. Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious stepped forward and addressed the Buddha:

World-Honored One, in the lower direction of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called Lotus. The Buddha of that land bears the title: Lotus Virtue Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – and respectfully inquires whether the Blessed One is free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?

Having finished the report, Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious then took those thousand golden lotus flowers and presented them to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering.

The Buddha Sakyamuni received those lotus flowers and then scattered them back to the innumerable worlds of the Buddhas in the lower direction. By the supernatural power of the Buddha, those flowers fell throughout every Buddha-land in that direction. In the calyx of each of those flowers, Transformation Buddhas sat cross-legged expounding the Dharma in accordance with the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas; any sentient beings who heard that wondrous Dharma would all attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

At that time, Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious and those who had come with him, upon witnessing this, were very joyful, praised it as never seen before, and each, according to the depth of their wholesome roots and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings and praised the Buddha and all the Bodhisattvas with respect. Then they withdrew and sat to one side.

In this same way, from that far end of the worlds all the way to every Buddha-land in the lower direction, each and every land had Tathagatas who were presently expounding the wondrous Dharma for the great assembly. At the place of each of those Buddhas who were expounding the Dharma, there was also a leading Bodhisattva, who, having seen that great radiance spreading forth together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, all came to the presence of the Buddha and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?

At the same time, all those Buddhas replied:
In the upper direction of this land, there is the world of Endurance. The Buddha there bears the title Sakyamuni, and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared.

The leading Bodhisattvas, having heard this, were all joyful, and each earnestly requested to go to that world of Endurance to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. All those Tathagatas praised this as excellent and consented to their going. They each gave golden lotus flowers with a thousand jeweled petals and clearly instructed: – Take these flowers to the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni and fully report my words: “Respectfully inquiring whether you are free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?” Then present these lotus flowers to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering. When you arrive in that world of Endurance, you must perceive correctly – upon seeing that Buddha-land and those Bodhisattvas, do not give rise to a sense of contempt, lest you harm yourself. Why is that? Because those Bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue beyond compare; driven by great vows to save beings, they were born into that land for great and profound reasons.

Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, then presented the flowers and reported all matters. The Buddha Sakyamuni received the flowers and scattered them back in the lower direction. By the supernatural power of the Buddha, those flowers fell throughout every Buddha-land in that direction. In the calyx of each flower, Transformation Buddhas expounded the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas, so that those who heard it would without exception attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

At that time, at the far end of the innumerable worlds in the upper direction, there was a world called Joyful (Hoan hy). The Buddha of that land bore the title: Joyful Virtue Tathagata (Hy Duc Nhu Lai), Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who was dwelling there, expounding the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Great Bodhisattvas. At that time, there was a Bodhisattva named Joyful Longevity (Hy Tho), who, having seen that great radiance spreading forth together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, became filled with wonder, and straightway approached the Buddha, bowed at his feet, and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?

Buddha Joyful Virtue said to Great Bodhisattva Joyful Longevity:

Good man, in the lower direction of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called Endurance. The Buddha of that land bears the title: Sakyamuni Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – who is now dwelling there and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared.

Bodhisattva Joyful Longevity, having heard this, was overjoyed beyond measure, and addressed the Buddha:

World-Honored One, I now wish to travel to that world of Endurance to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to the Tathagata Sakyamuni and the assembly of Great Bodhisattvas – those who have attained penetrating mastery of the Dharani gateways and Samadhi gateways, with supernatural powers and perfect freedom, and who in that final body will with wholehearted resolve succeed to the position of Buddhahood. I humbly beseech you to compassionately grant permission!

Buddha Joyful Virtue said to Bodhisattva Joyful Longevity:

– Take these flowers to the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, and as I have instructed you, report: “The Tathagata Joyful Virtue respectfully inquires whether you are free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?” Then present those lotus flowers to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering. When you arrive in that world of Endurance, you must perceive correctly – upon seeing that Buddha-land and the great assembly therein, do not give rise to a sense of contempt, lest you harm yourself. Why is that? Because those Bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue beyond compare; driven by great vows to save beings, they were born into that land for great and profound reasons.

