Avatamsaka Sutra: Volume 1: The Wondrous Adornments of the Rulers of the Worlds, the 4th section by B.T.T.S.
(Taisho Tripitaka 0279)
Translated into English by B.T.T.S.
Volume 1: The Wondrous Adornments of the Rulers of the Worlds, the 4th section
Moreover, Fire-ruling Spirit Treasury of Universal Flames gained a passage into liberation of totally dispelling all darkness in the world. Fire-ruling Spirit Banner of Universally Assembled Light gained a passage into liberation of eradicating all sentient beings' delusions and their sufferings of aimless drifting and scorching torment. Fire-ruling Spirit Great Light Universally Shining gained a passage into liberation of a treasury of great compassion and steadfast power of blessings. Fire-ruling Spirit Palaces of Multitudes of Wonders gained a passage into liberation of contemplating the Tathagata's powers of spiritual penetrations and infinite manifestations. Fire-ruling Spirit Cowl of Infinite Light gained a passage into liberation of discovering light that shines throughout boundless realms of space. Fire-ruling Spirit All Kinds of Blazing Eyes gained a passage into liberation of perceiving a serene radiance derived from adornment with all kinds of blessings. Fire-ruling Spirit Palaces Resembling Mount Sumeru in the Ten Directions gained a passage into liberation of extinguishing the blazing sufferings of all beings in all destinies in the worlds. Fire-ruling Spirit Awesome Light of Self-Mastery gained a passage into liberation of enlightening all beings in all worlds with ease. Fire-ruling Spirit Light Illumining the Ten Directions gained a passage into liberation of refuting forever all foolish, attached views. Fire-ruling Spirit Thunder Sound and Lightning Flash gained a passage into liberation of loosing a great boom of thunder resulting from fulfilling all vows.
At that time Fire-ruling Spirit Treasury of Universal Flames received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, universally contemplated the multitudes of Fire-ruling Spirits, and spoke the following verse.
Contemplate the Tathagata's power of vigor:
For inconceivable, vast, great kotis of eons,
He appears in the world to benefit beings,
Dispelling all obstructions of darkness.
Sentient beings are obtuse and opinionated,
Their afflictions like a torrent and a blaze;
With skillful means, the Guiding Master quells them.
Banner of Universally Assembled Light awakens thus.
His blessings and virtues, like space, are never ending.
One seeks their limits and boundaries in vain.
Such is the Buddha's unmoving power of great compassion.
Light Shining awakens to this and is delighted.
I contemplate the Tathagata's cultivations:
Boundless, they stretch through oceans of eons.
Such displays of powers and spiritual penetrations
Palaces of Multitudes of Wonders spirit understands.
Unthinkable, his achievements in cultivation for kotis of eons;
The quest for their boundaries ends in mystery.
He proclaims the truth of all dharmas, delighting all.
Infinite Light spirit contemplates thus and sees.
The vast, great multitudes in all the ten directions
Behold the Buddha manifest before them.
His peaceful, quiescent light illuminates the world.
Wondrous Flames spirit understands thus.
In all the worlds the Muni appears.
Seated within each palace, he sends
A rain of infinitely vast great Dharma everywhere.
This is the spiritual state of Ten Directions spirit.
Most profound is the wisdom of the Buddhas.
Sovereign over dharmas, they appear in the world.
They completely clarify that which is true.
Awesome Light rejoices in this insight.
The delusion of views casts a darkness that confuses
Sentient beings, so they drift and revolve without cease.
In order to teach them, the Buddha opens wondrous Dharma doors.
Illumining Directions spirit enters and awakens thus.
Vast, great, inconceivable is his approach to vows.
The Powers and Paramitas have been cultivated to purity.
Everything now manifests according to his previous vows.
Rumbling Sound spirit understands thus.
Moreover, Water-ruling Spirit Creating Banners of Clouds Everywhere gained a passage into liberation of impartially benefiting all sentient beings with kindness. Water-ruling Spirit Sea-Tide Cloud Sound gained a passage into liberation of being boundlessly adorned with Dharma. Water-ruling Spirit Wheel-like Cowl of Wondrous Colors gained a passage into liberation of contemplating those to be taught and universally gathering them in with skill-in-means. Water-ruling Spirit Whirlpools of Skillful Expedients gained a passage into liberation of universally proclaiming the profound states of all Buddhas. Water-ruling Spirit Immaculate Accumulation of Fragrance gained a passage into liberation of universally displaying a grand, pristine radiance. Water-ruling Spirit Bridge to Blessings and Voice of Light gained a passage into liberation of purifying Dharma Realms so that they are devoid of characteristics and a nature. Water-ruling Spirit Comfortable Contentment gained a passage into liberation of sharing an ocean of unending great compassion. Water-ruling Spirit Kindly Sound of Pure Joy gained a passage into liberation of acting as a treasury of great delight within the Way-places of assemblies of Bodhisattvas. Water-ruling Spirit Universally Manifesting Majestic Light gained a passage into liberation of appearing everywhere through the unimpeded strength of enormous blessings and virtue. Water-ruling Spirit Roaring Sound Pervading Seas gained a passage into liberation of contemplating all sentient beings and bringing forth expedients like emptiness to tame and subdue them.
At that time, Water-ruling Spirit Creating Banners of Clouds Everywhere received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, universally contemplated the multitudes of Water-ruling Spirits, and spoke the following verse.
Countlessly many passages leading to purity and kindness
Are revealed within a single, wondrous hallmark of the Thus Come One;
The same is true of each and every hallmark.
Therefore, those who gaze upon him never tire of their beholding.
When cultivating in the past, the World Honored One
Made pilgrimages to all Thus Come Ones' abodes.
He practiced in various ways¨Cnever weary, never lax:
Cloud Sound enters such expedients as these.
The Buddha traverses the ten direction while remaining
Quiescent and unmoving, neither coming nor going.
He responds to sentient beings; they perceive his teaching.
Thus understands Wheel-like Cowl.
Inestimable are the states of the Thus Come One.
Not a single sentient being can fathom them.
His wondrous voice sounds throughout the ten directions:
Thus is the realm of practice of the spirit Whirlpools of Skills.
Eternal, the World Honored One's radiance.
Inconceivable, it fills the Dharma Realm.
He speaks Dharma to teach and save sentient beings.
