The Wondrous Adornments of the Rulers of the Worlds

Chapter One, Part Four and Five

 

Sutra:

All the paramitas and all the grounds,
Vast and inconceivable, have completely been perfected.
Measureless sentient beings have all been tamed.
All Buddhalands have been adorned and purified.  

The Buddha’s teaching and transforming of the realms of beings
Fills and pervades the lands of the ten directions.
In a single thought he turns the Dharma wheel,
Universally responding to all sentient beings, missing none.  

The Buddha, for immeasurable vast eons,
Universally appeared before all sentient beings,
Just as in the past he cultivated on a vast scale,
Showing them the pure aspects of this practice.  

I perceive all in the ten directions without exception;
I also see the Buddhas displaying spiritual powers.
Seated in the bodhimanda, they all perfect right enlightenment.
The multitudes gather ‘round to hear the Dharma.  

Commentary:

When you explain the sutra, your explanation should neither be too profound nor too shallow. It should be easy for people to understand. If your explanation is so profound that people cannot understand it, you have missed the Buddha’s intent. If your explanation is so simple that the Buddha’s original meaning is lost, you have also missed Buddha’s intent. Ideally, your explanation should be such that all sentient beings can accept it. In the future when you go out to lecture sutras or when you listen to sutra lectures, never think of the Buddhadharma as being hard to understand or too profound. If it is too profound, you cannot relate to it. If it is too simple, then you won’t be interested in it and so will also fail to relate to it. Therefore, just think of it as ordinary. What’s ordinary is the best.  

All the paramitas refers to all the methods used for reaching the other shore, and all the grounds means the Ten Bodhisattva Grounds. The paramitas and grounds are extremely vast and inconceivable. “Inconceivable” does not mean you cannot understand. It simply means you cannot fathom the state immediately. Although the paramitas are vast and the grounds are difficult to cultivate and understand, they have all completely been perfected. Measureless sentient beings have all been tamed. Obstinate sentient beings are no longer obstinate. Greedy ones are no longer greedy. Angry ones have let go of their anger, and deluded ones have gotten rid of their delusion. They have all been tamed. Originally they were obstinate and incorrigible beings, but now they are tame and docile. All Buddhalands have been adorned and purified. The lands of all Buddhas are adorned and pure. 

The Buddha’s teaching and transforming of the realms of beings / Fills and pervades the lands of the ten directions. / In a single thought he turns the great Dharma wheel, / Universally responding to all sentient beings, missing none. All sentient beings are included. None are left out. The Buddha, for immeasurable vast eons, / Universally and constantly appeared before all sentient beings, / Just as in the past he cultivated the Six Paramitas and the myriad practices on a vast scale, getting rid of his bad habits and faults, showing them the pure aspects of this practice. The Buddha reveals to sentient beings the pure places where he cultivated. 

I perceive all Buddhas in the ten directions without exception; there are none I fail to see. I also see the Buddhas manifesting great spiritual powers. / Seated in the bodhimanda, they all perfect right enlightenment. Right after they become enlightened, the multitudes gather ‘round to hear the Dharma. The multitudes of Bodhisattvas, Hearers, Sages Enlightened by Conditions, gods, dragons, and the rest of the eightfold division, humans and nonhumans, all gather ‘round to pay respects and make offerings to each Buddha. 

Sutra:

The Buddha’s Dharma body is vast, great, and brilliant.
He can expediently appear in the world.
Universally complying with what sentient beings like,
He rains down Dharma matching their faculties.  

Commentary:

The Buddha’s Dharma body is vast, great, and brilliant. What is meant by vast? What is meant by great? Vast means profuse to the extreme. Great means there is nothing more magnificent. “Brilliant” refers to the Buddha’s wisdom coming forth. Due to his prajña wisdom, the Buddha manifests measureless, vast, great brilliance. This is a function of the Buddha’s Dharma body.

