The Ten Good Teachers of the Ten Dwellings
VI. Bhikshu Sea Banner, Kingdom of Milaspharana
Dwelling of Rectification of the Mind
At that time, the Youth Good Wealth with a single mind properly recollected the teachings of that elder. He contemplated the instructions of that elder. He recollected that inconceivable Bodhisattva Door of Liberation. He pondered that inconceivable Bodhisattva Wisdom Light. He deeply entered that inconceivable gateway of Universal Entry of Bodhisattva.
He clearly saw those inconceivable spiritual transformations of Thus Come Ones. He understood completely that inconceivable Universal Entry into Buddha kshetras. He distinguished that inconceivable adornment by the powers of the Buddhas. He contemplated those inconceivable states and separate positions of samadhis and liberation. He understood that inconceivable ultimate non-obstruction of different worlds. He cultivated those inconceivable solid and profound minds of a Bodhisattva. He brought forth that inconceivable pure karma of great vows by a Bodhisattva.
He gradually proceeded south, until he came to the village of Milaspharana, on the border of Jambudvipa. He sought everywhere for the Bhikshu Sea Banner. Then he saw that bhikshu, seated by the roadside in full lotus. He had entered samadhi. He had ceased inhaling and exhaling, and he entertained no extraneous thought or awareness. His body was calm and unmoving.
From the soles of his feet, there issued forth countless hundreds of thousands of millions of multitudes of elders, laypeople, and brahmans. They all used various exquisite articles to adorn their bodies. Each of them donned a jeweled headdress. On their crowns was fastened a luminescent pearl. They pervasively traveled to all worlds of the ten directions.
They rained down all kinds of gems, all kinds of beads and necklaces, all kinds of garments, all kinds of food and drink which were imbued with superior flavor that is according to the Dharma, all kinds of flowers, all kinds of garlands, all kinds of fragrances, all kinds of paste incense, all kinds of delightful objects of provision. In all places, they saved and gathered in all poor and destitute living beings.
They comforted all distraught and afflicted living beings and caused them to be happy, with their minds and intentions purified, so they could accomplish the unsurpassed path of Bodhi.
From both of his knees, there issued countless hundreds of thousands of millions of multitudes of kshatriyas and brahmans. They were all wise and clever. Their various physical characteristics, their various features, and their various garments were all superior, wonderful and adorned. They pervaded all worlds of the ten directions, and with kind words and like work, they gathered in all living beings. Specifically, they enabled the poor to become well-endowed. They enabled the ill to become well. They enabled those in peril to become secure. They enabled the terrified to become soothed. They enabled the worried and suffering to all become happy.
Moreover, they used expedient means to exhort and guide them, causing them all to leave that which is evil and to dwell securely within good dharmas.
From his waist, there issued forth countless immortals, equal to the number of living beings. Some were dressed in garments made of grass, some in garments made of tree bark. Each of them held a bottle for purification. They had a still and awesome comportment. They revolved about, traveling back and forth in the worlds of the ten directions. Within empty space, they used a Buddha’s wondrous sound to praise the Thus Come Ones. They proclaimed al dharmas. Perhaps they spoke of the path of pure brahma practices, thereby causing beings to cultivate, practice, tame and subdue all of their faculties. Perhaps they proclaimed that all dharmas are without a self-nature, thereby causing them to contemplate this and to bring forth wisdom. Perhaps they spoke of the languages, discourses and theories of the world, regulations, and rules. Or perhaps they gave instructions on the wisdom of all wisdoms, and the expedients essential for escape, thereby causing each of them to follow the right sequence in cultivating their karma.
From his two ribs, there issued forth inconceivable dragons and inconceivable dragon maidens, who manifested all dragons’ inconceivable spiritual transformations. That is, they rained down inconceivable clouds of incense, inconceivable clouds of flowers, inconceivable clouds of garlands, inconceivable clouds of jeweled canopies, inconceivable clouds of jeweled streamers, inconceivable clouds of wonderful jeweled objects of adornments, inconceivable clouds of mani jewels, inconceivable clouds of jeweled necklaces, inconceivable clouds of jeweled thrones, inconceivable clouds of jeweled palaces, inconceivable clouds of jeweled lotus flowers, inconceivable clouds of jeweled crowns, inconceivable clouds of gods' bodies, and inconceivable clouds of heavenly maidens—all of which pervaded empty space as adornments. They filled up the Way-places of all Buddhas of the worlds of the ten directions as offerings, and caused all living beings to become happy.
