Difference between revisions of "The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 2 - Expedient Devices"
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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 2</big><br/> | <big>Chapter 2</big><br/> | ||
<big><big>Expedient Devices</big></big>}}<br/><br/> | <big><big>Expedient Devices</big></big>}}<br/><br/> | ||
− | At that time the World Honored One arose serenely from samadhi and told Shariputra, “The wisdom of all the Buddhas is extremely profound and unlimited. The gateway to this wisdom is difficult to understand and difficult to enter. It cannot be known by any of the Hearers or Pratyekabudhas. | + | At that [[time]] the [[World Honored One]] arose serenely from [[samadhi]] and told [[Shariputra]], “The [[wisdom]] of all the [[Buddhas]] is extremely profound and [[unlimited]]. The gateway to this [[wisdom]] is difficult to understand and difficult to enter. It cannot be known by any of the Hearers or Pratyekabudhas. |
− | What is the reason? The Buddhas have, in the past, drawn near to countless hundreds of thousands of tens of thousands of millions of Buddhas, exhaustively practicing the unlimited dharmas of the Way of those Buddhas. They are forging ahead with courage and vigor and their names are known everywhere.” | + | What is the [[reason]]? The [[Buddhas]] have, in the {{Wiki|past}}, drawn near to countless hundreds of thousands of tens of thousands of millions of [[Buddhas]], exhaustively practicing the [[unlimited]] [[dharmas]] of the Way of those [[Buddhas]]. They are forging ahead with [[courage]] and [[vigor]] and their names are known everywhere.” |
− | “They have accomplished the most profound Dharma, one which has never been before, and speak of it according to what is appropriate, but its purport is difficult to understand.” | + | “They have accomplished the most profound [[Dharma]], one which has never been before, and speak of it according to what is appropriate, but its purport is difficult to understand.” |
− | + | “[[Shariputra]], from the [[time]] I [[realized]] [[Buddhahood]], I have, by means of various [[causes]] and [[conditions]] and various analogies, extensively proclaimed the [[verbal]] [[teaching]]. With countless expedient devices, I have guided [[living beings]], leading them to separate from all [[attachments]].” | |
− | “Why is this? The Thus Come One has already perfected his expedient devices, his knowledge and vision, and the paramitas.” | + | “Why is this? The [[Thus Come One]] has already perfected his expedient devices, his [[knowledge and vision]], and the [[paramitas]].” |
− | + | “[[Shariputra]], the [[knowledge and vision]] of the [[Thus Come One]] is vast, great, profound, and far-reaching. He has profoundly entered, without boundary, the unlimiteds, the unobstructeds, the [[powers]], the [[fearlessnesses]], the [[dhyana]] concentrations, and the [[samadhis]] of [[liberation]], accomplishing all those [[dharmas]] never had before.” | |
− | + | “[[Shariputra]], the [[Thus Come One]] is able to make various discriminations, cleverly {{Wiki|speaking}} all [[dharmas]]. His [[speech]] is gentle and delights the hearts of the multitudes.” | |
− | + | “[[Shariputra]], [[essentially]] {{Wiki|speaking}}, the [[Buddha]] has fully accomplished all of those [[unlimited]], [[boundless]] [[dharmas]] which have never been before.” | |
“Stop.” | “Stop.” | ||
− | + | “[[Shariputra]], there is no need to speak further. Why is this? As to that foremost, rare, and hard-to-understand [[Dharma]] accomplished by the Buddha—only the [[Buddhas]] and the [[Buddha]] can exhaust the Real Mark of all [[dharmas]]. That is to say with regard to all [[dharmas]]: the [[suchness]] of the marks, the [[suchness]] of the [[nature]], the [[suchness]] of the [[substance]], the [[suchness]] of the power, the [[suchness]] of the [[function]], the [[suchness]] of the [[causes]], the [[suchness]] of the [[conditions]], the [[suchness]] of the effects, the [[suchness]] of the retributions, and the [[suchness]] of the [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] equality from beginning to end.” | |
− | At that time, the World Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses saying, | + | At that [[time]], the [[World Honored One]], wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses saying, |
<poem> | <poem> | ||
− | Illimitable are the heroes of the world. | + | Illimitable are the heroes of the [[world]]. |
− | All the gods and people in the world, | + | All the [[gods]] and [[people]] in the [[world]], |
− | And all the classes of living beings | + | And all the classes of [[living beings]] |
− | Cannot know the Buddhas. | + | Cannot know the [[Buddhas]]. |
− | The | + | The [[Buddhas]]’ [[powers]], [[fearlessnesses]], |
− | Liberations and samadhis, | + | [[Liberations]] and [[samadhis]], |
− | And other dharmas of the Buddhas | + | And other [[dharmas]] of the [[Buddhas]] |
Can be fathomed by no one. | Can be fathomed by no one. | ||
− | Formerly, following countless Buddhas, | + | Formerly, following countless [[Buddhas]], |
− | I perfectly walked all the paths | + | I perfectly walked all the [[paths]] |
− | Of the wonderful Dharma, subtle and deep, | + | Of the wonderful [[Dharma]], {{Wiki|subtle}} and deep, |
Hard to see and hard to understand; | Hard to see and hard to understand; | ||
Through limitless millions of eons, | Through limitless millions of eons, | ||
− | I walked down all these paths. | + | I walked down all these [[paths]]. |
− | In the Bodhimanda, I realized the fruit, | + | In the [[Bodhimanda]], I [[realized]] the fruit, |
And have fully known and seen it all. | And have fully known and seen it all. | ||
The great effect and retribution, | The great effect and retribution, | ||
The various natures, marks, and meanings, | The various natures, marks, and meanings, | ||
− | Are such that I and the ten-direction Buddhas | + | Are such that I and the ten-direction [[Buddhas]] |
Alone can understand these matters. | Alone can understand these matters. | ||
− | This Dharma cannot be demonstrated, | + | This [[Dharma]] cannot be demonstrated, |
− | The mark of language being still and extinct; | + | The mark of [[language]] being still and [[extinct]]; |
− | Of all the kinds of living beings | + | Of all the kinds of [[living beings]] |
There is none who can understand it. | There is none who can understand it. | ||
− | Except the host of Bodhisattvas, | + | Except the host of [[Bodhisattvas]], |
− | Firm in the power of faith. | + | Firm in the power of [[faith]]. |
− | The host of the Buddha’s disciples | + | The host of the [[Buddha’s]] [[disciples]] |
− | Who have made offerings to the Buddhas | + | Who have made [[offerings]] to the [[Buddhas]] |
And who have exhausted all outflows, | And who have exhausted all outflows, | ||
− | And dwell in their final | + | And dwell in their final [[bodies]]— |
− | The strength of people such as these | + | The strength of [[people]] such as these |
Also proves inadequate. | Also proves inadequate. | ||
− | If the world were filled | + | If the [[world]] were filled |
− | With those like Shariputra, | + | With those like [[Shariputra]], |
− | Who together spent their thoughts to measure it, | + | Who together spent their [[thoughts]] to [[measure]] it, |
− | They could not fathom the Buddha’s wisdom. | + | They could not fathom the [[Buddha’s wisdom]]. |
− | Truly, suppose the ten directions, | + | Truly, suppose the [[ten directions]], |
− | Were filled with those like Shariputra, | + | Were filled with those like [[Shariputra]], |
− | And that the remaining disciples filled | + | And that the remaining [[disciples]] filled |
− | All the lands in the ten directions, | + | All the lands in the [[ten directions]], |
− | And that together they spent their thoughts to measure it, | + | And that together they spent their [[thoughts]] to [[measure]] it, |
They also could not know it. | They also could not know it. | ||
− | If Pratyekabuddhas of sharp wisdom | + | If [[Pratyekabuddhas]] of sharp [[wisdom]] |
− | Without outflows, in their final bodies, | + | Without outflows, in their final [[bodies]], |
− | Also filled the ten directions, | + | Also filled the [[ten directions]], |
− | Their number like the bamboo in the forest, | + | Their number like the {{Wiki|bamboo}} in the {{Wiki|forest}}, |
− | And if they put their minds together, | + | And if they put their [[minds]] together, |
− | Wishing to think about the Buddha’s real wisdom, | + | Wishing to think about the [[Buddha’s]] real [[wisdom]], |
Throughout measureless millions eons, | Throughout measureless millions eons, | ||
They could not know the smallest part of it. | They could not know the smallest part of it. | ||
− | Suppose newly resolved Bodhisattvas, | + | Suppose newly resolved [[Bodhisattvas]], |
− | Who have made offerings to countless Buddhas, | + | Who have made [[offerings]] to countless [[Buddhas]], |
− | Who understand the principle and the purport, | + | Who understand the [[principle]] and the purport, |
− | And are well able to speak the Dharma, | + | And are well able to speak the [[Dharma]], |
− | Whose numbers are like rice, hemp, bamboo, and reeds, | + | Whose numbers are like {{Wiki|rice}}, hemp, {{Wiki|bamboo}}, and reeds, |
Filled the ten-direction lands, | Filled the ten-direction lands, | ||
− | And suppose with one mind and with wondrous wisdom, | + | And suppose with one [[mind]] and with wondrous [[wisdom]], |
− | Throughout eons like the | + | Throughout eons like the [[Ganges]]’ sands, |
They were all together to think it over, | They were all together to think it over, | ||
− | Even they could not know the Buddha’s wisdom. | + | Even they could not know the [[Buddha’s wisdom]]. |
− | Suppose that non-retreating Bodhisattvas, | + | Suppose that non-retreating [[Bodhisattvas]], |
− | Their number like the | + | Their number like the [[Ganges]]’ sands, |
− | With one mind thought to seek that wisdom | + | With one [[mind]] [[thought]] to seek that [[wisdom]] |
They also could not know of it. | They also could not know of it. | ||
− | And what is more, Shariputra, | + | And what is more, [[Shariputra]], |
− | That inconceivable, non-outflow, | + | That [[inconceivable]], non-outflow, |
− | Most profound and subtle Dharma, | + | Most profound and {{Wiki|subtle}} [[Dharma]], |
I have perfectly obtained, | I have perfectly obtained, | ||
And I alone know its mark, | And I alone know its mark, | ||
− | Along with the ten-direction Buddhas. | + | Along with the ten-direction [[Buddhas]]. |
− | Shariputra, you should know | + | [[Shariputra]], you should know |
− | The words of the Buddhas do not differ. | + | The words of the [[Buddhas]] do not differ. |
− | In the Dharma spoken by the Buddhas | + | In the [[Dharma]] spoken by the [[Buddhas]] |
− | You should place the power of great faith. | + | You should place the power of great [[faith]]. |
− | When the World Honored One’s Dharma is at its end, | + | When the [[World]] Honored One’s [[Dharma]] is at its end, |
The true and real must be spoken. | The true and real must be spoken. | ||
I tell the assembly of Hearers | I tell the assembly of Hearers | ||
− | And those who seek the Conditioned Enlightened Vehicle, | + | And those who seek the [[Conditioned]] [[Enlightened]] [[Vehicle]], |
That I will lead them to cast off suffering’s bond, | That I will lead them to cast off suffering’s bond, | ||
− | And arrive at Nirvana. | + | And arrive at [[Nirvana]]. |
− | The Buddha uses the power of expedients, | + | The [[Buddha]] uses the power of expedients, |
− | Demonstrating the teaching of Three Vehicles, | + | Demonstrating the [[teaching]] of [[Three Vehicles]], |
− | So that living beings, attached in many places, | + | So that [[living beings]], [[attached]] in many places, |
May be guided to escape. | May be guided to escape. | ||
</poem> | </poem> | ||
− | At that time in the assembly there were Hearers, Arhats with outflows extinguished, Ajnatakaundinya and others, twelve hundred persons, as well as Bhikshus, Bhikshunis, Upasakas, and Upasikas who had brought forth the resolve to become Hearers and Pratyekabuddhas. They all had the following thought: | + | At that [[time]] in the assembly there were Hearers, [[Arhats]] with outflows [[extinguished]], [[Ajnatakaundinya]] and others, twelve hundred persons, as well as [[Bhikshus]], [[Bhikshunis]], [[Upasakas]], and [[Upasikas]] who had brought forth the resolve to become Hearers and [[Pratyekabuddhas]]. They all had the following [[thought]]: |
− | “Why, now, does the World Honored One repeatedly praise the expedient devices saying, ‘the Dharma obtained by the Buddha is so extremely profound and difficult to understand and the purport of his speech is so difficult to know, that none of the Hearers or Pratyekabuddhas can grasp it.’ The Buddha has spoken of but one principle of liberation and we have already obtained this Dharma and arrived at Nirvana. Now, we do not understand his intention.” | + | “Why, now, does the [[World Honored One]] repeatedly praise the expedient devices saying, ‘the [[Dharma]] obtained by the [[Buddha]] is so extremely profound and difficult to understand and the purport of his [[speech]] is so difficult to know, that none of the Hearers or [[Pratyekabuddhas]] can [[grasp]] it.’ The [[Buddha]] has spoken of but one [[principle]] of [[liberation]] and we have already obtained this [[Dharma]] and arrived at [[Nirvana]]. Now, we do not understand his [[intention]].” |
