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Difference between revisions of "The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 11 - Vision of the Jeweled Stupa"

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{{Centre|<big><big><big>The Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra</big></big></big> <br/>
 
{{Centre|<big><big><big>The Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra</big></big></big> <br/>
 
<big>Chapter 11</big><br/>
 
<big>Chapter 11</big><br/>
 
<big><big>Vision of the Jeweled Stupa</big></big>}}<br/><br/>
 
<big><big>Vision of the Jeweled Stupa</big></big>}}<br/><br/>
  
At that time, there manifested before the Buddha, a Stupa made of the seven jewels. It was five hundred yojanas in height and two hundred and fifty yojanas in breadth. It welled up out of the earth and stood in empty space, adorned with all kinds of jeweled objects. It had five thousand railings and thousands of myriads of alcoves. Countless banners and pennants adorned it as well. Jeweled beads were hung from it and myriads of millions of jeweled bells were suspended from its top. The scent of Tamalapatracandana issued from all four sides and filled the entire world. All its banners and canopies were made of the seven jewels: gold, silver, lapis lazuli, mother of pearl, carnelian, pearls and agate reaching up to the palace of the four heavenly kings.
+
At that [[time]], there [[manifested]] before the [[Buddha]], a [[Stupa]] made of the [[seven jewels]]. It was five hundred [[yojanas]] in height and two hundred and fifty [[yojanas]] in breadth. It welled up out of the [[earth]] and stood in [[empty]] [[space]], adorned with all kinds of jeweled [[objects]]. It had five thousand railings and thousands of myriads of alcoves. Countless banners and pennants adorned it as well. Jeweled beads were hung from it and myriads of millions of jeweled [[bells]] were suspended from its top. The scent of Tamalapatracandana issued from all four sides and filled the entire [[world]]. All its banners and canopies were made of the [[seven jewels]]: {{Wiki|gold}}, {{Wiki|silver}}, [[lapis lazuli]], mother of {{Wiki|pearl}}, {{Wiki|carnelian}}, {{Wiki|pearls}} and agate reaching up to the palace of the [[four heavenly kings]].
  
From the Heaven of the Thirty-Three there rained heavenly mandarva flowers as an offering to the jeweled Stupa. All the gods, dragons, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kinnaras, mahoragas, humans, non-humans and so forth, thousands of myriads of millions of them, made offerings to the jeweled Stupa of all kinds of flowers, incense, beads, banners, canopies, and instrumental music, reverently honoring it and praising it.
+
From the [[Heaven of the Thirty-Three]] there rained [[heavenly]] mandarva [[flowers]] as an [[offering]] to the jeweled [[Stupa]]. All the [[gods]], [[dragons]], [[yakshas]], [[gandharvas]], [[asuras]], [[garudas]], [[kinnaras]], [[mahoragas]], [[humans]], non-humans and so forth, thousands of myriads of millions of them, made [[offerings]] to the jeweled [[Stupa]] of all kinds of [[flowers]], [[incense]], beads, banners, canopies, and instrumental {{Wiki|music}}, reverently honoring it and praising it.
  
At that time, a loud voice issued from the Stupa speaking in praise, saying, “Good indeed, good indeed, Shakyamuni, World Honored One, that you are able, by means of your undifferentiating great wisdom, to speak for the great assembly, The Wonderful Dharma Flower Sutra, a Dharma for teaching Bodhisattvas of whom the Buddhas are protective and mindful. So it is, so it is, Shakyamuni, World Honored One, that all you say is true and real.”
+
At that [[time]], a loud {{Wiki|voice}} issued from the [[Stupa]] {{Wiki|speaking}} in praise, saying, “Good indeed, good indeed, [[Shakyamuni]], [[World Honored One]], that you are able, by means of your undifferentiating [[great wisdom]], to speak for the [[great assembly]], The Wonderful [[Dharma Flower Sutra]], a [[Dharma]] for [[teaching]] [[Bodhisattvas]] of whom the [[Buddhas]] are protective and [[mindful]]. So it is, so it is, [[Shakyamuni]], [[World Honored One]], that all you say is true and real.”
  
Just then the four assemblies, seeing the great jeweled Stupa standing in mid-air and hearing the voice from within it, all gained Dharma joy and marveled at this unprecedented occurrence. They rose from their seats, reverently placed their palms together and withdrew to one side.
+
Just then the [[four assemblies]], [[seeing]] the great jeweled [[Stupa]] [[standing]] in mid-air and hearing the {{Wiki|voice}} from within it, all gained [[Dharma]] [[joy]] and marveled at this unprecedented occurrence. They rose from their seats, reverently placed their palms together and withdrew to one side.
  
Just then a Bodhisattva Mahasattva by the name of Great Delight in Speaking, knowing the doubts in the minds of all the gods, humans, and asuras and others from all the worlds, spoke to the Buddha saying, “World Honored One, by means of what causes and conditions has this jeweled Stupa welled up out of the earth and produced this loud sound?”
+
Just then a [[Bodhisattva]] [[Mahasattva]] by the [[name]] of Great [[Delight]] in {{Wiki|Speaking}}, [[knowing]] the [[doubts]] in the [[minds]] of all the [[gods]], [[humans]], and [[asuras]] and others from all the [[worlds]], spoke to the [[Buddha]] saying, “[[World Honored One]], by means of what [[causes]] and [[conditions]] has this jeweled [[Stupa]] welled up out of the [[earth]] and produced this loud [[sound]]?”
  
Then the Buddha told the Bodhisattva Great Delight in Speaking: within this jeweled Stupa is the complete body of the Thus Come One. Long ago, limitless thousands of myriads of millions of asamkheya worlds to the east, in a land called Jeweled Purity, there was a Buddha by the name of Many Jewels. When this Buddha was practicing the Bodhisattva Path, he made a great vow saying, “After I have become a Buddha and passed into extinction, in any of the ten direction lands where The Dharma Flower Sutra is spoken, my Stupa shall appear there, that I may hear the Sutra and certify it, praising it, saying, ‘Good indeed! Good indeed!’”
+
Then the [[Buddha]] told the [[Bodhisattva]] Great [[Delight]] in {{Wiki|Speaking}}: within this jeweled [[Stupa]] is the complete [[body]] of the [[Thus Come One]]. Long ago, limitless thousands of myriads of millions of asamkheya [[worlds]] to the [[east]], in a land called Jeweled [[Purity]], there was a [[Buddha]] by the [[name]] of Many [[Jewels]]. When this [[Buddha]] was practicing the [[Bodhisattva Path]], he made a great [[vow]] saying, “After I have become a [[Buddha]] and passed into [[extinction]], in any of the ten [[direction]] lands where The [[Dharma Flower Sutra]] is spoken, my [[Stupa]] shall appear there, that I may hear the [[Sutra]] and certify it, praising it, saying, ‘Good indeed! Good indeed!’”
  
After that Buddha had realized the Way, when he was about to enter into extinction, in the great assembly of gods and humans he spoke to the Bhikshus saying, “After my extinction, those who wish to make offerings to my complete body should build a large Stupa.”
+
After that [[Buddha]] had [[realized]] the Way, when he was about to enter into [[extinction]], in the [[great assembly]] of [[gods]] and [[humans]] he spoke to the [[Bhikshus]] saying, “After my [[extinction]], those who wish to make [[offerings]] to my complete [[body]] should build a large [[Stupa]].”
  