He can expediently appear in the world. Basically, the Buddha’s brilliance, vastness, and Dharma body are formless and invisible. However, he can use expedient methods to appear in the world. That is, what was originally formless now takes on form.

Universally complying with all sentient beings’ dispositions, what sentient beings like, what makes them happy, he rains down Dharma matching their faculties. The Buddha dispenses exactly the right amount of Dharma, neither too little nor too much. Each sentient being obtains the amount of Dharma rain that he is supposed to receive. It is all fair and equal. Sentient beings are analogous to flowers, grasses, and trees. Those with great roots and stems receive more of the Dharma rain which pours down, while those with small roots and stems receive a smaller amount. Some sentient beings have keen faculties, while others have dull faculties. Some are wise; others are ignorant. Each being receives the amount of Dharma rain he ought to receive. 

Sutra:

The markless body of impartial True Suchness,
The immaculate, bright, pure Dharma body,
Limitless bodies of wisdom and still tranquility
Universally respond in the ten directions and proclaim Dharma.  

The powers of the Dharma King are entirely pure.
His wisdom is boundless like the void.
He reveals all, omitting and hiding nothing,
Universally enabling sentient beings to awaken and enter.  

Just as the Buddha once cultivated and trained himself
To the point that he realized All Wisdom,
He now radiates light pervading the Dharma Realm,
Revealing everything therein with total clarity.  

Following his past vows, the Buddha displays spiritual powers.
Nothing in the ten directions escapes his illumination.
The practices the Buddha cultivated in the past
Are fully proclaimed within his brilliant aura.  

The states of being in the ten directions are infinite.
Peerless and unbounded, they are each distinct.
The Buddha has unhindered power and radiates brilliance,
Clearly revealing each and every land.  

Commentary:

The Buddhadharma is absolutely equal. The Buddhas perfect the markless body of impartial True Suchness. True Suchness is also known as the True Mark, or the One True Dharma Realm. The markless body refers to the substance of the Buddha’s Dharma body. The Dharma body is essentially free from characteristics. It is truly such and impartial, neither less in common beings nor more in sages, but totally equal. Even when one falls into the three paths, one has not lost the original substance of the Dharma body. And when one realizes Buddhahood, one has not gained anything. That’s the markless body of impartial True Suchness.

The Buddhas perfect the immaculate, bright, pure Dharma body. “Immaculate” means undefiled, removed from all obstructions of afflictions and obstructions of knowledge. All afflictions and ignorance are left behind. Since these defilements are left behind, light appears. Light represents wisdom.

The Buddhas have limitless bodies of wisdom and still tranquility. These bodies are replete with prajña wisdom, the Wisdom of All Modes, and all types of wisdom. One is still and unmoving, yet one can respond and connect. “Still and unmoving” describes the Buddhas’ Perfect Reward Body. “Responding and connecting” is done by the Buddhas’ billions of transformation bodies. Not only do Buddhas have transformation bodies , each of us human beings also has transformation bodies. What are our transformation bodies? For example, suppose you are a professor who teaches your students the doctrines you understand. If your students also come to understand those doctrines and act in accord with your intentions, then they are just like your transformation bodies.

Therefore, teachers and professors can also produce billions of transformation bodies. When your students teach their own students, there are even more transformation bodies—infinitely many. Doesn’t that amount to billions of transformation bodies? The Buddhadharma should be brought to life. You shouldn’t explain it in a rigid way, sticking to only one kind of reasoning. Why do Buddhas manifest billions of transformation bodies? It is in order to universally respond to the potentials of sentient beings in the ten directions and proclaim the wonderful Dharma for them. 

The powers of the Dharma King are entirely pure. The Dharma King is the Buddha, and the powers are the Buddha’s Ten Powers. Does anyone know what they are? You can tell us in a little while. I won’t explain them now. These powers are all pure, perfect, and full. His wisdom is boundless like the void. The Buddha’s wisdom is like empty space; it has no boundaries. “If it has no boundaries, does it exist?” you ask. Well, does empty space exist? Although empty space is empty, we still have the concept of ‘empty space.’ He reveals all the Dharma to sentient beings, omitting and hiding nothing. He explains everything fully to sentient beings, universally enabling sentient beings to awaken and enter. His hope is that all sentient beings will become enlightened and realize Buddhahood. 

