【English Translation】 English version The Sutra of the Samadhi of Heroic Progress, Spoken by the Buddha, Volume 1 Translated by Tripiṭaka Kumārajīva of the Kingdom of Kucha in the Later Qin Dynasty Thus have I heard: At one time, the Buddha was in Rājagṛha (王舍城) on Gṛdhrakūṭa Mountain (耆阇崛山), together with thirty-two thousand great Bhikṣu (比丘) monks, and seventy-two thousand Bodhisattva-Mahāsattvas (菩薩摩訶薩)—all well-known to the assembly, having obtained dhāraṇī (陀羅尼), accomplished eloquence without obstruction, delighting in speaking and with inexhaustible eloquence, abiding in samādhi (三昧) without wavering, skilled in understanding inexhaustible wisdom, having obtained profound forbearance of the Dharma, entering into profound Dharma doors; in immeasurable asaṃkhya kalpas (阿僧祇劫), all the good dharmas they cultivated were accomplished, able to subdue all demons, vanquish all enemies, gather the most venerable and pure Buddha-lands, adorned with great compassion and various excellent marks; through great diligence, they reached the other shore, skilled in knowing all expedient means of speech, their conduct and deportment were complete and pure, all abiding in the three doors of liberation, with unobstructed wisdom penetrating the three periods of time, having generated resolute minds without abandoning all beings, mindful of the meaning and interest of the Dharma, possessing the wisdom of endurance, the virtues of these Bodhisattvas were all like this—their names are: Bodhisattva Who Turns the Non-regressing Dharma Wheel, Bodhisattva Who Turns the Dharma Wheel Immediately Upon Generating the Mind, Bodhisattva Who Turns the Dharma Wheel Without Obstruction, Bodhisattva Free from Defilements and Pure, Bodhisattva Who Removes All Coverings, Bodhisattva Whose Pure Deportment is Loved and Rejoiced by All Who See Him, Bodhisattva Whose Wonderful Marks Adorn and Purify the King's Mind, Bodhisattva Who Does Not Deceive All Sentient Beings, Bodhisattva Whose Mind is Like an Ocean of Immeasurable Merits, Bodhisattva Whose Roots are Always Stable and Undisturbed, Bodhisattva of True Voice, Bodhisattva Praised by All the Gods, Bodhisattva King Who is Free in Dhāraṇī, Bodhisattva Adorned with Eloquence, Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī (文殊師利), Dharma Prince, Bodhisattva Maitreya (彌勒), Bodhisattva King of the Summit of Mount Sumeru, Bodhisattva Whose Mind is Pure with the Treasure Adornment of Sea Virtue, Bodhisattva of Great Adornment and Purity, Bodhisattva of Great Marks, Bodhisattva of Light Marks, Bodhisattva of Light Virtue, Bodhisattva of Pure Mind, Bodhisattva King of Joy, Bodhisattva of Firm Power, Bodhisattva of Firm Mind. Such as these, seventy-two thousand Bodhisattva-Mahāsattvas, and all the Śākyamuni Buddhas (釋迦牟尼佛) in the trisāhasra-mahāsāhasra-lokadhātu (三千大千世界)...
【English Translation】 English version: Brahmakayika Devas (梵護世天王), along with the Devas (諸天), Nagas (龍), Yakshas (夜叉), Gandharvas (乾闥婆), Asuras (阿修羅), Garudas (迦樓羅), Kinnaras (緊那羅), Mahoragas (摩睺羅伽), humans and non-humans, all well-known, possessing various roots of goodness, and delighting in the Great Dharma, have all come here.
At that time, Drdhamati Bodhisattva (堅意菩薩) in the assembly thought to himself: 'I shall now ask the Tathagata (如來) questions, and through these questions, I wish to protect the Buddha-seed, the Dharma-seed, and the Sangha-seed, causing all demon palaces to be concealed and not appear, subduing those who are arrogant and conceited. For those who have not planted roots of goodness, I shall now cause them to plant them; for those who have already planted roots of goodness, I shall cause them to grow. If there are those who have not generated the mind of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (阿耨多羅三藐三菩提心, unsurpassed perfect enlightenment), I shall cause them to generate it; for those who have already generated it, I shall cause them not to regress; for those who have not regressed, I shall cause them to quickly attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. For those who cling to attainment and dwell in various views, I shall cause them all to generate a mind of renunciation; for those who delight in the Lesser Dharma, I shall cause them not to doubt the Great Dharma; for those who delight in the Great Dharma, I shall cause them to generate joy.' Having thought thus, he rose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, knelt on his right knee, joined his palms, and facing the Buddha, said: 'World-Honored One! I now wish to ask a few questions regarding the Dharma of the Tathagata; may you please grant me permission.'
The Buddha said to Drdhamati: 'Ask whatever you wish; I shall explain it to you, causing you to rejoice.'
Drdhamati Bodhisattva said to the Buddha: 'World-Honored One! Is there a samadhi (三昧, concentration) that can enable a Bodhisattva to quickly attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, constantly be in the presence of and see all Buddhas, be able to illuminate the ten directions with light, attain unobstructed wisdom to destroy all demons; attain unobstructed knowledge, attain natural knowledge; attain the knowledge of non-origination, not following others; attain unceasing eloquence, until the end of the future; attain supernatural powers, receive immeasurable life. For those who delight in the Sravakayana (聲聞乘, Hearer Vehicle), show them the Sravakayana; for those who delight in the Pratyekabuddhayana (辟支佛乘, Solitary Realizer Vehicle), show them the Pratyekabuddhayana; for those who delight in the Mahayana (大乘, Great Vehicle), show them the Mahayana. Understand the Dharma of the Hearers without entering the path of the Hearers, understand the Dharma of the Solitary Realizers without entering the path of the Solitary Realizers, understand the Dharma of the Buddhas without ultimately being extinguished. Manifest the form and demeanor of a Hearer, but inwardly not depart from the Bodhi-mind of the Buddha; manifest the form and demeanor of a Solitary Realizer
【English Translation】 With dignified conduct, yet inwardly never departing from the Buddha's great compassion. With the power of illusion-like Samadhi (Samadhi, a meditative state), manifesting the form and demeanor of a Tathagata; with the power of good roots, appearing in the Tusita Heaven (Tusita Heaven, a celestial realm in Buddhist cosmology), manifesting the acceptance of a future rebirth, entering the womb, initial birth, renunciation, sitting at the Bodhi tree, with the power of profound wisdom manifesting the turning of the Dharma wheel (Dharmacakra, symbol of Buddhist teachings), with the power of skillful means manifesting entry into Nirvana (Nirvana, the state of liberation), with the power of Samadhi manifesting the distribution of relics (Sarira, remains after the Buddha's cremation), with the power of original vows manifesting the extinction of the Dharma. World Honored One! By practicing what Samadhi can a Bodhisattva manifest such meritorious deeds without ultimately entering Nirvana?'
The Buddha said to Drdhamati Bodhisattva: 'Excellent! Excellent! Drdhamati! You are able to ask the Tathagata about such a meaning. You should know that you are able to greatly benefit and bring joy to sentient beings, have compassion for the world, and benefit and bring joy to gods and humans. Bodhisattvas in this life and future lives will receive benefit. You should know that you have deeply planted good roots, made offerings to and been close to countless hundreds of thousands of billions of Buddhas in the past, universally practiced various paths, and subdued demonic enemies; in the Buddha-dharma, you have attained unobstructed wisdom, taught and protected all Bodhisattvas, already know all the Dharma treasures of all Buddhas, and have engaged in questions and answers at the places of Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River. Drdhamati! Among this assembly, the Tathagata does not see any gods, dragons (Naga, a type of deity), Yakshas (Yaksa, a type of demon), Gandharvas (Gandharva, a type of celestial musician), or any Sravakas (Sravaka, disciples who learn by hearing the teachings), or those seeking to become Pratyekabuddhas (Pratyekabuddha, solitary Buddhas who attain enlightenment on their own) who can ask such a question. Only you great adorners are able to initiate such a question. Now listen carefully and contemplate it well! I will explain to you how Bodhisattvas achieve Samadhi, attain these merits, and even surpass them.'
Drdhamati said to the Buddha: 'I would be delighted to hear it.'
The Buddha told Drdhamati: 'There is a Samadhi called Surangama Samadhi. If a Bodhisattva attains this Samadhi, then, as you have asked, they can manifest entering Parinirvana (Parinirvana, complete Nirvana) without ever perishing, manifest various forms without destroying the nature of form; universally travel to all Buddha lands without discriminating between lands; be able to meet all Buddhas without discriminating the equal nature of Dharma; manifest universally practicing all practices, and be able to skillfully know the purity of all practices; among all gods and humans, be the most honored and supreme, without self-aggrandizement, arrogance, or indulgence;'
【English Translation】 English version: 『[He] exercises all the sovereign power of Māras (demons), yet does not rely on or adhere to the actions of Māras; pervades all the three realms, yet remains unmoved regarding the characteristics of dharmas; manifests universal birth in all realms of existence, yet does not discriminate or cling to the appearances of those realms; is skilled in explaining all the phrases of the Dharma, using various words to reveal their meaning, yet understands that the essence of language is equality; has no discrimination regarding various words, constantly abides in meditation yet manifests to transform sentient beings; practices the forbearance of cessation and the forbearance of non-origination, yet speaks of the appearance of origination and cessation of all dharmas; walks alone fearlessly like a lion.』
At that time, all the Śakras (lord of gods), Brahmās (creator god), Lokapālas (guardian deities), and the entire assembly present thought: 『We have never even heard the name of this samādhi (meditative absorption), let alone heard an explanation of its meaning! Coming to see the Buddha today is truly a great benefit, as we are all able to hear the name of the Śūraṅgama-samādhi (Heroic Progress Samādhi). If good men or good women seek the path of Buddhahood, hear the meaning and purpose of the Śūraṅgama-samādhi, and believe and understand without doubt, know that such a person will certainly not regress on the path of Buddhahood, let alone believe, receive, uphold, recite, explain it to others, and practice according to what is said?』
At that time, all the Śakras, Brahmās, and Lokapālas thought: 『We should now prepare lion thrones, Dharma thrones, Great Person thrones, Great Adornment thrones, and Great Dharma Wheel-Turning thrones for the Buddha Tathāgata, and we should have the Tathāgata expound the Śūraṅgama-samādhi on our thrones.』 Everyone present thought to themselves: 『Only I can prepare the lion throne for the Buddha; no one else can.』
At that time, the Śakras, Brahmās, and Lokapālas each prepared lion thrones for the Tathāgata, decorating them purely, dignifiedly, loftily, and prominently, covering them with immeasurable precious garments, and all hanging various wonderful jeweled canopies; they also made railings of various jewels, and on the left and right of the thrones were immeasurable jeweled trees, with branches and leaves intertwined in orderly rows, hanging various banners and streamers, spreading great jeweled tents, with various jewels interwoven and hanging various jeweled bells, and scattering various wonderful mixed flowers on top. The devas burned various mixed incense to perfume them, with gold, silver, and various jewels intermingling their light, and all kinds of adornments and purifications were complete.
In an instant, in front of the Tathāgata, there appeared eighty-four trillion
【English Translation】 English version The Nayuta (Nayuta, a unit of quantity, an extremely large number) jeweled lion thrones did not obstruct each other in the assembly. Each Deva (celestial being) could not see the other thrones, and each thought: 'I alone have prepared the lion throne for the Buddha, and the Buddha should expound the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Śūraṅgama Samādhi, a profound state of meditation) on the throne I have prepared.' At that time, the Śakra (Śakra, Lord Indra), Brahmā (Brahmā, the Great Brahma), and the Guardian Kings of the World, having finished preparing the thrones, each said to the Buddha: 'May the Tathāgata (Tathāgata, 'Thus Gone One', an epithet of the Buddha) please sit on my throne and expound the Śūraṅgama Samādhi.' Immediately, the World-Honored One manifested great spiritual power, and sat upon eighty-four trillion Nayuta lion thrones. Each of the Devas saw the Buddha sitting on the throne they had prepared, and could not see the other thrones. One Śakra said to the other Śakras: 'Look, the Tathāgata is sitting on my throne.' Thus, the Śakras, Brahmās, and Guardian Kings of the World each said to one another: 'Look, the Tathāgata is sitting on my throne.' One Śakra said: 'The Tathāgata is now only sitting on my throne and not on yours.' At that time, the Tathāgata, because these Śakras, Brahmās, and Guardian Kings of the World were destined to be liberated due to their past karmic connections, and also wishing to slightly manifest the power of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, and also for the sake of accomplishing the practice of the Mahāyāna (Mahāyāna, the Great Vehicle), caused all the assembly to see the Tathāgata present on eighty-four trillion Nayuta jeweled lion thrones. All the assembly were greatly delighted, obtained what they had never experienced before, and each rose from their seats, joined their palms, and paid homage to the Buddha, all saying: 'Excellent, World-Honored One! Your majestic power is immeasurable, fulfilling the wishes of each of the Devas.' Those Devas who had prepared the thrones for the Tathāgata, seeing the Buddha's spiritual power, all generated the Anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi-citta (Anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi-citta, the mind of unsurpassed, complete, and perfect enlightenment), and together said to the Buddha: 'World-Honored One! We, desiring to make offerings to the Tathāgata, to extinguish the suffering of all sentient beings, to protect the Dharma (Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha) and prevent the Buddha-seed from being cut off, have therefore all generated the Anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi-citta. May we, in future lives, when we become Buddhas, also have such majestic spiritual power as the Tathāgata now has, like the transformations the Tathāgata is now making.' At that time, the Buddha praised the Devas, saying: 'Excellent, excellent! As you have said, for the sake of benefiting all sentient beings, generating the Anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi-citta, this is the foremost offering to the Tathāgata.' At this time, among the Brahma assembly, there was a Brahma King named Equal Conduct.
【English Translation】 English version Dengxing Brahma asked the Buddha, 'World Honored One! Which Tathagata is the true one? The one on my seat, or the ones on other seats?'
The Buddha told Dengxing Brahma, 'All dharmas are empty like illusions, arising from the combination of conditions, without a creator. They all arise from memory, thought, and discrimination. Because there is no master, they appear at will. These Tathagatas are all real. Why are they real? These Tathagatas are originally unborn, therefore they are real; these Tathagatas are neither present nor future, therefore they are real; these Tathagatas are not composed of the four great elements (earth, water, fire, wind), therefore they are real; the skandhas (five aggregates), entrances (twelve entrances), and realms (eighteen realms) cannot encompass them, therefore they are real; these Tathagatas are the same without difference in the past, present, and future, therefore they are real.'
'Brahma! These Tathagatas are equal without difference. Why is this so? These Tathagatas are equal because of the suchness (tathata) of form (rupa), equal because of the suchness of feeling (vedana), perception (samjna), volition (samskara), and consciousness (vijnana), therefore they are equal. These Tathagatas are equal because of the suchness of the past, equal because of the suchness of the future, equal because of the suchness of the present, equal because of the dharma like an illusion, equal because of the dharma like a shadow, equal because of the dharma of non-existence, equal because of having nowhere to come from and nowhere to go to, therefore the Tathagata is called equal. Just as all dharmas are equal, so are these Tathagatas! Just as all sentient beings are equal, so are these Tathagatas! Just as all Buddhas in all worlds are equal, so are these Tathagatas! Just as all worlds are equal, so are these Tathagatas! Therefore, all Buddhas are called equal.'
'Brahma! These Tathagatas do not exceed the suchness of all dharmas, therefore they are called equal. Brahma should know that the Tathagata fully knows that all dharmas are thus equal, therefore the Tathagata is called equal in all dharmas.'
Dengxing Brahma said to the Buddha, 'It has never happened before, World Honored One! After the Tathagata has attained the equality of these dharmas, he manifests to sentient beings with a wonderful form.'
The Buddha said, 'Brahma! This is all due to the power of the fundamental practice of the Surangama Samadhi. For this reason, after the Tathagata has attained the equality of these dharmas, he manifests to sentient beings with a wonderful form.'
【English Translation】 English version: 『Born.』 When this Dharma was being taught, the Brahmā Kings of Equal Conduct and the ten thousand Brahmā heavens attained the patience of gentleness and compliance in all Dharmas.
At that time, the Tathāgata withdrew his spiritual power, and all the Buddhas and their seats disappeared, and the entire assembly saw only one Buddha. Then the Buddha said to the Bodhisattva Firm Intent: 『The Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Śūraṅgama Samādhi, a profound state of meditation) is not attainable by Bodhisattvas of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, or ninth grounds. Only those Bodhisattvas who dwell in the tenth ground can attain this Śūraṅgama Samādhi. What is the Śūraṅgama Samādhi? It is: Cultivating the mind like empty space (1). Observing the minds of all present beings (2). Distinguishing the sharpness and dullness of the faculties of beings (3). Decisively knowing the causes and effects of beings (4). Knowing that there is no karmic retribution in all karmas (5). Entering into various kinds of joyful desires, and not forgetting them after entering (6). Manifestly knowing limitless kinds of natures (7). Constantly being able to play in the Puṣpasvara Samādhi (Puṣpasvara Samādhi, a meditation themed around the sound of flowers), being able to show beings the Vajrahṛdaya Samādhi (Vajrahṛdaya Samādhi, a diamond-like firm meditation), being free and at ease in all meditations (8). Universally observing all the paths that are reached (9). Attaining unobstructedness in the knowledge of past lives (10). Having unobstructed heavenly vision (11). Attaining the knowledge of the exhaustion of outflows without untimely realization (12). Attaining equal entry into the realms of form and formlessness (13). Manifesting play in all forms (14). Knowing that all sounds are like echoes (15). Harmoniously entering into mindfulness and wisdom (16). Being able to please beings with kind words (17). Teaching the Dharma according to their needs (18). Knowing the right time and the wrong time (19). Being able to transform the faculties (20). Speaking the Dharma without falsehood (21). Harmoniously entering into the ultimate reality (22). Being skilled at subduing beings (23). Being able to fully possess all the Pāramitās (Pāramitā, methods of reaching the other shore) (24). Having no difference in demeanor, whether advancing or retreating (25). Breaking all memories, thoughts, and false discriminations (26). Not destroying the nature of Dharma, reaching its limits (27). Simultaneously manifesting bodies and dwelling in the presence of all Buddhas (28). Being able to uphold all the Dharma taught by all the Buddhas.』
【English Translation】 English version (29). Universally in all worlds, freely transforming bodies like shadows appearing. (30). Skillfully expounding the various vehicles to liberate beings, constantly able to protect and uphold the Triple Gem (Triratna) without interruption. (31). Initiating great adornments to the end of the future, without ever having thoughts of fatigue or weariness. (32). Universally in all places of birth, constantly able to manifest bodies without ceasing. (33). In all places of birth, demonstrating actions. (34). Skillfully able to accomplish all beings. (35). Skillfully able to know and understand all beings. (36). All Śrāvakas (聲聞乘, Hearers) and Pratyekabuddhas (緣覺乘, Solitary Buddhas) are unable to measure his realm. (37). Skillfully able to fully know all the distinctions of sounds. (38). Able to make all dharmas flourish. (39). Able to make one kalpa (劫, eon) into asamkhya kalpas (阿僧祇劫, countless eons). (40). Able to make asamkhya kalpas into one kalpa. (41). Able to make one Buddha-land enter into asamkhya Buddha-lands. (42). Able to make asamkhya Buddha-lands enter into one Buddha-land. (43). Able to make immeasurable Buddha-lands enter into one pore. (44). Demonstrating to all beings entering into one body. (45). Understanding all Buddha-lands to be like empty space. (46). The body is able to reach all remaining Buddha-lands. (47). Causing all bodies to enter into the Dharma-nature, causing them all to be without body. (48). Thoroughly understanding all Dharma-nature to be without form. (49). Skillfully able to understand all expedient means. (50). With one sound spoken, able to thoroughly understand all Dharma-nature. (51). Expounding one phrase, able to continue for immeasurable asamkhya kalpas. (52). Skillfully observing the differences of all Dharma-doors. (53). Skillfully knowing the similarities and differences, the concise and the extensive ways of speaking. (54). Skillfully knowing how to transcend and surpass all demonic paths. (55). Releasing great expedient wisdom light. (56). Body, speech, and mind karma with wisdom as the leader. (57). Supernatural powers without practice constantly appearing before him. (58). With the four unimpeded knowledges (catura pratisaṃvidā,四無礙智), causing all beings to rejoice. (59). Manifesting supernatural powers, penetrating all Dharma-nature. (60). Able to universally gather beings with the Dharma of gathering.