Spirit Immaculate Fragrance contemplates thus.
The Tathagata is pure as space.
Formless, without marks, he pervades the ten directions,
Yet all the assemblies see him, excepting none:
Light of Blessings spirit well contemplates thus.
In ages past, the Buddha cultivated methods of great compassion-
His mind vast, pervasive¨Ccommensurate with sentient beings.
Cloud-like, henceforth he appears in the world:
This passage to liberation Contentment understands.
All in the lands of the ten directions
See the Tathagata seated on his throne,
And open up and awaken to great bodhi.
Sound of Joy enters thus.
Nothing can hinder the actions of the Tathagata.
He pervades all lands in the ten directions.
In place after place he displays great spiritual penetrations.
Universally Manifesting Majestic Light awakens thus.
He cultivates boundless expedients,
Commensurate with and filling sentient beings' many realms.
His spiritual penetrations never cease their wondrous functionings.
Roaring Sound Pervading Seas enters thus.
Moreover, Ocean-ruling Spirit Manifesting Jeweled Lights gained a passage into liberation of impartially bestowing seas of blessings and virtues upon sentient beings, so they become physically adorned, as if with myriad jewels. Ocean-ruling Spirit Indestructible Vajra Banner gained a passage into liberation of using clever expedients to guard and protect sentient beings' good roots. Ocean-ruling Spirit Untainted by Defilement gained a passage into liberation of draining the seas of sentient beings' afflictions. Ocean-ruling Spirit Ever-Dwelling in Waves gained a passage into liberation of freeing sentient beings from the evil paths. Ocean-ruling Spirit Auspicious Jeweled Moon gained a passage into liberation of universally dispelling the somber darkness of dullness and delusion. Ocean-ruling Spirit Wondrous Floral Dragon Cowl gained a passage into liberation of eradicating suffering and bestowing happiness on those in the destinies. Ocean-ruling Spirit Universally Maintaining Flavor and Light gained a passage into liberation of purifying and regulating the views and deluded natures of sentient beings. Ocean-ruling Spirit Jeweled Blaze of Floral Light gained a passage into liberation of committing to the bodhi resolve, the seed nature that produces all gems. Ocean-ruling Spirit Wondrous Vajra Cowl gained a passage into liberation of the ocean of developing the meritorious qualities of an unmoving mind. Ocean-ruling Spirit Thunderous Sound of Ocean Tides gained a passage into liberation of attaining the samadhi that serves as a gateway for universal entry to Dharma Realms.
At that time, Ocean-ruling Spirit Manifesting Jeweled Lights received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, universally contemplated the multitudes of Ocean-ruling Spirits, and spoke the following verse.
During oceans of eons¡ªinconceivable and vast--
He made offerings to all the Thus Come Ones,
Bequeathing the merit and virtue to all beings everywhere.
Thus, he is upright and adorned beyond compare.
In each and every world-system he appears,
Knowing the disposition and propensities of each and every being.
For their sakes he universally proclaims oceans of great Dharma.
Solid Banner joyfully awakens thus.
Unfathomable, the great rain from the Dharma clouds
Bestowed by multitudes of Guiding Masters in all worlds.
It desiccates the limitless ocean of sufferings:
Free from Defilement enters this Dharma door.
Sentient beings are shrouded in afflictions.
They flow and turn in the destinies, undergoing every sort of woe.
For them he discloses the realm of the Thus Come Ones.
Palaces in All Waters spirit enters this passage.
Over inconceivable oceans of eons, the Buddha
Cultivated all practices¡ªinexhaustible in number,
Rending forever the net of beings' delusion.
Jeweled Moon understands and enters thus.
The Buddha sees sentient beings forever fearful and alarmed.
They flow and turn in birth and death's colossal sea.
For them, he shows the Thus Come One's unsurpassed Way:
Dragon Cowl understands thus, and rejoices.
Inconceivable, all Buddhas' spheres¡ª
At one with space and the entire Dharma Realm,
They cleanse all beings' nets of delusion:
Maintaining Flavor thus proclaims and tells.
Pure and inconceivable, the Buddha Eye
Apprehends all and everything.
The Buddha shows sentient beings many wondrous paths.
Thus awakens the mind of Floral Light.
Massive, uncountable demon armies
Were all routed in an instant.
Steadfast, unmoving minds are difficult to fathom.
Wondrous Vajra Cowl has such skill-in-means.
Wondrous sounds in ten directions everywhere proclaim,
Pervading all throughout the Dharma Realm.
This is the state of the Thus Come One's samadhi.
Sound of Ocean Tides spirit practices in this realm.
Moreover, River-ruling Spirit Universally Initiating Swift Currents gained a passage into liberation of universally raining boundless Dharma rain. River-ruling Spirit Universally Cleansing Springs and Torrents gained a passage into liberation of universally manifesting before all sentient beings and freeing them from their afflictions forever. River-ruling Spirit Pure Eyes Apart from Dust gained a passage into liberation of using expedients of great compassion to universally cleanse the filth of all sentient beings' delusions. River-ruling Spirit Howling All Throughout the Ten Directions gained a passage into liberation of constantly emitting sounds that benefit beings. River-ruling Spirit Universally Rescuing and Protecting Sentient Beings gained a passage into liberation of constantly giving rise to kindness and never vexing or harming any sentient being.
Long ago, the Thus Come One, for the sake of sentient beings,
Cultivated boundless practices within the Dharma sea.
Just as a torrential rain cools the summer heat,
He pervasively quells the heat of sentient beings' afflictions.
The Buddha, throughout inexpressibly limitless eons in the past,
By the light of his vows purified the world,
Causing those grown ripe in disposition to awaken to the Way:
The Spirit Universally Cleansing awakened to this.
River-ruling Spirit Clear Light Devoid of Heat gained a passage into liberation of universally displaying all good roots that are clear and cool. River-ruling Spirit Universally Inspiring Joy gained a passage into liberation of perfecting the practice of giving, freeing all beings from stinginess and attachment forever. River-ruling Spirit Supreme Banner of Vast Virtue gained a passage into liberation of being a field of blessed happiness for all. River-ruling Spirit Light Illuminating All Worlds gained a passage into liberation of making all defiled beings pure and wrathful beings happy. River-ruling Spirit Radiant Ocean of Virtues gained a passage into liberation of enabling all sentient beings to enter the ocean of liberation and constantly experience total happiness.
