Compassionate Lotus Sutra
(Also known as:)
Karuna Pundarika Sutra
Mahayana Compassionate Pundarika(White Lotus) Sutra
(Tripitaka No. 0157)
(Reference: Mahayana Compassionate Pundarika Sutra, Tripitaka 0158)
Translated during the North-Lerng Dynasty by Tripitaka Master Dharmaraksa from India
Volume 8
The 6th Section of Chapter 4: Awarding the Bodhisattvas the distinctive marks of future Buddhahood
"At that time, from that Buddha-World to the upper direction, passing through two hundred-thousand Buddha-Worlds, there was a Buddha-World named Opened Flower (samkusumita), in which there was a Buddha named Opened-Flower-Sun (prasphulitakusuma-vairocana) Thus Come One, and so forth, unto Buddha, World-Honored One. He was speaking the three vehicles' Dharmas for the fourfold assembly.
"In that Buddha-World there were two Bodhisattva-Mahasattvas. One of them was named Choosing-His-Own-Realm-Without-Anger (svavisayasamkopitavisaya), and the other one was named Dharani-Bliss-Without-Anger (dharani-sampraharsa-navikopita). These two virtuous men asked Opened-Flower-Sun Tathagata: 'Bhagavan, for what cause and relationship that the earths are quaking in six ways, the great lights appeared, and the flowers are raining down?'
"Opened-Flower-Sun Tathagata said: 'Virtuous men, from this Buddha-world to the lower direction, passing through two hundred-thousand Buddha-Worlds, there is a Buddha-world named Santirana, in which there is a Buddha named Treasure-Store Thus Come One, and so forth, unto Buddha, World Honored One. He is awarding the distinctive marks of Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi to billions of Bodhisattvas, and is revealing the Dharmas such as the Bodhisattvas' Dominions (visaya), their sublime vows, their Samadhis' Dominions, their Dharani-Doors, and so forth.'
'Among that great assembly there is a greatly compassionate Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, who has made many great vows. His Heart being filled with the great compassion, he wishes that all Bodhisattvas will gain the distinctive marks of Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi, so that he revealed his eye-like vows. Firstly, he persuaded billions of Bodhisattvas to make great vows, so that they vowed to choose sublime Buddha-worlds and enlighten living beings therein. However, the great compassion that this Bodhisattva has achieved surpasses anyone else's in that great assembly. He has chosen the defiled world in the evil age of the five turbidities, to receive and enlighten all those who commit the sins of Uninterrupted Hells, those who have many non-virtuous roots, and those whose hearts are burning and withered.
'Therefore, that great assembly, including the gods, dragons, Gandharvas, human beings, and so forth, who had made offerings to Treasure-Store Tathagata, all turned to this greatly compassionate Bodhisattva and made offerings to him. Having prostrated to him with their five bodily parts touching the ground, they joined their palms, and praised him with many verses.'
'At that time, when the greatly compassionate Bodhisattva was in the presence of the Bhagavan with his right knee touching the ground, and was waiting for the award of the distinctive mark, the Bhagavan smiled. Therefore, the Buddha-worlds of the ten directions, which are as many as atoms, all started quaking in six ways, and myriad great lights appeared, raining down multifarious flowers.'
'In order to awake the Bodhisattvas in all these Buddha-worlds and reveal to them the greatly compassionate Bodhisattva's vows and practices, in order to gather the Bodhisattva-Mahasattvas in the ten directions' Buddha-worlds which are as many as atoms, and in order to explain the Bodhisattva Dharma Doors of the Samadhis, Dharani-Doors, vows and practices, and fearlessnesses, that Tathagata manifested such supernatural things.'"
"Virtuous man, then those two Bodhisattva-Mahasattvas, the Choosing-His-Own-Realm-Without-Anger Bodhisattva and Dharani-Bliss-Without-Anger Bodhisattva asked Opened-Flower-Sun Tathagata:
'Bhagavan, how long have that greatly compassionate Bodhisattva aroused his Bodhi-Heart? How long have he been carrying out Bodhisattva-Practices, so that he can choose the heavily defiled world in the evil age of the five turbidities, and receive the living beings who commit the karma of Uninterrupted Hells, who have many non-virtuous roots, and whose hearts are burning and withered?'
