Difference between revisions of "The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter II: The Division Bodies Gather"
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{{Centre|<big><big><big>The Earth Store Sutra</big></big></big> <br/> | {{Centre|<big><big><big>The Earth Store Sutra</big></big></big> <br/> | ||
<big>Chapter 2</big><br/> | <big>Chapter 2</big><br/> | ||
<big><big>The Division Bodies Gather</big></big>}}<br/><br/> | <big><big>The Division Bodies Gather</big></big>}}<br/><br/> | ||
− | At that time, the division bodies of Earth Store Bodhisattva began gathering in the palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven from billions of inexpressible, inconceivable, immeasurable, ineffable, limitless asamkhyeyas of worlds. They came from wherever hells are found. | + | At that [[time]], the division [[bodies]] of [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] began [[gathering]] in the palace of the [[Trayastrimsha Heaven]] from billions of inexpressible, [[inconceivable]], [[immeasurable]], {{Wiki|ineffable}}, limitless [[asamkhyeyas]] of [[worlds]]. They came from wherever [[hells]] are found. |
− | Due to the spiritual powers of the Thus Come One, each came from his own direction and was joined by thousands of billions of nayutas of those who had obtained liberation from the path of karma. All brought incense and flowers as offerings to the Buddha. | + | Due to the [[spiritual powers]] of the [[Thus Come One]], each came from his own [[direction]] and was joined by thousands of billions of [[nayutas]] of those who had obtained [[liberation]] from the [[path]] of [[karma]]. All brought [[incense]] and [[flowers]] as [[offerings]] to the [[Buddha]]. |
− | Those groups who came were irreversible from Anuttarasamyaksambodhi because they had been taught and transformed by Earth Store Bodhisattva. | + | Those groups who came were irreversible from [[Anuttarasamyaksambodhi]] because they had been taught and [[transformed]] by [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]]. |
− | For long eons they had wandered in birth and death, undergoing suffering within the six paths without even temporary respite. Now they had reached various levels of sagehood, due to the great compassion and deep vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva. | + | For long eons they had wandered in [[birth]] and [[death]], undergoing [[suffering]] within the six [[paths]] without even temporary respite. Now they had reached various levels of sagehood, due to the [[great compassion]] and deep [[vows]] of [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]]. |
− | They felt joyful as they arrived at the Trayastrimsha Heaven and gazed at the Thus Come One, their eyes not leaving him for a moment. | + | They felt [[joyful]] as they arrived at the [[Trayastrimsha Heaven]] and gazed at the [[Thus Come One]], their [[eyes]] not leaving him for a moment. |
− | At that time, the World Honored One stretched forth his golden-colored arm and rubbed the crowns of all the division bodies of Earth Store Bodhisattva Mahasattva gathered from billions of inexpressible, inconceivable, immeasurable, ineffable, limitless asamkhyeyas of worlds, and said, “I teach and transform obstinate beings such as these within the evil worlds of the Five Turbidities, causing their minds to be regulated and subdued so that they renounce the deviant and return to the proper. But one or two out of ten still cling to their bad habits. For them I again divide into thousands of billions of bodies and use numerous additional expedient means. Those with keen roots will listen and immediately believe. Those with good rewards will respond to exhortation and strive to succeed. Those who are dim and dull will only return after being taught for a long time. Those whose karma is heavy will fail to show any respect. | + | At that [[time]], the [[World Honored One]] stretched forth his golden-colored arm and rubbed the crowns of all the division [[bodies]] of [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] [[Mahasattva]] [[gathered]] from billions of inexpressible, [[inconceivable]], [[immeasurable]], {{Wiki|ineffable}}, limitless [[asamkhyeyas]] of [[worlds]], and said, “I