By the power of his spiritual penetrations and his vow, throughout the ten direction worlds wherever anyone speaks The Dharma Flower Sutra that Buddha’s jeweled Stupa containing his complete body wells up from the earth before the one speaking and expresses praise by saying, “Good indeed! Good indeed!”
+
By the power of his [[spiritual]] penetrations and his [[vow]], throughout the ten [[direction]] [[worlds]] wherever anyone speaks The [[Dharma Flower Sutra]] that [[Buddha’s]] jeweled [[Stupa]] containing his complete [[body]] wells up from the [[earth]] before the one {{Wiki|speaking}} and expresses praise by saying, “Good indeed! Good indeed!”
  
Great Delight in Speaking! Because he has heard The Dharma Flower Sutra being spoken, the Stupa of the Thus Come One Many Jewels has now welled up out of the earth with these words of praise, “Good indeed! Good indeed!”
+
Great [[Delight]] in {{Wiki|Speaking}}! Because he has heard The [[Dharma Flower Sutra]] being spoken, the [[Stupa]] of the [[Thus Come One]] Many [[Jewels]] has now welled up out of the [[earth]] with these words of praise, “Good indeed! Good indeed!”
  
Just then, the Bodhisattva Great Delight in Speaking, by means of the spiritual power of the Thus Come One, spoke to the Buddha saying, “World Honored One, we all wish to see this Buddha’s body.”
+
Just then, the [[Bodhisattva]] Great [[Delight]] in {{Wiki|Speaking}}, by means of the [[spiritual]] power of the [[Thus Come One]], spoke to the [[Buddha]] saying, “[[World Honored One]], we all wish to see this [[Buddha’s]] [[body]].”
  
The Buddha told the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Great Delight in Speaking: The Buddha Many Jewels has made a profound and solemn vow: “When my jeweled Stupa manifests in the presence of the Buddhas because The Dharma Flower Sutra is heard, if there is anyone who wishes me to show my body to the four assemblies, then the division body Buddhas of that Buddha who is speaking Dharma in the worlds of the ten directions, must all return and gather together in one place. Afterward, my body will appear.
+
The [[Buddha]] told the [[Bodhisattva]] [[Mahasattva]] Great [[Delight]] in {{Wiki|Speaking}}: The [[Buddha]] Many [[Jewels]] has made a profound and solemn [[vow]]: “When my jeweled [[Stupa]] [[manifests]] in the presence of the [[Buddhas]] because The [[Dharma Flower Sutra]] is heard, if there is anyone who wishes me to show my [[body]] to the [[four assemblies]], then the division [[body]] [[Buddhas]] of that [[Buddha]] who is {{Wiki|speaking}} [[Dharma]] in the [[worlds]] of the [[ten directions]], must all return and [[gather]] together in one place. Afterward, my [[body]] will appear.
  
Great Delight in Speaking, my division body Buddhas present in the ten direction worlds speaking Dharma, should now gather together.
+
Great [[Delight]] in {{Wiki|Speaking}}, my division [[body]] [[Buddhas]] {{Wiki|present}} in the ten [[direction]] [[worlds]] {{Wiki|speaking}} [[Dharma]], should now [[gather]] together.
  
Great Delight in Speaking said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, we also wish to see the division bodies of the World Honored One so that we may bow to them and make offerings.”
+
Great [[Delight]] in {{Wiki|Speaking}} said to the [[Buddha]], “[[World Honored One]], we also wish to see the division [[bodies]] of the [[World Honored One]] so that we may [[bow]] to them and make [[offerings]].”
  
At that time the Buddha emitted a white hair-mark light in which were seen the Buddhas of the lands in the eastern direction equal in number to the grains of sand in five hundred myriads of millions of nayutas of Ganges rivers. All the Buddhalands had crystal for soil, and were adorned with jeweled trees and jeweled clothing. Countless thousands of myriad of millions of Bodhisattvas filled them. They were covered with jeweled canopies and jeweled nets. The Buddhas in those lands with a great and wonderful sound were speaking the Dharma. Also seen were limitless thousands of myriads of millions of Bodhisattvas filling those lands speaking the Dharma for the multitudes. Thus it was also in the south, west, north, the four intermediate directions, as well as upward and downward wherever the white hair-mark light shone.
+
At that [[time]] the [[Buddha]] emitted a white hair-mark light in which were seen the [[Buddhas]] of the lands in the eastern [[direction]] {{Wiki|equal}} in number to the grains of sand in five hundred myriads of millions of [[nayutas]] of [[Ganges]] [[rivers]]. All the [[Buddhalands]] had {{Wiki|crystal}} for soil, and were adorned with jeweled [[trees]] and jeweled clothing. Countless thousands of myriad of millions of [[Bodhisattvas]] filled them. They were covered with jeweled canopies and jeweled nets. The [[Buddhas]] in those lands with a great and [[wonderful sound]] were {{Wiki|speaking}} the [[Dharma]]. Also seen were limitless thousands of myriads of millions of [[Bodhisattvas]] filling those lands {{Wiki|speaking}} the [[Dharma]] for the multitudes. Thus it was also in the [[south]], [[west]], [[north]], the four [[intermediate directions]], as well as upward and downward wherever the white hair-mark light shone.
  
At that time all the Buddhas of the ten directions addressed the host of Bodhisattvas saying, “Good men! We should now go to the Saha world, to the place of Shakyamuni Buddha and make offerings to the Stupa of the Thus Come One Many Jewels.”  
+
At that [[time]] all the [[Buddhas of the ten directions]] addressed the host of [[Bodhisattvas]] saying, “Good men! We should now go to the [[Saha world]], to the place of [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] and make [[offerings]] to the [[Stupa]] of the [[Thus Come One]] Many [[Jewels]].”  
  
Just then the Saha world was transformed into one of purity, with lapis lazuli for soil and adorned with jeweled trees. Its eight roads were bordered with golden cords. In it there were no towns, villages, cities, oceans, rivers, streams, mountains, brooks, forests or thickets. Precious incense was burned and mandarava flowers completely covered the ground. Above it jeweled nets were spread and banners hung with jeweled bells. Only those in the assembly remained, as the gods and humans had been moved to another land.
+
Just then the [[Saha world]] was [[transformed]] into one of [[purity]], with [[lapis lazuli]] for soil and adorned with jeweled [[trees]]. Its eight roads were bordered with golden cords. In it there were no towns, villages, cities, oceans, [[rivers]], streams, [[mountains]], brooks, forests or thickets. [[Precious]] [[incense]] was burned and [[mandarava flowers]] completely covered the ground. Above it jeweled nets were spread and banners hung with jeweled [[bells]]. Only those in the assembly remained, as the [[gods]] and [[humans]] had been moved to another land.
  