At that time River-ruling Spirit Universally Initiating Swift Currents received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, universally contemplated the multitudes of River-ruling Spirits, and spoke the following verse.
Bestowing great compassion and expedients for all beings equally,
He manifests before them--a constant guide--
Making possible the purge of foul afflictions.
With profound delight Pure Eyes observes this.
The Buddha utters wondrous sounds for all to hear.
Delighted, sentient beings' hearts fill with joy.
Unbounded woe is completely washed away.
Howling Everywhere spirit is liberated thus.
Long ago, the Buddha did cultivate for bodhi,
Wishing to benefit beings through limitless eons.
Hence, his brilliant light pervades the world.
Protecting spirit thus recollects with happiness and joy.
In ages past, the Buddha did cultivate for sentient beings,
Applying various expedients to bring them to maturity.
Everywhere, he purified a sea of blessings, casting out sufferings.
Devoid of Heat sees this, her heart rejoicing.
Vast and inexhaustible is the gate of giving.
It can bring benefit to all sentient beings.
Those who perceive that are freed from stinginess and attachment.
Universal Joy spirit awakens thus.
In the past, the Buddha cultivated expedients for the sake of truth,
Accomplishing boundless oceans of merit and virtue.
Of those who see him, none are not elated.
Supreme Banner spirit's heart awakens and rejoices thus.
Entirely purifying sentient beings' defilements,
The Buddha transforms all malice into kindness.
Thus, his light radiates throughout space.
River-ruling Spirit All Worlds thus sees with gladness.
The Buddha is a field of blessings¡ªan ocean of merit and virtue,
Leading all to part with evil,
Leading all to great enlightenment.
Radiant Ocean Spirit is liberated thus.
Radiant Ocean spirit is liberate Crop-ruling Spirit Robust Strength gained a passage into liberation of using all perfect Dharma doors to purify all realms of existence. Moreover, Crop-ruling Spirit Tender and Delectable gained a passage into liberation of giving all sentient beings the taste of Dharma so that they may accomplish the Buddha body. Crop-ruling Spirit Pure Light of Seasonal Blooms gained a passage into liberation of bringing tremendous joy and happiness to all sentient beings. Crop-ruling Spirit Increasing Essence and Energy gained a passage into liberation of seeing the Buddha's great compassion and his boundless power of spiritual penetrations and transformations. Crop-ruling Spirit Universally Producing Roots and Fruits gained a passage into liberation of universally manifesting the Buddhas' fields of blessings and enabling beings to plant indestructible seeds. Crop-ruling Spirit Wonderfully Adorned Circular Cowl gained a passage into liberation of universally causing flowers of pure faith to blossom in sentient beings. Crop-ruling Spirit Moistening Pure Flowers gained a passage into liberation of rescuing all beings out of great compassionate mercy, increasing their ocean of blessings and virtue. Crop-ruling Spirit Accomplishing Wonderful Fragrance gained a passage into liberation of extensively explaining all methods of practice. Crop-ruling Spirit Delighting the Beholder gained a passage into liberation of enabling all beings in the Dharma Realm to renounce laxness, worry, affliction, and other evils, so that they all become pure. Crop-ruling Spirit Immaculate Light gained a passage into liberation of contemplating the good roots of every sentient being and speaking Dharma accordingly, thus gratifying and delighting the entire assembly.
At that time Crop-ruling Spirit Tender and Delectable received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, universally contemplated the multitudes of Crop-ruling Spirits, and spoke the following verse.
The Thus Come One, an unsurpassed ocean of merit and virtue,
Appears everywhere as a bright lamp shining upon the world.
Rescuing and protecting all sentient beings whatsoever,
He bestows peace and joy upon all, omitting not a single one.
Boundless is the World Honored One's merit and virtue.
Those who hear him do not do so in vain.
They leave all suffering and feel perpetual joy.
Seasonal Blooms understands thus.
All the powers perfected, the Well-Gone One
Appears in the world, adorned with meritorious virtues.
All sentient beings are thoroughly tamed and subdued.
Robust Strength understands and attains this Dharma.
Long ago, the Buddha cultivated an ocean of great compassion.
His mind is intent upon each and every being in the world.
Thus, his spiritual penetrations know no bounds.
Increasing Essence and Energy sees thus.
Constantly, the Buddha manifests throughout all worlds.
None of his expedients are ever used in vain.
He thoroughly purifies beings' delusions and afflictions:
Universally Producing Spirit is liberated thus.
An ocean of great wisdom in the owrld, the Buddha
Releases pure radiance that reaches absolutely everywhere.
Hence, all give rise to vast faith and understanding.
Adorned Cowl understands and enters thus.
The Thus Come One, beholding the world, gives rise to compassion.
He manifests to benefit sentient beings,
Showing them the supreme path of serenity and bliss:
Pure Flowers spirit is liberated thus.
The pure practices cultivated by the Well-Gone One
He fully proclaimed beneath the Bodhi tree.
Such teaching and transforming fills the ten directions:
Wonderful Fragrance spirit thus hears and accepts.
For those in the many worlds, the Buddha occasions the rise of
Freedom from distress, the upsurge of great joy.
Whatever dispositions and desire¡ªhe purifies all.
Delighting spirit awakens thus.
The Thus Come One, appearing in the many worlds,
Ascertains the inclinations of delight in all beings' hearts.
Hence, with skillful means he enhances their maturing.
This is Pure Light spirit's passage to liberation.
Moreover, Medicine-ruling Spirit Auspicious gained a passage into liberation of universally contemplating all sentient beings' minds and diligently gathering them in. Medicine-ruling Spirit Candana Forest gained a passage into liberation of using light to gather in all sentient beings, and of causing those who see him not to do so in vain. Medicine-ruling Spirit Radiance of Leaving Dust gained a passage into liberation of using pure expedient means to extinguish all sentient beings' afflictions. Medicine-ruling Spirit Universal Renown gained a passage into liberation of using great renown to expand the ocean of boundless good roots. Medicine-ruling Spirit Shining Pores gained a passage into liberation of hoisting a great compassion banner that quickly alleviates all states of illness. Medicine-ruling Spirit Pure Destroyer of Darkness gained a passage into liberation of curing all blind and dull beings and purifying their wisdom eye. Medicine-ruling Spirit Universally Roaring gained a passage into liberation of proclaiming the Buddha's sound and expounding the different meanings of all dharmas. Medicine-ruling Spirit Banner of Light Eclipsing the Sun gained a passage into liberation of acting as a good advisor for all sentient beings, causing all beholders to develop good roots. Medicine-ruling Spirit Clear Vision of the Ten Directions gained a passage into liberation of using a treasury of pure, great compassion to expediently inspire faith and understanding in sentient beings. Medicine-ruling Spirit Universally Shining Majestic Radiance gained a passage into liberation of expediently causing sentient beings to recollect the Buddhas, thereby eradicating all their sicknesses.
