Difference between revisions of "The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra: Chapter 19 - The Merit and Virtue of a Dharma Master"
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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 19</big><br/> | <big>Chapter 19</big><br/> | ||
<big><big>The Merit and Virtue of a Dharma Master</big></big>}}<br/><br/> | <big><big>The Merit and Virtue of a Dharma Master</big></big>}}<br/><br/> | ||
| − | 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> | ||
| − | “This person’s nose is pure, | + | “This person’s {{Wiki|nose}} is [[pure]], |
| − | And within the world, | + | And within the [[world]], |
| − | All odors, fragrant or fetid, | + | All {{Wiki|odors}}, fragrant or fetid, |
| − | He can completely smell and know. | + | He can completely {{Wiki|smell}} and know. |
| − | Sumana and jatika, | + | [[Sumana]] and jatika, |
| − | Tamala and chandana, | + | Tamala and [[chandana]], |
The scents of aloe-wood and cassia, | The scents of aloe-wood and cassia, | ||
| − | The scents of various flowers and fruits, | + | The scents of various [[flowers]] and {{Wiki|fruits}}, |
| − | The scents of living beings, | + | The scents of [[living beings]], |
The scents of men and women-- | The scents of men and women-- | ||
| − | The speaker of Dharma, at a distance, | + | The speaker of [[Dharma]], at a distance, |
| − | Smells them and knows where they are. | + | {{Wiki|Smells}} them and [[knows]] where they are. |
| − | The great and mighty wheel-turning kings, | + | The great and mighty [[wheel-turning]] [[kings]], |
The minor wheel-turners and their sons, | The minor wheel-turners and their sons, | ||
Ministers and courtiers-- | Ministers and courtiers-- | ||
| − | By their scents, he knows where they are. | + | By their scents, he [[knows]] where they are. |
| − | The jewels worn on the body, | + | The [[jewels]] worn on the [[body]], |
| − | The jewel treasuries in the earth, | + | The [[jewel]] treasuries in the [[earth]], |
| − | The Wheel-Turning King’s jeweled women-- | + | The [[Wheel-Turning]] King’s jeweled women-- |
| − | Smelling their scents, he knows where they are. | + | {{Wiki|Smelling}} their scents, he [[knows]] where they are. |
| − | The ornaments adorning people’s bodies, | + | The ornaments adorning people’s [[bodies]], |
Their clothing, beads, | Their clothing, beads, | ||
| − | Various kinds of perfumes-- | + | Various kinds of [[perfumes]]-- |
| − | Smelling their scents, he knows where they are. | + | {{Wiki|Smelling}} their scents, he [[knows]] where they are. |
| − | The gods, whether walking or sitting | + | The [[gods]], whether walking or sitting |
| − | Or playing with their spiritual transformations-- | + | Or playing with their [[spiritual]] transformations-- |
| − | The upholder of the Dharma Flower, | + | The upholder of the [[Dharma]] [[Flower]], |
| − | Having smelled their scents, knows them all. | + | Having smelled their scents, [[knows]] them all. |
| − | The trees with their flowers and fruits, | + | The [[trees]] with their [[flowers]] and {{Wiki|fruits}}, |
| − | The fragrance of clarified butter-- | + | The {{Wiki|fragrance}} of clarified butter-- |
| − | The one who holds the Sutra, dwelling here, | + | The one who holds the [[Sutra]], dwelling here, |
| − | Knows the location of them all. | + | [[Knows]] the location of them all. |
| − | In the deep recesses of the mountains, | + | In the deep recesses of the [[mountains]], |
| − | The chandana trees in bloom | + | The [[chandana]] [[trees]] in bloom |
| − | And the beings dwelling therein-- | + | And the [[beings]] dwelling therein-- |
| − | Smelling their scents, he knows them all. | + | {{Wiki|Smelling}} their scents, he [[knows]] them all. |
| − | The living beings on Iron Ring Mountain, | + | The [[living beings]] on {{Wiki|Iron}} Ring Mountain, |
| − | In the great seas, or in the earth-- | + | In the great seas, or in the [[earth]]-- |
| − | By their scents, the holder of this Sutra | + | By their scents, the holder of this [[Sutra]] |
| − | Knows the location of them all. | + | [[Knows]] the location of them all. |
| − | The male and female asuras | + | The {{Wiki|male}} and {{Wiki|female}} [[asuras]] |
| − | And their retinues, | + | And their {{Wiki|retinues}}, |
Their quarrels and their play-- | Their quarrels and their play-- | ||
| − | By smelling their scents, he can know them. | + | By {{Wiki|smelling}} their scents, he can know them. |
In the wilds or ravines, | In the wilds or ravines, | ||
| − | Lions, elephants, tigers and wolves, | + | [[Lions]], [[elephants]], {{Wiki|tigers}} and wolves, |
| − | Wild oxen, and water buffalo-- | + | Wild oxen, and [[water]] {{Wiki|buffalo}}-- |
| − | Smelling their scents, he knows where they are. | + | {{Wiki|Smelling}} their scents, he [[knows]] where they are. |
| − | Should a woman be pregnant with a child | + | Should a woman be {{Wiki|pregnant}} with a child |
| − | Whose sex has not yet been determined, | + | Whose {{Wiki|sex}} has not yet been determined, |
| − | Nor is it known if it is a freak or non-human, | + | Nor is it known if it is a freak or {{Wiki|non-human}}, |
| − | Smelling the scent, he can know. | + | {{Wiki|Smelling}} the scent, he can know. |