The Buddha once cultivated and trained himself by cultivating the Six Paramitas and the myriad practices. He is said to have “cultivated blessings and wisdom for three asamkhyeyas and planted the fine marks for a hundred eons,” in the process smelting away the ignorance, habits, afflictions accumulated over many eons and lives. He cultivated to the point that he realized All Wisdom, that is, Buddhahood. Just as he did that then, he now radiates tremendous light pervading the Dharma Realm, / Revealing everything therein with total clarity. There is nothing that cannot be seen when bathed in his radiance.  

Following his past vows, the Buddha displays spiritual powers. The Buddha uses his spiritual powers as a result of his past vows to teach and transform sentient beings. Nothing in the ten directions escapes his illumination. Everything throughout the ten directions is illuminated by the Buddha’s great prajña light. The practices and dharma doors the Buddha cultivated in the past / Are fully proclaimed within his, the Buddha’s, brilliant aura. The Buddha’s past practices are explained for sentient beings.

The states of being in the lands of the ten directions are infinite, as are the Buddha’s spiritual penetrations. Peerless and unbounded, they are each distinct. Nothing can equal the Buddha’s spiritual penetrations and wondrous functionings. They are boundless, and yet each one is different. The Buddha has unhindered power and radiates brilliance. The Buddha’s great power causes him to produce brilliant light, clearly revealing each and every land. All worlds throughout the ten directions appear in the Buddha’s treasury of bright light.

VIII. Multitudes issue forth from the lion throne
A. Description of where they come from
B. Revelation of the type of beings

Sutra:

At that time, out of the Thus Come One’s lion throne, multitudes of gems, wondrous flowers, wheels, terraces, the base and the steps to the throne, and the doors and windows—out of each and every adorned object such as these—came Bodhisattvas Mahasattvas as numerous as the fine motes of dust in Buddhalands.  

Commentary:

At that time, out of the Thus Come One’s lion throne. The seat that the Buddha sits upon is called the lion throne, and the Buddha’s proclamation of the Dharma is likened to a lion’s roar. The lion is the king of beasts. When the lion roars, all other animals are terrified. That’s why Great Master Yongjia wrote in his Song of Enlightenment:

The roar of the lion
Is fearless proclamation.
When the hundred wild beasts hear it, their brains split,
And the musk-elephant flees in confusion, losing his awesomeness.
The gods and dragons listen in stillness and in great joy.

Great Master Yongjia compares the Buddha’s speaking of Dharma to the fearless roar of the lion. In this metaphor, the hundred wild beasts represent all the heavenly demons and externalists. The Buddha is the lion making his fearless proclamation which scares the rest of the creatures out of their wits and subdues the huge elephants. Elephants are also kings of beasts in terms of their immense size, but a single roar from the lion causes them to submit. The gods, dragons, and the rest of the eightfold division are delighted to hear the lion’s roar.

Thus the Buddha sits upon the lion’s throne to speak the Dharma for all sentient beings.  

Next to the Buddha’s lion throne were multitudes of gems, which refers to many treasures, not just the seven treasures. In addition, there were wondrous lotus flowers of many beautiful varieties—blue colored of blue light, white colored of white light, yellow colored of yellow light, and red colored of red light. Wheels could refer to wheeled carriages or to the Dharma wheel being turned by the Buddha. There were also terraces, the base and the steps to the throne from which the Buddha spoke Dharma, the doors and windows—out of each and every adorned object such as these. The text has only given a brief list of adornments. There are many other detailed and small objects adorning the Way-place, such as lamps, candles, censers, candlestick-holders, and so forth. Out of each and every adorned object came Bodhisattvas Mahasattvas as numerous as the fine motes of dust in Buddhalands. These were great Bodhisattvas, not ordinary small Bodhisattvas. Great Bodhisattvas are Knights of the Dharma-body, different from ordinary Bodhisattvas.

