The Wondrous Adornments of the Rulers of the Worlds

Chapter One, Part One

 

VI.2 The Oceanic Multitudes Gather Like Clouds

B. The Spirits

1. Vajra-wielding Spirits

Sutra:

Moreover, there were Vajra-wielding Spirits as numerous as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds.

Commentary:

Moreover, there were Vajra-wielding Spirits as numerous as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds. There were countlessly many of these good Dharma-protecting spirits in the bodhimanda as well. They protected the bodhimanda and subdued demon armies. Lay Buddhists are also Dharma protectors. Their responsibility is to protect and support the Triple Jewel, to draw near and make offerings to it. As Dharma protectors, they must not destroy or slander the Triple Jewel. They cannot come to the bodhimanda and find fault with everything, causing trouble and spreading gossip in a place that was originally free of trouble and gossip. 

Sutra:

Specifically, they were: Vajra-wielding Spirit Wondrous Narayana Physique; Vajra-wielding Spirit Banner as Swift as the Sun.

Commentary:

Specifically, they were: Vajra-wielding Spirit Wondrous Narayana Physique. Upon seeing how indestructible the Thirty-two Hallmarks and Eighty Subsidiary Characteristics of the Thus Come Ones are, this spirit also achieved that indestructibility himself. Therefore he is called “Narayana,” a Sanskrit word that means “solid and durable”—indestructible.

Vajra-wielding Spirit Banner as Swift as the Sun observed how the Buddha’s brilliance is like the sun. He swiftly achieved the adornment of a Dharma banner.

Sutra:

Vajra-wielding Spirit Flower Light of Mount Sumeru; Vajra-wielding Spirit Pure Thundercloud; Vajra-wielding Spirit Splendid Faculties; Vajra-wielding Spirit Delightful Brightness; Vajra-wielding Spirit Great Tree Thunderclap; Vajra-wielding Spirit Brilliant Lion King; Vajra-wielding Spirit Covert Blazing Spectacular Eyes; and Vajra-wielding Spirit Radiant Lotus Jeweled Topknot. These and others acted as leaders, and they were as many as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds.

Commentary:

Vajra-wielding Spirit Flower Light of Mount Sumeru. Sumeru is a Sanskrit word that means “wonderfully high.” Flower light refers to radiance emanated from lotus flowers.

Also present were Vajra-wielding Spirit Pure Thundercloud, and Vajra-wielding Spirit Splendid Faculties. This spirit’s eyes were particularly beautiful, his ears were attractive, his nose was handsome, his tongue was lovely, and his whole body was radiant and adorned with the special hallmarks. His eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and body were all extremely fine, hence his name, Splendid Faculties.

There was another Dharma-protecting spirit named Vajra-wielding Spirit Delightful Brightness, who inspired delight in anyone who saw him and also emanated light. There was also Vajra-wielding Spirit Great Tree Thunderclap, who has a voice like booming thunder.

Another Vajra-wielding Spirit was named Brilliant Lion King. There was also another Vajra-wielding Spirit called Covert Blazing Spectacular Eyes. This spirit’s eyes were excellent. And there was another Vajra-wielding Spirit by the name of Radiant Lotus Jeweled Topknot. These and others acted as leaders among the Vajra-wielding Spirits. And if we were to talk about them in detail, they were as many as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds. There would be no way to finish discussing them all.

Sutra:

They all had constantly made great vows throughout limitless eons in the past, vowing that they would always draw near to and make offerings to all Buddhas. They had practiced according to their vows and had already fulfilled them, arriving at the other shore.

They had amassed boundless, pure blessings through their deeds and had thoroughly fathomed the states of practice of all samadhis. They had attained spiritual powers and dwelt together with the Thus Come Ones.

Commentary:

They all had constantly made great vows throughout limitless eons in the past, vowing that they would always draw near to and make offerings to all Buddhas. These Vajra-wielding Spirits wanted to be with the Buddhas all the time, and so they vowed that wherever the Buddhas went, they would also go and would draw near to them, study with them, and make offerings to them. Having made those great vows, they had practiced according to their vows and had already fulfilled them. They had perfected their cultivation based upon their many great vows, thereby arriving at the other shore.

They had amassed boundless, pure blessings through their deeds and had thoroughly fathomed the states of practice of all dhyana samadhis. They completely understood all the various states corresponding to each of the different types of samadhis without obstruction.

They had attained spiritual powers and dwelt together with the Thus Come Ones. They always stayed together with the Buddhas and protected and supported the Triple Jewel.

Sutra:

They had entered a state of inconceivable liberation. Amidst the assembly, their awesome light was especially penetrating. They manifested appropriate bodies to tame all sentient beings.

Commentary:

They had entered a state of inconceivable liberation. These Vajra-wielding Spirits who dwelt with the Buddhas had attained a state beyond conceptualization. Amidst the assembly, their awesome light was especially penetrating. Their awesome spiritual light was very unusual, not at all like that of ordinary Vajra-wielding Spirits. They manifested appropriate bodies to tame all sentient beings, taking them across. At the sight of these Vajra-wielding spirits, beings were inspired to seek enlightenment.

Sutra:

They appeared in all places that have been conjured up by the Buddhas, diligently guarding and protecting the dwellings of the Thus Come Ones.

Commentary:

They appeared in all places that have been conjured up by the Buddhas. Since those Vajra-wielding Spirits had made vows to protect the Dharma, they acted according to their vows and appeared by transformation in the lands created by all the Buddhas, diligently guarding and protecting the dwellings of the Thus Come Ones. These good Dharma-protecting spirits diligently protected the Buddhas at every moment.

2. Multi-bodied Spirits

Sutra:

Moreover, there were Multi-bodied Spirits as numerous as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds. Specifically, they were: Multi-bodied Spirit Cowl Adorned with Pure Flowers; Multi-bodied Spirit Light Illumining the ten directions; Multi-bodied Spirit Taming and Subduing with an Ocean-like Sound; Multi-bodied Spirit Cowl Adorned with Pure Flowers; Multi-bodied Spirit Limitless Aspects of Awesome Comportment; Multi-bodied Spirit Supreme Light Adornment; Multi-bodied Spirit Pure Light and Clouds of Fragrance; Multi-bodied Spirit Protecting and Gathering In; Multi-bodied Spirit Universally Manifesting to Gather In; and Multi-bodied Spirit Unmoving Radiance. These and others acted as leaders, and they were as numerous as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds. In the past, they all had fulfilled great vows to make offerings to and attend upon each and every Buddha.