Then all of the Buddhas, each bringing with him one great Bodhisattva as an attendant, reached the Saha World and went to the foot of a jeweled tree. Each jeweled tree was five hundred yojanas in height and adorned with branches, leaves, flowers and fruits. Beneath each jeweled tree was a lion throne five hundred yojanas in height adorned with great jewels. Then each of the Buddhas sat in the lotus posture on his own throne.
+
Then all of the [[Buddhas]], each bringing with him one great [[Bodhisattva]] as an attendant, reached the [[Saha World]] and went to the foot of a jeweled [[tree]]. Each jeweled [[tree]] was five hundred [[yojanas]] in height and adorned with branches, leaves, [[flowers]] and {{Wiki|fruits}}. Beneath each jeweled [[tree]] was a [[lion throne]] five hundred [[yojanas]] in height adorned with great [[jewels]]. Then each of the [[Buddhas]] sat in the [[lotus posture]] on his own [[throne]].
  
In this way, by turns, the lands of the three thousand great thousand worlds were filled, and still there was no end to the division bodies of Shakyamuni Buddha from even one direction.
+
In this way, by turns, the lands of the three thousand great thousand [[worlds]] were filled, and still there was no end to the division [[bodies]] of [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] from even one [[direction]].
  
Then, Shakyamuni Buddha, wishing to accommodate his division body Buddhas, transformed in each of the eight directions, two hundred myriads of millions of nayutas of lands, purifying them all. They were without hells, hungry ghosts, animals or asuras. The gods and humans were all moved to other lands. The lands he transformed all had lapis lazuli for soil and were adorned with jeweled trees five hundred yojanas tall, decorated with branches, leaves, flowers and fruits. Beneath each tree was a jeweled lion throne, five yojanas tall decorated with various gems. There were no oceans, rivers or streams and no mucilinda or mahamucilinda mountains, no iron ring or great iron ring mountains, and no Mount Sumerus or any other kings of mountains. All became one Buddha land. The jeweled earth was level and flat, covered entirely with gem-studded canopies and hung with banners. Precious incense was burned and heavenly, precious flowers covered the ground.
+
Then, [[Shakyamuni Buddha]], wishing to accommodate his division [[body]] [[Buddhas]], [[transformed]] in each of the eight [[directions]], two hundred myriads of millions of [[nayutas]] of lands, purifying them all. They were without [[hells]], [[hungry ghosts]], [[animals]] or [[asuras]]. The [[gods]] and [[humans]] were all moved to other lands. The lands he [[transformed]] all had [[lapis lazuli]] for soil and were adorned with jeweled [[trees]] five hundred [[yojanas]] tall, decorated with branches, leaves, [[flowers]] and {{Wiki|fruits}}. Beneath each [[tree]] was a jeweled [[lion throne]], five [[yojanas]] tall decorated with various [[gems]]. There were no oceans, [[rivers]] or streams and no [[mucilinda]] or mahamucilinda [[mountains]], no {{Wiki|iron}} ring or great {{Wiki|iron}} ring [[mountains]], and no Mount [[Sumerus]] or any other [[kings]] of [[mountains]]. All became one [[Buddha land]]. The jeweled [[earth]] was level and flat, covered entirely with gem-studded canopies and hung with banners. [[Precious]] [[incense]] was burned and [[heavenly]], [[precious]] [[flowers]] covered the ground.
  
Shakyamuni Buddha, in order that the Buddhas who were coming might have a place to sit, then further transformed in each of the eight directions, two hundred myriads of nayutas of lands, purifying them all. They were without hells, hungry ghosts, animals or asuras. The gods and humans were all moved to other lands. The lands he transformed all had lapis lazuli for soil and were adorned with jeweled trees five hundred yojanas tall, decorated with branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Beneath each tree was a jeweled lion throne five yojanas tall decorated with various gems. There were no oceans, rivers, or streams, and no mucilinda or mahamucilinda mountains, no iron ring or great iron ring mountains, and no Mount Sumerus or any other kings of mountains. All became one Buddha land. The jeweled earth was level and flat, covered entirely with gem-studded canopies, and hung with banners. Precious incense was burned and heavenly, precious flowers covered the ground.
+
[[Shakyamuni Buddha]], in order that the [[Buddhas]] who were coming might have a place to sit, then further [[transformed]] in each of the eight [[directions]], two hundred myriads of [[nayutas]] of lands, purifying them all. They were without [[hells]], [[hungry ghosts]], [[animals]] or [[asuras]]. The [[gods]] and [[humans]] were all moved to other lands. The lands he [[transformed]] all had [[lapis lazuli]] for soil and were adorned with jeweled [[trees]] five hundred [[yojanas]] tall, decorated with branches, leaves, [[flowers]], and {{Wiki|fruits}}. Beneath each [[tree]] was a jeweled [[lion throne]] five [[yojanas]] tall decorated with various [[gems]]. There were no oceans, [[rivers]], or streams, and no [[mucilinda]] or mahamucilinda [[mountains]], no {{Wiki|iron}} ring or great {{Wiki|iron}} ring [[mountains]], and no Mount [[Sumerus]] or any other [[kings]] of [[mountains]]. All became one [[Buddha land]]. The jeweled [[earth]] was level and flat, covered entirely with gem-studded canopies, and hung with banners. [[Precious]] [[incense]] was burned and [[heavenly]], [[precious]] [[flowers]] covered the ground.
  
Then, the division bodies of Shakyamuni Buddha from the eastern direction, Buddhas in number to the grains of sand in a hundred thousand myriads of millions of nayutas of lands, each speaking the Dharma, assembled there. In like manner, in turn, the Buddhas from all the ten directions arrived and assembled there, taking their seats in the eight directions.
+
Then, the division [[bodies]] of [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] from the eastern [[direction]], [[Buddhas]] in number to the grains of sand in a hundred thousand myriads of millions of [[nayutas]] of lands, each {{Wiki|speaking}} the [[Dharma]], assembled there. In like [[manner]], in turn, the [[Buddhas]] from all the [[ten directions]] arrived and assembled there, taking their seats in the eight [[directions]].
  
At that time, each direction was filled with Buddhas, Thus Come Ones, from the four hundred myriads of millions of nayutas of lands in each of the four directions.
+
At that [[time]], each [[direction]] was filled with [[Buddhas]], Thus Come Ones, from the four hundred myriads of millions of [[nayutas]] of lands in each of the four [[directions]].
  
At that time, all those Buddhas each seated on a lion throne beneath a jeweled tree, sent an attendant to inquire after Shakyamuni Buddha giving them each a sack full of flowers and saying to them, “Good men! Go to Mount Grdhrakuta, to the place of Shakyamuni Buddha and ask, in our name, ‘Are you free from illness and distress? Are you strong and at ease? Are the hosts of Bodhisattvas and Hearers at peace?’ Then scatter these precious flowers before the Buddha as an offering, saying, ‘The Buddha so-and-so wishes that the jeweled Stupa be opened.’” All the Buddhas sent attendants in this manner.
+
At that [[time]], all those [[Buddhas]] each seated on a [[lion throne]] beneath a jeweled [[tree]], sent an attendant to inquire after [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] giving them each a sack full of [[flowers]] and saying to them, “Good men! Go to Mount Grdhrakuta, to the place of [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] and ask, in our [[name]], ‘Are you free from {{Wiki|illness}} and {{Wiki|distress}}? Are you strong and at ease? Are the hosts of [[Bodhisattvas]] and Hearers at [[peace]]?’ Then scatter these [[precious]] [[flowers]] before the [[Buddha]] as an [[offering]], saying, ‘The [[Buddha]] so-and-so wishes that the jeweled [[Stupa]] be opened.’” All the [[Buddhas]] sent attendants in this [[manner]].
  
