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| | + | *[[The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter VIII: Praises of Lord Yama and His Followers]] |
| | + | * [[The Sutra of the Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva with Commentary by the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua#Chapter 8: Praises of Lord Yama and His Followers ]] |
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| − | <poem>
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| − | [[Lord]] [[Yama]] and his followers, just the [[sound]] of this seems scary. [[Yama]] is a [[Sanskrit]] [[word]] that means [[ghost]] [[king]]. The {{Wiki|Chinese}} or the {{Wiki|Indians}} consider Southern [[Jambudvipa]] to consist of ten [[Yama]] [[lords]] in {{Wiki|Asia}}. But this [[sutra]] is actually referring to more than the [[Yama]] [[lords]] in [[China]], [[India]], or {{Wiki|Asia}} in [[general]]; it is referring to all the [[Yama]] [[lords]] throughout the [[universe]]. There is a [[lord]] [[Yama]] in each [[world]], so there are infinitely many [[Yama]] [[lords]]. Some [[Yama]] [[lords]] come from other [[worlds]]; some come from certain {{Wiki|planets}}; some come from the [[moon]], and some come from other {{Wiki|Iron}} Ring [[mountains]]. In short, where there are [[human beings]], there are [[Yama]] [[lords]]; where there are no [[human beings]], there are no [[Yama]] [[lords]]. How come? Without [[humans]], there are no [[ghosts]]; without [[ghosts]], there are no [[Buddhas]]. That would be a [[world]] without [[Buddhas]]. Since that [[world]] has no [[Buddhas]], it has no [[Yama]] [[lords]]. The key lies with [[humans]]; without [[human beings]], there is nothing. [[Human beings]] control the [[world]], create everything, are in need of everything, and use everything. Without [[people]], [[essentially]] there would be no [[Buddhas]], no [[Bodhisattvas]], no [[hungry ghosts]], no [[animals]], and not anything in this [[world]]. Everything is made by [[people]]. What made [[people]]? [[People]] are made from the [[mind]]! Not only does the [[mind]] create [[people]], but the [[mind]] can also create [[heaven]] and [[earth]], [[hungry ghosts]] and [[animals]], and everything else. The ten [[Dharma Realms]] are made from the [[mind]] alone. The [[mind]] creates the ten [[Dharma Realms]] and destroys the ten [[Dharma Realms]] too. The [[Avatamsaka Sutra]] says, “Anyone who wishes to know, all [[Buddhas]] throughout the three periods of [[time]], should [[contemplate]] the [[nature]] of the [[Dharma Realm]]– everything is made from the [[mind]] alone.” Our [[mind]] consists of as many miscellaneous [[thoughts]] as waves on [[water]]. These miscellaneous [[thoughts]] express all the [[mountains]], [[rivers]], and great [[earth]] in the [[world]]. Everything is created by people’s false [[thoughts]]. People’s false [[thoughts]] are as numerous as dust motes. There are dust motes outside because we have false [[thoughts]] inside. Without false [[thoughts]] inside, the dust motes outside are [[empty]], even the [[atoms]] that compose the dust motes are [[empty]]. Wherever there are [[human beings]], there are [[ghosts]], there are [[Buddhas]], and hence there are [[Yama]] [[lords]]. Not only are there [[Yama]] [[lords]], but his followers too.
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| − | Praises. What does this chapter praise? It praises the great awesome might of [[Earth Store]] [[Bodhisattva’s]] [[inconceivable]] [[wisdom]] and states. This is the eighth chapter in this [[sutra]].
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| − | [[Sutra]]:
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| − | At that [[time]], from within the {{Wiki|Iron}} Ring Mountain, [[Lord]] [[Yama]] and his following of [[infinite]] [[ghost]] [[kings]] came before the [[Buddha]] in the [[Trayastrimsha]] [[Heaven]]. They were: the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Evil]] [[Poison]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Many [[Evils]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Great Argument, the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[White Tiger]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] {{Wiki|Blood}} [[Tiger]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Crimson [[Tiger]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Spreading {{Wiki|Disaster}}, the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Flying [[Body]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] {{Wiki|Lightning}} Flash, the [[Ghost]] [[King]] {{Wiki|Wolf}} Tooth, the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Thousand [[Eyes]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Animal]] Eater, the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Rock Bearer, the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of Bad News, the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of {{Wiki|Calamities}}, the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of [[Food]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord of Wealth]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of Domestic [[Animals]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of Birds, the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of {{Wiki|Beasts}}, the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of Mountain Sprites, the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of [[Birth]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of [[Life]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of [[Sickness]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of [[Danger]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Three [[Eyes]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Four [[Eyes]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Five Eyes]], the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Ch’i Li Shih, the Great [[Ghost]] [[King]] Ch’i Li Shih, the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Ch’i Li Ch’a, the Great [[Ghost]] [[King]] Ch’i Li Ch’a, the [[Ghost]] [[King]] No Ch’a, the Great [[Ghost]] [[King]] No Ch’a, and other such great [[ghost]] [[kings]]. With them were hundreds of thousands of minor [[ghost]] [[kings]] who dwelt throughout [[Jambudvipa]], each presiding over certain jurisdictions.