Commentary:

Moreover, there were Multi-bodied Spirits as numerous as motes of dust in limitless Buddhaworlds. Specifically, they were: Multi-bodied Spirit Cowl Adorned with Pure Flowers, who adorns her jeweled cowl with flowers. Multi-bodied Spirit Light Illumining the ten directions. “Multi-bodied Spirit” means there isn’t just one such spirit. Each one of them brought along measureless retinues to protect and support the Buddhas’ bodhimandas.

The sound of Multi-bodied Spirit Taming with an Ocean-like Sound is like that of the ocean at high tide; when sentient beings hear that sound, they change from being bad to being good, and resolve to seek enlightenment. Multi-bodied Spirit Cowl Adorned with Pure Flowers has a jeweled cowl adorned with pure lotus flowers. She has many other spirits of the same type in her retinue.

Multi-bodied Spirit Limitless Aspects of Awesome Comportment. Whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, this spirit has impeccable deportment and accords with the rules. There is another spirit named Multi-bodied Spirit Supreme Light Adornment. Multi-bodied Spirit Pure Light and Clouds of Fragrance is not only extremely pure, but also emanates light and auspicious clouds of fragrance. Multi-bodied Spirit Protecting and Gathering In is so named because she guards the bodhimanda and gathers in sentient beings, helping them to renounce evil and turn towards wholesomeness, to reform and renew themselves. Multi-bodied Spirit Universally Manifesting to Gather In appears before all beings and brings them into her fold, causing them to aspire to reach enlightenment. And Multi-bodied Spirit Unmoving Radiance has samadhi power, which enables her to be unmoving.

These and others acted as leaders. These ten Multi-bodied Spirits acted as the leaders among the Multi-bodied Spirits. And they were as numerous as motes of dust in Buddha-worlds. In the past, they all had made and fulfilled great vows to make offerings to and attend upon each and every Buddha. With utmost respect, they served all Buddhas.

3. Spirits of Foot Travel

Sutra:

Moreover, there were Spirits of Foot Travel as numerous as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds. Specifically, they were: Spirit of Foot Travel Jeweled Seal Hand; Spirit of Foot Travel Lotus Light; Spirit of Foot Travel Pure Floral Cowl; Spirit of Foot Travel Good Looks Gathering in All; Spirit of Foot Travel Star Banner of Wondrous Jewels; Spirit of Foot Travel Gladly Emitting Wondrous Sounds; Spirit of Foot Travel Radiant Candana Tree; Spirit of Foot Travel Lotus Brilliance; Spirit of Foot Travel Subtle Radiance; and Spirit of Foot Travel Amassing Wonderful Flowers. These and others acted as leaders, and they were as numerous as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds. All of them had drawn near to the Thus Come Ones and faithfully followed them during limitless eons in the past.

Commentary:

Moreover, there were Spirits of Foot Travel as numerous as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds. These spirits guard paths and walkways, and there were also a great many of them.

Specifically, they were: Spirit of Foot Travel Precious Seal Hand. In her hand, this Dharma-protecting spirit always holds a precious seal to protect sentient beings. Spirit of Foot Travel Lotus Light has a shining flower. Spirit of Foot Travel Pure Floral Cowl has a pure flower cowl. When sentient beings see Spirit of Foot Travel Good Looks Gathering in All, she can gather them in and lead them to make the resolve to seek enlightenment. There is another Spirit of Foot Travel named Star Banner of Wondrous Jewels. Spirit of Foot Travel Gladly Emitting Wondrous Sounds is so named because she is talented in singing. There were also spirits named Spirit of Foot Travel Radiant Candana Tree, Spirit of Foot Travel Lotus Brilliance, and Spirit of Foot Travel Subtle Radiance, whose light is subtle and inconceivable. And there was one Spirit of Foot Travel named Amassing Wonderful Flowers, who collected all kinds of wonderful blossoms. These and others acted as leaders among the Spirits of Foot Travel, and they were as numerous as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds. All of them had drawn near to the Thus Come Ones and faithfully followed them during limitless eons in the past. They drew near to and made offerings to all Buddhas. They cultivated under the Buddhas and never wished to leave them and go somewhere else.

4. Bodhimanda Spirits

Sutra:

Moreover, there were Bodhimanda Spirits as numerous as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds. Specifically, they were: Bodhimanda Spirit Banner of Pure Adornment; Bodhimanda Spirit Sumeru Jeweled Brilliance; Bodhimanda Spirit Thunderclap and Banner-like Characteristics; Bodhimanda Spirit Raining Down Flowers Wondrous Eyes; Bodhimanda Spirit Flower Garlands Bright Cowl; Bodhimanda Spirit Raining Down Jeweled Ornaments; Bodhimanda Spirit Heroic Fragrance and Vision; Bodhimanda Spirit Vajra-Colored Cloud; Bodhimanda Spirit Lotus Flower Brilliance; and Bodhimanda Spirit Dazzling Wondrous Light. These and others acted as leaders, and they were as numerous as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds. In the past, they all had met limitlessly many Buddhas and had fulfilled their vows to make vast offerings to them.

Commentary:

Moreover, there were Bodhimanda Spirits as numerous as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds. These spirits guard bodhimandas, or Áranyas, “still and quiet places” where people cultivate. These are benevolent spirits that protect the Dharma.

Specifically, they were: Bodhimanda Spirit Banner of Pure Adornment, who guards the bodhimanda so that it is pure and adorned. Bodhimanda Spirit Sumeru Jeweled Brilliance emits an extremely wonderful and precious light. Any bodhimanda under her protection always radiates a precious light. There was another Bodhimanda Spirit named Thunderclap and Banner-like Characteristics. Her voice sounds like booming thunder; her hallmarks and characteristics resemble a precious banner. There was also Bodhimanda Spirit Raining Down Flowers Wondrous Eyes, who regularly rains down cascades of jeweled flowers and has wonderful eyes. Another Bodhimanda Spirit named Flower Garlands Bright Cowl holds wreaths of flowers. Bodhimanda Spirit Raining Down Jeweled Ornaments constantly rains down the seven treasures to beautify the bodhimanda. Bodhimanda Spirit Heroic Fragrance and Vision is good at subduing demons. The Bodhimanda Spirit named Vajra-Colored Cloud also subdues demons. Another Bodhimanda Spirit by the name of Lotus Flower Brilliance often displays lotus blossoms and emits light. And there was also Bodhimanda Spirit Dazzling Wondrous Light, who constantly illuminates space with her beautiful light.

These ten Bodhimanda Spirits mentioned above and others acted as leaders of all the Bodhimanda Spirits. And they were as numerous as motes of dust in Buddhaworlds. In the past, they all had met limitlessly many Buddhas and had fulfilled their vows to make vast offerings to them. They had vowed to make offerings to the Buddhas of the ten directions. Those spirits were not just spirits, they were provisional manifestations of great Bodhisattvas. Therefore their spiritual powers were inconceivable, the power of their vows was inconceivable, and their ability to protect the Dharma was also inconceivable.

