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Reading The Flower Adornment Sutra, Book 12

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Summary: 

Book 12 - Chief in Goodness

Thomas Cleary translation.

AI Summary: 

The talk presents an in-depth exploration of "The Flower Adornment Sutra," specifically focusing on Book 12 and the text 'Chief in Goodness,' as translated by Thomas Cleary. It discusses the immeasurable virtues and boundless merits achieved through faith and the aspiration for enlightenment as articulated in the verses by the enlightening being Chief in Goodness. The discourse emphasizes the vast, transcendent qualities and attainments achievable on the path to Buddhahood, underscoring the significance of unwavering faith as the foundation of virtue and wisdom. Faith is depicted as pivotal in attaining the stages of supreme enlightenment and ultimate liberation from suffering, supported by mystic powers and the ability to interact harmoniously with infinite Buddhas and sentient beings.

Referenced Works:
- "The Flower Adornment Sutra, Book 12: Chief in Goodness" by Thomas Cleary: This text is central to the talk, wherein the enlightening being Chief in Goodness outlines the virtues and practices necessary for achieving enlightenment, highlighting the essence of faith as foundational and transformative.
- Buddha's Teachings and Practices: The discussion encompasses a wide array of teachings attributed to the Buddha, including the emphasis on faith, meditation, and the practice of ten types of actions that lead to spiritual liberation and the extinguishing of worldly desires.
- Techniques of Supreme Knowledge: Analyzed within this talk is the ability of enlightening beings to manifest multiple forms and teachings to suit the varying needs and capacities of sentient beings, demonstrating profound spiritual adaptability and insight.
- Metaphoric Illustrations of Mystical Powers: The text employs metaphors to elucidate the inconceivable power and reach of spiritual practices, likening them to elements of nature and celestial occurrences to convey their vast impact.

AI Suggested Title: Faith's Path to Enlightenment

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Transcript: 

book 12 chief in goodness then the enlightening being Manjushri having explained the great virtues of unpolluted undistorted pure activity wanted to bring out the virtues of the aspiration for enlightenment so she asked the enlightening being chief in goodness now I have for the sake of the enlightening beings explain the purifying practices cultivated by Buddhas in the past benevolent one you too in this assembly should expound the supreme virtues of practical application then chief and goodness responded in verse very good benevolent one you should listen clearly those virtues and merits cannot be measured I will now tell a little as well as I can but it will be but as a drop of the ocean when an enlightening being first determines on the way vowing to seek and

[01:08]

realize Buddha's enlightenment the virtues therein are boundless immeasurable beyond compare how much the more so through countless boundless eons to fully practice the virtues of the stages and transcendent ways even all the Buddhas of the ten directions together could not fully expound them all of such boundless great virtues I will now tell a little bit like the space trod by a bird's feet or like a motive dust of the earth when enlightening beings determined to seek enlightenment this is not without cause not without conditions engendering pure faith in the Buddha Dharma and Sangha by this they produce a broad magnanimous mind not seeking objects of desire or positions of authority wealth personal enjoyment or fame it is only to forever

[02:13]

annihilate creatures miseries and to benefit the world that they rouse their will always wanting to profit and gladden all beings they adorn lands and make offerings to Buddhas accepting the right teaching they cultivate its knowledges to realize enlightenment they arouse their minds deep faith belief and resolution always pure they honor and respect all Buddhas as well as their Dharma and Sangha making offerings with ultimate sincerity they rouse their will deeply believing in the Buddha and Dharma they also believe in the way traversed by Buddhas to be and believe in unexcelled great enlightenment thereby do enlightening beings first rouse their will faith is the basis of the path the mother of virtues nourishing and growing all good ways

[03:19]

cutting away the net of doubt freeing from the torrent of passion revealing the unsurpassed road of ultimate peace when faith is undefiled the mind is pure obliterating pride it is the root of reverence and the foremost wealth in the treasury of religion being a pure hand to receive the practices faith is generous the mind not begrudging faith can joyfully enter the Buddha's teaching faith can increase knowledge and virtue faith can assure arrival and enlightenment faith makes the faculties pure clear and sharp the power of faith is strong and indestructible faith can annihilate the root of affliction faith can turn one wholly to the virtues of Buddhahood faith has no attachment to objects transcending difficulties it reaches freedom from trouble

[04:26]

faith can go beyond the pathways of demons and reveal the unsurpassed road of liberation faith is the unspoiled seed of virtue faith can grow the seed of enlightenment faith can increase supreme knowledge faith can reveal all buddhas therefore i'll explain in steps practicing in accord faith is most powerful very difficult to have it's like in all worlds having the wondrous wish-fulfilling pearl if one can always faithfully serve the buddhas then one can keep the precepts and cultivate studies if one always keeps the precepts and practices what one learns then one can embody all virtuous qualities self-control can develop the basis of enlightenment study the foundation of cultivating virtues always acting in accord with discipline and study

[05:35]

one will be praised for excellence by all enlightened ones if one always faithfully serves the buddhas then one can assemble great offerings if one can assemble great offerings one's faith in buddha is beyond conception if one always faithfully serves the honorable teaching then one will tirelessly listen to the buddha's teaching if one hears the buddha's teaching without tiring of it one's faith in the teaching is inconceivable if one always faithfully serves the sangha then one's faith will never regress if one's faith never regresses one's power of faith is unshakable if nothing can shake one's power of faith then one gains purity clarity and sharpness of sense if one has purity clarity and sharpness of sense one can avoid bad associates if one can

[06:45]

avoid bad associates then one can approach good associates if one can be with good associates then one can cultivate great goodness if one can cultivate great goodness one can perfect great causal power if one perfects great causal power then one can attain supremely certain understanding if one attains supremely certain understanding then one will be protected by the buddhas if one is protected by the buddhas then one can arouse the will for enlightenment if one can arouse the will for enlightenment then one can diligently cultivate the virtues of buddhahood if one can diligently cultivate the virtues of buddhahood then one can be born in the family of the enlightened if one gets to be born in the family of the enlightened then one can

[07:51]

practice skillful liberative techniques if one can develop skill in means of liberation well then one can reach purity of the faithful mind if one gains purity of the faithful mind then one can increase supreme will if one can increase supreme will then one can always practice the transcendent ways if one always practices the transcendent ways then one can fulfill the great vehicle if one can fulfill the great vehicle then one can give offerings to buddhas in the right way if one can make offerings to buddhas in the right way then one can remember buddha with an unwavering mind if one can remember buddha with unwavering mind then one can always see infinite buddhas if one always sees infinite buddhas then one sees the essence of the enlightened is eternal