| − | By the power of his smelling, | + | By the power of his {{Wiki|smelling}}, |
He can know when she first conceived, | He can know when she first conceived, | ||
| − | Whether the fetus is mature, | + | Whether the {{Wiki|fetus}} is mature, |
And if she will safely bear a blessed child. | And if she will safely bear a blessed child. | ||
| − | By the power of his smelling, | + | By the power of his {{Wiki|smelling}}, |
| − | He knows what men and women are thinking: | + | He [[knows]] what men and women are [[thinking]]: |
| − | Their defiling desires, stupidity, and hateful thoughts. | + | Their defiling [[desires]], [[stupidity]], and hateful [[thoughts]]. |
| − | He also knows those who cultivate goodness. | + | He also [[knows]] those who cultivate [[goodness]]. |
| − | The gold, silver, and jewels | + | The {{Wiki|gold}}, {{Wiki|silver}}, and [[jewels]] |
| − | Hidden in the earth’s storehouses, | + | Hidden in the [[earth’s]] storehouses, |
| − | Filling copper vessels-- | + | Filling {{Wiki|copper}} vessels-- |
| − | Smelling the scents, he knows them all. | + | {{Wiki|Smelling}} the scents, he [[knows]] them all. |
Various kinds of beads | Various kinds of beads | ||
Whose value cannot be known-- | Whose value cannot be known-- | ||
| − | By smelling their scent, he knows their value, | + | By {{Wiki|smelling}} their scent, he [[knows]] their value, |
Where they came from and where they are now. | Where they came from and where they are now. | ||
| − | All the flowers in the heavens, | + | All the [[flowers]] in the [[heavens]], |
| − | Mandarava and manjushaka, | + | [[Mandarava]] and [[manjushaka]], |
| − | The parijata trees-- | + | The [[parijata]] [[trees]]-- |
| − | Smelling their scents, he can know them. | + | {{Wiki|Smelling}} their scents, he can know them. |
| − | The palaces in the heavens-- | + | The {{Wiki|palaces}} in the [[heavens]]-- |
| − | Superior, middling or inferior, | + | {{Wiki|Superior}}, middling or {{Wiki|inferior}}, |
| − | Adorned with many jewels and flowers-- | + | Adorned with many [[jewels]] and [[flowers]]-- |
| − | Smelling their scents, he can know them all. | + | {{Wiki|Smelling}} their scents, he can know them all. |
| − | Heavenly gardens, groves, and supreme palaces; | + | [[Heavenly]] [[gardens]], groves, and supreme {{Wiki|palaces}}; |
| − | Towers and wondrous Dharma Halls; | + | Towers and wondrous [[Dharma]] Halls; |
The amusements to be found therein-- | The amusements to be found therein-- | ||
| − | Smelling their scents, he can know them all. | + | {{Wiki|Smelling}} their scents, he can know them all. |
| − | The gods, whether listening to the Dharma | + | The [[gods]], whether listening to the [[Dharma]] |
| − | Or enjoying the pleasures of the five desires, | + | Or enjoying the [[pleasures]] of the [[five desires]], |
Coming or going, walking, sitting, or reclining-- | Coming or going, walking, sitting, or reclining-- | ||
By the scents, he can know them completely. | By the scents, he can know them completely. | ||
| − | The garments worn by the goddesses, | + | The garments worn by the [[goddesses]], |
| − | Their adornments of flowers and perfume | + | Their adornments of [[flowers]] and [[perfume]] |
| − | As their ramble around for pleasure-- | + | As their ramble around for [[pleasure]]-- |
| − | By their scents, he knows them all. | + | By their scents, he [[knows]] them all. |
Proceeding thus upward, | Proceeding thus upward, | ||
| − | Reaching to the Brahma heavens, | + | Reaching to the [[Brahma heavens]], |
| − | Those who enter Dhyana and those who leave it-- | + | Those who enter [[Dhyana]] and those who leave it-- |
| − | Smelling their scents, he knows them all. | + | {{Wiki|Smelling}} their scents, he [[knows]] them all. |
| − | The Heavens of Light-Sound and Pervasive Purity, | + | The [[Heavens]] of Light-Sound and Pervasive [[Purity]], |
| − | On up to the Peak of Existence, | + | On up to the Peak of [[Existence]], |
Those just born there and those sliding down-- | Those just born there and those sliding down-- | ||
| − | Smelling their scents, he knows them all. | + | {{Wiki|Smelling}} their scents, he [[knows]] them all. |
| − | The host of Bhikshus, | + | The host of [[Bhikshus]], |
| − | Ever vigorous in the Dharma, | + | Ever vigorous in the [[Dharma]], |
Whether sitting or walking; | Whether sitting or walking; | ||
| − | Reading or reciting the Sutra; | + | Reading or reciting the [[Sutra]]; |
| − | Or in the woods beneath trees, | + | Or in the woods beneath [[trees]], |
| − | Concentrated, sitting in Dhyana-- | + | [[Concentrated]], sitting in [[Dhyana]]-- |
| − | The one who upholds the Sutra, smelling their scents, | + | The one who upholds the [[Sutra]], {{Wiki|smelling}} their scents, |
| − | Knows where they are. | + | [[Knows]] where they are. |
| − | Bodhisattvas of solid resolve, | + | [[Bodhisattvas]] of solid resolve, |
| − | Whether sitting in Dhyana or reading and reciting, | + | Whether sitting in [[Dhyana]] or reading and reciting, |
| − | Or speaking the Dharma to others-- | + | Or {{Wiki|speaking}} the [[Dharma]] to others-- |
| − | Smelling their scents, he knows them all. | + | {{Wiki|Smelling}} their scents, he [[knows]] them all. |
