THE GREAT PRAJÑĀPĀRAMITĀ SŪTRA
Second Assembly
VOLUME 401
Chapter 1: ORIGIN OF CONDITIONS
Thus have I heard:
At one time, the World-Honored One was staying at Vulture Peak Mountain in the city of Rājagṛha, together with a great assembly of five thousand Bhikṣus, all of whom were Arhats who had completely eradicated all outflows, were free from afflictions, had attained true sovereignty, with minds completely liberated and wisdom completely liberated, like excellent horses and great dragons that had been tamed. The tasks that needed to be done had been done; what needed to be accomplished had been accomplished; they had laid down the burden, attained their own benefit, exhausted all bonds and fetters, attained right knowledge and liberation, possessed wholehearted sovereignty, and reached the ultimate foremost state. Only Ānanda remained in the stage of learning, having attained the fruit of Stream-entry. Among them, the Venerable Subhūti was foremost.
There were also five hundred Bhikṣuṇīs, all of whom had attained the fruit of Arhatship, with the Venerable Dhṛtiśrī as foremost. There were also countless numbers of Upāsakas and Upāsikās who had attained vision of the truth. There were also immeasurable and innumerable assemblies of Great Bodhisattvas, all of whom had attained Dhāraṇīs and Samādhis, constantly abiding in the nature of emptiness, acting within the realm of signlessness, with vows free from discrimination and always manifesting.
Regarding the nature of all phenomena, they possessed equal patience; they attained unobstructed eloquence, irreversible spiritual powers, noble speech and conduct, diligence without laziness, propagated the true Dharma without seeking anything in return, acted in accordance with truth and the capacities of beings, were free from deception, and in deep Dharma-patience reached the ultimate point. They removed all fears, subdued all Māras, eliminated all afflictions, extinguished karmic obstacles, and fully possessed wisdom, eloquence, and skillful means.
For countless eons they had adorned themselves with great vows. Before speaking, they displayed joyful expressions and subtle smiles, praising with beautiful words. Their understanding was boundless; their majestic virtue was dignified. Among assemblies they were fearless, their demeanor serene and composed. Their movements and deportment were dignified. They expounded the true Dharma fluently like flowing water, continuing throughout many eons without interruption. They contemplated all phenomena as illusions, as mirages, as scenes in dreams, as the moon reflected in water, as echoes, as flowers seen in the sky, as images in mirrors, as Gandharva cities, and as various transformations, knowing them all to be unreal, merely appearing as though they existed.
Their minds were not inferior but calm and natural. Because they were fearless, they could comprehend all Dharma gates. They clearly understood the minds, practices, and destinations of sentient beings and rescued them. They accomplished the supreme patience, skillfully knew true nature, and received the great vows of countless Buddhas throughout the boundless Buddha lands of the ten directions. They constantly practiced meditation, right mindfulness, and clear awareness.
Because they wished to liberate sentient beings, they had previously served the Buddhas, requested the Buddhas to remain long in the world, turn the wheel of the true Dharma, and eliminate afflictions and binding views. They entered and emerged freely from countless hundreds of thousands of concentrations, bringing forth limitless superior wholesome qualities.
The Great Bodhisattvas possessing such immeasurable merits were: Bodhisattva Worthy Protector, Bodhisattva Precious Nature, Bodhisattva Guide, Bodhisattva Human Longevity, Bodhisattva Star Longevity, Bodhisattva Constant Longevity, Bodhisattva Virtue Treasury, Bodhisattva Supreme Wisdom, Bodhisattva Jewel Treasury, Bodhisattva Victorious Wisdom, Bodhisattva Increasing Wisdom, Bodhisattva Unfalse Vision, Bodhisattva Skillful in Setting Forth, Bodhisattva Skillful and Valiant, Bodhisattva Constant Diligence, Bodhisattva Constant Practice, and Bodhisattva Never Abandoning Suffering.
Bodhisattva Sun Treasury, Bodhisattva Unequaled Wisdom, Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, Bodhisattva Great Power, Bodhisattva Wonderful Auspiciousness, Bodhisattva Vajra Wisdom, Bodhisattva Jewel Seal Hand, Bodhisattva Constantly Raised Hand, and Bodhisattva Maitreya.
Countless hundreds of thousands of millions of billions of such Great Bodhisattvas were all sons of the Dharma King, capable of succeeding to the honored position and becoming foremost leaders.
At that time, the World-Honored One spread out his sitting mat and sat cross-legged upon the lion throne, his body upright, abiding in right mindfulness, and entered the supreme correct concentration. All correct concentrations arise from within this correct concentration.
At that moment, with right knowledge and right mindfulness, the World-Honored One peacefully emerged from that King of Samādhi. Using the pure divine eye, he observed the innumerable worlds of Buddhas throughout the ten directions, like the sands of the Ganges. His entire body shone brilliantly. From the mark of the thousand-spoked wheel beneath both feet, he emitted six hundred thousand countless rays of light.
From the ten toes, the tops of both feet, the heels, the four ankles, the two shins, the calves, the knees, the thighs, the hips, the waist, the abdomen, the back, the navel, the heart, the swastika mark on the chest, both breasts, the armpits, the shoulders, the upper arms, the elbows, the forearms, the wrists, the hands, the ten fingers, the back of the head, the throat, the cheeks, the chin, the cheekbones, the crown of the head, the forehead, the eyebrows, the eyes, the ears, the nose, the mouth, the four front teeth, the forty teeth, and the white hair mark between the eyebrows, all emitted six hundred thousand billion rays of light. Each ray of light illuminated the three-thousand-great-thousand world system, and from there continued onward to illuminate countless Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.
Among these, any sentient beings who encountered these rays of light would certainly attain the highest unsurpassed Enlightenment.
At that time, all the pores throughout the body of the World-Honored One shone brightly and emitted six hundred thousand billion rays of light. Each ray illuminated the three-thousand-great-thousand world system and then continued onward to illuminate countless Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions. Any sentient beings who encountered these rays of light would certainly attain the highest unsurpassed Enlightenment.
At that time, the World-Honored One manifested the ordinary light of his body, illuminating the three-thousand-great-thousand world system. From there it continued onward to illuminate countless Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions. Any sentient beings who encountered this light would certainly attain the highest unsurpassed Enlightenment.