[08:58]

if one sees the essence of the enlightened is eternal then one can know the truth never dies if one can know the truth never dies then one attains unhindered powers of elucidation if one attains unhindered powers of elucidation then one can expound boundless teachings if one can expound boundless teachings then one can compassionately liberate beings if one can compassionately liberate beings then one can attain a mind of unshakable compassion if one can attain a mind of unshakable compassion then one can appreciate the most profound truth if one can appreciate the most profound truth then one can abandon the errors of fabrication if one can abandon the errors of fabrication then one can divorce conceit and indulgence

[10:08]

if one can get rid of conceit and indulgence then one can benefit all beings together if one can benefit all beings then one can be in birth and death unwearied if one can be in birth and death unwearied then one can be invisibly brave and strong if one can be invincibly brave and strong then one can bring forth great spiritual powers if one can bring forth great spiritual powers one will know the activities of all sentient beings if one knows the activities of all sentient beings then one can mature and perfect living beings if one can mature and perfect living beings one will attain the knowledge to save all beings if one attains the knowledge to save all beings then one can perfect the means of salvation

[11:15]

if one can perfect the means of salvation one then will give beings unlimited benefit if one gives beings unlimited benefit one will fulfill the techniques of supreme knowledge if one fulfills the techniques of supreme knowledge one will remain on the heroic unexcelled path if one remains on the heroic unexcelled path one can crush the power of all demons if one can crush the power of all demons one can get beyond the realm of the four demons if one can get beyond the realm of the four demons then one can reach the stage of non-regression if one can reach the stage of non-regression one attains profound acceptance of the non-origination of things if one attains deep acceptance of the non-origination of things one will receive the

[12:22]

buddha's prediction of enlightenment if one's enlightenment is foretold by the buddhas then all the buddhas will appear in one's presence if all the buddhas appear in one's presence one will comprehend the profound mystic use of spiritual powers if one comprehends the deep mystic function of spiritual powers one will be remembered by all the buddhas if one is remembered by the buddhas then one will adorn oneself with the qualities of buddhahood if one adorns oneself with the qualities of buddhahood one will attain a splendid body of felicity if one attains a splendid body of felicity one's body will be radiant as a mountain of gold if one's body is radiant as a mountain of gold it will be adorned with the 32 marks of distinction

[13:26]

if one is adorned with the 32 marks one will be adorned with accompanying refinements if one is adorned with the accompanying refinements the light of one's aura will be unlimited if one's aura light is infinite one will be adorned with inconceivable light if one is adorned with inconceivable light that light will produce lotus blossoms if the light produces lotus blossoms innumerable buddhas will sit on the blossoms appearing everywhere in the ten directions able to pacify all sentient beings if able to harmonize beings this way one manifests infinite mystical powers if one manifests infinite mystical powers one dwells in inconceivable lands expounding inconceivable teachings

[14:27]

gladdening inconceivably many beings if one explains inconceivable teachings gladdening inconceivably many beings then with wisdom and power of elucidation one guides in accord with being's minds if one uses wisdom and powers of elucidation to guide in accord with being's minds then one will never lose action guided by wisdom if one never loses action guided by wisdom then one's willpower will be sovereign and one will appear physically in any state of being if one's willpower attains the freedom to manifest a body in any state of being then one will be able when teaching to accord with any language inconceivably if one can when teaching adopt any language according to the congregation

[15:31]

then one will instantly know all the minds of all sentient beings if one can instantly know the minds of all sentient beings one will know afflictions arise from nowhere and will not sink and drown in birth and death if one knows afflictions come from nowhere and will never drown in birth and death then one attains the body of the essence of truth and appears in the world by the power of truth if one attains the virtuous body of the essence of truth and appears in the world by the power of truth one will attain all the stages and freedoms of enlightenment practice the ways of transcendence and be supremely liberated if one attains the stages and freedoms of enlightenment practices the transcendent ways and is supremely liberated one will attain the great spiritual

[16:37]

powers of the anointed and abide in the most supreme meditations if one attains the great spiritual powers of the anointed and abides in the most supreme meditations then in the presence of the buddhas one will be anointed and ascend to that rank one will be anointed with the elixir of deathlessness by the by all the buddhas in the ten directions if one is appointed with elixir by the buddhas of the ten directions one's body will be all pervasive as space abiding at rest immovable filling the ten directions if one's body is pervasive as space abiding at rest immovable filling all directions one's action will be beyond compare unknowable to gods and humans

[17:39]

enlightening beings practice acts of great compassion vowing to liberate all successfully those who see hear listen accept or make offerings they cause all to attain peace and happiness those great beings have magnificent spiritual powers their eye of reality is always complete without any lack the wonderful practices of virtuous ways and other such paths are supreme jewels which they cause to appear just like clusters of diamonds in the ocean by their mystic powers they produce many jewels without decrease or increase and inexhaustible such as the mass of enlightening beings virtues where there are lands with no buddha there they appear to attain enlightenment where there are lands where the teachings

[18:44]

unknown they expound their the treasury of sublime doctrines without discrimination without effort they reach everywhere in a single instant like the moonlight extending everywhere teaching beings by innumerable techniques in the worlds of the ten directions constantly they show the way of buddhahood turning the wheel of the true teaching and entering extinction down to the distribution of their relics sometimes they show the paths of followers or self-enlightened ones sometimes they show the universal adornment of full buddhahood thus they open up the teachings of the three vehicles widely liberating beings for infinite eons they met they may manifest the forms of dragon girls or boys or celestial dragons or titans too down to maharagas and so on

[19:52]

they let everyone see according to desire living beings forms and features are unalike their behaviors and sounds are also countless all of these enlightening beings can make appear by the mystic power of the oceanic reflection meditation beautifully purifying inconceivable lands making offerings to all enlightened ones emanating great light without bound they liberate sentient beings without limit to their knowledge and wisdom is independent and inconceivable their speech in explaining truth is unhindered their generosity self-control tolerance energy and meditation wisdom skill and means spiritual powers and such are all

[20:54]

likewise free by the power of buddha's flower garland meditation they enter concentration on one atom and accomplish concentration on all atoms and yet that particle doesn't increase in one are manifest inconceivable lands of the many lands in that one atom some have buddhas some do not some are polluted some are pure some are large some are small some are forming some disintegrating some are upright some are sideways some are like heat mirages on a vast plane some are like indra's net in the heavens what in one atom is manifest is also manifest in all atoms this is the mystic power of concentration and liberation of these