Then, Shakyamuni Buddha seeing that the division body Buddhas had all assembled there, each seated on a lion throne, and hearing that all the Buddhas together wished that the jeweled Stupa be opened, immediately arose from his seat into empty space. All those in the four assemblies rose, placed their palms together, and single-mindedly beheld the Buddha.
+
Then, [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] [[seeing]] that the division [[body]] [[Buddhas]] had all assembled there, each seated on a [[lion throne]], and hearing that all the [[Buddhas]] together wished that the jeweled [[Stupa]] be opened, immediately arose from his seat into [[empty]] [[space]]. All those in the [[four assemblies]] rose, placed their palms together, and single-mindedly beheld the [[Buddha]].
  
Then, Shakyamuni Buddha, using his right forefinger, opened the door of the Stupa of seven jewels, which made a great sound like that of a bolt being removed from a large city gate.
+
Then, [[Shakyamuni Buddha]], using his right forefinger, opened the door of the [[Stupa]] of [[seven jewels]], which made a great [[sound]] like that of a bolt being removed from a large city gate.
  
Thereupon, the entire assembly perceived the Thus Come One Many Jewels seated upon the lion throne inside the jeweled Stupa, his body whole and undecayed as if he were in dhyana samadhi. They also heard him say, “Good indeed! Good indeed! Shakyamuni Buddha! Quickly speak The Dharma Flower Sutra! I came here to hear this Sutra!”
+
Thereupon, the entire assembly [[perceived]] the [[Thus Come One]] Many [[Jewels]] seated upon the [[lion throne]] inside the jeweled [[Stupa]], his [[body]] whole and undecayed as if he were in [[dhyana]] [[samadhi]]. They also heard him say, “Good indeed! Good indeed! [[Shakyamuni Buddha]]! Quickly speak The [[Dharma Flower Sutra]]! I came here to hear this [[Sutra]]!”
  
The four assemblies, upon seeing a Buddha who had crossed over into extinction limitless thousands of myriads of millions of eons ago, speak in this way, praised it as something unprecedented, they scattered heaps of precious heavenly flowers upon the Buddha Many Jewels and Shakyamuni Buddha.
+
The [[four assemblies]], upon [[seeing]] a [[Buddha]] who had crossed over into [[extinction]] limitless thousands of myriads of millions of eons ago, speak in this way, praised it as something unprecedented, they scattered heaps of [[precious]] [[heavenly]] [[flowers]] upon the [[Buddha]] Many [[Jewels]] and [[Shakyamuni Buddha]].
  
The Buddha Many Jewels, in the jeweled Stupa, offered half of his seat to Shakyamuni Buddha, saying, “Shakyamuni Buddha, would you take this seat?” Shakyamuni Buddha then entered the Stupa and sat down in full lotus on half of that seat.
+
The [[Buddha]] Many [[Jewels]], in the jeweled [[Stupa]], [[offered]] half of his seat to [[Shakyamuni Buddha]], saying, “[[Shakyamuni Buddha]], would you take this seat?” [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] then entered the [[Stupa]] and sat down in full [[lotus]] on half of that seat.
  
The great assembly, seeing the two Thus Come Ones seated in the jeweled Stupa in full lotus on the lion throne, all had this thought, “The Buddhas are sitting up so high and far off. We only wish that the Thus Come One would use the power of his spiritual penetrations and enable us all to dwell in empty space.”
+
The [[great assembly]], [[seeing]] the two Thus Come Ones seated in the jeweled [[Stupa]] in full [[lotus]] on the [[lion throne]], all had this [[thought]], “The [[Buddhas]] are sitting up so high and far off. We only wish that the [[Thus Come One]] would use the power of his [[spiritual]] penetrations and enable us all to dwell in [[empty]] [[space]].”
  
Shakyamuni Buddha then used his spiritual powers and took the entire assembly up into empty space.
+
[[Shakyamuni Buddha]] then used his [[spiritual powers]] and took the entire assembly up into [[empty]] [[space]].
  
With a great voice he addressed the four assemblies, saying: “Who, in this Saha land, can broadly speak this Sutra of the Dharma Flower? Now is the proper time, for the Thus Come One will shortly enter Nirvana. The Buddha wishes to bequeath The Dharma Flower Sutra.”
+
With a great {{Wiki|voice}} he addressed the [[four assemblies]], saying: “Who, in this [[Saha land]], can broadly speak this [[Sutra]] of the [[Dharma]] [[Flower]]? Now is the proper [[time]], for the [[Thus Come One]] will shortly enter [[Nirvana]]. The [[Buddha]] wishes to bequeath The [[Dharma Flower Sutra]].”
  
The World Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses saying:
+
The [[World Honored One]], wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses saying:
 
<poem>
 
<poem>
         “The sagely lord, World Honored One,
+
         “The sagely [[lord]], [[World Honored One]],
         Although long extinct
+
         Although long [[extinct]]
         Within this jeweled Stupa
+
         Within this jeweled [[Stupa]]
         Has come here for the Dharma.
+
         Has come here for the [[Dharma]].
 
         Who would not be diligent
 
         Who would not be diligent
         For the sake of the Dharma?
+
         For the sake of the [[Dharma]]?
  
 
         .
 
         .
         This Buddha became extinct
+
         This [[Buddha]] became [[extinct]]
 
         Countless eons ago and yet,
 
         Countless eons ago and yet,
         In place after place, he listens to the Dharma,
+
         In place after place, he listens to the [[Dharma]],
 
         Because it is difficult to encounter.
 
         Because it is difficult to encounter.
         In the past this Buddha made a vow,
+
         In the {{Wiki|past}} this [[Buddha]] made a [[vow]],
         “After my extinction,
+
         “After my [[extinction]],
 
         I will go everywhere
 
         I will go everywhere
         In order to hear the Dharma.”
+
         In order to hear the [[Dharma]].”
  
         Also, my division bodies,
+
         Also, my division [[bodies]],
         Limitless Buddhas,
+
         Limitless [[Buddhas]],
         Equal in number to the Ganges’ sands
+
         {{Wiki|Equal}} in number to the [[Ganges]]’ sands
         Have come, wishing to hear the Dharma
+
         Have come, wishing to hear the [[Dharma]]
         And to see the extinct
+
         And to see the [[extinct]]
         Thus Come One Many Jewels.
+
         [[Thus Come One]] Many [[Jewels]].
  
 
         Casting aside their wondrous lands
 
         Casting aside their wondrous lands
         And assemblies of disciples
+
         And assemblies of [[disciples]]
         Gods, people, dragons and spirits,
+
         [[Gods]], [[people]], [[dragons]] and [[spirits]],
         And various offerings,
+
         And various [[offerings]],
 
         They have come here
 
         They have come here
         To cause the Dharma long to abide.
+
         To [[cause]] the [[Dharma]] long to abide.
  
         In order to seat those Buddhas,
+
         In order to seat those [[Buddhas]],
         I have used my spiritual powers,
+
         I have used my [[spiritual powers]],
 
         To move countless multitudes
 
         To move countless multitudes
         And purify the lands.
+
         And {{Wiki|purify}} the lands.
  
