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| | + | * [[The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter XI: The Dharma Protection of an Earth Spirit]] |
| | + | * [[The Sutra of the Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva with Commentary by the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua#Chapter 11: The Earth Spirit Protects the Dharma|The Sutra of the Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva with Commentary by the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua - Chapter 11: The Earth Spirit Protects the Dharma]] |
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| − | <poem>
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| − | The [[earth spirit]] that is referred to in this chapter is called “Firm and {{Wiki|Stable}}”. What is firm? The [[earth]] is firm. What is solid? The [[earth]] is solid. Now we are [[standing]] on [[earth]] like ants on a great boat. The numerous ants would not make the boat rock back and forth, because they do not have enough strength to do so. [[Earth]] is hanging in [[space]]; the {{Wiki|atmosphere}} and [[air]] are holding it in place, so it will not break . I t is like a great boat in the ocean.
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| − | There are a great number of [[earth]] [[spirits]]. When [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] was {{Wiki|speaking}} the [[Agama Sutra]], the [[earth spirit]], Firm and {{Wiki|Stable}}, appeared to listen to the [[Dharma]]. But this [[earth spirit]] was very [[arrogant]] and haughty . He said, “In the whole [[universe]], I’m the only [[earth spirit]], and there are no other [[spirits]].” But [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] replied, “You are not the only [[earth spirit]]. There are also [[water spirits]], [[fire]] [[spirits]], and [[wind]] [[spirits]].” This [[earth spirit]] was not [[pleased]] to hear the [[Buddha’s]] answer, and said in an [[arrogant]] tone, “How come there are other [[spirits]]? Everything is supported by [[earth]]; they have no right to be called [[spirits]].” [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] then talked about [[water spirits]], [[fire]] [[spirits]], and [[wind]] [[spirits]]. Using various means, the [[Buddha]] finally persuaded the [[earth spirit]]. He took [[refuge]] with the Triple [[Jewels]], and lost h is haughtiness. In [[space]], there are four [[elemental]] [[spirits]]: the [[earth]] [[spirits]], the [[water spirits]], the [[fire]] [[spirits]], and the [[wind]] [[spirits]]. [[Humans]] are composed of the [[four elements]]; each of these four [[spirits]] gives every {{Wiki|individual}} a little bit of [[water]], [[fire]], [[wind]], and [[earth]], forming a [[body]].
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| − | The [[word]] “[[earth]]” has two meanings. First, in terms of “[[phenomenon]]”: [[earth]] is the start of everything; it gives [[birth]] to all things, and supports them. In terms of “noumenon”: [[earth]] has [[four virtues]] -- {{Wiki|permanence}}, [[happiness]], [[purity]], and [[true self]]. What is {{Wiki|permanence}}? Systems are the door of [[earth]], which never changes. {{Wiki|Permanence}}, therefore, is a [[virtuous]] quality of [[earth]]. [[Earth]] supports all things; everything [[exists]] by the power of [[earth]]. [[Happiness]], therefore, is a [[virtuous]] quality to [[earth]]. [[Earth]] can give [[life]] to all things. Things growing out of the [[earth]] are [[pure]] and untainted -- the [[virtue]] of [[purity]]. The [[earth]] is at ease; which is a [[virtuous]] quality of the [[true self]]. The [[earth]] [[spirits]] enjoy these [[four virtues]].
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| − | The second meaning is in terms of “noumenon”. When the [[Buddha]] was {{Wiki|speaking}} the eleventh chapter of the [[Earth Store Sutra]], the [[earth spirit]] [[vowed]] to {{Wiki|protect}} everyone who recites [[Earth Store]] [[Bodhisattva’s]] [[name]], who recites the [[Earth Store Sutra]] and who enjoys [[good roots]]. This is why this chapter is called “the [[Dharma]] [[Protection]] of the [[Earth]] [[Spirits]]”.
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| − | Today is a very special day, graduation day for the summer session. [[Time]] flies by so quickly, in a blink of an [[eye]], six weeks have gone. It is impossible to turn back [[time]] and repeat these six weeks. We will have to wait until next year for another summer. Although the [[time]] remains the same, it will be a different year. We will be one year older, and yet one year closer to [[death]]. The numbers [[exist]], but there seems to be minimal difference between [[time]] [[experienced]] versus [[time]] to come. As our age increases by one year, our remaining years of [[life]] {{Wiki|decreases}} by one year. For instance, a 40 year-old is meant to live until 80, so at the age of 39, he has 41 years left to live. One year passes, at the age of 40, he only has 40 years left to live. This is half and half. Is [[time]] not meaningless when pondered in this [[manner]]? Although some of your [[time]] spent this year was very meaningful and worthwhile. Why? You have deposited [[Buddhist teachings]] into your {{Wiki|brain}}, planting them into your field of [[Eighth Consciousness]]. Once [[bodhi]] [[seeds]] are planted and [[bodhi]] sprouts develop, we bear [[bodhi]] {{Wiki|fruits}} in the {{Wiki|future}}, [[realizing]] [[Buddhahood]].