In the Flower Adornment Sutra, the spirits are always discussed in groups of ten. That is because ten tens are a hundred, ten hundreds are a thousand, ten thousands are ten thousand, ten ten thousands are a hundred thousand, all the way to millions and billions and so forth. Since it’s too cumbersome to enumerate millions and billions of spirits, the sutra simply gives ten representatives.

However, there are actually three versions of the Flower Adornment Sutra. We are now studying the third version, the shortest of the three. In the first version, ten thousand representatives are listed for each type of spirit, representing endlessly multi-layered infinity. Although I have not personally gone to the Dragon Palace where the first version of the sutra is stored, I’ve deduced that since the spirits are given in groups of ten in the last version, they must be given in groups of ten thousand in the first version—otherwise, how could the first version be as long as it is? Since we ordinary people cannot remember the names of that many spirits, only ten representatives of each type of spirit are given. Everyone should be aware of this.

5. City-ruling Spirits

Sutra:

Moreover, there were City-ruling Spirits as numerous as motes of dust in all Buddhaworlds. Specifically, they were: City-ruling Spirit Jeweled Peak Illumination; City-ruling Spirit Wondrously Adorning Palaces; City-ruling Spirit Pure Jewels of Joy; City-ruling Spirit Pure and Free from Worry; City-ruling Spirit Flower Lamps and Blazing Eyes; City-ruling Spirit Clear Manifestation of Blazing Banners; City-ruling Spirit Flourishing Blessings Brightness; City-ruling Spirit Pure Radiance; City-ruling Spirit Fragrant Cowl Adornment; and City-ruling Spirit Wondrous Jeweled Light. These and others acted as leaders, and they were as numerous as motes of dust in all Buddhaworlds. They all had adorned and purified the palaces in which the Thus Come Ones dwelt throughout limitlessly and inconceivably many eons.

Commentary:

The preceding passages of the Sutra concerned Spirits of Foot Travel, Multi-bodied Spirits, and bodhimanda-protecting spirits. All of these spirits, in eons past, drew near to all the Buddhas, studied under them, and never left them. Although they are spirits in name, they are actually great Bodhisattvas manifesting as various types of spirits.

Moreover, there were City-ruling Spirits as numerous as motes of dust in all Buddhaworlds. City-ruling Spirits protect the walls and moats of cities, because many people with good roots dwell within the cities.

Specifically, they were: City-ruling Spirit Jeweled Peak Illumination. Through the miraculous functioning of his spiritual powers, he constantly emits a dazzling light. This spirit holds a very prominent position among the multitudes of spirits. There is another City-ruling Spirit named Wondrously Adorning Palaces. She can make all palaces especially adorned and wonderful. City-ruling Spirit Pure Jewels of Joy emits a pure light containing the colors of the seven treasures, and anyone who sees that light is filled with joy.

Another City-ruling Spirit is named Pure and Free from Worry. In the cities under this spirit’s protection, the citizens are free from worry, grief, suffering, and vexation and are able to attain purity. City-ruling Spirit Flower Lamps and Blazing Eyes stands with her feet on lotus daises, holds a lamp in her hands, and emits a flame-like blaze from her eyes. As a City-ruling Spirit, she watches over the inhabitants of cities, making sure they are peaceful and safe from calamities. That is the responsibility of a City-ruling Spirit.

City-ruling Spirit Clear Manifestation of Blazing Banners emits a fiery blaze from the top of her head, which is as clearly apparent as a jeweled banner and very bright. Therefore, as soon as the celestial demons and externalists see this City-ruling Spirit’s blazing light, they flee in terror.

City-ruling Spirit Flourishing Blessings Brightness. She has tremendous blessings and a constant radiance about her. Therefore, anyone who sees her gains blessings, wisdom, and longevity. City-ruling Spirit Pure Radiance always sends out pristine light that is completely undefiled. This is described in a verse in the “Universal Door Chapter” of the Dharma Flower Sutra:

Undefiled pure light,
The sun of wisdom that breaks through the darkness
Is able to quell calamities of wind and fire
As it universally shines on all worlds.

This type of clear, pure light of wisdom, comparable to the sun’s radiance, disperses all darkness. It overcomes all disasters and shines pervasively in all worlds. That is the meaning of the name of this City-ruling Spirit. The jeweled cowl of City-ruling Spirit Fragrant Cowl Adornment emits a fragrance. Sentient beings smell it and naturally become immune to disasters. And City-ruling Spirit Wondrous Jeweled Light. Her subtle and wonderful precious pearl sends forth light.

These and others acted as leaders. The above-mentioned spirits were the leaders of the City-ruling Spirits, and they were as numerous as motes of dust in all Buddhaworlds in the ten directions. They all had adorned and purified the palaces in which the Thus Come Ones dwelt throughout limitlessly and inconceivably many eons. The job of City-ruling Spirits is to make sure at all times that everything runs smoothly and that the palaces where the Thus Come Ones stay are particularly magnificent and pure. That is their work.

Some of us who cultivate and study the Buddhadharma may study for two-and-a-half, not even three days, and then get tired. We feel that the Buddhadharma does not have much meaning. That is a mistaken conclusion. Buddhism is not something that you can understand in two or three days. The Buddhadharma is as deep as the ocean. You can study for ten or twenty years, or even an entire lifetime, and you still won’t finish studying it. Sãkyamuni Buddha, in his quest for the Supreme Way, practiced for three great asamkhyeyas of eons before he realized Buddhahood. Therefore, we must be vigorous every day and not retreat.

6. Earth-ruling Spirits

Sutra:

Moreover, there were Earth-ruling Spirits as numerous as motes of dust in all Buddhaworlds. Specifically, they were: Earth-ruling Spirit Pure Flower of Universal Virtue; Earth-ruling Spirit Solid Blessings and Adornment; Earth-ruling Spirit Wondrous Flowers Ornamenting Trees; Earth-ruling Spirit Universally Scattering the Myriad Gems; Earth-ruling Spirit Pure Eyes Contemplating Time; Earth-ruling Spirit Wondrous Forms and Supreme Eyes; Earth-ruling Spirit Fragrant Shining Hairs; Earth-ruling Spirit Delightful Sounds; Earth-ruling Spirit Topknot of Exquisite Flowers; and Earth-ruling Spirit Body Adorned with Vajra. These and others acted as leaders, and they were as numerous as motes of dust in all Buddhaworlds. They had all made deep, impressive vows to always draw near all Buddhas in order to cultivate blessings through their deeds.