− | At that time Shariputra, knowing the doubts in the minds of the fourfold assembly, and himself not yet fully understanding, addressed the Buddha saying: “For what reason has the World Honored One repeatedly praised the foremost expedient devices of the Buddhas and the extremely profound and wonderful Dharma which is difficult to understand? From the past onwards I have never heard the Buddha speak in such a way. Presently, the fourfold assembly all has doubts. I only pray that the World Honored One will expound upon this subject: Why has the World Honored One repeatedly praised the Dharma, which is extremely profound, subtle, and hard to understand?” | + | At that [[time]] [[Shariputra]], [[knowing]] the [[doubts]] in the [[minds]] of the fourfold assembly, and himself not yet fully [[understanding]], addressed the [[Buddha]] saying: “For what [[reason]] has the [[World Honored One]] repeatedly praised the foremost expedient devices of the [[Buddhas]] and the extremely profound and wonderful [[Dharma]] which is difficult to understand? From the {{Wiki|past}} onwards I have never heard the [[Buddha]] speak in such a way. Presently, the fourfold assembly all has [[doubts]]. I only pray that the [[World Honored One]] will expound upon this [[subject]]: Why has the [[World Honored One]] repeatedly praised the [[Dharma]], which is extremely profound, {{Wiki|subtle}}, and hard to understand?” |
− | At that time, Shariputra, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses saying, | + | At that [[time]], [[Shariputra]], wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses saying, |
<poem> | <poem> | ||
− | Oh! Sun of Wisdom, Great Honored Sage, | + | Oh! {{Wiki|Sun}} of [[Wisdom]], Great Honored [[Sage]], |
− | Long have you waited to speak this Dharma; | + | Long have you waited to speak this [[Dharma]]; |
− | Speaking of your attainments of such | + | {{Wiki|Speaking}} of your attainments of such |
− | Powers, fearlessnesses, and samadhis, | + | [[Powers]], [[fearlessnesses]], and [[samadhis]], |
− | Dhyanasamadhis and liberations, | + | Dhyanasamadhis and [[liberations]], |
− | And other inconceivable dharmas. | + | And other [[inconceivable]] [[dharmas]]. |
− | Concerning the Dharma obtained in the Bodhimanda, | + | Concerning the [[Dharma]] obtained in the [[Bodhimanda]], |
No one is able to raise a question. | No one is able to raise a question. | ||
− | I find its meaning hard to fathom, | + | I find its meaning [[hard to fathom]], |
And am also unable to ask about it. | And am also unable to ask about it. | ||
So you speak unasked, | So you speak unasked, | ||
− | Praising the path you have walked | + | Praising the [[path]] you have walked |
− | And that wisdom fine and subtle, | + | And that [[wisdom]] fine and {{Wiki|subtle}}, |
− | Attained by all the Buddhas. | + | Attained by all the [[Buddhas]]. |
− | All the Arhats, without outflows, | + | All the [[Arhats]], without outflows, |
− | And those who seek Nirvana, | + | And those who seek [[Nirvana]], |
− | Have fallen into a net of doubts. | + | Have fallen into a net of [[doubts]]. |
− | “Why has the Buddha said this?” | + | “Why has the [[Buddha]] said this?” |
− | Those who seek Condition Enlightenment, | + | Those who seek [[Condition]] [[Enlightenment]], |
− | The Bhikshus, the Bhikshunis, | + | The [[Bhikshus]], the [[Bhikshunis]], |
− | Gods, dragons, ghosts, and spirits, | + | [[Gods]], [[dragons]], [[ghosts]], and [[spirits]], |
− | Gandharvas and others, | + | [[Gandharvas]] and others, |
Look at one another, perplexed, | Look at one another, perplexed, | ||
And then gaze at the Doubly Complete Honored One. | And then gaze at the Doubly Complete Honored One. | ||
− | “What is the meaning of this matter?” | + | “What is the meaning of this {{Wiki|matter}}?” |
− | “We pray that the Buddha will explain.” | + | “We pray that the [[Buddha]] will explain.” |
Of the host of Hearers | Of the host of Hearers | ||
− | The Buddha has declared me foremost, | + | The [[Buddha]] has declared me foremost, |
− | And yet now with my own wisdom | + | And yet now with my own [[wisdom]] |
− | I cannot resolve my doubts. | + | I cannot resolve my [[doubts]]. |
− | Is this Dharma ultimate? | + | Is this [[Dharma]] [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]]? |
− | Or is it the path to be walked? | + | Or is it the [[path]] to be walked? |
− | Disciples born from the Buddha’s mouth, | + | [[Disciples]] born from the [[Buddha’s]] {{Wiki|mouth}}, |
With joined palms wait, expectantly. | With joined palms wait, expectantly. | ||
− | Pray put forth the subtle sound, | + | Pray put forth the {{Wiki|subtle}} [[sound]], |
− | For it is time to tell it as it really is. | + | For it is [[time]] to tell it as it really is. |
− | The gods, dragons, spirits, and others | + | The [[gods]], [[dragons]], [[spirits]], and others |
− | Their numbers like the | + | Their numbers like the [[Ganges]]’ sands, |
− | Bodhisattvas seeking Buddhahood, | + | [[Bodhisattvas]] seeking [[Buddhahood]], |
Numbering a full eighty thousand, | Numbering a full eighty thousand, | ||
And, from myriads of millions of lands, | And, from myriads of millions of lands, | ||
− | Wheel-turning sage kings have come, | + | Wheel-turning [[Wikipedia:Sage (sophos|sage]] [[kings]] have come, |
− | With joined palms and reverent minds | + | With joined palms and reverent [[minds]] |
All wish to hear of the perfect way. | All wish to hear of the perfect way. | ||
</poem> | </poem> | ||
− | At that time the Buddha told Shariputra, “Stop! Stop! There is no need to speak further. If this matter were spoken of, the gods and humans in all the worlds would be frightened and led to doubts.” | + | At that [[time]] the [[Buddha]] told [[Shariputra]], “Stop! Stop! There is no need to speak further. If this {{Wiki|matter}} were spoken of, the [[gods]] and [[humans]] in all the [[worlds]] would be frightened and led to [[doubts]].” |
− | Shariputra again addressed the Buddha saying, | + | [[Shariputra]] again addressed the [[Buddha]] saying, “[[World Honored One]], I only pray that you will speak it. I only pray that you will speak it. What is the [[reason]]? In this assembly are countless hundreds of thousands of myriads of millions of asankhyeyas of [[living beings]] who have, in the {{Wiki|past}}, seen the [[Buddhas]]. Their [[roots]] are keen and their [[wisdom]] bright. Hearing what the [[Buddha]] says they will be able to revere and believe it.” |
− | At that time, Shariputra, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke the following verses: | + | At that [[time]], [[Shariputra]], wishing to restate this meaning, spoke the following verses: |
<poem> | <poem> | ||
− | Dharma King, Supremely Honored One, | + | [[Dharma King]], Supremely Honored One, |
Do but speak; pray have no worries, | Do but speak; pray have no worries, | ||
For, with in the limitless multitudes, | For, with in the limitless multitudes, | ||
Are those who can revere and believe it. | Are those who can revere and believe it. | ||
</poem> | </poem> | ||
− | The Buddha again stopped Shariputra, “If this matter were spoken of, the gods, humans, and asuras in all the worlds would be frightened and led to doubt, and those Bhikshus of overweening pride would fall into a big pit.” | + | The [[Buddha]] again stopped [[Shariputra]], “If this {{Wiki|matter}} were spoken of, the [[gods]], [[humans]], and [[asuras]] in all the [[worlds]] would be frightened and led to [[doubt]], and those [[Bhikshus]] of overweening [[pride]] would fall into a big pit.” |
− | Then the World Honored One restated his meaning in verse, saying, | + | Then the [[World Honored One]] restated his meaning in verse, saying, |
<poem> | <poem> | ||
Stop, stop. It must not be spoken. | Stop, stop. It must not be spoken. | ||
− | My Dharma is wonderful beyond conception, | + | My [[Dharma]] is wonderful beyond {{Wiki|conception}}, |
− | And those of undue pride who heard it, | + | And those of undue [[pride]] who heard it, |
Surely would neither revere nor believe it. | Surely would neither revere nor believe it. | ||
</poem> | </poem> | ||
− | At that time, Shariputra further addressed the Buddha, saying, | + | At that [[time]], [[Shariputra]] further addressed the [[Buddha]], saying, “[[World Honored One]], I only pray that you will speak it. I only pray that you will speak it. Presently, within this assembly are those who are my {{Wiki|equal}}, hundreds of thousands of myriads of millions of them. [[Life]] after [[life]] they have been [[transformed]] by the [[Buddha]]. [[People]] such as these will surely be able to revere and believe you. They will gain {{Wiki|security}} and great [[benefit]] within the long night.” |
− | At that time, Shariputra, wishing to restate his meaning, recited the following verses: | + | At that [[time]], [[Shariputra]], wishing to restate his meaning, recited the following verses: |
<poem> | <poem> | ||
Supreme and Doubly Honored One. | Supreme and Doubly Honored One. | ||
− | Pray speak the foremost Dharma. | + | Pray speak the foremost [[Dharma]]. |
− | I, the Buddha’s eldest disciple, | + | I, the [[Buddha’s]] eldest [[disciple]], |
Wish you will but speak it in detail. | Wish you will but speak it in detail. | ||
The limitless host here assembled, | The limitless host here assembled, | ||
− | Can revere and believe this Dharma, | + | Can revere and believe this [[Dharma]], |
− | For the Buddha has, for life after life, | + | For the [[Buddha]] has, for [[life]] after [[life]], |
− | Taught and transformed such ones as these. | + | Taught and [[transformed]] such ones as these. |
− | With one mind, with palms joined, | + | With one [[mind]], with palms joined, |
− | We all wish to hear the Buddha speak. | + | We all wish to hear the [[Buddha]] speak. |
Twelve hundred of us there are, | Twelve hundred of us there are, | ||
− | And more, seeking Buddhahood. | + | And more, seeking [[Buddhahood]]. |
Pray, for those assembled here, | Pray, for those assembled here, | ||
Speak of it in detail; | Speak of it in detail; | ||
− | Having heard this Dharma, | + | Having heard this [[Dharma]], |
− | Great will our rejoicing be. | + | Great will our [[rejoicing]] be. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
− | Thereupon the World Honored One told Shariputra, “Since you have earnestly requested three times, how can I not speak? You should now listen attentively, think upon it well, and be mindful of it; I will explain it in detail for your sake.” | + | Thereupon the [[World Honored One]] told [[Shariputra]], “Since you have earnestly requested three times, how can I not speak? You should now listen attentively, think upon it well, and be [[mindful]] of it; I will explain it in detail for your sake.” |
− | As he said these words, five thousand Bhikshus, Bhikshunis, Upasakas, and Upasikas in the assembly rose from their seats, made obeisance to the Buddha and left. What was the reason? The roots of their offenses were deep and grave and they were of such overweening pride that they claimed to have obtained what they had not yet obtained and to have certified to that to which they had not yet certified to. With faults such as these they could not stay. The World Honored One remained silent and did not restrain them. | + | As he said these words, five thousand [[Bhikshus]], [[Bhikshunis]], [[Upasakas]], and [[Upasikas]] in the assembly rose from their seats, made obeisance to the [[Buddha]] and left. What was the [[reason]]? The [[roots]] of their offenses were deep and grave and they were of such overweening [[pride]] that they claimed to have obtained what they had not yet obtained and to have certified to that to which they had not yet certified to. With faults such as these they could not stay. The [[World Honored One]] remained [[silent]] and did not restrain them. |
− | The Buddha then told Shariputra, “My assembly has now been cleared of its branches and leaves and only the trunks remain. Shariputra, it is excellent that those of overweening pride have left. You should now listen well and I shall speak it for you.” | + | The [[Buddha]] then told [[Shariputra]], “My assembly has now been cleared of its branches and leaves and only the trunks remain. [[Shariputra]], it is {{Wiki|excellent}} that those of overweening [[pride]] have left. You should now listen well and I shall speak it for you.” |
− | Shariputra said, “So be it, World Honored One. I wish joyfully to hear it.” | + | [[Shariputra]] said, “So be it, [[World Honored One]]. I wish joyfully to hear it.” |
− | The Buddha told Shariputra, “A wonderful Dharma such as this is spoken only occasionally by the Buddhas, the Thus Come Ones, just as the udumbara flower appears but once in a great while.” | + | The [[Buddha]] told [[Shariputra]], “A wonderful [[Dharma]] such as this is spoken only occasionally by the [[Buddhas]], the Thus Come Ones, just as the [[udumbara]] [[flower]] appears but once in a great while.” |
− | + | “[[Shariputra]], you should all believe that which the [[Buddha]] says, for his words are not vain or false. [[Shariputra]], all the [[Buddhas]] speak the [[Dharma]] in accord with what is appropriate, but its purport is difficult to understand. What is the [[reason]]? I extensively speak all [[dharmas]] by means of countless expedient devices, various [[causes]] and [[conditions]], analogies, and {{Wiki|expressions}}. This [[Dharma]] cannot be understood through {{Wiki|deliberation}} or {{Wiki|discrimination}}. Only the [[Buddhas]] alone can know it. Why is this? All the [[Buddhas]], the [[World]] Honored Ones, appear in the [[world]] only because of the [[causes]] and [[conditions]] of the one great {{Wiki|matter}}.” | |
− | + | “[[Shariputra]], what is meant by ‘All [[Buddhas]], [[World]] Honored Ones, appear in the [[world]] only because of the [[causes]] and [[conditions]] of the one great {{Wiki|matter}}?’ The [[Buddhas]], the [[World]] Honored Ones, appear in the [[world]] because they wish to lead [[living beings]] to open the [[knowledge and vision]] of the [[Buddhas]] and gain [[purity]]. They appear in the [[world]] because they wish to demonstrate to all [[living beings]] the [[knowledge and vision]] of the [[Buddhas]]. They appear in the [[world]] because they wish to lead [[living beings]] to [[awaken]] to the [[knowledge and vision]] of the [[Buddhas]]. They appear in the [[world]] because they wish to lead [[living beings]] to enter into the [[Path]] of the [[knowledge and vision]] of the [[Buddhas]].” | |
− | + | “[[Shariputra]], these are the [[causes]] and [[conditions]] of the one great {{Wiki|matter}} for which all the [[Buddhas]] appear in the [[world]].” | |
