Difference between revisions of "The Buddha Speaks the Ullambana Sutra"
(Created page with "thumb|250px| <poem> Nomo homage to the Ullambana Assembly of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Thus I have heard, at one time, the Buddha dwelt at Shravarsti ...") |
|||
| (7 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | + | {{DisplayImages|1541|2126|1521}} | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | {{Centre|<big><big>The Buddha Speaks the Ullambana Sutra</big></big>}}<br/><br/> | |
| − | + | Nomo homage to the [[Ullambana]] Assembly of [[Buddhas]] and [[Bodhisattvas]]. | |
| − | Thus, | + | Thus I have heard, at one [[time]], the [[Buddha]] dwelt at Shravarsti in the [[Garden]] of the Benefactor of Orphans and the {{Wiki|Solitary}}. |
| − | + | [[Mahamaudgalyayana]] had just obtained the six penetrations and wished to cross over his father and mother to repay their [[kindness]] for raising him. | |
| − | + | Thus, using his way [[eye]], he regarded the [[world]] and saw that his deceased mother had been born among the [[hungry ghosts]], having neither [[food]] nor drink, she was but {{Wiki|skin}} and {{Wiki|bones}}. | |
| − | + | Mahaudgalayana felt deep [[pity]] and [[sadness]], filled a [[bowl]] with [[food]] and went to provide for his mother. She got the [[bowl]], screened it with her left hand, and with her right hand made a fist of [[food]]. But, before it entered her {{Wiki|mouth}}, it turned into burning coals which could not be eaten. | |
| − | + | [[Mahamaudgalyayana]] called out and wept sorrowfully, and hastened to return to the [[Buddha]] to set forth all of this. | |
| − | The Buddha | + | The [[Buddha]] said, "your mother's offences are deep and firmly rooted. You alone do not have enough power. Although your filial {{Wiki|sounds}} move [[heaven]] and [[earth]], the [[heaven]] [[spirits]], the [[earth]] [[spirits]], twisted {{Wiki|demons}}, and those outside the way, [[Brahmans]], and the four [[heavenly king]] [[gods]], are also without sufficient strength. The awesome [[spiritual power]] of the assembled [[Sangha]] of the [[ten directions]] is necessary for the [[liberation]] to be [[attained]]. |
| − | + | I shall now speak a [[dharma]] of rescue, which [[causes]] all those in difficulty to leave {{Wiki|worry}} and [[suffering]], and to eradicate [[obstacles]] from offences. | |
| − | + | The [[Buddha]] told [[Maudgalyayana]]: "The fifteenth day of the seventh month is the [[Pravarana]] day for the assembled [[Sangha]] of the [[ten directions]]. For the [[sake]] of fathers and mothers of seven generations {{Wiki|past}}, as well as for fathers and mothers of the {{Wiki|present}} who are in {{Wiki|distress}}, you should prepare an [[offering]] of clean basins full of hundreds of flavours and the five {{Wiki|fruits}}, and other [[offerings]] of [[incense]], oil, lamps, {{Wiki|candles}}, beds, and bedding, all the best of the [[world]], to the greatly [[virtuous]] assembled [[Sangha]] of the [[ten directions]]. On that day, all the {{Wiki|holy}} assembly, whether in the [[mountains]] practising [[dhyana]] [[samadhi]], or obtaining the four {{Wiki|fruits}} of the way, or walking beneath [[trees]], or using the {{Wiki|independence}} of the six penetrations, to teach and [[transform]] [[sound hearers]] and those [[enlightened]] to [[conditions]]. | |
| − | + | Or provisionally [[manifesting]] as [[bhikshus]] when in fact they are great [[Bodhisattvas]] on the tenth ground--all complete in [[pure]] [[precepts]] and oceanlike [[virtue]] of the {{Wiki|holy}} way--should [[gather]] in a [[great assembly]] and all of like [[mind]] receive the [[pravarana]] [[food]]. | |
| − | [[ | ||
| − | |||
| − | + | If one thus makes [[offerings]] to these Provarana [[Sangha]], one's {{Wiki|present}} father and mother, [[parents]] of seven generations, as well as the six kinds of close relatives, will escape from the [[three paths]] of [[sufferings]]. And at that [[time]] attain [[release]]. Their clothing and [[food]] will spontaneously appear. If the [[parents]] are still alive, they will have [[wealth]] and [[blessings]] for a hundred years. [[Parents]] of seven generations will be born in the [[heavens]]. Transformationally born, they will {{Wiki|independently}} enter the [[celestial]] [[flower]] {{Wiki|light}}, and [[experience]] {{Wiki|limitless}} [[bliss]]. | |
| − | At that time | + | At that [[time]] the [[Buddha]] commanded the assembled [[Sangha]] of the [[ten directions]] to recite [[mantras]] and [[vows]] for the [[sake]] of the donor's [[family]], for [[parents]] of seven generations. |