[21:59]

sages of great renown if they want to make offerings to all buddhas they enter into concentration and produce mystic transformations able to reach throughout the universe with one hand to give offerings to all the enlightened ones the most beautiful flowers in all realms perfumes incense and priceless jewels such as these all emerge from their hands to present to the conquerors under the trees of enlightenment priceless jewel raiment with mixed perfumes precious banners and canopies all finely adorned with flowers of gold and curtains of jewels all of these rain from their palms whatever wonderful things there be in all realms that may be worthy to offer to the supreme honored one all shower from their palms all complete

[23:03]

and they bring it to the enlightenment trees to offer to the buddhas all the artful music of the ten directions bells and drums harpers and liars various different kinds all played harmoniously with beautiful tones all emerges from the enlightening beings palms all eulogies that be in the ten directions praising the virtues of the enlightened ones all of their various wonderful words are intoned from within their palms the enlightening beings right hands radiate pure light within the light is fragrant water raining from the sky sprinkling the buddha lands of the ten directions as offerings to all the lamps that light the worlds also they emit wondrous arrays of light beams producing countless jewel lotus blossoms the colors and forms of the

[24:08]

flowers are all superb and these they present to the buddhas they also emit flower garlands of light with all kinds of flowers bunched into drapes scattered all over the lands everywhere as presents to all the honored ones of great virtue they also emit lights adorned with perfumes various wonderful scents massed into drapes scattered all throughout the lands everywhere as presents to the honored ones of great virtue they also emit lights adorned with powdered incense various incenses collected into drapes and distribute them throughout all worlds as gifts to the honored ones of great virtue they also emanate lights adorned with raiment various fine robes gathered into drapes and distribute them throughout all worlds as offerings to the

[25:15]

honored ones of great virtue they also emit lights adorned with jewels various beautiful jewels massed into drapes and distribute them throughout all worlds as presents to the honored ones they also produce lights adorned with lotuses various lotuses assembled into drapes and distribute them throughout all worlds as gifts to the honored ones they also emit lights necklace adorned various fine necklaces gathered into drapes they distribute throughout all worlds to offer to the honored ones they also emanate lights adorned with pennants radiant with multicolored patterns of all kinds innumerable all superbly fine with these they decorate the buddha lands

[26:18]

canopies adorned with melanges of jewels draped with finely embroidered flags and crystal chimes intoning buddha's voices these they take to offer the enlightened ones their hands producing such inconceivable gifts they present them to a guide and do the same to all the buddhas with their great psychic powers of concentration enlightening beings dwell in concentration dealing with beings by various abilities all of them guiding by innumerable means by the virtuous principles they practice some use the approach of offerings to buddhas some use the approach of inconceivable generosity some use the approach of austerity and discipline some use the approach of unshakable tolerance

[27:22]

some use the approach of ascetic effort some use the approach of tranquil meditation some use the approach of certain thorough knowledge some use the teaching of practical expedience some use the teachings of the pure abodes and psychic powers some use the approach of the benefits of the means of salvation some use the approach of the adornments of knowledge and virtue some use the teaching of conditioning and liberation some use the teachings of faculties powers and the right path some use the teaching of followers liberation some use the teaching of purity of self-awakened ones some use the teaching of the freedom of the great vehicle some use the teaching of the miseries of impermanence

[28:27]

some use the teaching of no self and no life some use the teaching of impurity and detachment from desire some use the approach of extinctive concentration according to the differences in beings ailments they all use teaching medicines to cure them according to the inclinations of beings minds they all use expedience to satisfy them according to the differences in sentient beings behaviors they all use adaptive skills to perfect them the characteristics of such spiritual powers of concentration cannot be fathomed by any gods or humans having a wondrous concentration called according to actions enlightening beings abide in this and observe everywhere appearing as appropriate to liberate sentient beings

[29:34]

causing them to gladly change according to the truth where there is famine and disaster in the age they give means of comfort to all in the world causing them to be satisfied according to their desires creating benefit for all sentient beings they may give away fine food and drink sumptuous clothing garlands of jewels and even a royal throne to those who like generosity to accord with the teaching adorned with flower garlands anointed with perfume with dignified behavior they liberate beings liked and esteemed by all in the world their appearance and their garb they adopt as is appropriate to please and cause those who like form to follow the path with exquisite voices like songs of birds wondrous tones and harmony complete with all kinds of pure

[30:40]

voice they preach to beings according to their likes 84 000 gates of teaching do the buddhas use to liberate beings and according to the different teachings they use what's appropriate to liberate sentient beings pains and pleasures gains and losses and so on whatever things are done by beings of the world enlightening beings can appear to do the same things whereby to liberate all living beings the suffering of all worldly beings is deep and wide and boundless like the sea enlightening beings sharing their tasks can tolerate it all to cause them to benefit and gain peace and happiness if any do not know the way to emancipation and do not seek liberation to leave turmoil behind enlightening beings show them relinquishment of nation and wealth

[31:45]

satisfaction in detachment and peace of mind if the home is a place of bondage by attachments in order to cause sentient beings to all escape trouble they show home leaving and attainment of liberation without craving for any pleasures enlightening beings manifest the practice of 10 kinds of action and also practice the ways of great people including the practices of seers and sages because they want to benefit sentient beings if there are beings whose lifespan is immeasurable whose afflictions are slight and pleasures complete enlightening beings being free in their midst show the suffering of the ills of age sickness and death in the cases of those with greed hatred and ignorance the raging fires of these afflictions

[32:50]

always blazing enlightening beings manifest aging sickness and death for them to cause those sentient beings to all be tamed the buddha's 10 powers and fearlessness as well as their 18 unique qualities all their countless virtues are manifested to liberate beings knowledge of others minds appropriate teaching and ability to appear anywhere are all free functions of the enlightened ones the great enlightening beings manifest them all able to cause sentient beings to all be tamed enlightening beings various methods and techniques adapt to worldly conditions to liberate beings just like lotus blossoms to which water does not adhere in the same way they are in the world provoking deep faith with extraordinary thoughts and profound talent as cultural kings

[33:58]

song and dance and conversation admired by the masses all the various arts and crafts of the world they manifest like magicians some become grandees city chiefs some become merchants caravan leaders some become physicians and scientists some become kings and ministers some become great trees in the plains some become medicines or jewel mines some become pearls that fulfill all wishes some show the right path to sentient beings if they see a world just come into being where the creatures don't yet have the tools for livelihood enlightening beings become craftsmen and teach them various skills they do not make anything that will oppress or afflict living beings they only explain things that will be of benefit to

[35:05]

the world various fields of knowledge such as incantational arts and medicinal herbs and all contained therein they can explain the excellent practices of all the sages faithfully looked up to by humans and divines such difficult practices and austerities enlightening beings can perform according to need some become non-buddhist mendicants some practice asceticism alone in the forest some go naked without any clothes being teachers and leaders of such groups some show various practices of wrong livelihood practicing incorrect principles as supreme some manifest the postures of brahman ascetics becoming leaders of such groups