Opened-Flower-Sun Tathagata said: 'Virtuous men, that greatly compassionate Bodhisattva aroused his Heart of Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi just now.'
'Go, virtuous men, to Santirana Buddha-World, to see Treasure-Store Tathagata, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha. Make obeisance to Him, make offerings to Him, and listen to the Dharmas of Samadhis, Dharani-Doors, fearlessness, and so forth. When you see that greatly compassionate Bodhisattva, deliver my words to him, as follows:
'Virtuous Hero, Opened-Flower-Sun Tathagata greeted you. He presented this Moon-Bliss-Purity flower to you, and praised you for your virtuousness. You just aroused your Bodhi-Heart for the first time, yet you have achieved such a great compassion. Your name has already prevailed in the ten directions, in the Buddha-Worlds as many as atoms. They all call you Greatly Compassionate Bodhisattva. Therefore we praise you: Virtuous indeed!'
'Furthermore, Virtuous Hero, to help the future Bodhisattvas achieve the great compassion, you have set up the flag -- the Eye of greatly compassionate sounds and vows. Therefore we praise you again: Virtuous indeed!'
'Furthermore, Virtuous Hero, in the future, your name will be prevailing in the Buddha-worlds of ten directions, for Asamkhya Kalpas as many as atoms in a Buddha-world. You will persuade countless billions of nayutas of thousands of living beings and make them stay in Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi, so that they will proceed to the Buddha's dwelling, will not retrograde, and will achieve Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi. Some of them will vow to receive and enlighten living beings in sublime Buddha-worlds, and will gain the distinctive marks of Buddhahood in the future. Later on, passing Asamkhya Kalpas as many as atoms of a Buddha-world, in the ten directions, those living beings, who are persuaded and enlightened by you, will become Buddhas in the worlds as many as atoms of a Buddha-world. Having turned the Dharma-Wheels, they will talk about you and praise you. Therefore we praise you the third time: Virtuous indeed!'"
"At that time, billions of Bodhisattvas said with one voice: 'Bhagavan, we wish to visit Santirana Buddha-World, to see Treasure-Store Tathagata, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha, make offerings to Him, and to see and make obeisance to that Virtuous Hero.'
"Then, Opened-Flower-Sun Tathagata entrusted to the Bodhisattvas the three praises and the Moon-Bliss-Purity flower, saying: 'Go, virtuous men, it is the right time now, to visit Treasure-Store Tathagata's world, and listen to the Dharmas of vows, practices, and fearlessness.'
"Thereupon, Choosing-His-Own-Realm-Without-Anger Bodhisattva and Dharani-Bliss-Without-Anger Bodhisattva received the Moon-Bliss-Purity flower from Opened-Flower-Sun Tathagata, and departed from Opened Flower Buddha-World along with those billions of Bodhisattvas.
"As quick as a thought, those Bodhisattvas arrived at Jambuvana garden in Santirana Buddha-World, where Treasure-Store Tathagata was dwelling.
"At that time in Santirana Buddha-world, the Mahayana Bodhisattvas, Pratyeka-buddhas, Voice-Hearers, virtual men, gods, Mahoragas, and so forth, were like serried sugarcanes, bamboos, reeds, straws, sesames, and rice, which crammed the world. They bowed with their heads at Treasure-Store Tathagata's feet, and made offerings to Him with myriad kinds of supernatural manifestations by using their Bodhisattva-Powers.
"They then saw that Ocean-Atoms Brahmana was in the presence of Treasure-Store Tathagata, and everyone of the great assembly had joined his palms and was praising the Brahmana.
"The Bodhisattvas thought: 'This must be the greatly compassionate Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, who deserves this Moon-Bliss-Purity flower given by Opened-Flower-Sun Tathagata.'