From the swastika character on his chest, there issued forth countless hundreds of thousands of millions of asura kings, all of them manifested inconceivable powers of illusion and self-mastery, which caused immense quaking within a hundred worlds. All the waters of the sea spontaneously bubbled and seethed. All kings of mountains crashed and clanged against one another. Not a single heavenly palace failed to shake. Not a single demon’s light was not obliterated. Not a single demon army was not smashed and subdued. They universally caused all living beings to renounce their thoughts of arrogance, to destroy their thoughts of anger and harming, to smash their mountains of afflictions, to put to rest all their evil dharmas, so they would always be without contention and debate, and forever be harmonious and good to each other.
Moreover, with the power of illusion, they enlightened living beings. They caused them to eradicate their evil offenses. They caused them to become terrified of birth and death. They caused them to escape from all the destinies. They caused them to be apart from defilement and attachment. They caused them to dwell in the mind of Unsurpassed Bodhi. They caused them to cultivate all of the Bodhisattvas’ conduct. They caused them to dwell in all of the paramitas. They caused them to enter all of the grounds of a Bodhisattva. They caused them to contemplate all of the subtle and wonderful dharma-doors. They caused them to know of all the expedients of all Buddhas. In such a way, what they did pervaded the Dharma Realm.
From his back, for the sake of those who should be crossed over by the Two Vehicles, there issued forth countless hundreds of thousands of millions of Sound Hearers and Solitarily Enlightened Ones. For those who were attached to self, they spoke of there being no self. For those who were attached to permanence, they proclaimed that all activities are impermanent. For those who conducted themselves based on greed, they spoke the contemplations of impurity.
For those who conducted themselves based on anger, they spoke of the contemplation of the mind of compassion. For those who conducted themselves based on stupidity, they spoke the contemplation of arisal from conditions. For those who conducted themselves based on an equal share of all of these, they spoke the Dharma of the state of responding with wisdom. For those who were fond of attaching to states, they spoke the Dharma of there being nothing at all. For those who were fond of attaching to locations of still quietness, they spoke the Dharma of bringing forth great vows so as to universally benefit all living beings. In such a way, what they did pervaded the Dharma Realm.
From his two shoulders, there issued forth countless hundreds of thousands of millions of yaksha and rakshasa kings. All of their different shapes and features, their different forms and appearances, whether long or short, were all horrifying. They were surrounded by limitless retinues who protected all the living beings who practiced good and the assemblies of all worthy sages and Bodhisattvas.
Before those who were inclined toward the proper dwelling or those who were already within proper dwelling, they sometimes would manifest as vajra-wielding spirits, and protect and guard all of the Buddhas and the Buddhas' dwellings. Or they sometimes pervasively protected all worlds. They caused those who had terror and fear to become peaceful and secure. They caused those who had sickness to get rid of their sickness. They caused those who were suffering and afflicted to be relieved and freed. They caused those who had evil offenses to become disgusted and to repent. They caused those who had met with disasters and unexpected calamities to be rid of them. In such ways, they benefitted living beings, enabling them to renounce the wheel of birth and death and to turn the wheel of Proper Dharma.
From his stomach, there issued forth countless hundreds of thousands of millions of kinnara kings, each of whom was circumambulated by immeasurable kinnara maidens. Moreover, there issued forth countless hundreds of thousands of millions of gandharva kings, who were circumambulated all around by gandharva maidens. Each of them played countless hundreds of thousands of kinds of heavenly music. They made songs, chants, and praises about the actual nature of all dharmas. They made songs, chants, and praises about all Buddhas. They made songs, chants, and praises about bringing forth the Bodhi resolve. They made songs, chants, and praises about the cultivation of the Bodhisattva conduct. They made songs, chants, and praises about the door of all Buddhas realizing Proper Enlightenment. They made songs, chants, and praises about the door of all Buddhas turning the Dharma Wheel.