[36:06]

some expose themselves to the heat of fire and sun some practice cults imitating animals some put on filthy clothing and worship fire in order to transform such cultists they become their teachers some make a show of visiting shrines of various deities some make a show of entering the water of the Ganges river some eat roots and fruits all making a show of these practices while always contemplating the truth that transcends them some show themselves kneeling or standing on one foot some lie on thorns or in dust and dirt some lie on pounding stones seeking release and become teachers and leaders of such groups of such followers of heretical paths they observe the minds and understandings and do the same

[37:12]

things the ascetic practices they demonstrate worldlings cannot bear they cause them to be tamed after seeing them sentient beings are deluded and accept false teachings sticking to wrong views they suffer many pains for them are expediently taught wonderful principles to cause them to understand the genuine truth the four truths may be explained in local magical language or the four truths may be told in skillful esoteric language or the four truths may be spoken in direct human speech or the four truths may be told in the language of divine mystery the four truths are explained through analysis of words the four truths are explained through ascertainment of principles the four truths are explained skillfully refuting others

[38:17]

the four truths are explained undisturbed by outsiders the four truths may be explained in several languages or they may be explained in all languages in whatever languages beings understand the four truths are explained for them to liberate them all the teachings of all buddhas are thus explained exhaustively knowing the realm of language is inconceivable this is called the power of concentration of expounding the truth there is a supreme concentration called peace and bliss which can universally save and liberate all beings radiating a great light inconceivable causing those who see it to all be pacified this light emanated is called good manifestation if any sentient beings encounter this light it will cause them to benefit without fail

[39:25]

by this way they can attain unsurpassed knowledge it first shows the buddhas shows the teaching shows the community shows the right path and also shows the buddhas tombs and images by this the light is formed it also emits a light called shining which outshines the lights of all the gods removing all barriers of darkness benefiting all living beings this light awakens all sentient beings inducing them to offer lamps to the buddhas because they present lamps to the buddhas they can become supreme lamps in the world burning oil lamps and butter lamps as well as various bright torches and lamps of finest jewels with fragrant herbs and presenting them to the buddhas they attain this light

[40:29]

it also emits a light called salvation this light can awaken all beings and cause them to develop great determination to liberate the living from the sea of desire if one can universally produce this determination to liberate the living from the sea of desire then one can cross over the torrents of afflictions and lead the way to the sorrowless citadel of freedom by burning built bridges and drafts wherever there is water on the roads criticizing fabrication and praising dispassionate calm thereby is this light attained it also emanates a light called annihilating attachment this light can awaken all beings causing them to give up objects of desire and concentrate on the savor of the sublime

[41:33]

teaching of liberation if one can give up objects of desire and concentrate on the subtle true savor of liberation one can with the buddha's rain of sweet dew extinguish all the cravings in the world by charitably giving ponds wells and springs only seeking the unsurpassed way of enlightenment criticizing desires and praising meditation it is possible to produce this light it also radiates a light called joy this light can awaken all beings causing them to long for perfect enlightenment and determined to realize the teacherless path making statues of the buddha of great compassion adorned with all distinguishing marks sitting on a flower and by always praising

[42:33]

buddha's supreme virtues can this light thereby be produced it also emits a light called appreciation this light can awaken all beings causing their minds to appreciate the buddhas as well as the dharma and sangha if they always appreciate the buddhas the dharma and sangha then in the congregations of the buddhas they'll attain acceptance of the profound truth of the emptiness of things enlightening sentient beings without number making them always remember the buddha dharma and sangha is whereby this light is attained it also emanates the light called collection of virtues this light can awaken all beings inducing them to practice unlimited giving in various forms aspiring thereby to the unexcelled path establishing great charitable functions

[43:40]

without imposing limits satisfying the needs of all who come not letting their hearts feel any lack is whereby this light is made it also emits a light called full knowledge this light can awaken all beings causing them to instantly in one principle understand innumerable teachings analyzing teachings for sentient beings and determining the real true meaning skillfully expounding the meanings of the teachings without lack is how this light is made it also radiates a light called lamp of wisdom this light can awaken all beings and cause them to know sentient beings are inherently empty and at rest and that all things have no existence explaining that all things are empty with no controller no self like illusions like flames

[44:49]

like the moon reflected in the water and also like dreams or reflected images is how this light is made it also emits a light called mastery of the teachings this light can awaken all beings and cause them to attain inexhaustible monomic command to retain all the teachings of the buddhas honoring and supporting the holders of the teachings serving and protecting the sages and saints handing on various teachings to beings is how this light is produced it also emanates a light called able to relinquish this light can awaken miserly people making them realize all wealth is impermanent and enjoy giving without attachment able to subdue stubborn stinginess understanding wealth is like dreams or floating clouds causing the pure mind

[45:56]

of generosity to grow is how this light is attained it also radiates a light called removing heat this light can awaken the immoral and cause them to maintain pure precepts and determine to realize the teacherless path inducing sentient beings to accept moral precepts and to purify the practice of virtuous actions and causing them to be inspired to seek enlightenment is how this light is made it also emits a light called adornment of tolerance this light can awaken bad tempered beings causing them to get rid of anger and divorce conceit and glad they be tolerant and harmonious when the violence of beings is hard to endure to be unmoved in mind for the sake of enlightenment always happily extolling the virtues of tolerance is how this light's produced

[47:02]

it also radiates a light called intrepid toad this light can awaken the lazy causing them always to respect and support the buddha dharma and sangha without weariness if they always support and respect the buddha the dharma and the sangha they can get beyond the realms of the four demons and quickly attain unsurpassed enlightenment exhorting sentient beings to progress always diligently supporting the buddha dharma and sangha wholeheartedly guarding the teaching when it's about to perish is how this light can be made it also emanates a light called tranquility this light can awaken the scatter-minded causing them to detach from greed anger and folly with their minds unstirring and properly stabilized

[48:05]

abandoning all bad associates meaningless talk and impure action praising meditation and solitude thus is this light produced it also radiates a light called adornment of wisdom this light can awaken the ignorant and deluded causing them to realize the truth and understand conditional origination their faculties knowledge and wisdom penetrating thoroughly if they can realize the truth and understand conditioned origination their faculties knowledge and wisdom penetrating they'll attain the state of sun lamp mental focus with the light of wisdom and perfect the fruit of buddhahood being able to give away country and wealth for the sake of enlightenment seeking the right teaching then having heard it single-mindedly applying it and explaining to others is how this