"Thereupon, in front of the Bhagavan, the two Bodhisattvas turned to the Brahmana, and gave him the flower, saying: 'Virtuous Hero, Opened-Flower-Sun Tathagata presented this Moon-Bliss-Purity flower to you.' They then gave the three praises to the Virtuous Hero, as mentioned above.
"The rains of flowers also reached the worlds that have no Buddha at all, and produced myriad kinds of virtuous sounds at everywhere in those worlds. Those sounds are: Buddha sounds, Dharma sounds, Sangha sounds, Extinction sounds, Motionlessness sounds, Paramita sounds, Strength sounds, fearlessness sounds, supernatural abilities sounds, Inaction sounds, non-creation sounds, non-extinction sounds, Tranquility sounds, Quietness sounds, Ultra-tranquility sounds, great benevolence sounds, great compassion sounds, Uncreated-forbearance sounds, Awarding of Distinctive marks sounds, Achievement of Stages sounds, Mahayana-preaching sounds, and so forth. Such rains of flowers, and such virtuous sounds, spread all over those non-Buddha worlds.
"In those non-Buddha worlds there were many Bodhisattvas who had great supernatural abilities and mightiness. They had achieved Freedom by practicing the profound Dharmas. Because of their original vows of ferrying living beings, they were staying in those worlds.
"When they heard those sounds, they launched their supernatural powers by the aid of the powers of the Buddhas and the powers of their own vows, so in the time it takes for a vigorous person to bend and extend his arm, they arrived at Jambuvana garden in Santirana Buddha-World, where Treasure-Store Tathagata was dwelling, and bowed with their heads at His feet. They then made offerings to Treasure-Store Tathagata and the great assembly with myriad kinds of supernatural manifestations by using their Bodhisattva-Powers. Having done so, they sat down and started listening to the Dharmas.
"Virtuous man, at that time, Ocean-Atoms Brahmana made offerings to Treasure-Store Tathagata with those Moon-Bliss-Purity flowers, and said to Him: 'Bhagavan, please award me the distinctive mark of Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.'
"Then, Treasure-Store Tathagata entered into a Samadhi called Electric-Lamp. By virtue of this Samadhi, in Santirana Buddha-world, the mountains, forests, plants, rocks, earth, and so forth, all turned into the seven treasures, and the living beings all saw that they were sitting in the presence of the Buddha and listening to the Dharma.
"In accord with their minds, some living beings among them saw that their bodies became blue, yellow, green, purple, red, or black; some others saw that their bodies became like winds, fires, wild horses, or became transparent; some saw that their bodies became like ices, bubbles, or mountains; some saw that they became like Brahma, Indra, or flowers; some saw that they became like Garudas, dragons, lions, suns, or moons; and some others saw that they became like stars, vultures, or jackals. In such a way, in accord with their virtuous minds, those living beings saw their own bodies, which were sitting in the presence of the Buddha and listening to the Dharma
"Virtuous man, after that, the living beings saw that their bodies became identical to Treasure-Store Tathagata's body.
"Then, virtuous man, the great assembly saw that in the presence of Treasure-Store Tathagata, the great master Ocean-Atoms Brahmana was sitting on a one-thousand-petaled lotus made of the seven treasures. Everyone of those living beings, whether he was on the ground or in the sky, whether he was sitting or standing, saw that Treasure-Store Tathagata was sitting in front of him, looking at him and speaking Dharma only for him.
"Then, virtuous man, Treasure-Store Tathagata, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha praised Ocean-Atoms Brahmana: 'How virtuous! How virtuous! Great compassionate Great Brahmana! For the sake of countless living beings, you aroused your great compassion, which can offer great benefit and great light to the worlds.
'Brahmana, suppose that there is a good field of flowers, in which there are many flowers of various colors, various fragrances, various feelings to the touch, various leaves, various stems, various roots, and various merits. They are all good medicines.