【English Translation】 English version (61). Understanding the languages of all sentient beings in the world. (解諸世間眾生語言 - Jie Zhu Shi Jian Zhong Sheng Yu Yan) (62). Having no doubts about the illusory nature of phenomena. (于如幻法無有所疑 - Yu Ru Huan Fa Wu You Suo Yi) (63). Being able to be free and at ease in all places of birth. (一切生處遍能自在 - Yi Qie Sheng Chu Bian Neng Zi Zai) (64). Having all necessities available at will, without lack. (所須之物隨意無乏 - Suo Xu Zhi Wu Sui Yi Wu Fa) (65). Freely manifesting before all sentient beings. (自在示現一切眾生 - Zi Zai Shi Xian Yi Qie Zhong Sheng) (66). Being a field of merit equally for both the virtuous and the wicked. (于善惡者皆同福田 - Yu Shan E Zhe Jie Tong Fu Tian) (67). Gaining entry into all the secret teachings of the Bodhisattvas. (得入一切菩薩密法 - De Ru Yi Qie Pu Sa Mi Fa) (68). Constantly emitting light, illuminating all the worlds without remainder. (常放光照無餘世界 - Chang Fang Guang Zhao Wu Yu Shi Jie) (69). Whose wisdom is profound and immeasurable. (其智深遠無能測者 - Qi Zhi Shen Yuan Wu Neng Ce Zhe) (70). Whose mind is like earth, water, fire, and wind. (其心猶如地水火風 - Qi Xin You Ru Di Shui Huo Feng) (71). Being skilled in the chapters, verses, and words of all Dharmas, and turning the Dharma wheel. (善於諸法章句言辭,而轉法輪 - Shan Yu Zhu Fa Zhang Ju Yan Ci, Er Zhuan Fa Lun) (72). Having no obstacles in the realm of the Tathagata. (于如來地無所障礙 - Yu Ru Lai Di Wu Suo Zhang Ai) (73). Naturally attaining the forbearance of non-origination. (自然而得無生法忍 - Zi Ran Er De Wu Sheng Fa Ren) (74). Obtaining a true and real mind, which cannot be defiled by the impurities of afflictions. (得如實心,諸煩惱垢所不能污 - De Ru Shi Xin, Zhu Fan Nao Gou Suo Bu Neng Wu) (75). Being able to make all the water enter a single pore without disturbing the nature of the water. (使一切水入一毛孔不嬈水性 - Shi Yi Qie Shui Ru Yi Mao Kong Bu Rao Shui Xing) (76). Cultivating immeasurable blessings and roots of goodness. (修集無量福德善根 - Xiu Ji Wu Liang Fu De Shan Gen) (77). Being skilled in knowing all expedient means for dedicating merit. (善知一切方便迴向 - Shan Zhi Yi Qie Fang Bian Hui Xiang) (78). Being skilled in transformation, universally practicing all the practices of the Bodhisattvas. (善能變化,遍行一切諸菩薩行 - Shan Neng Bian Hua, Bian Xing Yi Qie Zhu Pu Sa Xing) (79). The mind is peaceful and secure with all the Buddhas' Dharmas. (佛一切法心得安隱 - Fo Yi Qie Fa Xin De An Yin) (80). Having already relinquished the body of past karma. (已得舍離宿業本身 - Yi De She Li Su Ye Ben Shen) (81). Being able to enter the secret Dharma treasury of all the Buddhas. (能入諸佛秘密法藏 - Neng Ru Zhu Fo Mi Mi Fa Zang) (82). Manifesting self-mastery, playfully indulging in all desires. (示現自恣遊戲諸欲 - Shi Xian Zi Zi You Xi Zhu Yu) (83). Hearing immeasurable Dharmas, being able to fully uphold them. (聞無量法具足能持 - Wen Wu Liang Fa Ju Zu Neng Chi) (84). Seeking all Dharmas with a mind that is never weary or satisfied. (求一切法心無厭足 - Qiu Yi Qie Fa Xin Wu Yan Zu) (85). Conforming to all worldly Dharmas without being defiled. (順諸世法而不染污 - Shun Zhu Shi Fa Er Bu Ran Wu) (86). Expounding the Dharma to people for immeasurable kalpas, making them feel as if it were only from dawn to mealtime. (于無量劫為人說法,皆令謂如從旦至食 - Yu Wu Liang Jie Wei Ren Shuo Fa, Jie Ling Wei Ru Cong Dan Zhi Shi) (87). Manifesting various forms of the crippled (癃 - long, bent back), disabled (殘 - can), lame (跛 - bo, limping), hobbled (蹇 - jian, difficulty walking), deaf, blind, mute (喑 - yin, unable to speak), and dumb to transform sentient beings. (示現種種癃、殘、跛、蹇、聾、盲、喑、啞以化眾生 - Shi Xian Zhong Zhong Long, Can, Bo, Jian, Long, Mang, Yin, Ya Yi Hua Zhong Sheng) (88). Hundreds of thousands of Vajra warriors with secret traces constantly follow and protect. (百千密跡金剛力士常隨護侍 - Bai Qian Mi Ji Jin Gang Li Shi Chang Sui Hu Shi) (89). Naturally being able to observe and know the paths of all the Buddhas. (自然能觀知諸佛道 - Zi Ran Neng Guan Zhi Zhu Fo Dao) (90). Being able to, in a single thought, manifest receiving immeasurable and countless kalpas of lifespan. (能於一念,示受無量無數劫壽 - Neng Yu Yi Nian, Shi Shou Wu Liang Wu Shu Jie Shou) (91). Manifesting the practices and rituals of all the Two Vehicles (聲聞 - shengwen, Arhats and 緣覺 - yuanjue, Pratyekabuddhas), while inwardly not abandoning the practices of the Bodhisattvas. (現行一切二乘儀法,而內不捨諸菩薩行 - Xian Xing Yi Qie Er Cheng Yi Fa, Er Nei Bu She Zhu Pu Sa Xing) (92). His mind... (其心 - Qi Xin)
【English Translation】 English version Perfectly still and empty, without characteristics (93). (Perfectly still: perfectly quiet; empty: emptiness; without characteristics: without appearance) Manifesting self-entertainment amidst various musical performances, yet inwardly never abandoning the Samadhi of Buddha-Recollection (94). (Samadhi: a state of focused concentration) Whether seeing, hearing, or touching and dwelling together, all can accomplish immeasurable sentient beings (95). Able to demonstrate the attainment of Buddhahood in every thought, according to what was originally taught, enabling them to attain liberation (96). Showing the manifestation of entering the womb and initial birth (97). Renouncing the household life and accomplishing Buddhahood (98). Turning the Dharma wheel (99). (Dharma wheel: symbol of Buddha's teaching) Entering Great Nirvana, but not eternally ceasing (100).
'Firm Intent (name of a Bodhisattva)! The Shurangama Samadhi (a profound state of meditation) is immeasurable in this way, fully able to demonstrate all the divine powers of the Buddha, and immeasurable sentient beings can benefit from it. Firm Intent! The Shurangama Samadhi cannot be understood by one thing, one cause, or one reason; all meditations, Samadhis of liberation, supernatural powers, unobstructed wisdom are all contained within the Shurangama. It is like ponds, springs, rivers, and streams all flowing into the great ocean; all the meditations of a Bodhisattva are within the Shurangama Samadhi. It is like a Wheel-Turning Sage King (an ideal monarch who rules the world) having a great and courageous general, with all four kinds of troops following him. Firm Intent! Like this, all the doors of Samadhi, doors of meditation, doors of eloquence, doors of liberation, doors of Dharani (mantra recitation), doors of supernatural powers, doors of clear liberation, all these Dharma doors are contained within the Shurangama Samadhi; if a Bodhisattva practices the Shurangama Samadhi, all Samadhis will follow him. Firm Intent! It is like when a Wheel-Turning Sage King travels, the seven treasures (seven precious objects symbolizing kingship) all follow. Like this, Firm Intent! The Shurangama Samadhi, all the Dharmas that aid Bodhi (enlightenment) will follow; therefore, this Samadhi is called Shurangama.'
The Buddha told Firm Intent: 'A Bodhisattva abiding in the Shurangama Samadhi, even without actively seeking wealth, can, through giving, freely bestow all the treasures, food, clothing, elephants, horses, chariots, and so on, in the great thousand world system, as well as the great oceans, heavenly palaces, and the human realm. This is all due to the original merit, let alone what can be done at will through supernatural powers. This is called the Bodhisattva abiding in the Shurangama Samadhi, the ability and karmic reward of practicing Dana Paramita (perfection of giving).'
The Buddha told Firm Intent: 'A Bodhisattva abiding in
【English Translation】 English version The Śūraṅgama-samādhi states that a Bodhisattva abiding in the Śūraṅgama-samādhi (a powerful state of meditation) no longer needs to receive precepts again, because his adherence to the precepts is unwavering. In order to teach and guide all beings, he manifests upholding the precepts, practicing all kinds of dignified conduct, and even manifests having transgressions and eliminating faults, but his inner mind is always pure and without deficiency. In order to teach all beings, he can be born in the desire realm, becoming a cakravartin (ideal ruler), surrounded by many consorts, manifesting having a wife and enjoying the pleasures of the five desires, but his inner mind is always dwelling in meditation and pure precepts, able to clearly see the faults of the three realms of existence (trayo bhava, the desire realm, the form realm, and the formless realm). Dṛḍhamati (name of a Bodhisattva)! This is called the Bodhisattva abiding in the Śūraṅgama-samādhi's past deeds and karmic rewards of the śīla-pāramitā (perfection of morality).
The Buddha told Dṛḍhamati: 'A Bodhisattva abiding in the Śūraṅgama-samādhi, cultivating patience, reaching ultimate perfection, therefore cultivates patience towards the non-arising of beings, cultivates patience towards the non-arising of all dharmas, cultivates patience towards the mind having no form or color, cultivates patience towards not attaining self and other, cultivates patience towards not thinking of birth and death, cultivates patience with the nature of nirvāṇa (liberation), cultivates patience towards not destroying the nature of dharmas. A Bodhisattva cultivates patience in this way, seemingly cultivating and seemingly not cultivating. In order to teach all beings, he can be born in the desire realm, manifesting having anger, but his inner mind is pure; manifesting detachment, but there is no distinction of near and far. In order to purify all beings, he can destroy worldly decorum, but has never destroyed the nature of all dharmas; manifesting having tolerance, but in reality there is no dharma that can be tolerated, his mind is always in meditation, firm and indestructible, able to tolerate everything. A Bodhisattva achieves such patience in order to cut off the evil minds of beings that are full of anger, therefore he often praises the merit of patience, but in reality he is not attached to anger and patience. Dṛḍhamati! This is called the Bodhisattva abiding in the Śūraṅgama-samādhi's past deeds and karmic rewards of the kṣānti-pāramitā (perfection of patience).'
The Buddha told Dṛḍhamati: 'A Bodhisattva abiding in the Śūraṅgama-samādhi, generates great diligence, attains all kinds of good dharmas, but in reality does not activate the actions of body, speech, and mind. For those who are lazy, he manifests practicing diligence, hoping that beings can emulate him and learn, but he neither initiates nor receives anything from all dharmas. Why? Because the Bodhisattva fully understands all dharmas, constantly dwells in the nature of dharmas, neither coming nor going. Therefore, although he is far from the actions of body, speech, and mind, he is able to manifest initiating diligence, and does not think that dharmas have any accomplishment. He manifests practicing diligence in the world, but has no actions within or without; he is always able to come and go immeasurably.'
【English Translation】 English version 'In the Buddha-land, his physical form is equal and unmoving; he demonstrates the practice of all virtuous dharmas, yet he is not attached to good or evil in relation to these dharmas; he appears to seek the Dharma and receive teachings, but in the path of Buddhahood, he does not follow the teachings of others; he appears to be close to the Upadhyayas (ordaining teachers) and other teachers, yet he is the honored one of all devas (gods) and humans; he appears to diligently inquire, but inwardly he has already attained unobstructed eloquence; he appears to be respectful, and is revered by all devas and humans; he appears to enter the womb, but he is not defiled by any dharmas; he appears to be born, but he does not see birth or death in relation to any dharmas; he appears as a small child, but all his faculties are complete; he appears to practice various arts, medicine, mantras, writing, arithmetic, and skillful crafts, but inwardly he has already mastered everything; he appears to have illness and suffering, but he has already permanently departed from all afflictions; he demonstrates aging, but his original faculties are not destroyed; he appears to die, but he has never truly experienced birth, death, decline, or loss. Dhrdhamati (name of a Bodhisattva)! This is called the fundamental and resultant fruit of the Bodhisattva abiding in the Shurangama Samadhi (a profound state of meditative absorption), the Paramita (perfection) of diligent effort.'
The Buddha told Dhrdhamati: 'A Bodhisattva abiding in the Shurangama Samadhi, although he knows that all dharmas are constantly in a state of samadhi, he demonstrates the differences in various dhyanas (meditative states) for the sake of sentient beings; he appears to abide in dhyana to transform those whose minds are distracted, but he does not see any distraction in relation to any dharmas; all dharmas are like the nature of Dharma, and with a tamed mind, he does not waver in dhyana; he demonstrates various forms of deportment, such as coming, going, sitting, and lying down, but he is always silently abiding in samadhi; he appears to speak like ordinary people, but he never abandons the state of dhyana; with compassion and pity for sentient beings, he enters cities, villages, and countries, but he is always in samadhi; in order to benefit sentient beings, he appears to eat food, but he is always in samadhi. His body is as firm as diamond, his inner being is real and not false, and cannot be destroyed; within him, there is no raw stomach, cooked stomach, large or small excrement, or foul impurity; he appears to eat food, but no food enters him, it is only for the sake of compassion, pity, and benefiting sentient beings, and there is no fault in any place; he appears to practice all the practices of ordinary people, but in reality, he has no practice and has already transcended all practices.'
'Dhrdhamati! A Bodhisattva abiding in the Shurangama Samadhi, there is no difference between being in a secluded village and a settlement; there is no difference between being a householder and a renunciate; he appears
He is not indulgent though being a layman in white robes; he does not exalt himself though currently being a Shramana (a wandering ascetic). Among the various non-Buddhist (外道) renunciations, he does not truly renounce for the sake of transforming sentient beings, is not tainted by any heretical views, nor does he claim to attain purity within them; he outwardly practices all non-Buddhist rituals and methods, but does not follow their paths. 『Kianyi (堅意, a Bodhisattva's name)! It is like a guide who leads a group of people through a dangerous path and then returns to guide others. Similarly, Kianyi! A Bodhisattva dwells in the Shurangama Samadhi (首楞嚴三昧, a profound state of meditative absorption), according to the aspirations for the path that sentient beings generate, whether it be the path of the Shravakas (聲聞, disciples who hear the teachings), the path of the Pratyekabuddhas (辟支佛, solitary Buddhas), or the aspiration for the path of Buddhahood, he guides them appropriately, and after they are liberated, he returns to liberate other beings. Therefore, this great being is called a guide. It is like a sturdy boat that carries countless people from this shore to the other shore, and after reaching the other shore, it returns to carry others. Similarly, Kianyi! A Bodhisattva dwells in the Shurangama Samadhi, seeing sentient beings fallen into the river of Samsara (生死, cycle of birth and death), swept away by the four currents of affliction, in order to liberate them and enable them to escape suffering, according to the good roots they have cultivated, if he sees that they can be liberated by the Pratyekabuddha vehicle, he manifests the path of Nirvana (涅槃, liberation); if he sees that they can be liberated by the Shravaka vehicle, he speaks of the Dharma of quiescence and entering Nirvana. By the power of the Shurangama Samadhi, he manifests life again to liberate other people, therefore, this great being is called a boatman.』 『Kianyi! It is like an illusionist who, in front of many people, manifests his own death, his body swelling, rotting, and stinking, or being burned by fire, or being eaten by birds and beasts. He manifests his body in this way in front of the crowd, and after obtaining wealth, he rises again, because he is skilled in learning illusion. A Bodhisattva also dwells in the Shurangama Samadhi in this way, manifesting old age and death in order to transform sentient beings, but in reality, there is no true birth, old age, sickness, or death. Kianyi! This is called the fundamental cause and effect of the Shurangama Samadhi, the Paramita (波羅蜜, perfection) of Dhyana (禪, meditation).』 The Buddha told Kianyi: 『A Bodhisattva dwells in the Shurangama Samadhi, cultivating wisdom, and all his faculties are very sharp. He has never seen the self-nature of sentient beings, but speaks of sentient beings in order to transform them; he has not seen lifespan or life-force, but speaks of lifespan and life-force; he has not attained the self-nature of Karma (業, action) and the self-nature of Karmic retribution (業報, consequence of action), but shows sentient beings that there is Karma and Karmic retribution; he has not attained the self-nature of birth and death and various afflictions, but
【English Translation】 English version: Know that they understand the afflictions of birth, death, and suffering; though not truly seeing Nirvana (the state of liberation), they proclaim having reached Nirvana; though understanding that all Dharmas (all things and phenomena) have no inherent differences, they say that Dharmas have good and bad; having been able to cross over to the shore of unobstructed wisdom, they currently dwell in the Desire Realm (realm of beings with desires for sensory pleasures) but are not attached to the Desire Realm; they currently practice Dhyana (meditation) but are not attached to Dhyana; they currently enter the Formless Realm (realm of meditation without material form) but are born in the Form Realm (realm with material form but without sensory desires); they currently practice Dhyana but are born in the Desire Realm; they currently dwell in the Desire Realm but do not engage in the practices of the Desire Realm. They fully understand all Dhyanas and the components of Dhyana, able to freely enter and exit Dhyana, and for the sake of transforming sentient beings, they are born wherever they wish, able to accept bodies in all places of birth. They are constantly able to achieve profound and subtle wisdom, cutting off all the various actions of sentient beings, and for the sake of transforming sentient beings, they demonstrate having actions, but in reality, they have no attachment to any Dharmas. They have all transcended all actions, and long ago extinguished the notions of 'self' and 'what belongs to self,' yet they demonstrate receiving all necessary items. Bodhisattvas achieve such wisdom, and all their actions accord with wisdom, and they have never been defiled by the results of karma. For the sake of transforming sentient beings, they demonstrate being mute, but inwardly they possess subtle Brahma sounds, and they are thoroughly versed in the other shore of languages and scriptures. They do not first contemplate what Dharma to speak, but whatever they say in whatever assembly is wonderful, able to make all rejoice and their minds become firm, and they teach according to what is appropriate for them, yet the wisdom of this Bodhisattva does not diminish. 『Drdhamati (name of a Bodhisattva)! For example, men and women, whether old or young, go to a water source with their respective vessels, whether it be a spring, pond, canal, river, or ocean, and each fills their vessel according to its size and returns, yet these water sources do not diminish. Likewise, Drdhamati! Bodhisattvas abide in the Shurangama Samadhi (a powerful meditation), and wherever they go, whether it be an assembly of Kshatriyas (rulers or warrior caste), Brahmanas (priest caste), laypeople, Shakyas (Shakya clan), or Brahmas (deities), they do not need to exert special effort, and they are able to make them all rejoice with kind words, and they expound the Dharma according to what is appropriate for them, yet their wisdom and eloquence do not diminish in the slightest. Drdhamati! This is called the ability and karmic reward of a Bodhisattva abiding in the Shurangama Samadhi's Prajnaparamita (perfection of wisdom).』 The Buddha told Drdhamati: 『Bodhisattvas abiding in the Shurangama Samadhi, sentient beings who see them are all able to attain liberation, some by hearing their names, some by seeing their dignified bearing, some by hearing their teachings, some by seeing…
【English Translation】 English version: In silence, all are delivered. Firm Intent (a Bodhisattva's name)! It is like a great medicinal tree king named Joyful Sight; whoever sees it, their illnesses are all healed. Just so, Firm Intent! When a Bodhisattva dwells in the Shurangama Samadhi (a high-level of meditative concentration), beings who see him have their illnesses of greed, hatred, and delusion all removed and healed. It is like a great medicine king named Extinguisher; if, during battle, it is used to coat drums, those wounded by arrows, swords, and spears, upon hearing the drum's sound, the arrows will come out and the poison will be eliminated. Just so, Firm Intent! When a Bodhisattva dwells in the Shurangama Samadhi, those who hear his name will have the arrows of greed, hatred, and delusion naturally pulled out, all poisons of wrong views will be completely extinguished, and all afflictions will no longer arise. Firm Intent! It is like a medicinal tree named Complete. If someone uses its root, their illness will be removed and healed; the stem, joints, heartwood, bark, branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits can all remove and heal; whether fresh, dry, or cut into sections, all can remove and heal the various illnesses of beings. A Bodhisattva dwelling in the Shurangama Samadhi is also like this, constantly benefiting beings at all times, always able to extinguish all sufferings of beings, namely by expounding the Dharma while practicing the Four Embracing Dharmas (giving, kind speech, beneficial action, and cooperation) and the various Paramitas (methods of reaching the other shore), enabling them to attain liberation. Whether people make offerings or do not make offerings, whether they are beneficial or not, this Bodhisattva benefits them all with the Dharma, enabling them to attain peace and security; even after his death, those who eat his flesh, or various animals, two-legged, four-legged, and various birds and beasts, humans and non-humans, all these beings, due to the power of the Bodhisattva's precepts and vows, will be reborn in the heavens after death, constantly free from illnesses, pain, decay, and other sufferings. Firm Intent! A Bodhisattva dwelling in the Shurangama Samadhi is like a medicinal tree. The Buddha told Firm Intent: 'A Bodhisattva dwelling in the Shurangama Samadhi knows the Six Paramitas (giving, morality, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom) for himself in every lifetime, without learning from others; raising his foot, lowering his foot, inhaling, exhaling, every thought constantly has the Six Paramitas. Why is this? Firm Intent! Such a Bodhisattva's body is Dharma, his actions are Dharma. Firm Intent! It is like a king or various ministers who grind hundreds of thousands of kinds of incense into powder. If someone comes to ask for one kind of incense, not wanting the other incenses to be mixed together. Firm Intent! In such a powder of hundreds of thousands of kinds of incense, can one obtain one kind that is not mixed with the others?' 'No, World Honored One!'