[49:14]

light may be made it also emits a light called buddha wisdom this light can awaken all conscious creatures causing them to see innumerable boundless buddhas each sitting on jewel lotus flowers praising the buddha's powers and liberation telling of the buddha's freedom without bound manifesting buddha's powers and mystic abilities is how this light may be produced it also emanates a light called fearless this light shines on those in fear and causes the speedy annihilation of all inhuman harmful things being able to give beings freedom from fear exhorting the ceasing of all affliction and injury encountered rescuing those in danger the orphaned and the helpless is how this light can be made it also radiates a light called peace

[50:18]

this light can illumine those who are ill and cause all pains to be relieved so all can gain the bliss of right concentration dispensing medicine to cure afflictions anointing with precious life-prolonging perfume giving butter oil honey and milk for nourishment is how this light can be made it also emits a light called seeing buddha this light can awaken those about to die causing them to see any buddha they think of so when their life ends they can be born in that buddha's pure land to exhort the dying to remembrance of buddha and show them icons for them to behold causing them to take refuge in the buddha is how this light can be made it also emanates a light called delight in the teaching this light can awaken all beings

[51:22]

causing them to always delight in the true teaching listening to it expounding it writing and copying it being able to expound the teaching when it's about to perish causing those who seek the teaching to be fulfilled appreciating the teaching and striving to practice it is how this light can be made it also radiates a light called wondrous sound this light can awaken enlightening beings and cause all voices heard in the world to be to the hearer the voice of buddha praising the buddha out loud and presenting music like bells and chimes and causing all creatures to hear the sound of buddha is how this light can be made it also emits a light called dispensing elixir this light can awaken all beings causing them to give up all indulgence and fully

[52:28]

practice all virtues explaining the instability of created things and how they're filled with countless vexations always happily extolling the bliss of dispassionate tranquility is how this light can be made it also emanates a light called supreme this light awakens all beings causing them to hear from the buddhas the supreme teachings of discipline concentration and knowledge always gladly praising all buddhas supreme self-control concentration and knowledge in this way seeking the unexcelled path is how this light is attained it also radiates a light called jewel adornment this light can awaken all beings causing them to attain an inexhaustible treasury of jewels to offer to the enlightened ones presenting various

[53:34]

excellent jewels to the buddhas and buddhas shrines also giving them generously to the poor is how this light can be made it also emits a light called adornment of fragrance this light can awaken all beings causing those who sense it to be pleased and assured of fulfilling enlightened virtues spreading the ground with exquisite incense to offer to the supreme guides and also therewith making shrines and icons is how this light can be made it also emanates a light called various adornments with jeweled penance and canopies beyond number burning incense scattering flowers playing music filling cities inside and out having originally presented the buddhas with various adornments wonderful dancing and music

[54:38]

perfumes flowers penance canopies and such is how this light was made it also radiates a light called purification which causes the ground to be flat as a palm adorning the buddhas shrines and their surroundings is how this light can be made it also emits a light called great clouds which can produce fragrant clouds and rain fragrant water sprinkling the shrines and their precincts is how this light is made it also emanates a light called adornments which can cause the naked to be clothed giving fine things to adorn the body is how this light is made it also radiates a light called excellent savor which can cause the hungry to get fine food giving various delicacies

[55:41]

is how this light is made it also radiates a light called great wealth which causes the poor to gain treasure giving unlimited things to the buddha dharma and sangha is how this light can be made it also emits a light called clarity of eye which can cause the blind to see all forms and colors giving lamps to buddhas or their shrines is how this light is made it also emanates a light called clarity of ear which can cause the deaf to be able to hear playing music for buddhas or at their shrines is how this light is made it also radiates a light called clarity of nose by which one can smell scents hitherto unnoticed giving incense to the buddhas

[56:43]

and their altars is how this light is made it also emits a light called purity of tongue able to praise the buddhas in beautiful tones forever getting rid of coarse unwholesome speech is how this light is made it also emits a light called purity of body which causes the impaired to be fully restored prostrating the body to buddhas and their altars is how this light is made it also radiates a light called purity of mind causing the absent-minded to gain right mindfulness practicing concentration till totally mastered is how this light is made it also emanates a light called purity of form causing one to see the inconceivable forms of buddhas adorning altars

[57:45]

in various beautiful forms is how this light is made it also emits a light called purity of sound causing knowledge of the basic emptiness of the nature of sound contemplating the dependent origination of sound like echoes in the valley is how this light is made it also radiates a light called purity of scent causing all bad odors to be sweetly purified washing the altars and enlightenment trees with fragrant water is how this light is made it also emits a light called purity of taste which can eliminate all poisons in food continued support of the buddha sangha and parents is how this light is made it also emanates a light called purity of feeling

[58:46]

able to soften what's unpleasant to touch though spears and swords rain from the sky it can change them all to flower garlands by having in the past spread the roads with perfumes scattered flowers and robes for the buddhas to walk upon is how such a light was attained it also radiates a light called purity of phenomena able to cause all hair pores to expound inconceivable wonderful teachings so all who hear joyfully understand what originates from causes and conditions has no origination the reality body of the buddhas is not a body the nature of things is eternally like space by explaining these meanings is their light like this such incomparable gateways of lights are innumerable like sand grains of the ganges river

[59:50]

all emerge from the great sages pores each performing a distinct function as the lights emanated from a single pore are countless innumerable as the ganges sands so are those of each and every pore this is the power of the sages concentration according to the lights attained by past practice those who practice likewise according to their affinities now radiate lights therefore like this this is the freedom of the sages knowledge those who practiced virtuous deeds like the buddha and had appreciation and rejoiced in accord who saw what he did and then did likewise they are all able to see this light if any practice virtuous deeds themselves and make offerings to innumerable buddhas always aspiring to the virtues of buddhahood

[60:56]

they are awakened by this light just as when those born blind don't see the sun it is not because there's no sun appearing in the world all those who have eyes can clearly see it each doing their work according to their occupations so it is with the lights of the great being those who have wisdom all can see while ordinary folk with false beliefs and low understanding cannot perceive these lights at all crystal palaces and chariots painted with precious ethereal scents are naturally supplied to those with virtue they cannot be occupied by the virtuous ones so it is with the great beings lights those of deep knowledge are all illumined while the ignorant with false beliefs and poor understanding are not able to see these lights at all if any who hear of the variety of