At that time, Medicine-ruling Spirit Auspicious received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, universally contemplated the multitudes of Medicine-ruling Spirits, and spoke the following verse.
The Thus Come One's wisdom is inconceivable.
He completely understands the minds of all sentient beings.
He can employ all sorts of expedient powers,
Extinguishing the measureless woes of the confused multitudes.
The Great Hero's skillful expedients are hard to fathom.
Nothing that he does is ever in vain.
He is determined to rid sentient beings of all suffering.
Candana Forest spirit awakens thus.
Contemplate how the Dharma of all Buddhas is this way.
Having cultivated diligently in measureless eons past,
They are detached from all that exists.
Radiance of Leaving Dust enters this passage.
The Buddha is hard to encounter in a hundred thousand eons.
If there are those who get to see him or hear his name,
It is not in vain, and they will certainly benefit.
Universal Renown spirit understands thus.
The Thus Come One, from every pore,
Emits bright light that extinguishes all disasters,
Putting an end to all the world's afflictions.
Shining spirit enters this passage.
All sentient beings are blinded by ignorance.
Their delusion and karma lead to endless kinds of suffering.
The Buddha casts these out and reveals illuminating wisdom.
Destroyer of Darkness thus observes.
The Thus Come One's single sound is unlimited.
It can open all Dharma doors, which are oceanic in extent.
Sentient beings who hear it gain complete understanding.
This is the liberation of Loud Sound.
Observe the inconceivable wisdom of the Buddha.
He universally appears in every destiny to rescue all beings,
All who see him are transformed by his influence.
This is the deep insight of Banner Eclipsing the Sun.
The Thus Come One's great compassion and expedients are oceanic.
For the sake of benefiting those in the world, he appears.
He extensively explains the Proper Path for sentient beings.
The Spirit Vision of the Directions comprehends thus.
The Thus Come One sends forth brilliant light everywhere.
It illumines every being in the ten directions without fail,
Causing them to recollect the Buddha and create merit and virtue.
This is the passage into liberation of Shining Majestic Radiance.
Moreover, Forest-ruling Spirit Spreading Flowers Like Clouds gained a passage into liberation of an oceanic treasury of vast, great, boundless wisdom. Forest-ruling Spirit Helping Trunks Grow Tall and Pouring Forth Light gained a passage into liberation of extensively cultivating purity on a universal scale. Forest-ruling Spirit Producing Sprouts and Emitting Radiance gained a passage into liberation of causing sprouts of various kinds of pure faith to grow. Forest-ruling Spirit Auspicious Pure Leaves gained a passage into liberation of amassing all kinds of purity, merit and virtue, and adornment. Forest-ruling Spirit Overhanging Resplendent Treasury gained a passage into liberation of constantly beholding the entire Dharma Realm through a universal gateway of pure wisdom. Forest-ruling Spirit Wondrous Adorned Radiance gained a passage into liberation of universally knowing the ocean of all sentient beings' practices and creating Dharma clouds. Forest-ruling Spirit Delightful Thunder Sound gained a passage into liberation of enduring all unpleasant sounds and uttering pure sounds. Forest-ruling Spirit Pervasive Glow and Perfume gained a passage into liberation of universally displaying in the ten directions the state of vast, great practices cultivated in the past. Forest-ruling Spirit Wondrous Light Unique and Sparkling gained a passage into liberation of using all dharmas of merit and virtue to benefit those in the world. Forest-ruling Spirit Luster and Flavor of Flowers and Fruits gained a passage into liberation of being adorned with a treasury of merit and virtue gained through enabling everyone to see the Buddhas appear and to recollect them with constant reverence and never forget them.
At that time, Forest-ruling Spirit Spreading Flowers like Clouds received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, universally contemplated the multitudes of Forest-ruling Spirits, and spoke the following verse.
In the past, the Buddha cultivated practices for bodhi,
Achieving perfect blessings, virtue, and wisdom.
Endowed fully with all of the powers,
He emerges in the world with resplendent light.
The Thus Come One, in the past, universally purified
Limitless ways of compassion, equal to the number of sentient beings.
And so he can benefit beings in the world.
The Spirit Helping Trunks Grow Tall understands thus.
If beings see the Buddha but once,
He will surely lead them into the sea of deep faith,
Universally showing them the Path of the Thus Come Ones.
This is the liberation of the Spirit Wondrous Sprouts.
The merit and virtue accumulated in a single pore
Could not completely be described in oceans of eons.
The expedient means of the Buddhas are inconceivable.
Pure Leaves understands this profound meaning.
¡°I recollect how the Thus Come One in the past
Made offerings to limitless Buddhas in lands like dust motes.
Before each and every Buddha, his wisdom gradually grew bright.¡±
The Spirit Resplendent Treasury understands thus.
In a single thought, the World Honored One fully apprehends
The ocean of the actions of all sentient beings
Such vast, great, unobstructed wisdom
Is understood by the Spirit Wondrous Adorned.
The Thus Come One's tranquil, exquisite voice proclaims forever,
Evoking matchless, great happiness in everyone.
Comprehending according to their inclinations, each becomes enlightened.
This is the method of practice of Thunder Sound.
Manifesting great spiritual powers, the Thus Come One
Extends throughout every land in the ten directions,
Enabling all to see the Buddha's past cultivation.
Pervasive Glow and Perfume enters this passage.
Sentient beings are deceitful and do not cultivate virtue.
Confused, they sink and flounder in birth and death.
For them he elucidates all principles of wisdom.
The Spirit Wondrous Light perceives thus.