Bodhisattva Joyful Longevity received the flowers, accepted the instruction, and together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of innumerable Great Bodhisattvas – both those who had gone forth and those remaining in household life – and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and women, bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated to the right, and took their leave. Each one carried innumerable kinds of incense, flowers, banners, jeweled canopies, precious garments, ornaments, and various other offerings, and set out on their journey. Through the innumerable Buddha-lands in the upper direction through which they passed, at each Buddha-land they reverently made offerings, paid respect and praise, and did not omit a single one.

Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side. Bodhisattva Joyful Longevity stepped forward and addressed the Buddha:

World-Honored One, in the upper direction of this land, passing through innumerable worlds, there is a world at the far end called Joyful. The Buddha of that land bears the title: Joyful Virtue Tathagata, Arhat, Perfectly and Fully Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well-Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed Being, Tamer of Persons, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Blessed One – and respectfully inquires whether the Blessed One is free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?

Having finished the report, Bodhisattva Joyful Longevity immediately took those thousand golden lotus flowers and presented them to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering.

The Buddha Sakyamuni immediately received those lotus flowers and then scattered them back to the innumerable worlds of the Buddhas in the upper direction. By the supernatural power of the Buddha, these flowers all fell throughout every Buddha-land in that direction. In the calyx of each of those flowers, Transformation Buddhas sat cross-legged expounding the Dharma in accordance with the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas; any sentient beings who heard that wondrous Dharma would all attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

At that time, Joyful Longevity and those who had come with him, upon witnessing this, were all very joyful, praised it as never seen before, and each, according to the depth of their wholesome roots and the abundance or scarcity of their offerings, reverently made offerings and praised the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas with respect. Then they withdrew and sat to one side.

In this same way, from that far end of the worlds all the way to every Buddha-land in the upper direction, each and every land had Tathagatas who were presently expounding the wondrous Dharma for the great assembly. At the place of each of those Buddhas who were expounding the Dharma, there was also a leading Bodhisattva, who, having seen that great radiance together with the great earth trembling and the physical marks of the Buddha, all came to the presence of the Buddha and said:

World-Honored One, what causes and conditions have given rise to these auspicious signs?

At the same time, all those Buddhas replied:

In the lower direction there is the world of Endurance. The Buddha of that land bears the title Sakyamuni, and is about to expound the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas. By the supernatural power of that Buddha, these auspicious signs have appeared.

– Take these flowers to the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni and fully report my words: “Respectfully inquiring whether you are free of illness and affliction, whether your going and standing are light and easy, whether your energy and vitality are well-regulated, and whether you are at peace? Does the work of the world always succeed in all harmony, and are sentient beings easy to teach?” Then present those lotus flowers to the Blessed One as a Buddha-offering. When you arrive in that world of Endurance, you must perceive correctly – upon seeing that Buddha-land and those Bodhisattvas, do not give rise to a sense of contempt, lest you harm yourself. Why is that? Because those Bodhisattvas possess awe-inspiring virtue beyond compare; driven by great vows to save beings, they were born into that land for great and profound reasons.

Upon arriving at the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all reverently bowed at the feet of the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, then presented the flowers and reported all matters; the Buddha Sakyamuni received the flowers and then scattered them back in the upper direction. By the supernatural power of the Buddha, those flowers fell throughout every Buddha-land in that direction. In the calyx of each flower, Transformation Buddhas expounded the Dharma of the Great Prajnaparamita for the Bodhisattvas, so that those who heard it would without exception attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment.

At that time, throughout all the Buddha-lands in the trichiliocosm, all precious things were in great abundance; innumerable kinds of precious flowers were strewn and scattered all over the ground; jeweled banners and jeweled canopies were displayed in every place; trees of flowers, trees of fruit, fragrant trees, and jeweled trees stood row upon row, layer upon layer, interspersed and adorning one another, gracing the splendor everywhere – most pleasing to behold. Like the realm with many lotus flowers in the Pure Land of the Tathagata Universal Flower (Pho Hoa), Bodhisattva Manjushri (Dieu Cat Tuong), Bodhisattva Good Abiding Wisdom (Thien Tru Tue), and immeasurable other Great Bodhisattvas of great awe-inspiring virtue and supernatural power, all dwelled within that land.

– o0o –

End Of Volume 2