         Each one of the Buddhas
+
         Each one of the [[Buddhas]]
         Takes his place beneath a jeweled tree
+
         Takes his place beneath a jeweled [[tree]]
         Like a lotus adorning
+
         Like a [[lotus]] adorning
 
         A clear, clean pond.
 
         A clear, clean pond.
  
         Beneath the jeweled trees,
+
         Beneath the jeweled [[trees]],
         There are lion thrones
+
         There are [[lion]] thrones
         Upon which the Buddhas sit,
+
         Upon which the [[Buddhas]] sit,
 
         Adorned with brilliant light,
 
         Adorned with brilliant light,
 
         Like great torches gleaming
 
         Like great torches gleaming
         In the darkness of the night.
+
         In the {{Wiki|darkness}} of the night.
  
         Their bodies emit a delicate fragrance
+
         Their [[bodies]] emit a delicate {{Wiki|fragrance}}
         Pervading the ten direction lands
+
         Pervading the ten [[direction]] lands
         All beings perfumed by it
+
         All [[beings]] perfumed by it
         Are overwhelmed with joy.
+
         Are overwhelmed with [[joy]].
  
         Like a great wind
+
         Like a great [[wind]]
         Blowing the small trees.
+
         Blowing the small [[trees]].
 
         By means of this expedient device,
 
         By means of this expedient device,
         The Dharma is caused long to abide.
+
         The [[Dharma]] is [[caused]] long to abide.
  
         To the great assembly, I say:
+
         To the [[great assembly]], I say:
         “After my extinction
+
         “After my [[extinction]]
         Who can protect and uphold,
+
         Who can {{Wiki|protect}} and uphold,
         Read, speak and recite this Sutra?
+
         Read, speak and recite this [[Sutra]]?
         Now, in the presence of the Buddhas
+
         Now, in the presence of the [[Buddhas]]
         He should make a vow.”
+
         He should make a [[vow]].”
  
         The Buddha Many Jewels
+
         The [[Buddha]] Many [[Jewels]]
         Although long extinct
+
         Although long [[extinct]]
         By means of his great vow
+
         By means of his great [[vow]]
         Utters the lion’s roar.
+
         Utters the [[lion’s roar]].
  
         The Thus Come One Many Jewels,
+
         The [[Thus Come One]] Many [[Jewels]],
 
         As well as myself,
 
         As well as myself,
         And the transformation Buddhas here assembled
+
         And the [[transformation]] [[Buddhas]] here assembled
 
         Will know of this resolution.
 
         Will know of this resolution.
  
         All you disciples of the Buddha,
+
         All you [[disciples]] of the [[Buddha]],
         Whoever can protect this Dharma,
+
         Whoever can {{Wiki|protect}} this [[Dharma]],
         Should make a great vow
+
         Should make a great [[vow]]
         To cause the Dharma long to abide.
+
         To [[cause]] the [[Dharma]] long to abide.
  
         Whoever can protect
+
         Whoever can {{Wiki|protect}}
         The Dharma of this Sutra,
+
         The [[Dharma]] of this [[Sutra]],
         Has thereby made offerings
+
         Has thereby made [[offerings]]
         To me and Many Jewels.
+
         To me and Many [[Jewels]].
  
         The Buddha Many Jewels
+
         The [[Buddha]] Many [[Jewels]]
         Dwelling in the jeweled Stupa,
+
         Dwelling in the jeweled [[Stupa]],
         Always travels throughout the ten directions,
+
         Always travels throughout the [[ten directions]],
         For the sake of this Sutra.
+
         For the sake of this [[Sutra]].
         Moreover, they will have made offerings,
+
         Moreover, they will have made [[offerings]],
         To the transformation Buddhas here,
+
         To the [[transformation]] [[Buddhas]] here,
 
         Who adorn with splendor,
 
         Who adorn with splendor,
         All the worlds.
+
         All the [[worlds]].
  
         If one speaks this Sutra,
+
         If one speaks this [[Sutra]],
 
         They will then see me,
 
         They will then see me,
         The Thus Come One Many Jewels,
+
         The [[Thus Come One]] Many [[Jewels]],
         And the transformation Buddhas.
+
         And the [[transformation]] [[Buddhas]].
  
 
         All of you good men
 
         All of you good men
 
         Think it over carefully!
 
         Think it over carefully!
         This is a difficult matter
+
         This is a difficult {{Wiki|matter}}
         Requiring a great vow.
+
         Requiring a great [[vow]].
  
         Other Sutras number
+
         Other [[Sutras]] number
         Like the Ganges river’s sands
+
         Like the [[Ganges]] river’s sands
 
         But although one spoke them,
 
         But although one spoke them,
         It would not be thought difficult.
+
         It would not be [[thought]] difficult.
  
         If one took Mount Sumeru
+
         If one took [[Mount Sumeru]]
 
         And tossed it to another land
 
         And tossed it to another land
         Across countless Buddhalands,
+
         Across countless [[Buddhalands]],
 
         That also would not be difficult.
 
         That also would not be difficult.
  
 
         Or if with a toe
 
         Or if with a toe
         One kicked the great thousand worlds
+
         One kicked the great thousand [[worlds]]
 
         To another, far-off land,
 
         To another, far-off land,
 
         That also would not be difficult.
 
         That also would not be difficult.
  
         Were one to stand on a peak on the heavens
+
         Were one to stand on a peak on the [[heavens]]
 
         And for the multitudes proclaim,
 
         And for the multitudes proclaim,
         Limitless other Sutras,
+
         Limitless other [[Sutras]],
 
         That, too, would not be difficult.
 
         That, too, would not be difficult.
  
         But if after the Buddha’s extinction
+
         But if after the [[Buddha’s]] [[extinction]]
         Within the evil age,
+
         Within the [[evil]] age,
         One can speak this Sutra,
+
         One can speak this [[Sutra]],
 
         That is difficult.
 
         That is difficult.
  
 
         If someone took
 
         If someone took
         Empty space in his hand
+
         [[Empty]] [[space]] in his hand
 
         And wandered around with it
 
         And wandered around with it
 
         That would not be difficult.
 
         That would not be difficult.
  
         But if, after my extinction
+
         But if, after my [[extinction]]
 
         One can write out and uphold it
 
         One can write out and uphold it
 
         And encourage others to write it out,
 
         And encourage others to write it out,
 
         That is difficult.
 
         That is difficult.
  
         If one were to take the earth
+
         If one were to take the [[earth]]
 
         And place it on one’s toenail,
 
         And place it on one’s toenail,
         And carry it up to the Brahma Heavens,
+
         And carry it up to the [[Brahma Heavens]],
 
         That, too, would not be difficult.
 
         That, too, would not be difficult.
  
         After the Buddha’s extinction,
+
         After the [[Buddha’s]] [[extinction]],
         In the evil age
+
         In the [[evil]] age
         To read this Sutra but for an instant,
+
         To read this [[Sutra]] but for an instant,
 
         That is difficult.
 
         That is difficult.
  