− | The Buddha told Sharipura, “All the Buddhas, the Thus Come Ones, teach and transform only Bodhisattvas. All their actions are always for the one matter, and that is only to demonstrate and enlighten living beings to the Buddha’s knowledge and vision. Shariputra, in speaking Dharma to living beings, the Thus Come Ones use only the Buddha Vehicle. There are no other vehicles, whether two or three. Shariputra, the Dharma of all the Buddhas of the ten directions is thus. Shariputra, the Buddhas of the past, by means of limitless, countless expedient devices, various causes and conditions, analogies and expressions, have proclaimed all the dharmas to living beings. These dharmas were all for the sake of the One Buddha Vehicle. All these living beings, hearing the Dharma from the Buddhas, ultimately attain the Wisdom of All Modes.” | + | The [[Buddha]] told Sharipura, “All the [[Buddhas]], the Thus Come Ones, teach and [[transform]] only [[Bodhisattvas]]. All their [[actions]] are always for the one {{Wiki|matter}}, and that is only to demonstrate and [[enlighten]] [[living beings]] to the [[Buddha’s]] [[knowledge and vision]]. [[Shariputra]], in {{Wiki|speaking}} [[Dharma]] to [[living beings]], the Thus Come Ones use only the [[Buddha Vehicle]]. There are no other vehicles, whether two or three. [[Shariputra]], the [[Dharma]] of all the [[Buddhas of the ten directions]] is thus. [[Shariputra]], the [[Buddhas]] of the {{Wiki|past}}, by means of limitless, countless expedient devices, various [[causes]] and [[conditions]], analogies and {{Wiki|expressions}}, have proclaimed all the [[dharmas]] to [[living beings]]. These [[dharmas]] were all for the sake of the One [[Buddha Vehicle]]. All these [[living beings]], hearing the [[Dharma]] from the [[Buddhas]], ultimately attain the [[Wisdom]] of All Modes.” |
− | + | “[[Shariputra]], when the [[Buddhas]] of the {{Wiki|future}} shall come into the [[world]], they will also by means of limitless, countless expedient devices, various [[causes]] and [[conditions]], analogies and {{Wiki|expressions}}, proclaim all the [[dharmas]] to [[living beings]]. These [[dharmas]] will all be for the sake of the One [[Buddha Vehicle]]. Hearing the [[Dharma]] from the [[Buddhas]], all these [[living beings]] will ultimately attain to the [[Wisdom]] of all Modes. | |
− | Shariputra, presently, all the Buddhas, World Honored Ones, throughout the ten directions in limitless hundreds of thousands of myriads of millions of Buddhalands, greatly benefit living beings and bring them peace and happiness. These Buddhas also by means of limitless, countless expedient devices, various causes and conditions, analogies, and expressions, extensively proclaim all the dharmas to living beings. These dharmas are all for the sake of the One Buddha Vehicle. All these living beings, hearing the Dharma from the Buddhas, ultimately attain the Wisdom of All Modes. | + | [[Shariputra]], presently, all the [[Buddhas]], [[World]] Honored Ones, throughout the [[ten directions]] in limitless hundreds of thousands of myriads of millions of [[Buddhalands]], greatly [[benefit]] [[living beings]] and bring them [[peace]] and [[happiness]]. These [[Buddhas]] also by means of limitless, countless expedient devices, various [[causes]] and [[conditions]], analogies, and {{Wiki|expressions}}, extensively proclaim all the [[dharmas]] to [[living beings]]. These [[dharmas]] are all for the sake of the One [[Buddha Vehicle]]. All these [[living beings]], hearing the [[Dharma]] from the [[Buddhas]], ultimately attain the [[Wisdom]] of All Modes. |
− | Shariputra, all the Buddhas only teach and transform Bodhisattvas because they wish to demonstrate to living beings the Buddha’s knowledge and vision, because they wish to awaken living beings to the Buddha’s knowledge and vision, and because they wish to lead living beings to enter the Buddha’s knowledge and vision.” | + | [[Shariputra]], all the [[Buddhas]] only teach and [[transform]] [[Bodhisattvas]] because they wish to demonstrate to [[living beings]] the [[Buddha’s]] [[knowledge and vision]], because they wish to [[awaken]] [[living beings]] to the [[Buddha’s]] [[knowledge and vision]], and because they wish to lead [[living beings]] to enter the [[Buddha’s]] [[knowledge and vision]].” |
− | + | “[[Shariputra]], I, now, too am also like this. [[Knowing]] that [[living beings]] have various [[desires]] to which their hearts are deeply [[attached]], according to their basic dispositions, and by means of various [[causes]] and [[conditions]], analogies, {{Wiki|expressions}}, and the power of expedient devices, I speak the [[Dharma]] to them.” | |
− | + | “[[Shariputra]], this is all done so that they may attain the One [[Buddha Vehicle]] and the [[Wisdom]] of All Modes.” | |
− | + | “[[Shariputra]], in the [[worlds]] of the [[ten directions]], there are not even [[two vehicles]], how much the less three. [[Shariputra]], all [[Buddhas]] appear in the [[world]] of the five [[evil]] turbidities, that is, the [[kalpa]] turbidity, the [[affliction]] turbidity, the [[living beings]] turbidity, the [[view]] turbidity, and the [[life]] turbidity. So, [[Shariputra]], it is that in the [[time]] of the {{Wiki|confusion}} of the [[kalpa]] turbidity, [[living beings]] are heavy-laden with [[impurities]]. Because they are stingy, [[greedy]], envious, and [[jealous]], they develop [[unwholesome]] [[roots]]. For this [[reason]], all the [[Buddhas]], by means of the power of expedient devices, within the One [[Buddha Vehicle]], make discriminations and speak of three. | |
− | Shariputra, if a disciple of mine calls himself an Arhat or Pratyekabuddha, but does not hear or know of the fact that all the Buddhas, the Thus Come Ones, only teach and transform the Bodhisattvas, he is not a disciple of the Buddha nor is he an Arhat, nor is he a Pratyekabuddha.” | + | [[Shariputra]], if a [[disciple]] of mine calls himself an [[Arhat]] or [[Pratyekabuddha]], but does not hear or know of the fact that all the [[Buddhas]], the Thus Come Ones, only teach and [[transform]] the [[Bodhisattvas]], he is not a [[disciple]] of the [[Buddha]] nor is he an [[Arhat]], nor is he a [[Pratyekabuddha]].” |
− | “Furthermore, Shariputra, it should be known that those Bhikshus and Bhikshunis who claim to have attained Arhatship and to dwell in their final bodies before ultimate Nirvana, but who do not further resolve to seek anuttarasamyaksambodhi, are people of overweening pride. Why is this? It is impossible that any Bhikshu who had actually attained Arhatship should not believe this Dharma, except in the case when the Buddha has passed into extinction and no Buddha is in existence. Why is this? After the Buddha has passed into extinction, those who accept, uphold, read, recite, and understand the meaning of Sutras such as this will be hard to find. If they encounter other Buddhas, they will then obtain thorough understanding of this Dharma.” | + | “Furthermore, [[Shariputra]], it should be known that those [[Bhikshus]] and [[Bhikshunis]] who claim to have attained [[Arhatship]] and to dwell in their final [[bodies]] before [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[Nirvana]], but who do not further resolve to seek [[anuttarasamyaksambodhi]], are [[people]] of overweening [[pride]]. Why is this? It is impossible that any [[Bhikshu]] who had actually attained [[Arhatship]] should not believe this [[Dharma]], except in the case when the [[Buddha]] has passed into [[extinction]] and no [[Buddha]] is in [[existence]]. Why is this? After the [[Buddha]] has passed into [[extinction]], those who accept, uphold, read, recite, and understand the meaning of [[Sutras]] such as this will be hard to find. If they encounter other [[Buddhas]], they will then obtain thorough [[understanding]] of this [[Dharma]].” |
− | + | “[[Shariputra]], all of you should, with one [[heart]], believe, understand, accept and uphold the [[speech]] of the [[Buddha]], for in the words of all the [[Buddhas]] there is nothing vain or false. There are no other vehicles; there is only the One [[Buddha Vehicle]].” | |
− | At that time, the World Honored One, wishing to restate his meaning, spoke verses, saying, | + | At that [[time]], the [[World Honored One]], wishing to restate his meaning, spoke verses, saying, |
<poem> | <poem> | ||
− | Those Bhikshus and Bhikshunis, | + | Those [[Bhikshus]] and [[Bhikshunis]], |
− | Who harbor overweening pride. | + | Who harbor overweening [[pride]]. |
− | The arrogant Upasakas, | + | The [[arrogant]] [[Upasakas]], |
− | Upasikas who do not believe, | + | [[Upasikas]] who do not believe, |
In the fourfold host, such ones as these, | In the fourfold host, such ones as these, | ||
Numbering five thousand strong… | Numbering five thousand strong… | ||
Who do not see their own mistakes, | Who do not see their own mistakes, | ||
− | Deficient in morality, | + | Deficient in [[morality]], |
And guarding imperfections, | And guarding imperfections, | ||
− | Those of paltry wisdom have left; | + | Those of paltry [[wisdom]] have left; |
The chaff within the multitude is gone, | The chaff within the multitude is gone, | ||
− | Thanks to the Buddha’s awesome virtue. | + | Thanks to the [[Buddha’s]] awesome [[virtue]]. |
− | These people, lacking blessings and virtue, | + | These [[people]], lacking [[blessings]] and [[virtue]], |
− | Are unworthy of receiving this Dharma. | + | Are unworthy of receiving this [[Dharma]]. |
The assembly is free of branches and leaves; | The assembly is free of branches and leaves; | ||
The trunks alone remain intact. | The trunks alone remain intact. | ||
− | Shariputra, listen well: | + | [[Shariputra]], listen well: |
− | The Dharma obtained by the Buddhas, | + | The [[Dharma]] obtained by the [[Buddhas]], |
− | Is spoken for living beings | + | Is spoken for [[living beings]] |
Through the power of limitless expedients, | Through the power of limitless expedients, | ||
− | The thoughts in living being’s minds, | + | The [[thoughts]] in living being’s [[minds]], |
The various pathways they have walked, | The various pathways they have walked, | ||
− | The nature of their various desires, | + | The [[nature]] of their various [[desires]], |
− | Their karma, good or ill, from former lives, | + | Their [[karma]], good or ill, from former [[lives]], |
− | The Buddha knows them all thoroughly. | + | The [[Buddha]] [[knows]] them all thoroughly. |
− | Using conditions, analogies, | + | Using [[conditions]], analogies, |
Expressions, and powerful expedients, | Expressions, and powerful expedients, | ||
− | I cause them to rejoice. | + | I [[cause]] them to rejoice. |
− | I may speak the Sutras, | + | I may speak the [[Sutras]], |
− | Gathas, or past events, | + | [[Gathas]], or {{Wiki|past}} events, |
− | Of former lives, the unprecedented, | + | Of former [[lives]], the unprecedented, |
− | Causes and conditions, | + | [[Causes]] and [[conditions]], |
Analogies or geyas, | Analogies or geyas, | ||
− | Or the upadesha texts. | + | Or the [[upadesha]] texts. |
− | To dull-rooted ones who delight in lesser dharmas, | + | To dull-rooted ones who [[delight]] in lesser [[dharmas]], |
− | And who are greedily attached to birth and death, | + | And who are greedily [[attached]] to [[birth]] and [[death]], |
− | Who, under limitless Buddhas, | + | Who, under limitless [[Buddhas]], |
− | Have not walked the deep and wondrous Path, | + | Have not walked the deep and wondrous [[Path]], |
− | Oppressed by scores of sufferings, | + | Oppressed by scores of [[sufferings]], |
− | For them I speak of Nirvana. | + | For them I speak of [[Nirvana]]. |
I have established these expedients | I have established these expedients | ||
− | To cause them to enter the Buddha’s wisdom. | + | To [[cause]] them to enter the [[Buddha’s wisdom]]. |
Never did I say, “All of you | Never did I say, “All of you | ||
− | Will realize the Buddha Way.” | + | Will realize the [[Buddha Way]].” |
I did not say as much because | I did not say as much because | ||
− | The time to speak had not yet come. | + | The [[time]] to speak had not yet come. |
− | The time, now, is exactly right, | + | The [[time]], now, is exactly right, |
− | To speak the Great Vehicle. | + | To speak the [[Great Vehicle]]. |
− | The nine division of my Dharma, | + | The nine division of my [[Dharma]], |
− | Are spoken to accord with living beings; | + | Are spoken to accord with [[living beings]]; |
− | Intending to lead them into the Great Vehicle, | + | Intending to lead them into the [[Great Vehicle]], |
− | I therefore speak this Sutra text. | + | I therefore speak this [[Sutra]] text. |
− | For the Buddha’s disciples, pure in heart, | + | For the [[Buddha’s]] [[disciples]], [[pure]] in [[heart]], |
− | Who are compliant and have keen faculties, | + | Who are compliant and have keen [[faculties]], |
− | Who, under countless Buddhas, | + | Who, under countless [[Buddhas]], |
− | Have walked the deep and wondrous Path, | + | Have walked the deep and wondrous [[Path]], |
− | I speak the Sutra of the Great Vehicle. | + | I speak the [[Sutra]] of the [[Great Vehicle]]. |
− | I predict that such people | + | I predict that such [[people]] |
− | In the future will realize the Buddha Way, | + | In the {{Wiki|future}} will realize the [[Buddha Way]], |
− | For with profound thoughts they recollect the Buddha, | + | For with profound [[thoughts]] they recollect the [[Buddha]], |
− | Cultivate and uphold pure morality. | + | Cultivate and uphold [[pure]] [[morality]]. |
− | When they hear that they will become Buddhas | + | When they hear that they will become [[Buddhas]] |
− | Great will their rejoicing be. | + | Great will their [[rejoicing]] be. |
− | The Buddha knows their thoughts and conduct, | + | The [[Buddha]] [[knows]] their [[thoughts]] and conduct, |
− | And speaks the Great Vehicle for them. | + | And speaks the [[Great Vehicle]] for them. |
− | If Hearers or Bodhisattvas, | + | If Hearers or [[Bodhisattvas]], |
− | Hear this Dharma that I speak, | + | Hear this [[Dharma]] that I speak, |
Be it but a single verse, | Be it but a single verse, | ||
− | They will become Buddhas, without a doubt. | + | They will become [[Buddhas]], without a [[doubt]]. |
− | In the Buddhalands of the ten directions, | + | In the [[Buddhalands]] of the [[ten directions]], |
− | There is only the Dharma of One Vehicle; | + | There is only the [[Dharma]] of One [[Vehicle]]; |
There are not two or three, | There are not two or three, | ||