Commentary:

Moreover, there were Earth-ruling Spirits as numerous as motes of dust in all Buddhaworlds. This section concerns Earth-ruling Spirits. Our world is inhabited by a great variety of spirits. Some people think that there is only one spirit, namely, God. They don’t realize that there are many spirits. They maintain that there is only one spirit, but they don’t know. If they really knew, they wouldn’t insist that there is only one spirit. Since they don’t know, they speculate and say, “There is only one God. There couldn’t be more. If there were more gods, they would fight over territory. And so God must be the one and only ruler of Heaven.” However, as we investigate the Flower Adornment Sutra, we find out that not only are there heavenly lords, there are also lords of the earth—Earth-ruling Spirits. And there is not only one Earth-ruling Spirit, they are as many as motes of dust.

Moreover, there were Earth-ruling Spirits as numerous as motes of dust in all Buddhaworlds throughout the ten directions. These spirits were limitless in number, but the text mentions ten of them, who acted as the leaders of their assemblies. Specifically, they were: Earth-ruling Spirit Pure Flower of Universal Virtue. This spirit has arrived at our mention of her name. She says, “I’m Earth-ruling Spirit Pure Flower of Universal Virtue. Do you recognize me?” Then she shines her light upon you to create affinities with you. Earth-ruling Spirit Solid Blessings and Adornment. Once you have seen this spirit, your blessings will be solid, indestructible, and adorned. Each of these spirits will show up as we mention their names.

The wondrous lotuses of Earth-ruling Spirit Wondrous Flowers Ornamenting Trees adorn the Bodhi tree. Earth-ruling Spirit Universally Scattering the Myriad Gems disperses the seven treasures—gold, silver, vaidurrya, crystal, mother-of-pearl,  red pearls, and carnelian—and a great many other precious substances. People in the world like to prospect and excavate gold, silver, and other precious metals and gems. These metals and gems come from this earth spirit. She scatters gems on the earth the way we scatter grain to feed little chicks. When the grain falls, all the little chicks gather around to eat it. In the same way, people are drawn to precious metals and proceed to mine them. The only difference in the analogy is that the little chicks can eat what they find directly, but people have to sell the metals and gems and get money to buy the things they consume—rice, noodles, meat, and wine. Only the method is different.

Earth-ruling Spirits hold our earth together so that earthquakes do not totally devastate it, and so that people and their property are not totally destroyed. Why, then, do some places have earthquakes? It is because the people there have such heavy karmic obstacles that the Earth-ruling Spirits’ spiritual powers are not sufficient to counteract them.

I often tell you that since we are lecturing on the sutras and speaking the Dharma, San Francisco certainly won’t have a major earthquake. I started saying this five or six years ago [in 1968], and it still holds true. That’s because when we lecture on the sutras, not one, but all the Earth-ruling Spirits come to protect the bodhimanda. They have all assembled here, and so the earth is as solid as vajra. If you want to prevent the occurrence of earthquakes, you should go everywhere explaining the Flower Adornment Sutra. Wherever the sutra is being lectured, the earth will be safe and secure. This is the absolute truth without the slightest bit of falseness.

Earth-ruling Spirit Pure Eyes Contemplating Time has pure, lotus-like eyes with which she contemplates the time, that is, the causes and conditions, in order to avert disasters. Earth-ruling Spirit Wondrous Forms and Supreme Eyes causes grass, plants, and trees to grow on the earth, making it beautiful so that everyone is delighted by the sight of the landscape.

Many varieties of scented grass and other plants that emit fragrance grow in the area overseen by Earth-ruling Spirit Fragrant Shining Hairs. This Earth-ruling Spirit can also emit light. The sounds that Earth-ruling Spirit Delightful Sounds makes are as enjoyable as the melodious sounds of the white cranes, peacocks, parrots, egrets, kalavinkas, and two-headed birds in the Land of Ultimate Bliss. People are delighted to hear these sounds, and they start to smile even if they felt like crying before.

“Sometimes I feel like crying. How come I’ve never heard these sounds that cause you to start smiling?” you may ask. Your causes and conditions aren’t ripe yet. When they ripen, you will hear these kinds of sounds. Don’t be impatient. If you have faith, you will be able to hear them sooner or later.

Earth-ruling Spirit Topknot of Exquisite Flowers has lovely lotus blossoms arranged in a circular fashion on top of her head forming a jeweled topknot. And Earth-ruling Spirit Body Adorned with Vajra is also known as the Earth Spirit Firm and Solid. She adorns her body with vajra, and no celestial demon or externalist can harm her. She’s a very tough Earth-ruling Spirit.

These and others acted as leaders. These ten Earth-ruling Spirits are the leaders of the infinite multitudes of Earth-ruling Spirits. And they were as numerous as motes of dust in all Buddhaworlds. They had all made deep, impressive vows. They vowed, “In the future we must protect the Triple Jewel, acting as Dharma-protecting good spirits for all the Buddhas. Wherever there are bodhimandas and disciples of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, or Arhats, we will protect all of them. We vow to do what others cannot do; we will endure what others cannot endure, and yield what others cannot yield. We will make deep and mighty vows such as those, so that there is nothing as solid and profound as these vows.”

Some of you have studied the Buddhadharma for many years, but you seem to have forgotten your resolve for the Way. In the beginning when you first heard the Buddhadharma, you were very sincere. You were extremely reverent in listening to the sutras. But as time passes, you are no longer sincere or enthusiastic. You say, “We study the same thing over and over again.” Well, what do you want to study? Because you haven’t yet understood this, you have to keep studying it. After you understand, you won’t have to study it anymore. But to think you understand when you don’t is very foolish. Before you have attained the fruition of sagehood, you must study the Buddhadharma. Before you have realized Buddhahood, you must cultivate. Cultivating means “diligently cultivating precepts, samadhi, and wisdom and putting an end to greed, anger, and delusion.” Every day you must look within and examine your own faults; don’t find fault with others. Don’t be like a mirror that only reflects externals, thinking, “This Bhikshu doesn’t cultivate; that Bhikshuni doesn’t practice either. Who knows what they do from morning to night?” You manage to wash the clothes of the Bhikshus and Bhikshunis until they are sparkling clean, but your own clothes are still dirty. You don’t know how to wash your own dirty laundry. You say, “But I want to practice the Bodhisattva path. I want to help others do their laundry, so I haven’t bothered to do my own.” Well, if you don’t pay attention to your own laundry, you’ll become filthy. You should first wash your own laundry—benefit yourself, and then you can proceed to help others do their laundry—benefit others. But if you only know how to benefit others and forget to benefit yourself, you are rather deluded. People like that are pitiful.