[62:03]

these lights can develop pure and profound faith and resolution they'll sunder forever the web of all doubts and promptly complete the banner of virtue there's a supreme concentration that can produce arrays of retinues all free incomparable assemblies of buddha children of all buddha lands in the 10 directions there is a lotus blossom adorned with lights of equal extent to a billion world galaxy on which the enlightening being sits completely filling it this is the mystic power of this concentration there are also lotus blossoms surrounding as many as atoms and 10 buddha lands on which the hosts of buddha children sit abiding in the spiritual power of this concentration having fully developed good causes in the past and fully practiced the virtues of

[63:08]

buddhahood such people surround the enlightening being all joining their palms and gazing tirelessly like the bright moon among the stars is the enlightening being in the midst of the congregation such is the practice of the great being entering the spiritual power of this concentration as manifested in one region surrounded by hosts of buddha children so it is in all regions abiding in the spiritual power of concentration there's a supreme concentration called network of loci the enlightening being dwelling in this teaches widely appearing bodily in all quarters sometimes entering concentration sometimes emerging sometimes entering right concentration in the east and emerging from concentration in the west sometimes entering right concentration

[64:12]

in the west and emerging from concentration in the east sometimes entering right concentration in other directions and emerging from concentration and still others sometimes entry and emergence pervade all 10 directions this is called the enlightening being's concentration power. Appearing before and associating with all the countless Buddhas in the lands throughout the East, while dwelling in this concentration, silent and unmoving, and emerging from concentration in the presence of all the Buddhas of the worlds in the West, making unlimited offerings to all of them, appearing before and associating with all the countless Buddhas in the lands throughout the West, while remaining in concentration, silent and unmoving, and emerging from concentration

[65:13]

in the presence of all the Buddhas of the worlds in the East, making unlimited offerings to all of them, thus does the enlightening being enter all the worlds of the ten directions, sometimes manifesting concentration, silent and unmoving, sometimes manifesting respectful offering to the Buddhas. Entering right concentration in the eye organ, emerging from concentration in the field of form, showing the inconceivability of the nature of form, unknowable to all gods and men, entering right concentration in the field of form, and emerging from concentration in the eye without disturbing the mind, explaining the eye is birthless and has no origin, by nature empty, null, and doing nothing. Entering right concentration

[66:13]

in the ear faculty, and emerging from concentration in the field of sound, distinguishing the sounds of all languages, unknowable to gods and men, entering right concentration in the field of sound, emerging from concentration in the ear, the mind undisturbed, explaining the ear is birthless and has no origin, by nature empty, null, and doing nothing. Entering right concentration in the nose faculty, and emerging from concentration in the field of scent, discovering all the most excellent fragrances, unknowable to gods and humans, entering right concentration in the field of scent, emerging from concentration in the nose, mind undisturbed, explaining the nose is birthless and has no origin,

[67:16]

empty by nature, null, and doing nothing. Entering right concentration in the tongue faculty, emerging from concentration in the field of flavor, discovering all the most exquisite flavors, unknowable to gods and humans, entering right concentration in the field of flavor, emerging from concentration in the tongue, mind undisturbed, explaining the tongue is birthless and has no origin, by nature empty, null, and doing nothing. Entering right concentration in the faculty of the body, emerging from concentration in the field of touch, able to clearly distinguish all textures, unknowable to gods and humans, entering right concentration in the field of touch, emerging from concentration in the body,

[68:23]

mind undisturbed, explaining the body is birthless and has no origin, by nature empty, null, and doing nothing. Entering right concentration in the mental faculty, emerging from concentration in the field of phenomena, discerning the characteristics of all things, unknowable to gods and humans, entering right concentration in the field of phenomena, emerging from concentration in the mental organ, mind undisturbed, explaining the mind is birthless and has no origin, by nature empty, null, and doing nothing. Entering right concentration in the body of a youth, emerging from concentration in the body of an adult, entering right concentration in the body of an adult, emerging from concentration in

[69:27]

the body of one aged, entering right concentration in the body of one aged, emerging from concentration in the body of a devout woman, entering concentration in the body of a devout woman, emerging from concentration in the body of a devout man, entering right concentration in the body of a devout man, emerging from concentration in the body of a nun, entering right concentration in the body of a nun, emerging from concentration in the body of a monk, entering right concentration in the body of a monk, emerging from concentration in the body of a learner or non learner, entering Entering Right Concentration in the Body of a Learner or Non-Learner. Emerging from Concentration in the Body of a Self-Enlightened One. Entering Right Concentration in the Body of a Self-Enlightened One.

[70:32]

Emerging from Concentration in the Body of a Self-Enlightened One. Entering Right Concentration in the Body of an Enlightened One. Concentration, emerging from concentration in the body of a celestial being, entering right concentration in the body of a celestial being, emerging from concentration in the body of a dragon, entering right concentration in the body of a dragon, emerging from concentration right concentration in the body of a yaksha. Entering right concentration in the body of a yaksha. Emerging from concentration in the body of a ghost. Entering right concentration in the body of a ghost. Emerging from concentration in a hairpore. Entering right concentration in one hairpore. Emerging from concentration in all hairpores. Entering right concentration in all pores.

[71:38]

Emerging from concentration on a hair tip. Entering right concentration on a hair tip. Emerging from concentration in an atom. Entering right concentration in an atom. Emerging from concentration in all atoms. Entering right concentration in all atoms. emerging from concentration in diamond ground, entering right concentration in diamond ground, emerging from concentration on a crystal tree, entering right concentration on a crystal tree, emerging from concentration in Buddha's aura, entering right concentration in Buddha's aura, emerging from concentration in rivers and seas, entering right concentration in rivers and seas, emerging from concentration in the element

[72:41]

fire, entering right concentration in the element fire, emerging from concentration in the wind mind undisturbed, entering right concentration in the element wind, emerging from concentration in the element earth. Entering right concentration in the element earth. Emerging from concentration in the mansion of heaven. Entering right concentration in the mansion of heaven. Emerging from concentration in space, mind undisturbed. This is called the inconceivable freedom of concentration of the one with infinite virtues, which all the Buddhas of the ten directions could not thoroughly expound even in countless eons. All the enlightened ones together explain that the consequences of being's actions are unthinkably many. The metamorphic emanations

[73:48]

of the dragons, the masteries of the Buddhas, and the spiritual powers of enlightening beings are also inconceivable. Though one tried to illustrate this by metaphor, after all, there is no metaphor that can be likened to this. However, people of wisdom and intelligence understand their meaning by means of similitudes. Buddha's followers minds dwell in the eight liberations, and the transformations they display are all freely done. They can manifest many bodies by one body, and can make one body of many bodies. They can enter fire concentration in space, walking, standing, sitting, and lying all in the sky, producing water from the upper body and fire from the lower, or fire from the upper body and water from the lower. In this way,