They made songs, chants, and praises about the door of all Buddhas manifesting spiritual transformations. They disclosed and proclaimed the door of all Buddhas' Parinirvana. They disclosed and proclaimed the door of all of the Buddhas' Teachings. They disclosed and proclaimed the door of causing all living beings to become happy. They disclosed and proclaimed the door of adorning and purifying all Buddha kshetras. They instructed and proclaimed the door of revealing all subtle and wonderful Dharmas. They instructed and proclaimed the door of renouncing and leaving behind all obstructions which arise from afflictions. They instructed and proclaimed the door of bringing forth all good roots. In such a way what they did pervaded the Dharma realm of the ten directions.
From his face there issued forth countless hundreds of thousands of millions of Wheel-turning Sage Kings. They were replete with the Seven Jewels, and were circumambulated by the Four Armies. They emitted the light of great giving, and rained down measureless treasures, causing all poor and destitute beings to become fulfilled and content. They caused them to forever cut off the practice of taking what was not given to them. Countless hundreds of thousands of heavenly maidens, their features upright and proper, were all given away with an unattached mind. They caused them to forever cut off the practice of sexual misconduct. They caused them to give rise to the mind of kindness and not to sever the life of others. They caused them to always be absolutely true in their speech and not to engage in false, deceitful and unbeneficial chatter. They caused them to speak of gathering in, and not to practice divisiveness. They caused them to use gentle and compliant speech which was without any coarseness or harshness.
They caused them to always proclaim the most profound, decisive and clear meaning, and not to use meaningless, frivolous, or contrived language. They spoke to them of having few desires, causing them to be rid of greed and love, so that their minds would be without blemish or fault. They spoke to them of great compassion, causing them to dispel their indignation and rage, so that their minds would attain purity. They spoke for them the actual meaning, causing them to contemplate all dharmas, and to enter profoundly causal conditions, and become skilled at understanding the principle of truth. They pulled out the thorn of deviant views. They smashed the mountain of doubt and delusion. And they completely vanquished all obstructions. In such a way, what they did pervaded the Dharma Realm.
From his two eyes, there issued forth countless hundreds of thousands of millions of sun discs, which universally illuminated all those in the great hells and other evil destinies, causing them to separate from suffering. They also illumined within all worlds, causing them to be rid of darkness. They also illumined all the living beings of the ten directions, causing them to remove and be free of the obstructive cataract of stupidity. In countries of filth and turbidity, they emitted light of purity. In countries of white silver, they emitted light the color of yellow gold. In countries of yellow gold, they emitted light the color of white silver. In countries of vaidurya, they emitted light the color of crystal. In countries of crystal, they emitted light the color of vaidurya. In countries of lapis lazuli, they emitted light the color of carnelian. In countries of carnelian, they emitted light the color of lapis lazuli. In countries of imperial blue, they emitted light the color of Sun Treasury Mani King.
In countries of Sun Treasury Mani King, they emitted light the color of imperial blue. In countries of red pearls, they emitted light the color of Moonlight-net Treasury Mani King. In countries of Moonlight-net Treasury Mani King, they emitted light the color of red pearls. In countries that were formed from one a single gem, they emitted light in the color of many gems. In countries formed of many gems, they emitted light the color of one single gem. They illumined the dense forest within the minds of living beings. They performed the measureless deeds of all living beings. They adorned and ornamented the states of all worlds. They caused the minds of all living beings to obtain clear coolness and to be greatly happy. In such a way, what they did pervaded the Dharma Realm.
From the white hair mark between his brows there issued forth hundreds of thousands of millions of Lord Shakras, who toward states had all gained sovereignty. A mani pearl was fastened on each of their crowns, and its light illumined all the heavenly palaces. It quaked all the Sumerus, kings of mountains. It awakened all the great heavenly assemblies. It extolled the power of blessings and virtue. It proclaimed the power of wisdom. It brought forth their power of joy. It upheld the power of their determination. It purified the power of their mindfulness. It solidified the power their Bodhi resolve. It praised the joy of seeing the Buddhas, thus causing them to expel worldly desires. It praised the joy of hearing Dharma, thus causing them to be weary of the states of the world. It praised the joy of contemplating wisdom, thus causing them to terminate their worldly defilements. It stopped the warring of the asuras. It cut off contention and affliction. It destroyed the mind that fears death. It brought forth the vow to conquer all demons. It established the Sumeru, king of mountains, of the Proper Dharma. It accomplished all the deeds and affairs of living beings. In such a way, what they did pervaded the Dharma Realm.