Having told you not to discuss the faults of the fourfold assembly, I now say: You should discuss the faults of the fourfold assembly. However, there’s a different way to go about it. How? You should be very frank and sincere, and your motive should be to exhort others to correct their faults and become good. Your attitude should be, “That person’s faults are just my own, and therefore I should tell him about his faults in a very candid, straightforward, and earnest way. I should say, ‘You’ve done such and such a thing wrong. In the future you should be more careful.’” That’s okay. But you shouldn’t speak about people’s faults behind their backs, causing discord. It would be wrong to tell A about B’s faults and then tell B about A’s faults, always trying to create factions where people listen to your words. If someone has faults, you should very kindly tell him to his face, exhorting him to change so that in the future he will get rid of those faults. You should not talk behind his back and complain, upsetting everyone. That would be disrupting the bodhimanda and creating schisms. Anyone who has this problem should change. Otherwise, you are headed for the hells—there is no other outcome.

These Earth-ruling Spirits had made deep and mighty vows to always draw near all Buddhas, Thus Come Ones, as well as to Bodhisattvas, Arhats, and sages, in order to cultivate blessings through their deeds. They wanted to cultivate blessings and wisdom. Cultivation of blessings brings about the adornment of marks and characteristics. Cultivation of wisdom gets rid of delusion. Why are we deluded? Because we haven’t cultivated blessings and wisdom. Why are we poor? Because we haven’t cultivated blessings and wisdom. I am using my true mind to speak true Dharma for you. If you can accept the true Dharma, you will truly be able to cultivate. Therefore, you must be sincere. Don’t engage in fault-finding. It is extremely foolish to always be finding faults in others.

Cultivators must be courageous and vigorous. Be true cultivators. Every day you should work harder and be more vigorous. Don’t engage in gossiping about rights and wrongs, so that day after day you grow more and more lax and retreat. That would be very dangerous.

7. Mountain-ruling Spirits

Sutra:

Moreover, there were countless Mountain-ruling Spirits. Specifically, they were: Mountain-ruling Spirit Blooming Jeweled Peak; Mountain-ruling Spirit Flower Grove Wondrous Topknot; Mountain-ruling Spirit Lofty Banner Universally Shining; Mountain-ruling Spirit Immaculate Pure Topknot; Mountain-ruling Spirit Light Shining through the Ten Directions; Mountain-ruling Spirit Light of Great Strength; Mountain-ruling Spirit Universally Supreme, Awesome Brilliance; Mountain-ruling Spirit Orb of Subtle, Concentrated Light; Mountain-ruling Spirit Universal Eye Seeing the Manifest; and Mountain-ruling Spirit Secret Vajra Eyes. These and others acted as leaders of a countless number of Mountain-ruling Spirits, and they all had obtained the pure eye regarding all dharmas.

Commentary:

Moreover, there were countless Mountain-ruling Spirits. Mountain-ruling Spirits rule in mountain areas. According to one legend, mountain spirits are actually tigers. The mountain spirits named here in the Sutra are not tigers. They are manifestations of great Bodhisattvas, who in turn watch over the tigers.

Specifically, they were: Mountain-ruling Spirit Blooming Jeweled Peak. It is as if a mountain peak made up of the seven jewels opened up in an exquisite lotus blossom. Due to this spirit’s cultivation of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, she is adorned with the seven treasures, which form a huge lotus blossom.

Mountain-ruling Spirit Flower Grove Wondrous Topknot. Flower Grove describes a forest of blooming lotuses. Her forest of merit and virtue is full and complete, and she is adorned with a beautiful topknot. The Bodhisattva Mountain-ruling Spirit Lofty Banner Universally Shining looms like a high, prominent jeweled banner, shining on all worlds, saving countless sentient beings. There was another Mountain-ruling Spirit named Mountain-ruling Spirit Immaculate Pure Topknot. All the sentient beings who bask in the light of Mountain-ruling Spirit Light Shining through the Ten Directions bring forth the bodhi resolve and have the opportunity to become Buddhas in the future. Mountain-ruling Spirit Light of Great Strength is the name of another spirit.

The majestic light of Mountain-ruling Spirit Universally Supreme, Awesome Brilliance surpasses that of all other Mountain-ruling Spirits. There were other spirits named Mountain-ruling Spirit Orb of Subtle, Concentrated Light, Mountain-ruling Spirit Universal Eye Seeing the Manifest, and Mountain-ruling Spirit Secret Vajra Eyes. These and others acted as leaders of a countless number of Mountain-ruling Spirits. There is no way to reckon the number of leaders and all their retinues. And they all had obtained the pure eye in regard to all dharmas. With the eye of purity, they discern and understand all dharmas. They had attained the pure Dharma-selecting eye and the pure wisdom eye. These Mountain-ruling Spirits were actually the inconceivable manifestations of great Bodhisattvas.

Back to our discussion of tigers. Tigers are considered the fiercest of beasts, but there are times when tigers do not bite people and are very kind. Yesterday I called upon the Chinese painter, Upasaka Chang Dai-chien. In the past, the elder brother of Upasaka Chang kept two tigers in his home. The tigers liked to eat meat, and he gave them raw pork. Then one of the tigers got ill and died, and only one tiger remained. This tiger never hurt or bit anybody. It was very tame and well-behaved.

At that time Dharma Master Yinguang was living at Baoguo Monastery in Suzhou. Layman Chang took the tiger to the monastery and asked Dharma Master Yinguang to give it the Three Refuges. The tiger knelt before the Dharma Master to receive the Refuges. Dharma Master Yinguang spoke Dharma to it for two hours, during which time the tiger knelt before him without budging an inch. Zhang Daqian thought this was very unusual. If the tiger did not possess the Buddha nature, how could it kneel there for two hours? Dharma Master Yinguang was a native of Shanxi Province and spoke with a Shanxi accent, which the tiger seemed to understand. Dharma Master Yinguang instructed the tiger’s owner to first feed it raw meat, then gradually change to half-cooked meat, and then feed it cooked meat, and then steamed buns and rice, thus weaning the tiger off meat and making it eat vegetarian food. It is not known whether the tiger liked being vegetarian. 

Afterwards, the Japanese attacked China and occupied Suzhou. At that time, a nephew of Chang Dai-chien took care of the tiger. When the Japanese came, the nephew ran off either to Shanghai or to Lingyan Mountain. The tiger was kept in an iron cage that weighed about a ton. The nephew left thirty pounds of meat in the cage and then left, thinking that the meat would suffice to feed the tiger for three days, after which he planned to come back. However, he did not return after those three days. Eventually, this tiger who had taken refuge with the Triple Jewel starved to death in his cage. Its starvation was probably due to some heavy karmic offenses from the past. Layman Chang told me this story yesterday. Some people say that tigers are mountain spirits. This tiger, however, starved to death during the Japanese occupation.