The Buddha, for beings laden with karmic obstructions,
Appears but once every hundreds of millions of eons.
At other times, he is still visible to them in thought after thought.
The Spirit Luster and Flavor thus observes.
Moreover, Mountain-ruling Spirit Blooming Jeweled Peak gained a passage into liberation of entering the light of the samadhi of great tranquility. Mountain-ruling Spirit Flower Grove Wondrous Topknot gained a passage into liberation of bringing an inconceivable number of sentient beings to maturity through the cultivation of good roots of kindness. Mountain-ruling Spirit Lofty Banner Universally Shining gained a passage into liberation of contemplating the minds of all sentient beings to see what they enjoy and then adorning and purifying all faculties. Mountain-ruling Spirit Immaculate Pure Topknot gained a passage into liberation of being diligent and vigorous throughout boundless oceans of eons without growing weary or lax. Mountain-ruling Spirit Light Shining through the Ten Directions gained a passage into liberation of using the light of boundless merit and virtue to universally awaken beings. Mountain-ruling Spirit Light of Great Strength gained a passage into liberation of gaining full personal maturity and then enabling sentient beings to renounce foolish and confused behavior. Mountain-ruling Spirit Universally Supreme, Awesome Brilliance gained a passage into liberation of eradicating all suffering until none is left. Mountain-ruling Spirit Orb of Subtle, Concentrated Light gained a passage into liberation of using light to expound the Dharma, revealing the merit and virtue of all Thus Come Ones. Mountain-ruling Spirit Universal Eye Seeing the Manifest gained a passage into liberation of causing all sentient beings to grow in good roots, even in their dreams. Mountain-ruling Spirit Solid Vajra Eyes gained a passage into liberation of making appear an ocean of boundless great meanings.
At that time, Mountain-ruling Spirit Blossoms All Around received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, contemplated all the multitudes of mountain-ruling Spirits, and spoke the following verse.
Boundless supreme practices cultivated in the past
Now yield spiritual penetrations beyond measure.
Extensively opening Dharma doors in number like motes of dust,
The Buddha brings all sentient beings to deep, joyful awakening.
His body, adorned with myriad hallmarks, pervades all worlds.
Light issues from his pores, purifying everything.
With expedients of great kindness he instructs all.
Flower Grove Wondrous Topknot awakens to this passage
The Buddha's body appears everywhere--boundless,
Spreading to fill the worlds of the ten directions.
His faculties are adorned and pure, delighting all who see him.
Lofty Banner understands and enters this Dharma.
He practiced intensely for eons without growing lax.
Untainted by worldly things, he resembles space.
With various skillful means, he transforms the flocks of beings.
The one named Jeweled Topknot awakens to this Dharma door.
Blind and in the dark, sentient beings enter dangerous paths.
Out of pity, the Buddha shines his light upon them,
Waking everyone in the world from their slumbers.
Upon realizing this, Awesome Light is jubilant.
He cultivated extensively in all realms of existence,
Making offerings to Buddhas as countless as dustmotes in lands.
Upon seeing him, sentient beings bring forth great vows.
Great Strength understands and enters this ground.
He witnesses the misery of sentient beings in transmigration,
Perpetually caught up in all their karmic hindrances.
With wisdom's radiance he extinguishes their woes.
The Spirit Universally Supreme is liberated thus.
Wondrous sounds issue from each and every pore,
Praising the Buddhas in accord with sentient beings' hearts.
This lasts for measureless eons throughout the ten directions.
Orb of Light enters this passage.
The Buddha appears all throughout the ten directions.
Using various expedients, he speaks the wonderful Dharma.
With an ocean of practices, he benefits beings widely.
The Spirit Seeing the Manifest awakens thus.
Dharma doors as boundless and measureless as the ocean
Are spoken with a single sound, yet understood by all.
The Buddha expounds endlessly throughout every eon.
Vajra Eyes enters this expedient means.
Moreover, Earth-ruling Spirit Pure Flower of Universal Virtue gained a passage into liberation of universally contemplating all sentient beings in thought after thought with a compassionate heart. Earth-ruling Spirit Solid Blessings and Adornment gained a passage into liberation of universally making appear all sentient beings' power of blessings and virtue. Earth-ruling Spirit Wondrous Flowers Ornamenting Trees gained a passage into liberation of universally entering all dharmas and producing the adornments of all Buddhalands. Earth-ruling Spirit Universally Scattering the Myriad Gems gained a passage into liberation of cultivating all kinds of samadhis, enabling sentient beings to cast out obstructive defilements. Earth-ruling Spirit Pure Eyes Contemplating Time gained a passage into liberation of enabling all sentient beings to always travel about in joyful play. Earth-ruling Spirit Golden Color and Wondrous Eyes gained a passage into liberation of displaying all kinds of pure bodies to tame and subdue sentient beings. Earth-ruling Spirit Fragrant Shining Hairs gained a passage into liberation of understanding the sea of merit and virtue and the tremendous, awesome power of all Buddhas. Earth-ruling Spirit Delightful Still Sounds gained a passage into liberation of universally gathering in the sea of all sentient beings' sounds of speech. Earth-ruling Spirit Topknot of Exquisite Flowers gained a passage into liberation of perceiving the immaculate nature filling up the lands of Buddhas. Earth-ruling Spirit Universally Supported by Vajra gained a passage into liberation of seeing the universal appearance of those who are gathered in and supported by the Dharma wheels of all Buddhas.
At that time, Earth-ruling Spirit Pure Flower of Universal Virtue received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, universally contemplated the multitudes of Earth-ruling Spirits, and spoke the following verse.
The Thus Come One, in thought after thought in the past,
Employed ineffable means of great kindness and compassion.
Cultivating in this way without end,
He thereby attained a solid, indestructible body.
Sentient beings and Bodhisattvas in the three periods of time,
As well as all the blessings accumulated,
Are fully manifest in the Thus Come One's pores.
Blessings and Adornment sees this and rejoices.
Within a samadhi that is vast, great, and tranquil,
Unborn, undying, neither coming nor going,
The Buddha adorns and purifies lands and instructs beings.
This is the liberation of the Spirit Trees' Flowers.
The Buddha cultivated every sort of practice in the past
To help sentient beings eradicate their heavy obstacles.