From his forehead there issued forth countless hundreds of thousands of millions of Brahma gods. Their forms and appearances were upright and adorned, nothing in the world could compare with them. Their awesome comportment was still and quiet. Their words and sounds were fine and wonderful. They exhorted the Buddha to speak Dharma. They praised the Buddhas' merit and virtue. They caused all Bodhisattvas to bring forth happiness. They could perform the measureless deeds of all living beings. They universally pervaded the worlds of the ten directions.
From his head there issued forth Bodhisattva assemblies as many as the dust motes in limitless Buddha kshetras. All of their bodies were adorned with fine characteristics. They emitted boundless light. They spoke of various conducts. Specifically, they praised the practice of giving, thereby causing living beings to renounce their stinginess and greed, and to obtain worlds adorned with various wonderful jewels. They praised the merit and virtue of holding precepts, thereby causing living beings to forever cut off all evil, and to dwell in the precepts of kindness and compassion of a Bodhisattva. They spoke of how all existences are all like a dream. They spoke of how all desires and delights are without flavor, thereby causing living beings to separate from the fetters of affliction. They spoke of the power of patience under insult, thus causing their minds to obtain self-mastery with regard to all dharmas. They extolled the golden-hued body, thereby causing living beings to separate from the filth of anger and hatred, to give rise to the practices of regulating, and to cut off the path of the animals. They praised the practice of vigor, thereby causing beings to leave worldly indulgences and laxness far behind, and all diligently cultivate limitless wonderful dharmas.
They also praised for them the paramita of dhyana, thereby causing all their minds to obtain comfort. They also proclaimed the paramita of prajna, revealing and instructing them in proper views, thereby causing living beings to delight in the wisdom of self-mastery, and to pull out all poisonous views. They also spoke of various different ways of acting in accordance with the world, thereby causing living beings—although free from birth and death—to still take rebirth with comfort in the various destinies.
They also manifested spiritual penetrations and transformations, and spoke of self-mastery over one’s lifespan, thereby causing living beings to bring forth great vows. They also spoke to them of the accomplishment of the power of dharani, the power of bringing forth great vows, the power of the purifying and regulating through samadhi, the power of receiving rebirth with self-mastery. They also proclaimed all the various modes of wisdom, that is, the wisdom of universally knowing all the faculties of living beings, the wisdom of universally knowing the activities of all minds, the wisdom of universally knowing the Thus Come Ones’ Ten Powers, the wisdom of universally knowing the sovereignty of all Buddhas. In such a way, what they did pervaded the Dharma Realm.
From his summit, there issued forth countless hundreds of thousands of millions of bodies of Thus Come Ones. Their bodies were peerless; all the fine marks minor characteristics were pure and adorned. Their awesome radiance was brilliant and dazzling, like a mountain of true gold. Their limitless light universally illumined the ten directions. They emitted wondrous sounds that filled the Dharma Realm. They manifested the power of limitless great spiritual penetrations, and universally let fall Dharma rain on all worlds. That is, For the Bodhisattvas who were seated in the Bodhi Way-place, they let fall the Dharma rain of Universal Knowledge of Level Equality. For Bodhisattvas on the Position of Anointing the Crown, they let fall the Dharma rain of Entrance into the Door of Universality.For Bodhisattvas on the Position of Dharma Prince, they let fall the Dharma rain of Universal Adornment. For Bodhisattvas on the Position of the Pure Youth, they let fall the Dharma rain of Solidity of Mountains.
For Bodhisattvas on the Position of Non-retreat, they let fall the Dharma rain of Sea Treasuries. For Bodhisattvas who had accomplished the Position of Rectifying the Mind, they let fall the Dharma rain of the States of Universality. For Bodhisattvas on the Position of Endowment with Skill-in-means, they let fall the Dharma rain of the Door of the Self-nature. For Bodhisattvas on the Position of Noble Birth, they let fall the Dharma rain of According With the World. For Bodhisattvas on the Position of Cultivation, they let fall the Dharma rain of Universal Compassion and Sympathy.