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| − | Commentary:
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| − | At that [[time]], from within the {{Wiki|Iron}} Ring Mountain . . . In the Sea of [[Flower]] Treasury [[Worlds]], [[human beings]] live in the [[Lotus]] [[Banner]] [[World]] on the 33 rd layer. There are seven {{Wiki|gold}} [[mountains]] outside the [[Lotus]] [[Banner]] [[World]]; outside of the seven {{Wiki|gold}} [[mountains]] there are seven fragrant seas. This {{Wiki|Iron}} Ring Mountain composed of metallic {{Wiki|matter}} sits outside of the seven fragrant seas. In this {{Wiki|Iron}} Ring Mountain, there are [[Lord]] [[Yama]] and his following of [[infinite]] [[ghost]] [[kings]]. [[Lord]] [[Yama]] is like {{Wiki|Jesus}} in saying that he is the [[son of god]]; he also calls himself the [[son of god]]. An [[emperor]] in the [[human realm]] also refers to himself as the [[son of god]]. But which [[son of god]] is greater or lesser? There is not anyone that is great or less. Who named them sons of [[gods]]? The [[Buddha]] [[acknowledged]] that a [[Yama]] [[lord]] would be a [[son of god]]; the [[Buddha]] also [[acknowledged]] that an [[emperor]] can call himself a [[son of god]]. {{Wiki|Jesus}} is the only one who bestowed a title on himself, indulging in his fancies he named himself [[son of god]]. No one will [[object]] if I say am the [[son of god]]; but I do not enjoy being [[son of god]]; it is not worth it. Why does [[Lord]] [[Yama]] like this unworthy title? It is because that is his business. After [[Buddhist]] [[monks]] are [[ordained]] as [[Bhikshus]] and receive their [[precepts]], they are [[teachers]] for [[gods]] and [[humans]]. They are the [[master]] in the [[heavens]] and [[human realm]]. Not only can they be sons of [[gods]], they can be the grandmaster of sons of [[gods]], which is why I say that title is not worth much. They came before the [[Buddha]] in the [[Trayastrimsha]] [[Heaven]]. Since the [[Buddha]] was {{Wiki|speaking}} the [[Dharma]] for his mother in the [[Tryastrimsha Heaven]], [[Lord]] [[Yama]] and [[ghost]] [[kings]] came here to listen to the [[sutra]].
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| − | They were: the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Evil]] [[Poison]] . Among the [[ghost]] [[kings]], there is one called [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Evil]] [[Poison]]. This [[ghost]] [[king]] is the worst. How? He is extremely vicious, [[evil]] and {{Wiki|venomous}}. He wants swallow any being he sees in one gulp. Is he not harsh? He is mean in [[thought]] and vicious in [[speech]], which means that he deals with bad [[people]] rather than good [[people]]. Bad [[people]] are mean {{Wiki|psychologically}} and mean verbally, so they can only be dealt with through viciousness and meanness. You are [[evil]], but he is even more [[evil]] than you; you are {{Wiki|venomous}}, but he is even more {{Wiki|venomous}} than you. Do not think this [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Evil]] [[Poison]] is someone we need to {{Wiki|fear}}. Do not be afraid, as long as you recite the [[Buddha’s]] [[name]], he will be respectful. If you do not recite the [[Buddha’s]] [[name]], his [[hatred]] will rise. Once you recite the [[Buddha’s]] [[name]], he will not be [[evil]] anymore; once you recite the [[sutras]], he becomes good too. So, no need to be afraid of him. As long as you recite the [[Buddha’s]] [[name]], recite the [[sutra]], develop the resolve for [[Bodhi]], then however [[evil]] he may be, he no longer will be, and however venous he may be, he no longer will be. He turns into a [[Dharma protector]]. Why? The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Evil]] [[Poison]] “appears to look like an [[evil]] and {{Wiki|poisonous}} [[ghost]] [[king]], but has the [[heart]] of a [[Bodhisattva’s]] [[compassion]].” He uses corrupt and vicious methods to save [[living beings]]; otherwise why would he be with [[Son of God]] [[Yama]]? [[Son of God]] [[Yama]] does the same. Although this [[ghost]] [[king]] is named [[Evil]] [[Poison]], he is not really [[evil]] and {{Wiki|poisonous}}. He is respectful to [[Buddhists]], so do not be afraid of him. If you mention [[my name]] in particular, saying, “My [[master]] is so and so, he will definitely give you face.” Why? I signed a contract with him. I said, “As long as any of my [[disciples]] come to you and mention [[my name]], you must hand all their offenses to me.” As long as you mention me, I guarantee he will not [[poison]] you.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] Many [[Evils]] . Although [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Evil]] [[Poison]] is [[evil]] and {{Wiki|poisonous}}, he is not [[evil]] enough and not {{Wiki|poisonous}} enough. There is also the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Many [[Evils]] who incurs countless [[evils]] to counteract [[living beings]] who do countless [[evils]]. I believe all of you have now changed your faults for the better so that you will not be so [[evil]]. How is this [[Ghost]] [[King]] Many [[Evils]] [[evil]]? He does things such as murdering his father, murdering his mother, murdering [[arhats]], wrecking the [[harmony]] of the [[Sangha]], and shedding the {{Wiki|blood}} of a [[Buddha]].