− | Except those spoken by the Buddhas as expedients, | + | Except those spoken by the [[Buddhas]] as expedients, |
And those are but false appellations | And those are but false appellations | ||
− | Used to induce living beings, | + | Used to induce [[living beings]], |
− | So that he may teach them the Buddha’s wisdom. | + | So that he may teach them the [[Buddha’s wisdom]]. |
− | The Buddhas appear in the world | + | The [[Buddhas]] appear in the [[world]] |
Only for the sake of this One Real Matter; | Only for the sake of this One Real Matter; | ||
− | The other two are not the truth; | + | The other two are not the [[truth]]; |
− | To the end they would not use the Small Vehicle | + | To the end they would not use the [[Small Vehicle]] |
− | To rescue living beings. | + | To rescue [[living beings]]. |
− | The Buddha himself dwells in the Great Vehicle, | + | The [[Buddha]] himself dwells in the [[Great Vehicle]], |
− | And in accord with the Dharmas he has gained, | + | And in accord with the [[Dharmas]] he has gained, |
− | Adorned with the power of samadhi and wisdom, | + | Adorned with the power of [[samadhi]] and [[wisdom]], |
− | He uses these to save living beings. | + | He uses these to save [[living beings]]. |
− | Having certified to the supreme path, myself, | + | Having certified to the supreme [[path]], myself, |
− | The Great Vehicle’s Dharma of equality, | + | The Great Vehicle’s [[Dharma]] of equality, |
− | Were I to teach by means of the Small Vehicle, | + | Were I to teach by means of the [[Small Vehicle]], |
− | Even a single human being, | + | Even a single [[human being]], |
− | I would have fallen into stingy greed; | + | I would have fallen into stingy [[greed]]; |
But such a thing could never be. | But such a thing could never be. | ||
− | Should people rely, in faith, upon the Buddha, | + | Should [[people]] rely, in [[faith]], upon the [[Buddha]], |
− | The Thus Come One will not deceive them; | + | The [[Thus Come One]] will not deceive them; |
− | He has no thoughts of envy or greed, | + | He has no [[thoughts]] of [[envy]] or [[greed]], |
− | And he has cut off all the evil in the dharmas. | + | And he has cut off all the [[evil]] in the [[dharmas]]. |
− | Therefore, throughout the ten directions, | + | Therefore, throughout the [[ten directions]], |
− | The Buddha alone has nothing to fear. | + | The [[Buddha]] alone has nothing to {{Wiki|fear}}. |
− | My body adorned with marks, | + | My [[body]] adorned with marks, |
− | I brilliantly illumine the world. | + | I brilliantly illumine the [[world]]. |
Revered by countless multitudes | Revered by countless multitudes | ||
I speak the Seal of the Real Mark. | I speak the Seal of the Real Mark. | ||
− | Shariputra, you should know, | + | [[Shariputra]], you should know, |
− | That in the past I took a vow, | + | That in the {{Wiki|past}} I took a [[vow]], |
Wishing to lead the multitudes, | Wishing to lead the multitudes, | ||
− | To be identical with me. | + | To be [[identical]] with me. |
− | That vow, made long ago, | + | That [[vow]], made long ago, |
Now has been perfectly fulfilled, | Now has been perfectly fulfilled, | ||
− | For I have transformed all beings, | + | For I have [[transformed]] all [[beings]], |
− | Leading them into the Buddha Path. | + | Leading them into the [[Buddha]] [[Path]]. |
− | If, when I met with living beings, | + | If, when I met with [[living beings]], |
− | I taught them just the Buddha Path, | + | I taught them just the [[Buddha]] [[Path]], |
− | Those lacking wisdom would be puzzled; | + | Those lacking [[wisdom]] would be puzzled; |
− | Confused, they would not accept the teaching. | + | Confused, they would not accept the [[teaching]]. |
− | I know that these living beings | + | I know that these [[living beings]] |
− | Have never cultivated good roots. | + | Have never cultivated [[good roots]]. |
− | They are firmly attached to the five desires, | + | They are firmly [[attached]] to the [[five desires]], |
− | And, out of stupidity and love, become afflicted. | + | And, out of [[stupidity]] and [[love]], become afflicted. |
− | Because of all their desires, | + | Because of all their [[desires]], |
− | They fall into the three evil paths, | + | They fall into the [[three evil paths]], |
− | They turn on the wheel in the six destinies, | + | They turn on the [[wheel]] in the six destinies, |
− | Suffering utter misery. | + | [[Suffering]] utter [[misery]]. |
− | They take a tiny form in the womb; | + | They take a tiny [[form]] in the [[womb]]; |
− | Life after life, it continues to grow. | + | [[Life]] after [[life]], it continues to grow. |
− | With scanty virtue and few blessings, | + | With scanty [[virtue]] and few [[blessings]], |
− | They are oppressed by scores of sufferings, | + | They are oppressed by scores of [[sufferings]], |
− | They enter the dense forest of deviant views, | + | They enter the dense {{Wiki|forest}} of deviant [[views]], |
− | Those of existence, non-existence, and the like. | + | Those of [[existence]], [[non-existence]], and the like. |
− | They become dependent on those | + | They become dependent on those [[views]]— |
Sixty-two of them in all. | Sixty-two of them in all. | ||
− | Deeply attached to illusory dharmas, | + | Deeply [[attached]] to [[illusory]] [[dharmas]], |
− | They cling to them firmly and cannot let them go. | + | They [[cling]] to them firmly and cannot let them go. |
− | Arrogant, they brat of their loftiness; | + | [[Arrogant]], they brat of their loftiness; |
They are flatterers, their hearts insincere. | They are flatterers, their hearts insincere. | ||
Throughout ten billion eons, | Throughout ten billion eons, | ||
− | They never hear the Buddha’s name, | + | They never hear the [[Buddha’s]] [[name]], |
− | Nor do they hear the proper Dharma. | + | Nor do they hear the proper [[Dharma]]. |
− | Such people are difficult to save. | + | Such [[people]] are difficult to save. |
− | Therefore, Shariputra, | + | Therefore, [[Shariputra]], |
I set forth expedients for them, | I set forth expedients for them, | ||
Speak of the way to suffering’s end, | Speak of the way to suffering’s end, | ||
− | And demonstrate Nirvana. | + | And demonstrate [[Nirvana]]. |
− | Although I speak of Nirvana, | + | Although I speak of [[Nirvana]], |
− | It is not true extinction. | + | It is not true [[extinction]]. |
− | All dharmas from their origin, | + | All [[dharmas]] from their origin, |
− | Are ever marked by still extinction. | + | Are ever marked by still [[extinction]]. |
− | When the Buddhas’s disciples have walked the Path, | + | When the Buddhas’s [[disciples]] have walked the [[Path]], |
− | In a future age they will become Buddhas. | + | In a {{Wiki|future}} age they will become [[Buddhas]]. |
I possess the power of expedients, | I possess the power of expedients, | ||
− | And demonstrate the Dharma of Three Vehicles. | + | And demonstrate the [[Dharma]] of [[Three Vehicles]]. |
− | All the World Honored Ones, | + | All the [[World]] Honored Ones, |
− | Speak the Dharma of One Vehicle. | + | Speak the [[Dharma]] of One [[Vehicle]]. |
Now all of you assembled here, | Now all of you assembled here, | ||
− | Should cast your doubts aside. | + | Should cast your [[doubts]] aside. |
− | The speech of all Buddhas is the same: | + | The [[speech]] of all [[Buddhas]] is the same: |
− | There is only One Vehicle, not two. | + | There is only One [[Vehicle]], not two. |
− | Throughout countless eons in the past, | + | Throughout countless eons in the {{Wiki|past}}, |
− | Innumerable extinct Buddhas, | + | Innumerable [[extinct]] [[Buddhas]], |
Hundreds of thousand of myriads of millions of them, | Hundreds of thousand of myriads of millions of them, | ||
A number beyond all calculation, | A number beyond all calculation, | ||
− | World Honored Ones such as these, | + | [[World]] Honored Ones such as these, |
− | Used various conditions, analogies, | + | Used various [[conditions]], analogies, |
And the power of countless expedients, | And the power of countless expedients, | ||
− | To proclaim the marks of all dharmas. | + | To proclaim the marks of all [[dharmas]]. |
− | All of those World Honored Ones, | + | All of those [[World]] Honored Ones, |
− | Spoke the Dharma of One Vehicle, | + | Spoke the [[Dharma]] of One [[Vehicle]], |
− | Transforming beings without limit, | + | [[Transforming]] [[beings]] without limit, |
− | Leading them to the Buddha Path. | + | Leading them to the [[Buddha]] [[Path]]. |
− | Further, all great Sagely Lords, | + | Further, all great Sagely [[Lords]], |
− | Know the deep desires in the hearts | + | Know the deep [[desires]] in the hearts |
− | Of all the gods, humans, and other beings | + | Of all the [[gods]], [[humans]], and other [[beings]] |
− | Within all the worlds. | + | Within all the [[worlds]]. |
Using different expedients, | Using different expedients, | ||
− | Which help to reveal the foremost principle. | + | Which help to reveal the foremost [[principle]]. |
− | If there are living beings | + | If there are [[living beings]] |
− | Who have met with Buddhas in the past | + | Who have met with [[Buddhas]] in the {{Wiki|past}} |
− | Heard the Dharma, practiced giving, | + | Heard the [[Dharma]], practiced giving, |
− | Morality, patience, and vigor | + | [[Morality]], [[patience]], and [[vigor]] |
− | Dhyanasamadhi, wisdom, and so on, | + | Dhyanasamadhi, [[wisdom]], and so on, |
− | Cultivating blessings and wisdom, | + | Cultivating [[blessings]] and [[wisdom]], |
Persons such as these | Persons such as these | ||
− | Have all realized the Buddha path. | + | Have all [[realized]] the [[Buddha]] [[path]]. |
− | When those Buddhas have become extinct | + | When those [[Buddhas]] have become [[extinct]] |
If there are those with compliant hearts, | If there are those with compliant hearts, | ||
− | Beings such as these | + | [[Beings]] such as these |
− | Have attained the Buddha Way. | + | Have attained the [[Buddha Way]]. |
− | After the extinction of those Buddhas, | + | After the [[extinction]] of those [[Buddhas]], |
− | Those who have made offerings to their shariras, | + | Those who have made [[offerings]] to their shariras, |
− | Building millions of kinds of stupas, | + | Building millions of kinds of [[stupas]], |
− | Made of gold, silver, or of crystal, | + | Made of {{Wiki|gold}}, {{Wiki|silver}}, or of {{Wiki|crystal}}, |
− | Mother-of-pearl, carnelian, | + | Mother-of-pearl, {{Wiki|carnelian}}, |
− | Rose quartz, lapis lazuli, and other gems, | + | Rose {{Wiki|quartz}}, [[lapis lazuli]], and other [[gems]], |
− | Clear, pure and most ornate, | + | Clear, [[pure]] and most ornate, |
− | Worked to grace the stupas, | + | Worked to grace the [[stupas]], |
− | Or should there be those who have built temples | + | Or should there be those who have built [[temples]] |
− | Out of stone, chandana, or aloeswood, | + | Out of stone, [[chandana]], or aloeswood, |
Hovenia, or other timbers, | Hovenia, or other timbers, | ||
Bricks, clay, and the like, | Bricks, clay, and the like, | ||
Or those who, in the barren waste, | Or those who, in the barren waste, | ||
− | Have piled up earth into a Buddha-shrine, | + | Have piled up [[earth]] into a Buddha-shrine, |
Or even children who, at play, | Or even children who, at play, | ||
− | Have piled up sand to make a stupa, | + | Have piled up sand to make a [[stupa]], |
All persons such as these, | All persons such as these, | ||
− | Have realized the Buddha Way. | + | Have [[realized]] the [[Buddha Way]]. |
− | Those who, for the Buddhas, | + | Those who, for the [[Buddhas]], |
Have erected images, | Have erected images, | ||
Carving all their myriads of marks, | Carving all their myriads of marks, | ||
− | Have realized the Buddha Way. | + | Have [[realized]] the [[Buddha Way]]. |
− | They may have used the seven gems, | + | They may have used the seven [[gems]], |
− | Or bronze or copper, white or red, | + | Or bronze or {{Wiki|copper}}, white or red, |
Wax, lead, or tin, | Wax, lead, or tin, | ||
− | Iron, wood, or clay, | + | {{Wiki|Iron}}, [[wood]], or clay, |
Or, perhaps, lacquered cloth, | Or, perhaps, lacquered cloth, | ||
− | In making Buddha images; | + | In making [[Buddha]] images; |
Persons such as these | Persons such as these | ||
− | Have realized the Buddha Way. | + | Have [[realized]] the [[Buddha Way]]. |
− | Those who painted bright Buddha images, | + | Those who painted bright [[Buddha]] images, |
− | Adorned with the marks of their hundreds of blessings, | + | Adorned with the marks of their hundreds of [[blessings]], |
Whether they did it themselves or employed others, | Whether they did it themselves or employed others, | ||
− | Have realized the Buddha Way. | + | Have [[realized]] the [[Buddha Way]]. |
Even children who, at play, | Even children who, at play, | ||
Who with a straw, a stick, or pen, | Who with a straw, a stick, or pen, | ||
Or even with their fingernails, | Or even with their fingernails, | ||
− | Drew images of the Buddha, | + | Drew images of the [[Buddha]], |
− | People such as these, | + | [[People]] such as these, |
− | Gradually accumulated merit and virtue, | + | Gradually accumulated [[merit]] and [[virtue]], |
− | Perfected the heart of great compassion, | + | Perfected the [[heart]] of [[great compassion]], |
− | And have realized the Buddha Way. | + | And have [[realized]] the [[Buddha Way]]. |
− | They teach only Bodhisattvas, | + | They teach only [[Bodhisattvas]], |
And rescue countless multitudes. | And rescue countless multitudes. | ||
− | Should persons, in stupas or in temples, | + | Should persons, in [[stupas]] or in [[temples]], |
− | Make offerings with a reverent heart, | + | Make [[offerings]] with a reverent [[heart]], |
To jeweled or painted images, | To jeweled or painted images, | ||
− | With flowers, incense, banners, or canopies, | + | With [[flowers]], [[incense]], banners, or canopies, |
− | Or should they cause others to make music, | + | Or should they [[cause]] others to make {{Wiki|music}}, |
− | With drums, horns, or conches, | + | With [[drums]], horns, or [[conches]], |
− | Pan-pipes, flutes, lutes or bamboo lyres, | + | Pan-pipes, flutes, lutes or {{Wiki|bamboo}} lyres, |