The World-Honored One joyfully smiled. From his mouth he emitted the mark of a broad and long tongue that covered the entire three-thousand-great-thousand world system. From this tongue-mark arose immeasurable hundreds of thousands of billions of rays of multicolored light. Within each of these multicolored rays appeared precious lotus flowers.
These flowers had a thousand petals, all golden in color, adorned with various jewels. The light of these lotus flowers illuminated the three-thousand-great-thousand world system and then continued onward to illuminate countless Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions. Within each lotus platform was an Emanation Buddha seated cross-legged, teaching the wondrous Dharma.
Each Dharma sound expounded teachings corresponding to the six Pāramitās. Any sentient beings who heard them would certainly attain the highest unsurpassed Enlightenment.
At that time, while still seated upon the throne, the World-Honored One entered the lion-like concentration with sovereignty. He manifested spiritual power causing the three-thousand-great-thousand world system to move in six ways:
Shaking, greatly shaking, universally greatly shaking;
rising, greatly rising, universally greatly rising;
roaring, greatly roaring, universally greatly roaring;
striking, greatly striking, universally greatly striking;
thundering, greatly thundering, universally greatly thundering;
and exploding, greatly exploding, universally greatly exploding.
He also caused the eastern direction to rise while the western direction sank; the western direction to rise while the eastern direction sank; the southern direction to rise while the northern direction sank; the northern direction to rise while the southern direction sank; the center to rise while the four directions sank; and the four directions to rise while the center sank. The earth became soft, pure, and radiant, bringing benefit and happiness to sentient beings.
At that time, all sentient beings in the evil destinies of the three-thousand-great-thousand world system—the hell realms, animal realms, hungry ghost realms, and other dangerous and suffering paths—were freed from their suffering.
After abandoning those bodies, they were born among humans or in the six heavens of the desire realm. Remembering their previous lives, they became joyful and delighted. Together they came before the Buddha, their minds pure and reverent, and bowed at the Buddha’s feet.
From there, gradually, throughout countless Buddha worlds in the ten directions, through the Buddha’s spiritual power, the worlds moved in six ways. At that time, all sentient beings in the evil destinies of those worlds were freed from suffering. After abandoning those bodies, they were born among humans or in the six heavens of the desire realm. Remembering their previous lives, they became joyful and delighted, came before the Buddha, and bowed at his feet.
At that time, sentient beings in the three-thousand-great-thousand world system and countless other worlds throughout the ten directions experienced the following: the blind could see; the deaf could hear; the mute could speak; the insane could remember; the disturbed became calm; the poor became wealthy; those without clothing received clothing; the hungry received food; the thirsty received drink; the sick were healed; the ugly became beautiful; the disabled became whole; those lacking faculties became complete; the confused awakened; and the exhausted became refreshed.
At that time, all sentient beings treated one another as fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends, and relatives. They abandoned wrong speech, wrong actions, and wrong livelihood, and cultivated right speech, right actions, and right livelihood. They abandoned the ten evil paths of karma and cultivated the ten wholesome paths of karma. They abandoned evil thoughts and cultivated wholesome thoughts. They abandoned what was not pure conduct and cultivated true pure conduct.
They delighted in purity and abandoned defilement; delighted in tranquility and abandoned disturbance. Their bodies and minds were peaceful, manifesting wondrous joy like practitioners entering the third meditative absorption. In the present moment they manifested superior wisdom. They all contemplated practices such as generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, tranquility, true contemplation, freedom from negligence, cultivation of pure conduct, loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity toward sentient beings. They did not harm one another. Nothing was more excellent than this!
At that time, seated upon the lion throne, the World-Honored One emitted supreme light adorned with majestic virtue, illuminating the three-thousand-great-thousand world system and countless Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions.
This caused the light of Mount Sumeru, Mount Cakravāḍa, and the palaces of gods, spirits, dragons, and even the Pure Abode heavens to become hidden, like the light of the full autumn moon obscuring the light of stars; like the summer sun causing other colors to disappear; like the king of mountains, Wonderful High Mountain, made of four kinds of jewels, covering the light of all other mountains.
Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, he manifested his form-body so that all sentient beings in the three-thousand-great-thousand world system could see him. At that time, immeasurable and innumerable Pure Abode devas down to the Four Heavenly Kings of the desire realm, as well as all humans and non-humans in the three-thousand-great-thousand world system, saw the Tathāgata seated upon the lion throne, his majestic radiance blazing like a great golden mountain.
They rejoiced greatly and praised it as something never before seen. The assembly brought various flower garlands, fragrant powders, beautiful garments, necklaces, banners, canopies, music, supreme jewels, and countless heavenly flowers such as blue lotuses, red lotuses, white lotuses, golden lotuses, fragrant lotuses, pink lotuses, heavenly golden-money tree flowers, fragrant leaves and flowers, and countless aquatic and terrestrial flowers, offering and scattering them upon the Buddha.
Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, these flower garlands all revolved in the sky and formed flower platforms throughout the three-thousand-great-thousand world system. From above descended fragrant flowers, banners, parasols, jeweled bells, and jeweled ornaments, brilliantly beautiful beyond measure.
At that time, this Buddha land became magnificently adorned and wondrous, resembling the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The Buddha’s radiance illuminated the entire great trichiliocosm, causing all objects in space to become golden in color. Countless Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, were likewise transformed.
Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, in all lands throughout this three-thousand-great-thousand world system, all devas and humans saw the Buddha seated directly before them and thought that the Tathāgata was teaching the Dharma specifically for them.
At that time, while still seated upon the throne, the World-Honored One joyfully smiled. From his mouth he emitted great light that illuminated all Buddha lands throughout the three-thousand-great-thousand world system and countless Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions.
At that time, relying upon the Buddha’s light, all sentient beings in the lands throughout the three-thousand-great-thousand world system saw all Tathāgatas, Worthy Ones, Perfectly Enlightened Ones, surrounded by assemblies of Śrāvakas and Bodhisattvas, as well as all sentient and non-sentient beings of many different kinds in countless Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions.
At that time, relying upon the Buddha’s light, all sentient beings in countless Buddha worlds throughout the ten directions also saw this land with Śākyamuni Tathāgata, Worthy One, Perfectly Enlightened One, surrounded by assemblies of Śrāvakas and Bodhisattvas, together with all sentient and non-sentient beings of various kinds.