VIII. Multitudes issue forth from the lion throne
C. Their names

Sutra:

Their names were: Bodhisattva Mahasattva King of Oceanic Wisdom and Sovereign Spiritual Powers, Bodhisattva Mahasattva Universally Resounding Thunderclap, Bodhisattva Mahasattva Radiant Topknot of All Jewels, Bodhisattva Mahasattva Sun of Great Knowledge and Courageous Wisdom, Bodhisattva Mahasattva Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues and Precious Seal of Wisdom, Bodhisattva Mahasattva Hundred Eyes and Lotus Flower Topknot, Bodhisattva Mahasattva Perfect Radiance of Golden Flames, Bodhisattva Mahasattva Sound Pervading the Dharma Realm, Bodhisattva Mahasattva Cloud Sound and Pure Moon, and Bodhisattva Mahasattva Bright Banner of Wholesome Courage. Those were some of the leaders.  

Commentary:

All the Bodhisattvas as numerous as motes of dust in Buddhalands, who emerged from the above-mentioned objects of adornment, had their own names. What were they? Their names were: Bodhisattva Mahasattva King of Oceanic Wisdom and Sovereign Spiritual Powers. This Bodhisattva’s wisdom is as immense as an ocean. Moreover, he is free and at ease, endowed with spiritual powers. Since his spiritual powers are tremendous, he is called a King of Sovereign Spiritual Powers. Without moving, he can appear by transformation in the ten directions. Therefore, the name of this great Bodhisattva is King of Oceanic Wisdom and Sovereign Spiritual Powers.

There is also Bodhisattva Mahasattva Universally Resounding Thunderclap. His proclamation of Dharma resembles the roll of thunder. “Universally resounding” means that when he speaks the Dharma in one location, his Dharma sound is heard throughout the Dharma Realm. Therefore, this great Bodhisattva’s name is Universally Resounding Thunderclap. He awakens sentient beings who are asleep and dreaming, guiding them out of confusion back to enlightenment. This Bodhisattva’s awesome virtue is inconceivable.  

Then there is the Bodhisattva Mahasattva by the name of Radiant Topknot of All Jewels. This great Bodhisattva uses all kinds of gems to fashion a brilliant topknot, hence his name.The fourth great Bodhisattva Mahasattva is named Sun of Great Knowledge and Courageous Wisdom. His wisdom is as bright as the sun, and he uses that wisdom to focus his courage and vigor. He avoids unbeneficial ascetic practices. His vigorous practice is guided by wisdom, hence his name, “Sun of Great Knowledge and Courageous Wisdom.”

The next Bodhisattva Mahasattva is named Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues and Precious Seal of Wisdom. There is no way to understand his merit and virtue—they are inconceivable. His great wisdom is like a precious seal. There is also Bodhisattva Mahasattva Hundred Eyes and Lotus Flower Topknot. Actually, a hundred eyes are not that many; Guanyin Bodhisattva has a thousand eyes, and Medicine King Bodhisattva has ten thousand eyes. Thenext Bodhisattva Mahasattva is named Perfect Radiance of Golden Flames. The flames this great Bodhisattva puts out are golden in color, and his light is full and perfect, hence his name. The eighth great Bodhisattva Mahasattva has the name Sound Pervading the Dharma Realm, since his sound resonates throughout space and the Dharma Realm.

The next great Bodhisattva Mahasattva is named Cloud Sound and Pure Moon, for he displays luminous clouds and a perfect, full moon. And the tenth Bodhisattva Mahasattva has the name Bright Banner of Wholesome Courage. These ten Bodhisattvas represent all the great Bodhisattvas from Buddhalands as numerous as motes of dust pervading space and the Dharma Realm, where each mote of dust transforms into Buddhalands as many as motes of dust, and in each land appear ineffably ineffable numbers of great Bodhisattvas. The ten Bodhisattvas mentioned above represent all the rest.