Earth-ruling Spirit Universally Scattering the Myriad Gems
Sees this liberation and gives rise to joy.
The realm of the Thus Come One has no bounds.
In thought after thought, he appears everywhere in all worlds.
Earth-ruling Spirit Pure Eyes Contemplating Time
Observes the Buddha's deeds and rejoices in his heart.
Wondrous sounds, limitless and inconceivable,
Universally extinguish afflictions of sentient beings.
The Spirit Golden Color Eyes awakens to this
And sees the Buddha's boundless, supreme merit and virtue.
The Buddha manifests transformations of all shapes and forms,
Filling up the ten directions of the Dharma Realm.
Fragrant Shining Hairs often observes the Buddha
Universally transforming sentient beings in this manner.
His wondrous voice extends throughout the ten directions,
Speaking to the multitudes for measureless eons.
Having understood in her heart, the Earth Spirit Delightful
Feels deep reverence and joy in listening to the Buddha.
Fragrant, blazing clouds issue from the Buddha's pores
And, according to sentient beings' wishes, pervade the world.
All who behold this become mature.
Coiled Flowers contemplates thus.
Sturdy and indestructible as vajra,
Immovable as Mount Sumeru,
Thus does the Buddha's body dwell in the world.
Universally Supported sees this and rejoices.
Moreover, City-ruling Spirit Jeweled Peak Illumination gained a passage into liberation of expediently benefiting sentient beings. City-ruling Spirit Wondrously Adorning Palaces gained a passage into liberation of knowing sentient beings' faculties and teaching and transforming them to bring them to maturity. City-ruling Spirit Pure Jewels of Joy gained a passage into liberation of constantly delighting in enabling all sentient beings to enjoy blessings and virtue. City-ruling Spirit Pure and Free from Worry gained a passage into liberation of a treasury of great compassion that delivers beings from all fear. City-ruling Spirit Flower Lamps and Blazing Eyes gained a passage into liberation of universal understanding and great wisdom. City-ruling Spirit Clear Manifestation of Blazing Banners gained a passage into liberation of expediently manifesting everywhere. City-ruling Spirit Flourishing Blessings Awesome Brightness gained a passage into liberation of universally contemplating all sentient beings and helping them to cultivate a vast sea of blessings and virtue. City-ruling Spirit Body of Pure Radiance gained a passage into liberation of enlightening all foolish and dim-witted sentient beings. City-ruling Spirit Fragrant Cowl Adornment gained a passage into liberation of contemplating how the Thus Come One's sovereign power pervasively tames sentient beings in all worlds. City-ruling Spirit Jeweled Peak Bright Eyes gained a passage into liberation of using brilliant light to smash the mountain of all sentient beings' obstructions.
At that time, City-ruling Spirit Jeweled Peak Illumination received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, contemplated all the multitudes of City-ruling Spirits, and spoke the following verse.
The Guiding Master is thus inconceivable.
His light pervasively illumines the ten directions.
Every sentient being sees the Buddha appear before him.
Innumerable beings are taught, transformed, and brought to maturity.
Every sentient being's disposition is unique.
The Buddha understands them all without exception.
City-ruling Spirit Wondrously Adorning Palaces
Enters this Dharma door and rejoices in her heart.
The Thus Come One cultivated through measureless eons,
Protecting and upholding the Dharma of past Buddhas.
Constantly focusing on reverent practice brought him joy.
The City Spirit Wondrous Jewels awakens to this passage.
The Thus Come One has long had the ability
To rid all sentient beings of fear and terror
And to feel constant kindness and compassion for them.
The Spirit Free from Worry has this joyful awakening.
The wisdom of the Buddha is vast and boundless.
Like the void, it cannot be measured.
The City Spirit Flower Eyes has this blissful insight
And learns the Thus Come One's wondrous wisdom.
The Thus Come One's forms are equal to the number of sentient beings.
According to their inclinations all are caused to see him.
Clear Manifestation of Blazing Banners realizes this.
Practicing this expedient makes her happy.
The Thus Come One cultivated a sea of many blessings,
Pure, vast, great and without boundaries.
Blessings and Virtue Banner Light
Contemplates and understands this passage with joy.
Deluded beings in the realms of existence
Are like those born blind in the world who see nothing at all.
For their benefit, the Buddha appears in the world.
Pure Radiance spirit enters this passage.
The Thus Come One's self-mastery is boundless.
Like a cloud, it spreads pervasively through all worlds.
He even appears in dreams to tame and subdue beings.
Fragrant Banner thus observes.
Dark and deluded sentient beings are as if blind,
Shrouded by various obstacles and coverings.
The Buddha's light shines through, opening their wisdom.
Jeweled Peak enters thus
Moreover, Bodhimandha Spirit Banner of Pure Adornment gained a passage into liberation of manifesting great power of vows to make offerings of vast, great adornments to Buddhas. Bodhimandha Spirit Sumeru Jeweled Brilliance gained a passage into liberation of appearing before all sentient beings and accomplishing vast practices of bodhi. Bodhimandha Spirit Thunderclap and Banner-like Characteristics gained a passage into liberation of according with what sentient beings like and enabling them to see the Buddhas speak Dharma for them in their dreams. Bodhimandha Spirit Raining Down Flowers Wondrous Eyes gained a passage into liberation of raining down all kinds of adornments made of a myriad treasures that are hard to give up. Bodhimandha Spirit Pure Blazing Form gained a passage into liberation of displaying marvelously adorned bodhimandhas for the sake of extensively transforming sentient beings and bringing them to maturity. Bodhimandha Spirit Flower Garlands Draped from the Cowl gained a passage into liberation of speaking Dharma according to beings' faculties so that they produce proper thoughts. Bodhimandha Spirit Raining Down Jeweled Ornaments gained a passage into liberation of everywhere raining down boundless aspects of happiness by means of eloquence. Bodhimandha Spirit Heroic Fragrance and Vision gained a passage into liberation of extensively praising the merit and virtue of the Buddhas. Bodhimandha Spirit Vajra-colored Cloud gained a passage into liberation of making appear trees of boundless shapes and colors to adorn bodhimandha. Bodhimandha Spirit Lotus Flower Brilliance gained a passage into liberation of being still and serene beneath the Bodhi tree and yet pervading the ten directions. Bodhimandha Spirit Dazzling Wondrous Light gained a passage into liberation of manifesting the various powers of the Thus Come One.