For Bodhisattvas who were new in study, they let fall the Dharma rain of the Treasury of Accumulation. For Bodhisattvas who had brought forth the initial resolve, they let fall the Dharma rain of Gathering in Living Beings. For Bodhisattvas of faith and understanding, they let fall the Dharma rain of Inexhaustible States Universally Appearing Before Them.
For living beings in the form realm, they let fall the Dharma rain of the Door to Universality. For Brahma gods, they let fall the Dharma rain of the Treasury of Universality. For those in the Heaven of Comfort they let fall the Dharma rain of Producing Strength. For demon multitudes, they let fall the Dharma rain of the Mind-Banner. For gods in the Transformation-of-Bliss Heaven, they let fall the Dharma rain of Pure Mindfulness. For gods in the Tushita Heaven, they let fall the Dharma rain of Bringing Forth the Intent. For gods in the Suyama Heaven, they let fall the Dharma rain of Happiness.
For gods in the Trayastrimsha Heaven, they let fall the Dharma rain of Swiftly Adorning the Realm of Empty Space. For yaksha kings, they let fall the Dharma rain of Joy. For gandharva kings, they let fall the Dharma rain of Vajra Wheels. For asura kings, they let fall the Dharma rain of Vast States. For garuda kings, they let fall the Dharma rain of Boundless Light. For kinnara kings, they let fall the Dharma rain of All Supreme Worldly Wisdoms. For human kings, they let fall the Dharma rain of Not Delighting in Attachments. For the dragon kings, they let fall the Dharma rain of the Banner of Joy. For mahoraga kings, they let fall the Dharma rain of Great Rest.
For living beings in the hells, they let fall the Dharma rain of Adornment with Proper Mindfulness. For animals, they let fall the Dharma rain of the Treasury of Wisdom. For beings in the realm of King Yama, they let fall the Dharma rain of Fearlessness. For beings in places of difficulty and disasters, they let fall the Dharma rain of Universal Peace, thereby causing all of them to enter into the assemblies of worthy sages. In such a way, what they did pervaded the Dharma Realm.
Moreover, from each and every hairpore on the body of the Bhikshu Sea Banner, there came forth nets of lights many as the numbers of dust motes within asamkhyeyas of Buddha kshetras. Each of these nets of light was replete with asamkhyeya forms and appearances, asamkhyeya adornments, asamkhyeya states, asamkhyeya deed —all of which filled up all the Dharma realms of the ten directions.
At that time, the Youth Good Wealth singlemindedly contemplated the Bhikshu Sea Banner, and brought forth thirst and admiration. He recollected that samadhi and liberation. He pondered that inconceivable samadhi of a Bodhisattva. He pondered that inconceivable sea of expedients which benefited living beings. He pondered that inconceivable door of universal adornment of effortlessness. He pondered that pure wisdom of adorning Dharma realms. He pondered that wisdom of receiving the Buddhas’ aid He pondered that bringing forth of the power of self-mastery of a Bodhisattva. He pondered that power of solidifying the vast, great vows of a Bodhisattva. He pondered that power of increasing and broadening all Bodhisattva conduct.
In such a way, he stood there, pondering and contemplating, while one day and night transpired, up to and including seven days and nights, a half month, a whole month, up to and including a full six months. And following this another six days transpired. After this, the Bhikshu Sea Banner arose from his samadhi. Then the Youth Good Wealth spoke in praise:
“Sagely One, rare and unique—how most profound this samadhi is! How most vast and extensive this samadhi is! How limitless are the states this samadhi encompass! How inscrutable the spiritual powers of this samadhi are! How peerless the brilliance of this samadhi is! How innumerable the adornments of this samadhi are! How invincible the awesome power of this samadhi is! How level and equal the state of this samadhi is! How universally this samadhi illumines the ten directions! How infinite the benefit of this samadhi is! — because it can eliminate the limitless suffering of all living beings.
“That is to say, it can cause all living beings to separate from the suffering of poverty, to escape from the hells, and to avoid the realm of animals. It closes the door to all difficulties, and opens the path to humans and gods. It causes human beings and gods to rejoice, and causes them to delight in the states of dhyana. It can increase the delights of that which is conditioned, and can show them the joy of leaving the conditioned. It can inspire them to bring forth the Bodhi resolve.