| − | In any place the World Honored One may be, | + | In any place the [[World Honored One]] may be, |
There revered by the multitudes, | There revered by the multitudes, | ||
| − | As he pities them and speaks the Dharma-- | + | As he pities them and speaks the [[Dharma]]-- |
| − | By smelling the scent, he knows this completely. | + | By {{Wiki|smelling}} the scent, he [[knows]] this completely. |
| − | Living beings in the Buddha’s presence, | + | [[Living beings]] in the [[Buddha’s]] presence, |
| − | Hearing the Sutra and rejoicing, | + | Hearing the [[Sutra]] and [[rejoicing]], |
| − | Cultivate in accord with Dharma. | + | Cultivate in accord with [[Dharma]]. |
| − | By smelling the scents, he completely knows them. | + | By {{Wiki|smelling}} the scents, he completely [[knows]] them. |
| − | Even though he hasn’t yet attained the Bodhisattva’s | + | Even though he hasn’t yet attained the [[Bodhisattva’s]] |
Non-outflow Dharma-nose, | Non-outflow Dharma-nose, | ||
| − | Still, the upholder of this Sutra | + | Still, the upholder of this [[Sutra]] |
| − | Will first attain a nose with such characteristics.” | + | Will first attain a {{Wiki|nose}} with such [[characteristics]].” |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
| − | “Moreover, Ever-Vigorous, if a good man or a good woman receives and upholds this Sutra, whether reading, reciting, explaining it to others, or writing it out, he or she will gain twelve hundred meritorious virtues of the tongue. All things, whether good or bad tasting, savory or unsavory, bitter or astringent, when they come in contact with his tongue will change into things of superior flavor, like heavenly sweet dew. None will not be flavorful. If he lectures amidst the great assembly, his sound will be profound and wonderful, penetrating their minds and causing them all to be joyful and happy.” | + | “Moreover, Ever-Vigorous, if a good man or a good woman receives and upholds this [[Sutra]], whether reading, reciting, explaining it to others, or [[writing]] it out, he or she will gain twelve hundred [[meritorious]] [[virtues]] of the {{Wiki|tongue}}. All things, whether good or bad {{Wiki|tasting}}, savory or unsavory, [[bitter]] or [[astringent]], when they come in [[contact]] with his {{Wiki|tongue}} will change into things of {{Wiki|superior}} flavor, like [[heavenly]] [[sweet]] dew. None will not be flavorful. If he lectures amidst the [[great assembly]], his [[sound]] will be profound and wonderful, penetrating their [[minds]] and causing them all to be [[joyful]] and [[happy]].” |
| − | “Further, all the gods and goddesses, Shakra, Brahma, and all the gods, hearing these profound, wonderful sounds of his orderly exposition, will all come to listen. All the dragons, female dragons, yakshas, female yakshas, gandharvas, female gandharvas, asuras, female asuras, garudas, female garudas, kinnaras, female kinnaras, mahoragas, and female mahoragas, in order to hear the Dharma, will draw near him and reverently make offerings to him.” | + | “Further, all the [[gods]] and [[goddesses]], [[Shakra]], [[Brahma]], and all the [[gods]], hearing these profound, wonderful {{Wiki|sounds}} of his orderly [[exposition]], will all come to listen. All the [[dragons]], {{Wiki|female}} [[dragons]], [[yakshas]], {{Wiki|female}} [[yakshas]], [[gandharvas]], {{Wiki|female}} [[gandharvas]], [[asuras]], {{Wiki|female}} [[asuras]], [[garudas]], {{Wiki|female}} [[garudas]], [[kinnaras]], {{Wiki|female}} [[kinnaras]], [[mahoragas]], and {{Wiki|female}} [[mahoragas]], in order to hear the [[Dharma]], will draw near him and reverently make [[offerings]] to him.” |
| − | “The Bhikshus and Bhikshunis; Upasakas and Upasikas; kings, princes, ministers, and retinues; minor wheel-turning kings; and great wheel-turning kings with their seven treasures, thousands of sons, and their inner and outer retinues will all ride their palaces there to listen to the Dharma. Because this Bodhisattva skillfully speaks the Dharma, the Brahmans, laypeople, and citizens of the country will follow him for as long as he lives, serving and making offerings to him.” | + | “The [[Bhikshus]] and [[Bhikshunis]]; [[Upasakas]] and [[Upasikas]]; [[kings]], princes, ministers, and {{Wiki|retinues}}; minor [[wheel-turning]] [[kings]]; and great [[wheel-turning]] [[kings]] with their [[seven treasures]], thousands of sons, and their inner and outer {{Wiki|retinues}} will all ride their {{Wiki|palaces}} there to listen to the [[Dharma]]. Because this [[Bodhisattva]] skillfully speaks the [[Dharma]], the [[Brahmans]], laypeople, and citizens of the country will follow him for as long as he [[lives]], serving and making [[offerings]] to him.” |
| − | “Further, the Hearers, Pratyekabuddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas will always take delight in seeing him.” | + | “Further, the Hearers, [[Pratyekabuddhas]], [[Bodhisattvas]], and [[Buddhas]] will always take [[delight]] in [[seeing]] him.” |
| − | “Wherever this person is, the Buddhas are right in front of him speaking the Dharma. He is also able to receive and uphold all the Buddhadharma and to put for the profound and wondrous Dharma-sound.” | + | “Wherever this [[person]] is, the [[Buddhas]] are right in front of him {{Wiki|speaking}} the [[Dharma]]. He is also able to receive and uphold all the [[Buddhadharma]] and to put for the profound and wondrous Dharma-sound.” |