【現代漢語翻譯】 現代漢語譯本: 『堅意(name of a Bodhisattva)!菩薩因為用一切波羅蜜(Paramita,度,到達彼岸)熏習身心,所以在每一個念頭中都自然產生六波羅蜜。堅意!菩薩如何在每一個念頭中產生六波羅蜜呢?堅意!這位菩薩能夠捨棄一切,心中沒有貪戀執著,這就是檀波羅蜜(Dāna-pāramitā,佈施度);內心善良寂靜,最終沒有任何邪惡,這就是尸波羅蜜(Śīla-pāramitā,持戒度);明白心的空性,在各種塵世誘惑中不受傷害,這就是羼提波羅蜜(Kṣānti-pāramitā,忍辱度);勤奮地觀察和選擇,明白心是無相的,這就是毗梨耶波羅蜜(Vīrya-pāramitā,精進度);最終達到善良寂靜,調伏自己的心,這就是禪波羅蜜(Dhyāna-pāramitā,禪定度);觀察心,明白心,通達心的實相,這就是般若波羅蜜(Prajñā-pāramitā,智慧度)。堅意!菩薩安住在首楞嚴三昧(Śūraṅgama Samādhi,首楞嚴三昧),像這樣的法門,每一個念頭都具有六波羅蜜。』 當時,堅意菩薩(name of a Bodhisattva)對佛說:『真是前所未有啊!世尊!菩薩成就首楞嚴三昧(Śūraṅgama Samādhi,首楞嚴三昧),他們所做的事情真是不可思議。世尊!如果各位菩薩想要實踐佛的行徑,就應當學習這個首楞嚴三昧(Śūraṅgama Samādhi,首楞嚴三昧)。為什麼呢?世尊!這些菩薩雖然表面上做著各種凡夫俗子的行為,但是他們的內心卻沒有貪婪、嗔恨和愚癡。』 這時,大眾中有一位名叫成慈的大梵天王(Mahābrahmā named Acyuta)對佛說:『世尊!如果菩薩想要實踐一切凡夫俗子的行為,就應當學習首楞嚴三昧(Śūraṅgama Samādhi,首楞嚴三昧)。為什麼呢?因為這些菩薩雖然表面上做著各種凡夫俗子的行為,但是他們的內心卻沒有貪婪、嗔恨和愚癡的行為。』 佛說:『說得好,說得好!成慈!正如你所說。如果菩薩想要實踐一切凡夫俗子的行為,就應當學習首楞嚴三昧(Śūraṅgama Samādhi,首楞嚴三昧),不要執著於一切所學。』 堅意菩薩(name of a Bodhisattva)對佛說:『世尊!菩薩想要學習首楞嚴三昧(Śūraṅgama Samādhi,首楞嚴三昧),應當如何學習呢?』 佛告訴堅意(name of a Bodhisattva):『比如學習射箭,先射大的靶子;射中大的靶子后,學習射小的靶子;射中小的靶子后,接著學習射箭靶的中心;學會射箭靶的中心后,接著學習射箭桿;學會射箭桿后,學習射百根毛;射中百根毛后,學習射十根毛;射中十根毛后,
【English Translation】 English version: 'Steadfast Intent (name of a Bodhisattva)! Because Bodhisattvas cultivate their body and mind with all the Paramitas (Pāramitā, perfections, reaching the other shore), they naturally generate the Six Paramitas in every thought. Steadfast Intent! How do Bodhisattvas generate the Six Paramitas in every thought? Steadfast Intent! These Bodhisattvas are able to relinquish everything, with no greed or attachment in their hearts, this is Dāna-pāramitā (Dāna-pāramitā, perfection of giving); their hearts are virtuous and peaceful, ultimately without any evil, this is Śīla-pāramitā (Śīla-pāramitā, perfection of morality); they understand the emptiness of the mind, and are unharmed by various worldly temptations, this is Kṣānti-pāramitā (Kṣānti-pāramitā, perfection of patience); they diligently observe and choose, understanding that the mind is without form, this is Vīrya-pāramitā (Vīrya-pāramitā, perfection of vigor); they ultimately attain virtuous peace, subduing their minds, this is Dhyāna-pāramitā (Dhyāna-pāramitā, perfection of meditation); they observe the mind, understand the mind, and comprehend the true nature of the mind, this is Prajñā-pāramitā (Prajñā-pāramitā, perfection of wisdom). Steadfast Intent! Bodhisattvas abide in the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Śūraṅgama Samādhi, Śūraṅgama Samādhi), and such Dharma gates have the Six Paramitas in every thought.' At that time, Steadfast Intent Bodhisattva (name of a Bodhisattva) said to the Buddha: 'This is unprecedented! World Honored One! Bodhisattvas who achieve the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Śūraṅgama Samādhi, Śūraṅgama Samādhi) perform inconceivable deeds. World Honored One! If Bodhisattvas wish to practice the conduct of the Buddhas, they should study this Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Śūraṅgama Samādhi, Śūraṅgama Samādhi). Why? World Honored One! These Bodhisattvas outwardly engage in all the actions of ordinary beings, but their minds are without greed, hatred, and delusion.' At that time, a Great Brahma King named Acyuta (Mahābrahmā named Acyuta) in the assembly said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! If Bodhisattvas wish to practice all the actions of ordinary beings, they should study the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Śūraṅgama Samādhi, Śūraṅgama Samādhi). Why? Because these Bodhisattvas outwardly engage in all the actions of ordinary beings, but their minds are without the actions of greed, hatred, and delusion.' The Buddha said: 'Excellent, excellent! Acyuta! As you have said. If Bodhisattvas wish to practice all the actions of ordinary beings, they should study the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Śūraṅgama Samādhi, Śūraṅgama Samādhi), without being attached to all that is learned.' Steadfast Intent Bodhisattva (name of a Bodhisattva) said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! How should Bodhisattvas study the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Śūraṅgama Samādhi, Śūraṅgama Samādhi) if they wish to learn it?' The Buddha told Steadfast Intent (name of a Bodhisattva): 'For example, when learning to shoot arrows, first shoot at a large target; after hitting the large target, learn to shoot at a small target; after hitting the small target, then learn to shoot at the center of the target; after learning to shoot at the center of the target, then learn to shoot at the arrow shaft; after learning to shoot at the arrow shaft, learn to shoot at a hundred hairs; after hitting a hundred hairs, learn to shoot at ten hairs; after hitting ten hairs,
【English Translation】 English version: To learn to shoot a single hair; having shot a single hair, then learn to shoot one part of one hundredth of a hair; being able to shoot these, one is called a good archer, shooting at will without missing. Such is firm intent! If a Bodhisattva wishes to learn the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (a profound state of meditation), first he should learn the mind of loving-kindness, having learned the mind of loving-kindness, he should then learn the profound mind, having learned the profound mind, he should then learn great compassion, having learned great compassion, he should then learn great pity, having learned great pity, he should then learn the Four Holy Brahmavihāras, namely loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Having learned the Four Holy Brahmavihāras, he should then learn the best five supernatural powers that naturally accompany him, having learned these powers, at that time he will be able to accomplish the Six Pāramitās (the six perfections, the six ways to reach the other shore); having accomplished the Six Pāramitās, he will then be able to understand skillful means; having understood skillful means, he will be able to abide in the Third Forbearance of Gentleness; having abided in the Third Forbearance of Gentleness, he will obtain the forbearance of the non-arising of phenomena; having obtained the forbearance of the non-arising of phenomena, all Buddhas will bestow predictions; having received predictions from all Buddhas, he will be able to enter the Eighth Bodhisattva Ground; having entered the Eighth Bodhisattva Ground, he will obtain the Samādhi of the Buddhas' Presence; having obtained the Samādhi of the Buddhas' Presence, he will constantly not be separated from seeing all Buddhas; having constantly not been separated from seeing all Buddhas, he will be able to fully possess all the causes and conditions of the Buddhadharma; having fully possessed all the causes and conditions of the Buddhadharma, he will be able to initiate the merits of adorning the Buddha-lands; having been able to initiate the merits of adorning the Buddha-lands, he will be able to fully possess a noble birth family lineage; having been able to fully possess a noble birth family lineage, he will enter the womb and be born; having entered the womb and been born, he will be able to fully possess the Ten Grounds; having fully possessed the Ten Grounds, at that time he will obtain the acceptance of the Buddha's title; having accepted the Buddha's title, he will then obtain all the Bodhisattva Samādhis; having obtained all the Bodhisattva Samādhis, then he will obtain the Śūraṅgama Samādhi; having obtained the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, he will be able to perform Buddha-works for sentient beings, and also not abandon the practices of a Bodhisattva.
'Firm Intent! If a Bodhisattva learns such dharmas, he will obtain the Śūraṅgama Samādhi. If a Bodhisattva has already obtained the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, then there is nothing more to learn regarding the dharmas. Why? Because he has already well-learned all dharmas. For example, if one learns archery and can shoot one part of a hair, he does not need to learn anything else. Why? Because he has already...'
【English Translation】 English version: Therefore, be resolute in your intention! A Bodhisattva abiding in the Śūraṅgama-samādhi (a powerful state of meditative absorption) no longer needs to learn anything about any dharma, because all samādhis and all merits have already been learned.
At that time, the Bodhisattva Dṛḍhamati (Firm Intention) said to the Buddha: 'World-Honored One! I now wish to speak a parable; may you please grant me permission.'
The Buddha said: 'Speak.'
'World-Honored One! For example, the Great Brahmā King (Mahābrahmā, the ruler of the highest heaven in the Realm of Form) of the three-thousand-great-thousand world system is naturally able to universally observe the three-thousand-great-thousand world system without any additional effort. Likewise, a Bodhisattva abiding in the Śūraṅgama-samādhi is naturally able to observe all dharmas without any effort; and is also able to know the thoughts and mental activities of all sentient beings.'
The Buddha told Dṛḍhamati: 'As you have said. If a Bodhisattva abides in the Śūraṅgama-samādhi, he fully knows all the dharmas of Bodhisattvas and all the Buddha-dharmas.'
At that time, in the assembly, there was a Śakra (Lord of the Trayastriṃśa Heaven), named Sumeru-dhara (Holder of Mount Sumeru), who was located at the outermost edge of this three-thousand-great-thousand world system. He said to the Buddha: 'World-Honored One! For example, one who dwells on the summit of Mount Sumeru (Sumeru, the sacred mountain in Buddhist cosmology) is able to see all under heaven. A Bodhisattva is like that; abiding in the Śūraṅgama-samādhi, he is naturally able to observe the practices of all Śrāvakas (Hearers, those who attain enlightenment by listening to the Dharma) and Pratyekabuddhas (Solitary Buddhas, those who attain enlightenment independently) and the conduct of all sentient beings.'
At that time, the Bodhisattva Dṛḍhamati asked Śakra Sumeru-dhara: 'From which of the Four Heavens (Cāturmahārājika-deva, the heavens of the Four Heavenly Kings) did you descend? On which summit of Mount Sumeru do you dwell?'
That Śakra replied: 'Good man! If a Bodhisattva has attained the Śūraṅgama-samādhi, one should not ask him where he dwells. Why? Because all Buddha-lands are the dwelling place of this Bodhisattva, but he is not attached to any dwelling place, does not obtain any dwelling place, and does not see any dwelling place.'
Dṛḍhamati asked: 'Have you, benevolent one, attained this Śūraṅgama-samādhi?'
Śakra replied: 'In this samādhi, is there any distinction of attainment or non-attainment?'
Dṛḍhamati said: 'No.'
Śakra said: 'Good man! You should know that when a Bodhisattva practices this samādhi, he has no attachment to any dharma whatsoever.'
【English Translation】 English version: 'One who can debate like this must have attained this Śūraṅgama Samādhi (a powerful state of meditative absorption).'
Śākya (a disciple of the Buddha) said: 'Good man! I do not see any fixed abode for the Dharma, and I am not attached to any Dharma. Only then can one attain the Śūraṅgama Samādhi. Good man! Abiding in this Samādhi, one has no attachment to any Dharma. If there is no attachment, there is no grasping; if there is no grasping, there is nothing to say.'
At that time, the Buddha said to Dṛḍhamati Bodhisattva (Firm Intent Bodhisattva): 'Do you see this Sumeru-dhara-Śakra (Śakra who holds Mount Sumeru)?'
'I have seen him, World-Honored One!'
'Dṛḍhamati! This Śakra naturally and freely is able to attain the Śūraṅgama Samādhi. Abiding in this Samādhi, he can manifest himself in all the palaces of the Śakras in this Trisāhasra-mahāsāhasra-loka-dhātu (great trichiliocosm, a vast cosmic system).'
At that time, Śakro devānām indraḥ (Śakra, the King of the Gods) in this realm said to the Buddha: 'World-Honored One! If Sumeru-dhara-Śakra can manifest himself in all the palaces of the Śakras, why do I not see him in all the abodes of the Śakras?'
At that time, Sumeru-dhara-Śakra said to this Śakra: 'Kauśika (another name for Śakra)! If I were to show you my true form now, you would no longer find joy and pleasure in your palace. I often come to the palace where you dwell, but you do not see me.'
At that time, Śakro devānām indraḥ said to the Buddha: 'World-Honored One! I wish to see the wondrous body attained by this great being.'
The Buddha said: 'Kauśika! Do you wish to see it?'
'World-Honored One! I eagerly wish to see it.'
The Buddha said to Sumeru-dhara-Śakra: 'Good man! Show this Śakra your true and wondrous body.' That Śakra immediately manifested his true and wondrous body. At that time, all the Śakras, Brahmās, Lokapālas (World-Protectors), Śrāvakas (Hearers), and Bodhisattvas (Enlightenment Beings) in the assembly who had not attained the Śūraṅgama Samādhi all disappeared, like a mass of ink. The body of Sumeru-dhara-Śakra was like Mount Sumeru, tall and majestic, with light shining far and wide. At that time, the Buddha's body became even more radiant.
Śakro devānām indraḥ said to the Buddha: 'It has never happened before! World-Honored One! Now this great being's body is pure, sublime, and wonderfully unattainable. The bodies of these Śakras, Brahmās, and Lokapālas have all disappeared, like a mass of ink. World-Honored One! I, regarding'
【English Translation】 English version: On the Excellent Hall of Mount Sumeru (Mount Sumeru), Śakra (Śakro devānām indraḥ) wears a Śākyavaiḍūrya-maṇi (Śākyavaiḍūrya-maṇi) necklace, and because of its light, the bodies of all other devas (devas) are not visible. Now, because of the light of this great being, my own body is not visible, and the jeweled necklace I wear has also lost its luster.' The Buddha said to Śakro devānām indraḥ (Śakro devānām indraḥ): 'Kauśika (Kauśika)! If this three-thousand-great-thousand world were filled with Śākyavaiḍūrya-maṇi jewels, there would be even more maṇi jewels illuminating the devas, which could cause these Śākyavaiḍūrya-maṇi jewels to disappear. Kauśika! If this three-thousand-great-thousand world were filled with maṇi jewels illuminating the devas, there would be even more Vajra-light maṇi jewels, which could cause these maṇi jewels illuminating the devas to disappear. Kauśika! If this three-thousand-great-thousand world were filled with Vajra-light maṇi jewels, there would be even more Assemblage-of-lights maṇi jewels, which could cause these Vajra-light maṇi jewels to disappear. Kauśika! Have you seen the Assemblage-of-lights maṇi jewel worn by Śakra?' 'I have seen it, World Honored One! But because the light of this jewel is so intense, my eyes cannot bear it.' The Buddha said to Kauśika: 'If a Bodhisattva (Bodhisattva) attains the Śūraṅgama-samādhi (Śūraṅgama-samādhi) or becomes Śakra, they will wear such a maṇi necklace.' At that time, Śakro devānām indraḥ said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! Those who do not generate the mind of anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi (anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi-citta) will not obtain such a pure and wonderful body, and will also lose this Śūraṅgama-samādhi.' At that time, Govyaka-devaputra (Govyaka-devaputra) said to Śakro devānām indraḥ: 'Those Śrāvakas (Śrāvaka) who have entered the stage of Dharma, even if they praise and love the Buddha-path, are unable to do anything, because they have already created obstacles in saṃsāra (saṃsāra). If someone has generated the mind of anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi, whether they generate it now or will generate it in the future, such a person should love the Buddha-path and can obtain such a supreme and wonderful body. For example, if someone is born blind, even if they praise and love the sun and moon, they cannot receive the light of the sun and moon. Likewise, those Śrāvakas who have entered the stage of Dharma, even if they praise and love the Buddha-dharma, the merits of the Buddha will not benefit them. Therefore, if you want to obtain this wonderful body and great wisdom, you should generate the unsurpassed Bodhi-citta (Bodhi-citta) of the Buddha, and then you can obtain such a supreme and wonderful body.'
When the son of the god Koti spoke these words, twelve thousand sons of gods generated the mind of Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (supreme perfect enlightenment).