At that time, in the world at the furthest end among countless worlds to the east, named Many Treasures, the Buddha named Precious Nature was teaching Prajñāpāramitā to the assembly of Bodhisattvas.
In that assembly there was a Bodhisattva named Universal Radiance who saw the great light, the earth moving, and the Buddha’s bodily appearance. His mind became doubtful, so he approached the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, due to what causes and conditions has this auspicious sign appeared?”
The Buddha Precious Nature said to Bodhisattva Universal Radiance:
“Countless worlds to the west, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, there is a world at the furthest end named Endurance. The Buddha named Śākyamuni is about to teach Prajñāpāramitā to the assembly of Bodhisattvas. Because of that Buddha’s spiritual power, this sign has appeared.”
Hearing this, Bodhisattva Universal Radiance became joyful and delighted and said:
“World-Honored One, now I wish to go to the world of Endurance to behold, bow to, and make offerings to Śākyamuni Buddha and the assembly of Bodhisattvas. Please grant your permission.”
The Buddha Precious Nature said to Bodhisattva Universal Radiance:
“Excellent, excellent! Go according to your wishes.”
Having spoken, the Buddha Precious Nature took a thousand golden lotus branches, each with a thousand petals and adorned with various jewels, and gave them to Bodhisattva Universal Radiance, instructing him:
“Take these flowers to Śākyamuni Buddha and convey my words exactly:
‘The Tathāgata Precious Nature respectfully asks whether you have little illness and little affliction, whether your movements are comfortable, your strength harmonious, and whether you are peaceful and happy. Are worldly matters bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?’
Then offer these lotus flowers to that World-Honored One to perform Buddha activities.
When you arrive in that world, abide in right knowledge. Do not give rise to a mind of arrogance or contempt toward the great assembly and that Buddha land, lest you diminish your own virtue. Why? Because those Bodhisattvas possess majestic virtue and great compassionate aspirations that are difficult for anyone to equal. Due to great causes and conditions, they were born in that land.”
Following the instructions of the Buddha Precious Nature, Bodhisattva Universal Radiance received the flowers. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of billions of millions of Bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and young women, he bowed to the Buddha, circumambulated the Buddha to the right, and respectfully took leave.
As they traveled, each carried countless excellent offerings. Passing through the Buddha worlds in the eastern direction, in every Buddha land they reached, they made offerings, showed reverence, honored, respected, and praised the Buddhas, not neglecting any land.
When they arrived at this Buddha land, they bowed to the World-Honored One, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then stood to one side.
Bodhisattva Universal Radiance stepped forward before the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, countless worlds to the east, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, there is a world at the furthest end named Many Treasures. The Buddha named Precious Nature respectfully asks whether you have little illness and little affliction, whether your movements are comfortable, your strength harmonious, and whether you are peaceful and happy. Are worldly matters bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?
He instructed us to bring these thousand golden lotus branches and offer them to the World-Honored One to perform Buddha activities.”
Śākyamuni Buddha accepted these lotus flowers and then scattered them back toward the Buddha worlds in the eastern direction.
Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus flowers flew throughout all Buddha lands. Within each lotus platform was an Emanation Buddha seated cross-legged, teaching Great Prajñāpāramitā to the Bodhisattvas.
Any sentient beings who heard it would certainly attain the highest unsurpassed Enlightenment.
Seeing this, Bodhisattva Universal Radiance and his retinue rejoiced greatly, praised it as something never before seen, and according to their roots of virtue made offerings great or small.
They made offerings, revered, honored, respected, and praised the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, then withdrew and sat to one side. The other lands in the eastern direction were likewise the same.
At that time, in the world at the furthest end among countless worlds to the south, named Free from All Sorrows, the Buddha named Virtue Free from Sorrow was teaching Great Prajñāpāramitā to the Bodhisattvas.
At that time there was a Bodhisattva named Free from Sorrow who saw the great light, the earth moving, and the Buddha’s bodily appearance. His mind became doubtful, so he approached the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, due to what causes and conditions has this sign appeared?”
The Buddha Virtue Free from Sorrow told Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow:
“Countless worlds to the north, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, there is a world at the furthest end named Endurance. The Buddha named Śākyamuni is about to teach Great Prajñāpāramitā to the Bodhisattvas. Because of the spiritual power of that ancient Buddha, this sign has appeared.”
Hearing this, Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow rejoiced greatly and said:
“World-Honored One, now I wish to go to the world of Endurance to behold, bow to, and make offerings to Śākyamuni Buddha and the assembly of Bodhisattvas. Please grant your permission.”
At that time, the Buddha Virtue Free from Sorrow said to Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow:
“Excellent, excellent! Go according to your wishes.”
Having spoken, the Buddha Virtue Free from Sorrow took a thousand golden lotus branches with a thousand petals adorned with jewels and gave them to Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow, instructing:
“Take these flowers to Śākyamuni Buddha and convey my words exactly:
‘The Buddha Virtue Free from Sorrow respectfully asks whether you have little illness and little affliction, whether your movements are comfortable, your strength harmonious, and whether you are peaceful and happy. Are worldly matters bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?’
Then offer these lotus flowers to that World-Honored One to perform Buddha activities.
When you arrive in that world, abide in right knowledge. Do not have a mind of arrogance or contempt toward the great assembly and that Buddha land, lest you diminish your own virtue. Why? Because those Bodhisattvas possess majestic virtue and great compassionate aspirations difficult for anyone to equal. Due to great causes and conditions, they were born in that land.”
Following the Buddha Virtue Free from Sorrow’s instructions, Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow received the flowers. Together with immeasurable hundreds of thousands of billions of millions of Bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of young men and young women, he bowed to the Buddha, circumambulated the Buddha to the right, and respectfully took leave.
As they traveled, each carried countless excellent offerings. Passing through the Buddha worlds in the southern direction, in every Buddha land they reached they made offerings, showed reverence, honored, respected, and praised the Buddhas, not neglecting any land.
When they arrived at this Buddha land, they bowed to the World-Honored One, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then stood to one side.
Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow stepped before the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, countless worlds to the south, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, there is a world at the furthest end named Free from All Sorrows. The Buddha named Virtue Free from Sorrow respectfully asks whether you have little illness and little affliction, whether your movements are comfortable, your strength harmonious, and whether you are peaceful and happy. Are worldly matters bearable? Are sentient beings easy to liberate?