| − | 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> | ||
| − | “This person’s tongue is pure | + | “This person’s {{Wiki|tongue}} is [[pure]] |
| − | And will never taste foul flavors. | + | And will never {{Wiki|taste}} foul {{Wiki|flavors}}. |
| − | All of the food he eats | + | All of the [[food]] he eats |
| − | Turns into sweet dew. | + | Turns into [[sweet]] dew. |
| − | Using the profound, pure, and wondrous sound, | + | Using the profound, [[pure]], and wondrous [[sound]], |
| − | He speaks the Dharma for the great assembly | + | He speaks the [[Dharma]] for the [[great assembly]] |
| − | Using causes, conditions, and analogies | + | Using [[causes]], [[conditions]], and analogies |
| − | To guide the minds of living beings, | + | To guide the [[minds]] of [[living beings]], |
Who, on hearing him, rejoice | Who, on hearing him, rejoice | ||
| − | And make superior offerings. | + | And make {{Wiki|superior}} [[offerings]]. |
| − | The gods, dragons, yakshas, | + | The [[gods]], [[dragons]], [[yakshas]], |
| − | And asuras, and so forth, | + | And [[asuras]], and so forth, |
| − | All with reverent minds, | + | All with reverent [[minds]], |
| − | Come to hear the Dharma. | + | Come to hear the [[Dharma]]. |
| − | This person who speaks the Dharma, | + | This [[person]] who speaks the [[Dharma]], |
| − | Should he wish with a wondrous sound | + | Should he wish with a wondrous [[sound]] |
| − | To pervade three thousand worlds, | + | To pervade three thousand [[worlds]], |
As he wishes, he will be able to do so. | As he wishes, he will be able to do so. | ||
| − | Wheel-turning kings, great and minor, | + | Wheel-turning [[kings]], great and minor, |
| − | Their thousands of sons and their retinues, | + | Their thousands of sons and their {{Wiki|retinues}}, |
| − | With palms joined and reverent minds, | + | With palms joined and reverent [[minds]], |
| − | Always come to hear and receive the Dharma. | + | Always come to hear and receive the [[Dharma]]. |
| − | The gods, dragons, yakshas, | + | The [[gods]], [[dragons]], [[yakshas]], |
| − | Rakshasas and pishacas, | + | [[Rakshasas]] and pishacas, |
| − | Also, with happy hearts, | + | Also, with [[happy]] hearts, |
| − | Always delight in coming to make offerings. | + | Always [[delight]] in coming to make [[offerings]]. |
| − | The god king Brahma, King Mara, | + | The [[god]] [[king]] [[Brahma]], [[King]] [[Mara]], |
Self-Mastery, and Great Self-Mastery, | Self-Mastery, and Great Self-Mastery, | ||
| − | And all the hosts of gods | + | And all the hosts of [[gods]] |
Always come to where he is. | Always come to where he is. | ||
| − | All the Buddhas and their disciples, | + | All the [[Buddhas]] and their [[disciples]], |
| − | Hearing his sound as he speaks the Dharma, | + | Hearing his [[sound]] as he speaks the [[Dharma]], |
| − | Are ever mindful and protective, | + | Are ever [[mindful]] and protective, |
| − | And sometimes manifest in person.” | + | And sometimes [[manifest]] in [[person]].” |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
| − | “Further, Ever-Vigorous, if a good man or a good woman receives and upholds this Sutra, whether reading, reciting, explaining it to others, or writing it out, he will obtain eight hundred meritorious virtues of the body. He will obtain a pure body, as pure as vaidurya, which living beings will be delighted to see, because of the purity of his body. Living beings in the three thousand great thousand world system, whether at the time of birth or at the time of death, above or below, fair or ugly, whether born in good place or born in a evil place, will all manifest within it. The Iron Ring Mountain, the Great Iron Ring Mountain, Meru Mountain, Mahameru Mountain, and the other mountains, and all the living beings in their midst will appear within it. Below to the Avici hells and above to the Peak of Existence, all living beings will manifest therein. If Hearers, Pratyekabuddhas, Bodhisattvas, or Buddhas speak the Dharma, they will all manifest their physical images within his body.” | + | “Further, Ever-Vigorous, if a good man or a good woman receives and upholds this [[Sutra]], whether reading, reciting, explaining it to others, or [[writing]] it out, he will obtain eight hundred [[meritorious]] [[virtues]] of the [[body]]. He will obtain a [[pure]] [[body]], as [[pure]] as [[vaidurya]], which [[living beings]] will be [[delighted]] to see, because of the [[purity]] of his [[body]]. [[Living beings]] in the three thousand great thousand [[world]] system, whether at the [[time]] of [[birth]] or at the [[time]] of [[death]], above or below, fair or ugly, whether born in good place or born in a [[evil]] place, will all [[manifest]] within it. The {{Wiki|Iron}} Ring Mountain, the Great {{Wiki|Iron}} Ring Mountain, [[Meru]] Mountain, [[Mahameru]] Mountain, and the other [[mountains]], and all the [[living beings]] in their midst will appear within it. Below to the [[Avici hells]] and above to the Peak of [[Existence]], all [[living beings]] will [[manifest]] therein. If Hearers, [[Pratyekabuddhas]], [[Bodhisattvas]], or [[Buddhas]] speak the [[Dharma]], they will all [[manifest]] their [[physical]] images within his [[body]].” |