It can cause them to increase in their conduct of blessings and wisdom. It can increase and develop their mind of great compassion. It can cause them to bring forth the power of great vows. It can enable them to understand the Bodhisattva path. It can cause them to be adorned with ultimate wisdom. It can cause them to tend toward the state of the Great Vehicle. It can illumine the conduct of Universal Worthy. It can cause them to certify to the wisdom light of all the grounds of a Bodhisattva. It can cause them to accomplish the vows and conduct of all Bodhisattvas. It can cause them to dwell securely within the state of the wisdom of All-Wisdom.
"Sagely One, what is the name of this samadhi?"
The Bhikshu Sea Banner said, “Good man, this samadhi is called Renunciations and Attainments of the Universal Eye. It is also called the Pure Light of the State of Prajna Paramita. It is also called the Door of Universal Adornment and Purification. Good man, it is due to my cultivation and practice of prajna paramita that I have attained the Samadhi of Universal Adornment and Purification, which is equal to millions of asamkhyeyas of samadhis."
The Youth Good Wealth then asked, “Sagely One, what is the state of this samadhi ultimately like?”
The Bhikshu Sea Banner replied, “Good man, upon entering this samadhi, one completely understands all worlds without obstruction. One travels to all worlds without obstruction. One travels transcends all worlds without obstruction. One adorns all worlds without obstruction. One cultivates and regulates all worlds without obstruction. One adorns and purifies all worlds without obstruction. One beholds all Buddhas without obstruction. One contemplates that vast, great awesome virtue of all Buddhas without obstruction. One knows of the spiritual powers of self-mastery of all Buddhas without obstruction. One certifies to all the vast and mighty powers of all Buddhas without obstruction. One enters the sea of all merit and virtue of all Buddhas without obstruction.
One receives the boundless wonderful dharmas of all Buddhas without obstruction. One enters all Buddhadharmas and cultivates wonderful conduct without obstruction. One certifies to level and equal wisdom with which all Buddhas turn the Dharma Wheel without obstruction. One enters the sea of assemblies of Way-places of all Buddhas without obstruction. One contemplates dharmas of the Buddhas of the ten directions without obstruction. One uses great compassion to gather in and receive living beings of the ten directions without obstruction. One always gives rise to great kindness that fills the ten directions without obstruction. One beholds the Buddhas of the ten directions with an untiring mind, without obstruction. One enters the seas of all living beings without obstruction. One knows the sea of all living beings’ faculties without obstruction. One obtains the wisdom to know the differences among living beings’ faculties without obstruction.
“Good man, I only know this single Samadhi of the Light of Prajna Paramita. But as to how all Bodhisattvas enter the sea of wisdom; how they purify the states of the Dharma Realm; how they arrive at all destinies; how they pervade boundless kshetras; how they are sovereign in dharani; how their samadhis are purified; how their spiritual penetrations are vast and great; how their eloquence is infinite; how they skillfully speak of the Grounds; how they act as a place of reliance for living beings—how could I possibly know of their wonderful conduct; or discourse on their merits and virtues; or understand what they practice; or comprehend their states; or reach to the end of the power of their vows? Or enter their essential doors; or fathom their certification; or speak of their shares in the Way; or dwell in their samadhis; or use their states of mind; or obtain the wisdom of level equality that they possess?
“Good man, south of here is a hamlet called Sea Tide. There you will find a grove called Universal Adornment. Within that grove the Upasika Asha dwells. Go to where she is and ask her how a Bodhisattva studies the Bodhisattva conduct, and how he cultivates the Bodhisattva path.”
At that time, in the presence of the Bhikshu Sea Banner, the Youth Good Wealth obtained a body of durability. He reaped a wealth of wonderful dharmas. He entered into profound states. His wisdom became clear and lucid. His samadhi brightly illumined. He came to dwell in pure liberation. He beheld the most profound dharmas. His mind dwelt securely within all doors or purity. His wisdom-light filled the ten directions. His heart became elated. His joy was boundless. With his five limbs he prostrated himself on the ground, making obeisance at his feet. He circumambulated him limitless times, and reverently gazed up at him with longing admiration. He pondered and contemplated. Sighing with adoration and yearning, he held his name. He envisioned his countenance. He recollected his voice. He pondered his samadhi, and the state of great vows which he practiced. He received the pure light of his wisdom. Thereupon he bade farewell and took his leave.
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