         If, during the fire at the kalpa’s end
+
         If, during the [[fire]] at the [[kalpa’s]] end
 
         One carried a load of dry grass on one’s back
 
         One carried a load of dry grass on one’s back
         And entering the fire was not burned
+
         And entering the [[fire]] was not burned
 
         That would not be difficult.
 
         That would not be difficult.
  
         But after my extinction
+
         But after my [[extinction]]
         If one can uphold the Sutra
+
         If one can uphold the [[Sutra]]
         And speak it to a single person,
+
         And speak it to a single [[person]],
 
         That is difficult.
 
         That is difficult.
  
 
         If one upheld eighty-four thousand
 
         If one upheld eighty-four thousand
         Dharma treasuries
+
         [[Dharma]] treasuries
         And the Twelve Divisions of the Canon
+
         And the Twelve Divisions of the [[Canon]]
 
         Expounding upon them to others
 
         Expounding upon them to others
 
         Causing all the listeners
 
         Causing all the listeners
         To gain the Six Spiritual Penetrations,
+
         To gain the [[Six Spiritual Penetrations]],
 
         Even if one could do this
 
         Even if one could do this
 
         It would not be difficult.
 
         It would not be difficult.
  
         But if, after my extinction,
+
         But if, after my [[extinction]],
         One can listen to and accept this Sutra
+
         One can listen to and accept this [[Sutra]]
 
         And inquire into its meaning
 
         And inquire into its meaning
 
         That is difficult.
 
         That is difficult.
  
         If one were to speak the Dharma
+
         If one were to speak the [[Dharma]]
         And cause a thousand myriads of millions
+
         And [[cause]] a thousand myriads of millions
 
         Of limitless, countless
 
         Of limitless, countless
         Beings, like the Ganges’ sands,
+
         [[Beings]], like the [[Ganges]]’ sands,
         To obtain Arhatship
+
         To obtain [[Arhatship]]
         And perfect the Six Spiritual Penetrations,
+
         And perfect the [[Six Spiritual Penetrations]],
 
         Although it would be beneficial,
 
         Although it would be beneficial,
 
         It would not be difficult.
 
         It would not be difficult.
  
         But after my extinction,
+
         But after my [[extinction]],
 
         If one can reverently uphold
 
         If one can reverently uphold
         Such a Sutra as this,
+
         Such a [[Sutra]] as this,
 
         That indeed is difficult!
 
         That indeed is difficult!
  
         I, for the sake of the Buddha Way,
+
         I, for the sake of the [[Buddha Way]],
 
         Throughout limitless lands,
 
         Throughout limitless lands,
 
         From the beginning until now,
 
         From the beginning until now,
         Have broadly expounded all the Sutras
+
         Have broadly expounded all the [[Sutras]]
 
         And among them all
 
         And among them all
         This Sutra is foremost.
+
         This [[Sutra]] is foremost.
 
         If one can uphold it
 
         If one can uphold it
         He then upholds the Buddha’s body.
+
         He then upholds the [[Buddha’s]] [[body]].
  
 
         Good men,
 
         Good men,
         After my extinction,
+
         After my [[extinction]],
 
         Who can receive and uphold,
 
         Who can receive and uphold,
         Read, and recite this Sutra,
+
         Read, and recite this [[Sutra]],
         Now, in the presence of the Buddhas should make a vow.
+
         Now, in the presence of the [[Buddhas]] should make a [[vow]].
  
         This Sutra is hard to uphold,
+
         This [[Sutra]] is hard to uphold,
 
         If one upholds it for but an instant,
 
         If one upholds it for but an instant,
 
         I will rejoice,
 
         I will rejoice,
         And so will all the Buddhas.
+
         And so will all the [[Buddhas]].
  
 
         One such as this
 
         One such as this
         Shall be praised by all the Buddhas:
+
         Shall be praised by all the [[Buddhas]]:
         “This is courage!
+
         “This is [[courage]]!
         This is vigor,
+
         This is [[vigor]],
         This is called morality
+
         This is called [[morality]]
 
         And the practice of the dhutas.”
 
         And the practice of the dhutas.”
  
 
         He will then quickly obtain
 
         He will then quickly obtain
         The supreme Buddha Way.
+
         The supreme [[Buddha Way]].
         If, in the future, one
+
         If, in the {{Wiki|future}}, one
         Can read and uphold this Sutra,
+
         Can read and uphold this [[Sutra]],
         He is then a true disciple of the Buddha,
+
         He is then a true [[disciple]] of the [[Buddha]],
         Dwelling in the pure, good stage.
+
         Dwelling in the [[pure]], good stage.
  
         And one who after the Buddha’s extinction,
+
         And one who after the [[Buddha’s]] [[extinction]],
 
         Can understand its meaning,
 
         Can understand its meaning,
         Will act as eyes
+
         Will act as [[eyes]]
         For all gods and humans in the world.
+
         For all [[gods]] and [[humans]] in the [[world]].
  
 
         In the age of terror,
 
         In the age of terror,
 
         One who can speak it for an instant,
 
         One who can speak it for an instant,
         Will be worthy of the offerings
+
         Will be [[worthy]] of the [[offerings]]
         Of all the gods and humans.
+
         Of all the [[gods]] and [[humans]].
 
</poem>
 
</poem>
  

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The Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra
Chapter 11
Vision of the Jeweled Stupa



At that time, there manifested before the Buddha, a Stupa made of the seven jewels. It was five hundred yojanas in height and two hundred and fifty yojanas in breadth. It welled up out of the earth and stood in empty space, adorned with all kinds of jeweled objects. It had five thousand railings and thousands of myriads of alcoves. Countless banners and pennants adorned it as well. Jeweled beads were hung from it and myriads of millions of jeweled bells were suspended from its top. The scent of Tamalapatracandana issued from all four sides and filled the entire world. All its banners and canopies were made of the seven jewels: gold, silver, lapis lazuli, mother of pearl, carnelian, pearls and agate reaching up to the palace of the four heavenly kings.

From the Heaven of the Thirty-Three there rained heavenly mandarva flowers as an offering to the jeweled Stupa. All the gods, dragons, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kinnaras, mahoragas, humans, non-humans and so forth, thousands of myriads of millions of them, made offerings to the jeweled Stupa of all kinds of flowers, incense, beads, banners, canopies, and instrumental music, reverently honoring it and praising it.

At that time, a loud voice issued from the Stupa speaking in praise, saying, “Good indeed, good indeed, Shakyamuni, World Honored One, that you are able, by means of your undifferentiating great wisdom, to speak for the great assembly, The Wonderful Dharma Flower Sutra, a Dharma for teaching Bodhisattvas of whom the Buddhas are protective and mindful. So it is, so it is, Shakyamuni, World Honored One, that all you say is true and real.”

Just then the four assemblies, seeing the great jeweled Stupa standing in mid-air and hearing the voice from within it, all gained Dharma joy and marveled at this unprecedented occurrence. They rose from their seats, reverently placed their palms together and withdrew to one side.

Just then a Bodhisattva Mahasattva by the name of Great Delight in Speaking, knowing the doubts in the minds of all the gods, humans, and asuras and others from all the worlds, spoke to the Buddha saying, “World Honored One, by means of what causes and conditions has this jeweled Stupa welled up out of the earth and produced this loud sound?”