At that time, Bodhima{#a Spirit Banner of Pure Adornment received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, universally contemplated the multitudes of Bodhimandha Spirits, and spoke the following verse.
I recollect how the Thus Come One, in ages past,
Cultivated throughout limitless eons.
Making offerings to every Buddha appearing in the world,
He accrued merit and virtue as great as space.
The Buddha did practice infinite acts of giving,
Equal in number to fine dust motes in measureless lands.
The Bodhi Spirit named Sumeru Brilliant Illumination
Recollects the Well Gone One with jubilation.
The Thus Come One's forms are endless.
His transformations circulate through all lands.
Even in dreams he makes constant appearances.
Thunder Banner is delighted to see this.
In the practice of giving during measureless eons in the past,
The Buddha gave an oceanic quantity of eyes, which are so hard to give.
He practiced giving in this manner for the sake of sentient beings.
Wondrous Eyes spirit awakens thus and rejoices.
His boundless forms, like precious, resplendent clouds,
Appear in Bodhi places throughout all worlds.
Bodhimanda Spirit Pure Blazing Form
Happily observes the Buddha's self-mastery.
Boundless is the ocean of sentient beings' deeds.
The Buddha rains the Dharma rain everywhere,
Dispelling delusions according to their faculties and understanding.
Flower Garlands awakens thus with delight.
Measureless Dharma doors, each distinct in meaning,
The Buddha can enter with eloquence like a vast ocean.
Bodhimanda Spirit Raining Down Jeweled Ornaments
Always recollects thus in thought after thought.
Throughout all lands, unspeakable in number,
The Buddha used the epitome of praises to laud all Buddhas,
Thus achieving renown and great merit.
The Spirit Heroic Vision thus recalls.
Boundless trees of various shapes and forms
All appear beneath the Bodhi tree, the king of trees.
Vajra-colored Cloud awakened and made this passage
And joyfully, constantly beholds the Tree of the Way.
Just as the boundaries of the ten directions are beyond our grasp,
So, too, is the wisdom of the Buddha seated in the bodhimandha.
Lotus Flower Step Brilliance gives rise to pure faith
And enters this liberation with deep delight.
Marvelous sounds issue from everything in the bodhimandha,
Praising the Buddhas' inconceivable pure strength
And bringing to success all practices at the level of planting causes.
Wondrous Light spirit hears and receives thus.
Moreover, Spirit of Foot Travel Jeweled Seal Hand gained a passage into liberation of raining down myriad treasures everywhere and producing vast happiness. Spirit of Foot Travel Lotus Light gained a passage into liberation of manifesting a Buddha's body seated upon the throne of lotuses of all colors and lights, delighting all beholders. Spirit of Foot Travel Supreme Floral Cowl gained a passage into liberation of establishing bodhimandhas in thought after thought for the assemblies of all Thus Come Ones. Spirit of Foot Travel Gathering In Good Views gained a passage into liberation of completely subduing boundless sentient beings each time one lifts one's foot to take a step. Spirit of Foot Travel Star Banner of Wondrous Jewels gained a passage into liberation of in every thought manifesting all kinds of radiant nets of lotuses that rain down a multitude of treasures out of which come wondrous sounds. Spirit of Foot Travel Happily Making Wondrous Sounds gained a passage into liberation of producing a boundless sea of happiness. Spirit of Foot Travel Radiant Candana Tree gained a passage into liberation of using fragrant breezes to universally enlighten the assemblies in all bodhimandhas. Spirit of Foot Travel Lotus Brilliance gained a passage into liberation of radiating light from every pore, broadcasting the wonderful sounds of Dharma. Spirit of Foot Travel Subtle Radiance gained a passage into liberation of having her whole body radiate various nets of light that illumine everything. Spirit of Foot Travel Gathering Lovely Flowers gained a passage into liberation of enlightening all sentient beings so that they bring forth an ocean of good roots.
At that time, Spirit of Foot Travel Jeweled Seal Hand received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, universally contemplated the multitudes of Spirits of Foot Travel, and spoke the following verse.
The Buddha cultivated for measureless eons,
Making offerings to every Thus Come One.
He constantly rejoiced, never growing weary.
His practice of joy was deep and vast like an ocean.
In every thought, immeasurable spiritual powers
Bring into being lotuses of various fragrances.
Buddhas seated upon them travel everywhere.
Scarlet Light spirit observes all of this.
Thus is the Dharma of each Buddha, Thus Come One:
His extensive assemblies pervade the ten directions.
He displays inconceivable spiritual powers everywhere.
Supreme Floral Cowl spirit completely sees and understands all of this.
In every place throughout the lands of the ten directions,
Whether raising his foot or setting it down,
He brings all beings to accomplishment.
Good Views spirit realizes this with joy.
The Buddha displays as many bodies as there are sentient beings.
Each and every body fills up the Dharma Realm.
All of them radiate pure light and rain down a myriad treasures.
Star Banner enters this liberation.
The realm of the Thus Come One is boundless.
He sends down Dharma rain that fills all places.
The assembled multitudes behold the Buddha in delight.
Wondrous Sound thus observes.
The range of the Buddha's voice equals the void.
Every kind of sound is encompassed therein.
It subdues all sentient beings without exception.
Candana hears and accepts this.
Transformed sounds come out of every pore,
Proclaiming the names of all Buddhas of the three time periods.
Those who hear are filled with happiness.
Lotus Brilliance spirit thus perceives.
The Buddha's body undergoes inconceivable transformations.
In every step his forms are like the ocean.
He shows himself according to sentient beings' wishes.
This is the attainment of Subtle Radiance.
Displaying great spiritual powers throughout the ten directions,
The Buddha brings all beings to enlightenment.
Myriads of Lovely Flowers spirit sees this Dharma,
And having seen it, feels tremendous delight.