'Among them, some flowers' light and fragrances can fill one hundred square yojanas; some others' light and fragrances can fill two hundred or three hundred square yojanas, and so forth. Some flowers' light and fragrances can even fill the four continents. When a living being in there smells the fragrances, if he is blind, he will be able to see; if he is deaf, he will be able to hear. In short, no matter which of his roots are incomplete, the roots will be completed. Moreover, if any living beings are suffering from any of the four hundred and four illnesses, when they smell the fragrances, they will be free from those illnesses immediately. If any living beings are mad, berserk, sleepy, distracted, or mind-losing, when they smell the fragrances of the flowers, they will become single-minded.
'In that flower field there is also a Pundarika flower, which is as adamant as a diamond. Its stem is made of emerald (vaidurya), its seed platform has one hundred seeds, its leaves are made of gold, and its hairs are made of carnelians, Kimsukas, and red pearls. This flower is eighty-four hundred-thousand yojanas in height, and its diameter is one hundred-thousand yojanas. This Pundarika flower's luster and fragrance universally illuminate the ten directions' Buddha-worlds, which are as many as atoms.
'Brahmana, in those ten directions' Buddha-worlds which are as many as atoms, if any living beings are suffering from physical illnesses because their four great elements are disharmonious, or if they are mad, indolent, sleepy, distracted, or mind-losing, when they see the Pundarika flower's light or smell its fragrance, all their illnesses will be eliminated and they will become single-minded. If any beings are dead but their bodies are not yet corrupted, when the Pundarika flower's light and fragrance touch their bodies, they will regain their lives, see their relatives again, and have fun together with them in gardens or parks by satisfying their five kinds of desires. Later, when their lives end, they will not be reborn in anywhere else, but will be reborn in Brahma heaven, and their lifespan will be immeasurable.
'Brahmana, that flower field is like this great assembly, when the sun rises, the flowers open and emit their light and fragrances. Some of them are one hundred yojanas in height, while some others are one thousand yojanas in height. They will then cure many living beings' various kinds of illnesses.
'Likewise, virtuous hero, a Tathagata, a Buddha, is a sun that rises in the world. When the flowers of living beings get this rising sun's light, they will open and universally emit their light, which will eliminate the living beings' myriad kinds of illnesses.
'Virtuous hero, when I appear in the world, my compassionate light universally covers all. It enlightens the living beings' virtuous roots, and settles the living beings in the three places of blessings.
'Virtuous hero, you have persuaded countless Asamkhyeya living beings to stay in Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi. They have come to me and made vows in front of me. Some of them chose pure Buddha-worlds, while some others chose defiled Buddha-worlds, and I have therefore awarded them the distinctive marks.
'Virtuous hero, if a Bodhisattva vows in front of me that he chooses a pure Buddha-world and will accept and ferry the living beings who are pure-minded, easy to be enlightened, and have planted their virtuous roots, although he is called Bodhisattva, he is not yet a great brave hero who has the great compassion in his heart. This Bodhisattva's wish to attain Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi is not come from the compassion towards all living beings, therefore he chooses a pure Buddha-world and evades the hardship. Furthermore, if a Bodhisattva does not wish to preach the vehicles of Voice-Hearers and Pratyeka-buddhas, this Bodhisattva lacks the virtuous skillful wisdom and impartial heart.
'Suppose one vows: 'Let me achieve Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi in a Buddha-world that free of Voice-Hearers, Pratyeka-buddhas, women, animals, hungry ghosts, and those who have non-virtuous roots; let me speak only Mahayana Dharmas for the Bodhisattvas that want Mahayana; when I achieve Bodhi, let me have an immeasurable lifespan, stay in the world for myriad kalpas, and speak Dharmas only for those who are pure-minded, easy to be enlightened, and have planted their virtuous roots.' In such a case, although he is called a Bodhisattva, he is not a Mahasattva, because he lacks the virtuous skillful wisdom.
"Virtuous man, at that time, Treasure-Store Tathagata extended His golden arm; His five fingers emitted myriad light of hundreds of thousands of colors, which illuminated the countless Asamkhyeya Buddha-worlds in the eastern direction.