− | Guitars, cymbals, or brass gongs, | + | Guitars, [[cymbals]], or brass gongs, |
− | With many wondrous sounds as these, | + | With many wondrous {{Wiki|sounds}} as these, |
− | Played solely as | + | Played solely as [[offerings]]… |
− | Or if, with happy hearts, with songs | + | Or if, with [[happy]] hearts, with songs |
− | And chants they praised the Buddha’s virtues, | + | And [[chants]] they praised the [[Buddha’s]] [[virtues]], |
− | With even just one small sound, | + | With even just one small [[sound]], |
− | They have realized the Buddha Way. | + | They have [[realized]] the [[Buddha Way]]. |
− | If people with scattered minds | + | If [[people]] with scattered [[minds]] |
− | Have given but a single flower | + | Have given but a single [[flower]] |
− | As an offering to a painted image, | + | As an [[offering]] to a painted image, |
− | They shall gradually see numberless Buddhas. | + | They shall gradually see numberless [[Buddhas]]. |
− | If they bowed in worship, | + | If they [[bowed]] in {{Wiki|worship}}, |
Or merely placed their palms together, | Or merely placed their palms together, | ||
Or even raised a single hand, | Or even raised a single hand, | ||
Or gave a slight nod of the head, | Or gave a slight nod of the head, | ||
− | As an offering to the images, | + | As an [[offering]] to the images, |
− | They shall gradually see countless Buddhas, | + | They shall gradually see countless [[Buddhas]], |
− | And have, themselves, realized the Buddha Way. | + | And have, themselves, [[realized]] the [[Buddha Way]]. |
They will rescue countless multitudes, | They will rescue countless multitudes, | ||
− | And enter Nirvana without residue, | + | And enter [[Nirvana]] without residue, |
− | As a fire goes out when the fuel has been consumed. | + | As a [[fire]] goes out when the fuel has been consumed. |
− | If people with scattered minds, | + | If [[people]] with scattered [[minds]], |
− | Enter stupas or temples, | + | Enter [[stupas]] or [[temples]], |
− | And say but once, | + | And say but once, “[[Namo Buddha]],” |
− | They have realized the Buddha Way. | + | They have [[realized]] the [[Buddha Way]]. |
− | Be it from Buddhas of the past, | + | Be it from [[Buddhas]] of the {{Wiki|past}}, |
− | While existent, or after their extinction, | + | While [[existent]], or after their [[extinction]], |
− | Those who have heard this Dharma, | + | Those who have heard this [[Dharma]], |
− | Have realized the Buddha Way. | + | Have [[realized]] the [[Buddha Way]]. |
− | The World Honored Ones of the future, | + | The [[World]] Honored Ones of the {{Wiki|future}}, |
Are limitless in number; | Are limitless in number; | ||
All of these Thus Come Ones, | All of these Thus Come Ones, | ||
− | Will also speak the Dharma of expedient devices. | + | Will also speak the [[Dharma]] of expedient devices. |
All of the Thus Come Ones, | All of the Thus Come Ones, | ||
By means of limitless expedients, | By means of limitless expedients, | ||
− | Help all living beings | + | Help all [[living beings]] |
− | To enter the Buddha’s non-outflow wisdom. | + | To enter the [[Buddha’s]] non-outflow [[wisdom]]. |
− | Of those who have heard the Dharma, | + | Of those who have heard the [[Dharma]], |
− | None will fail to become Buddhas. | + | None will fail to become [[Buddhas]]. |
− | All the Buddhas have made this vow | + | All the [[Buddhas]] have made this [[vow]] |
− | “As to the Buddha Way which I have walked, | + | “As to the [[Buddha Way]] which I have walked, |
− | I wish to lead all living beings | + | I wish to lead all [[living beings]] |
− | Alike to obtain this Path.” | + | Alike to obtain this [[Path]].” |
− | And although the Buddhas of the future | + | And although the [[Buddhas]] of the {{Wiki|future}} |
Will speak a hundred thousand million, | Will speak a hundred thousand million, | ||
Countless Dharma-doors, | Countless Dharma-doors, | ||
− | They are, in fact, for the sake of One Vehicle. | + | They are, in fact, for the sake of One [[Vehicle]]. |
− | All Buddhas, Doubly Perfect Honored Ones, | + | All [[Buddhas]], Doubly Perfect Honored Ones, |
− | Know the Dharmas are eternally without a nature. | + | Know the [[Dharmas]] are eternally without a [[nature]]. |
− | The Buddha-seed arises from conditions; | + | The Buddha-seed arises from [[conditions]]; |
− | Thus they speak of the One Vehicle. | + | Thus they speak of the One [[Vehicle]]. |
− | This Dharma abides in the Dharma’s position, | + | This [[Dharma]] abides in the [[Dharma’s]] position, |
− | Dwelling forever in worldly marks. | + | Dwelling forever in [[worldly]] marks. |
− | Having understood this in the Bodhimanda, | + | Having understood this in the [[Bodhimanda]], |
− | The Guiding Master teaches it expediently. | + | The Guiding [[Master]] teaches it expediently. |
− | Those who receive the offerings of gods and humans, | + | Those who receive the [[offerings]] of [[gods]] and [[humans]], |
− | The Buddhas of the present in the ten directions, | + | The [[Buddhas]] of the {{Wiki|present}} in the [[ten directions]], |
− | Their number like the | + | Their number like the [[Ganges]]’ sands, |
− | Manifest within the world | + | [[Manifest]] within the [[world]] |
− | To bring peace and comfort to living beings, | + | To bring [[peace]] and {{Wiki|comfort}} to [[living beings]], |
− | And also speak Dharma such as this. | + | And also speak [[Dharma]] such as this. |
− | Knowing the foremost still extinction, | + | [[Knowing]] the foremost still [[extinction]], |
They use the power of expedients | They use the power of expedients | ||
− | To demonstrate the various paths, | + | To demonstrate the various [[paths]], |
− | In reality, for the sake of the Buddha Vehicle. | + | In [[reality]], for the sake of the [[Buddha Vehicle]]. |
− | Knowing the conduct of living beings, | + | [[Knowing]] the conduct of [[living beings]], |
− | The thoughts deep within their minds, | + | The [[thoughts]] deep within their [[minds]], |
− | Their habitual actions in the past, | + | Their habitual [[actions]] in the {{Wiki|past}}, |
− | The nature of their desire, the power of their vigor, | + | The [[nature]] of their [[desire]], the power of their [[vigor]], |
− | And their faculties, keen or dull, | + | And their [[faculties]], keen or dull, |
− | They employ various causes and conditions, | + | They employ various [[causes]] and [[conditions]], |
− | Analogies and verbal expressions, | + | Analogies and [[verbal]] {{Wiki|expressions}}, |
To teach them the appropriate expedients. | To teach them the appropriate expedients. | ||
Now I, too, am like them. | Now I, too, am like them. | ||
Using various Dharma-doors, | Using various Dharma-doors, | ||
− | I proclaim the Buddha Way | + | I proclaim the [[Buddha Way]] |
− | To bring peace and comfort to living beings. | + | To bring [[peace]] and {{Wiki|comfort}} to [[living beings]]. |
− | I use the power of my wisdom, | + | I use the power of my [[wisdom]], |
− | To know the nature of | + | To know the [[nature]] of [[beings]]’ [[desires]]; |
− | I speak all dharmas expediently, | + | I speak all [[dharmas]] expediently, |
− | To lead them all to happiness. | + | To lead them all to [[happiness]]. |
− | Shariputra, you should know, | + | [[Shariputra]], you should know, |
− | As I regard them with my Buddha Eye, | + | As I regard them with my [[Buddha Eye]], |
− | I see living beings in the six paths, | + | I see [[living beings]] in the six [[paths]], |
− | Impoverished, lacking blessings and wisdom, | + | Impoverished, lacking [[blessings]] and [[wisdom]], |
− | Entering the dangerous path of birth and death, | + | Entering the [[dangerous]] [[path]] of [[birth]] and [[death]], |
− | Where they suffer unremittingly. | + | Where they [[suffer]] unremittingly. |
− | They are deeply attached to the five desires, | + | They are deeply [[attached]] to the [[five desires]], |
Like a yak caring for its tail, | Like a yak caring for its tail, | ||
− | They smother themselves with greed and love, | + | They smother themselves with [[greed]] and [[love]], |
− | Blind, and in darkness, seeing nothing. | + | Blind, and in {{Wiki|darkness}}, [[seeing]] nothing. |
− | They do not seek the mighty Buddha, | + | They do not seek the mighty [[Buddha]], |
− | Or the Dharma which cuts off suffering, | + | Or the [[Dharma]] which cuts off [[suffering]], |
− | But instead they deeply enter into deviant views; | + | But instead they deeply enter into deviant [[views]]; |
− | With suffering, they wish to cast off suffering. | + | With [[suffering]], they wish to cast off [[suffering]]. |
− | For the sake of these beings, | + | For the sake of these [[beings]], |
− | I give rise to the great compassion heart. | + | I give rise to the [[great compassion]] [[heart]]. |
− | When first I sat in the Bodhimanda, | + | When first I sat in the [[Bodhimanda]], |
− | In contemplation, or walking about the tree, | + | In contemplation, or walking about the [[tree]], |
For a full three times seven days, | For a full three times seven days, | ||
− | I thought over matters such as these: | + | I [[thought]] over matters such as these: |
− | The wisdom which I have obtained, | + | The [[wisdom]] which I have obtained, |
− | Is subtle, wonderful, and foremost, | + | Is {{Wiki|subtle}}, wonderful, and foremost, |
− | But living beings are dull-rooted, | + | But [[living beings]] are dull-rooted, |
− | Attached to pleasure, blinded by delusion; | + | [[Attached]] to [[pleasure]], blinded by [[delusion]]; |
− | Beings such as these, | + | [[Beings]] such as these, |
How can they possibly be saved? | How can they possibly be saved? | ||
− | Just then the Brahma Heaven Kings, | + | Just then the [[Brahma Heaven]] [[Kings]], |
− | As well as the God Shakra, | + | As well as the [[God]] [[Shakra]], |
− | The Four World-Protecting God Kings, | + | The Four World-Protecting [[God]] [[Kings]], |
− | The god of the Heaven of Great Comfort, | + | The [[god]] of the [[Heaven]] of Great {{Wiki|Comfort}}, |
− | And the other heavenly multitudes, | + | And the other [[heavenly]] multitudes, |
− | With retinues numbering in the billions | + | With {{Wiki|retinues}} numbering in the billions |
Reverently placed their palms together, | Reverently placed their palms together, | ||
And requested me to turn the Dharma-wheel. | And requested me to turn the Dharma-wheel. | ||
− | I then thought to myself, | + | I then [[thought]] to myself, |
− | “Were I to praise only the Buddha Vehicle, | + | “Were I to praise only the [[Buddha Vehicle]], |
− | Beings sunk in suffering | + | [[Beings]] sunk in [[suffering]] |
− | Would be unable to believe this Dharma. | + | Would be unable to believe this [[Dharma]]. |
− | They would slander it out of disbelief, | + | They would [[slander]] it out of disbelief, |
− | And fall into the three evil paths. | + | And fall into the [[three evil paths]]. |
− | It is better that I do not speak the Dharma, | + | It is better that I do not speak the [[Dharma]], |
− | But quickly enter into Nirvana.” | + | But quickly enter into [[Nirvana]].” |
− | Then I recalled that the Buddhas of the past | + | Then I recalled that the [[Buddhas]] of the {{Wiki|past}} |
Practiced powerful expedients, | Practiced powerful expedients, | ||
− | And as I now have obtained the Path, | + | And as I now have obtained the [[Path]], |
− | It is fitting that I also teach Three Vehicles. | + | It is fitting that I also teach [[Three Vehicles]]. |
− | When I had been thinking thus, | + | When I had been [[thinking]] thus, |
− | The Buddhas of the ten directions all appeared, | + | The [[Buddhas of the ten directions]] all appeared, |
− | And with the Brahma sound encouraged me, saying, | + | And with the [[Brahma sound]] encouraged me, saying, |
− | “Good indeed, O Shakyamuni, | + | “Good indeed, O [[Shakyamuni]], |
− | Foremost Guiding Master. | + | Foremost Guiding [[Master]]. |
− | Having attained the supreme Dharma, | + | Having attained the supreme [[Dharma]], |
− | You follow the precedent of all Buddhas, | + | You follow the precedent of all [[Buddhas]], |
To employ the power of expedient devices. | To employ the power of expedient devices. | ||
We have all obtained as well, | We have all obtained as well, | ||
− | That foremost Dharma, most wonderful. | + | That foremost [[Dharma]], most wonderful. |
− | For the various kinds of living beings, | + | For the various kinds of [[living beings]], |
− | We discriminate and teach Three Vehicles. | + | We discriminate and teach [[Three Vehicles]]. |
− | Those of little wisdom who delight in lesser dharmas, | + | Those of little [[wisdom]] who [[delight]] in lesser [[dharmas]], |
− | Would not believe that they could become Buddhas. | + | Would not believe that they could become [[Buddhas]]. |
− | That is why we use expedient means, | + | That is why we use [[expedient means]], |
− | To discriminate and teach the various fruits. | + | To discriminate and teach the various {{Wiki|fruits}}. |
− | Although Three Vehicles are taught, | + | Although [[Three Vehicles]] are taught, |
− | It is only for the sake of teaching Bodhisattvas.” | + | It is only for the sake of [[teaching]] [[Bodhisattvas]].” |
− | Shariputra, you should know, | + | [[Shariputra]], you should know, |
− | That when I heard the Sagely | + | That when I heard the Sagely [[Lions]]’ |
− | Deep, pure, and wondrous sound, | + | Deep, [[pure]], and wondrous [[sound]], |
− | I called out “Homage to all Buddhas.” | + | I called out “Homage to all [[Buddhas]].” |
− | And further had this thought, | + | And further had this [[thought]], |
− | “I have come into a turbid, evil world; | + | “I have come into a turbid, [[evil]] [[world]]; |
− | As the Buddhas speak, | + | As the [[Buddhas]] speak, |
I should follow in accord.” | I should follow in accord.” | ||
− | Having thought upon this matter, | + | Having [[thought]] upon this {{Wiki|matter}}, |
− | I went straightaway to Varanasi. | + | I went straightaway to [[Varanasi]]. |
− | Since the still and extinct mark of all dharmas, | + | Since the still and [[extinct]] mark of all [[dharmas]], |
Cannot be expressed in words, | Cannot be expressed in words, | ||
I used the power of expedients, | I used the power of expedients, | ||