Moreover, Multi-bodied Spirit State of Pure Joy gained a passage into liberation of recollecting the sea of the Buddha's past vows. Multi-bodied Spirit Light Illumining the Ten Directions gained a passage into liberation of radiating light universally upon boundless worlds. Multi-bodied Spirit Taming and Subduing with an Ocean-like Sound gained a passage into liberation of using a great voice to enlighten all sentient beings, making them happy and subdued. Multi-bodied Spirit Cowl Adorned with Pure Flowers gained a passage into liberation of developing a body that is omnipresent like space. Multi-bodied Spirit Limitless Aspects of Awesome Comportment gained a passage into liberation of displaying the states of Buddhas to all sentient beings. Multi-bodied Spirit Supreme Light Adornment gained a passage into liberation of replenishing the physical strength of all starving and exhausted sentient beings. Multi-bodied Spirit Pure Light and Clouds of Fragrance gained a passage into liberation of ridding all sentient beings of defiling afflictions. Multi-bodied Spirit Protecting and Gathering In gained a passage into liberation of transforming the delusion and demonic karma of all sentient beings. Multi-bodied Spirit Universally Manifesting to Gather In and Transform gained a passage into liberation of universally manifesting an adorned appearance in the palaces of all world leaders. Multi-bodied Spirit Unmoving Radiance gained a passage into liberation of gathering in all sentient beings and causing them to produce pure good roots.
At that time, Multi-bodied Spirit State of Pure Joy received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, contemplated the multitudes of Multi-bodied Spirits, and spoke the following verse.
I recall that as many eons ago as the motes of dust in Sumeru,
Wondrous Light Buddha appeared in the world.
The World Honored One, in the presence of that Thus Come One,
Resolved to make offerings to each and every Buddha.
The Thus Come One's body radiates bright light.
His light fills the entire Dharma Realm, missing no place.
When sentient beings encounter it, their minds are tamed.
The Spirit Illumining Directions thus perceives.
The Thus Come One's voice rocks the lands of the ten directions.
All his speech and sounds are full and perfect.
Universally enlightening beings without exception.
Hearing this, Taming and Subduing rejoices in her heart.
The Buddha's body is pure and ever tranquil.
He displays a myriad forms everywhere yet is devoid of characteristics.
In this way he pervasively dwells in all worlds.
The Spirit Pure Flowers enters thus.
The Guiding Master is inconceivable like this:
He is seen by sentient beings according to their wishes--
Perhaps sitting, or walking, or sometimes standing.
Limitless Aspects of Awesome Comportment awakens to this passage.
It is difficult to encounter a Buddha in a hundred thousand eons.
He comes forth to benefit beings with mastery and ease,
Delivering all the world's beings from poverty's woes.
Supreme Light Adornment enters this state.
From the gaps between the Thus Come One's teeth,
Brilliant, blazing clouds like fragrant lamps issue forth,
Extinguishing the delusions of all sentient beings.
Immaculate Cloud spirit thus observes.
Sentient beings' defiling delusions become heavy obstructions
They constantly drift and wander along demonic byways.
The Thus Come One reveals the path of liberation.
Protecting and Supporting awakens thus and enters.
I contemplate the Thus Come One's power of self-mastery.
His light spreads throughout the Dharma Realm, filling it entirely.
Dwelling in the royal palace, he transforms sentient beings.
This is the state of Universally Manifesting spirit.
Sentient beings, confused by falseness, suffer a myriad woes.
The Buddha is in their midst, constantly rescuing and protecting them.
He helps them to dispel delusions and develop joyful hearts.
Unmoving Radiance spirit thus observes.
Moreover, Vajra-wielding Spirit Wondrous Narayana Physique gained a passage into liberation of seeing the Thus Come One manifest bodies of boundless forms. Vajra-wielding Spirit Banner as Swift as the Sun gained a passage into liberation of seeing how every hair on the Buddha's body displays assorted clouds of light, just like the sun. Vajra-wielding Spirit Flower Light of Mount Sumeru gained a passage into liberation of conjuring up measureless bodies and tremendous spiritual transformations. Vajra-wielding Spirit Pure Thundercloud gained a passage into liberation of uttering boundless sounds that accord with the categories of beings. Vajra-wielding Spirit Celestial Lord with Splendid Arms gained a passage into liberation of manifesting as all worldly leaders and enlightening sentient beings. Vajra-wielding Spirit Delightful Brightness gained a passage into liberation of expounding all the different entrances into the Buddhadharma, so that they are fully understood without exception. Vajra-wielding Spirit Great Tree Thunderclap gained a passage into liberation of using delightful ornaments to gather in all tree spirits. Vajra-wielding Spirit Brilliant Lion King gained a passage into liberation of being fully endowed with and understanding the adornments accumulated from vast blessings. Vajra-wielding Spirit Covert Blazing Auspicious Eyes gained a passage into liberation of universally contemplating the evil thoughts of sentient beings and appearing before them in a majestic body. Vajra-wielding Spirit Lotus Gem-like Cowl gained a passage into liberation of universally raining down all Bodhisattva adornments and mani topknots.
At that time, Vajra-wielding Spirit Wondrous Form Narayana received the Buddha's awesome spiritual power, contemplated all the multitudes of vajra-wielding spirits, and spoke the following verse.
You ought to contemplate the Dharma King.
The Dharma of the Dharma King is thus.
His physical appearance has no bounds
As it universally manifests in all worlds.
Every hair on the Buddha's body
Emits inconceivable nets of light,
Which, like the sun, pure and clear,
Universally illumine the lands of the ten directions.
The Thus Come One's spiritual powers
Pervade the entire Dharma Realm.
Before all sentient beings,
He manifests infinitely many bodies.
No one in the ten directions fails to hear
The sound of the Thus Come One speaking Dharma.
It satisfies the hearts of sentient beings
According to their categories.
The multitudes see Muni, the Honored One,
Dwelling in his palace in the world.
For the sake of all beings,
He expounds and propagates the Great Dharma
In the whirlpools of the Dharma ocean,
All the different meanings
And various expedient doors
Are endlessly proclaimed.
With boundless great expedient means,
The Buddha responds to those in all regions.
Upon encountering the pure light of the Buddha,
All being see the Thus Come One's body.
Having made offerings to all Buddhas
In billions of lands as numerous as dustmotes,
He has merit like space
And is admired and esteemed by all.
His spiritual powers are impartial.
He appears in all lands.
Peacefully dwelling in sublime bodhimandhas,
He manifests before all sentient beings.
His blazing clouds shine upon all worlds,
Perfectly formed of many kinds of light.
They reach every place in the Dharma Realm,
Displaying the aspects of the Buddha's practice.
(End of Volume 4)