[74:53]

in the moment of one thought, they can transform freely in innumerable ways. They do not fully have great compassion, and do not seek Buddhahood for the sake of all beings, yet still they can manifest such inconceivable things. How much more is the power of the great benefactors, enlightening beings? Like sun and moon traveling through space, their lights reflections appearing in all places, in springs, ponds, reservoirs, and water in vessels. In jewel-like rivers and seas, they reflect everywhere. So it is with the forms of enlightening beings. They appear everywhere, inconceivably. This is all the freedom of concentration, which only the enlightened can completely realize. Like the images of four armies in the ocean water, each distinct,

[75:57]

not merging or mixing. Their swords, spears, bows, and arrows are many and diverse. Their armor, helmets, and chariots are not the same. Whatever the differences in the forms they have, all are reflected in the water, yet the water itself does not discriminate. The concentration of enlightening beings is also like this. In the ocean are spirits called good at sound, whose voices universally adapt to all creatures of the sea, and who completely understand all their languages and make them all joyful and happy. Those spirits have greed, malice, and folly, yet they can still understand all sounds. How much more the enlightening beings' power of mental command can they not cause all beings joy? There is a woman called explanatory ability,

[77:03]

who was born through her parents' supplication to heaven. If one can divorce evil and delight in truth, one can enter her body and engender wondrous eloquence. She still has desire, aversion, and ignorance, yet can bestow elucidating powers in accord with practice. How much the more so can enlightening beings full of wisdom bestow benefits on sentient beings? Like a magician who knows the ways of magic can produce any number of various things, make an instant seem a day, a month, a year, produce a city rich and very happy. The magician has greed, anger, and ignorance still, yet can delight the world with magic ability. How much the more so can the power of meditation and liberation bring all creatures joy? When the gods and titans fought, the titans

[78:10]

lost and ran away. Their armaments, chariots, and soldiers, they hid at once where none could see. They have greed, malice, and folly, yet are still capable of inconceivable transformations. How much the more can dwelling in fearlessness of supernormal powers now manifest independent freedom? Indra, king of gods, has a royal elephant. When it knows the king wants to go somewhere, it transforms itself, creating 33 heads, each head having six tusks. With the waters of seven ponds on each tusk, clean and fragrant, pure, still, and full. In the water of each pond are seven lotuses in beautiful array. On each of those adorning lotus blossoms are seven celestial jade-like maidens skillfully

[79:13]

dancing and playing music, entertaining Indra, king of gods. That elephant can also lose its original form and transform its body to be like that of the gods, completely the same in bearing and action. It has this miraculous power of transformation. It still has greed, anger, and ignorance, yet nonetheless can manifest such miraculous powers. How much the more is one replete with skill and knowledge, free in all states of concentration? Like the metamorphosed phantom body of a titan walking on the diamond stratum, standing in the ocean, the water at the deepest part of the ocean only reaching its midriff, while its head is level with the soaring Mount Sumeru. It has greed, anger, and ignorance, yet still can display such great wonders. How much

[80:17]

the more does the demon-quelling lamp that lights the world have awesome mystic powers at her command? When the gods and the titans warred, king Indra's magic power was inconceivable. However many the troops of titans were, Indra manifested as many bodies to oppose them. The titans had the idea, Indra is coming at us and will surely capture and bind us. So they were all anxious and scared. Indra manifested a body with a thousand eyes, holding thunderbolts, throwing flames, armored, armed, and awesomely majestic. The titans seeing this all retreated. Indra, with the power of a little virtue, still could defeat a great enemy. How much more is the savior of all, replete with virtues, all at her command?

[81:18]

In the heaven of happiness is a celestial drum produced as a consequence of deeds of the gods. It knows when the gods are indulging themselves and spontaneously produces this sound in the sky. All objects of desire are transient, like bubbles, foam, empty, unreal. All existence are like dreams, like mirages, like floating clouds, the moon in the water. Indulgence is an enemy, a torment, and a pain. It's not the immortal way, but the path of birth and death. Any who act indulgently will enter the mouth of the shark of death. As the root of all the miseries in the world, all wise people shun it. The qualities of objects of desire are perishable. You should take pleasure in what's real and true. When the gods of the 33 heavens hear this sound, they all go up into the

[82:27]

hall of good teaching, and Indra preaches for them the subtle teaching, making them docile and tranquil, removing greed and craving. That sound is formless and cannot be seen, yet it can benefit the celestial beings. How much the more manifesting bodies adapting to inclinations can enlightening beings rescue and liberate the living. When the gods and titans warred by the superior power of the gods' virtue, the celestial drum sounded, telling the hosts, you should not worry or fear. And the gods, hearing this declaration, were rid of fear and increased in strength. Then the titans' hearts trembled with fright, and their troops all retreated and fled. The wonderful ambrosial concentration is like that heavenly drum. It always produces the sound

[83:30]

of dispassion, conquering demons. Great compassion mercifully rescues all, causing all beings to end their afflictions. Indra has intercourse with all the goddesses, 92 trillion in number, causing each to think to herself that the king is amusing her alone. As he responds to all the goddesses' bodies, so it is in the hall of good teaching. He can instantly manifest supernatural powers and go to everyone to preach to them. Indra, who has greed, anger, and ignorance, can cause all in his retinue to be happy. How much the more is skillful spiritual power able to cause all to rejoice. The king of the heaven of access to others' enjoyments

[84:33]

has sovereignty in the realm of desire. With habitual confusion for a snare, he captures and binds all ordinary folk. He has greed, anger, and ignorance, yet has mastery over sentient beings. How much the more is the possessor of the ten independent powers able to cause beings to act in accord. The great Brahma king of the billion-world galaxy can appear in all the abodes of the Brahma gods and sit with them. Speaking in the subtle, pure Brahma voice, he abides in the worldly Brahma path, yet still commands concentration and supernatural powers. How much the more so does the transcender of the world, unexcelled, have mastery of meditation and liberation. The god Maheshavara's knowledge is sovereign. When the dragons of the sea shower

[85:40]

rain, he can count distinctly every drop, discerning them all in a single instant. If one has diligently practiced and learned for countless eons and attained the supreme knowledge of enlightenment, how would such a one not be able to instantly know the minds of all beings? The consequences of sentient beings' actions are inconceivably many, being as a great wind power producing the worlds, vast oceans, mountains, celestial palaces, radiance of jewels, and all sorts of things. They also can produce clouds and bring rain and can disperse and dissolve all cloudiness and can ripen all grains and comfort the living. The wind cannot learn transcendent wisdom or learn the qualities of Buddhahood, yet still can perform inconceivable