| − | 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> | ||
| − | “If a person holds the Dharma Flower, | + | “If a [[person]] holds the [[Dharma]] [[Flower]], |
| − | His body will be extremely pure, | + | His [[body]] will be extremely [[pure]], |
| − | Like that of pure vaidurya, | + | Like that of [[pure]] [[vaidurya]], |
| − | And living beings will all take delight in seeing him. | + | And [[living beings]] will all take [[delight]] in [[seeing]] him. |
| − | Also, as in a pure, bright mirror | + | Also, as in a [[pure]], bright [[mirror]] |
All images are seen, | All images are seen, | ||
| − | The Bodhisattva, within his pure body, | + | The [[Bodhisattva]], within his [[pure]] [[body]], |
| − | Sees everything in the world. | + | Sees everything in the [[world]]. |
| − | He alone has clear perception, | + | He alone has clear [[perception]], |
| − | For these things are not seen by other people. | + | For these things are not seen by other [[people]]. |
| − | Within tree thousand worlds, | + | Within [[tree]] thousand [[worlds]], |
| − | All the multitudes of living beings-- | + | All the multitudes of [[living beings]]-- |
| − | Gods, humans, asuras, | + | [[Gods]], [[humans]], [[asuras]], |
| − | Hell-beings, ghosts, and animals: | + | [[Hell-beings]], [[ghosts]], and [[animals]]: |
All such images as these-- | All such images as these-- | ||
| − | Appear within his body. | + | Appear within his [[body]]. |
| − | The palaces of the gods | + | The {{Wiki|palaces}} of the [[gods]] |
| − | Up to the Peak of Existence, | + | Up to the Peak of [[Existence]], |
| − | The Iron Ring and Meru | + | The {{Wiki|Iron}} Ring and [[Meru]] |
| − | And Mahameru Mountains, | + | And [[Mahameru]] [[Mountains]], |
And the waters of all the great seas | And the waters of all the great seas | ||
| − | All appear within his body. | + | All appear within his [[body]]. |
| − | The Buddhas and Hearers, | + | The [[Buddhas]] and Hearers, |
| − | Disciples of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, | + | [[Disciples]] of the [[Buddha]] and [[Bodhisattvas]], |
Whether singly or in a multitude, | Whether singly or in a multitude, | ||
| − | Speaking Dharma, all manifest. | + | {{Wiki|Speaking}} [[Dharma]], all [[manifest]]. |
Although he has not yet gained the non-outflow, | Although he has not yet gained the non-outflow, | ||
| − | Wondrous body of the Dharma-nature, | + | Wondrous [[body]] of the [[Dharma-nature]], |
| − | Within his pure, ordinary body, | + | Within his [[pure]], ordinary [[body]], |
| − | All things manifest.” | + | All things [[manifest]].” |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
| − | “Further, Ever-Vigorous, if a good man or a good woman, after passing into stillness of the Thus Come One, receives and upholds this Sutra, whether reading, reciting, explaining it to others or writing it out, he will obtain twelve hundred meritorious virtues of the mind. With his pure mind, by hearing so much as a single verse or a single sentence, he will comprehend limitless, boundless meanings. Having understood these meanings, he will then be able to expound on a single sentence or a single verse for as long as a month, four months, or up to a year. All the Dharma he speaks will accord with the meaning and purport, and none of it will contradict the Real Mark. If he speaks on worldly texts, expounds on the principles of government, or follows an occupation to make a living, it will all accord with the proper Dharma. In the three thousand great thousand world system, all the living beings of the six destinies, their mental processes, their mental activities, the frivolous assertions in their minds, all these he completely knows. Although he has not yet gained the non-outflow wisdom, still his mind is as pure as this. All of this person’s thoughts, calculations, or pronouncements are Buddhadharma, and none are not true and real, and all have been spoken in the Sutras of former Buddhas.” | + | “Further, Ever-Vigorous, if a good man or a good woman, after passing into stillness of the [[Thus Come One]], receives and upholds this [[Sutra]], whether reading, reciting, explaining it to others or [[writing]] it out, he will obtain twelve hundred [[meritorious]] [[virtues]] of the [[mind]]. With his [[pure mind]], by hearing so much as a single verse or a single sentence, he will comprehend limitless, [[boundless]] meanings. Having understood these meanings, he will then be able to expound on a single sentence or a single verse for as long as a month, four months, or up to a year. All the [[Dharma]] he speaks will accord with the meaning and purport, and none of it will contradict the Real Mark. If he speaks on [[worldly]] texts, expounds on the {{Wiki|principles}} of government, or follows an {{Wiki|occupation}} to make a living, it will all accord with the proper [[Dharma]]. In the three thousand great thousand [[world]] system, all the [[living beings]] of the six destinies, their {{Wiki|mental processes}}, their [[mental]] [[activities]], the frivolous assertions in their [[minds]], all these he completely [[knows]]. Although he has not yet gained the non-outflow [[wisdom]], still his [[mind]] is as [[pure]] as this. All of this person’s [[thoughts]], calculations, or pronouncements are [[Buddhadharma]], and none are not true and real, and all have been spoken in the [[Sutras]] of former [[Buddhas]].” |