− | To instruct the five Bhikshus. | + | To instruct the five [[Bhikshus]]. |
This was called the turning of the Dharma-wheel. | This was called the turning of the Dharma-wheel. | ||
− | Then came the sound of Nirvana, | + | Then came the [[sound]] of [[Nirvana]], |
− | As well as | + | As well as “[[Arhatship]],” |
− | + | “[[Dharma]],” and the “[[Sangha]],” various names. | |
From remote eons onward, | From remote eons onward, | ||
− | I have praised and shown Nirvana’s dharma, | + | I have praised and shown Nirvana’s [[dharma]], |
− | As the final end of birth and death’s sufferings; | + | As the final end of [[birth]] and death’s [[sufferings]]; |
Always have I spoken thus. | Always have I spoken thus. | ||
− | Shariputra, you should know, | + | [[Shariputra]], you should know, |
− | I see disciples of the Buddha, | + | I see [[disciples]] of the [[Buddha]], |
− | Resolutely seeking the Buddha Way, | + | Resolutely seeking the [[Buddha Way]], |
Limitless thousands of myriads of millions of them, | Limitless thousands of myriads of millions of them, | ||
All with hearts of reverence, | All with hearts of reverence, | ||
− | All coming before the Buddha. | + | All coming before the [[Buddha]]. |
− | They had heard, from former Buddhas, | + | They had heard, from former [[Buddhas]], |
− | Expedient teachings of the Dharma. | + | Expedient teachings of the [[Dharma]]. |
− | This causes me to think, | + | This [[causes]] me to think, |
− | “The reason why the Thus Come One appears, | + | “The [[reason]] why the [[Thus Come One]] appears, |
− | Is to teach the wisdom of the Buddha, | + | Is to teach the [[wisdom]] of the [[Buddha]], |
− | And now the time is exactly right.” | + | And now the [[time]] is exactly right.” |
− | Shariputra, you should know, | + | [[Shariputra]], you should know, |
− | Those with dull faculties and slight wisdom, | + | Those with dull [[faculties]] and slight [[wisdom]], |
− | Those attached to marks, the arrogant, | + | Those [[attached]] to marks, the [[arrogant]], |
− | Cannot believe this Dharma. | + | Cannot believe this [[Dharma]]. |
− | I now rejoice and have no fear, | + | I now rejoice and have no {{Wiki|fear}}, |
− | And among the Bodhisattvas, | + | And among the [[Bodhisattvas]], |
I shall cast expedients aside and be straightforward, | I shall cast expedients aside and be straightforward, | ||
− | Speaking only of the supreme Path. | + | {{Wiki|Speaking}} only of the supreme [[Path]]. |
− | When the Bodhisattvas have heard this Dharma, | + | When the [[Bodhisattvas]] have heard this [[Dharma]], |
− | The network of their doubts will be rent (destroyed); | + | The network of their [[doubts]] will be rent (destroyed); |
− | Twelve hundred Arhats | + | Twelve hundred [[Arhats]] |
− | Will all attain to Buddhahood. | + | Will all attain to [[Buddhahood]]. |
− | As the Buddhas of the three periods of time | + | As the [[Buddhas]] of the three periods of [[time]] |
− | In such a manner spoke the Dharma, | + | In such a [[manner]] spoke the [[Dharma]], |
So do I likewise now expound | So do I likewise now expound | ||
− | The undiscriminated Dharma. | + | The undiscriminated [[Dharma]]. |
− | All Buddhas come into the world | + | All [[Buddhas]] come into the [[world]] |
But rarely, and are hard to meet; | But rarely, and are hard to meet; | ||
− | And when they appear in the world, | + | And when they appear in the [[world]], |
− | It is hard for them to speak the Dharma. | + | It is hard for them to speak the [[Dharma]]. |
Throughout countless eons, too, | Throughout countless eons, too, | ||
− | It is difficult to hear this Dharma. | + | It is difficult to hear this [[Dharma]]. |
− | And those who can hear this | + | And those who can hear this [[Dharma]]— |
− | Such people too, are rare, | + | Such [[people]] too, are rare, |
− | Like the udumbara flower, | + | Like the [[udumbara]] [[flower]], |
− | In which all take delight, | + | In which all take [[delight]], |
− | Which the gods and humans prize, | + | Which the [[gods]] and [[humans]] prize, |
− | For it blooms but once in a long, long time | + | For it blooms but once in a long, long [[time]] |
− | So one who hears this Dharma, gives joyful praise, | + | So one who hears this [[Dharma]], gives [[joyful]] praise, |
− | With even just a single word, | + | With even just a single [[word]], |
− | Has thereby made offerings, | + | Has thereby made [[offerings]], |
− | To all the Buddhas of the three periods of time. | + | To all the [[Buddhas]] of the three periods of [[time]]. |
− | Such people are extremely rare, | + | Such [[people]] are extremely rare, |
− | Rarer than the udumbara flower. | + | Rarer than the [[udumbara]] [[flower]]. |
− | All of you should have no doubts, | + | All of you should have no [[doubts]], |
− | For I am the Dharma King; | + | For I am the [[Dharma King]]; |
I declare to the assembly: | I declare to the assembly: | ||
− | I use only the path of One Vehicle, | + | I use only the [[path]] of One [[Vehicle]], |
− | To teach and transform Bodhisattvas. | + | To teach and [[transform]] [[Bodhisattvas]]. |
− | There are no Hearer Disciples. | + | There are no Hearer [[Disciples]]. |
− | Shariputra, all of you, | + | [[Shariputra]], all of you, |
− | The Hearers and Bodhisattvas, | + | The Hearers and [[Bodhisattvas]], |
− | Should know that this wondrous Dharma | + | Should know that this wondrous [[Dharma]] |
− | Is the secret essence of all Buddhas. | + | Is the [[secret essence]] of all [[Buddhas]]. |
− | In the evil world of five turbidities, | + | In the [[evil world of five turbidities]], |
− | Beings who are blissfully attached | + | [[Beings]] who are blissfully [[attached]] |
− | To pleasures and desires, | + | To [[pleasures]] and [[desires]], |
− | Will never seek the Buddha Way. | + | Will never seek the [[Buddha Way]]. |
− | Evil people of the future, | + | [[Evil]] [[people]] of the {{Wiki|future}}, |
− | Hearing the Buddha speak of One Vehicle, | + | Hearing the [[Buddha]] speak of One [[Vehicle]], |
− | In their delusion will not accept or believe it, | + | In their [[delusion]] will not accept or believe it, |
− | But will slander it and fall into the evil paths. | + | But will [[slander]] it and fall into the [[evil paths]]. |
− | Still, those with shame and purity, | + | Still, those with [[shame]] and [[purity]], |
− | Who resolutely seek the Buddha Way, | + | Who resolutely seek the [[Buddha Way]], |
For such ones as these I praise | For such ones as these I praise | ||
− | The path of One Vehicle, extensively. | + | The [[path]] of One [[Vehicle]], extensively. |
− | Shariputra, you should know, | + | [[Shariputra]], you should know, |
− | The Dharma of all Buddhas is like this: | + | The [[Dharma]] of all [[Buddhas]] is like this: |
By means of millions of expedients, | By means of millions of expedients, | ||
− | I speak Dharma in accord with what is appropriate. | + | I speak [[Dharma]] in accord with what is appropriate. |
But those who do not study it, | But those who do not study it, | ||
Will never come to understand it. | Will never come to understand it. | ||
Since all of you already know | Since all of you already know | ||
− | All Buddhas, Masters of the World, | + | All [[Buddhas]], [[Masters]] of the [[World]], |
Work by means of appropriate expedients, | Work by means of appropriate expedients, | ||
− | You should have no further doubts. | + | You should have no further [[doubts]]. |
− | Let your hearts be filled with joy; | + | Let your hearts be filled with [[joy]]; |
− | You know you will reach Buddhahood. | + | You know you will reach [[Buddhahood]]. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
Latest revision as of 10:57, 9 February 2016
The Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra
Chapter 2
Expedient Devices
At that time the World Honored One arose serenely from samadhi and told Shariputra, “The wisdom of all the Buddhas is extremely profound and unlimited. The gateway to this wisdom is difficult to understand and difficult to enter. It cannot be known by any of the Hearers or Pratyekabudhas.
What is the reason? The Buddhas have, in the past, drawn near to countless hundreds of thousands of tens of thousands of millions of Buddhas, exhaustively practicing the unlimited dharmas of the Way of those Buddhas. They are forging ahead with courage and vigor and their names are known everywhere.”
“They have accomplished the most profound Dharma, one which has never been before, and speak of it according to what is appropriate, but its purport is difficult to understand.”
“Shariputra, from the time I realized Buddhahood, I have, by means of various causes and conditions and various analogies, extensively proclaimed the verbal teaching. With countless expedient devices, I have guided living beings, leading them to separate from all attachments.”
“Why is this? The Thus Come One has already perfected his expedient devices, his knowledge and vision, and the paramitas.”
“Shariputra, the knowledge and vision of the Thus Come One is vast, great, profound, and far-reaching. He has profoundly entered, without boundary, the unlimiteds, the unobstructeds, the powers, the fearlessnesses, the dhyana concentrations, and the samadhis of liberation, accomplishing all those dharmas never had before.”
“Shariputra, the Thus Come One is able to make various discriminations, cleverly speaking all dharmas. His speech is gentle and delights the hearts of the multitudes.”
“Shariputra, essentially speaking, the Buddha has fully accomplished all of those unlimited, boundless dharmas which have never been before.”
“Stop.”
“Shariputra, there is no need to speak further. Why is this? As to that foremost, rare, and hard-to-understand Dharma accomplished by the Buddha—only the Buddhas and the Buddha can exhaust the Real Mark of all dharmas. That is to say with regard to all dharmas: the suchness of the marks, the suchness of the nature, the suchness of the substance, the suchness of the power, the suchness of the function, the suchness of the causes, the suchness of the conditions, the suchness of the effects, the suchness of the retributions, and the suchness of the ultimate equality from beginning to end.”
At that time, the World Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses saying,
Illimitable are the heroes of the world.
All the gods and people in the world,
And all the classes of living beings
Cannot know the Buddhas.
The Buddhas’ powers, fearlessnesses,
Liberations and samadhis,
And other dharmas of the Buddhas
Can be fathomed by no one.
Formerly, following countless Buddhas,
I perfectly walked all the paths
Of the wonderful Dharma, subtle and deep,
Hard to see and hard to understand;
Through limitless millions of eons,
I walked down all these paths.
In the Bodhimanda, I realized the fruit,
And have fully known and seen it all.
The great effect and retribution,
The various natures, marks, and meanings,
Are such that I and the ten-direction Buddhas
Alone can understand these matters.
This Dharma cannot be demonstrated,
The mark of language being still and extinct;
Of all the kinds of living beings
There is none who can understand it.
Except the host of Bodhisattvas,
Firm in the power of faith.
The host of the Buddha’s disciples
Who have made offerings to the Buddhas
And who have exhausted all outflows,
And dwell in their final bodies—
The strength of people such as these
Also proves inadequate.
If the world were filled
With those like Shariputra,
Who together spent their thoughts to measure it,
They could not fathom the Buddha’s wisdom.
Truly, suppose the ten directions,
Were filled with those like Shariputra,
And that the remaining disciples filled
All the lands in the ten directions,
And that together they spent their thoughts to measure it,
They also could not know it.
If Pratyekabuddhas of sharp wisdom
Without outflows, in their final bodies,
Also filled the ten directions,
Their number like the bamboo in the forest,
And if they put their minds together,
Wishing to think about the Buddha’s real wisdom,
Throughout measureless millions eons,
They could not know the smallest part of it.
Suppose newly resolved Bodhisattvas,
Who have made offerings to countless Buddhas,
Who understand the principle and the purport,
And are well able to speak the Dharma,
Whose numbers are like rice, hemp, bamboo, and reeds,
Filled the ten-direction lands,
And suppose with one mind and with wondrous wisdom,
Throughout eons like the Ganges’ sands,
They were all together to think it over,
Even they could not know the Buddha’s wisdom.
Suppose that non-retreating Bodhisattvas,
Their number like the Ganges’ sands,
With one mind thought to seek that wisdom
They also could not know of it.
And what is more, Shariputra,
That inconceivable, non-outflow,
Most profound and subtle Dharma,
I have perfectly obtained,
And I alone know its mark,
Along with the ten-direction Buddhas.
Shariputra, you should know
The words of the Buddhas do not differ.
In the Dharma spoken by the Buddhas
You should place the power of great faith.
When the World Honored One’s Dharma is at its end,
The true and real must be spoken.
I tell the assembly of Hearers
And those who seek the Conditioned Enlightened Vehicle,
That I will lead them to cast off suffering’s bond,
And arrive at Nirvana.
The Buddha uses the power of expedients,
Demonstrating the teaching of Three Vehicles,
So that living beings, attached in many places,
May be guided to escape.
At that time in the assembly there were Hearers, Arhats with outflows extinguished, Ajnatakaundinya and others, twelve hundred persons, as well as Bhikshus, Bhikshunis, Upasakas, and Upasikas who had brought forth the resolve to become Hearers and Pratyekabuddhas. They all had the following thought:
“Why, now, does the World Honored One repeatedly praise the expedient devices saying, ‘the Dharma obtained by the Buddha is so extremely profound and difficult to understand and the purport of his speech is so difficult to know, that none of the Hearers or Pratyekabuddhas can grasp it.’ The Buddha has spoken of but one principle of liberation and we have already obtained this Dharma and arrived at Nirvana. Now, we do not understand his intention.”