teach and [[transform]] obstinate [[beings]] such as these within the [[evil]] [[worlds]] of the [[Five Turbidities]], causing their [[minds]] to be regulated and subdued so that they {{Wiki|renounce}} the deviant and return to the proper. But one or two out of ten still [[cling]] to their bad [[habits]]. For them I again divide into thousands of billions of [[bodies]] and use numerous additional [[expedient means]]. Those with keen [[roots]] will listen and immediately believe. Those with good rewards will respond to exhortation and strive to succeed. Those who are dim and dull will only return after being taught for a long [[time]]. Those whose [[karma]] is heavy will fail to show any [[respect]]. |
− | “My division bodies take across and liberate all those different kinds of beings. I may appear in a male body. I may appear in a female body. I may appear in the body of a god or dragon. I may appear in the body of a spirit or ghost. I may appear as a mountain, a forest, a stream, a spring, a river, a lake, a fountain, or a well in order to benefit people. I use all these ways to save beings. I may appear in the body of God Shakra. I may appear in the body of Lord Brahma. I may appear in the body of a Wheel-Turning King. I may appear in the body of a lay person. I may appear in the body of a national leader. I may appear in the body of a prime minister. I may appear in the body of an official. I may appear in the body of a Bhikshu, a Bhikshuni, an Upasaka, an Upasika, and so forth up to the body of a Hearer, an Arhat, a Pratyekabuddha, or a Bodhisattva in order to teach and rescue beings. It is not that I appear to them only in the body of a Buddha. | + | “My division [[bodies]] take across and {{Wiki|liberate}} all those different kinds of [[beings]]. I may appear in a {{Wiki|male}} [[body]]. I may appear in a {{Wiki|female}} [[body]]. I may appear in the [[body]] of a [[god]] or [[dragon]]. I may appear in the [[body]] of a [[spirit]] or [[ghost]]. I may appear as a mountain, a {{Wiki|forest}}, a {{Wiki|stream}}, a spring, a [[river]], a [[lake]], a fountain, or a well in order to [[benefit]] [[people]]. I use all these ways to save [[beings]]. I may appear in the [[body]] of [[God]] [[Shakra]]. I may appear in the [[body]] of [[Lord]] [[Brahma]]. I may appear in the [[body]] of a [[Wheel-Turning King]]. I may appear in the [[body]] of a lay [[person]]. I may appear in the [[body]] of a national leader. I may appear in the [[body]] of a prime minister. I may appear in the [[body]] of an official. I may appear in the [[body]] of a [[Bhikshu]], a [[Bhikshuni]], an [[Upasaka]], an [[Upasika]], and so forth up to the [[body]] of a Hearer, an [[Arhat]], a [[Pratyekabuddha]], or a [[Bodhisattva]] in order to teach and rescue [[beings]]. It is not that I appear to them only in the [[body]] of a [[Buddha]]. |
− | “Reflect on how I have toiled for repeated eons and endured acute suffering to take across and free stubborn beings who resist being taught and continue to suffer for their offenses. Those not yet subdued undergo retributions according to their karma. If they fall into the evil destinies and are enduring tremendous suffering, then you should remember the gravity of this entrustment I am now making to you here in the palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven. Find ways to liberate all beings in the Saha world from now until the time when Maitreya comes into the world. Help them escape suffering forever, encounter Buddhas, and receive predictions.” | + | “Reflect on how I have toiled for repeated eons and endured acute [[suffering]] to take across and free stubborn [[beings]] who resist being taught and continue to [[suffer]] for their offenses. Those not yet subdued undergo retributions according to their [[karma]]. If they fall into the [[evil]] destinies and are enduring tremendous [[suffering]], then you should remember the gravity of this entrustment I am now making to you here in the palace of the [[Trayastrimsha Heaven]]. Find ways to {{Wiki|liberate}} all [[beings]] in the [[Saha world]] from now until the [[time]] when [[Maitreya]] comes into the [[world]]. Help them escape [[suffering]] forever, encounter [[Buddhas]], and receive predictions.” |