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] Great Argument enjoys [[debates]] in particular. He can provide an argument where there is no argument to speak of. He counteracts unreasonable [[debaters]] who insist that they have a good [[reason]]. They obviously broke the [[precepts]], but they say they did not. They lie and cheat others. This [[Ghost]] [[King]] Great Argument deals with this type of [[people]], so be careful! Remember not to see the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Great Argument because when you do, you will lose any basis for your argument because he is great at arguing.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[White Tiger]] . This [[ghost]] [[king]] has the [[body]] of [[ghost]] but a head of a [[white tiger]].
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] {{Wiki|Blood}} [[Tiger]] has a [[tiger]] head that is bleeding.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] Crimson [[Tiger]] is red all over and has the head of a [[tiger]].
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| − | Why do these [[ghost]] [[kings]] have [[tiger]] heads? They want to look beastly and horrifying so that anyone who has committed the Ten [[Evils]] and the Five Rebellious Acts will tremble in {{Wiki|fear}}.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] Spreading {{Wiki|Disaster}} . Disasters are {{Wiki|inauspicious}} events. He makes these things happen to you. Accidents, thefts, fires and others result as a part of [[cause and effect]]. Everything has its [[cause and effect]]; results occur due to some [[cause]].
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] Flying [[Body]] . This [[ghost]] [[king]] can fly anywhere without having to buy an [[air]] ticket or a ride on a rocket. He can fly faster than a rocket. Anyone who wants to learn to fly should go and find the [[Ghost]] [[King]] Flying [[Body]]. This [[ghost]] [[king]] has such great skills.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] {{Wiki|Lightning}} Flash. His [[eyes]] are as bright as {{Wiki|lightning}} flash.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] {{Wiki|Wolf}} Tooth. This [[ghost]] [[king]] has vicious wolf-like teeth grown outside of his {{Wiki|mouth}}
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] Thousand [[Eyes]] does not have the same [[eyes]] as the Thousand Handed and Thousand Eyed [[Guanyin]] [[Bodhisattva]]. This type of [[ghost]] has lots of horns on them. These horns are similar to {{Wiki|ox}} horns but on each tip of the horn is an [[eye]]. How is the [[eye]] grown? It is concave and grows out of the bone. There is no flesh around the [[eye]], only an [[eye]] inset in his [[body]], so when you look over, it is like a really bright flash of light.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Animal]] Eater . What does this [[ghost]] [[king]] eat in particular? It eats [[animals]]. What kind of [[animals]]? It may eat {{Wiki|tigers}} or any [[animal]] that is vicious.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] Rock Bearer . To show how strong he is, this type of [[ghost]] [[king]] carries a rock as heavy as several ten’s of thousands of pounds. When he sees someone who has committed offenses, he smashes the [[person]] with this large piece of rock so that this [[person]] is flattened into a real thin pancake.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of Bad News always delivers bad news. When you are [[sleeping]], he tells in your [[dream]]: did you know you are going to [[die]] tomorrow? You only have today left to live. He delivers a [[letter]] of bad news to you in the [[form]] of a nightmare.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of {{Wiki|Calamities}} not only delivers bad news in a [[letter]], but actually makes some calamity happen to you: accidents such as car accidents, sunken ships, [[air]] crashes and the like.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of [[Food]] . What you eat each day is fixed. The story I told about the supervisor over [[food]] is a true one. What dishes we eat and what they are made of are all fixed. What we eat tomorrow is fixed too. Imperceptibly, someone is assigning these portions to you.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord of Wealth]] . Someone made an [[offering]] to me today and it has to do with the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord of Wealth]]; he told [[people]] to donate some [[money]] to the [[master]]. Really! This is not off by a [[hair]]. There are no wrong things in the [[world]]; nothing that occurs without [[cause and effect]]. You had created the [[causes]] to become my [[disciples]]; no one can force [[cause and effect]]. It is something major to deny the [[law of cause and effect]]; we must not discredit it.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of Domestic [[Animals]] governs all kinds of [[animals]].