The tenth Bodhisattva named “Bright Banner of Skillful Courage” is astute at being courageous and would never retreat. Not only is he courageous, he is especially proficient in heroic vigor. Wholesome courage involves using all kinds of skill-in-means to teach and transform sentient beings. As a result of his wholesome courage, this great Bodhisattva gained radiant wisdom akin to a jeweled banner, hence his name, “Bright Banner of Wholesome Courage.” 

Those were some of the leaders. The ten great Bodhisattvas mentioned earlier serve as the leaders and representatives of all Bodhisattvas.

VIII. Multitudes issue forth from the lion throne
D. Their number
E. They create clouds of offerings

Sutra:

Multitudes of such Bodhisattvas as numerous as the motes of dust in Buddhalands simultaneously appeared. All of these Bodhisattvas created clouds of assorted offerings.

Commentary:

In the preceding passage we discussed the Bodhisattva named Bright Banner of Wholesome Courage. His courage was wholesome, not evil.

The founder of a certain religious sect was very courageous. However, his attitude was that if people believed in his religion, they would be allowed to live. If people didn’t believe in and worship the Lord of his religion, he would kill them. See how powerful that kind of religion is? That’s an example of evil courage: “If you believe in me, you live. If not, you die.” Another way to put it is, “Those who obey me will live; those who oppose me will die.” What kind of religion is that? It’s the religion of asuras—beings who love to fight and go to war.

Multitudes of such Bodhisattvas as numerous as the motes of dust in Buddhalands simultaneously appeared. There were Buddhalands as many as motes of dust. All of these great Bodhisattvas and all the other Bodhisattvas accompanying them created clouds of assorted offerings. All these Bodhisattvas came to make offerings to the Buddha. Among all offerings, the offering of Dharma is supreme. Thus, these Bodhisattvas created clouds of Dharma to offer to the Buddha.

The realm of the Flower Adornment Sutra is infinitely multi-layered. Whether those who spoke this sutra are talking about spirits, ghosts, people, or Bodhisattvas, they will list ten of the kind of being under discussion to represent an infinite number. The clouds of offerings now being discussed also represent the Flower Adornment Sutra’s multi-layered infinitude, just as clouds in the sky often appear in layer after layer without end. The wonderful Dharma of the Flower Adornment Sutra is infinitely multi-layered in all aspects.

Sutra:

That is to say, there were clouds of flowers of all mani jewels; clouds of lovely fragrance from all lotuses; clouds of the full brilliance of all jewels; clouds of boundless states of fragrant flames; clouds of sun treasury mani wheel light; clouds of all delightful sounds of music; clouds of boundless forms and bright flames from all jeweled lamps; clouds of branches, flowers, and fruits from all jeweled trees; clouds of infinite, precious, pure light of magnificent mani; and clouds of all kinds of ornaments of magnificent mani. Such clouds of offerings were as numerous as motes of dust in Buddha worlds. Each of those Bodhisattvas created such clouds of offerings, raining them continuously and without end over the oceanic multitudes in the bodhimanda.

Commentary:

That is to say, there were clouds of flowers of all mani jewels; clouds of lovely fragrance from all lotuses; clouds of the full brilliance of all jewels; clouds of boundless states of fragrant flames. Various kinds of states manifested within these clouds. There were also clouds of sun treasury mani wheel light; clouds of all delightful sounds of music. When people heard the music being played in these clouds, they felt happy. There were clouds of boundless forms and bright flames from all jeweled lamps; clouds of branches, flowers, and fruits from all jeweled trees; clouds of infinite, precious, pure light of magnificent manijewels; and clouds of all kinds of ornaments of magnificent mani.  Such clouds of offerings—the ten kinds mentioned earlier—were as numerous as motes of dust in Buddha worlds.