At that time Shariputra, knowing the doubts in the minds of the fourfold assembly, and himself not yet fully understanding, addressed the Buddha saying: “For what reason has the World Honored One repeatedly praised the foremost expedient devices of the Buddhas and the extremely profound and wonderful Dharma which is difficult to understand? From the past onwards I have never heard the Buddha speak in such a way. Presently, the fourfold assembly all has doubts. I only pray that the World Honored One will expound upon this subject: Why has the World Honored One repeatedly praised the Dharma, which is extremely profound, subtle, and hard to understand?”
At that time, Shariputra, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses saying,
Oh! Sun of Wisdom, Great Honored Sage,
Long have you waited to speak this Dharma;
Speaking of your attainments of such
Powers, fearlessnesses, and samadhis,
Dhyanasamadhis and liberations,
And other inconceivable dharmas.
Concerning the Dharma obtained in the Bodhimanda,
No one is able to raise a question.
I find its meaning hard to fathom,
And am also unable to ask about it.
So you speak unasked,
Praising the path you have walked
And that wisdom fine and subtle,
Attained by all the Buddhas.
All the Arhats, without outflows,
And those who seek Nirvana,
Have fallen into a net of doubts.
“Why has the Buddha said this?”
Those who seek Condition Enlightenment,
The Bhikshus, the Bhikshunis,
Gods, dragons, ghosts, and spirits,
Gandharvas and others,
Look at one another, perplexed,
And then gaze at the Doubly Complete Honored One.
“What is the meaning of this matter?”
“We pray that the Buddha will explain.”
Of the host of Hearers
The Buddha has declared me foremost,
And yet now with my own wisdom
I cannot resolve my doubts.
Is this Dharma ultimate?
Or is it the path to be walked?
Disciples born from the Buddha’s mouth,
With joined palms wait, expectantly.
Pray put forth the subtle sound,
For it is time to tell it as it really is.
The gods, dragons, spirits, and others
Their numbers like the Ganges’ sands,
Bodhisattvas seeking Buddhahood,
Numbering a full eighty thousand,
And, from myriads of millions of lands,
Wheel-turning sage kings have come,
With joined palms and reverent minds
All wish to hear of the perfect way.
At that time the Buddha told Shariputra, “Stop! Stop! There is no need to speak further. If this matter were spoken of, the gods and humans in all the worlds would be frightened and led to doubts.”
Shariputra again addressed the Buddha saying, “World Honored One, I only pray that you will speak it. I only pray that you will speak it. What is the reason? In this assembly are countless hundreds of thousands of myriads of millions of asankhyeyas of living beings who have, in the past, seen the Buddhas. Their roots are keen and their wisdom bright. Hearing what the Buddha says they will be able to revere and believe it.”
At that time, Shariputra, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke the following verses:
Dharma King, Supremely Honored One,
Do but speak; pray have no worries,
For, with in the limitless multitudes,
Are those who can revere and believe it.
The Buddha again stopped Shariputra, “If this matter were spoken of, the gods, humans, and asuras in all the worlds would be frightened and led to doubt, and those Bhikshus of overweening pride would fall into a big pit.”
Then the World Honored One restated his meaning in verse, saying,
Stop, stop. It must not be spoken.
My Dharma is wonderful beyond conception,
And those of undue pride who heard it,
Surely would neither revere nor believe it.
At that time, Shariputra further addressed the Buddha, saying, “World Honored One, I only pray that you will speak it. I only pray that you will speak it. Presently, within this assembly are those who are my equal, hundreds of thousands of myriads of millions of them. Life after life they have been transformed by the Buddha. People such as these will surely be able to revere and believe you. They will gain security and great benefit within the long night.”
At that time, Shariputra, wishing to restate his meaning, recited the following verses:
Supreme and Doubly Honored One.
Pray speak the foremost Dharma.
I, the Buddha’s eldest disciple,
Wish you will but speak it in detail.
The limitless host here assembled,
Can revere and believe this Dharma,
For the Buddha has, for life after life,
Taught and transformed such ones as these.
With one mind, with palms joined,
We all wish to hear the Buddha speak.
Twelve hundred of us there are,
And more, seeking Buddhahood.
Pray, for those assembled here,
Speak of it in detail;
Having heard this Dharma,
Great will our rejoicing be.
Thereupon the World Honored One told Shariputra, “Since you have earnestly requested three times, how can I not speak? You should now listen attentively, think upon it well, and be mindful of it; I will explain it in detail for your sake.”
As he said these words, five thousand Bhikshus, Bhikshunis, Upasakas, and Upasikas in the assembly rose from their seats, made obeisance to the Buddha and left. What was the reason? The roots of their offenses were deep and grave and they were of such overweening pride that they claimed to have obtained what they had not yet obtained and to have certified to that to which they had not yet certified to. With faults such as these they could not stay. The World Honored One remained silent and did not restrain them.
The Buddha then told Shariputra, “My assembly has now been cleared of its branches and leaves and only the trunks remain. Shariputra, it is excellent that those of overweening pride have left. You should now listen well and I shall speak it for you.”
Shariputra said, “So be it, World Honored One. I wish joyfully to hear it.”
The Buddha told Shariputra, “A wonderful Dharma such as this is spoken only occasionally by the Buddhas, the Thus Come Ones, just as the udumbara flower appears but once in a great while.”
“Shariputra, you should all believe that which the Buddha says, for his words are not vain or false. Shariputra, all the Buddhas speak the Dharma in accord with what is appropriate, but its purport is difficult to understand. What is the reason? I extensively speak all dharmas by means of countless expedient devices, various causes and conditions, analogies, and expressions. This Dharma cannot be understood through deliberation or discrimination. Only the Buddhas alone can know it. Why is this? All the Buddhas, the World Honored Ones, appear in the world only because of the causes and conditions of the one great matter.”
“Shariputra, what is meant by ‘All Buddhas, World Honored Ones, appear in the world only because of the causes and conditions of the one great matter?’ The Buddhas, the World Honored Ones, appear in the world because they wish to lead living beings to open the knowledge and vision of the Buddhas and gain purity. They appear in the world because they wish to demonstrate to all living beings the knowledge and vision of the Buddhas. They appear in the world because they wish to lead living beings to awaken to the knowledge and vision of the Buddhas. They appear in the world because they wish to lead living beings to enter into the Path of the knowledge and vision of the Buddhas.”
“Shariputra, these are the causes and conditions of the one great matter for which all the Buddhas appear in the world.”
The Buddha told Sharipura, “All the Buddhas, the Thus Come Ones, teach and transform only Bodhisattvas. All their actions are always for the one matter, and that is only to demonstrate and enlighten living beings to the Buddha’s knowledge and vision. Shariputra, in speaking Dharma to living beings, the Thus Come Ones use only the Buddha Vehicle. There are no other vehicles, whether two or three. Shariputra, the Dharma of all the Buddhas of the ten directions is thus. Shariputra, the Buddhas of the past, by means of limitless, countless expedient devices, various causes and conditions, analogies and expressions, have proclaimed all the dharmas to living beings. These dharmas were all for the sake of the One Buddha Vehicle. All these living beings, hearing the Dharma from the Buddhas, ultimately attain the Wisdom of All Modes.”
“Shariputra, when the Buddhas of the future shall come into the world, they will also by means of limitless, countless expedient devices, various causes and conditions, analogies and expressions, proclaim all the dharmas to living beings. These dharmas will all be for the sake of the One Buddha Vehicle. Hearing the Dharma from the Buddhas, all these living beings will ultimately attain to the Wisdom of all Modes.
Shariputra, presently, all the Buddhas, World Honored Ones, throughout the ten directions in limitless hundreds of thousands of myriads of millions of Buddhalands, greatly benefit living beings and bring them peace and happiness. These Buddhas also by means of limitless, countless expedient devices, various causes and conditions, analogies, and expressions, extensively proclaim all the dharmas to living beings. These dharmas are all for the sake of the One Buddha Vehicle. All these living beings, hearing the Dharma from the Buddhas, ultimately attain the Wisdom of All Modes.
Shariputra, all the Buddhas only teach and transform Bodhisattvas because they wish to demonstrate to living beings the Buddha’s knowledge and vision, because they wish to awaken living beings to the Buddha’s knowledge and vision, and because they wish to lead living beings to enter the Buddha’s knowledge and vision.”
“Shariputra, I, now, too am also like this. Knowing that living beings have various desires to which their hearts are deeply attached, according to their basic dispositions, and by means of various causes and conditions, analogies, expressions, and the power of expedient devices, I speak the Dharma to them.”
“Shariputra, this is all done so that they may attain the One Buddha Vehicle and the Wisdom of All Modes.”
“Shariputra, in the worlds of the ten directions, there are not even two vehicles, how much the less three. Shariputra, all Buddhas appear in the world of the five evil turbidities, that is, the kalpa turbidity, the affliction turbidity, the living beings turbidity, the view turbidity, and the life turbidity. So, Shariputra, it is that in the time of the confusion of the kalpa turbidity, living beings are heavy-laden with impurities. Because they are stingy, greedy, envious, and jealous, they develop unwholesome roots. For this reason, all the Buddhas, by means of the power of expedient devices, within the One Buddha Vehicle, make discriminations and speak of three.
Shariputra, if a disciple of mine calls himself an Arhat or Pratyekabuddha, but does not hear or know of the fact that all the Buddhas, the Thus Come Ones, only teach and transform the Bodhisattvas, he is not a disciple of the Buddha nor is he an Arhat, nor is he a Pratyekabuddha.”
“Furthermore, Shariputra, it should be known that those Bhikshus and Bhikshunis who claim to have attained Arhatship and to dwell in their final bodies before ultimate Nirvana, but who do not further resolve to seek anuttarasamyaksambodhi, are people of overweening pride. Why is this? It is impossible that any Bhikshu who had actually attained Arhatship should not believe this Dharma, except in the case when the Buddha has passed into extinction and no Buddha is in existence. Why is this? After the Buddha has passed into extinction, those who accept, uphold, read, recite, and understand the meaning of Sutras such as this will be hard to find. If they encounter other Buddhas, they will then obtain thorough understanding of this Dharma.”
“Shariputra, all of you should, with one heart, believe, understand, accept and uphold the speech of the Buddha, for in the words of all the Buddhas there is nothing vain or false. There are no other vehicles; there is only the One Buddha Vehicle.”
At that time, the World Honored One, wishing to restate his meaning, spoke verses, saying,
Those Bhikshus and Bhikshunis,
Who harbor overweening pride.
The arrogant Upasakas,
Upasikas who do not believe,
In the fourfold host, such ones as these,
Numbering five thousand strong…
Who do not see their own mistakes,
Deficient in morality,
And guarding imperfections,
Those of paltry wisdom have left;
The chaff within the multitude is gone,
Thanks to the Buddha’s awesome virtue.
These people, lacking blessings and virtue,
Are unworthy of receiving this Dharma.
The assembly is free of branches and leaves;
The trunks alone remain intact.
Shariputra, listen well:
The Dharma obtained by the Buddhas,
Is spoken for living beings
Through the power of limitless expedients,
The thoughts in living being’s minds,
The various pathways they have walked,
The nature of their various desires,
Their karma, good or ill, from former lives,
The Buddha knows them all thoroughly.
Using conditions, analogies,
Expressions, and powerful expedients,
I cause them to rejoice.
I may speak the Sutras,
Gathas, or past events,
Of former lives, the unprecedented,
Causes and conditions,
Analogies or geyas,
Or the upadesha texts.
To dull-rooted ones who delight in lesser dharmas,
And who are greedily attached to birth and death,
Who, under limitless Buddhas,
Have not walked the deep and wondrous Path,
Oppressed by scores of sufferings,
For them I speak of Nirvana.
I have established these expedients
To cause them to enter the Buddha’s wisdom.
Never did I say, “All of you
Will realize the Buddha Way.”
I did not say as much because
The time to speak had not yet come.
The time, now, is exactly right,
To speak the Great Vehicle.
The nine division of my Dharma,
Are spoken to accord with living beings;
Intending to lead them into the Great Vehicle,
I therefore speak this Sutra text.
For the Buddha’s disciples, pure in heart,
Who are compliant and have keen faculties,
Who, under countless Buddhas,
Have walked the deep and wondrous Path,
I speak the Sutra of the Great Vehicle.
I predict that such people
In the future will realize the Buddha Way,
For with profound thoughts they recollect the Buddha,
Cultivate and uphold pure morality.
When they hear that they will become Buddhas
Great will their rejoicing be.
The Buddha knows their thoughts and conduct,
And speaks the Great Vehicle for them.
If Hearers or Bodhisattvas,
Hear this Dharma that I speak,
Be it but a single verse,
They will become Buddhas, without a doubt.
In the Buddhalands of the ten directions,
There is only the Dharma of One Vehicle;
There are not two or three,
Except those spoken by the Buddhas as expedients,
And those are but false appellations
Used to induce living beings,
So that he may teach them the Buddha’s wisdom.
The Buddhas appear in the world
Only for the sake of this One Real Matter;
The other two are not the truth;
To the end they would not use the Small Vehicle
To rescue living beings.
The Buddha himself dwells in the Great Vehicle,
And in accord with the Dharmas he has gained,
Adorned with the power of samadhi and wisdom,
He uses these to save living beings.
Having certified to the supreme path, myself,
The Great Vehicle’s Dharma of equality,
Were I to teach by means of the Small Vehicle,
Even a single human being,
I would have fallen into stingy greed;
But such a thing could never be.
Should people rely, in faith, upon the Buddha,
The Thus Come One will not deceive them;
He has no thoughts of envy or greed,
And he has cut off all the evil in the dharmas.
Therefore, throughout the ten directions,
The Buddha alone has nothing to fear.
My body adorned with marks,
I brilliantly illumine the world.
Revered by countless multitudes
I speak the Seal of the Real Mark.