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of Birds governs over fowls.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of {{Wiki|Beasts}}. Earlier it was the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of Domestic [[Animals]], now it the [[Lord]] of wild {{Wiki|beasts}}; there are no domesticated {{Wiki|beasts}} really. There is a [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of {{Wiki|Beasts}} in the Eastern [[Lapis Lazuli]] Mountain. He governs over {{Wiki|beasts}} such as {{Wiki|tigers}}, hares, and [[dragons]]. In the Southern Glass Mountain, there is a [[ghost]] [[king]] who governs over {{Wiki|beasts}} such as {{Wiki|snakes}}, [[horses]], and {{Wiki|goats}}. There is a [[Silver Mountain]] with a [[ghost]] [[king]] that governs over monkeys, chickens and {{Wiki|dogs}}. In the [[North]] there is a {{Wiki|Gold}} Mountain that is formed with {{Wiki|gold}}. But do not try to excavate {{Wiki|gold}} there like the way [[people]] did with the old {{Wiki|Gold}} Mountain or new {{Wiki|Gold}} Mountain. That {{Wiki|Gold}} Mountain cannot be touched or reached. There is a [[ghost]] [[king]] in this {{Wiki|Gold}} Mountain who governs over swine, rats, and {{Wiki|ox}}. The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of {{Wiki|Beasts}} and the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of Domestic [[Animals]] govern over different things and have their own area and turf.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of Mountain Sprites. When there are problems with soil, woods, metal, rocks, or large [[trees]], it is because of mountain sprites and their like. The supervisor for these [[ghosts]] is the [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of Mountain Sprites. In the third assembly of the [[Shurangama Mantra]] is a series of [[ghost]] [[kings]] in charge of such things: la she po ye, zhu la po ye, e qi nip o ye, wu tuo jia po ye, pi sha po ye, she sa duo la po ye, po la zhe jie la po ye, tu she cha po ye.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of [[Birth]] governs [[human]] [[births]]. He will make sure that good [[people]] enjoy safe labors while bad [[people]] [[suffer]] more during labor or cannot complete their labor at all. They are punished so that they may become [[enlightened]], reform and renew themselves.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of [[Life]] governs all [[life]] with [[breath]] and {{Wiki|blood}}.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of [[Sickness]]. Any [[sickness]] is governed by a [[ghost]].
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Lord]] of [[Danger]] is in charge of [[dangerous]] acts of harm.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] Three [[Eyes]] has three [[eyes]]. How do his three [[eyes]] look? They do not look like the [[heavenly]] [[eye]] in the [[Five Eyes]] and Six Penetrations. He has one horizontal one in the middle and two on the sides. The three [[eyes]] [[form]] a triangle. Have you seen such thing?
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] Four [[Eyes]] . His four [[eyes]] [[form]] a square; they are not arranged like the [[Five Eyes]] of the [[Bodhisattvas]]. He looks especially strange so that [[people]] are afraid when he sees him.
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] [[Five Eyes]].
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] Ch’i Li Shih is in charge of [[fire]] in the [[south]].
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| − | The Great [[Ghost]] [[King]] Ch’i Li Shih is in charge of large fires. The [[Ghost]] [[King]] Ch’I Li Shih is in the [[south]]; while farther [[south]], there is a mountain where the Great [[Ghost]] [[King]] Ch’I Li Shih is the [[ghost]] [[king]].
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| − | The [[Ghost]] [[King]] No Ch’a is one of the [[kings]] of the [[Four Great Heavenly Kings]]. He is a [[Dharma protector]], so although he belongs to the category of [[ghosts]], he is not a [[ghost]]. That is why he is named the [[King]] No Ch’a.