| − | + | After practising [[dhyana]] [[concentration]], they then may accept the [[food]]. When first receiving the basin, place it before the [[Buddha]] in the [[stupa]]. When the assembled [[sangha]] has finished the [[mantras]] and [[vows]], then they may accept it. | |
| − | + | At that [[time]] the [[bhikshu]] [[Maudgalyayana]] and the assembly of great [[Bodhisattvas]] were all extremely [[delighted]] and the [[sorrowful]] [[sound]] of [[Maudgalyayana's]] crying ceased. | |
| − | + | At that [[time]] [[Maudgalyayana's]] mother obtained [[liberation]] from one [[kalpa]] of [[suffering]] as a [[hungry ghost]]. | |
| − | + | [[Maudgalyayana]] addressed the [[Buddha]] and said, "this disciple's [[parents]] have received the power of the [[merit and virtue]] of the [[triple jewel]], because of the awesome [[spiritual power]] of the assembled [[Sangha]]. | |
| − | + | If in the {{Wiki|future}} the [[Buddha's disciples]] practice filiality by [[offering]] up the [[Ullambana]] basins, will they be able to cross over their {{Wiki|present}} fathers and mothers as well as those of seven generations {{Wiki|past}}?" | |
| − | [[ | ||
| − | |||
| − | + | The [[Buddha]] replied "good indeed, I am [[happy]] you asked that question. I just wanted to speak about that and now you have also asked about it. | |
| − | + | Good man, if [[bhikshus]], [[bhikshunis]], [[kings]], {{Wiki|crown}} princes, great ministers, great officials, cabinet members, the hundreds of officers, and the tens of thousands of citizens wish to practice [[compassionate]] filial conduct, for the [[sake]] of the [[parents]] who bore them, as well as for the [[sake]] of fathers and mothers of seven [[lives]] {{Wiki|past}}, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the day of the [[Buddhas]]' [[delight]], the day of the [[Sangha's]] [[Pravarana]], they all should place hundreds of flavours of [[foods]] in the [[Ullambana]] basins, and offer them to the [[Pravarana]] [[Sangha]] of the [[ten directions]]. | |
| + | |||
| + | They should [[vow]] to [[cause]] the length of [[life]] of the {{Wiki|present}} father and mother to reach a hundred years without {{Wiki|illness}}, without [[sufferings]], [[afflictions]], or worries, and also [[vow]] to [[cause]] seven generations of fathers and mothers to leave the [[sufferings]] of the [[hungry ghosts]], to be born among men and [[gods]], and to have [[blessings]] and [[bliss]] without limit. | ||
| + | The [[Buddha]] told all the good men and good women, "those [[disciples]] of the [[Buddha]] who cultivate filial conduct should in [[thought]] after [[thought]], constantly recall their {{Wiki|present}} fathers and mothers when making [[offerings]], as well as the fathers and mothers of seven [[lives]] {{Wiki|past}}. Every year, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, they should always, out of filial [[compassion]], recall their [[parents]] who bore them and those of seven [[lives]] {{Wiki|past}}, and for their sakes perform the [[offering]] of the [[Ullambana]] basin to the [[Buddha]] and the [[Sangha]] and thus repay the [[loving kindness]] of the [[parents]] who raised and nourished them. All [[Buddhas]]' [[disciples]] should respectfully receive this [[dharma]]." | ||
| − | True words for repaying parents' kindness. | + | At that [[time]] the [[bhikshu]] [[Maudgalyayana]] and the four-fold assembly of [[disciples]], hearing what the [[Buddha]] said, practised it with [[delight]]. |
| + | |||
| + | End of the [[Buddha]] speaks of [[Ullambana Sutra]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | True words for repaying [[parents]]' [[kindness]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Na]] mwo mi li dwo dwo pe ye swo he. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
| − | [http://web.singnet.com.sg/~alankhoo/Ullambana.htm web.singnet.com.sg] | + | [http://web.singnet.com.sg/~alankhoo/Ullambana.htm web.singnet.com.sg/~alankhoo] |
| − | + | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Ullambana Sutra]] |
Latest revision as of 11:25, 1 February 2016
The Buddha Speaks the Ullambana Sutra
Nomo homage to the Ullambana Assembly of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Thus I have heard, at one time, the Buddha dwelt at Shravarsti in the Garden of the Benefactor of Orphans and the Solitary.
Mahamaudgalyayana had just obtained the six penetrations and wished to cross over his father and mother to repay their kindness for raising him.
Thus, using his way eye, he regarded the world and saw that his deceased mother had been born among the hungry ghosts, having neither food nor drink, she was but skin and bones.