− | At that time, all the division bodies of Earth Store Bodhisattva that came from all those worlds merged into a single form. Then he wept and said to the Buddha, “Throughout long eons I have been receiving the Buddha’s guidance and from that have developed inconceivable spiritual power and great wisdom. My division bodies fill worlds as many as grains of sand in millions of billions of Ganges Rivers. In each of those worlds, I transform myself into millions of billions of bodies. Each body rescues millions of billions of people, helping them to return respectfully to the Triple Jewel, escape birth and death forever, and reach the bliss of Nirvana. Even if their good deeds within the Buddhadharma amount to as little as a strand of hair, a drop of water, a grain of sand, a mote of dust, or the tip of a hair, I will gradually take them across, liberate them, and help them gain great benefit. I only hope that the World Honored One will not be worried about beings of the future who have bad karma.” | + | At that [[time]], all the division [[bodies]] of [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] that came from all those [[worlds]] merged into a single [[form]]. Then he wept and said to the [[Buddha]], “Throughout long eons I have been receiving the [[Buddha’s]] guidance and from that have developed [[inconceivable]] [[spiritual]] power and [[great wisdom]]. My division [[bodies]] fill [[worlds]] as many as grains of sand in millions of billions of [[Ganges]] [[Rivers]]. In each of those [[worlds]], I [[transform]] myself into millions of billions of [[bodies]]. Each [[body]] rescues millions of billions of [[people]], helping them to return respectfully to the [[Triple Jewel]], escape [[birth]] and [[death]] forever, and reach the [[bliss]] of [[Nirvana]]. Even if their [[good deeds]] within the [[Buddhadharma]] amount to as little as a strand of [[hair]], a drop of [[water]], a grain of sand, a mote of dust, or the tip of a [[hair]], I will gradually take them across, {{Wiki|liberate}} them, and help them gain great [[benefit]]. I only {{Wiki|hope}} that the [[World Honored One]] will not be worried about [[beings]] of the {{Wiki|future}} who have bad [[karma]].” |
− | In that way he addressed the Buddha three times: “I only hope that the World Honored One will not be worried about beings of the future who have bad karma.” | + | In that way he addressed the [[Buddha]] three times: “I only {{Wiki|hope}} that the [[World Honored One]] will not be worried about [[beings]] of the {{Wiki|future}} who have bad [[karma]].” |
− | At that time, the Buddha praised Earth Store Bodhisattva and said, | + | At that [[time]], the [[Buddha]] praised [[Earth Store Bodhisattva]] and said, “{{Wiki|Excellent}}! {{Wiki|Excellent}}! I will help you in this work you so willingly undertake. When the vast [[vows]] that you keep making throughout so many eons are fulfilled and all those [[beings]] have been saved, then you will be certified as having attained [[Bodhi]].” |
==Continue Reading== | ==Continue Reading== |
Revision as of 09:30, 17 February 2014
The Earth Store Sutra
Chapter 2
The Division Bodies Gather
At that time, the division bodies of Earth Store Bodhisattva began gathering in the palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven from billions of inexpressible, inconceivable, immeasurable, ineffable, limitless asamkhyeyas of worlds. They came from wherever hells are found.
Due to the spiritual powers of the Thus Come One, each came from his own direction and was joined by thousands of billions of nayutas of those who had obtained liberation from the path of karma. All brought incense and flowers as offerings to the Buddha.
Those groups who came were irreversible from Anuttarasamyaksambodhi because they had been taught and transformed by Earth Store Bodhisattva.
For long eons they had wandered in birth and death, undergoing suffering within the six paths without even temporary respite. Now they had reached various levels of sagehood, due to the great compassion and deep vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva.
They felt joyful as they arrived at the Trayastrimsha Heaven and gazed at the Thus Come One, their eyes not leaving him for a moment.