At that time, the Bodhisattva Drdhamati (Firm Intent) asked the son of the god Koti, 『By practicing what merits can one transform from a woman』s body?』
He replied, 『Good man! Those who generate the Great Vehicle (Mahayana) mind do not see any difference between male and female. Why? Because the Sarvajna-citta (all-knowing mind) is not within the three realms (Trailokya). Because there is discrimination, there is male and female. What you ask, good sir, is by practicing what merits can one transform from a woman』s body? In the past, when serving Bodhisattvas, one』s mind was without deceit or crookedness.』
The Bodhisattva asked, 『How does one serve?』
He replied, 『Like serving the Lokajyestha (World Honored One)!』
The Bodhisattva asked, 『How can one』s mind be without deceit or crookedness?』
He replied, 『The body karma (action) follows the mouth karma (speech), and the mouth karma follows the mind karma (thought). This is called a woman』s mind without deceit or crookedness.』
The Bodhisattva asked, 『How does one transform from a woman』s body?』
He replied, 『Like becoming.』
The Bodhisattva asked, 『How is it like becoming?』
He replied, 『Like transforming.』
The Bodhisattva asked, 『Son of god, what is the meaning of your words?』
He replied, 『Good man! In all dharmas, there is neither becoming nor transforming. All dharmas have one taste, called the Dharmata-rasa (taste of the nature of reality). Good man! I have a woman』s body according to my own vows. Even if my body becomes a man』s body, I will not destroy or abandon the form of a woman』s body. Good man! Therefore, you should know that both male and female are inverted views. All dharmas and inversions are ultimately free from duality (dvaya-lakshana).』
The Bodhisattva Drdhamati asked Koti, 『Do you know a small portion of the Surangama-samadhi (Heroic March Samadhi)?』
He replied, 『Good man! I know that others have attained it, but I have not realized it myself. I remember in a past life, when Sakyamuni Buddha was a Bodhisattva in the house of King Suddhodana (Pure Rice), he remained pure in the palace among many palace women in the middle of the night. At that time, Brahma (god) kings as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River came from the east. Some asked about the Bodhisattva-yana (Bodhisattva vehicle), and some asked about the Sravaka-yana (Hearer vehicle). The Bodhisattva answered each according to their questions. Among the Brahma assembly, there was one Brahma king who did not』
【English Translation】 English version: Then, that Brahma, taking the Bodhisattva's expedient means as a starting point, said: 'Benevolent one, you possess such wisdom and are good at answering questions, why do you still crave the throne (referring to worldly power)?' The other Brahmas, understanding the Bodhisattva's wisdom and expedient means, said to this Brahma: 'The Bodhisattva does not crave the throne (referring to worldly power), but rather to teach and accomplish sentient beings. He dwells in a household, appearing as a Bodhisattva, and now in other worlds, he has attained Buddhahood and turns the wonderful Dharma wheel.' Upon hearing this, that Brahma said: 'What Samadhi (referring to meditation) has he attained to be able to perform such自在(zìzài) and miraculous transformations?' The other Brahmas said: 'It is the power of the Shurangama Samadhi (referring to an advanced state of meditation).' Good man! At that time, I thought to myself: 'The Bodhisattva abides in Samadhi (referring to meditation), and his spiritual power is unprecedented. He dwells in the midst of love and desire, managing the affairs of the country, yet he is able to remain inseparable from this Samadhi (referring to meditation).' Upon hearing this, I became even more respectful, and I developed the reverence of a World Honored One (referring to the Buddha) towards the Bodhisattva, and I deeply aroused the mind of Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (referring to the mind of unsurpassed, complete, and perfect enlightenment), hoping to attain such merits in the future. Good man! What I have seen is only such a small portion, and I only know this Shurangama Samadhi (referring to an advanced state of meditation), which must have immeasurable and inconceivable merits and power.' Firm Intent Bodhisattva said to the Buddha: 'Rare is it, World Honored One! This Ku域(qūyù) Deva (referring to a celestial being) speaks so deeply, all because the Tathagata (referring to the Buddha) is his good advisor (referring to a beneficial teacher and friend) who constantly protects him. World Honored One! Ku域(qūyù) Deva (referring to a celestial being) will soon abide in the Shurangama Samadhi (referring to an advanced state of meditation) and attain this自在(zìzài) miraculous power, just as the World Honored One (referring to the Buddha) does now.' Firm Intent Bodhisattva said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! Is there anyone in this assembly who has attained this Shurangama Samadhi (referring to an advanced state of meditation)?' At that time, there was a Deva (referring to a celestial being) named Present Intent in the assembly, who said to Firm Intent Bodhisattva: 'It is like a merchant entering the ocean and then saying: 'Are there Mani jewels (referring to precious gems) in this ocean that can be taken away?' Your words are like this. Why? Now, in the Tathagata's (referring to the Buddha) great wisdom assembly, the Bodhisattvas accomplish Dharma treasures and emit great adornments. You are sitting in the midst of it, yet you ask: 'Is there any Bodhisattva in this assembly who has attained this Shurangama Samadhi (referring to an advanced state of meditation)?' Firm Intent! There are Bodhisattvas in this assembly who have attained the Shurangama Samadhi (referring to an advanced state of meditation).'
【English Translation】 English version At that time, the Deva (celestial being) Manifest-Intent again manifested various appearances in the assembly, transforming all attendees into beings like Śakra Devānām Indra (Lord of the Devas), residing in the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven (Heaven of Thirty-Three), surrounded and entertained by hundreds of thousands of celestial maidens playing various musical instruments; and further, through his divine power, transformed all attendees into the appearance and majesty of Brahmā (the Creator God), practicing the Four Immeasurables (catvāri apramāṇāni, loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity) in the Brahma Palace. Then he asked Firm-Intent: 'What do you see?' Firm-Intent replied: 'Deva! I see all the attendees as Brahmā.' Manifest-Intent again manifested his divine power, transforming all attendees into the appearance and features of the Elder Mahākāśyapa (Great Kāśyapa), holding robes and bowls, entering various samādhis (meditative states), practicing the Eight Liberations (aṣṭa vimokṣa, eight stages of liberation) without any difference; again manifesting his divine power, transforming all attendees into the body, marks, and majesty of Śākyamuni Buddha (the historical Buddha), each surrounded by a retinue of monks. Again he asked: 'Firm-Intent! What do you see?' Firm-Intent replied: 'Deva! I see the assembly as the body, marks, and majesty of Śākyamuni Buddha, each surrounded by a retinue of monks.' The Deva Manifest-Intent said to Firm-Intent: 'Such is the self-mastery and power of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Heroic March Samādhi)! Firm-Intent! A Bodhisattva who attains the Śūraṅgama Samādhi can place the trisāhasra-mahāsāhasra-loka-dhātu (a great trichiliocosm, a universe containing countless worlds) into a mustard seed, causing the mountains, rivers, sun, moon, and stars within to appear as before, without any crowding, to demonstrate this to all beings. Firm-Intent! The inconceivable power of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi is such!' At that time, the great disciples, as well as the Devas (gods), Nāgas (dragons), Yakṣas (demons), Gandharvas (celestial musicians), Śakra (Indra), Brahmā (the Creator), and Lokapālas (Guardian Kings), together addressed the Buddha, saying: 'World-Honored One! If a person attains this Śūraṅgama Samādhi, that person's merit is inconceivable. Why? Because that person will ultimately attain the Buddha Path, accomplishing wisdom, supernormal powers, and various kinds of knowledge. Today, in this same seat, we have universally seen the various appearances and transformations of the assembly, and we think: 'If a person has not heard of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, know that this is an opportunity for demons to take advantage; if they hear of it, know that this person is protected by all the Buddhas, how much more so if they hear it and practice accordingly.' World-Honored One! If a Bodhisattva wishes to penetrate the Buddha Dharma and reach the other shore, they should listen wholeheartedly to the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, receive and uphold it.'
【English Translation】 English version: Recite and explain it to others. World Honored One! If a Bodhisattva wishes to universally manifest all forms and dignified behaviors, wishes to completely and universally know the mind and mental activities of all sentient beings, and also wishes to universally understand all sentient beings and provide medicine according to their illnesses, they should diligently listen to this Samadhi Dharma Jewel, receive, uphold, and recite it. World Honored One! If someone obtains this Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Courageous Hero Samadhi), it should be known that this person has entered the realm of the Buddha and has wisdom and freedom.』
The Buddha said: 『So it is, so it is, just as you have said. If someone does not obtain the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Courageous Hero Samadhi), they cannot be called a Bodhisattva of deep practice. The Tathagata does not consider this person to be complete in giving, morality, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. Therefore, if you wish to universally practice all paths, you should learn to obtain this Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Courageous Hero Samadhi), without being attached to all that is learned.』
At that time, the Steadfast Intention Bodhisattva asked the Manifest Intention Deva: 『If a Bodhisattva wishes to obtain this Samadhi, what Dharma should they practice?』
The Deva replied: 『If a Bodhisattva wishes to obtain this Samadhi, they should practice the Dharma of ordinary beings. If they see that the Dharma of ordinary beings and the Dharma of the Buddha neither unite nor disperse, this is called cultivating the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Courageous Hero Samadhi).』
Steadfast Intention asked: 『Is there union or dispersion in the Buddha Dharma?』
The Deva replied: 『Even in the Dharma of ordinary beings there is no union or dispersion, how much less in the Buddha Dharma?』
『What is called practice?』
『If one can understand that the Dharma of ordinary beings and the Dharma of the Buddha are not different, this is called cultivation. But in reality, this Dharma has neither union nor dispersion. Good man! All Dharma gatherings have no characteristic of arising; all Dharma gatherings have no characteristic of ceasing; all Dharma gatherings have the characteristic of emptiness; all Dharma gatherings have no characteristic of sensation.』
Steadfast Intention further asked: 『Where does the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Courageous Hero Samadhi) go?』
The Deva replied: 『The Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Courageous Hero Samadhi) goes to the mind and activities of all sentient beings, but it does not cling to the mind and activities to grasp at appearances; it goes to all places of birth, but it is not defiled by the places of birth; it goes to the places of all Buddhas in all worlds, but it does not discriminate the physical characteristics and marks of the Buddha; it goes to all sounds
【English Translation】 English version: 『Speaking with sounds and language, yet not discriminating the characteristics of various scripts; universally revealing all the Buddha-dharma, without reaching an ultimate end. Good man! You ask where this Samadhi reaches? Wherever the Buddha reaches, this Samadhi also reaches in the same way.』
Dridhamati (Firm Intent) asked: 『Where does the Buddha reach?』
The Deva (Celestial Being) replied: 『The Buddha, being Suchness (Tathata), reaches nowhere.』
He further asked: 『Does the Buddha not reach Nirvana (extinction of suffering)?』
The Deva replied: 『All dharmas ultimately reach Nirvana (extinction of suffering), therefore the Tathagata (Thus Come One) does not reach Nirvana (extinction of suffering). Why? Because the nature of Nirvana (extinction of suffering) is such that it does not need to reach Nirvana (extinction of suffering).』
He further asked: 『Do the Buddhas of the past, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, not reach Nirvana (extinction of suffering)?』
The Deva replied: 『Are the Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River born?』
Dridhamati (Firm Intent) said: 『As the Tathagata (Thus Come One) has said, the Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River are born and then pass away.』
The Deva said: 『Good man! The Tathagata (Thus Come One) does not say that one person's appearance in the world greatly benefits and brings happiness to sentient beings. What do you think? Does the Tathagata (Thus Come One) truly believe that sentient beings have birth and death?』
He replied: 『Deva! The Tathagata (Thus Come One) does not perceive birth and death in the Dharma.』
『Good man! You should know that although the Tathagata (Thus Come One) speaks of Buddhas appearing in the world, in terms of the Tathagata's (Thus Come One) true nature, there is actually no birth; although it is said that Buddhas reach Nirvana (extinction of suffering), in terms of the Tathagata's (Thus Come One) true nature, there is actually no extinction.』
He further asked: 『Do the countless Tathagatas (Thus Come Ones) now attain enlightenment?』
The Deva replied: 『The Tathagata (Thus Come One) attains enlightenment through the aspect of no birth and no death. Good man! Whether the Buddhas appear or enter Nirvana (extinction of suffering), there is no difference. Why? Because the Tathagata (Thus Come One) understands that all dharmas are of the nature of quiescence, and this is called Buddha.』 He further asked: 『If all dharmas are ultimately quiescent, can the aspect of Nirvana (extinction of suffering) be understood?』
The Deva replied: 『Since all dharmas are ultimately quiescent and identical to the aspect of Nirvana (extinction of suffering), the understanding of the aspect is also the same. Good man! The Tathagata (Thus Come One) does not appear through birth, abiding, and extinction; the absence of birth, abiding, and extinction is called the appearance of the Buddha.』
【English Translation】 English version Dharmamati (Dṛḍhamati) asked: 'Do you abide in the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (steadfast hero's samādhi), that you are able to speak in this way?' The Deva (Devaputra) replied: 'Good man! What do you think? In what Dharma (law, teaching) does a Nirmāṇakāya (emanation body) of the Tathāgata (the thus-gone one, an epithet of the Buddha) abide when he speaks?' Dharmamati replied: 'He is able to speak by the power of the Buddha.' The Deva further asked: 'Where does the Buddha abide when he creates a Nirmāṇakāya?' The Deva replied: 'The Buddha abides in non-dual superknowledges (advaya-abhijñā) when he creates a Nirmāṇakāya.' The Deva said: 'Just as the Tathāgata abides in non-abiding Dharma when he creates a Nirmāṇakāya, so too do these Nirmāṇakāyas abide in non-abiding Dharma when they speak.' Dharmamati said: 'If there is no abiding, how can there be speech?' The Deva said: 'Just as there is no abiding, so too is speech!' The Deva further asked: 'How does a Bodhisattva (enlightenment being) fully possess eloquence in delightful speech?' The Deva replied: 'A Bodhisattva speaks without clinging to the notion of self (ātman-saṃjñā), without clinging to the notion of other (para-saṃjñā), and without clinging to the notion of Dharma (dharma-saṃjñā); this is called fully possessing eloquence in delightful speech. As the Dharma is spoken, the characteristics of letters are not exhausted, nor are the characteristics of Dharma exhausted. One who speaks in this way does not speak in a dualistic manner; this is called fully possessing eloquence in delightful speech. Furthermore, good man! If a Bodhisattva does not abandon the illusory nature of all Dharmas, and does not abandon the nature of echoes in all sounds, this is called fully possessing eloquence in delightful speech. Moreover, like all letters, sounds, and languages, they have no place, no direction, no inside, no outside, and no abiding; they arise from various conditions. All Dharmas are also like this, having no place, no direction, no inside, no outside, and no abiding; they are not past, future, or present, and are not expressed by letters or words, but are understood inwardly and then spoken; this is called fully possessing eloquence in delightful speech. For example, like an echo, all sounds are spoken according to the nature of the echo.' Dharmamati asked: 'What is the meaning of 'according to'?' The Deva replied: 'Good man! Following space is the meaning of 'according to'. Just as space follows nothing, so too does all speech follow nothing. All Dharmas are incomparable and have no analogy; for those who have attained something, it is said that there is something to follow.' At that time
【English Translation】 English version The World Honored One praised the Deva, saying: 'Excellent, excellent! Just as you have said. Bodhisattvas should not be alarmed or fearful by this. Why? If one is attached to anything, one cannot attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (無上正等正覺, unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment).' Firm Intent Bodhisattva said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! From which Buddha-land did this Present Intent Deva come to this place?' The Deva said: 'What is the purpose of your question?' Firm Intent replied: 'I now wish to pay homage in the direction of his land, as it is the dwelling place of such a great being.' The Deva said: 'If a person obtains this Śūraṅgama-samādhi (首楞嚴三昧, Heroic March Samadhi), all devas and people in the world should revere and respect him.' At that time, the Buddha told Firm Intent Bodhisattva: 'This Present Intent Deva came here from the Abhirati (妙喜世界, Land of Great Delight) world of Akṣobhya Buddha (阿閦佛). He constantly speaks of the Śūraṅgama-samādhi there. Firm Intent! All Buddhas without exception speak of the Śūraṅgama-samādhi. Firm Intent! This Present Intent Deva will attain Buddhahood in this Sahā world (娑婆世界), he wishes to cut off the evils of this five turbidities, take a pure Buddha-land to teach and transform sentient beings, and has come here because of cultivating and increasing the Śūraṅgama-samādhi.' Firm Intent asked the Buddha: 'When will this Deva attain Buddhahood in this world? What will his name be? What will the name of his world be?' The Buddha said: 'This Deva, after the thousand Buddhas of this Bhadrakalpa (賢劫, Fortunate Aeon) have passed away, for sixty-two kalpas (劫, aeon) there will be no more Buddhas, but in between there will be hundreds of millions of Pratyekabuddhas (辟支佛, Solitary Buddhas) appearing, and the sentient beings within will be able to plant good roots. After these kalpas have passed, he will attain Buddhahood, and his name will be Śuddharaśmi-vikīrṇa-rāja-tathāgata (凈光稱王如來, Pure Light Renown King Thus Come One). At that time, the world will be called Śuddhadarśana (凈見, Pure Vision). At that time, Śuddharaśmi-vikīrṇa-rāja-tathāgata will be able to purify the minds of sentient beings, and the sentient beings of that world will not be covered by greed, hatred, and delusion, and will obtain pure faith in the Dharma and all practice good deeds. Firm Intent! This Śuddharaśmi-vikīrṇa-rāja Buddha will have a lifespan of ten small kalpas, and will liberate sentient beings with the Three Vehicles (三乘佛法, Triyāna), and countless Bodhisattvas within will obtain the Śūraṅgama-samādhi, and will obtain the power of self-mastery in all dharmas. At that time, all Māras and Māra's people will cultivate the Great Vehicle of compassion.'
【English Translation】 English version The Buddha-lands where beings reside are free from the three evil paths (hell, hungry ghosts, and animals) and all difficult circumstances. They are adorned and pure, like Uttarakuru (the Northern Kurus). There are no demonic affairs and they are free from all wrong views. After the Buddha's Parinirvana, the Dharma will abide for trillions of years. Drdhamati (Firm Intent)! This son of the gods shall attain Buddhahood in such a pure land.'
At that time, Drdhamati Bodhisattva said to the son of the gods, 'You have obtained great benefit, for the Tathagata (Thus Come One) has predicted that you will attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi ( unsurpassed, complete and perfect enlightenment).'
The son of the gods replied, 'Good man! If there is no attainment in all dharmas, that is called great benefit. If there is attainment in dharmas, then there is no benefit. Good man! Therefore, you should know that if there is no attainment of dharmas, that is called great benefit.'
While this Dharma was being spoken, twenty-five thousand sons of the gods, who had planted roots of virtue in previous lives, all aroused the mind of Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi; ten thousand Bodhisattvas attained the Kshanti (patience/acceptance) of non-origination.
The Surangama Samadhi Sutra Spoken by the Buddha, Volume 1 Taisho Tripitaka Volume 15, No. 0642 The Surangama Samadhi Sutra Spoken by the Buddha
The Surangama Samadhi Sutra Spoken by the Buddha, Volume 2
Translated by Kumarajiva, Tripitaka Master from the Kingdom of Kucha in the Later Qin Dynasty
At that time, Sariputra said to the Buddha, 'World Honored One! It has never happened before that now the Surangama Samadhi is being spoken, and yet these demons do not come to disturb us.'
The Buddha told Sariputra, 'Do you wish to see the affairs of the demons' decline and distress?'
'Yes, I wish to see them.'
At that time, the Buddha emitted a white hair-mark light from between his eyebrows, and all those assembled saw the demons bound by five bonds, unable to free themselves. The Buddha told Sariputra, 'Do you see the demons bound by five bonds?'
'Yes, I have seen them. By whom are these demons bound?'
The Buddha said, 'This is the power of the Surangama Samadhi. In any Buddha-land where the Surangama Samadhi is spoken, if the demons within it wish to create obstacles with evil intentions, due to the Surangama Samadhi and the power of the Buddhas, all those demons will see themselves bound by five bonds. Sariputra!'
【English Translation】 English version: 'In the place where the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (everything-accomplishing firm samādhi) is spoken, whether it is now while I am present, or after my extinction, all the demons, demon people, and other people who harbor evil intentions will, by the majestic spiritual power of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, be bound by the five bonds.'
At that time, the devas (gods), nāgas (dragons), yakṣas (a type of guardian spirit), gandharvas (a type of celestial musician), and others in the assembly said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! We have no doubts about this samādhi, nor will we be an obstacle to it. We do not wish to be bound by the five bonds. World Honored One! Because we respect this samādhi, we will all go to protect those who speak this Dharma, and we will regard this samādhi as we would the World Honored One.'
The Buddha told the devas, nāgas, and spirits: 'Because of this, you should be liberated from the twelve bonds of views. What are the twelve? The bond of the view of self (thinking there is a 'self'), the bond of the view of beings (thinking there are 'beings'), the bond of the view of lifespan (thinking there is a length of 'lifespan'), the bond of the view of person (thinking there is a 'person'), the bond of the annihilationist view (thinking everything will be annihilated), the bond of the eternalist view (thinking everything is eternal), the bond of the view of 'I make' (thinking 'I' am the maker), the bond of the view of 'mine' (thinking it is 'mine'), the bond of the view of existence (thinking there is real existence), the bond of the view of non-existence (thinking there is non-existence), the bond of the view of 'this and that' (thinking there is 'this' and 'that' difference), the bond of the view of dharmas (thinking dharmas are real). These are the twelve. You should know that if there are beings who arise with hatred in the Buddha-dharma and wish to destroy it, it is because they dwell in these twelve bonds of views. If people believe, understand, follow, and do not go against it, they will be liberated from these twelve bonds of views.'
At that time, Śāriputra (one of the Buddha's ten great disciples, known for his wisdom) said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! Can evil demons now hear the name of this Śūraṅgama Samādhi being spoken?'
The Buddha said: 'They can also hear it, but because they are bound, they cannot come.'
Śāriputra said: 'Why doesn't the Tathāgata (another name for the Buddha) use his majestic spiritual power to prevent demons from hearing the name of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi being spoken?'