| − | 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> | ||
| − | “This person’s mind is pure, | + | “This person’s [[mind]] is [[pure]], |
Bright, sharp, and immaculate. | Bright, sharp, and immaculate. | ||
With this wonderful mins, | With this wonderful mins, | ||
| − | He knows superior, middle and inferior Dharmas. | + | He [[knows]] {{Wiki|superior}}, middle and {{Wiki|inferior}} [[Dharmas]]. |
If he hears but a single verse, | If he hears but a single verse, | ||
He comprehends limitless meanings | He comprehends limitless meanings | ||
| − | And speaks them in good order according to Dharma, | + | And speaks them in good order according to [[Dharma]], |
For a month, four months, or a year. | For a month, four months, or a year. | ||
| − | Inside and outside this world, | + | Inside and outside this [[world]], |
| − | All the living beings, | + | All the [[living beings]], |
| − | Be they gods, dragons, or humans, | + | Be they [[gods]], [[dragons]], or [[humans]], |
| − | Yakshas, ghosts, or spirits, | + | [[Yakshas]], [[ghosts]], or [[spirits]], |
All those in the six destinies, | All those in the six destinies, | ||
| − | All of their different thoughts, | + | All of their different [[thoughts]], |
| − | The upholder of the Dharma Flower, | + | The upholder of the [[Dharma]] [[Flower]], |
| − | As a reward, knows all at once. | + | As a reward, [[knows]] all at once. |
| − | The countless Buddhas in the ten directions, | + | The countless [[Buddhas]] in the [[ten directions]], |
| − | Adorned with the marks of a hundred blessings, | + | Adorned with the marks of a hundred [[blessings]], |
| − | Speak the Dharma for living beings. | + | Speak the [[Dharma]] for [[living beings]]. |
He hears it all and can receive and hold it. | He hears it all and can receive and hold it. | ||
He ponders limitless meanings | He ponders limitless meanings | ||
| − | And speaks limitless Dharmas, too, | + | And speaks limitless [[Dharmas]], too, |
Without a mistake or omission from beginning to end, | Without a mistake or omission from beginning to end, | ||
| − | Because he upholds the Dharma Flower. | + | Because he upholds the [[Dharma]] [[Flower]]. |
| − | He completely knows the marks of all Dharmas, | + | He completely [[knows]] the marks of all [[Dharmas]], |
| − | And recognizes their meaningful sequence. | + | And [[recognizes]] their meaningful sequence. |
| − | Knowing the names and words, | + | [[Knowing]] the names and words, |
| − | He expounds on them as he understands them. | + | He expounds on them as he [[understands]] them. |
| − | What this person says | + | What this [[person]] says |
| − | Is all the Dharma of former Buddhas. | + | Is all the [[Dharma]] of former [[Buddhas]]. |
| − | And because he expounds on this Dharma, | + | And because he expounds on this [[Dharma]], |
| − | He is fearless in the assembly. | + | He is [[fearless]] in the assembly. |
| − | The one who upholds the Dharma Flower | + | The one who upholds the [[Dharma]] [[Flower]] |
| − | Has a pure mind like this. | + | Has a [[pure mind]] like this. |
Although he has not yet attained to no-outflows, | Although he has not yet attained to no-outflows, | ||
He already has such marks as these. | He already has such marks as these. | ||
| − | This person, upholding the Sutra, | + | This [[person]], upholding the [[Sutra]], |
Dwells securely on rare ground, | Dwells securely on rare ground, | ||
| − | And all living beings | + | And all [[living beings]] |
| − | Delight in him, cherish and revere him. | + | [[Delight]] in him, cherish and revere him. |
He can, with a thousand myriads of kinds | He can, with a thousand myriads of kinds | ||
| − | Of skillful, clever words, | + | Of [[skillful]], clever words, |
| − | Speak the Dharma in detail, | + | Speak the [[Dharma]] in detail, |
| − | Because he upholds the Dharma Flower.” | + | Because he upholds the [[Dharma]] [[Flower]].” |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
Latest revision as of 05:21, 17 February 2014
The Dharma Lotus Flower Sutra
Chapter 19
The Merit and Virtue of a Dharma Master
At that time the World Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses, saying:
“This person’s nose is pure,
And within the world,
All odors, fragrant or fetid,
He can completely smell and know.
Sumana and jatika,
Tamala and chandana,
The scents of aloe-wood and cassia,
The scents of various flowers and fruits,
The scents of living beings,
The scents of men and women--
The speaker of Dharma, at a distance,
Smells them and knows where they are.
The great and mighty wheel-turning kings,
The minor wheel-turners and their sons,
Ministers and courtiers--
By their scents, he knows where they are.
The jewels worn on the body,
The jewel treasuries in the earth,
The Wheel-Turning King’s jeweled women--
Smelling their scents, he knows where they are.