He instructed us to bring these thousand golden lotus branches and offer them to the World-Honored One to perform Buddha activities.”
Śākyamuni Buddha accepted those lotus flowers and scattered them back toward the Buddha worlds in the southern direction.
Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus flowers flew throughout all Buddha lands. Within each lotus platform was an Emanation Buddha seated cross-legged, teaching Great Prajñāpāramitā to the Bodhisattvas.
Any sentient beings who heard it would certainly attain the unsurpassed Bodhi fruit.
Seeing this, Bodhisattva Free from Sorrow and his retinue rejoiced greatly, praised it, considered it something never before seen, and according to their roots of virtue made offerings great or small.
They made offerings, revered, honored, respected, and praised the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, then withdrew and sat to one side. The other lands in the southern direction were likewise the same.
At that time, in the world at the furthest end among countless worlds to the west, named Near Tranquil Silence, the Buddha named Precious Flame was teaching Great Prajñāpāramitā to the Bodhisattvas.
In that assembly there was a Bodhisattva named Conduct Wisdom who saw the great light, the earth moving, and the Buddha’s bodily appearance. His mind became doubtful, so he approached the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, due to what causes and conditions has this sign appeared?”
At that time, the Buddha Precious Flame said to Bodhisattva Conduct Wisdom:
Many, many countless worlds to the east, there is an ultimate world named Endurance, whose Buddha is called Śākyamuni, who is about to expound the Great Perfection of Wisdom (Mahā Prajñāpāramitā) for the Bodhisattvas. Because of that Buddha’s spiritual power, this omen has appeared.
Having heard this, the Bodhisattva Hạnh Tuệ rejoiced and, delighted, said:
“World-Honored One, I now wish to go to the Endurance world, to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to Buddha Śākyamuni and the assembly of Bodhisattvas. Please grant your permission.”
At that time, Buddha Bảo Diệm said to the Bodhisattva Hạnh Tuệ:
“Excellent, excellent! Follow your wishes.”
Having said this, Buddha Bảo Diệm took a thousand golden lotus flowers, each with a thousand petals and adorned with various jewels, and gave them to the Bodhisattva Hạnh Tuệ, instructing:
“Take these lotus flowers to the presence of Buddha Śākyamuni and convey my words exactly: Buddha Bảo Diệm respectfully inquires whether the World-Honored One has little illness, little affliction, whether his movements are comfortable, his strength harmonious, and whether he is peaceful and joyful. Is worldly activity bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide and liberate? Take these lotus flowers and offer them to that World-Honored One to accomplish the work of the Buddha. When you arrive in that world, you should abide in right awareness. Do not have a mind of arrogance, looking down upon the great assembly or that Buddha’s realm, causing your own merit to diminish. Why? Because those Bodhisattvas possess majestic virtues and great compassionate vows that are difficult for anyone to equal; because of their vow power, they are born in that realm.”
Following the Buddha Bảo Diệm’s instruction, the Bodhisattva Hạnh Tuệ accepted the flowers. Together with countless hundreds of thousands of millions of billions of Bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he paid homage to the Buddha, circumambulated the Buddha clockwise with reverence, and respectfully took leave.
As they departed, each one carried countless beautiful offerings. Passing through the Buddha realms in the western direction, in every Buddha realm they reached, they made offerings, showed respect, honored, praised, and did not omit a single realm. When they arrived at this Buddha realm, the assembly paid homage to the World-Honored One, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side. The Bodhisattva Hạnh Tuệ stepped forward before the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, countless worlds like grains of sand in the Ganges River to the west from here, there is an ultimate world named Cận Tịch Tĩnh, whose Buddha is called Bảo Diệm. That Buddha respectfully inquires whether the World-Honored One has little illness, little affliction, whether his movements are comfortable, his strength harmonious, and whether he is peaceful and joyful. Is worldly activity bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide and liberate? He instructed us to bring these thousand golden lotus flowers and offer them to the World-Honored One to accomplish the work of the Buddha.”
Buddha Śākyamuni accepted those lotus flowers and then scattered them back toward the Buddha realms in the western direction. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus flowers flew throughout all the Buddha realms. Within each flower throne, there was an Emanation Buddha seated in the lotus posture, expounding the Great Perfection of Wisdom to the Bodhisattvas. Any sentient being who heard it would certainly attain the unsurpassed state of Bodhi.
Seeing this event, the Bodhisattva Hạnh Tuệ and his retinue rejoiced, were delighted, praised it as something never before seen, and made offerings according to their roots of virtue, whether great or small. They made offerings, showed respect, honored, and praised the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas, then withdrew and sat to one side. All the other realms in the western direction were the same.
At that time, in the ultimate world named Tối Thắng among countless worlds to the north, Buddha Victorious Emperor was expounding the Great Perfection of Wisdom to the Bodhisattvas. In that assembly, there was a Bodhisattva named Victorious Blessing who saw a great light, the earth moving, and the physical appearance of the Buddha. Wondering about this, he approached the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, due to what cause and condition has this omen appeared?”
At that time, Buddha Victorious Emperor said to the Bodhisattva Victorious Blessing:
“Countless worlds like grains of sand in the Ganges River to the south from here, there is an ultimate world named Endurance, where Buddha Śākyamuni is about to expound the Great Perfection of Wisdom to the Bodhisattvas. Because of that Buddha’s spiritual power, this omen has appeared.”
Having heard this, the Bodhisattva Victorious Blessing rejoiced and said:
“World-Honored One, I now wish to go to the Endurance world to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to Buddha Śākyamuni and the Bodhisattvas. Please grant your permission.”
Buddha Victorious Emperor said to the Bodhisattva Victorious Blessing:
“Excellent, excellent! Follow your wishes.”
Having said this, Buddha Victorious Emperor took a thousand golden lotus flowers with a thousand petals, adorned with precious jewels, gave them to the Bodhisattva Victorious Blessing, and instructed:
“Take these lotus flowers to the presence of Buddha Śākyamuni and convey my words exactly: Buddha Victorious Emperor respectfully inquires whether the World-Honored One has little illness, little affliction, whether his movements are comfortable, his strength harmonious, and whether he is peaceful and joyful. Is worldly activity bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide and liberate? Then offer these lotus flowers to that World-Honored One to accomplish the work of the Buddha. When you arrive in that world, you should abide in right awareness. Do not have a mind of arrogance, looking down upon the great assembly or that Buddha’s realm, causing your own merit to diminish. Why? Because those Bodhisattvas possess majestic virtues and great compassionate vows that are difficult for anyone to equal; because of great causes and conditions, they are born in that realm.”