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| − | The Great [[Ghost]] [[King]] No Ch’a, and other such great [[ghost]] [[kings]] as mentioned above. When we talked about small [[ghosts]], we said that where there is a large [[ghost]], there is a small [[ghost]]. With them were hundreds of thousands of minor [[ghost]] [[kings]]. A [[ghost]] [[king]] has these [[ghost]] offspring, including children, grandchildren, and other relatives who dwelt throughout southern [[Jambudvipa]], each presiding over certain jurisdictions. Each [[ghost]] has a domain where they may exercise their power.
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| − | [[Sutra]]:
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| − | Aided by the [[Buddha’s]] awesome [[spiritual]] strength and the power of [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] [[Mahasattva]], all these [[ghost]] [[kings]] joined [[Lord]] [[Yama]] in the [[Trayastrimsha]] [[Heaven]] and together they stood to one side. Then [[Lord]] [[Yama]] knelt, placed his palms together, and said to the [[Buddha]], “[[World Honored One]], aided by the [[Buddha’s]] awesome [[spiritual]] strength and the power of [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]], I have been able to come here with all these [[ghost]] [[kings]] to join this [[great assembly]] in the [[Trayastrimsha]] [[Heaven]], which will be very much to our [[benefit]]. There is now a small [[doubt]] that I should like to express, and we {{Wiki|hope}} the [[World Honored One]] will be [[compassionate]] and resolve explain it.”
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| − | Each [[person]] has his/her {{Wiki|individual}} authority. These [[ghosts]] have their authority as [[ghosts]]. Aided by the [[Buddha’s]] awesome [[spiritual]] strength and the [[psychic]] power of [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] [[Mahasattva]], all these [[ghost]] [[kings]] joined [[Lord]] [[Yama]] in the [[Trayastrimsha]] [[Heaven]], the [[Heaven]] of the 33 and together they stood to one side. Then [[Lord]] [[Yama]] knelt, placed his palms together, and said to the [[Buddha]], “[[World Honored One]], aided by the [[Buddha’s]] awesome [[spiritual]] strength and the power of [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]], I, [[Son of god]] [[Yama]], have been able to come here with all these [[ghost]] [[kings]] and members of our retinue to join this [[great assembly]] in the [[Trayastrimsha]] [[Heaven]], which will be very much to our [[benefit]]. There is now a small [[doubt]] that I should like to express. May I have the privilege to ask the [[World Honored One]]? Am I qualified to ask the [[World Honored One]]? And we only {{Wiki|hope}} the [[World Honored One]] will be [[compassionate]] and resolve explain it, thus resolving my problem.”
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| − | [[Sutra]]:
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| − | The [[Buddha]] told [[Lord]] [[Yama]], “I will answer any question you would like to ask.”
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| − | At that [[time]] [[Lord]] [[Yama]] looked respectfully at the [[World Honored One]], made obeisance, turned his head to [[acknowledge]] [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]], and then said to the [[Buddha]], “[[World Honored One]], I observe that [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] uses hundreds of thousands of expedient devices to rescue [[beings]] who are [[suffering]] for their offenses within the Six [[Paths]] of [[rebirth]]. I see that he does so unstintingly, without the least {{Wiki|fatigue}}. Although this great [[Bodhisattva]] uses his [[inconceivable]] [[spiritual]] penetrations to do such [[deeds]], it doesn’t take long for the [[beings]] whom he has helped in gaining release from retribution to fall into the [[evil paths]] again.
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| − | “[[World Honored One]], since [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] has such great [[inconceivable]] [[spiritual powers]], why are [[beings]] not able to rely on him, to stay on the good [[paths]], and to be freed once and for all? Please, [[World Honored One]], explain that for us.”
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| − | The [[Buddha]] told [[Lord]] [[Yama]], “I will answer any question you would like to ask. Ask whatever you would like to ask. I will definitely give you a good answer.” At that [[time]] [[Lord]] [[Yama]] looked respectfully at the [[World Honored One]], made obeisance, turned his head to [[acknowledge]] [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]]. Since the [[Buddha]] is in front of him, he looked at the [[Buddha]] then turned his head to look a look at [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]], a show of [[respect]] for [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]]. And then he said to the [[Buddha]], “[[World Honored One]], I observe that [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] uses hundreds of thousands of expedient devices, using different methods, to rescue [[beings]] who are [[suffering]] for their offenses within the Six [[Paths]] of [[rebirth]]: the [[realm]] of [[gods]], the [[realm]] of [[humans]], the [[realm of asuras]], the [[hells]], the [[realm of hungry ghosts]], and the [[realm of animals]]. I see that he does so unstintingly, without the least {{Wiki|fatigue}}. He is not afraid of any hardship or weariness. Although this great [[Bodhisattva]] uses his [[inconceivable]] [[spiritual]] penetrations to do such [[deeds]], it doesn’t take long for the [[beings]] whom he has helped in gaining release from retribution to fall into the [[evil paths]] again.