The Buddha said: 'Stop, do not speak such words. Even if worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River were filled with great fire, one should pass through it to hear the Śūraṅgama Samādhi being spoken. Why? If someone merely hears the Śūraṅgama Samādhi being spoken, I say that this person obtains great benefit, surpassing the attainment of the four dhyānas (meditative states) and being born in the four Brahma heavens. Śāriputra! If evil demons can now hear the name of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi being spoken, because of this cause, they should be able to transcend all demonic affairs; if they hear it while being bound, they should also'
【English Translation】 English version: These twelve views are both the cause of bondage and the means to liberation. Therefore, Śāriputra! Even those with wrong views and evil deeds, those trapped in the nets of Māra, should hear this Śūraṅgama Samādhi, how much more so those with pure minds who joyfully desire to hear it!'
At that time, in the assembly, there was a Bodhisattva named Māradhātu-caritra-vimala, who said to the Buddha: 'Yes, World Honored One! I will now manifest myself in the realm of Māra, and with my power of self-mastery, enable Māra to abide in the Śūraṅgama Samādhi.'
The Buddha said: 'As you wish.'
Then, the Bodhisattva Māradhātu-caritra-vimala, immediately disappeared from the assembly and manifested in the palace of Māra, saying to the evil Māra: 'Have you not heard the Buddha speak of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, through which countless beings have awakened the mind of anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi (unsurpassed perfect enlightenment), and are leaving your realm; and they will also liberate others, leading them out of your realm?'
Māra immediately replied: 'Upon hearing the name of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi spoken by the Buddha, I was bound by five bonds, and could not go. These are my two hands, two feet, and head.'
The Bodhisattva further asked the evil Māra: 'Who bound you?'
Māra immediately replied: 'As soon as I conceived the thought of going to disrupt and disturb those who hear and receive the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, I was immediately bound by these five bonds. Then I thought: 'The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have great power and virtue, and are difficult to disrupt and disturb. If I go, I might destroy myself. It is better to remain in this palace.' As soon as I had this thought, I was released from the five bonds.'
The Bodhisattva replied: 'It is just so. All ordinary beings, through their recollection and discrimination, and their inverted grasping of appearances, are bound; through their frivolous thoughts and idle talk, they are bound; through their seeing, hearing, feeling, and knowing, they are bound. But in reality, there is neither a binder nor one who is bound. Why is this so? Because all dharmas are without bondage, and are inherently liberated; all dharmas are without liberation, and are inherently without bondage; they are always in a state of liberation, free from ignorance. The Tathāgata teaches this Dharma-gate. If beings can understand this meaning, and desire to attain liberation, diligently and vigorously striving, they will be liberated from all bonds.'
At that time, seven hundred heavenly maidens from the assembly of Māra, with heavenly fragrant flowers, powdered incense, scented unguents, and various ornaments,
【English Translation】 English version Luò (name), a Bodhisattva who walks in the realm of scattered demons without being defiled, said: 'When shall I be liberated from the realm of demons?' The Bodhisattva replied: 'If you can not be attached to the bonds of demons, then you will be liberated.' 'What is called the bond of demons?' 'It refers to the sixty-two wrong views. If a person is not attached to these views, he will be liberated from the bonds of demons.' The heavenly maiden further asked: 'How can one be liberated without being attached to various views?' The answer was: 'Various views originally come from nowhere and go nowhere. If one knows that various views have no coming or going characteristics, one will be liberated from the bonds of demons; various views are neither existent nor non-existent. If one does not discriminate between existence and non-existence, one will be liberated from the bonds of demons; if there is nothing to see, that is right view. Such right view is neither right nor wrong. If a dharma is neither right nor wrong, neither created nor received, one will be liberated from the bonds of demons; these views are neither internal nor external, nor in between. If one does not even think of such views, one will be liberated from the bonds of demons.' Upon hearing these words, the seven hundred heavenly maidens immediately attained forbearance (kṣānti, acceptance of the truth of Dharma) and said: 'We shall also walk in the realm of demons without being defiled, and deliver all those who are bound by demons.' At this time, the Bodhisattva who walks in the realm of demons without being defiled said to the evil demon: 'Your retinue has already generated the mind of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi-citta (supreme perfect enlightenment), what do you intend to do?' The evil demon replied: 'I am bound by the five desires and do not know what to do.' The Bodhisattva replied: 'If you generate the mind of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi-citta, you will be liberated from these bonds.' At this time, all the heavenly maidens, out of compassion for the evil demon, all said: 'You can generate the mind of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi-citta, do not generate thoughts of fear in peace; do not generate thoughts of suffering in happiness; do not generate thoughts of bondage in liberation.' At this time, the evil demon generated a flattering and deceitful mind, and said: 'If you abandon the Bodhi-citta, then I will generate it.'
這時,諸位天女用方便之力,對魔說道:『我們都已經捨棄了這種(淫慾)之心,你便可以發起阿耨多羅三藐三菩提心(Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi-citta,無上正等正覺之心)。如果一位菩薩發了菩提心(Bodhi-citta,覺悟之心),一切菩薩也都是同樣的心。這是為什麼呢?因為心沒有差別,對於一切眾生,心都是平等的。』 這時,惡魔對魔界行不污菩薩(the Bodhisattva 'Unstained Conduct in the Realm of Mara')說:『我現在應當發起阿耨多羅三藐三菩提心(Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi-citta,無上正等正覺之心),用這個善根,讓我從束縛中解脫。』說完這話,他自己看到身體從束縛中解脫出來。 這時,魔界行不污菩薩(the Bodhisattva 'Unstained Conduct in the Realm of Mara')用神通力放出大光明,顯現清凈美妙的身相,照亮了魔宮,魔自己看到自己的身體沒有威光,就像一堆墨一樣。 這時,魔眾中的二百位天女,深深地執著于淫慾,看到這位菩薩身相端正,生起染污的愛戀之心,各自說道:『這個人如果能與我交合,我們都應當順從他的教導。』 這時,這位菩薩知道諸位天女宿世的因緣應該被度化,立刻化作二百位天子,容貌端莊美麗,和自身沒有差別;又化作二百個寶交露臺,勝過魔宮的景觀。這些天女,都自己看到自己身處這些寶臺之中,各自認為與這位菩薩共同享樂,所希望的都得到滿足,淫慾之意平息,都生起深深的敬愛之心,愛敬菩薩。菩薩立刻隨著她們各自的根器,為她們說法,都發起了阿耨多羅三藐三菩提心(Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi-citta,無上正等正覺之心)。 這時,魔界行不污菩薩(the Bodhisattva 'Unstained Conduct in the Realm of Mara')對惡魔說:『你可以去佛那裡。』 魔這樣想:『我的束縛已經解開,應當去佛那裡破壞擾亂說法。』這時,惡魔被眷屬圍繞著,前往佛所在的地方,稟告說:『世尊!不要再說這首楞嚴三昧(Śūraṅgama Samādhi)了。這是為什麼呢?因為說了這個三昧,我的身體立刻就被五種束縛捆綁,只希望如來再說其他的事情。』 這時,堅意菩薩(the Bodhisattva Firm Intent)對惡魔說:『是誰解開了你的束縛?』 答
【English Translation】 English version:
At that time, the goddesses, using skillful means, said to the Mara (demon): 'We have all abandoned this (lustful) mind. You should then generate the Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi-citta (the mind of unsurpassed, complete, and perfect enlightenment). If one Bodhisattva generates the Bodhi-citta (mind of enlightenment), all Bodhisattvas share the same mind. Why is that? Because the mind has no difference; towards all sentient beings, the mind is equal.' At that time, the evil Mara said to the Bodhisattva 'Unstained Conduct in the Realm of Mara': 'I should now generate the Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi-citta (the mind of unsurpassed, complete, and perfect enlightenment), and with this good root, may I be liberated from my bonds.' After saying this, he saw his own body freed from its bonds. At that time, the Bodhisattva 'Unstained Conduct in the Realm of Mara', using his supernatural powers, emitted great light, manifested a pure and wonderful form, illuminating the Mara's palace. The Mara saw his own body without any majestic light, like a heap of ink. At that time, two hundred goddesses in the Mara's assembly, deeply attached to lust, saw this Bodhisattva's upright and handsome form, and generated defiled love in their minds. Each of them said: 'If this man could engage with me, we would all follow his teachings.' At that time, this Bodhisattva knew that the karmic connections of these goddesses from past lives were ripe for liberation. Immediately, he transformed into two hundred celestial princes, with upright and beautiful appearances, no different from his own form. He also created two hundred jeweled platforms, surpassing the scenery of the Mara's palace. These goddesses all saw themselves in these jeweled platforms, each thinking that they were enjoying themselves with this Bodhisattva, their wishes fulfilled, their lustful desires subsided. They all generated deep respect and love for the Bodhisattva. The Bodhisattva then taught them the Dharma according to their individual capacities, and they all generated the Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi-citta (the mind of unsurpassed, complete, and perfect enlightenment). At that time, the Bodhisattva 'Unstained Conduct in the Realm of Mara' said to the evil Mara: 'You may go to the Buddha.' The Mara thought: 'My bonds have been released. I should go to the Buddha's place to disrupt and confuse the Dharma.' At that time, the evil Mara, surrounded by his retinue, went to the place where the Buddha was, and reported: 'World Honored One! Do not speak of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi anymore. Why is that? Because when this Samādhi is spoken, my body is immediately bound by five bonds. I only wish that the Tathagata would speak of other matters.' At that time, the Bodhisattva Firm Intent said to the evil Mara: 'Who released your bonds?' Answer
【English Translation】 English version: The demon said: 'Walking in the demon realm does not defile a Bodhisattva! Release my bonds.'
'What do you promise to do, in order to be released?'
The demon said: 'I promise to generate the Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi-citta (unexcelled perfect enlightenment mind).'
At that time, the Buddha told Drdhamati Bodhisattva (Firm Intent Bodhisattva): 'Now this evil demon, for the sake of being released from his bonds, generates the Bodhi-citta (mind of enlightenment), but not with a pure intention. Like this, Drdhamati! After my Parinirvana (complete extinction), in the latter five hundred years, there will be many bhiksus (monks) who generate the Bodhi-citta for the sake of profit and offerings, but not with a pure intention. Drdhamati! Observe the power of the Surangama-samadhi (Heroic March Samadhi), the majestic spiritual power of the Buddha-dharma. These bhiksus, bhiksunis (nuns), upasakas (male lay devotees), and upasikas (female lay devotees), with a mind of levity and mockery, a mind of greed for profit and offerings, and a mind of following others, hear this samadhi and generate the Bodhi-citta. I know all these minds, and they can serve as a cause and condition for Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, let alone those who hear this Surangama-samadhi and can generate Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi with a pure mind? You should know that this person has already attained certainty in the Buddha-dharma.'
Drdhamati Bodhisattva said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! Now this evil demon, hearing the Surangama-samadhi being spoken, generates the Bodhi-citta for the sake of being released from his bonds, can he also fully possess the causes and conditions for the Buddha-dharma?'
The Buddha said: 'Just as you said. Because of the merit and virtue causes and conditions of this samadhi, and the causes and conditions of generating the Bodhi-citta, in the future, the evil demon will be able to abandon all demonic affairs, demonic practices, demonic deceitful minds, and demonic afflictions. From now on, he should gradually obtain the power of the Surangama-samadhi and accomplish the Buddha-path.'
Drdhamati Bodhisattva said to the evil demon: 'The Tathagata (Thus Come One) has now given you a prediction of Buddhahood.'
The demon said: 'Good man! I am not generating the Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi with a pure mind now, why does the Tathagata give me a prediction of Buddhahood? As the Buddha said: 'From the mind comes karma, and from karma comes retribution.' I myself have no mind to seek the Bodhi-path, why does the Tathagata give me a prediction of Buddhahood?'
At that time, the Buddha, wanting to dispel the doubts of the assembly, told Drdhamati: 'There are four kinds of predictions of Buddhahood for Bodhisattvas. What
【English Translation】 English version: What are the four types of prediction? They are: prediction given to those who have not yet generated the aspiration [for enlightenment], prediction given to those who have just generated the aspiration, secret prediction, and prediction given in the presence of those who have attained the acceptance of the non-arising of phenomena. These are called the four types of prediction. Only the Tathagata (title of the Buddha) can know these things; all Śrāvakas (disciples who attain enlightenment by hearing the Dharma) and Pratyekabuddhas (those who attain enlightenment on their own, without a teacher) cannot know.
'Drdhamati (name of a Bodhisattva)! What is called prediction given to those who have not yet generated the aspiration [for enlightenment]? There may be beings who transmigrate through the five paths [of existence]: whether in hell, in the animal realm, in the realm of hungry ghosts, in the heavens, or in the human realm, whose faculties (indriya, referring to the six senses: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind) are sharp and who delight in the Great Dharma. The Buddha knows that this person, after passing through so many hundreds of thousands of millions of asamkhya (an extremely large number) kalpas (eons), will generate the aspiration for anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi-citta (the mind of unsurpassed, complete, and perfect enlightenment); and again, in so many hundreds of thousands of millions of asamkhya kalpas, will practice the bodhisattva-caryā (the conduct of a Bodhisattva), make offerings to so many hundreds of thousands of millions of nayuta (a unit of measurement) Buddhas, teach and transform so many hundreds of thousands of millions of immeasurable beings, causing them to abide in bodhi (enlightenment); and again, after passing through so many hundreds of thousands of millions of asamkhya kalpas, will attain anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi, with a name such as this, a land such as this, a number of Śrāvaka disciples and a lifespan such as this, and a duration of the Dharma's remaining after extinction such as this.' The Buddha told Drdhamati: 'The Tathagata is fully capable of knowing these things, even beyond these. This is called prediction given to those who have not yet generated the aspiration [for enlightenment].'
At that time, the elder Mahākāśyapa (one of the Buddha's ten great disciples) came forward and said to the Buddha: 'From now on, we should regard all beings with the same respect as we regard the Bhagavan (title of the Buddha). Why? Because we do not have such wisdom. Which beings have the roots of a Bodhisattva? Which beings do not have the roots of a Bodhisattva? World-Honored One (Bhagavan)! We do not know such things, and perhaps we may develop a sense of contempt towards beings, which would be harmful to ourselves.'
The Buddha said: 'Excellent! Excellent! Kāśyapa! You have spoken well. For this reason, I say in the sutras: 'People should not recklessly measure beings. Why? If one recklessly measures other beings, it is harmful to oneself. Only the Tathagata! can measure beings and those equal to the Tathagata.' Because of this reason, if all Śrāvakas and other Bodhisattvas, towards all beings, should generate the same respect as they would towards a Buddha.'
'Having just generated the aspiration [for enlightenment], one receives prediction...'
【English Translation】 English version: 'Or a reporter, or someone else, who has long cultivated the roots of virtue, practiced good deeds, diligently and vigorously advanced, with sharp faculties, delighting in the Great Dharma, with great compassion, universally seeking the path of liberation for all beings. When such a person generates the aspiration [for enlightenment], they immediately dwell in Avaivartika (non-retrogression), enter the position of a Bodhisattva, join the ranks of those destined for Buddhahood, and transcend the eight difficulties. When such individuals first generate the aspiration, all Buddhas immediately bestow upon them the prediction of Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (unsurpassed, complete, perfect enlightenment), foretelling their name, their land, and their lifespan. When the Tathagata knows the mind of such individuals, He bestows the prediction, and this is called receiving the prediction immediately upon generating the aspiration.
'Secret prediction' refers to Bodhisattvas who have not yet received a prediction but constantly and diligently seek Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. They delight in various kinds of giving, delight in all giving; they are steadfast in upholding the Dharma, never abandoning the precepts; they deeply cultivate adornment, possess great patience, and treat all beings equally; they diligently practice vigor, seeking all good dharmas, without懈怠 in body or mind, as if saving their own heads from burning; they practice mindfulness in peace and attain the four Dhyanas; they delight in seeking wisdom and practice the Bodhi of the Buddhas. Having long practiced the Six Perfections, they possess the marks of Buddhahood. At that time, other Bodhisattvas, Devas, Nagas, Yakshas, Gandharvas (celestial musicians), and others think: 'This Bodhisattva is diligent and vigorous, truly rare. When will they attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi? What will their name be? What will their land be called? How many Shravakas (listeners) will there be?' To dispel the doubts of these beings, the Buddha bestows the prediction, making it known to all in the assembly, except for the Bodhisattva themselves. Through the Buddha's power, all beings know this Bodhisattva, their Buddha name, their land, and the number of Shravakas. The doubts of the assembly are resolved, and they develop the perception of the World-Honored One towards this Bodhisattva, but the Bodhisattva cannot know whether they have received the prediction or not. This is called a Bodhisattva secretly receiving the prediction.
'Prediction in the presence' refers to Bodhisattvas who have long accumulated good roots, lacking nothing, constantly practicing pure conduct, contemplating the emptiness of selflessness, and attaining the forbearance of non-origination in all dharmas. Knowing that this person's merits and wisdom are fully complete, the Buddha, in the midst of the assembly and in the presence of the Bodhisattva, bestows the prediction of Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, foretelling their name, their land, their lifespan, and the way they will liberate beings. This is called a Bodhisattva receiving the prediction in the presence.'
【English Translation】 English version: Among the assembly of Devas (gods), humans, Maras (demons), Brahmas (divine beings), Śrāmaṇas (ascetics), and Brāhmaṇas (priests), a prediction is given in their presence, saying: 『Good man! After countless hundreds of thousands of millions of kalpas (aeons), you shall attain Buddhahood, with such a name, such a land, such a number of Śrāvaka (hearer) disciples, and such a lifespan.』 At that time, countless people follow and emulate this person, all generating the mind of anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi-citta (unsurpassed perfect enlightenment). After this person receives the prediction in the presence of the Buddha, their body rises into the sky, as high as seven tāla (palm) trees. Dṛḍhamati (Firm Intent)! This is called the fourth kind of prediction given in one's presence.』
At that time, Dṛḍhamati Bodhisattva (Bodhisattva of Firm Intent) said to the Buddha: 『In this assembly now, are there any Bodhisattvas who have received predictions through these four means?』
The Buddha replied: 『Yes.』
『World Honored One! Who are they?』
The Buddha said: 『This Siṃhanādīrāja Bodhisattva (Lion's Roar King Bodhisattva), Ruciruci Gṛhapati-putra (Son of the Delightful Householder), received predictions before generating the mind of enlightenment, and like them, countless Bodhisattvas in other worlds also received predictions before generating the mind of enlightenment. Furthermore, there are Śāntamati Bodhisattva (Quiet Mind Bodhisattva), Mahāguṇa Dharma-kumāra Bodhisattva (Great Virtue Dharma Prince Bodhisattva), and Mañjuśrī Dharma-kumāra Bodhisattva (Mañjuśrī Dharma Prince Bodhisattva), and countless other Bodhisattvas like them, who are given predictions as soon as they generate the mind of enlightenment, and all abide in the avaivartika (non-retrogression) stage. Among them are also Matisāgara Bodhisattva (Ocean of Wisdom Bodhisattva), and Vardhamānamati Bodhisattva (Increasing Wisdom Bodhisattva), and countless other Bodhisattvas like them, who are secretly given predictions. Dṛḍhamati (Firm Intent)! I, Maitreya (the future Buddha), and the thousand Bodhisattvas of this Bhadrakalpa (Fortunate Aeon), have all attained anutpattika-dharma-kṣānti (the patient acceptance of the non-arising of all dharmas), and received predictions in our presence.』
Dṛḍhamati Bodhisattva (Bodhisattva of Firm Intent) said to the Buddha: 『Rare indeed, World Honored One! The conduct of Bodhisattvas is inconceivable, and the predictions are also inconceivable. All Śrāvakas (Hearers), and Pratyekabuddhas (Solitary Buddhas) are unable to know this, let alone other beings.』
The Buddha said: 『Dṛḍhamati (Firm Intent)! The conduct of Bodhisattvas, the diligence they generate, and their majestic and spiritual power are inconceivable.』
At that time, the celestial maidens transformed by Māradharmacārin Anupalipta Bodhisattva (Bodhisattva Whose Conduct in the Realm of Mara is Unstained), after he caused them to generate the mind of anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi-citta (unsurpassed perfect enlightenment), each scattered celestial flowers upon the Buddha, and said to the Buddha: 『World Honored One! We do not delight in receiving secret predictions; we wish to attain anutpattika-dharma-kṣānti (the patient acceptance of the non-arising of all dharmas), and receive predictions in our presence.』
當時,惡魔憂愁苦惱,想要返回天上。魔界行不污菩薩(The Bodhisattva whose conduct in the realm of Mara is unblemished)對惡魔說:'你想要去哪裡?'