Then the Buddha told the Bodhisattva Great Delight in Speaking: within this jeweled Stupa is the complete body of the Thus Come One. Long ago, limitless thousands of myriads of millions of asamkheya worlds to the east, in a land called Jeweled Purity, there was a Buddha by the name of Many Jewels. When this Buddha was practicing the Bodhisattva Path, he made a great vow saying, “After I have become a Buddha and passed into extinction, in any of the ten direction lands where The Dharma Flower Sutra is spoken, my Stupa shall appear there, that I may hear the Sutra and certify it, praising it, saying, ‘Good indeed! Good indeed!’”

After that Buddha had realized the Way, when he was about to enter into extinction, in the great assembly of gods and humans he spoke to the Bhikshus saying, “After my extinction, those who wish to make offerings to my complete body should build a large Stupa.”

By the power of his spiritual penetrations and his vow, throughout the ten direction worlds wherever anyone speaks The Dharma Flower Sutra that Buddha’s jeweled Stupa containing his complete body wells up from the earth before the one speaking and expresses praise by saying, “Good indeed! Good indeed!”

Great Delight in Speaking! Because he has heard The Dharma Flower Sutra being spoken, the Stupa of the Thus Come One Many Jewels has now welled up out of the earth with these words of praise, “Good indeed! Good indeed!”

Just then, the Bodhisattva Great Delight in Speaking, by means of the spiritual power of the Thus Come One, spoke to the Buddha saying, “World Honored One, we all wish to see this Buddha’s body.”

The Buddha told the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Great Delight in Speaking: The Buddha Many Jewels has made a profound and solemn vow: “When my jeweled Stupa manifests in the presence of the Buddhas because The Dharma Flower Sutra is heard, if there is anyone who wishes me to show my body to the four assemblies, then the division body Buddhas of that Buddha who is speaking Dharma in the worlds of the ten directions, must all return and gather together in one place. Afterward, my body will appear.

Great Delight in Speaking, my division body Buddhas present in the ten direction worlds speaking Dharma, should now gather together.

Great Delight in Speaking said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, we also wish to see the division bodies of the World Honored One so that we may bow to them and make offerings.”

At that time the Buddha emitted a white hair-mark light in which were seen the Buddhas of the lands in the eastern direction equal in number to the grains of sand in five hundred myriads of millions of nayutas of Ganges rivers. All the Buddhalands had crystal for soil, and were adorned with jeweled trees and jeweled clothing. Countless thousands of myriad of millions of Bodhisattvas filled them. They were covered with jeweled canopies and jeweled nets. The Buddhas in those lands with a great and wonderful sound were speaking the Dharma. Also seen were limitless thousands of myriads of millions of Bodhisattvas filling those lands speaking the Dharma for the multitudes. Thus it was also in the south, west, north, the four intermediate directions, as well as upward and downward wherever the white hair-mark light shone.

At that time all the Buddhas of the ten directions addressed the host of Bodhisattvas saying, “Good men! We should now go to the Saha world, to the place of Shakyamuni Buddha and make offerings to the Stupa of the Thus Come One Many Jewels.”

Just then the Saha world was transformed into one of purity, with lapis lazuli for soil and adorned with jeweled trees. Its eight roads were bordered with golden cords. In it there were no towns, villages, cities, oceans, rivers, streams, mountains, brooks, forests or thickets. Precious incense was burned and mandarava flowers completely covered the ground. Above it jeweled nets were spread and banners hung with jeweled bells. Only those in the assembly remained, as the gods and humans had been moved to another land.

Then all of the Buddhas, each bringing with him one great Bodhisattva as an attendant, reached the Saha World and went to the foot of a jeweled tree. Each jeweled tree was five hundred yojanas in height and adorned with branches, leaves, flowers and fruits. Beneath each jeweled tree was a lion throne five hundred yojanas in height adorned with great jewels. Then each of the Buddhas sat in the lotus posture on his own throne.

In this way, by turns, the lands of the three thousand great thousand worlds were filled, and still there was no end to the division bodies of Shakyamuni Buddha from even one direction.

Then, Shakyamuni Buddha, wishing to accommodate his division body Buddhas, transformed in each of the eight directions, two hundred myriads of millions of nayutas of lands, purifying them all. They were without hells, hungry ghosts, animals or asuras. The gods and humans were all moved to other lands. The lands he transformed all had lapis lazuli for soil and were adorned with jeweled trees five hundred yojanas tall, decorated with branches, leaves, flowers and fruits. Beneath each tree was a jeweled lion throne, five yojanas tall decorated with various gems. There were no oceans, rivers or streams and no mucilinda or mahamucilinda mountains, no iron ring or great iron ring mountains, and no Mount Sumerus or any other kings of mountains. All became one Buddha land. The jeweled earth was level and flat, covered entirely with gem-studded canopies and hung with banners. Precious incense was burned and heavenly, precious flowers covered the ground.

Shakyamuni Buddha, in order that the Buddhas who were coming might have a place to sit, then further transformed in each of the eight directions, two hundred myriads of nayutas of lands, purifying them all. They were without hells, hungry ghosts, animals or asuras. The gods and humans were all moved to other lands. The lands he transformed all had lapis lazuli for soil and were adorned with jeweled trees five hundred yojanas tall, decorated with branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Beneath each tree was a jeweled lion throne five yojanas tall decorated with various gems. There were no oceans, rivers, or streams, and no mucilinda or mahamucilinda mountains, no iron ring or great iron ring mountains, and no Mount Sumerus or any other kings of mountains. All became one Buddha land. The jeweled earth was level and flat, covered entirely with gem-studded canopies, and hung with banners. Precious incense was burned and heavenly, precious flowers covered the ground.

Then, the division bodies of Shakyamuni Buddha from the eastern direction, Buddhas in number to the grains of sand in a hundred thousand myriads of millions of nayutas of lands, each speaking the Dharma, assembled there. In like manner, in turn, the Buddhas from all the ten directions arrived and assembled there, taking their seats in the eight directions.

At that time, each direction was filled with Buddhas, Thus Come Ones, from the four hundred myriads of millions of nayutas of lands in each of the four directions.

At that time, all those Buddhas each seated on a lion throne beneath a jeweled tree, sent an attendant to inquire after Shakyamuni Buddha giving them each a sack full of flowers and saying to them, “Good men! Go to Mount Grdhrakuta, to the place of Shakyamuni Buddha and ask, in our name, ‘Are you free from illness and distress? Are you strong and at ease? Are the hosts of Bodhisattvas and Hearers at peace?’ Then scatter these precious flowers before the Buddha as an offering, saying, ‘The Buddha so-and-so wishes that the jeweled Stupa be opened.’” All the Buddhas sent attendants in this manner.

Then, Shakyamuni Buddha seeing that the division body Buddhas had all assembled there, each seated on a lion throne, and hearing that all the Buddhas together wished that the jeweled Stupa be opened, immediately arose from his seat into empty space. All those in the four assemblies rose, placed their palms together, and single-mindedly beheld the Buddha.

Then, Shakyamuni Buddha, using his right forefinger, opened the door of the Stupa of seven jewels, which made a great sound like that of a bolt being removed from a large city gate.