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| − | “[[World Honored One]], since [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] has such great [[inconceivable]] [[spiritual powers]], why are [[beings]] not able to rely on him? Why do they not listen to his teachings? Why do they defy the rules? Why are they unable to cultivate by staying on the good [[paths]]? Why do they create offenses? And why are they not to be freed once and for all, instead they are entangled by [[karmic]] obstructions? Please, [[World Honored One]], explain that for us.”
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| − | [[Sutra]]:
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| − | The [[Buddha]] told [[Lord]] [[Yama]], “The [[beings]] of [[Jambudvipa]] have stubborn and obstinate natures, difficult to tame, difficult to subdue. This great [[Bodhisattva]] continually rescues such [[beings]] throughout hundreds of thousands of eons, causing them to obtain [[liberation]] quickly. For those [[beings]] undergoing retributions even in the worst destinies, the [[Bodhisattva]] applies the strength of expedients to extricate them from their own basic [[karmic]] [[conditions]] and lead them to understand the events of their {{Wiki|past}} [[lives]].
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| − | “But because [[beings]] of [[Jambudvipa]] are so bound up by their own heavy bad [[habits]], they keep revolving in and out of the various [[paths]] over and over, as this [[Bodhisattva]] labors throughout many long eons to entirely effect their rescue and release.
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| − | “They are like [[people]] who, in {{Wiki|confusion}}, lose their way home, and take a [[dangerous]] road by mistake. On that [[dangerous]] road are many [[yakshas]], {{Wiki|tigers}}, wolves, [[lions]], serpents, and vipers. Those confused [[people]] are sure to be harmed very quickly on that [[dangerous]] [[path]].
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| − | The [[Buddha Shakyamuni]] told [[Lord]] [[Yama]], “The [[beings]] of southern [[Jambudvipa]] have stubborn and obstinate natures, difficult to tame, difficult to subdue. It is very difficult to make gentle these [[beings]] and subdue them so that they will observe the rules. This is not very easy. For instance, everyone nowadays says that observing rules is bad, why? It is because they do not wish to observe the rules so they say it is bad to observe the rules. Actually, “Without a [[ruler]] and t-square [(which together means rules in {{Wiki|Chinese}})], one cannot draw a square or a circle.” This great [[Bodhisattva]] continually rescues such [[beings]] throughout hundreds of thousands of eons, causing them to obtain [[liberation]] quickly. [[Ghost]] [[kings]] and [[Lord]] [[Yama]] asked as to why [[living beings]] do not listen to [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] and follow his teachings though he has such great [[spiritual powers]]? Why do they leave the [[evil paths]] and then come back down to the [[evil paths]] again? For as long as billions of eons, this great [[Bodhisattva]] repeatedly saves [[living beings]] of this sort so that they may become {{Wiki|liberated}} soon!
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| − | Due to their {{Wiki|confusion}} and [[action]], for those types of [[beings]] undergoing retributionseven in the worst destinies, the three [[evil]] [[realms]] for [[hell-beings]], [[hungry ghosts]] and [[animals]], the [[Bodhisattva]] applies the strength of expedients to extricate them from their own basic [[karmic]] [[conditions]] and lead them to understand the events of their {{Wiki|past}} [[lives]].
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| − | “But because [[beings]] of [[Jambudvipa]] are so bound up by their own heavy bad [[habits]]. . . The [[karma]] of their {{Wiki|past}} [[lives]] is connected to this [[life]], while the [[karma]] of this [[life]] is connected to {{Wiki|future}} [[lives]]. This kind of [[karmic]] retribution is continuous throughout lifetimes like a rope in a knot. This is what it means by [[beings]] bound up by their own heavy bad [[habits]]. What kind of bad [[habits]] are these? The foremost bad [[Wikipedia:Habit (psychology)|habit]] is [[sexual desire]]. All [[beings]] are the same. Every being has a problem that is foremost, something they have the worst [[time]] eliminating, and that is [[lust]]. Eliminating [[lust]] is even more difficult then climbing up to the sky. If you can subdue your [[lust]] so that women have no [[lust]] when they see men and men have no [[lust]] when they see women, then they have tamed their [[tiger]]. Free of [[afflictions]], you have subdued your [[dragon]]. [[Afflictions]] and [[ignorance]] are just like a [[dragon]] that transforms endlessly. It develops without you [[realizing]] it. So first of all, end [[lust]]. This is where you can tell whether you have any cultivation, [[moral]] [[virtue]], or skill. You can test yourself and know for yourself. You have some skill if you have eliminated [[desire]]; if you have not ended your [[desire]], then you are someone with outflow. So cultivating non-outflow refers to no [[lust]]. With [[lust]], there is outflow; without [[lust]], there is no outflow.