Each of those great Bodhisattvas created such clouds of offerings, raining them continuously and without end over the oceanic multitudes in the bodhimanda. Clouds and jewels fell like rain to adorn the Way-places. It was a continual downpour of one kind of clouds after another in endless manifestations.

VIII. Multitudes issue forth from the lion throne
G. They reverently circumambulate the Buddha
H. They each seat themselves in their own direction
I. Acclamation of their virtues and abilities

Sutra:

Having manifested these clouds, they circumambulated the World Honored One to the right countless hundreds of thousands of times. Then, in their own direction not far from the Buddha, they each created a lion throne of a countless variety of jeweled lotuses and seated themselves in full lotus upon it.

All these Bodhisattvas had cultivated purity as vast as the ocean. They had attained the dharma of a universal passage to illuminating wisdom. Having followed the nonobstruction practiced by all Buddhas, they were able to enter the Dharma ocean of all types of eloquence. They had attained the dharma door of inconceivable liberation and dwelt on the ground of the Thus Come One’s universal door. Having attained all dharani doors, they were able to take in all Dharma seas. They skillfully dwelt on the ground of the impartial wisdom of the three periods of time. They had attained deep faith and immense happiness. Having accumulated boundless blessings, they were wholesome and pure to the utmost. Throughout space and the Dharma Realm, nothing escaped their contemplation. Whenever a Buddha appeared in any land in the worlds of the ten directions, they would all diligently make offerings.

Commentary:

Having manifested all these various clouds, they—these great Bodhisattvas—circumambulated the World Honored One to the right countless hundreds of thousands of times.  Then, in their own direction—whether in front of the Buddha, behind the Buddha, or to the left or right of the Buddha—not too far from the Buddha, they each used their spiritual powers and created a lion throne of a countless variety of jeweled lotuses and seated themselves in full lotus upon it. Each Bodhisattva sat in full lotus upon the lion throne he had created.

All these Bodhisattvas had cultivated purity as vast as the ocean. The dharma doors these Bodhisattvas had cultivated were pure and as vast and abundant as an ocean. They had attained the dharma of a universal passage to illuminating wisdom. They had attained the brilliance of genuine wisdom, with which they could rescue all sentient beings. They had attained the “universal door” dharma of impartial manifestation. Having followed the nonobstruction practiced by all Buddhas in the past, they were able to enter the Dharma ocean of all types of eloquence. These Bodhisattvas all had measureless samadhis and types of eloquence. Their eloquence was as profound and unfathomable as the ocean. They had attained the dharma door of inconceivable, sublime, and unfathomable liberation and dwelt on the ground of the Thus Come One’s universal door of equality. Having attained all dharani doors, all dharmas of uniting and upholding, they were able to take in all Dharma seas. They could accept the Dharma seas of all Buddhas. They skillfully dwelt on the ground of the impartial wisdom of the three periods of time. These great Bodhisattvas all understood the impartial wisdom of all Buddhas of the three periods of time; that’s what’s meant by dwelling on the ground of impartial wisdom—the fruition of wisdom. They had attained deep faith and immense happiness. They had absolutely no doubts and were filled with the happiness of Dharma.

Having accumulated boundless blessings to adorn themselves, they were wholesome and pure to the utmost. Throughout space and the Dharma Realm, nothing escaped their contemplation. They observed everywhere throughout space and the Dharma Realm. Whenever a Buddha appeared in any land in the worlds of the ten directions, they would all diligently make offerings. They would go and make offerings to every Buddha who appeared in the worlds of the ten directions.

VIII. Multitudes issue forth from the lion throne   
J. They speak verses in praise
1. Oceanic Wisdom Bodhisattva praises the Buddha’s body and throne

Sutra:

At that time, Bodhisattva Mahasattva King of Oceanic Wisdom and Sovereign Spiritual Powers received the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power, universally contemplated the oceanic multitudes in the bodhimanda, and spoke the following verses.

Commentary:

At that time, Bodhisattva Mahasattva King of Oceanic Wisdom and Sovereign Spiritual Powers received the Buddha’s awesome spiritual power, universally contemplated the oceanic multitudes assembled in the bodhimanda, and spoke the following verses to explain the principles mentioned earlier.