8. Forest-ruling Spirits

Sutra:

Moreover, there was an inconceivable number of Forest-ruling Spirits.

Commentary:

Moreover, there was an inconceivable number of Forest-ruling Spirits. The previous passage listed Mountain-ruling Spirits. Mountains are not forests; forests, however, may be found on mountains. There are also forests and groves on level ground, as well as in valleys. If you plant many trees in a level area, a forest or grove can develop there. This is an analogy for the Bodhisattvas: There are so many Bodhisattvas that they are like a forest. Their number is inconceivable. Don’t even try to think about how many there are, because the number is beyond conception.

These spirits watch over forests and groves. Every forest has a spirit presiding over it. Why is that? Forests do not run away, so why should spirits watch over them? It’s because many ghosts inhabit the forests. Large trees are called “villages of ghosts and spirits.” Since there are ghosts, there have to be spirits who watch over the ghosts, making sure that they don’t trouble people by making them sick and so forth.

There are also fruits that grow in the forests. If the Fruit Monk [the nickname of Elder Master Guangqin] went into the forest and ate some of the fruit, and the ghosts had spat poison on the fruit, then the Fruit Monk would be poisoned. Therefore, spirits have to watch over the fruit. If any of the ghosts tried to spread some of their poison, the spirits would glare at them and say, “Don’t harm people!” And then the ghosts would behave themselves. Wouldn’t you say this was right? And so, although forests cannot run away, nonetheless, there still need to be spirits watching over them.

Sutra:

Specifically, they were: Forest-ruling Spirit Spreading Flowers Like Clouds; Forest-ruling Spirit Helping Trunks Grow Tall and Pouring Forth Light; Forest-ruling Spirit Producing Sprouts and Emitting Radiance; Forest-ruling Spirit Auspicious Pure Leaves; Forest-ruling Spirit Overhanging Resplendent Treasury; Forest-ruling Spirit Pure Radiance; Forest-ruling Spirit Delightful Thunder Sound; Forest-ruling Spirit Pervasive Glow and Perfume; Forest-ruling Spirit Wondrous Light Unique and Sparkling; and Forest-ruling Spirit Luster and Flavor of Flowers and Fruits. These and others acted as leaders of an inconceivable number of Forest-ruling Spirits, and they all had limitless, delightful, bright light.

Commentary:

Specifically, they were: Forest-ruling Spirit Spreading Flowers Like Clouds; Forest-ruling Spirit Helping Trunks Grow Tall and Pouring Forth Light; Forest-ruling Spirit Producing Sprouts and Emitting Radiance. Forest-ruling Spirit Auspicious Pure Leaves makes any forest she watches over auspicious. All the leaves are clean and pure, and there are no bugs in the trees. The atmosphere is auspicious at all times.

Forest-ruling Spirit Overhanging Resplendent Treasury. The trees in the forest under this spirit’s protection have foliage so thick that it hangs down like an umbrella. The trees glow brightly and look like blazing treasuries. The forest that Forest-ruling Spirit Pure Radiance watches over is immaculate and shines constantly. Sentient beings who see the forest that Forest-ruling Spirit Delightful Thunder Sound watches over are all delighted. Her awesome virtue and her voice resemble booming thunder. The glow and fragrance of Forest-ruling Spirit Pervasive Glow and Perfume pervade all places. The wondrous light of Forest-ruling Spirit Wondrous Light Unique and Sparkling is completely different from ordinary kinds of light. Her light illuminates the world. And Forest-ruling Spirit Luster and Flavor of Flowers and Fruits rules over all flowers and fruits; her fruits have a fragrant aroma. Anyone who enters her forest is struck by the pervasive rare fragrance and the abundance of fragrant flowers.

These ten Forest-ruling Spirits mentioned above and others acted as leaders of an inconceivable number of Forest-ruling Spirits, most of whom are not mentioned here, and they all had limitless, delightful, bright light. These were all great Bodhisattvas who had come to practice the Bodhisattva Way as Forest-ruling Spirits.

9. Medicine-ruling Spirits

Sutra:

Moreover, there were countless Medicine-ruling Spirits. Specifically, they were: Medicine-ruling Spirit Auspicious; Medicine-ruling Spirit Candana Forest; Medicine-ruling Spirit Pristine Radiance; Medicine-ruling Spirit Universal Renown; Medicine-ruling Spirit Shining Pores; Medicine-ruling Spirit Pervasive Healing and Purifying; Medicine-ruling Spirit Roaring Loudly; Medicine-ruling Spirit Banner of Light Eclipsing the Sun; Medicine-ruling Spirit Clear Vision of the Ten Directions; and Medicine-ruling Spirit Replenishing Energy and Brightening the Eyes. These and others acted as leaders of a countless number of Medicine-ruling Spirits, and their natures were free from defilement. They graced all creatures with kindness.

Commentary:

Moreover, there were countless Medicine-ruling Spirits. These spirits were lords over medicinal herbs. Herbs can cure illness, and there are spirits in charge of them. Each kind of herb can cure specific illnesses. How many kinds of herbs are there? There are infinitely many medicinal herbs in this world, and so there is an infinite number of Medicine-ruling Spirits. Specific herbs are used to treat specific illnesses.

Sicknesses related to heat should be treated with medicines with cooling properties. Sicknesses related to cold should be treated with medicines with warming properties. For sicknesses that are neither caused by heat nor by cold, a temperate medicine must be used. Natural medicines can be divided into the categories of cold, hot, temperate, and neutral. Doctors must know the properties of medicines; otherwise they will not be successful in curing illness.

In the medical treatise, “Properties of Natural Medicines” [Yaoxingfu], there are these lines:

“Among all the various medicines, these are endowed with the coldest property. Rhinoceros horn [xijiao] can alleviate heat in the heart. Antelope horn clears up the lungs and liver. Zhaixie is a diuretic, helping one to pass water and bolster the yin fluids. Haizhao can cure sores and hernia.”

Those are extremely cooling medicines. There are also many kinds of natural medicines with warming properties, as well as those that are temperate and neutral. Each of these medicines can cure different kinds of illness.

Specifically, they were: Medicine-ruling Spirit Auspicious. An example of auspicious medicine is licorice, which is a cure for all illnesses, especially those involving toxins. It’s said, “Licorice blends with all kinds of medicines and neutralizes the hundred kinds of poison.” It certainly could be considered auspicious. This Medicine-ruling Spirit is probably in charge of licorice and other related medicines.