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| − | At the same [[time]], I need to tell you: something peculiar will happen. Let us take your [[parents]], for example. They do not bother you at all when you learn to be degenerate. They figure they will let you go free. They treat you fine. However, when you want to be good and to study [[Buddhism]], their temper seeps out, criticizing everything about you. They ignored your taking [[drugs]], drinking [[alcohol]], and [[smoking]] cigarettes, figuring that you will get over it. Now that you are over it, they are upset. They say, “You want to be good, then you must be filial to your [[parents]]. Let me scold you, hit you, or treat you poorly now!” Are troubles headed your way? Actually this is a test to see whether you really want to be good. If so, the more they criticize you or hit you, the more [[pleased]] you would be. Just remember not to cry. [[Seeing]] how [[happy]] you are, their temper will disappear; otherwise you will be in big trouble. Treat everything as a test on whether you know how to apply the [[Buddhadharma]] you learned: whether you are {{Wiki|patient}}, keep the [[precepts]], give, are diligent, [[meditate]] and are [[wise]]? If you pass these tests, you will earn [[boundless]] benefits; if you fail, you will have start over. These six weeks are {{Wiki|gold}}. Keep it now that you have it; do not lose it. You will be different from others. How? I don’t mean for you to be [[arrogant]], [[thinking]], “I’m a [[Buddha]], I want others to [[bow]] to me.” Don’t put on airs. Be [[compassionate]] and {{Wiki|patient}} toward everyone. Be better to someone who is not nice to you. Regardless whether someone is nice to you, watch your own faults and not the faults of others. “[[Mahasattvas]] do not care about others; [[Amitabha]] takes care of himself.” You take care of yourself, OK!
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| − | Today concludes the six week summer session, but not the [[sutra]] lectures. I do not know when I will finish the lecture series. It will be done when I stop [[breathing]]. Everyday that I {{Wiki|breathe}} is every day that I propagate the [[Dharma]]. [[Dharma]] [[propagation]] resumes every evening. We resume to lecturing on the [[Earth Store Sutra]] at 12:30 on Saturdays at Jyushiling, the [[Great Compassion]] [[Dharani Sutra]] from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and the [[Earth Store Sutra]] in the evenings. I will be explaining the [[Earth Store Sutra]] tonight. I used to lecture on the [[Dharma Flower Sutra]] Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings; however, since I have three chapters, including this chapter, on the [[Earth Store Sutra]] left, I would like to finish it before the [[shramanera]] and the [[shramanerika]] go to {{Wiki|Taiwan}} to request the [[precepts]]. Since I would not be able to finish the [[Dharma Flower Sutra]] before then, I will rush through the [[Earth Store Sutra]] before I get to the [[Dharma Flower Sutra]] next. It’s not [[time]] for the [[Avatamsaka Sutra]] yet; we will need to wait on that. Thursday evenings so and so and others may lecture. In [[general]], Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings are times for you to practice lecturing on the [[sutras]] and share part of my load. Don’t make me do so much work, wearing me out and turning my [[hair]] grey. My [[hair]] became black not too long ago. I don’t want it grey again. So let’s resume our former evening lecture schedule.
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| − | [[Sutra]]:
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| − | At that [[time]], the [[Earth Spirit]] Firm and {{Wiki|Stable}} addressed the [[Buddha]] thus, “[[World Honored One]], since long ago I have personally beheld and [[bowed]] to limitless numbers of [[Bodhisattvas]] [[Mahasattvas]]. All of them have inconceivably great [[spiritual]] penetrations and [[wisdom]] that they use in taking across vast numbers of [[beings]]. Among all the [[Bodhisattvas]], [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] [[Mahasattva]] has made the deepest and weightiest [[vows]]. [[World Honored One]], [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] has great affinities with [[beings]] in [[Jambudvipa]]. [[Manjushri]], [[Universal Worthy]] [[[Samantabhadra]]], Contemplator of the World’s {{Wiki|Sounds}} [[[Avalokiteshvara]], [[Guanyin]]], and [[Maitreya]] also [[manifest]] hundreds of thousands of [[transformation]] [[bodies]] to rescue those in the Six [[Paths]], but their [[vows]] will ultimately be fulfilled. [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] keeps renewing his [[vows]] to teach and [[transform]] [[beings]] in the Six [[Paths]] throughout eons as numerous as the number of sand grains in thousands of billions of [[Ganges]] [[Rivers]].