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| − | The second [leading bad [[Wikipedia:Habit (psychology)|habit]]] is [[greed]]. Why is there [[lust]]? It is because of [[greed]], such as [[greed]] for a good [[feeling]] and [[greed]] for satisfying one’s [[desire]]. The third [leading bad [[Wikipedia:Habit (psychology)|habit]]] is [[arrogance]]. What is [[arrogance]]? Some [[people]] are not necessarily smarter than others, but they always [[feel]] that they are smarter than everyone else. They look down at everyone. They have to be number one wherever they are. The fourth [leading bad [[Wikipedia:Habit (psychology)|habit]]] is [[hatred]] towards everyone. If you are not good to me, then I will think of a way and kill you or think of other ways to seek revenge. The fifth [leading bad [[Wikipedia:Habit (psychology)|habit]]] is deceptiveness, cheating and pretending. The sixth [leading bad [[Wikipedia:Habit (psychology)|habit]]] is lying. Deception involves pretending to be a good [[person]] when one is a mean [[person]]; that way [[people]] cannot tell. Lying is false [[speech]]. The seventh [leading bad [[Wikipedia:Habit (psychology)|habit]]] is blame, blaming others for every one of their obvious wrong-doings. They say, “I would not have done that if he had not told me. I cannot be faulted for this; it is his problem, his fault.” They shove the blame on others. The eighth [leading bad [[Wikipedia:Habit (psychology)|habit]]] is about deviant [[views]]. Instead of walking down proper [[paths]], [[people]] with this [[Wikipedia:Habit (psychology)|habit]] always walk down improper [[paths]]. The ninth is crookedness. Instead of being straightforward, [[people]] with this [[Wikipedia:Habit (psychology)|habit]] do things that accuse others wrongly and in a twisted [[manner]]. The tenth [leading bad [[Wikipedia:Habit (psychology)|habit]]] is suing. [[People]] who enjoy filing baseless suits tell the judge that certain [[people]] are wrong. I am going to sue him. They think of ways to accuse others wrongly. This is suing. These ten are in the [[Shurangama Sutra]] as the Ten [[Habits]], which will lead to the consequence of the Six Retributions. Due to these ten kinds of [[habits]], [[living beings]] are said to be bounded by intense bad [[habits]].
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| − | They keep revolving in and out of the various [[paths]] over and over. They created all kinds of offenses and [[evil]] because of these ten kinds of [[evil karma]]; hence they got to transcend the [[Three Evil Paths]] then return. They revolve in and out of the [[Three Evil Paths]] because they transcended them in the {{Wiki|present}} [[life]] but then enter them again in the next [[life]]. As this [[Bodhisattva]] [[Earth Store]] labors and works so hard throughout many long eons to entirely effect their rescue and release, saving all [[beings]]. For instance, “They are like [[people]] who, in {{Wiki|confusion}}, lose their way home, and take a [[dangerous]] road by mistake. On that [[dangerous]] road are many [[yakshas]], {{Wiki|tigers}}, wolves, [[lions]], serpents, and vipers. [[Yakshas]] represent {{Wiki|skepticism}} in the Five Dull Servants. {{Wiki|Skepticism}} means doubting everything because there is a lack of [[confidence]]. {{Wiki|Tigers}} represent [[greed]]. Were we to tame our [[lust]], then we would have tamed our [[tiger]]. Without having subdued [[lust]], we have not subdued the [[tiger]]. What do wolves [[symbolize]]? [[Hatred]]. Wolves are mean, which applies to both wolves and [[hatred]]. [[Lions]] represent [[delusion]] and [[foolishness]]. Serpents and vipers represent [[arrogance]]. [[Greed]], [[hatred]], [[delusion]], [[arrogance]], and [[doubt]] are the Five Dull Servants. Those confused [[people]] are sure to be harmed very quickly on that [[dangerous]] [[path]] full of the Five Dull Servants of [[greed]], [[hatred]], [[delusion]], [[arrogance]], and [[doubt]]. They will be hurt by the Five Dull Servants in an instant in [[time]]; thereby they commit offenses that push them into the [[Three Evil Paths]].