Medicine-ruling Spirit Candana Forest. Candana is sandalwood, a fragrant type of wood. This type of sandalwood can cure pain in the heart. If you have heart pain and you take a little candana, the pain will be relieved.

There were also spirits named Medicine-ruling Spirit Pristine Radiance and Medicine-ruling Spirit Universal Renown. The latter spirit is very well-known. Ginseng is a well-known medicine, and this spirit is probably in charge of ginseng. You might not have seen the ginseng root before. It is called ginseng [renseng, literally, “human essence”] because the root resembles a child. Replete with arms and legs, nose and eyes, the ginseng root looks very much like the human body. Roots weighing up to a full seven Chinese ounces are called ginseng. Roots weighing eight Chinese ounces or more are called human gems, renbao. It’s said that those who eat these gems can gain immortality, for they revitalize one’s energy and prolong life. Universal Renown Medicine-ruling Spirit probably rules over ginseng. Medicine-ruling Spirit Shining Pores sends forth light from all her pores. Medicine-ruling Spirit Pervasive Healing and Purifying can cure the myriad illnesses. She purifies sick people’s bodies by dispelling heat and neutralizing poison.

Medicine-ruling Spirit Roaring Loudly gives awesome roars, like those of a lion. She can also cure insanity. Insane people howl and yell wildly, but when she lets out her mighty roar, whoever hears it gets cured of his or her illness.

Medicine-ruling Spirit Banner of Light Eclipsing the Sun is so named because her light surpasses even that of the sun and moon. Medicine-ruling Spirit Clear Vision of the Ten Directions has a translucent body. Medicine-ruling Spirit Replenishing Energy and Brightening the Eyes. Ginseng can replenish energy, and chrysanthemums can brighten the eyes and clear head colds. Chrysanthemums are considered a medicinal herb, and those grown in Hangzhou are known for being the most efficacious in curing illness. If you take Hangzhou chrysanthemums often, you will have bright eyes. Beiqi (also called huangqi) is an herb that bolsters the constitution and replenishes energy.

These ten Medicine-ruling Spirits mentioned above and others acted as leaders of a countless number of Medicine-ruling Spirits, and their natures were free from defilement. They had cultivated to the point where they had no more defilement. They were free of desire. They weren’t selfish and didn’t pursue personal advantage. They graced all creatures with kindness. These spirits are extremely kind and compassionate. They help, protect, and guard all sentient beings. In fact, they are all great Bodhisattvas.

People who cultivate and believe in Buddhism should get rid of the appearance of a self, the view of a self, and the attachment to a self. Don’t always cling to a sense of ego. If you have an ego, then it becomes as high as Mount Sumeru. However, if you get rid of your ego, then Mount Sumeru disappears as well. Whether or not you have the Way, you still eat and sleep. If you have the Way, when you eat you won’t talk; and when you sleep, you won’t engage in false thinking. When it’s time to eat you eat, and when it’s time to sleep you sleep. You don’t think of anything. But if you haven’t attained the Way, then when you eat you don’t get full, and when you go to bed you can’t fall asleep. Why is that? It’s because you engage in false thinking when you go to sleep, and you talk casually when you eat. These problems obstruct your cultivation. Now that I’ve told you, whether or not you believe is your business. However, if you fail to attain the Way, don’t blame me.

10. Crop-ruling Spirits

Sutra:

Moreover, there were countless Crop-ruling Spirits. Specifically, they were: Crop-ruling Spirit Tender and Delectable; Crop-ruling Spirit Pure Light of Seasonal Blooms; Crop-ruling Spirit Robust Strength; Crop-ruling Spirit Increasing Essence and Energy; Crop-ruling Spirit Universally Producing Roots and Fruits; Crop-ruling Spirit Wondrously Adorned Circular Cowl; Crop-ruling Spirit Moistening Pure Flowers; Crop-ruling Spirit Accomplishing Wonderful Fragrance; Crop-ruling Spirit Delighting the Beholder; and Crop-ruling Spirit Immaculate Pure Light. These and others acted as leaders of a countless number of Crop-ruling Spirits, and they all had realized great happiness.

Commentary:

Moreover, there were countless Crop-ruling Spirits. After the Medicine-ruling Spirits come the Crop-ruling Spirits, of which there is also a limitless and boundless number. These spirits rule over the five grains: rice, sorghum, millet, wheat, and legumes. Every kind of edible crop or grain grown by people is watched over by a separate spirit.

Specifically, they were: Crop-ruling Spirit Tender and Delectable. The grains that she tends are tender and have an outstanding and wonderful taste. The crops that Crop-ruling Spirit Pure Light of Seasonal Blooms takes care of bloom in season and give off a pure light. After people eat the crops that Crop-ruling Spirit Robust Strength tends, they gain a robust body and a strong constitution.

Although the grains and crops we eat help our bodies to be strong and healthy, we have to consume an incredible amount before it can produce a tiny amount of vital energy. The ratio is something like one portion of energy for every ten thousand portions of food, which is quite small. Even so, people carelessly squander and waste their precious energy and breath. What a pity! After people eat the grains over which Crop-ruling Spirit Increasing Essence and Energy presides, they never get sick again.

Crop-ruling Spirit Universally Producing Roots and Fruits. After people eat the grains grown under this spirit’s supervision, their good roots increase and they attain the fruition of Buddhahood. Another Crop-ruling Spirit has the name Wondrously Adorned Circular Cowl. After people eat the grains tended by Crop-ruling Spirit Moistening Pure Flowers, their skin becomes moist and soft, as beautiful as lotuses.

The grains grown under the care of Crop-ruling Spirit Accomplishing Wonderful Fragrance exude an exquisite aroma. People are delighted to see the crops grown under the supervision of Crop-ruling Spirit Delighting the Beholder. When they eat these grains, their bodies are bolstered tremendously.

And after people eat the grains supervised by Crop-ruling Spirit Immaculate Pure Light, their bodies become pure and their minds are no longer polluted by defiled thoughts. After eating this type of crop, you will be purified in body and mind. Someone says, “No wonder I have so many confused thoughts. The grains I eat are not the ones supervised by this Crop-ruling Spirit!” In that case, you should bow a few more times to Immaculate Pure Light Crop-ruling Spirit and ask her to bring you some of her grains, so you can eat them and be free from confused thinking. The spirit named Crop-ruling Spirit Pure and Undefiled is the same one as Crop-ruling Spirit Immaculate Pure Light.

Those ten Crop-ruling Spirits mentioned above and others acted as leaders of a countless number of Crop-ruling Spirits. If we were to take into account all their leaders and their retinues, the number is boundless. And they all had realized great happiness. For example, every year during the fall harvest, if there is an abundant yield of the five grains, the farmers are absolutely delighted. And that can be called the realization of great happiness.