[86:45]

deeds. How much the more so one who fulfills all vows. The various voices of men and women, the calls of birds and beasts, the sounds of oceans, rivers, and thunder can all delight sentient beings' minds. How much the more one who knows the nature of sound is like echoes, who attains to unhindered wonderful eloquence and teaches the truth as appropriate to each, is able to bring joy to the creatures of the world. The ocean has a special extraordinary quality. It can be an equal reflector of all sentient beings, precious things, rivers, and streams, all it contains, prohibiting none. One with inexhaustible meditation, concentration, and liberation can also be a sea of equanimity, equally reflecting like this. The wonderful

[87:54]

practices of virtue and knowledge, this one cultivates all without tiring. When the dragon kings of the ocean roam about, they are free wherever they may be, producing clouds covering the earth. Those clouds of various decorative colors in the sixth heaven of access to others' enjoyments, the clouds are the color of gold. In the heaven of enjoyment of emanations, they're the color of ruddy pearls. In the heaven of happiness, they're the color of frost and snow. In the heaven of timely portion, they're the color of lapis lazuli. In the heaven of 33 celestial realms, they're opal-colored. In the heaven of the four kings, they're crystal-colored. Over the oceans, they're diamond-colored. Among kinaras, they're incense-colored.

[89:00]

In the dragon's abodes, they're lotus-colored. Where yakshas live, the color of white geese. Among titans, the color of mountain rocks. In the region of Uttara, the color of golden flames. In Jambudvipa, the color of sapphire. In the other continents, their adornments are mixed. These are given according to the likes of the creatures. Also, in the heaven of access to others' enjoyments, lightning in the clouds shines like sunlight. In the heaven of enjoyment of emanations, it's like moonlight. In the heaven of happiness, like rose gold. In the timely portion heaven, it's the color of jade-like snow. In the 33-fold heaven, the color of golden flames. In the four kings' heaven, the color of all jewels. In the

[90:08]

ocean, the color of red pearls. In the realm of the kinaras, the color of lapis lazuli. In the abode of dragons, the colors of a mine of jewels. Where the yakshas live, the color of crystal. Among the titans, the color of ankhs. In the realm of Uttara, the color of fiery pearls. In Jambudvipa, the color of sapphires. In the other continents, the embellishments are mixed, as are the colors of the clouds, so is the lightning. In the heaven of access to others' enjoyments, thunder is like the voice of Brahma. In the heaven of enjoyment of emanations, it's like the sound of great drums. In the heaven of happiness, it's like the sound of singing. In the heaven of timely portion, it's like the voices of goddesses. In the heaven of 33 celestial

[91:17]

regions, it's like the various sounds of kinaras. In the heaven of the four world-guarding kings, it's like the sounds produced by Gandharvas. In the ocean, it sounds like mountains crashing together. Among the kinaras, it's the sound of pipes. In the castles of the dragons, it sounds like the call of kalavinka birds. In the yaksha's abode, it's like the voices of dragon maidens. Among the titans, it sounds like a celestial drum. Among humans, it's like the sound of the surf. In the heaven of free access to others' enjoyments, rain perfumes with various mixed flowers as embellishments. In the heaven of enjoyment of emanations, rain cotton flowers, mandorava flowers, and rich perfumes. In the heaven of

[92:21]

happiness, rain crystals complete with adornments of various jewels. The jewels in the top knots there are like moonlight. The exquisite clothes worn there are the color of gold. In the heaven of time, rain banners and canopies, garlands, perfumes, and beautiful decorations, as well as excellent raiment, the color of pearl, and various kinds of music. In the heaven of 33 realms, rain wish-fulfilling jewels, solid bloke aloes, and sandalwood fragrance, various perfumes of heavenly flowers raining down intermingled with each other. In the citadels of the world, guardians rain delicacies with color, aroma, and flavor with strengthening power. It also rains inconceivable, beautiful jewels, all made by the dragon kings. Also in

[93:26]

the oceans, it rains increasingly like a whirl, and rains inexhaustible treasuries of jewels, and rains various jewel ornaments as well. In the world of kinaras, it rains necklaces, lotuses of many colors, robes, and jewels, flowers that grow in the rains, and golden-colored flowers with various kinds of music all included therein. In the castles of the dragon kings, rain ruddy pearls. Among the titans, it rains weapons conquering all enemies. In the continent Uttara, it rains necklaces, and also rains innumerable exquisite flowers. In the continents Purvavideha and Aparagodanya, it rains various ornamental articles. In the continent Jambudvipa, it rains pure water, fine, refreshing, always at appropriate times, nourishing flowers,

[94:33]

fruits, and herbs, ripening all the crops. Innumerable such beautiful adornments, various clouds, lightning, thunder, and rain, the dragon kings can freely make without moving their bodies, without discrimination, in their world, the ocean they dwell, yet can manifest this inconceivable power. How much the more those who enter the ocean of truth and embody virtue can produce great mystical transformations. The doors of liberation of the enlightening beings cannot be revealed by any similes, but I have, with these metaphors, said something of their free power. Foremost knowledge, vast wisdom, true knowledge, boundless wisdom, extraordinary wisdom, supreme wisdom, such a teaching has now been explained. This teaching is rare and most

[95:40]

extraordinary. If people who have heard it can accept, can believe, absorb, praise, and explain it, this accomplishment is to be considered most difficult. Of all the ordinary people in the world, it's hard to find one with faith in this teaching. If any diligently cultivate pure virtues by the power of past cause, they can believe. Among the creatures of all worlds are few who want to seek the vehicle of Buddha's followers. Those who seek solitary enlightenment are even fewer, and those who aim for the great vehicle are very hard to find. But striving for the great vehicle is still easy compared to the greater difficulty of believing this teaching. Even more difficult it is to retain, recite, and explain it for others. To practice according to the teaching

[96:45]

and truly understand it. To hold a galaxy on one's head without moving for one eon is not to be considered difficult compared to believing this teaching. To pick up ten Buddha lands in the hand and stand in space through an eon is not to be considered hard compared to believing this teaching. If one provides comforts for an eon to the homes of beings numerous as atoms and ten lands, her merit is not to be considered supreme. One who believes this teaching is most excellent. Even spending an eon serving Buddhas as many as atoms and ten lands, one's merit will be greater, supreme, if one can recite and hold this book. When the enlightening being chief in goodness had spoken these verses, the worlds and the ten

[97:50]

directions quaked in six ways. The palace of demons was shrouded. The realms of ill ceased. The Buddhas of the ten directions appeared before her, and each patted her on the head with her right hand and praised her, saying, Excellent! You incisively explained this teaching, and we all accordingly rejoice. End of the second assembly.

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