Sutra:

He already knows that to which all Buddhas awaken.
Unimpeded like space, he clearly illumines everything.
His brilliance pervades countless lands in the ten directions.
His very presence adorns and purifies all assemblies.

Immeasurable, the Thus Come One’s merit
Completely fills the dharma realms of the ten directions.
Under every King of Trees, the Buddha is seated.
And those of great self-mastery gather ‘round like clouds.

The Buddha has such mighty spiritual powers
That he can manifest infinite forms in a single thought.
The realm of the Thus Come One is boundless.
Each being perceives it according to his liberation.

Commentary:

He already knows that to which all Buddhas awaken. The Buddha has already enlightened to that which all Buddhas are enlightened. He already knows all dharmas. Unimpeded like space, he clearly illumines everything. The Buddha has attained wisdom resembling space and a Dharma body that is also unimpeded like space. Since nothing obstructs him, he universally illumines everything throughout space and the Dharma Realm. His brilliance pervades countless lands in the ten directions. The light of Buddha shines upon infinite lands throughout the worlds of the ten directions. His very presence adorns and purifies all assemblies. All bodhimandas and Dharma assemblies become adorned and pure.

Immeasurable, the Thus Come One’s merit. No one can figure out how much merit the Buddha has. It completely fills the dharma realms of the ten directions. The Thus Come One’s merit is ubiquitous throughout space and the Dharma Realm. Under every King of Trees, the Buddha is seated. In every land throughout space and the Dharma Realm, a Buddha sits in his Way-place under the bodhi tree, becomes enlightenment, and realizes Buddhahood. And those of great self-mastery gather ‘round like clouds. “Those of great self-mastery” refers to all the great Bodhisattvas. Only great Bodhisattvas have great self-mastery. Other beings do not. Great self-mastery refers to freedom from all afflictions. All the great Bodhisattvas surround the Buddha like clouds gathering.

The Buddha has such mighty spiritual powers / That he can manifest infinite forms in a single thought. In a single thought, the Buddha can display endlessly many images and states of the past, present, and future.

Limitless eons can appear in a single thought.
A single thought can encompass limitless eons.

Limitless eons can shrink to become a single thought; a single thought can extend to become limitless eons. The Buddhas’ spiritual powers make such transformations possible. The realm of the Thus Come One is boundless. If you wish to understand the realm of the Thus Come One, contemplate the boundlessness of space. Each being perceives it according to his liberation. The Buddha uses different methods to liberate each sentient being according to his or her own potential. All these sentient beings can see the wonderful functionings of the Buddha’s inconceivable spiritual powers.

Sutra:

Long ago, through oceanic eons, the Thus Come One
Practiced diligently in all realms of existence.
He used various expedients to transform all beings,
So they could accept and practice all Buddhadharmas.

Commentary:

Long ago, through oceanic, limitlessly many great eons, the Thus Come One / Practiced diligently in all realms of existence. Before he became a Buddha, the Buddha lived in the twenty-five planes of existence within the Triple Realm, just like us. Within these twenty-five planes, he underwent repeated births and deaths. However, at the same time, he cultivated with diligence. He was not the least bit lazy. In every moment, he practiced vigorously and never slacked off.

Not only did he cultivate himself, he used various expedients to transform all beings. After he understood the principles himself, he taught those principles to other sentient beings, so they could understand them and benefit from Buddhism, and accept and practice all Buddhadharmas. Sentient beings took the Buddhadharma that he taught them to heart and put it into actual practice. “All Buddhadharmas” refers to the Dharma of all Buddhas of the ten directions and the three periods of time. He taught all sentient beings to practice the dharma doors of all Buddhas. 

Sutra:

Adorned with every hallmark, Vairochana
Is seated upon a lotus treasury lion throne.
All the assembled multitudes are purified.
Serenely, everyone gazes up at him.