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| − | Commentary:
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| − | At that [[time]], the [[Earth Spirit]] Firm and {{Wiki|Stable}}, the [[Dharma]] guardian of this chapter, [[vowed]] to {{Wiki|protect}} the [[Dharma]]. He addressed the [[Buddha]] thus, “[[World Honored One]], since long ago. . . From limitless eons ago until now, I have personally beheld, without removing my gaze, andbowed to limitless numbers of [[Bodhisattvas]] [[Mahasattvas]]… I saw a great number of [[Bodhisattvas]] before, and I [[bowed]] to a large number of [[Bodhisattvas]]. [[Mahasattvas]] are all great [[Bodhisattvas]]. All of them have inconceivably great [[spiritual]] penetrations and wisdom…these great [[Bodhisattvas]] all have [[great wisdom]]. One must have [[great wisdom]] to cultivate the [[Great Vehicle]]. What is the [[Great Vehicle]]? It is an [[inconceivable]] state. Their [[spiritual]] penetrations and [[wisdom]] are limitless. The unfathomablepowers that they use in taking across vast numbers of [[beings]]… they deliver all [[beings]] to [[perfection]]. Among all the [[Bodhisattvas]], [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] [[Mahasattva]]… all these great [[Bodhisattvas]] deliver all [[beings]] to the shore of [[perfection]], one among all [[Bodhisattvas]]… is [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]]. Among all the great [[Bodhisattvas]], he has made the deepest and weightiest [[vows]] . He said, “Unless the [[hells]] are emptied, I will not become a [[Buddha]]. Until all [[beings]] are saved, I will not realize [[Bodhi]].” The power of this [[vow]] is particularly profound and substantial. [[World Honored One]], [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] has great affinities with [[beings]] in [[Jambudvipa]]. [[Manjushri]], [[Universal Worthy]] [[[Samantabhadra]]] [[Bodhisattva]], Contemplator of the World’s {{Wiki|Sounds}} [[[Avalokiteshvara]], [[Guanyin]]] [[Bodhisattva]], and [[Maitreya Bodhisattva]] also [[manifest]] hundreds of thousands of [[transformation]] [[bodies]] to rescue those in the Six [[Paths]]… They [[vowed]] to deliver every being of the Six [[Path]] to [[Buddhahood]]. But their [[vows]] will ultimately be fulfilled… Although the power of their [[vows]] is tremendous, it will be depleted one day, the day when their [[vows]] are [[realized]]. [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] keeps renewing his [[vows]] to teach and [[transform]] [[beings]] in the Six [[Paths]]… he [[vowed]] to teach the [[beings]] in the Six [[Paths]]: [[heavenly beings]], [[human]], [[asuras]], [[beings]] in the [[hells]], [[hungry ghosts]], and [[animals]] throughout eons as numerous as the number of sand grains in thousands of billions of [[Ganges]] [[Rivers]]… the [[vows]] he made and the eons he lived are as numerous as the number of sand grains in trillions of [[Ganges]] [[rivers]].
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| − | [[Sutra]]:
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| − | “[[World Honored One]], as I regard [[beings]] of the {{Wiki|present}} and {{Wiki|future}}, I see those who make [[shrines]] of clay, stone, {{Wiki|bamboo}}, or [[wood]] and set them on [[pure]] ground in the southern part of their {{Wiki|dwellings}}. They place within the [[shrines]] images of [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]], either sculpted or painted, or made of {{Wiki|gold}}, {{Wiki|silver}}, {{Wiki|copper}}, or {{Wiki|iron}}. Then they burn [[incense]], make [[offerings]], behold, {{Wiki|worship}}, and praise him. By doing those things, such [[people]] will receive ten kinds of benefits for their {{Wiki|dwellings}}.
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| − | “What are those ten? First, their lands will be {{Wiki|fertile}}. Second, their families and homes will always be [[peaceful]]. Third, their {{Wiki|ancestors}} will be born in the [[heavens]]. Fourth, those of the current generation will enjoy benefits and long [[lives]]. Fifth, they will easily obtain what they want. Sixth, they will not encounter disasters of [[water]] and [[fire]]. Seventh, they will avoid unforeseen {{Wiki|calamities}}. Eighth, they will never have nightmares. Ninth, they will be protected by [[spirits]] in their daily comings and goings. Tenth, they will create many [[causes]] that lead to sagehood.