Having heard this section of text, someone is having more confused thoughts: “Spirits are inconceivable and possess the wonderful functioning of spiritual powers. If the crops were really supervised by spirits, we wouldn’t need machines or human labor to plant the crops. The spirits themselves could see to the natural sprouting, growth, and ripening of the crops, and there would be no need for human labor. Since we still rely on human labor, I believe that the spirits are only false, made-up names. In reality, the crops are not supervised by spirits. If I could simply put seeds into the ground and the spirits would supervise the growth of the crops and produce an abundant harvest, then I would believe that spirits really existed.”

This person has raised a valid question. However, spirits do not want people to be without work; they do not want people to be lazy. There was a time in the past when people did not have to do any work for their crops to grow: “Weeds died, sprouts thrived, and the ground produced on its own.” Crops would grow spontaneously on their own. The people sat there, being extremely idle. The spirits took a look and saw that that would not do. They wanted people to do a bit of work to bring about a harvest. Eventually lazy people had nothing to eat, while diligent people enjoyed an abundant harvest. All in all it was a fair arrangement. Spirits used to help people to do the work. But when they saw that people were very lazy, the spirits also stopped working. And now people themselves have to do the work. This may not be a true principle, but I have told you what I have heard and you can take it as hearsay. But it’s a fact that we should not eat what others prepare for us without contributing any effort ourselves. Although there are spirits around, people still need to work.

11. River-ruling Spirits

Sutra:

Moreover, there were countless River-ruling Spirits. Specifically, they were: River-ruling Spirit Universally Initiating Swift Currents; River-ruling Spirit Universally Cleansing Springs and Torrents; River-ruling Spirit Pure Eyes Apart from Dust; River-ruling Spirit Howling All Throughout the Ten Directions; River-ruling Spirit Rescuing and Protecting Sentient Beings; River-ruling Spirit Clear Light Devoid of Heat; River-ruling Spirit Universally Inspiring Joy; River-ruling Spirit Supreme Banner of Vast Virtue; River-ruling Spirit Light Illuminating All Worlds; and River-ruling Spirit Radiant Ocean of Virtues. These and others acted as leaders of a countless number of River-ruling Spirits, and they all diligently resolved to benefit sentient beings.

Commentary:

Moreover, there were countless River-ruling Spirits. The Yellow River in China was named for its yellowish water. The Ganges River in India is known for its very fine sand. Both  of these rivers have spirits presiding over them. In general, there are uncountable River-ruling Spirits.

Specifically, they were: River-ruling Spirit Universally Initiating Swift Currents, who causes rivers to flow very fast. River-ruling Spirit Universally Cleansing Springs and Torrents clears up springs and mountain streams so that the water becomes pure. River-ruling Spirit Pure Eyes Apart from Dust makes sure that the water in the rivers she watches over is very clean. River-ruling Spirit Howling All Throughout the Ten Directions makes the rushing water sound like the roar of beasts. In the past River-ruling Spirit Rescuing and Protecting Sentient Beings made vows to rescue sentient beings. If sentient beings fall into the river and are about to drown, she will rescue them.

River-ruling Spirit Clear Light Devoid of Heat is cool and clear. She has a cool, refreshing light. There is another spirit named River-ruling Spirit Universally Inspiring Joy, who causes sentient beings to become joyful. There is another spirit named River-ruling Spirit Supreme Banner of Vast Virtue. Her virtue is bounteous, like a jeweled banner. Another spirit called River-ruling Spirit Light Illuminating All Worlds has light that shines throughout all worlds. And there is another spirit called River-ruling Spirit Radiant Ocean of Virtues.

Those ten River-ruling Spirits mentioned above and others acted as leaders of a countless number of River-ruling Spirits, and they all diligently resolved to benefit sentient beings. They often made the resolve to bring benefit to sentient beings.

12. Ocean-ruling Spirits

Sutra:

Moreover, there were countless Ocean-ruling Spirits. Specifically, they were: Ocean-ruling Spirit Manifesting Jeweled Lights; Ocean-ruling Spirit Accomplished Vajra Banner; Ocean-ruling Spirit Far Removed from Defilement; Ocean-ruling Spirit Palaces in All Waters; Ocean-ruling Spirit Auspicious Jeweled Moon; Ocean-ruling Spirit Wondrous Floral Dragon Cowl; Ocean-ruling Spirit Universally Maintaining Flavor and Light; Ocean-ruling Spirit Jeweled Blaze of Floral Light; Ocean-ruling Spirit Wondrous Vajra Cowl; and Ocean-ruling Spirit Thunderous Sound of Ocean Tides. These and others acted as leaders of a countless number of Ocean-ruling Spirits, and the Thus Come Ones’ ocean of merit and virtue filled all their bodies.

Commentary:

Moreover, there were countless Ocean-ruling Spirits. The previous discussion of River-ruling Spirits is followed by a discussion of Ocean-ruling Spirits. Oceans are larger than rivers; they are infinite and boundless in scope. Therefore, there are countlessly many Ocean-ruling Spirits. Specifically, to mention some of the leaders, they were: Ocean-ruling Spirit Manifesting Jeweled Lights, who makes appear many rays of jeweled light, hence her name. The merit and virtue that Ocean-ruling Spirit Accomplished Vajra Banner achieves is like a vajra banner, from which she gets her name.

Ocean-ruling Spirit Far Removed from Defilement is apart from all dust and filth. Ocean-ruling Spirit Palaces in All Waters. Her palaces can be found in all waters. There is another spirit named Ocean-ruling Spirit Auspicious Jeweled Moon. Most ocean spirits are Dragon Kings, who rule over the ocean. Another spirit is called Ocean-ruling Spirit Wondrous Floral Dragon Cowl. Another one is named Ocean-ruling Spirit Universally Maintaining Flavor and Light. She sustains the oceans and exudes light and fragrance. Ocean-ruling Spirit Jeweled Blaze of Floral Light emits a floral brilliance that gives the appearance of jeweled flames.

Another spirit has the name Ocean-ruling Spirit Wondrous Vajra Cowl. And Ocean-ruling Spirit Thunderous Sound of Ocean Tides emits the sound of the sea tide, which is like a thunderous boom.

These ten Ocean-ruling Spirits mentioned above and others acted as leaders of a countless number of Ocean-ruling Spirits. There is an infinite number of these spirits. And the Thus Come Ones’ ocean of merit and virtue filled all their bodies. The Buddhas’ merit and virtue which is abundant as the ocean fills these spirits’ bodies.

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