Following the Buddha’s teaching, the Bodhisattva Victorious Blessing accepted the flowers. Together with countless hundreds of thousands of millions of billions of Bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he paid homage to the Buddha, circumambulated him clockwise, and respectfully took leave.
As they departed, each one carried countless beautiful offerings. Passing through the Buddha realms in the northern direction, in whichever realm they reached, they all made offerings, showed respect, honored, praised, and did not omit any place. When they arrived at this Buddha realm, the assembly paid homage to the World-Honored One, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and withdrew to stand to one side.
The Bodhisattva Victorious Blessing stepped forward before the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, countless worlds like grains of sand in the Ganges River to the north from here, there is an ultimate world named Tối Thắng, whose Buddha is called Victorious Emperor. That Buddha respectfully inquires whether the World-Honored One has little illness, little affliction, whether his movements are comfortable, his strength harmonious, and whether he is peaceful and joyful. Is worldly activity bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide and liberate? He instructed us to bring these thousand golden lotus flowers and offer them to the World-Honored One to accomplish the work of the Buddha.”
Buddha Śākyamuni accepted these lotus flowers and then scattered them back toward the Buddha realms in the northern direction. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, these lotus flowers flew throughout all the Buddha realms. Within those flower thrones, there was an Emanation Buddha seated in the lotus posture, expounding the Great Perfection of Wisdom to the Bodhisattvas. Any sentient being who heard it would certainly attain the highest state of enlightenment.
Seeing this event, the Bodhisattva Victorious Blessing and his retinue rejoiced, praised it as something never before seen, and made offerings according to their roots of virtue, whether great or small. They made offerings, showed respect, honored, and praised the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, then withdrew and sat to one side. All the other realms in the northern direction were the same.
At that time, in the ultimate world named Adorn Virtue among countless worlds to the northeast, Buddha Establish Victorious Virtue was expounding the Great Perfection of Wisdom to the Bodhisattvas. In that assembly, there was a Bodhisattva named Mighty Escape Attachment who saw a great light, the earth moving, and the physical appearance of the Buddha. Wondering about this, he approached the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, due to what cause and condition has this omen appeared?”
At that time, Buddha Establish Victorious Virtue said to the Bodhisattva Mighty Escape Attachment :
“Countless worlds like grains of sand in the Ganges River to the southwest from here, there is an ultimate world named Endurance, where Buddha Śākyamuni is about to expound the Great Perfection of Wisdom to the Bodhisattvas. Because of that Buddha’s spiritual power, this omen has appeared.”
Having heard this, the Bodhisattva Mighty Escape Attachment rejoiced and said:
“World-Honored One, I now wish to go to the Endurance world to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to Buddha Śākyamuni and the assembly of Bodhisattvas. Please grant your permission.”
Buddha Establish Victorious Virtue said to the Bodhisattva Mighty Escape Attachment :
“Excellent, excellent! Follow your wishes.”
Having said this, the World-Honored One took a thousand golden lotus flowers with a thousand petals, adorned with precious jewels, gave them to the Bodhisattva Mighty Escape Attachment , and instructed:
“Take these lotus flowers to the presence of Buddha Śākyamuni and convey my words exactly: Buddha Establish Victorious Virtue respectfully inquires whether the World-Honored One has little illness, little affliction, whether his movements are comfortable, his strength harmonious, and whether he is peaceful and joyful. Is worldly activity bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide and liberate? Then offer these lotus flowers to that Buddha to accomplish the work of the Buddha. When you arrive in that world, you should abide in right awareness. Do not have a mind of arrogance, looking down upon the great assembly or that Buddha’s realm, causing your own merit to diminish. Why? Because those Bodhisattvas possess majestic virtues and great compassionate vows that are difficult for anyone to equal; because of great causes and conditions, they are born in that realm.”
Following the Buddha’s instruction, the Bodhisattva Mighty Escape Attachment accepted the flowers. Together with countless hundreds of thousands of millions of billions of Bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he paid homage to the Buddha, circumambulated him clockwise, and respectfully took leave.
As they departed, each one carried countless beautiful offerings. Passing through the Buddha realms in the northeast direction, in every Buddha realm they reached, they made offerings, showed respect, honored, praised, and did not omit any realm. When they arrived at this Buddha realm, the assembly paid homage to the Buddha, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and withdrew to stand to one side.
The Bodhisattva Mighty Escape Attachment stepped forward before the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, countless worlds like grains of sand in the Ganges River to the northeast from here, there is an ultimate world named Adorn Virtue, whose Buddha is called Establish Victorious Virtue. That Buddha respectfully inquires whether the World-Honored One has little illness, little suffering and affliction, whether his movements are comfortable, his strength harmonious, and whether he is peaceful and joyful. Is worldly activity bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide and liberate? He instructed us to bring these thousand golden lotus flowers and offer them to the World-Honored One to accomplish the work of the Buddha.”
Buddha Śākyamuni accepted these lotus flowers and then scattered them back toward the Buddha realms in the northeast. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus flowers flew throughout all Buddha realms. In each flower throne, there was an Emanation Buddha seated in the lotus posture, expounding the Great Perfection of Wisdom to the Bodhisattvas. Any sentient being who heard it would certainly attain the highest state of enlightenment.
Seeing this event, the Bodhisattva Mighty Escape Attachment and his retinue rejoiced, praised it as something never before seen, and made offerings according to their roots of virtue, whether great or small. They made offerings, showed respect, honored, and praised the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, then withdrew and sat to one side. The other realms in the northeast direction were also the same.
At that time, in the ultimate world named Wonderful Enlightenment Adornment, incomparably beautiful, among countless worlds to the southeast, Buddha Victorous Virtue Lotus was expounding the Great Perfection of Wisdom to the Bodhisattvas. In that assembly, there was a Bodhisattva named Holding Lotus who saw a great light, the earth moving, and the physical appearance of the Buddha. Wondering about this, he approached the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, due to what cause and condition has this omen appeared?”
At that time, Buddha Victorous Virtue Lotus said to the Bodhisattva Holding Lotus:
“Countless worlds like grains of sand in the Ganges River to the northwest from here, there is an ultimate world named Endurance, where Buddha Śākyamuni is about to expound the Great Perfection of Wisdom to the Bodhisattvas. Because of that Buddha’s spiritual power, this omen has appeared.”