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| − | [[Sutra]]:
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| − | But then they meet a [[knowledgeable]] guide, [[skilled]] in avoiding all the potential harm, including the toxins of the [[yakshas]] and others. This {{Wiki|mentor}} begins to lead the travelers off that [[dangerous]] [[path]], saying, ‘Beware, everyone! What business has brought you onto this road? What kinds of special skills do you have to avoid all those dangers?’
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| − | “Hearing that, the confused travelers realize that they are on a [[dangerous]] [[path]] and turn back, attempting to escape. The kind guide then tells them to join hands takes them by the hand, leads them off the [[dangerous]] [[path]], and helps them avoid the deadly peril. When they reach a safe road, the travelers are relieved and [[calm]] down. Their guide then says to them, ‘Take care, confused ones, never to get back on that [[path]] again. Once on it, it is hard to get off; it can destroy a person’s very [[nature]] and [[life]].’
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| − | “The travelers who had been lost confused express their deep [[gratitude]], and as they are about to part, the {{Wiki|mentor}} says to them, ‘If you see those dear to you and any other travelers, whether you know them personally or not, be they men or women, tell them that the dangers and [[evils]] on that [[path]] could destroy their very natures and [[lives]]. Do not allow them to unwittingly bring about their own [[deaths]].’
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| − | Commentary:
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| − | But then they meet a [[knowledgeable]] guide, a good [[teacher]]. Who is he? He is [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]]. He is [[skilled]] in lots of [[magic]] because of his finely wondrous and [[inconceivable]] [[wisdom]] through [[spiritual powers]]. He is good at avoiding all the potential harm. What kind of harm? All the harms that {{Wiki|tigers}}, wolves, [[lions]], [[yakshas]], and the like can do, including the toxins of the [[yakshas]] and others. [[Yakshas]] are speedy [[ghosts]] who are very [[evil]]. This {{Wiki|mentor}} begins to lead the lost travelers off that [[dangerous]] [[path]], saying, ‘Beware, everyone! Hey guys! What business has brought you onto this road? Why are you on this [[dangerous]] road? What kinds of special skills do you have to avoid all those dangers? Do you have any [[spiritual powers]] that can subdue all the {{Wiki|tigers}}, wolves, and [[lions]] on this road?’
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| − | “Hearing that, the confused travelers are extremely shocked and realize that they are on a [[dangerous]] [[path]] and turn back, attempting to escape. Only then did they realize that they made a mistake and walked down the wrong road. They want to back up immediately and leave this [[path]] of [[danger]]. The kind guide, [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]], then tells them to join hands takes them by the hand, leads them off or pulls them off the [[dangerous]] [[path]], and helps them avoid the deadly peril. They get to avoid all the [[dangerous]] creatures such as {{Wiki|tigers}}, wolves, and [[lions]], [[yakshas]], serpents, and vipers. When they leave the [[Three Evil Paths]] and reach a safe road, the travelers are relieved and [[calm]] down. Their guide then says to them, the previously lost travelers, ‘Take care, confused ones, lost {{Wiki|individuals}}, never to get back on that [[path]] again, the [[Three Evil Paths]]. Once on it, it is hard to get off. [[People]] who enter the [[Three Evil Paths]] do not leave easily. It can destroy a person’s very [[life]]. Someone walking on this [[path]] of [[danger]] will lose his [[life]].’
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| − | “The travelers who had been confused lost express their deep [[gratitude]] . Having heard such instructions from such a good [[teacher]], [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]], they are very grateful and think, ‘This [[person]] is really very good to me.’ And as they are about to part, the {{Wiki|mentor}} says to them, ‘If you see those dear to you and any other travelers , whether you know them personally or not, be they men or women, tell them that the dangers and [[evils]] on that [[path]] that is the [[Three Evil Paths]] could destroy their very natures and [[lives]]. Do not allow them to unwittingly bring about their own [[deaths]] by walking onto the [[Three Evil Paths]] and [[suffer]] endlessly.’
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| − | </poem>
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| − | {{R}}
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| − | [http://www.cttbusa.org/esscommentary/earthstore8.htm www.cttbusa.org]
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| | [[Category:Yama]] | | [[Category:Yama]] |
| | + | {{Disambiguationpages}} |