惡魔說:'我現在想要返回我所居住的宮殿。'
【English Translation】 English version: 'I wish, World Honored One (Bhagavan)! Please grant me the prediction of Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (unsurpassed, complete and perfect enlightenment) now.'
The Buddha then smiled, and from his mouth emitted various wonderful colored lights, illuminating all the worlds, and then re-entered from the top of his head. Ananda (one of the ten principal disciples of the Buddha) asked the Buddha, 'World Honored One (Bhagavan)! What is the reason for your smile?'
The Buddha said to Ananda (one of the ten principal disciples of the Buddha), 'Do you now see these two hundred heavenly women who are joining their palms and respectfully bowing to the Tathagata?'
'I have seen them, World Honored One (Bhagavan)!'
The Buddha said, 'Ananda (one of the ten principal disciples of the Buddha)! These heavenly women have in the past deeply planted good roots with five hundred Buddhas. From now on, they will continue to make offerings to countless Buddhas. After seven hundred asamkhya kalpas (immeasurably long eons), they will all attain Buddhahood, and their Buddha name will be Pure King. Ananda (one of the ten principal disciples of the Buddha)! After these heavenly women's lives end, they will be transformed into male bodies and will all be born in the Tusita Heaven, where they will make offerings and serve Maitreya Bodhisattva!'
At that time, the Mara, upon hearing that these heavenly women had received predictions, said to the Buddha, 'World Honored One (Bhagavan)! I am now unable to control all my retinue because of hearing this Surangama Samadhi (the Heroic March Samadhi), let alone those who hear it. If someone can hear the Surangama Samadhi (the Heroic March Samadhi), they will ultimately abide in the Buddha-dharma.'
At that time, the heavenly women, with fearless hearts, said to the Mara, 'Do not be too distressed, we will not leave your realm now. Why? The suchness (tathata) of the Mara's realm is the suchness (tathata) of the Buddha's realm. The suchness (tathata) of the Mara's realm and the suchness (tathata) of the Buddha's realm are not two, there is no difference. We do not leave this suchness (tathata). The characteristics of the Mara's realm are the characteristics of the Buddha's realm. The dharma of the Mara's realm and the dharma of the Buddha's realm are not two, there is no difference. We neither exceed nor fall short of this dharma characteristic. There is no fixed dharma that can be shown in the Mara's realm, and there is no fixed dharma that can be shown in the Buddha's realm. The Mara's realm and the Buddha's realm are not two, there is no difference. We neither exceed nor fall short of this dharma characteristic. Therefore, you should know that all dharmas have no fixed nature. Because there is no fixed nature, there are no fixed retinue, nor non-retinue.'
At that time, the Mara was worried and distressed, wanting to return to the heavens. The Bodhisattva whose conduct in the realm of Mara is unblemished said to the Mara, 'Where do you want to go?'
The Mara said, 'I now want to return to the palace where I live.'
【English Translation】 English version The Bodhisattva said, 'Without leaving this assembly, this is your palace.' At that time, the demon immediately saw himself in his original palace. The Bodhisattva asked, 'What do you see?' The demon replied, 'I see myself in my original palace, with beautiful gardens and ponds, all of which are mine.' The Bodhisattva said, 'Can you now offer these to the Tathagata (one of the titles of the Buddha)?' The demon said, 'Yes, I can!' As soon as he said this, he saw the Tathagata, Sravakas (disciples who practice by hearing the Buddha's teachings), Bodhisattvas (beings who aspire to become Buddhas), and the entire assembly, all within it, expounding the Surangama Samadhi (a profound state of meditation). At that time, Ananda (one of the Buddha's ten great disciples) asked the Buddha, 'World Honored One! Where the Buddha dwells and expounds the Surangama Samadhi, and when someone offered food and the Buddha attained enlightenment, which of these two donors has more merit?' The Buddha said, 'Ananda! Offering food to the Buddha, the Buddha then attained Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (unexcelled complete enlightenment), after eating, he turned the Dharma wheel (Dharmacakra, teaching the Dharma), and after eating, he expounded the Surangama Samadhi. These three offerings of food have no difference in merit. Ananda! Wherever I attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, know that place is Vajra (diamond, meaning indestructible), past, future, and present Buddhas all attain Buddhahood within it, wherever they dwell and expound the Surangama Samadhi, it is the same, without difference, and also where there is reading, reciting, and writing, it is also like this! Ananda! After offering food to the Buddha, the Dharma wheel is first turned. If a Dharma master receives food and then reads and expounds this Surangama Samadhi, these two offerings of merit are equally without difference. Furthermore, Ananda! The Buddha dwells in a Vihara (monastery), using eighteen kinds of supernatural powers to liberate beings; and there is also a Vihara, in which the Surangama Samadhi is read and expounded, these two places of offering, their merit is no different.' At that time, Ananda said to the demon, 'You have gained great benefit, being able to offer your palace for the Buddha to dwell in.' The demon said, 'This is because the actions of the Mara realm (the realm ruled by demons) cannot defile the Bodhisattva's grace and power.' Drdhamati Bodhisattva asked the Buddha, 'World Honored One! This is because the actions of the Mara realm cannot defile the Bodhisattva dwelling in the Surangama Samadhi, the supernatural power is so free and at ease...'
【English Translation】 English version: 'Is that so?'
The Buddha said, 'Firm Intent (a Bodhisattva's name)! Just as you have said, this Bodhisattva, abiding in this Shurangama Samadhi (a high-level of meditative concentration), can manifest everything at will with supernatural powers, walking in the realm of demons but not being defiled by demonic actions, enjoying entertainment with heavenly women but not actually being affected by lust and other evil dharmas. This good man! Abiding in the Shurangama Samadhi, manifests entering the demon palace but his body does not leave the Buddha's assembly. He manifests playing and enjoying himself in the demon realm, but uses the Buddha's Dharma to teach sentient beings.'
The Firm Intent Bodhisattva said to the Buddha, 'World Honored One! The Tathagata, abiding in this Shurangama Samadhi, can manifest how many free and supernatural powers? Excellent, World Honored One! May you please explain a little.'
The Buddha said, 'Firm Intent! I, now abiding in this Shurangama Samadhi, in this three thousand great thousand world system, there are a hundred billion Jambudvipas (four continents), a hundred billion suns and moons, a hundred billion abodes of the Four Heavenly Kings, a hundred billion Trayastrimsa Heavens (Thirty-three Heavens), a hundred billion Yama Heavens, a hundred billion Tushita Heavens, a hundred billion Nirmanarati Heavens, a hundred billion Paranirmita-vasavartin Heavens, and even a hundred billion Akanistha Heavens (the highest heaven in the Realm of Form), a hundred billion Mount Sumerus, a hundred billion great oceans, this is called the three thousand great thousand world system. Firm Intent! I, abiding in the Shurangama Samadhi, in this three thousand great thousand world system, sometimes in Jambudvipa (Southern Continent) manifest practicing Dana Paramita (Perfection of Giving); sometimes in Jambudvipa manifest practicing Sila Paramita (Perfection of Morality); sometimes in Jambudvipa manifest practicing Ksanti Paramita (Perfection of Patience); sometimes in Jambudvipa manifest practicing Virya Paramita (Perfection of Diligence); sometimes in Jambudvipa manifest practicing Dhyana Paramita (Perfection of Meditation); sometimes in Jambudvipa manifest practicing Prajna Paramita (Perfection of Wisdom); sometimes in Jambudvipa manifest as a divine immortal with five supernatural powers; sometimes in Jambudvipa manifest as a householder; sometimes in Jambudvipa manifest practicing renunciation; sometimes in the four continents manifest in the Tushita Heaven, as a one-life-remaining Bodhisattva; sometimes in the four continents manifest as a Wheel-Turning Sage King; sometimes manifest as Sakra Devanam Indra (Lord Indra); sometimes manifest as Brahma King; sometimes manifest as the Four Heavenly Kings; sometimes manifest as the Yama Heaven King; sometimes manifest as the Tushita Heaven King; sometimes manifest as the Nirmanarati Heaven King; sometimes manifest as the Paranirmita-vasavartin Heaven King; sometimes manifest as an elder; sometimes manifest as a layman; sometimes manifest as a small king or a great king; sometimes manifest as...'
【English Translation】 English version A Kshatriya (Kshatriya, the second highest caste in the Hindu caste system); or a Brahmin (Brahmin, the highest caste in the Hindu caste system); or a Vaishya (Vaishya, the third caste in the Hindu caste system). Or in the four continents (Sumeru, the world in Buddhist cosmology), manifesting descending from the Tushita Heaven (Tushita Heaven, one of the six heavens of the desire realm in Buddhism, where Maitreya Bodhisattva resides) to the world; or manifesting entering the womb; or manifesting being in the womb; or manifesting about to be born; or manifesting walking seven steps after birth, raising a hand and proclaiming: 『Above and below the heavens, I alone am the honored one!』 Or manifesting being in the palace with consorts; or manifesting renouncing the home life; or manifesting practicing asceticism; or manifesting taking grass; or manifesting sitting at the Bodhi-mandala (place of enlightenment); or manifesting subduing the demons; or manifesting becoming a Buddha; or manifesting beholding the Bodhi tree king; or manifesting Śakra-devānām-Indra (Śakra-devānām-Indra, a Buddhist protector deity) and Brahma (Brahma, the Hindu god of creation) requesting the turning of the Dharma wheel; or manifesting turning the Dharma wheel; or manifesting relinquishing life; or manifesting entering Nirvana (Nirvana, the ultimate goal of Buddhism, liberation from the cycle of birth and death); or manifesting burning the body; or manifesting whole-body relics (Śarīra, Buddhist sacred objects, the remains of the Buddha or high monks after cremation); or manifesting scattered relics; or manifesting the Dharma about to perish; or manifesting the Dharma already perished; or manifesting immeasurable lifespan; or manifesting short lifespan; or manifesting a land without the name of evil realms; or manifesting having various evil realms; or manifesting Jambudvipa (Jambudvipa, the world we live in) being pure and adorned like a heavenly palace; or manifesting defects and evils; or manifesting superior, middling, and inferior. 『Drdhamati (Drdhamati, name of a Bodhisattva)! These are all the sovereign spiritual powers of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Śūraṅgama Samādhi, an advanced state of meditation). Bodhisattvas manifest entering Nirvana, but not complete extinction. In the tri-sahasra-mahā-sahasra-lokadhātu (Tri-sahasra-mahā-sahasra-lokadhātu, a vast world system in Buddhist cosmology), they can manifest such sovereign spiritual powers, manifesting such various adornments. Drdhamati! You see the Tathagata (Tathagata, 'Thus Gone One', an epithet of the Buddha) turning the Dharma wheel in these four continents, while other Jambudvipas have not yet attained Buddhahood, or some Jambudvipas manifest entering extinction. This is called the Dharma gate entered by the Śūraṅgama Samādhi.』 At that time, the Devas (Deva, gods), Nāgas (Nāga, mythical creatures), Yakṣas (Yakṣa, guardian deities), Gandharvas (Gandharva, celestial musicians), and other great disciples of the Bodhisattvas in the assembly all thought: 『Does Śākyamuni Buddha (Śākyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism) only have such spiritual powers in this tri-sahasra-mahā-sahasra-lokadhātu? Does he also have such powers in other worlds?』 Then, Mañjuśrī, the Dharma Prince (Mañjuśrī, symbol of wisdom), knowing the thoughts of the assembly and wanting to dispel their doubts, said to the Buddha: 『World Honored One! In the Buddha lands I have traveled to, beyond this world, passing sixty Ganges sands (Gaṅgā, the Ganges River in India) worth of lands, there is a Buddha world named Eka-pradīpa-prabha (Eka-pradīpa-prabha), where a Buddha is teaching the Dharma. I went to his place, bowed my head to his feet, and asked: 『World Honored One! What is your name? How should we uphold your name?』
【English Translation】 English version: I asked him, and that Buddha answered me: 『Go to Śākyamuni Buddha! He will naturally answer you.』 World-Honored One! The meritorious adornments of that Buddha-land are such that even if described for an eon, they could not be fully recounted. Moreover, in that land, there are no names of Śrāvakas or Pratyekabuddhas, but only assemblies of Bodhisattvas, who constantly preach the Dharma wheel of non-retrogression. May the World-Honored One speak of the name of that Buddha, the preacher in Ekadīpaprabhāsa (One Lamp Light) land!」
At that time, the Buddha told the Dharma Prince Mañjuśrī: 『Listen carefully, all of you, and do not harbor fear, giving rise to doubt and regret. Why? Because the spiritual powers of all Buddhas are inconceivable, and the power of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi is also inconceivable. Mañjuśrī! The Buddha who preaches in Ekadīpaprabhāsa land is named Sarvakarmaguṇavicitrarāja (King of the Light of Freedom in All Merits). Mañjuśrī! The Sarvakarmaguṇavicitrarāja Buddha in Ekadīpaprabhāsa land is my own body manifesting the Buddha's spiritual power in that land. I preach the Dharma wheel of non-retrogression in that land, which is the pure land I cultivated in past lives. Mañjuśrī! You should know now that I possess spiritual power in countless, boundless, hundreds of thousands of millions of nayutas of lands, which all Śrāvakas and Pratyekabuddhas cannot know. Mañjuśrī! All of this is the power of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi. Bodhisattvas constantly manifest spiritual transformations in countless worlds, yet they do not move or waver from this Samādhi. Mañjuśrī! For example, the sun and moon never move from their palaces, yet they appear in all cities and villages. Bodhisattvas are like this, abiding in the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, never moving, yet able to manifest their bodies throughout countless worlds, preaching the Dharma according to what beings desire.』
At that time, the assembly experienced something unprecedented, and they were all greatly delighted, leaping with joy immeasurably, joining their palms in reverence, along with the Devas, Nāgas, Yakṣas, Gandharvas, Asuras, Garuḍas, Kiṃnaras, Mahoragas, and others, scattering pearl flowers, various wonderful colored flowers, powdered incense, and scented ointment upon the Buddha. They all played the music of the Devas, making offerings to the Tathāgata and his disciples; and they each took off their upper garments, offering them to the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas.
【English Translation】 English version: Then! With wondrously colored flowers, as large as Mount Sumeru (Sumeru, the sacred mountain in Buddhist cosmology), along with various mixed fragrances, powdered incense, scented ointments, precious jewels, and necklaces, they scattered them upon the Buddha. They all said, 'World Honored One! If there is a place where the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Śūraṅgama Samādhi, an advanced state of meditation) is spoken of, that place is as firm as diamond; if a person hears of this samādhi, and believes, accepts, recites, and explains it to others without being startled or afraid, know that this person is also like diamond, achieving indestructible endurance, deeply dwelling in faith, protected by all Buddhas, having thickly planted good roots, obtaining great benefits, subduing demonic enemies, cutting off all evil destinies, and being guarded by good spiritual advisors. World Honored One! As I understand the meaning of what the Buddha has said, if sentient beings hear this Śūraṅgama Samādhi, they can believe, accept, recite, understand its meaning, explain it to others, and practice according to what is said, know that this person can abide in the Buddha-dharma and will definitely not regress.' The Buddha said, 'It is so, it is so, just as you have said. If a person does not thickly plant various good roots, they cannot believe and accept the Śūraṅgama Samādhi upon hearing it. Few sentient beings can believe and accept the Śūraṅgama Samādhi upon hearing it; many sentient beings cannot believe and accept it. Good man! A person has four conditions to be able to believe and accept this samādhi upon hearing it. What are the four? First, they have heard of this samādhi from past Buddhas; second, they are protected by good spiritual advisors and deeply love the Buddha-path; third, their good roots are deep and thick, and they love the great Dharma; fourth, they have personally attained realization of the profound Dharma of the Great Vehicle. Having these four conditions, they can believe and accept such a samādhi. Good man! There are also Arhats (Arhat, practitioners who have attained Nirvana) who have fulfilled their vows, as well as those who possess right view and those who practice through faith and those who practice through understanding. These people believe in this samādhi because they trust the words of the Tathagata, but they do not personally realize it. Why? Because this samādhi cannot be penetrated by all Śrāvakas (Śrāvaka, practitioners who attain enlightenment by hearing the Buddha's teachings) and Pratyekabuddhas (Pratyekabuddha, practitioners who attain enlightenment on their own without a teacher), let alone other sentient beings!' At that time, the elder Mahākāśyapa (Mahākāśyapa, one of the Buddha's ten great disciples) said to the Buddha, 'World Honored One! It is like a person born blind who gains eyes in a dream, sees all kinds of colors, and is greatly delighted. In the dream, they live and converse with those who have eyes. When this person awakens, they can no longer see colors. We are also like that! Before hearing this Śūraṅgama Samādhi, our hearts were filled with joy.'
【English Translation】 English version: Joy refers to obtaining the divine eye and dwelling and conversing with all the Bodhisattvas, discussing the principles of Dharma. World Honored One! Now I hear this Samadhi (concentration) from the Buddha, but I do not understand its affairs, like a person born blind, unable to know the practices of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. From now on, we will regard ourselves as if we were born blind, without wisdom regarding the Buddha's profound Dharma, not knowing or seeing the practices of the World Honored One. From now on, we know that all Bodhisattvas have truly obtained the divine eye and can obtain such profound wisdom. World Honored One! If someone does not have the mind of Sarvajna (all-knowing), who would dare to claim: 'I am wise, I am a field of merit (merit field)?'
The Buddha said: 'So it is, so it is. Kasyapa (one of the Buddha's ten great disciples)! As you have said. The various profound wisdoms obtained by Bodhisattvas cannot be reached by Sravakas (disciples who hear the Buddha's teachings and practice) or Pratyekabuddhas (Solitary Buddhas).'
When Mahakasyapa (one of the Buddha's ten great disciples) spoke these words, eight thousand beings all aroused the mind of Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi-citta (unsurpassed, complete and perfect enlightenment).
At that time, Bodhisattva Firm Intent asked Manjusri (symbol of wisdom), the Dharma Prince, saying: 'Manjusri! What is meant by the term 'field of merit (merit field)'?'
Manjusri said: 'There are ten Dharma practices that are called fields of merit. What are the ten? Abiding in the doors of liberation of emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness (Sunyata, Animitta, Apranihita), but not entering the position of Dharma; seeing and knowing the Four Noble Truths (Four Noble Truths) without attaining the fruit of the path; practicing the Eight Deliverances (Eight Deliverances) without abandoning the Bodhisattva practice; being able to generate the Threefold Knowledge (Threefold Knowledge) and practicing in the Three Realms (Three Realms); being able to manifest the form and demeanor of a Sravaka, but not following the teachings of others to seek the Dharma; manifesting the form and demeanor of a Pratyekabuddha, and speaking the Dharma with unobstructed eloquence; constantly being in Samadhi (concentration) and being able to manifest the practice of all practices; not departing from the right path and manifesting entry into the wrong path; deeply craving attachment and love, yet being free from all desires and all afflictions; entering Nirvana (extinction) without destroying or abandoning birth and death. Having these ten Dharmas, you should know that this person is a true field of merit.'
At that time, Bodhisattva Firm Intent asked Subhuti (one of the Buddha's ten great disciples), saying: 'Elder Subhuti! The World Honored One said that you are the foremost field of merit, do you possess these ten Dharmas?'
Subhuti said: 'I do not even have one of these Dharmas, let alone ten!'