The ornaments adorning people’s bodies,
Their clothing, beads,
Various kinds of perfumes--
Smelling their scents, he knows where they are.
The gods, whether walking or sitting
Or playing with their spiritual transformations--
The upholder of the Dharma Flower,
Having smelled their scents, knows them all.
The trees with their flowers and fruits,
The fragrance of clarified butter--
The one who holds the Sutra, dwelling here,
Knows the location of them all.
In the deep recesses of the mountains,
The chandana trees in bloom
And the beings dwelling therein--
Smelling their scents, he knows them all.
The living beings on Iron Ring Mountain,
In the great seas, or in the earth--
By their scents, the holder of this Sutra
Knows the location of them all.
The male and female asuras
And their retinues,
Their quarrels and their play--
By smelling their scents, he can know them.
In the wilds or ravines,
Lions, elephants, tigers and wolves,
Wild oxen, and water buffalo--
Smelling their scents, he knows where they are.
Should a woman be pregnant with a child
Whose sex has not yet been determined,
Nor is it known if it is a freak or non-human,
Smelling the scent, he can know.
By the power of his smelling,
He can know when she first conceived,
Whether the fetus is mature,
And if she will safely bear a blessed child.
By the power of his smelling,
He knows what men and women are thinking:
Their defiling desires, stupidity, and hateful thoughts.
He also knows those who cultivate goodness.
The gold, silver, and jewels
Hidden in the earth’s storehouses,
Filling copper vessels--
Smelling the scents, he knows them all.
Various kinds of beads
Whose value cannot be known--
By smelling their scent, he knows their value,
Where they came from and where they are now.
All the flowers in the heavens,
Mandarava and manjushaka,
The parijata trees--
Smelling their scents, he can know them.
The palaces in the heavens--
Superior, middling or inferior,
Adorned with many jewels and flowers--
Smelling their scents, he can know them all.
Heavenly gardens, groves, and supreme palaces;
Towers and wondrous Dharma Halls;
The amusements to be found therein--
Smelling their scents, he can know them all.
The gods, whether listening to the Dharma
Or enjoying the pleasures of the five desires,
Coming or going, walking, sitting, or reclining--
By the scents, he can know them completely.
The garments worn by the goddesses,
Their adornments of flowers and perfume
As their ramble around for pleasure--
By their scents, he knows them all.
Proceeding thus upward,
Reaching to the Brahma heavens,
Those who enter Dhyana and those who leave it--
Smelling their scents, he knows them all.
The Heavens of Light-Sound and Pervasive Purity,
On up to the Peak of Existence,
Those just born there and those sliding down--
Smelling their scents, he knows them all.
The host of Bhikshus,
Ever vigorous in the Dharma,
Whether sitting or walking;
Reading or reciting the Sutra;
Or in the woods beneath trees,
Concentrated, sitting in Dhyana--
The one who upholds the Sutra, smelling their scents,
Knows where they are.
Bodhisattvas of solid resolve,
Whether sitting in Dhyana or reading and reciting,
Or speaking the Dharma to others--
Smelling their scents, he knows them all.
In any place the World Honored One may be,
There revered by the multitudes,
As he pities them and speaks the Dharma--
By smelling the scent, he knows this completely.
Living beings in the Buddha’s presence,
Hearing the Sutra and rejoicing,
Cultivate in accord with Dharma.
By smelling the scents, he completely knows them.
Even though he hasn’t yet attained the Bodhisattva’s
Non-outflow Dharma-nose,
Still, the upholder of this Sutra
Will first attain a nose with such characteristics.”
“Moreover, Ever-Vigorous, if a good man or a good woman receives and upholds this Sutra, whether reading, reciting, explaining it to others, or writing it out, he or she will gain twelve hundred meritorious virtues of the tongue. All things, whether good or bad tasting, savory or unsavory, bitter or astringent, when they come in contact with his tongue will change into things of superior flavor, like heavenly sweet dew. None will not be flavorful. If he lectures amidst the great assembly, his sound will be profound and wonderful, penetrating their minds and causing them all to be joyful and happy.”
“Further, all the gods and goddesses, Shakra, Brahma, and all the gods, hearing these profound, wonderful sounds of his orderly exposition, will all come to listen. All the dragons, female dragons, yakshas, female yakshas, gandharvas, female gandharvas, asuras, female asuras, garudas, female garudas, kinnaras, female kinnaras, mahoragas, and female mahoragas, in order to hear the Dharma, will draw near him and reverently make offerings to him.”
“The Bhikshus and Bhikshunis; Upasakas and Upasikas; kings, princes, ministers, and retinues; minor wheel-turning kings; and great wheel-turning kings with their seven treasures, thousands of sons, and their inner and outer retinues will all ride their palaces there to listen to the Dharma. Because this Bodhisattva skillfully speaks the Dharma, the Brahmans, laypeople, and citizens of the country will follow him for as long as he lives, serving and making offerings to him.”
“Further, the Hearers, Pratyekabuddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas will always take delight in seeing him.”
“Wherever this person is, the Buddhas are right in front of him speaking the Dharma. He is also able to receive and uphold all the Buddhadharma and to put for the profound and wondrous Dharma-sound.”
At that time the World Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses, saying,
“This person’s tongue is pure
And will never taste foul flavors.
All of the food he eats
Turns into sweet dew.