Shariputra, you should know,
That in the past I took a vow,
Wishing to lead the multitudes,
To be identical with me.
That vow, made long ago,
Now has been perfectly fulfilled,
For I have transformed all beings,
Leading them into the Buddha Path.
If, when I met with living beings,
I taught them just the Buddha Path,
Those lacking wisdom would be puzzled;
Confused, they would not accept the teaching.
I know that these living beings
Have never cultivated good roots.
They are firmly attached to the five desires,
And, out of stupidity and love, become afflicted.
Because of all their desires,
They fall into the three evil paths,
They turn on the wheel in the six destinies,
Suffering utter misery.
They take a tiny form in the womb;
Life after life, it continues to grow.
With scanty virtue and few blessings,
They are oppressed by scores of sufferings,
They enter the dense forest of deviant views,
Those of existence, non-existence, and the like.
They become dependent on those views—
Sixty-two of them in all.
Deeply attached to illusory dharmas,
They cling to them firmly and cannot let them go.
Arrogant, they brat of their loftiness;
They are flatterers, their hearts insincere.
Throughout ten billion eons,
They never hear the Buddha’s name,
Nor do they hear the proper Dharma.
Such people are difficult to save.
Therefore, Shariputra,
I set forth expedients for them,
Speak of the way to suffering’s end,
And demonstrate Nirvana.
Although I speak of Nirvana,
It is not true extinction.
All dharmas from their origin,
Are ever marked by still extinction.
When the Buddhas’s disciples have walked the Path,
In a future age they will become Buddhas.
I possess the power of expedients,
And demonstrate the Dharma of Three Vehicles.
All the World Honored Ones,
Speak the Dharma of One Vehicle.
Now all of you assembled here,
Should cast your doubts aside.
The speech of all Buddhas is the same:
There is only One Vehicle, not two.
Throughout countless eons in the past,
Innumerable extinct Buddhas,
Hundreds of thousand of myriads of millions of them,
A number beyond all calculation,
World Honored Ones such as these,
Used various conditions, analogies,
And the power of countless expedients,
To proclaim the marks of all dharmas.
All of those World Honored Ones,
Spoke the Dharma of One Vehicle,
Transforming beings without limit,
Leading them to the Buddha Path.
Further, all great Sagely Lords,
Know the deep desires in the hearts
Of all the gods, humans, and other beings
Within all the worlds.
Using different expedients,
Which help to reveal the foremost principle.
If there are living beings
Who have met with Buddhas in the past
Heard the Dharma, practiced giving,
Morality, patience, and vigor
Dhyanasamadhi, wisdom, and so on,
Cultivating blessings and wisdom,
Persons such as these
Have all realized the Buddha path.
When those Buddhas have become extinct
If there are those with compliant hearts,
Beings such as these
Have attained the Buddha Way.
After the extinction of those Buddhas,
Those who have made offerings to their shariras,
Building millions of kinds of stupas,
Made of gold, silver, or of crystal,
Mother-of-pearl, carnelian,
Rose quartz, lapis lazuli, and other gems,
Clear, pure and most ornate,
Worked to grace the stupas,
Or should there be those who have built temples
Out of stone, chandana, or aloeswood,
Hovenia, or other timbers,
Bricks, clay, and the like,
Or those who, in the barren waste,
Have piled up earth into a Buddha-shrine,
Or even children who, at play,
Have piled up sand to make a stupa,
All persons such as these,
Have realized the Buddha Way.
Those who, for the Buddhas,
Have erected images,
Carving all their myriads of marks,
Have realized the Buddha Way.
They may have used the seven gems,
Or bronze or copper, white or red,
Wax, lead, or tin,
Iron, wood, or clay,
Or, perhaps, lacquered cloth,
In making Buddha images;
Persons such as these
Have realized the Buddha Way.
Those who painted bright Buddha images,
Adorned with the marks of their hundreds of blessings,
Whether they did it themselves or employed others,
Have realized the Buddha Way.
Even children who, at play,
Who with a straw, a stick, or pen,
Or even with their fingernails,
Drew images of the Buddha,
People such as these,
Gradually accumulated merit and virtue,
Perfected the heart of great compassion,
And have realized the Buddha Way.
They teach only Bodhisattvas,
And rescue countless multitudes.
Should persons, in stupas or in temples,
Make offerings with a reverent heart,
To jeweled or painted images,
With flowers, incense, banners, or canopies,
Or should they cause others to make music,
With drums, horns, or conches,
Pan-pipes, flutes, lutes or bamboo lyres,
Guitars, cymbals, or brass gongs,
With many wondrous sounds as these,
Played solely as offerings…
Or if, with happy hearts, with songs
And chants they praised the Buddha’s virtues,
With even just one small sound,
They have realized the Buddha Way.
If people with scattered minds
Have given but a single flower
As an offering to a painted image,
They shall gradually see numberless Buddhas.
If they bowed in worship,
Or merely placed their palms together,
Or even raised a single hand,
Or gave a slight nod of the head,
As an offering to the images,
They shall gradually see countless Buddhas,
And have, themselves, realized the Buddha Way.
They will rescue countless multitudes,
And enter Nirvana without residue,
As a fire goes out when the fuel has been consumed.
If people with scattered minds,
Enter stupas or temples,
And say but once, “Namo Buddha,”
They have realized the Buddha Way.
Be it from Buddhas of the past,
While existent, or after their extinction,
Those who have heard this Dharma,
Have realized the Buddha Way.
The World Honored Ones of the future,
Are limitless in number;
All of these Thus Come Ones,
Will also speak the Dharma of expedient devices.
All of the Thus Come Ones,
By means of limitless expedients,
Help all living beings
To enter the Buddha’s non-outflow wisdom.
Of those who have heard the Dharma,
None will fail to become Buddhas.
All the Buddhas have made this vow
“As to the Buddha Way which I have walked,
I wish to lead all living beings
Alike to obtain this Path.”
And although the Buddhas of the future
Will speak a hundred thousand million,
Countless Dharma-doors,
They are, in fact, for the sake of One Vehicle.
All Buddhas, Doubly Perfect Honored Ones,
Know the Dharmas are eternally without a nature.
The Buddha-seed arises from conditions;
Thus they speak of the One Vehicle.
This Dharma abides in the Dharma’s position,
Dwelling forever in worldly marks.
Having understood this in the Bodhimanda,
The Guiding Master teaches it expediently.
Those who receive the offerings of gods and humans,
The Buddhas of the present in the ten directions,
Their number like the Ganges’ sands,
Manifest within the world
To bring peace and comfort to living beings,
And also speak Dharma such as this.
Knowing the foremost still extinction,
They use the power of expedients
To demonstrate the various paths,
In reality, for the sake of the Buddha Vehicle.
Knowing the conduct of living beings,
The thoughts deep within their minds,
Their habitual actions in the past,
The nature of their desire, the power of their vigor,
And their faculties, keen or dull,
They employ various causes and conditions,
Analogies and verbal expressions,
To teach them the appropriate expedients.
Now I, too, am like them.
Using various Dharma-doors,
I proclaim the Buddha Way
To bring peace and comfort to living beings.
I use the power of my wisdom,
To know the nature of beings’ desires;
I speak all dharmas expediently,
To lead them all to happiness.
Shariputra, you should know,
As I regard them with my Buddha Eye,
I see living beings in the six paths,
Impoverished, lacking blessings and wisdom,
Entering the dangerous path of birth and death,
Where they suffer unremittingly.
They are deeply attached to the five desires,
Like a yak caring for its tail,
They smother themselves with greed and love,
Blind, and in darkness, seeing nothing.
They do not seek the mighty Buddha,
Or the Dharma which cuts off suffering,
But instead they deeply enter into deviant views;
With suffering, they wish to cast off suffering.
For the sake of these beings,
I give rise to the great compassion heart.
When first I sat in the Bodhimanda,
In contemplation, or walking about the tree,
For a full three times seven days,
I thought over matters such as these:
The wisdom which I have obtained,
Is subtle, wonderful, and foremost,
But living beings are dull-rooted,
Attached to pleasure, blinded by delusion;
Beings such as these,
How can they possibly be saved?
Just then the Brahma Heaven Kings,
As well as the God Shakra,
The Four World-Protecting God Kings,
The god of the Heaven of Great Comfort,
And the other heavenly multitudes,
With retinues numbering in the billions
Reverently placed their palms together,
And requested me to turn the Dharma-wheel.
I then thought to myself,
“Were I to praise only the Buddha Vehicle,
Beings sunk in suffering
Would be unable to believe this Dharma.
They would slander it out of disbelief,
And fall into the three evil paths.
It is better that I do not speak the Dharma,
But quickly enter into Nirvana.”
Then I recalled that the Buddhas of the past
Practiced powerful expedients,
And as I now have obtained the Path,
It is fitting that I also teach Three Vehicles.
When I had been thinking thus,
The Buddhas of the ten directions all appeared,
And with the Brahma sound encouraged me, saying,
“Good indeed, O Shakyamuni,
Foremost Guiding Master.
Having attained the supreme Dharma,
You follow the precedent of all Buddhas,
To employ the power of expedient devices.
We have all obtained as well,
That foremost Dharma, most wonderful.
For the various kinds of living beings,
We discriminate and teach Three Vehicles.
Those of little wisdom who delight in lesser dharmas,
Would not believe that they could become Buddhas.
That is why we use expedient means,
To discriminate and teach the various fruits.
Although Three Vehicles are taught,
It is only for the sake of teaching Bodhisattvas.”
Shariputra, you should know,
That when I heard the Sagely Lions’
Deep, pure, and wondrous sound,
I called out “Homage to all Buddhas.”
And further had this thought,
“I have come into a turbid, evil world;
As the Buddhas speak,
I should follow in accord.”
Having thought upon this matter,
I went straightaway to Varanasi.
Since the still and extinct mark of all dharmas,
Cannot be expressed in words,
I used the power of expedients,
To instruct the five Bhikshus.
This was called the turning of the Dharma-wheel.
Then came the sound of Nirvana,
As well as “Arhatship,”
“Dharma,” and the “Sangha,” various names.
From remote eons onward,
I have praised and shown Nirvana’s dharma,
As the final end of birth and death’s sufferings;
Always have I spoken thus.
Shariputra, you should know,
I see disciples of the Buddha,
Resolutely seeking the Buddha Way,
Limitless thousands of myriads of millions of them,
All with hearts of reverence,
All coming before the Buddha.
They had heard, from former Buddhas,
Expedient teachings of the Dharma.
This causes me to think,
“The reason why the Thus Come One appears,
Is to teach the wisdom of the Buddha,
And now the time is exactly right.”
Shariputra, you should know,
Those with dull faculties and slight wisdom,
Those attached to marks, the arrogant,
Cannot believe this Dharma.
I now rejoice and have no fear,
And among the Bodhisattvas,
I shall cast expedients aside and be straightforward,
Speaking only of the supreme Path.
When the Bodhisattvas have heard this Dharma,
The network of their doubts will be rent (destroyed);
Twelve hundred Arhats
Will all attain to Buddhahood.
As the Buddhas of the three periods of time
In such a manner spoke the Dharma,
So do I likewise now expound
The undiscriminated Dharma.
All Buddhas come into the world
But rarely, and are hard to meet;
And when they appear in the world,
It is hard for them to speak the Dharma.
Throughout countless eons, too,
It is difficult to hear this Dharma.
And those who can hear this Dharma—
Such people too, are rare,
Like the udumbara flower,
In which all take delight,
Which the gods and humans prize,
For it blooms but once in a long, long time
So one who hears this Dharma, gives joyful praise,
With even just a single word,
Has thereby made offerings,
To all the Buddhas of the three periods of time.
Such people are extremely rare,
Rarer than the udumbara flower.
All of you should have no doubts,
For I am the Dharma King;
I declare to the assembly:
I use only the path of One Vehicle,
To teach and transform Bodhisattvas.
There are no Hearer Disciples.
Shariputra, all of you,
The Hearers and Bodhisattvas,
Should know that this wondrous Dharma
Is the secret essence of all Buddhas.
In the evil world of five turbidities,
Beings who are blissfully attached
To pleasures and desires,
Will never seek the Buddha Way.
Evil people of the future,
Hearing the Buddha speak of One Vehicle,
In their delusion will not accept or believe it,
But will slander it and fall into the evil paths.
Still, those with shame and purity,
Who resolutely seek the Buddha Way,
For such ones as these I praise
The path of One Vehicle, extensively.
Shariputra, you should know,
The Dharma of all Buddhas is like this:
By means of millions of expedients,
I speak Dharma in accord with what is appropriate.
But those who do not study it,
Will never come to understand it.
Since all of you already know
All Buddhas, Masters of the World,
Work by means of appropriate expedients,
You should have no further doubts.
Let your hearts be filled with joy;
You know you will reach Buddhahood.
Continue Reading
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 1- Introduction
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 2 - Expedient Devices
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 3 - A Parable
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 4 - Belief and Understanding
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 5 - Medicinal Herbs
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 6 - Conferring Predictions
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 7 - The Analogy of the Transformed City
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 8 - Five Hundred Disciples Receive Predictions
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 9 - Bestowing Predictions Upon Those Studying and Those Beyond Study
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 10 - Masters of the Dharma
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 11 - Vision of the Jeweled Stupa
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 12 - Devadatta
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 13 - Exhortation to Maintain
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 14 - Happily Dwelling Conduct
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 15 - Welling forth from the Earth
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 16 - The Thus Come One's Life Span
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 17 - Discrimination of Merit and Virtue
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 18 - Rejoicing in Accord with Merit and Virtue
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 19 - The Merit and Virtue of a Dharma Master
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 20 - Never-Slighting Bodhisattva
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 21 - The Spiritual Powers of the Thus Come One
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 22 - The Entrustment
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 23 - The Former Deeds of Medicine King Bodhisattva
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 24 - The Bodhisattva Wondrous Sound
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 25 - The Universal Door Of Guanshiyin Bodhisattva
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 26 - Dharani
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 27 - The Past Deeds Of The King Wonderful Adornment
- The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 28 - The Encouragement Of The Bodhisattva Universal Worthy