"Among those worlds there was a world named Pollex (angustha), in which the human beings' lifespan was thirty years. Their appearances were ugly, they were shameless, they had many non-virtuous roots, and they were as tall as three elbows. In that world there was a Buddha named Great Light Tathagata, Arhat, Samyak-sambuddha, who was speaking the three vehicles' Dharmas for the fourfold assembly.
"Virtuous man, at that time, in Treasure-Store Tathagata's world, everyone of the great assembly saw that Buddha-world, as well as the Buddha and living beings in that world.
"Treasure-Store Tathagata then spoke to the great assembly: 'Countless Asamkhyeya kalpas ago, that Great Light Tathagata had first aroused His Heart of Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi in the presence of Treasure-Canopy-Light (ratna-cchatra-abhyudgata-vabhasa) Tathagata, and persuaded myriad Kotis of Nayutas of living beings to stay in Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi. Those living beings had vowed in the presence of Treasure-Canopy-Light Tathagata. Some of them chose pure sublime Buddha-worlds, while some others chose the defiled worlds of the five turbidities. That Mahasattva had also persuaded me to stay in Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi.
'At that time, in the presence of Treasure-Canopy-Light Tathagata, I had made a sublime vow that I was going to achieve Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi in a defiled Buddha-world of the five turbidities. That Tathagata praised me: 'Virtuous indeed, Virtuous indeed!' and awarded me the distinctive mark of Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi.
'That virtuous friend who enlightened me on Bodhi, that virtuous hero himself, had chosen an evil age of the five turbidities and a heavily defiled Buddha-world, in which he was going to accept and enlighten the living beings who produce Uninterrupted Hells' karma, have many non-virtuous roots, have burning and withered hearts, and are roaming the wilderness of births and deaths.
'At that time, from the ten directions' countless Asamkhya worlds, all the Buddhas, the Bhagavans, sent their envoys to where the virtuous hero was to deliver their praises, and named him Greatly Compassionate Universal Light (maha-karuna-vairocana-saumyo).
'That Greatly Compassionate Universal Light Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, who was my virtuous friend and benefited me greatly, achieved Buddhahood in Pollex (angustha) world not long ago, and is turning the righteous Dharma-wheel for those people whose life-spans are thirty years.
When He initially achieved Bodhi, from the ten directions' countless Asamkhya worlds, countless Buddhas sent their envoys to where He was to make offerings to Him. Those Buddhas were all persuaded and enlightened by Him previously, so that they stayed in Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi, Dana Paramita, and so forth, up to Prajna Paramita. Because those Bhagavans were mindful of His previous kindness, they delivered their offerings by sending their envoys.
'Brahmana, do you see that? Those Bhagavans, whose life-spans are immeasurable, are now dwelling in their pure Buddha-worlds and doing Buddha-works for those living beings who have pure minds and easy to be enlightened.
'However, that Great Light Buddha achieved Buddhahood in a five turbidities' world, in which many living beings produce Uninterrupted Hells' karma, have many non-virtuous roots, and have very short life-spans. He is doing countless Buddha-works for them, and preaching the three vehicles, including the Dharmas of Voice-Hearers (Sravaka) and Conditional Awakeners (Pratyeka-buddha).
'Likewise, virtuous hero, your vows are so supreme that all other Bodhisattvas in this congregation are no match for you, because you chose a defiled Buddha-world of the five turbidities, and will accept and enlighten those living beings who produce Uninterrupted Hells' karma and have many non-virtuous roots.
'If a Bodhisattva chooses a pure Buddha-world and keep himself away from hell beings, animals, hungry ghosts, as well as Voice-Hearers and Conditional Awakeners; if he only accepts and ferries those who are pure-minded, easy to be enlightened, and have planted their virtuous-roots, such a Bodhisattva is like the other flowers, he is not a Mahasattva, and is not like a Pundarika flower, because he does Buddha-works only for those whose virtuous roots are matured and are easy to be enlightened.