Having heard this, the Bodhisattva Holding Lotus rejoiced and said:
“World-Honored One, I now wish to go to the Endurance world to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to Buddha Śākyamuni and the Bodhisattvas. Please grant your permission.”
Buddha Victorous Virtue Lotus said to the Bodhisattva Holding Lotus:
“Excellent, excellent! Follow your wishes.”
Having said this, the World-Honored One took a thousand golden lotus flowers with a thousand petals, adorned with precious jewels, gave them to the Bodhisattva Holding Lotus, and instructed:
“Take these lotus flowers to the presence of Buddha Śākyamuni and convey my words exactly: Buddha Victorous Virtue Lotus respectfully inquires whether the World-Honored One has little illness, little affliction, whether his movements are comfortable, his strength harmonious, and whether he is peaceful and joyful. Is worldly activity bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide and liberate? Take these lotus flowers and offer them to that World-Honored One to accomplish the work of the Buddha. When you arrive in that world, you should abide in right awareness. Do not have a mind of arrogance, looking down upon the great assembly or that Buddha’s realm, causing your own merit to diminish. Why? Because those Bodhisattvas possess majestic virtues and great compassionate vows that are difficult for anyone to equal; because of great causes and conditions, they are born in that realm.”
Following the Buddha’s instruction, the Bodhisattva Holding Lotus accepted the flowers. Together with countless hundreds of thousands of millions of billions of Bodhisattvas and countless hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he paid homage to the Buddha, circumambulated him clockwise, and respectfully took leave.
As they departed, each one carried countless beautiful offerings. Passing through the Buddha realms in the southeast direction, in every realm they reached, they made offerings, showed respect, honored, praised, and did not omit any realm. When they arrived at this Buddha realm, the assembly paid homage to the World-Honored One, circumambulated him hundreds of thousands of times, and withdrew to stand to one side.
The Bodhisattva Holding Lotus stood before the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, from here countless worlds to the southeast, there is an ultimate world named Wonderful Enlightenment Adornment, incomparably beautiful, whose Buddha is called Victorous Virtue Lotus. That Buddha respectfully inquires whether the World-Honored One has little illness, little suffering and affliction, whether his movements are comfortable, his strength harmonious, and whether he is peaceful and joyful. Can worldly affairs be endured? Are sentient beings easy to guide and liberate? He instructed us to bring these thousand golden lotus flowers and offer them to the World-Honored One to accomplish the work of the Buddha.”
At that time, Buddha Śākyamuni accepted these lotus flowers and scattered them back toward the Buddha realms in the southeast. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, these lotus flowers flew throughout all Buddha realms. Within those flower thrones, there was an Emanation Buddha seated in the lotus posture, expounding the Great Perfection of Wisdom to the Bodhisattvas. Any sentient being who heard it would certainly attain the highest state of enlightenment.
Seeing this event, the Bodhisattva Holding Lotus and his retinue rejoiced, praised it as something never before seen, and made offerings according to their roots of virtue, whether great or small. They made offerings, showed respect, honored, and praised the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, then withdrew and sat to one side. All the other realms in the southeast direction were also the same.
At that time, in the ultimate world named Ly Trần Tụ among countless worlds to the southwest, Buddha Sun-Shines with Victorious Virtue was expounding the Great Perfection of Wisdom to the Bodhisattvas. In that assembly, there was a Bodhisattva named Bright Sunlight who saw a great light, the earth moving, and the physical appearance of the Buddha. Wondering about this, he approached the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, due to what cause and condition has this omen appeared?”
At that time, Buddha Sun-Shines with Victorious Virtue said to the Bodhisattva Bright Sunlight:
“Countless worlds like grains of sand in the Ganges River to the northeast from here, there is an ultimate world named Endurance, where Buddha Śākyamuni is about to expound the Great Perfection of Wisdom to the Bodhisattvas. Because of that Buddha’s spiritual power, this omen has appeared.”
Having heard this, the Bodhisattva Bright Sunlight rejoiced and said:
“World-Honored One, I now wish to go to the Endurance world to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to Buddha Śākyamuni and the assembly of Bodhisattvas. Please grant your permission.”
Buddha Sun-Shines with Victorious Virtue said to the Bodhisattva Bright Sunlight:
“Excellent, excellent! Follow your wishes.”
Having finished speaking, the World-Honored One took a thousand golden-colored lotus flowers, each with a thousand petals adorned with various precious jewels, gave them to the Bodhisattva Radiant Sunlight, and instructed:
“Take these flowers to the place of Buddha Shakyamuni and speak exactly as I say: Buddha Sun-Wheel Universal Radiance Victorious Virtue respectfully asks whether the World-Honored One has few illnesses, few afflictions, whether His movements are comfortable, His vital energy harmonious, and whether He is peaceful and joyful. Are worldly matters bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide? Then offer these lotus flowers to that World-Honored One to accomplish the Buddha’s work. When you arrive in that world, you should abide in right awareness. Do not have a mind of arrogance or contempt, looking down upon the great assembly and that Buddha land, thereby causing yourself to lose virtue. Why? Because those Bodhisattvas possess majestic virtue and great compassionate vows that are difficult for anyone to equal. Due to great causes and conditions, they were born in that realm.”
Following the Buddha’s instruction, Bodhisattva Radiant Sunlight received the flowers. Together with countless hundreds of thousands of millions of billions of Bodhisattvas and innumerable hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed before the Buddha, circumambulated to the right, and respectfully took leave.
As they departed, each one carried countless exquisite offerings. Passing through the Buddha worlds in the southwest direction, in every Buddha land they reached, they all made offerings, paid respect, honored, and praised the Buddhas, not neglecting a single realm. When they arrived at this Buddha land, the assembly bowed before the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side.
Bodhisattva Radiant Sunlight stepped forward before the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, countless Ganges-sands of worlds to the southwest from here, there is a farthest world called Dust-Free Gathering. The Buddha there is named Sun-Wheel Universal Radiance Victorious Virtue. That Buddha respectfully asks whether the World-Honored One has few illnesses, few afflictions, whether His movements are comfortable, His vital energy harmonious, and whether He is peaceful and joyful. Are worldly matters bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide? He instructed us to bring these thousand golden-colored lotus flowers and offer them to the World-Honored One to accomplish the Buddha’s work.”