At that time, the World Honored One stretched forth his golden-colored arm and rubbed the crowns of all the division bodies of Earth Store Bodhisattva Mahasattva gathered from billions of inexpressible, inconceivable, immeasurable, ineffable, limitless asamkhyeyas of worlds, and said, “I teach and transform obstinate beings such as these within the evil worlds of the Five Turbidities, causing their minds to be regulated and subdued so that they renounce the deviant and return to the proper. But one or two out of ten still cling to their bad habits. For them I again divide into thousands of billions of bodies and use numerous additional expedient means. Those with keen roots will listen and immediately believe. Those with good rewards will respond to exhortation and strive to succeed. Those who are dim and dull will only return after being taught for a long time. Those whose karma is heavy will fail to show any respect.
“My division bodies take across and liberate all those different kinds of beings. I may appear in a male body. I may appear in a female body. I may appear in the body of a god or dragon. I may appear in the body of a spirit or ghost. I may appear as a mountain, a forest, a stream, a spring, a river, a lake, a fountain, or a well in order to benefit people. I use all these ways to save beings. I may appear in the body of God Shakra. I may appear in the body of Lord Brahma. I may appear in the body of a Wheel-Turning King. I may appear in the body of a lay person. I may appear in the body of a national leader. I may appear in the body of a prime minister. I may appear in the body of an official. I may appear in the body of a Bhikshu, a Bhikshuni, an Upasaka, an Upasika, and so forth up to the body of a Hearer, an Arhat, a Pratyekabuddha, or a Bodhisattva in order to teach and rescue beings. It is not that I appear to them only in the body of a Buddha.
“Reflect on how I have toiled for repeated eons and endured acute suffering to take across and free stubborn beings who resist being taught and continue to suffer for their offenses. Those not yet subdued undergo retributions according to their karma. If they fall into the evil destinies and are enduring tremendous suffering, then you should remember the gravity of this entrustment I am now making to you here in the palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven. Find ways to liberate all beings in the Saha world from now until the time when Maitreya comes into the world. Help them escape suffering forever, encounter Buddhas, and receive predictions.”
At that time, all the division bodies of Earth Store Bodhisattva that came from all those worlds merged into a single form. Then he wept and said to the Buddha, “Throughout long eons I have been receiving the Buddha’s guidance and from that have developed inconceivable spiritual power and great wisdom. My division bodies fill worlds as many as grains of sand in millions of billions of Ganges Rivers. In each of those worlds, I transform myself into millions of billions of bodies. Each body rescues millions of billions of people, helping them to return respectfully to the Triple Jewel, escape birth and death forever, and reach the bliss of Nirvana. Even if their good deeds within the Buddhadharma amount to as little as a strand of hair, a drop of water, a grain of sand, a mote of dust, or the tip of a hair, I will gradually take them across, liberate them, and help them gain great benefit. I only hope that the World Honored One will not be worried about beings of the future who have bad karma.”
In that way he addressed the Buddha three times: “I only hope that the World Honored One will not be worried about beings of the future who have bad karma.”
At that time, the Buddha praised Earth Store Bodhisattva and said, “Excellent! Excellent! I will help you in this work you so willingly undertake. When the vast vows that you keep making throughout so many eons are fulfilled and all those beings have been saved, then you will be certified as having attained Bodhi.”
Continue Reading
- The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter I: Spiritual Penetrations in the Palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven
- The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter II: The Division Bodies Gather
- The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter III: Contemplating the Karmic Conditions of Beings
- The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter IV: Karmic Retributions of Beings in Jambudvipa
- The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter V: The Names of the Hells
- The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter VI: The Thus Come One’s Praises
- The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter VII: Benefiting the Living and the Dead
- The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter VIII: Praises of Lord Yama and His Followers
- The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter IX: The Names of Buddhas
- The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter X: The Conditions and Comparative Merit and Virtue of Giving
- The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter XI: The Dharma Protection of an Earth Spirit
- The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter XII: Benefits Derived from Seeing and Hearing
- The Earth Store Sutra: Chapter XIII: The Entrustment of People and Gods