'Brahmana, a Bodhisattva may have four types of laziness. What are these four? One: Vowing to choose a pure Buddha-world; Two: Wishing to do Buddha-works only for pure-minded living beings; Three: Wishing that after achieving Bodhi, he will not speak the Dharmas of Voice Hearers and Conditional Awakeners; Four: Wishing that after achieving Bodhi, he will be a Buddha that has a very long lifespan. -- These are the four types of laziness of Bodhisattvas. Such a Bodhisattva is like the other flowers, he is not a Mahasattva, and is not like a Pundarika flower.
"Brahmana, among these great Bodhisattvas, there is only one person -- Vayuvisnu, who chose a defiled Buddha-world in which he will accept and ferry the living beings tied by afflictions. In Good Kalpa, such Bodhisattvas are also rare.
"Brahmana, a Bodhisattva can have four types of diligences. What are these four? One: Vowing to choose defiled Buddha-worlds; Two: Wishing to do Buddha-works for the living beings whose minds are impure; Three: Wishing that after achieving Bodhi, he will speak the Dharmas of the Three Vehicles, including Voice Hearers' and Conditional Awakeners' Vehicles; Four: Wishing that after achieving Bodhi, he will be a Buddha that has a moderate lifespan, neither too long nor too short. -- These are the four types of diligences of Bodhisattvas. Such a Bodhisattva is like a Pundarika flower that is different from other flowers. Therefore such a Bodhisattva is called Mahasattva.
"Now Brahmana, among this flower field of immeasurable and incalculable Bodhisattvas, you have made your vows and are wishing to gain the distinctive mark of Buddhahood, you are like a compassionate Pundarika flower growing up in front of the Tathagata.
"You have vowed to accept and ferry those who commit the sins of Uninterrupted Hells and those who have many non-virtuous roots; and you have chosen a Buddha-world of the five turbidities. Virtuous Hero, because of your greatly compassionate speech, in the ten directions' Buddha-worlds, the Buddhas, the Bhagavans as many as atoms, sent their envoys to you to deliver their praises, and named you Greatly Compassionate One. Moreover, because of your greatly compassionate vows, everyone in this great assembly made offerings to you.
"Greatly Compassionate One, in the future, passing one Ganges-river-sands Asamkhya kalpa, at the end of the second Ganges-river-sands Asamkhya kalpa, in Saha world, when the human lifespan is one hundred and twenty years, when the world in darkness has no guidance, the living beings tied by aging and illnesses will gather myriad non-virtuous roots and follow evil paths. In the wilderness of afflictions, they will commit the sins of Uninterrupted Hells, will defame holy persons, slander the righteous Dharmas, violate the four grave prohibitions, and so forth, as mentioned previously.
"In such a world full of afflictions, you will become a Thus Come One, One worthy of offerings, One of correct and universal knowledge, One perfected in Clarity and Conduct, Well gone one, One fully understands all worlds, Unsurpassed one, A hero who subdues and tames, A teacher of gods and humans, Buddha, World Honored One. You will be free from the wheel of births and deaths, will turn the wheel of Correct Dharma, and will defeat the four types of demons.
"At that time, your name will prevail in the countless and boundless Buddha-worlds of the ten directions. You will have 1250 monks of great Voice-Hearers. During forty-five years, you will do your Buddha-works successively according to your vows.
"For example, that Immeasurable Purity King will become a Buddha named Amitayus (Infinite Life), and will do Buddha-works in countless Kalpas. Likewise, you, the Greatly Compassionate One, in Saha Buddha-world and in the great Kalpa named Good, when the human lifespan is one hundred and twenty years, will become a Tathagata named Sakyamuni, and within forty-five years, the great Buddha-works that you accomplish will be as many as those done by Amitayus Buddha during countless Kalpas.
"Virtuous Hero, after your unsurpassed Perfect Nirvana (Parinirvana), your Proper Dharma will remain in the world for one thousand years.
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