At that time, Buddha Shakyamuni accepted these lotus flowers and scattered them back throughout the Buddha worlds in the southwest direction. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, those lotus flowers flew to all the Buddha realms. Within each lotus blossom was an Emanation Buddha seated in the full lotus posture, teaching the Great Perfection of Wisdom Paramita to the Bodhisattvas. Any sentient beings who heard it would certainly attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment. Seeing this event, Bodhisattva Radiant Sunlight and his retinue rejoiced greatly, delighted as though witnessing something unprecedented. According to their roots of virtue, they made offerings, whether many or few. They made offerings, paid homage, honored, and praised the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas, then withdrew to sit to one side. The other Buddha realms in the southwest direction were the same.
At that time, in the farthest world among countless Ganges-sands of worlds in the northwest direction, named True Freedom, Buddha One Jewel Canopy Victorious was teaching the Great Perfection of Wisdom Paramita to the Bodhisattvas. Among that assembly was a Bodhisattva named Jewel Victorious. Seeing a great light, the earth moving, and the form and appearance of a Buddha, he became doubtful in his mind and approached the Buddha, saying:
“World-Honored One, due to what causes and conditions has this omen appeared?”
At that time, Buddha One Jewel Canopy Victorious said to Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious:
“Countless Ganges-sands of worlds to the southeast from here, there is a farthest world named Endurance. The Buddha there is named Shakyamuni and is about to teach the Great Perfection of Wisdom Paramita to the assembly of Bodhisattvas. Because of that Buddha’s spiritual power, this omen has appeared.”
Hearing this, Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious rejoiced greatly and said:
“World-Honored One, now I wish to go to the Endurance world to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the assembly of Bodhisattvas. Please grant your approval.”
Buddha One Jewel Canopy Victorious said to Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious:
“Excellent, excellent! Go according to your wishes.”
Having said this, the World-Honored One took a thousand golden-colored lotus flowers with a thousand petals adorned with precious jewels, gave them to Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious, and instructed:
“Take these flowers to the place of Buddha Shakyamuni and speak exactly as I say: Buddha One Jewel Canopy Victorious respectfully asks whether the World-Honored One has few illnesses, few afflictions, whether His movements are comfortable, His vital energy harmonious, and whether He is peaceful and joyful. Are worldly matters bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide? Offer these lotus flowers to that World-Honored One to accomplish the Buddha’s work. When you arrive in that world, you should abide in right awareness. Do not have a mind of arrogance or contempt, looking down upon the great assembly and that Buddha land, thereby causing yourself to lose virtue. Why? Because those Bodhisattvas possess majestic virtue and great compassionate vows that are difficult for anyone to equal. Due to great causes and conditions, they were born in that realm.”
Following the Buddha’s instruction, Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious received the flowers. Together with countless hundreds of thousands of millions of billions of Bodhisattvas and innumerable hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed before the Buddha, circumambulated to the right, and respectfully took leave.
As they departed, each one carried countless exquisite offerings. Passing through the Buddha worlds in the northwest direction, in every Buddha land they reached, they all made offerings, paid respect, honored, and praised the Buddhas, not neglecting a single realm. When they arrived at this Buddha land, the assembly bowed before the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to stand to one side.
Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious stepped forward before the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, countless Ganges-sands of worlds to the northwest from here, there is a farthest world named True Freedom. The Buddha there, named One Jewel Canopy Victorious, sends greetings to the World-Honored One, asking whether He has few illnesses, few afflictions, whether His movements are comfortable, His vital energy harmonious, and whether He is peaceful and joyful. Are worldly matters bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide? He instructed us to bring these thousand golden-colored lotus flowers and offer them to the World-Honored One to accomplish the Buddha’s work.”
Buddha Shakyamuni accepted these lotus flowers and scattered them throughout the Buddha worlds in the northwest direction. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, these lotus flowers flew to all the Buddha realms. Within each lotus blossom was an Emanation Buddha seated in the full lotus posture, teaching the Great Perfection of Wisdom Paramita to the Bodhisattvas. Any sentient being who heard it would certainly attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment. Seeing this event, Bodhisattva Jewel Victorious and his retinue rejoiced greatly, delighted as though witnessing something unprecedented, and according to their roots of virtue made offerings, whether many or few. They made offerings, paid homage, honored, and praised the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas, then withdrew to one side. The other Buddha realms in the northwest direction were the same.
At that time, in the farthest world among countless Ganges-sands of worlds in the downward direction, named Lotus, Buddha Lotus Virtue was teaching the Great Perfection of Wisdom Paramita to the Bodhisattvas. Among that assembly was a Bodhisattva named Lotus Victorious. Seeing a great light, the earth moving, and the form and appearance of a Buddha, he became doubtful in his mind and approached the Buddha, saying:
“World-Honored One, due to what causes and conditions has this omen appeared?”
At that time, Buddha Lotus Virtue said to Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious:
“Countless Ganges-sands of worlds in the upward direction from here, there is a farthest world named Endurance. The Buddha there is Shakyamuni, who is about to teach the Great Perfection of Wisdom Paramita to the Bodhisattvas. Because of the Buddha’s spiritual power, this omen has appeared.”
Hearing this, Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious rejoiced greatly and said:
“World-Honored One, now I wish to go to the Endurance world to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the assembly of Bodhisattvas. Please grant your approval.”
Buddha Lotus Virtue said to Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious:
“Excellent, excellent! Go according to your wishes.”
Having said this, the World-Honored One took a thousand golden-colored lotus flowers, each with a thousand petals adorned with precious jewels, gave them to Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious, and instructed:
“Take these lotus flowers to the place of Buddha Shakyamuni and speak exactly as I say: Buddha Lotus Virtue respectfully asks whether the World-Honored One has few illnesses, few afflictions, whether His movements are comfortable, His vital energy harmonious, and whether He is peaceful and joyful. Are worldly matters bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide? Offer these lotus flowers to that World-Honored One to accomplish the Buddha’s work. When you arrive in that world, you should abide in right awareness. Do not have a mind of arrogance or contempt, looking down upon the great assembly and that Buddha land, thereby causing yourself to lose virtue. Why? Because those Bodhisattvas possess majestic virtue and great compassionate vows that are difficult for anyone to equal. Due to great causes and conditions, they were born in that realm.”