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| − | The [[earth spirit]], Firm and {{Wiki|Stable}}, said: [[World Honored One]], as I regard [[beings]] of the {{Wiki|present}} and {{Wiki|future}}… I see all [[beings]] in the {{Wiki|present}} and in the {{Wiki|future}}. I see those who make [[shrines]] of clay, stone, {{Wiki|bamboo}}, or [[wood]] and set them on [[pure]] ground in the southern part of their {{Wiki|dwellings}}. They place within the [[shrines]] images of [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]], either sculpted or painted, or made of {{Wiki|gold}}, {{Wiki|silver}}, {{Wiki|copper}}, or {{Wiki|iron}}. Then they burn [[incense]], make [[offerings]], behold, {{Wiki|worship}}, and praise him… Come and gaze in adoration. For instance, [[Bodhisattva]] when a man likes a woman, he will look and look, look and look again. Or when a woman likes a man, she will look and look, look and look again. This kind of looking is impure, consisting of [[lust]]. [[Transform]] [[thoughts]] of [[lust]] into [[wisdom]]. Gaze admiringly at [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] with the [[purity]] of [[wisdom]]. This is the way to look; do not look the way men and women in [[love]] look. Gazing in admiration is a [[pure]] and natural force. We say, “Oh! The power of [[Earth Store]] [[Bodhisattva’s]] [[vows]] are huge! We should all believe in [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]]. Okay! Let’s all recite the [[Earth Store Sutra]] and [[bow]] to him!” So, let me send an [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] home with you so that you may look and look, look until you become [[Buddhas]], become [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]]. By doing those things, such [[people]] will receive ten kinds of benefits for their {{Wiki|dwellings}}.
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| − | What are those ten? First, their lands will be {{Wiki|fertile}}… One, the {{Wiki|excellent}} soil is rich and {{Wiki|fertile}}. Anything planted in this piece of land will grow and be big. Land in Alaska is like this, growing extremely long cucumbers. That is {{Wiki|fertile}}.
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| − | Second, their families and homes will always be [[peaceful]]… Besides owning bountiful lands, they enjoy [[peace]] in their residence. What good is {{Wiki|fertile}} land if the dwelling place is not [[peaceful]]? For these [[people]], homes built on these lands never have to {{Wiki|worry}} about earthquakes. So-and-so said if I were going to {{Wiki|Minnesota}}, she will come with me. How come she does not bother to ask her husband for his preference? She said if I leave {{Wiki|San Francisco}}, earthquakes might occur, so she wants to follow me to {{Wiki|Minnesota}}. This [[benefit]] refers to everlasting [[peace]] in these {{Wiki|individuals}}’ families and homes.
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| − | Third, their {{Wiki|ancestors}} will be born in the [[heavens]]… This means our deceased [[parents]], perhaps as far back as those in seven of our lifetimes, will become [[reborn]] in the [[heavens]]. How come they will [[reborn]] in the [[heavens]]? It is due to your worshipping, gazing at, bowing and believing in [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]]. Consequently our families and homes are forever [[peaceful]], our lands are {{Wiki|fertile}}, and our {{Wiki|ancestors}} become [[reborn]] in the [[heavens]].
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| − | Fourth, those of the current generation will enjoy benefits and long [[lives]]… Some may [[doubt]] this: I will not necessarily see the deceased become [[reborn]] in the [[heavens]]. This may just be your claim. Do you want to see it? Cultivate! When you acquire the [[Heavenly]] [[Eye]], you will be able to see. Now let us not talk about what you cannot see; now let us talk about what you can see. Your [[parents]] were meant to live until fifty, but are now eighty years old; or if they were meant to live until eighty, but are now 100. Their lifes are extended. I will tell you a true story. {{Wiki|Fortune tellers}} told a laywoman’s father that he will definitely [[die]] by the age of 79. He was afraid and came to [[take refuge]]. He took [[refuge]] with certain [[conditions]]; he wanted me to make him live another ten years. I said, “Fine, ten years! No problem.” I made him that promise so that he lived until the age of 91, another twelve years. I told him then, “I guarantee that you will live twelve more years if you listen to me and conduct yourself according to the teachings.” Who [[knows]] whether what I said was true or not, but he did not [[die]] at the age of 79. He lived for another twelve years and [[died]] at the age of 91. His wife and two daughters also became [[Buddhists]]. Everybody [[knows]] this story, but there is just a bit of uncertainty: is this real?
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| − | Fifth, they will easily obtain what they want… Those in the {{Wiki|present}} may enjoy benefits and longer [[lives]], but that is other [[people]]. I do not gain anything by it. Now here is something that is good for you. Your wishes come true. For example, one thing that most [[people]] think is most critical may be a man or a woman’s {{Wiki|hope}} for a good spouse. He or she will get their wish. This is an issue for laypeople. What about [[monastics]]? They will be good [[monks and nuns]], getting their wish. If you say, “I’m not [[interested]] in any of these.” Find something that interests you and the {{Wiki|related}} wishes will come true.
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| − | </poem>
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| − | {{R}}
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| − | [http://www.cttbusa.org/esscommentary/earthstore11.htm www.cttbusa.org]
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| | [[Category:Earth lords]] | | [[Category:Earth lords]] |