Using the profound, pure, and wondrous sound,
He speaks the Dharma for the great assembly
Using causes, conditions, and analogies
To guide the minds of living beings,
Who, on hearing him, rejoice
And make superior offerings.
The gods, dragons, yakshas,
And asuras, and so forth,
All with reverent minds,
Come to hear the Dharma.
This person who speaks the Dharma,
Should he wish with a wondrous sound
To pervade three thousand worlds,
As he wishes, he will be able to do so.
Wheel-turning kings, great and minor,
Their thousands of sons and their retinues,
With palms joined and reverent minds,
Always come to hear and receive the Dharma.
The gods, dragons, yakshas,
Rakshasas and pishacas,
Also, with happy hearts,
Always delight in coming to make offerings.
The god king Brahma, King Mara,
Self-Mastery, and Great Self-Mastery,
And all the hosts of gods
Always come to where he is.
All the Buddhas and their disciples,
Hearing his sound as he speaks the Dharma,
Are ever mindful and protective,
And sometimes manifest in person.”
“Further, Ever-Vigorous, if a good man or a good woman receives and upholds this Sutra, whether reading, reciting, explaining it to others, or writing it out, he will obtain eight hundred meritorious virtues of the body. He will obtain a pure body, as pure as vaidurya, which living beings will be delighted to see, because of the purity of his body. Living beings in the three thousand great thousand world system, whether at the time of birth or at the time of death, above or below, fair or ugly, whether born in good place or born in a evil place, will all manifest within it. The Iron Ring Mountain, the Great Iron Ring Mountain, Meru Mountain, Mahameru Mountain, and the other mountains, and all the living beings in their midst will appear within it. Below to the Avici hells and above to the Peak of Existence, all living beings will manifest therein. If Hearers, Pratyekabuddhas, Bodhisattvas, or Buddhas speak the Dharma, they will all manifest their physical images within his body.”
At that time the World Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses, saying:
“If a person holds the Dharma Flower,
His body will be extremely pure,
Like that of pure vaidurya,
And living beings will all take delight in seeing him.
Also, as in a pure, bright mirror
All images are seen,
The Bodhisattva, within his pure body,
Sees everything in the world.
He alone has clear perception,
For these things are not seen by other people.
Within tree thousand worlds,
All the multitudes of living beings--
Gods, humans, asuras,
Hell-beings, ghosts, and animals:
All such images as these--
Appear within his body.
The palaces of the gods
Up to the Peak of Existence,
The Iron Ring and Meru
And Mahameru Mountains,
And the waters of all the great seas
All appear within his body.
The Buddhas and Hearers,
Disciples of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas,
Whether singly or in a multitude,
Speaking Dharma, all manifest.
Although he has not yet gained the non-outflow,
Wondrous body of the Dharma-nature,
Within his pure, ordinary body,
All things manifest.”
“Further, Ever-Vigorous, if a good man or a good woman, after passing into stillness of the Thus Come One, receives and upholds this Sutra, whether reading, reciting, explaining it to others or writing it out, he will obtain twelve hundred meritorious virtues of the mind. With his pure mind, by hearing so much as a single verse or a single sentence, he will comprehend limitless, boundless meanings. Having understood these meanings, he will then be able to expound on a single sentence or a single verse for as long as a month, four months, or up to a year. All the Dharma he speaks will accord with the meaning and purport, and none of it will contradict the Real Mark. If he speaks on worldly texts, expounds on the principles of government, or follows an occupation to make a living, it will all accord with the proper Dharma. In the three thousand great thousand world system, all the living beings of the six destinies, their mental processes, their mental activities, the frivolous assertions in their minds, all these he completely knows. Although he has not yet gained the non-outflow wisdom, still his mind is as pure as this. All of this person’s thoughts, calculations, or pronouncements are Buddhadharma, and none are not true and real, and all have been spoken in the Sutras of former Buddhas.”
At that time the World Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses, saying,
“This person’s mind is pure,
Bright, sharp, and immaculate.
With this wonderful mins,
He knows superior, middle and inferior Dharmas.
If he hears but a single verse,
He comprehends limitless meanings
And speaks them in good order according to Dharma,
For a month, four months, or a year.
Inside and outside this world,
All the living beings,
Be they gods, dragons, or humans,
Yakshas, ghosts, or spirits,
All those in the six destinies,
All of their different thoughts,
The upholder of the Dharma Flower,
As a reward, knows all at once.
The countless Buddhas in the ten directions,
Adorned with the marks of a hundred blessings,
Speak the Dharma for living beings.
He hears it all and can receive and hold it.
He ponders limitless meanings
And speaks limitless Dharmas, too,
Without a mistake or omission from beginning to end,
Because he upholds the Dharma Flower.
He completely knows the marks of all Dharmas,
And recognizes their meaningful sequence.
Knowing the names and words,
He expounds on them as he understands them.
What this person says
Is all the Dharma of former Buddhas.
And because he expounds on this Dharma,
He is fearless in the assembly.
The one who upholds the Dharma Flower
Has a pure mind like this.
Although he has not yet attained to no-outflows,
He already has such marks as these.
This person, upholding the Sutra,
Dwells securely on rare ground,
And all living beings
Delight in him, cherish and revere him.
He can, with a thousand myriads of kinds
Of skillful, clever words,
Speak the Dharma in detail,
Because he upholds the Dharma Flower.”
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