Following the Buddha’s instruction, Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious received the lotus flowers. Together with countless hundreds of thousands of millions of billions of Bodhisattvas and innumerable hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed before the Buddha, circumambulated to the right, and respectfully took leave.
As they departed, each one carried countless exquisite offerings. Passing through the Buddha worlds in the downward direction, in every Buddha land they reached, they all made offerings, paid respect, honored, and praised the Buddhas, not neglecting a single realm. When they arrived at this Buddha land, the assembly bowed before the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, and then withdrew to one side.
Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious approached the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, countless Ganges-sands of worlds in the downward direction from here, there is a farthest world named Lotus. The Buddha there is named Lotus Virtue. That Buddha respectfully asks whether the World-Honored One has few illnesses, few afflictions, whether His movements are comfortable, His vital energy harmonious, and whether He is peaceful and joyful. Are worldly matters bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide? He instructed us to bring these thousand golden-colored lotus flowers and offer them to the World-Honored One to accomplish the Buddha’s work.”
Buddha Shakyamuni accepted the lotus flowers and scattered them throughout the Buddha worlds in the downward direction. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, these lotus flowers flew throughout all Buddha realms. Within each lotus blossom was an Emanation Buddha seated in the full lotus posture, teaching the Great Perfection of Wisdom Paramita to the Bodhisattvas. Any sentient being who heard it would certainly attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment. Seeing this event, Bodhisattva Lotus Victorious and his retinue rejoiced greatly, praised it as something unprecedented, and according to their roots of virtue made offerings, whether many or few. They made offerings, paid homage, honored, and praised the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas, then withdrew to sit to one side. The other Buddha realms in the downward direction were also the same.
At that time, in the farthest world among countless Ganges-sands of worlds in the upward direction, named Joyful, Buddha Joy Virtue was teaching the Great Perfection of Wisdom Paramita to the Bodhisattvas. Among that assembly was a Bodhisattva named Joy Receiving. Seeing a great light, the earth moving, and the form and appearance of a Buddha, he became doubtful in his mind and approached the Buddha, saying:
“World-Honored One, due to what causes and conditions has this omen appeared?”
At that time, Buddha Joy Virtue said to Bodhisattva Joy Receiving:
“Countless Ganges-sands of worlds in the downward direction from here, there is a farthest world named Endurance. The Buddha there is Shakyamuni, who is about to teach the Great Perfection of Wisdom Paramita to the Bodhisattvas. Because of the spiritual power of that Buddha, this omen has appeared.”
Hearing this, Bodhisattva Joy Receiving rejoiced greatly and said:
“World-Honored One, now I wish to go to the Endurance world to behold, pay homage to, and make offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni and the Bodhisattvas. Please grant your approval.”
At that time, Buddha Joy Virtue said to Bodhisattva Joy Receiving:
“Excellent, excellent! Go according to your wishes.”
Having said this, the World-Honored One took a thousand golden-colored lotus flowers with a thousand petals adorned with precious jewels, gave them to Bodhisattva Joy Receiving, and instructed:
“Take these lotus flowers to the place of Buddha Shakyamuni and speak exactly as I say: Buddha Joy Virtue sends greetings to the World-Honored One, asking whether He has few illnesses, few afflictions, whether His movements are comfortable, His vital energy harmonious, and whether He is peaceful and joyful. Are worldly matters bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide? Take these lotus flowers and offer them to that World-Honored One to accomplish the Buddha’s work. When you arrive in that world, you should abide in right awareness. Do not have a mind of arrogance or contempt, looking down upon that Buddha land and the great assembly, thereby causing yourself to lose virtue. Why? Because those Bodhisattvas possess majestic virtue and great compassionate vows that are difficult for anyone to equal. They were born in that realm through the power of their vows.”
Following the Buddha’s instruction, Bodhisattva Joy Receiving received the flowers. Together with countless hundreds of thousands of millions of billions of Bodhisattvas and innumerable hundreds of thousands of boys and girls, he bowed before the Buddha, circumambulated to the right, and respectfully took leave.
As they departed, each one carried countless exquisite offerings. Passing through the Buddha worlds in the upward direction, in every Buddha land they reached, they all made offerings, paid respect, honored, and praised the Buddhas, not neglecting a single realm. When they arrived at this Buddha land, the assembly bowed before the Buddha, circumambulated hundreds of thousands of times, and then stood to one side.
Bodhisattva Joy Receiving approached the Buddha and said:
“World-Honored One, countless Ganges-sands of worlds in the upward direction from here, there is a farthest world named Joyful. The Buddha there is named Joy Virtue. That Buddha respectfully asks whether the World-Honored One has few illnesses, few afflictions, whether His movements are comfortable, His vital energy harmonious, and whether He is peaceful and joyful. Are worldly matters bearable? Are sentient beings easy to guide? He instructed us to bring these thousand golden-colored lotus flowers and offer them to the World-Honored One to accomplish the Buddha’s work.”
Buddha Shakyamuni accepted these lotus flowers and scattered them throughout the Buddha worlds in the upward direction. Through the Buddha’s spiritual power, these lotus flowers flew to all the Buddha realms. Within each lotus blossom was an Emanation Buddha seated in the full lotus posture, teaching the Great Perfection of Wisdom Paramita to the Bodhisattvas. Any sentient being who heard it would certainly attain the supreme fruit of Enlightenment. Seeing this event, Bodhisattva Joy Receiving and his retinue all rejoiced greatly, praised it as something unprecedented, and according to their roots of virtue made offerings, whether many or few. They made offerings, paid homage, honored, and praised the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas, then withdrew to sit to one side. The other Buddha realms in the upward direction were also the same.
At that time, throughout the entire three-thousandfold Endurance world, it was filled with precious jewels. Various fragrant and beautiful flowers were scattered across the ground. Banners, streamers, and jeweled canopies were arranged everywhere. Flower trees, fruit trees, fragrant trees, garland trees, clothing trees, jewel trees, and various ornamented trees decorated the entire area, making it extraordinarily beautiful, like the world of the Tathagata Lotus, the pure land of the Tathagata Universal Flower, and the dwelling place of the Youth Manjushri, Bodhisattva Well-Abiding Wisdom, and countless other great Bodhisattvas possessing immense majestic virtue.