Thereupon, the entire assembly perceived the Thus Come One Many Jewels seated upon the lion throne inside the jeweled Stupa, his body whole and undecayed as if he were in dhyana samadhi. They also heard him say, “Good indeed! Good indeed! Shakyamuni Buddha! Quickly speak The Dharma Flower Sutra! I came here to hear this Sutra!”

The four assemblies, upon seeing a Buddha who had crossed over into extinction limitless thousands of myriads of millions of eons ago, speak in this way, praised it as something unprecedented, they scattered heaps of precious heavenly flowers upon the Buddha Many Jewels and Shakyamuni Buddha.

The Buddha Many Jewels, in the jeweled Stupa, offered half of his seat to Shakyamuni Buddha, saying, “Shakyamuni Buddha, would you take this seat?” Shakyamuni Buddha then entered the Stupa and sat down in full lotus on half of that seat.

The great assembly, seeing the two Thus Come Ones seated in the jeweled Stupa in full lotus on the lion throne, all had this thought, “The Buddhas are sitting up so high and far off. We only wish that the Thus Come One would use the power of his spiritual penetrations and enable us all to dwell in empty space.”

Shakyamuni Buddha then used his spiritual powers and took the entire assembly up into empty space.

With a great voice he addressed the four assemblies, saying: “Who, in this Saha land, can broadly speak this Sutra of the Dharma Flower? Now is the proper time, for the Thus Come One will shortly enter Nirvana. The Buddha wishes to bequeath The Dharma Flower Sutra.”

The World Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses saying:

        “The sagely lord, World Honored One,
        Although long extinct
        Within this jeweled Stupa
        Has come here for the Dharma.
        Who would not be diligent
        For the sake of the Dharma?

        .
        This Buddha became extinct
        Countless eons ago and yet,
        In place after place, he listens to the Dharma,
        Because it is difficult to encounter.
        In the past this Buddha made a vow,
        “After my extinction,
        I will go everywhere
        In order to hear the Dharma.”

        Also, my division bodies,
        Limitless Buddhas,
        Equal in number to the Ganges’ sands
        Have come, wishing to hear the Dharma
        And to see the extinct
        Thus Come One Many Jewels.

        Casting aside their wondrous lands
        And assemblies of disciples
        Gods, people, dragons and spirits,
        And various offerings,
        They have come here
        To cause the Dharma long to abide.

        In order to seat those Buddhas,
        I have used my spiritual powers,
        To move countless multitudes
        And purify the lands.

        Each one of the Buddhas
        Takes his place beneath a jeweled tree
        Like a lotus adorning
        A clear, clean pond.

        Beneath the jeweled trees,
        There are lion thrones
        Upon which the Buddhas sit,
        Adorned with brilliant light,
        Like great torches gleaming
        In the darkness of the night.

        Their bodies emit a delicate fragrance
        Pervading the ten direction lands
        All beings perfumed by it
        Are overwhelmed with joy.

        Like a great wind
        Blowing the small trees.
        By means of this expedient device,
        The Dharma is caused long to abide.

        To the great assembly, I say:
        “After my extinction
        Who can protect and uphold,
        Read, speak and recite this Sutra?
        Now, in the presence of the Buddhas
        He should make a vow.”

        The Buddha Many Jewels
        Although long extinct
        By means of his great vow
        Utters the lion’s roar.

        The Thus Come One Many Jewels,
        As well as myself,
        And the transformation Buddhas here assembled
        Will know of this resolution.

        All you disciples of the Buddha,
        Whoever can protect this Dharma,
        Should make a great vow
        To cause the Dharma long to abide.

        Whoever can protect
        The Dharma of this Sutra,
        Has thereby made offerings
        To me and Many Jewels.

        The Buddha Many Jewels
        Dwelling in the jeweled Stupa,
        Always travels throughout the ten directions,
        For the sake of this Sutra.
        Moreover, they will have made offerings,
        To the transformation Buddhas here,
        Who adorn with splendor,
        All the worlds.

        If one speaks this Sutra,
        They will then see me,
        The Thus Come One Many Jewels,
        And the transformation Buddhas.

        All of you good men
        Think it over carefully!
        This is a difficult matter
        Requiring a great vow.

        Other Sutras number
        Like the Ganges river’s sands
        But although one spoke them,
        It would not be thought difficult.

        If one took Mount Sumeru
        And tossed it to another land
        Across countless Buddhalands,
        That also would not be difficult.

        Or if with a toe
        One kicked the great thousand worlds
        To another, far-off land,
        That also would not be difficult.

        Were one to stand on a peak on the heavens
        And for the multitudes proclaim,
        Limitless other Sutras,
        That, too, would not be difficult.

        But if after the Buddha’s extinction
        Within the evil age,
        One can speak this Sutra,
        That is difficult.

        If someone took
        Empty space in his hand
        And wandered around with it
        That would not be difficult.

        But if, after my extinction
        One can write out and uphold it
        And encourage others to write it out,
        That is difficult.

        If one were to take the earth
        And place it on one’s toenail,
        And carry it up to the Brahma Heavens,
        That, too, would not be difficult.

        After the Buddha’s extinction,
        In the evil age
        To read this Sutra but for an instant,
        That is difficult.

        If, during the fire at the kalpa’s end
        One carried a load of dry grass on one’s back
        And entering the fire was not burned
        That would not be difficult.

        But after my extinction
        If one can uphold the Sutra
        And speak it to a single person,
        That is difficult.

        If one upheld eighty-four thousand
        Dharma treasuries
        And the Twelve Divisions of the Canon
        Expounding upon them to others
        Causing all the listeners
        To gain the Six Spiritual Penetrations,
        Even if one could do this
        It would not be difficult.

        But if, after my extinction,
        One can listen to and accept this Sutra
        And inquire into its meaning
        That is difficult.

        If one were to speak the Dharma
        And cause a thousand myriads of millions
        Of limitless, countless
        Beings, like the Ganges’ sands,
        To obtain Arhatship
        And perfect the Six Spiritual Penetrations,
        Although it would be beneficial,
        It would not be difficult.

        But after my extinction,
        If one can reverently uphold
        Such a Sutra as this,
        That indeed is difficult!

        I, for the sake of the Buddha Way,
        Throughout limitless lands,
        From the beginning until now,
        Have broadly expounded all the Sutras
        And among them all
        This Sutra is foremost.
        If one can uphold it
        He then upholds the Buddha’s body.

        Good men,
        After my extinction,
        Who can receive and uphold,
        Read, and recite this Sutra,
        Now, in the presence of the Buddhas should make a vow.

        This Sutra is hard to uphold,
        If one upholds it for but an instant,
        I will rejoice,
        And so will all the Buddhas.

        One such as this
        Shall be praised by all the Buddhas:
        “This is courage!
        This is vigor,
        This is called morality
        And the practice of the dhutas.”

        He will then quickly obtain
        The supreme Buddha Way.
        If, in the future, one
        Can read and uphold this Sutra,
        He is then a true disciple of the Buddha,
        Dwelling in the pure, good stage.

        And one who after the Buddha’s extinction,
        Can understand its meaning,
        Will act as eyes
        For all gods and humans in the world.

        In the age of terror,
        One who can speak it for an instant,
        Will be worthy of the offerings
        Of all the gods and humans.

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Source

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