【現代漢語翻譯】 現代漢語譯本 堅意問道:『你以什麼名義成為第一福田(best field of merit)?』 須菩提(Subhuti)回答說:『我不是在佛(Buddha)和諸菩薩(Bodhisattva)中成為第一福田,佛說我在聲聞(Sravaka)、辟支佛(Pratyekabuddha)中是第一福田。堅意!譬如邊遠地區的小國王也稱為王;如果轉輪聖王(cakravartin)來到邊遠地區,那些小國王等就不再稱為王,那時只有轉輪聖王,因為聖王的威德殊勝美妙。堅意!在任何國土、城邑、聚落,沒有菩薩的地方,我可以在其中成為福田;如果有佛的地方,有大菩薩,我就不能在其中稱為福田。諸菩薩有薩婆若(Sarvajna,一切智)之心,所以勝過我。』 這時,佛讚歎須菩提說:『善哉善哉!如你所說,這是沒有增上慢的大弟子所說的話啊!』 堅意菩薩又問文殊師利(Manjusri)法王子說:『文殊師利!您所說的多聞,怎樣才叫做多聞?』 文殊師利說:『如果有人聽聞一句法,就能理解其中千萬億的意義,經過百千萬劫敷衍解說,智慧辯才不可窮盡,這就叫做多聞。再次,堅意菩薩!如果聽聞十方無量諸佛所說,都能接受並保持;沒有一句是先前沒有聽過的,凡是聽到的都是先前聽過的;隨所聽聞的法能夠保持不忘,為眾生說法而無眾生之想,自身與眾生及所說法沒有差別。這就叫做多聞。』 這時,會中有一位菩薩天子名叫凈月藏,心中想:『佛說阿難(Ananda)在多聞中最為第一,如果像文殊師利所說的多聞,阿難現在難道是這樣嗎?』這樣想后,問阿難說:『如來說您在多聞中最為第一,您的多聞,能像文殊師利所說的那樣嗎?』 阿難回答說:『像文殊師利所說的多聞,我沒有這樣的能力。』
【English Translation】 English version Firm-Intent (Drdhamati) said: 'By what name are you the foremost field of merit (first field of merit)?' Subhuti (Subhuti) replied: 'I am not the foremost field of merit among Buddhas (Buddha) and Bodhisattvas (Bodhisattva); the Buddha said that I am the foremost field of merit among Sravakas (Sravaka) and Pratyekabuddhas (Pratyekabuddha). Firm-Intent! For example, a small king in a border region is also called a king; if a Wheel-Turning Sage King (cakravartin) comes to the border region, those small kings are no longer called kings; at that time, there is only the Wheel-Turning Sage King, because the Sage King's majestic virtue is especially wonderful. Firm-Intent! In any country, city, or village where there are no Bodhisattvas, I can be a field of merit; if there is a Buddha, and there are great Bodhisattvas, I am not called a field of merit. The Bodhisattvas have the mind of Sarvajna (Sarvajna, all-knowing), therefore they surpass me.' At that time, the Buddha praised Subhuti, saying: 'Excellent, excellent! As you have said, these are the words of a great disciple without arrogance!' Firm-Intent Bodhisattva then asked Manjusri (Manjusri), the Dharma Prince, saying: 'Manjusri! What is called great learning (extensive learning)?' Manjusri said: 'If a person hears one sentence of the Dharma and immediately understands the billions of meanings within it, expounding and explaining it for hundreds of millions of kalpas (aeons), their wisdom and eloquence will be inexhaustible; this is called great learning. Furthermore, Firm-Intent Bodhisattva! If one hears what the countless Buddhas in the ten directions say, they can all receive and uphold it; there is not a single sentence that they have not heard before; everything they hear, they have heard before; they can uphold the Dharma they hear without forgetting, and they speak the Dharma for sentient beings without the thought of sentient beings, and there is no difference between themselves, sentient beings, and the Dharma they speak. This is called great learning.' At that time, there was a Bodhisattva celestial being in the assembly named Pure Moon Treasury (Candra-garbha), who thought: 'The Buddha said that Ananda (Ananda) is the foremost in great learning; if great learning is as Manjusri described, is Ananda like that now?' After thinking this, he asked Ananda: 'The Tathagata (Thus Come One) said that you are the foremost in great learning; is your great learning like what Manjusri described?' Ananda replied: 'I do not have the ability of great learning as Manjusri described.'
【English Translation】 English version Jingyue Zang (name of a Bodhisattva) asked: 'Why does the Tathagata (another name for Buddha) always praise you, saying that you are the foremost in learning?' Ananda (one of the ten great disciples of the Buddha, known for his extensive learning) replied: 'Among the Buddha's disciples, those who attain liberation by following the Buddha's voice, I say that I am the foremost among these people, but it is not that I am the foremost in learning among the immeasurable ocean of wisdom, the unequaled great wisdom, and the unobstructed eloquence of all the Bodhisattvas. Heavenly being (a respectful term for celestial beings)! For example, with the light of the sun and moon, the people of Jambudvipa (the world we live in) can see all shapes and colors and can do things. I am also like this, only relying on the wisdom and light of the Tathagata, I can receive and uphold the Dharma (teachings of the Buddha), I have no power of my own in this, and it should be known that this is all the divine power of the Tathagata.' At this time, the World Honored One praised Ananda, saying: 'Good, good! As you said, the various Dharmas that you receive, uphold, recite, and remember, you should know that these are all the divine power of the Tathagata.' At this time, the Buddha told Jingyue Zang: 'The Dharmas that Ananda holds are very few, and the Dharmas that he does not recite are immeasurable and boundless. Heavenly being! The various Dharmas that I attained in the Bodhimanda (the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment), even a hundred thousand millionth part cannot be spoken of, and of the Dharmas that I speak, Ananda does not hold even a hundred thousand millionth part. Heavenly being! The Tathagata, in just one day and one night, preaches the Dharma to the Shakra (ruler of the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven), Brahma Kings (lord of the Form Realm), Lokapāla (Four Heavenly Kings who protect the world), Devas (gods), Nāgas (serpentine beings with supernatural powers), Yakṣas (a type of guardian spirit), Gandharvas (celestial musicians), and other heavenly beings and Bodhisattvas in the ten directions. Using the power of wisdom, he composes verses, speaks of Sutras (discourses of the Buddha), Hetupratyaya (causes and conditions), Upamā (parables), the various Pāramitās (perfections) practiced by sentient beings, and speaks of the Śrāvakayāna (the vehicle of the hearers), Pratyekabuddhayāna (the vehicle of the solitary Buddhas), and the Anuttarayāna (the unsurpassed vehicle of the Buddhas), embracing the Mahayana Dharma, criticizing birth and death, and praising Nirvana. Even if all the sentient beings in Jambudvipa were to attain as much learning as Ananda, they would not be able to fully receive and uphold it in hundreds of thousands of kalpas (eons). Heavenly being! For this reason, you should know that the various Dharmas spoken by the Tathagata are immeasurable and boundless, and what Ananda holds is very little!' At this time, the heavenly being Jingyue Zang immediately offered ten thousand seven-jeweled canopies to the Tathagata. These canopies immediately filled the sky, and all the sentient beings covered by them turned golden. After offering the canopies, he said: 'O World Honored One! May this merit universally endow sentient beings with eloquence.'
【English Translation】 English version: 『Speaking the Dharma should be like the World Honored One! Being able to uphold the Dharma is like the Dharma Prince Manjushri!』
At that time, the Buddha knew that this Bodhisattva Deva deeply loved the Buddha's path, and he bestowed upon him the prediction of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (unexcelled, complete, and perfect enlightenment), saying: 『This Deva, after four hundred and forty million kalpas, will become a Buddha named Eka-ratna-cchatra (One Jewel Canopy). His land will be named Sarva-ratna-alankara (Adorned with All Jewels).』
While this Dharma was being spoken, two hundred Bodhisattvas developed a mind of懈怠 (xie dai, laxity): 『The Dharma of the Buddhas, the World Honored Ones, is very profound, and anuttara-samyak-sambodhi is so difficult to attain. We cannot fully possess these qualities. It is better for us to enter Nirvana (extinction) by means of the Pratyekabuddha-yana (Solitary Buddha Vehicle). Why? Because the Buddha has said that if a Bodhisattva regresses, he may become a Pratyekabuddha or a Sravaka (Hearer).』
At that time, the Dharma Prince Manjushri (Gentle Glory) knew that these two hundred Bodhisattvas had developed a mind of laxity and regression. Wishing to re-arouse their Bodhi mind and enable them to attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, and also wishing to teach and transform the Devas (gods), Nagas (dragons), Yakshas (demons), Gandharvas (celestial musicians), Asuras (demigods), Garudas (giant birds), Kinnaras (celestial musicians), and Mahoragas (great serpents) in the assembly, he said to the Buddha: 『World Honored One! I recall a past kalpa (aeon) named Prakash (Illumination). In that kalpa, for three hundred and sixty million lives, I entered Nirvana by means of the Pratyekabuddha-yana.』
At that time, everyone in the assembly had doubts in their minds: 『If one has already entered Nirvana, there should be no more continuation of birth and death. Why does Manjushri now say, 「World Honored One! I recall a past kalpa named Prakash. In that kalpa, for three hundred and sixty million lives, I entered Nirvana by means of the Pratyekabuddha-yana」? What is the meaning of this?』
At that time, Sariputra (Shariputra), receiving the Buddha's spiritual power, said to the Buddha: 『World Honored One! If a person has already attained Nirvana, there should be no more continuation of birth and death. How is it that Manjushri, having entered Nirvana, is born again?』
The Buddha said: 『You may ask him, and Manjushri will naturally answer you.』
At that time, Sariputra asked Manjushri: 『If a person has already attained Nirvana, he will no longer continue in the realms of existence. Why do you now say that you』
【English Translation】 English version: Someone said: 'World-Honored One! I recall that in the past, during the Illumination Kalpa, for three hundred and sixty billion lifetimes, beings entered Nirvana through the Pratyekabuddha vehicle.' What does this mean?'
Manjushri said: 'The Tathagata, now present, is the all-knowing, all-seeing, speaker of truth, non-deceptive, and cannot be deceived by any Devas or humans in the world. What I say, the Buddha knows for himself. If I were to say otherwise, it would be deceiving the Buddha. Shariputra! In that Illumination Kalpa, a Buddha appeared in the world named Pusha (meaning 'touching light'), who, after benefiting the Devas and humans of the world, entered Nirvana. After that Buddha's extinction, the Dharma remained for ten thousand years. After the Dharma's extinction, the beings of that time had the karmic conditions to be saved by a Pratyekabuddha. Even if hundreds of thousands of Buddhas were to preach to them, they would not believe or accept it; only through the demeanor and rules of a Pratyekabuddha could they be liberated. These beings all aspired to the path of the Pratyekabuddha, but at that time, no Pratyekabuddha appeared, and these beings had no place to plant the seeds of good roots. At that time, for the sake of teaching and transforming them, I proclaimed myself to be a Pratyekabuddha. In every country, city, and village, they all knew that I was a Pratyekabuddha. At that time, I manifested the form and demeanor of a Pratyekabuddha, and these beings deeply respected me and offered me food. After receiving the food, I observed their original karmic conditions and what Dharma they should hear, and after explaining it to them, I flew into the sky like a king of geese. At that time, the beings were all very happy, and with respectful hearts, they bowed their heads to me and said: 'May we, in future lives, all receive the benefits of the Dharma, just like this person now.' Shariputra! Because of this cause and condition, countless beings were accomplished, allowing them to plant the seeds of good roots. At that time, I observed that these people, after offering me food, developed a sense of laziness and weariness, so I immediately told them: 'The time of my Nirvana has arrived.' Hundreds of thousands of beings, upon hearing these words, each brought flowers, incense, various fragrances, and ghee to my place. At that time, I entered the Samadhi of Extinction, but because of my original vow, I did not completely extinguish myself. These beings thought that I had died, and in order to make offerings to me, they used
【English Translation】 English version: 'Burning my body with fragrant wood, they say I am truly extinguished. Then I would go to another great city in a foreign land, claiming to be a Pratyekabuddha (Solitary Buddha) body, and the beings there would also offer me food and drink. I would demonstrate entering Nirvana (Extinction) among them, and they would also say I was extinguished, all coming to make offerings and jointly burn my body. Thus, Sariputra (One of the Buddha's ten principal disciples)! At that time, I would complete one small kalpa (aeon), three hundred and sixty billion lifetimes, acting as a Pratyekabuddha body, demonstrating entering Nirvana. In each of the great cities, I would use the Pratyekabuddha vehicle to liberate thirty-six billion beings. Sariputra! Bodhisattvas enter Nirvana in this way with the Pratyekabuddha vehicle without being eternally extinguished.'
'When Manjusri (Bodhisattva of Wisdom) spoke these words, the three-thousand-great-thousand world trembled in six ways, and light shone everywhere. Billions of devas (gods) made offerings to the Dharma Prince Manjusri, raining down celestial flowers, all saying: 'This is truly rare! We have gained great benefit today, seeing the Buddha World-Honored One and seeing the Dharma Prince Manjusri, and also hearing about this Surangama Samadhi (Heroic Progress Meditation). World-Honored One! The Dharma Prince Manjusri has accomplished such unprecedented Dharma (teachings). Abiding in what samadhi (meditative state) can he manifest such unprecedented Dharma?''
The Buddha told the devas: 'The Dharma Prince Manjusri abides in the Surangama Samadhi, and can do such rare and difficult things. Bodhisattvas abiding in this samadhi, in order to perform acts of faith, do not follow the faith of others. They also perform acts of Dharma, and turn the Dharma wheel (Wheel of Dharma) on the characteristics of Dharma, without retreating or losing it. They also act as Srotapannas (Stream-enterers), for countless asamkhya kalpas (incalculable aeons), walking the path for those with eight wrong views. Acting as Srotapannas, they prevent beings adrift in the waters of birth and death from entering the position of Dharma. Acting as Sakrdagamins (Once-returners), they manifest their bodies throughout the worlds. Acting as Anagamins (Non-returners), they also come back to teach and transform beings. Acting as Arhats (Worthy Ones), they also constantly strive to learn the Buddha's Dharma. They also act as Sravakas (Hearers), using unobstructed eloquence to preach the Dharma to people. Acting as Pratyekabuddhas, in order to teach and transform beings with affinities, they demonstrate entering Nirvana, and are reborn again due to the power of samadhi. Devas, Bodhisattvas abiding in this Surangama Samadhi can all universally practice the conduct of the sages; and they also speak Dharma according to their respective positions.'
【English Translation】 English version: 『And not dwell in the middle.』
When the devas (gods) heard the Buddha speak such a meaning, they all wept and said: 『World Honored One! If a person has already entered the stage of Sravaka (hearer) or Pratyekabuddha (solitary Buddha), they will forever lose this Surangama Samadhi (heroic march samadhi). World Honored One! People would rather commit the five heinous crimes than hear this Surangama Samadhi, and not enter the Dharma position to become an Arhat (one who is worthy) with exhausted outflows. Why is that? Because a person who commits the five heinous crimes, upon hearing this Surangama Samadhi and generating the Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (supreme enlightenment) mind, even if they fall into hell due to their original karmic conditions, they can still become a Buddha through the virtuous root cause of hearing this samadhi. World Honored One! An Arhat with exhausted outflows is like a broken vessel, forever incapable of receiving this samadhi. World Honored One! For example, if someone donates ghee, oil, and honey, and many people come with various vessels, among them, one person, due to their unsteady mind, breaks the vessel they are holding. Even if they go to the place where the ghee, oil, and honey are being donated, they cannot benefit from it, but can only satisfy themselves, and cannot take it back to share with others. But someone who holds a complete and sturdy vessel can both satisfy themselves and take back a full vessel to share with others. The ghee, oil, and honey are the Buddha's true Dharma. The person whose vessel is broken, who can only satisfy themselves and cannot take it back to share with others, is the Sravaka and Pratyekabuddha. The person who holds a complete vessel is the Bodhisattva (enlightenment being), who can satisfy themselves and also share with all sentient beings.』
At that time, two hundred devaputras (heavenly beings), who had intended to retreat from Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, upon hearing these words from the other devaputras, and upon hearing the inconceivable meritorious power of Manjushri (gentle glory) Dharma Prince, generated the Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi mind with even deeper sincerity, no longer following their previous intention to retreat, and all said to the Buddha: 『Even if we face danger and lose our lives, we will not abandon this mind, nor will we ever abandon all sentient beings. World Honored One! May we, through the virtuous root cause of hearing this Surangama Samadhi, attain the ten powers of a Bodhisattva. What are the ten? The power of steadfastness in the Bodhi mind, the power of deep faith in the inconceivable Buddha Dharma, the power of non-forgetfulness through much learning, the power of tireless effort in coming and going through birth and death, the power of steadfast and great compassion for all sentient beings, the power of steadfast renunciation in giving』
【English Translation】 English version: 'In upholding the precepts, one obtains indestructible strength; in patience, one obtains enduring strength; the wisdom that demons cannot destroy; in all profound Dharmas, one obtains the strength of faith and joy.'
At that time, the Buddha told Firm-Intent Bodhisattva: 'If there are sentient beings, now or after my Parinirvana, who hear this Śūraṅgama Samādhi and can believe and rejoice in it, know that these people will all obtain these ten powers of a Bodhisattva.'
At that time, in the assembly, there was a Bodhisattva named Nāma-mati, who said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! If one wishes to obtain blessings, one should make offerings to the Buddha; if one wishes to obtain wisdom, one should diligently study widely; if one wishes to be born in a good place, one should diligently uphold the precepts; if one wishes to become wealthy, one should increase giving; if one wishes to obtain a beautiful appearance, one should cultivate patience; if one wishes to obtain eloquence, one should respect teachers and elders; if one wishes to obtain dhāraṇī, one should stay away from arrogance; if one wishes to obtain wisdom, one should cultivate right mindfulness; if one wishes to obtain happiness, one should abandon all evil; if one wishes to benefit sentient beings, one should generate the Bodhi mind; if one wishes to obtain a wonderful voice, one should cultivate truthful speech; if one wishes to obtain merit, one should delight in seclusion; if one wishes to seek the Dharma, one should draw near to good spiritual friends; if one wishes to meditate, one should stay away from noise and disturbance; if one wishes to contemplate wisdom, one should cultivate contemplation; if one wishes to be born in the Brahma heavens, one should cultivate immeasurable minds; if one wishes to be born in the heavens or as a human, one should cultivate the ten good deeds. World Honored One! If a person wishes to obtain blessings, wishes to obtain wisdom, wishes to be born in a good place, wishes to become wealthy, wishes for a beautiful appearance, wishes for eloquence, wishes for dhāraṇī, wishes to obtain wisdom, wishes to obtain happiness, wishes to benefit sentient beings, wishes for a wonderful voice, wishes for merit, wishes to seek the Dharma, wishes to meditate, wishes to contemplate wisdom, wishes to be born in the Brahma heavens, wishes to be born in the heavens or as a human, wishes to obtain Nirvana, wishes to obtain all merit, one should hear the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, receive and uphold it, recite it, speak it for others, and practice as it says. World Honored One! How does a Bodhisattva cultivate this Samādhi?'
The Buddha said: 'Nāma-mati! If a Bodhisattva can contemplate that all Dharmas are empty, without obstruction, with thoughts ceasing moment by moment, and is apart from hatred and love, this is called cultivating this Samādhi.'