Mahaudgalayana felt deep pity and sadness, filled a bowl with food and went to provide for his mother. She got the bowl, screened it with her left hand, and with her right hand made a fist of food. But, before it entered her mouth, it turned into burning coals which could not be eaten.
Mahamaudgalyayana called out and wept sorrowfully, and hastened to return to the Buddha to set forth all of this.
The Buddha said, "your mother's offences are deep and firmly rooted. You alone do not have enough power. Although your filial sounds move heaven and earth, the heaven spirits, the earth spirits, twisted demons, and those outside the way, Brahmans, and the four heavenly king gods, are also without sufficient strength. The awesome spiritual power of the assembled Sangha of the ten directions is necessary for the liberation to be attained.
I shall now speak a dharma of rescue, which causes all those in difficulty to leave worry and suffering, and to eradicate obstacles from offences.
The Buddha told Maudgalyayana: "The fifteenth day of the seventh month is the Pravarana day for the assembled Sangha of the ten directions. For the sake of fathers and mothers of seven generations past, as well as for fathers and mothers of the present who are in distress, you should prepare an offering of clean basins full of hundreds of flavours and the five fruits, and other offerings of incense, oil, lamps, candles, beds, and bedding, all the best of the world, to the greatly virtuous assembled Sangha of the ten directions. On that day, all the holy assembly, whether in the mountains practising dhyana samadhi, or obtaining the four fruits of the way, or walking beneath trees, or using the independence of the six penetrations, to teach and transform sound hearers and those enlightened to conditions.
Or provisionally manifesting as bhikshus when in fact they are great Bodhisattvas on the tenth ground--all complete in pure precepts and oceanlike virtue of the holy way--should gather in a great assembly and all of like mind receive the pravarana food.
If one thus makes offerings to these Provarana Sangha, one's present father and mother, parents of seven generations, as well as the six kinds of close relatives, will escape from the three paths of sufferings. And at that time attain release. Their clothing and food will spontaneously appear. If the parents are still alive, they will have wealth and blessings for a hundred years. Parents of seven generations will be born in the heavens. Transformationally born, they will independently enter the celestial flower light, and experience limitless bliss.
At that time the Buddha commanded the assembled Sangha of the ten directions to recite mantras and vows for the sake of the donor's family, for parents of seven generations.
After practising dhyana concentration, they then may accept the food. When first receiving the basin, place it before the Buddha in the stupa. When the assembled sangha has finished the mantras and vows, then they may accept it.
At that time the bhikshu Maudgalyayana and the assembly of great Bodhisattvas were all extremely delighted and the sorrowful sound of Maudgalyayana's crying ceased.
At that time Maudgalyayana's mother obtained liberation from one kalpa of suffering as a hungry ghost.
Maudgalyayana addressed the Buddha and said, "this disciple's parents have received the power of the merit and virtue of the triple jewel, because of the awesome spiritual power of the assembled Sangha.
If in the future the Buddha's disciples practice filiality by offering up the Ullambana basins, will they be able to cross over their present fathers and mothers as well as those of seven generations past?"
The Buddha replied "good indeed, I am happy you asked that question. I just wanted to speak about that and now you have also asked about it.
Good man, if bhikshus, bhikshunis, kings, crown princes, great ministers, great officials, cabinet members, the hundreds of officers, and the tens of thousands of citizens wish to practice compassionate filial conduct, for the sake of the parents who bore them, as well as for the sake of fathers and mothers of seven lives past, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the day of the Buddhas' delight, the day of the Sangha's Pravarana, they all should place hundreds of flavours of foods in the Ullambana basins, and offer them to the Pravarana Sangha of the ten directions.
They should vow to cause the length of life of the present father and mother to reach a hundred years without illness, without sufferings, afflictions, or worries, and also vow to cause seven generations of fathers and mothers to leave the sufferings of the hungry ghosts, to be born among men and gods, and to have blessings and bliss without limit.
The Buddha told all the good men and good women, "those disciples of the Buddha who cultivate filial conduct should in thought after thought, constantly recall their present fathers and mothers when making offerings, as well as the fathers and mothers of seven lives past. Every year, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, they should always, out of filial compassion, recall their parents who bore them and those of seven lives past, and for their sakes perform the offering of the Ullambana basin to the Buddha and the Sangha and thus repay the loving kindness of the parents who raised and nourished them. All Buddhas' disciples should respectfully receive this dharma."
At that time the bhikshu Maudgalyayana and the four-fold assembly of disciples, hearing what the Buddha said, practised it with delight.
End of the Buddha speaks of Ullambana Sutra
True words for repaying parents' kindness.
Na mwo mi li dwo dwo pe ye swo he.