Commentary:

Adorned with every hallmark, Vairochana is the Buddha of the Pure Dharma Body. His body is adorned with the Thirty-two Hallmarks and the Eighty Subsidiary Characteristics. He is seated upon a lotus treasury lion throne. His throne is made of giant, precious lotuses. The Buddha sits upon his lion’s throne and speaks the Dharma to teach and transform sentient beings. Even the most incorrigible sentient beings become tame and well-behaved. All the assembled multitudes are purified. All the Buddha’s Dharma assemblies throughout the lands of the ten directions are simultaneously pure. Serenely, without making a sound, everyone gazes up at him. Everyone in the Dharma assembly gazes at the Buddha with an unwavering gaze. They can’t bear to take their eyes from him for even a second. The Buddha is incredibly difficult to encounter, so upon encountering him, they very earnestly gaze at him.

Sutra:

The treasury of mani jewels shimmers with light,
Everywhere releasing boundless clouds of fragrant flames.
Countless strands of flowers trail down.
On such a throne the Thus Come One is seated.

At the auspicious entrance-way, assorted ornaments
Perpetually send forth jeweled, blazing clouds of lamplight.
Such tremendous effulgence illuminates everything,
Enhancing the fine hallmarks of the Muni seated therein.

All kinds of mani embellish the beautiful windows,
Wonderful precious lotuses ornamentally trail down.
Lovely sounds are emitted, delighting all who hear.
Seated there, the Buddha assumes special eminence.

The throne is supported by precious wheels shaped like half moons.
The dais of vajra has a fiery, brilliant color.
Bodhisattvas with topknots constantly gather ‘round.
Among them, the Buddha is most resplendent.

Various transformations fill the ten directions,
Proclaiming the Thus Come One’s vast vows
And manifesting all scenes and images.
The Buddha sits serenely upon such a throne.

Commentary:

The treasury of mani jewels shimmers with light. The multitude of mani gems glows radiantly. That light shines forth, everywhere releasing boundless clouds of fragrant flames which pervade the Dharma Realm. Countless strands of many varieties of flowers trail down, adorning those clouds. On such a throne of mani jewels adorned with fragrant clouds the Thus Come One is seated as he speaks the Dharma.

At the auspicious entrance-way, assorted ornaments / Perpetually send forth jeweled, blazing clouds of lamplight. / Such vast effulgence illuminates everything. No place fails to be illumined by this dazzling light. It shines everywhere, enhancing the fine hallmarks of the Muni seated therein. On top of the mani jewels, his adorned hallmarks are increased.

All kinds of mani embellish the beautiful windows. The doors and windows are decorated with exceptionally sublime and wonderful precious lotuses that ornamentally trail down. From the doors and windows, lovely and inconceivably wondrous sounds of Dharma are emitted, delighting all who hear. No matter what kind of sentient beings hear this Dharma sound, each is delighted. Seated there, the Buddha assumes special eminence. The Buddha has an exceptional radiance about him as he sits upon the Dharma seat.

The throne is supported by precious wheels shaped like half moons. Beneath the Buddha’s lion throne are jeweled wheels in the shape of half moons. The dais from which the Buddha proclaims the Dharma is made of vajraand has a fiery, brilliant color. It shines amazingly. Bodhisattvas with topknots constantly gather ‘round. Bodhisattvas by the name of “Holding Topknots” always surround the Dharma throne. Among them, the Buddha is most resplendent. Among the Bodhisattvas, the Buddha is the most dazzling and eminent.

Various clouds of transformations fill the ten directions of the Dharma Realm. Sounds are heard within the clouds, proclaiming the Thus Come One’s vast vows, the various great resolutions pronounced by the Buddha in times past. And manifesting all scenes and images. Images of the situations in which the Buddha made those past vows appear within the clouds. The Buddha sits serenely upon such a throne. The Buddha speaks the Dharma from his throne within the clouds.

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Chapter 1 Part 4 & 5 pages:  1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    11    12    13
   
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