【English Translation】 English version The Buddha said: 『Name Intention (Name Intention Bodhisattva)! Learning Samadhi (Samadhi, a state of highly concentrated meditation) is not about focusing on just one thing. Why? Because according to what beings think and do in their minds, this Samadhi contains those actions; according to what beings enter into in their minds, this Samadhi contains those entries; according to the entry points of beings' various senses, this Samadhi contains those entry points; according to all the Namarupa (Namarupa, the mental and material elements constituting individual existence) that beings possess, the Bodhisattva who attains this Samadhi also manifests various Namarupa; being able to understand in this way is called cultivating this Samadhi. According to the Namarupa and appearances of all Buddhas seen, the Bodhisattva who attains this Samadhi also manifests various Namarupa and appearances; being able to understand in this way is called cultivating this Samadhi. According to all the Buddha lands seen, the Bodhisattva can also accomplish such lands, and this is called cultivating the Suramgama Samadhi (Suramgama Samadhi, a powerful, heroic Samadhi).』
Name Intention Bodhisattva asked the Buddha: 『World Honored One! Is the cultivation of this Samadhi very difficult?』
The Buddha told Name Intention: 『Precisely because of this, few Bodhisattvas abide in this Samadhi; most Bodhisattvas practice other Samadhis.』
At that time, Name Intention Bodhisattva asked the Buddha: 『World Honored One! This Maitreya Bodhisattva (Maitreya Bodhisattva), awaiting final rebirth (awaiting final rebirth), will attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, unsurpassed perfect enlightenment) after the World Honored One. Has Maitreya Bodhisattva attained this Suramgama Samadhi?』
The Buddha said: 『Name Intention! Those Bodhisattvas who can abide in the Ten Bhumis (Ten Bhumis, the ten stages of Bodhisattva practice), awaiting final rebirth, and receive the Buddha's rightful position, have all attained this Suramgama Samadhi.』
Maitreya Bodhisattva immediately manifested such spiritual powers that Name Intention Bodhisattva and all those present saw that all the Jambudvipa (Jambudvipa, the continent we inhabit) in this three-thousand-great-thousand world were filled with Maitreya Bodhisattvas! Some saw him in the heavens; some saw him in the human realm; some saw him as a renunciate; some saw him as a householder; some saw him attending the Buddha, just like Ananda (Ananda); some saw him as foremost in wisdom, like Sariputra (Sariputra); some saw him as foremost in supernatural powers, like Maudgalyayana (Maudgalyayana); some saw him as foremost in ascetic practices, like Mahakasyapa (Mahakasyapa); some saw him as foremost in expounding the Dharma, like Purna (Purna); some saw him as foremost in delighting in the precepts, like Rahula (Rahula); some saw him as foremost in upholding the precepts, like Upali (Upali); some saw him as foremost in the divine eye, like Aniruddha (Aniruddha); some saw him as foremost in seated meditation, like Revata (Revata).』
【English Translation】 English version: Much. In all these foremost situations, one can see Maitreya (the future Buddha)! Sometimes seeing him entering cities and villages to beg for food; sometimes seeing him preaching the Dharma; sometimes seeing him sitting in meditation. Nāma-mati Bodhisattva (Name-Intent Bodhisattva) and all the assembly, all saw Maitreya Bodhisattva manifesting the supernatural power of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Heroic Progress Meditation), and after seeing it, they were greatly delighted and said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! It is like true gold, even if it is forged and polished, it does not lose its nature. These great beings are also like this, wherever they are tested, they can manifest inconceivable Dharma nature.' At that time, Nāma-mati Bodhisattva said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! I think that if a Bodhisattva can understand the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, he should know that he understands all paths of practice, and he understands all of the Śrāvakayāna (Vehicle of Hearers), the Pratyekabuddhayāna (Vehicle of Solitary Buddhas), and the Great Vehicle of the Buddha (Mahāyāna).' The Buddha said: 'It is so, it is so, as you say. If a Bodhisattva can understand the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, then he can understand all paths of practice.' At that time, the Elder Mahākāśyapa (Great Kashyapa) said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! I think that Mañjuśrī (Manjushri) Dharma Prince! In past lives, he has already done the work of the Buddha, and now he sits in the Bodhi-mandala, turns the Dharma wheel, and shows all beings the way to enter Mahāparinirvāṇa (Great Extinction).' The Buddha said: 'It is so, it is so, as you say. Kashyapa! In the distant past, immeasurable, boundless, inconceivable asaṃkhya-kalpas (countless eons) ago, there was a Buddha named Nāga-varottama-tathāgata (Dragon-Superior-King Thus Come One), Arhat (Worthy of Offerings), Samyak-saṃbuddha (Perfectly Enlightened One), Vidyā-caraṇa-saṃpanna (Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct), Sugata (Well-Gone), Lokavid (Knower of the World), Anuttara (Unsurpassed), Puruṣa-damya-sārathi (Tamer of Men), Śāsta deva-manuṣyāṇām (Teacher of Gods and Humans), Buddha (Awakened One), Bhagavat (World Honored One). In the south of this world, passing through more than a thousand Buddha lands, the country is called Equality, without mountains, rivers, sand, gravel, tiles, stones, hills, or mounds, the ground is as flat as the palm of a hand, and soft grass grows, like kāliṅga grass. Nāga-varottama Buddha attained anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi (unsurpassed perfect enlightenment) in that world, and when he first turned the Dharma wheel, he taught and accomplished seventy billion Bodhisattvas, eighty billion people became Arhats, ninety-six thousand people dwelt in the Dharma of conditions of Pratyekabuddhas, and after that there were countless Śrāvaka monks. Kashyapa! Nāga-varottama Buddha's lifespan was four million four hundred thousand years.'
【English Translation】 English version: Having delivered the Devas (celestial beings) and humans, he entered Nirvana (state of enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth), scattered his bodily relics, distributed them throughout the world, and erected thirty-six billion stupas (Buddhist monuments) for sentient beings to make offerings. After the Buddha's Parinirvana (final departure), the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) will abide for one hundred thousand years. When the Buddha Longzhongshang (name of a Buddha) was about to enter Nirvana, he conferred a prophecy upon Bodhisattva Zhiming (name of a Bodhisattva), saying: 'This Bodhisattva Zhiming! After me, he will attain Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (supreme enlightenment), and will also be named Zhiming.' Kashyapa (one of the Buddha's ten principal disciples)! Do you think that the Buddha Longzhongshang in the world of equality at that time was someone different? Do not harbor such doubts. Why? Because he is Manjushri, the Dharma Prince (name of a Bodhisattva). Kashyapa! Now observe the power of the Shurangama Samadhi (a profound state of meditative absorption); because of this power, the great Bodhisattvas manifest entering the womb, initial birth, renunciation, going to the Bodhi tree, sitting in the Bodhimanda (place of enlightenment), turning the wonderful Dharma wheel (teaching the Dharma), entering Parinirvana, and distributing relics, yet they do not abandon the practice of a Bodhisattva, and in Parinirvana, they do not utterly cease to exist.' At that time, the elder Mahakashyapa (one of the Buddha's ten principal disciples) said to Manjushri: 'Benevolent one, you are able to perform such rare and difficult deeds, manifesting them to sentient beings.' Manjushri said: 'Kashyapa! What do you think? Who built this Mount Gridhrakuta (name of a mountain)? And from where did this world originate?' Kashyapa replied: 'Manjushri! All worlds are formed from bubbles of water, and they also arise from the inconceivable karmic causes and conditions of sentient beings.' Manjushri said: 'All Dharmas (phenomena) also arise from inconceivable karmic causes and conditions. I have no merit or power in this matter. Why? Because all Dharmas belong to causes and conditions, and there is no master, so they are formed according to conditions. If one can understand this, what is done is not difficult. Kashyapa! If a person has not seen the Four Noble Truths (fundamental teachings of Buddhism: suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path to the cessation of suffering), it is difficult for them to believe and understand such things when they hear them. Having seen the Four Noble Truths and attained various supernormal powers, it is not difficult to believe this when they hear it.' At that time, the World Honored One (a title for the Buddha) rose into the sky, seven Tala trees (a type of tree) high, sat in the lotus position, and emitted light from his body, illuminating countless worlds in the ten directions. All those present saw countless Buddhas in the ten directions.
【English Translation】 English version: All said that this is the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Śūraṅgama Samādhi, a profound state of meditation), neither increasing nor decreasing, and all could hear it from afar. The Buddhas of the ten directions also ascended into the sky, as high as seven tāla trees (tāla tree, a tall tree), sat in the vajra posture (vajra posture, a meditative posture), and emitted light from their bodies, illuminating the immeasurable worlds of the ten directions. Those beings also saw Śākyamuni Buddha (Śākyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism) ascend into the sky and sit in the vajra posture. Those assemblies all scattered flowers towards Śākyamuni Buddha from afar! All saw the flowers in the sky forming a canopy of flowers. The bodhisattvas (bodhisattva, a practitioner seeking enlightenment) of this land, as well as the devas (deva, gods), nāgas (nāga, a kind of mythical serpent), yakṣas (yakṣa, a kind of demon), gandharvas (gandharva, a kind of celestial musician), and others, also scattered flowers towards those Buddhas, and all transformed into canopies of flowers above the Buddhas.
At that time, Śākyamuni Buddha withdrew his supernatural powers and sat back on his seat, and said to Dṛḍhamati (Dṛḍhamati, name of a bodhisattva): 'This is the power of the Tathāgata's (Tathāgata, 'Thus Gone One', an epithet of the Buddha) supernatural abilities, to increase the merit of sentient beings, therefore the Tathāgata manifests these things.'
When the Buddha manifested his supernatural powers, eight thousand devas generated the mind of anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi (anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi-citta, the mind of unsurpassed perfect enlightenment). Furthermore, when this Śūraṅgama Samādhi was about to end, Dṛḍhamati Bodhisattva and five hundred bodhisattvas attained the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, and all were able to see all the supernatural powers of the Buddhas of the ten directions, and gained wisdom and light regarding the Buddha's profound Dharma, abiding in the tenth bhūmi (tenth bhūmi, the highest stage of a bodhisattva's practice), and received the position of a Buddha. The tri-sahasra-mahā-sahasra-lokadhātu (tri-sahasra-mahā-sahasra-lokadhātu, a great cosmic system) shook in six ways, emitting great light that illuminated the world, and tens of millions of musical instruments played simultaneously, and the devas rained down various kinds of flowers in the sky.
At that time, the Buddha said to Ānanda (Ānanda, one of the Buddha's ten great disciples): 'You should receive this Śūraṅgama Samādhi, uphold it, recite it, and widely explain it to others.'
At that time, Dhṛta-sumeru-śikhara-nirghoṣa (Dhṛta-sumeru-śikhara-nirghoṣa, name of a bodhisattva) said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! Ānanda's wisdom and memory are limited, and śrāvakas (śrāvaka, a disciple who learns by hearing) follow the voices of others, why entrust this treasure of the Samādhi to Ānanda?' Dhṛta-sumeru-śikhara-nirghoṣa made a sincere vow: 'If I can widely propagate and spread this precious Samādhi in this life and future lives, without falsehood, then the trees in this Gṛdhrakūṭa Mountain (Gṛdhrakūṭa, Vulture Peak) should all be like the Buddha's bodhi tree (bodhi tree, the tree of enlightenment), and there should be bodhisattvas under each of those trees.' After Dhṛta-sumeru-śikhara-nirghoṣa spoke these words, he saw all the trees were like bodhi trees, and under each tree
English version: All saw Bodhisattvas. All the Bodhi trees uttered these words: 'If what Śākya (referring to Śākyamuni Buddha) said on the summit of Mount Sumeru is true, then this person will surely be able to widely propagate and disseminate this Śūraṅgama Samādhi.'
At that time, the Devas (gods), Nāgas (dragons), Yakṣas (demons), Gandharvas (celestial musicians), and others, said in unison to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! Suppose the Tathāgata (Thus Come One) were to live for one kalpa (aeon), and not do anything else but teach beings using the Śrāvakayāna (Vehicle of Hearers), and each teaching was like the initial turning of the Dharma wheel in terms of the number of beings liberated, then the beings liberated by this Śūraṅgama Samādhi would be even more superior. Why? Because these beings are all liberated by the Śrāvakayāna, and compared to the Bodhisattvayāna (Bodhisattva Vehicle), they are not even one percent, not even one hundred millionth part, and cannot even be compared by calculation or analogy. Thus, this Śūraṅgama Samādhi has immeasurable power, capable of accomplishing all Bodhisattvas, enabling them to be complete with the Buddha Dharma.'
At that time, Dṛḍhamati Bodhisattva (Firm Intent Bodhisattva) said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One, how long is your actual lifespan? When will you enter Parinirvāṇa (Complete Nirvana)?'
The Buddha said: 'Dṛḍhamati! Going east from this world, passing through thirty-two thousand Buddha lands, there is a country named Adornment, and in that country there is a Buddha named Jyotiralaṃkāra-vyūharāja-tathāgata (Light Adornment Majestic King Thus Come One), Arhat (Worthy of Offerings), Samyaksaṃbuddha (Perfectly Enlightened One), Vidyācaraṇasaṃpanna (Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct), Sugata (Well-Gone), Lokavid (Knower of the World), Anuttara (Unsurpassed), Puruṣadamyasarathi (Tamer of Men), Śāstā devamanuṣyāṇāṃ (Teacher of Gods and Humans), Buddha (Enlightened One), Bhagavat (World Honored One), who is now teaching the Dharma. Dṛḍhamati! Just like the lifespan of Jyotiralaṃkāra-vyūharāja-tathāgata Buddha, my lifespan is also the same!'
'World Honored One! How long is the lifespan of Jyotiralaṃkāra-vyūharāja-tathāgata Buddha?'
The Buddha told Dṛḍhamati: 'Go and ask him yourself, and he will naturally answer you.'
Immediately, Dṛḍhamati, relying on the Buddha's divine power, and also because of the power of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi, as well as his own roots of goodness and supernatural powers, arrived at that Adornment world in the space of a single thought. He prostrated himself at the feet of that Buddha, circumambulated him three times to the right, and stood to one side, saying to the Buddha: 'How long is the World Honored One's lifespan? When will you enter Nirvana?'
That Buddha replied: 'Just like the lifespan of Śākyamuni Buddha, my lifespan is also the same!'
【English Translation】 All saw Bodhisattvas. All the Bodhi trees uttered these words: 'If what Shakyamuni (Śākyamuni) said on the summit of Mount Sumeru is true, then this person will surely be able to widely propagate and disseminate this Shurangama Samadhi (Śūraṅgama Samādhi).'
At that time, the Devas, Nagas (Nāga), Yakshas (Yakṣa), Gandharvas (Gandharva), and others, said in unison to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! Suppose the Tathagata were to live for one kalpa, and not do anything else but teach beings using the Shravakayana (Śrāvakayāna), and each teaching was like the initial turning of the Dharma wheel in terms of the number of beings liberated, then the beings liberated by this Shurangama Samadhi would be even more superior. Why? Because these beings are all liberated by the Shravakayana, and compared to the Bodhisattvayāna, they are not even one percent, not even one hundred millionth part, and cannot even be compared by calculation or analogy. Thus, this Shurangama Samadhi has immeasurable power, capable of accomplishing all Bodhisattvas, enabling them to be complete with the Buddha Dharma.'
At that time, Firm Intent Bodhisattva (Dṛḍhamati Bodhisattva) said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One, how long is your actual lifespan? When will you enter Parinirvana (Parinirvāṇa)?'
The Buddha said: 'Firm Intent! Going east from this world, passing through thirty-two thousand Buddha lands, there is a country named Adornment, and in that country there is a Buddha named Light Adornment Majestic King Thus Come One (Jyotiralaṃkāra-vyūharāja-tathāgata), Arhat, Samyaksambuddha, Vidyacharanasampanna, Sugata, Lokavid, Anuttara, Tamer of Men (Puruṣadamyasarathi), Teacher of Gods and Humans (Śāstā devamanuṣyāṇāṃ), Buddha, Bhagavat, who is now teaching the Dharma. Firm Intent! Just like the lifespan of Light Adornment Majestic King Thus Come One Buddha, my lifespan is also the same!'
'World Honored One! How long is the lifespan of Light Adornment Majestic King Thus Come One Buddha?'
The Buddha told Firm Intent: 'Go and ask him yourself, and he will naturally answer you.'
Immediately, Firm Intent, relying on the Buddha's divine power, and also because of the power of the Shurangama Samadhi, as well as his own roots of goodness and supernatural powers, arrived at that Adornment world in the space of a single thought. He prostrated himself at the feet of that Buddha, circumambulated him three times to the right, and stood to one side, saying to the Buddha: 'How long is the World Honored One's lifespan? When will you enter Nirvana?'
That Buddha replied: 'Just like the lifespan of Shakyamuni Buddha (Śākyamuni Buddha), my lifespan is also the same!'
【English Translation】 English version: 'Dṛḍhamati! What you wish to know is that my life span is seven hundred asaṃkhya-kalpas (asaṃkhya-kalpa, an immeasurably long period of time), and the life span of Śākyamuni Buddha is also the same!'
At that time, Dṛḍhamati Bodhisattva (Dṛḍhamati Bodhisattva) was greatly delighted and immediately returned to the Sahā world (Sahā world), saying to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! That Prakāśālaṃkāra-vyūharāja Buddha (Prakāśālaṃkāra-vyūharāja Buddha) has a life span of seven hundred asaṃkhya-kalpas. And he told me: 『Just like my life span, the life span of Śākyamuni Buddha is also the same!』'
At that time, Ānanda (Ānanda) rose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, joined his palms towards the Buddha, and said to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! If I understand the meaning of what the Buddha said correctly, I think the World Honored One benefits sentient beings in that adorned world with different names.'
At that time, the World Honored One praised Ānanda, saying: 'Excellent, excellent! You are able to know this matter by the power of the Buddha. That Buddha's body is my body, using different names to preach the Dharma there, delivering sentient beings. Ānanda! Such supernatural powers and self-mastery are all the power of the Śūraṅgama Samādhi (Śūraṅgama Samādhi).'
At that time, the Buddha told Dṛḍhamati Bodhisattva: 'Dṛḍhamati! For this reason, you should know that my life span is seven hundred asaṃkhya-kalpas before I finally enter Nirvāṇa (Nirvāṇa).'
At that time, the assembly, hearing the Buddha's words that his life span was so inconceivable, were all greatly delighted and gained what they had never had before, saying to the Buddha: 'World Honored One! The divine power of the Buddhas is truly unprecedented, and all actions are inconceivable. The life span manifested here is so short, but in reality, it is seven hundred asaṃkhya-kalpas in that world. World Honored One! May all sentient beings be endowed with such an inconceivable life span.'
At that time, the World Honored One again told Dṛḍhamati: 'This Śūraṅgama Samādhi, wherever it is in a province, country, city, town, village, monastery, or empty forest, the various demons and demon people within it will not be able to take advantage of it.'
He also told Dṛḍhamati: 'If there is a Dharma master who writes, recites, or explains this Śūraṅgama Samādhi, there will be no fear for humans or non-humans, and they will also obtain twenty inconceivable merits. What are the twenty inconceivable merits? Their wisdom is inconceivable.'
【English Translation】 English version: 'His wisdom is inconceivable, his skillful means (upaya) are inconceivable, his eloquence is inconceivable, his understanding of the Dharma is inconceivable, his retention (dharani) is inconceivable, his Dharma-gates (dharma-paryaya) are inconceivable, his recollection according to meaning is inconceivable, his various supernormal powers are inconceivable, his distinguishing of the various languages of beings is inconceivable, his deep understanding of what beings delight in is inconceivable, his seeing of all Buddhas is inconceivable, his hearing of all Dharmas is inconceivable, his teaching and transforming of beings is inconceivable, his samadhi of freedom is inconceivable, his accomplishment of pure lands (buddha-kshetra) is inconceivable, his form and appearance being most wonderful is inconceivable, his meritorious virtues being free and unhindered is inconceivable, his cultivation of the various perfections (paramita) is inconceivable, his attainment of non-retrogression in the Buddhadharma is inconceivable.' These are the twenty.
'Drdhamati! If someone writes, recites this Surangama Samadhi Sutra, they will obtain a portion of these twenty inconceivable merits. Therefore, Drdhamati! If someone desires to obtain various benefits in this life and future lives, they should write, recite, explain, and practice this Surangama Samadhi Sutra.'
'Drdhamati! If good men or good women seeking the Buddha-path diligently cultivate the six perfections for millions of kalpas, if someone hears this Surangama Samadhi Sutra, they will be able to accept it with faith, their minds will not regress, they will not be startled or afraid, their merit will surpass the former, and they will quickly attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi; how much more so if they hear it, uphold it, recite it, practice it as it is taught, and explain it to others? If there are Bodhisattvas who wish to hear the inconceivable Dharmas of all Buddhas, without being startled or afraid, who wish to immediately and directly know for themselves all the Dharmas of all Buddhas, without relying on the teachings of others, they should cultivate and practice this samadhi; if they wish to hear Dharmas they have never heard before, and accept them with faith without opposition, they should hear this Surangama Samadhi Sutra.'
When this Surangama Samadhi Sutra was being spoken, immeasurable beings aroused the mind of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi, and twice that number dwelt in the stage of non-retrogression (avaivartika-bhumi); and twice that number attained the forbearance of the unoriginated Dharma (anutpattika-dharma-ksanti). Eighteen thousand Bodhisattvas attained this Surangama Samadhi; eighteen thousand bhikshus and bhikshunis, because they did not cling to any Dharmas, were liberated from outflows and attained Arhatship.
【English Translation】 English version: Twenty-six thousand Upasakas (male lay devotees) and Upasikas (female lay devotees) attained the purity of the Dharma-cakṣus (Dharma-eye, the wisdom of stream-enterer) in all Dharmas. Thirty Nayutas (a large number) of devas (gods) were able to enter the holy ranks.
After the Buddha finished speaking this Sutra! Mañjuśrī (Manjushri) Dharma Prince, Dṛḍhamati (Firm Intent) Bodhisattva and all the Bodhisattva-mahāsattvas (great Bodhisattvas), as well as all the great disciples who were Shravakas (listeners), all the devas (gods), Nāgas (dragons), gods, Gandharvas (celestial musicians), Asuras (demi-gods), and other people in the world, hearing what the Buddha said, rejoiced and accepted it with faith.
The Śūraṅgama-samādhi-sūtra Spoken by the Buddha, Volume 2作者: 乐空不二 时间: 2008-1-14 18:51