영화 선사의 지장경 강설 (영어) 7

Earth Store Sutra with commentary

CHAPTER 12 The Benefits from Seeing and Hearing

This chapter discusses the Sangha Jewel. The Sanskrit word sangha: Chinese: 僧伽耶, means harmonious assembly 和合眾. The Sangha Jewel is replete with limitless merit and virtue that can benefit living beings, whether through seeing or hearing.

Sutra text:

At that time the World-Honored One emitted hundreds of thousands of tens of thousands of millions of great rays of light from the “door” of his crown: the White Ray, the Great White Ray, the Auspicious Portent Ray, the Great Auspicious Portent Ray, the Jade Ray, the Great Jade Ray, the Purple Ray, the Great Purple Ray, the Blue Ray, the Great Blue Ray, the Azure Ray, the Great Azure Ray, the Red Ray, the Great Red Ray, the Green Ray, the Great Green Ray, the Gold Ray, the Great Gold Ray, the Celebration Cloud Ray, the Great Celebration Cloud Ray, the Thousand-Wheeled Ray, the Great Thousand-Wheeled Ray, the Jeweled Wheel Ray, the Great Jeweled Wheel Ray, the Solar Disc Ray, the Great Solar Disc Ray, the Lunar Disc Ray, the Great Lunar Disc Ray, the Palace Ray, the Great Palace Ray, the Ocean Cloud Ray and the Great Ocean Cloud Ray.

Sutra commentary:

At that time the World-Honored One emitted hundreds of thousands of tens of thousands of millions of great rays of light from the “door” of his crown:

The Buddha belongs to enlightenment. Once enlightened, all Dharmas manifest. The Buddhadharma belongs to the principles. Understanding the principles will help wisdom unfold, that is the Buddha. Dharma and Buddha in harmony, bring forth the Sangha which has limitless merit and virtue.

Great 大 represents the Dharma Body virtue 法身德, rays 毫相 represent the Liberation virtue 解脫德, and light 光 represents Prajna virtue 般若德.

The “door” of his crown 頂門上 refers to an invisible "opening" 無見頂相 in the crown of the Buddha's head, which is said to be "invisibly high.” It is not something exclusive to the Buddhas, however, since everyone may have such a "door." It is through this door that the Buddha-nature of a person skilled in cultivation of the Way leaves the body at death. When it leaves it goes wherever one wishes, but only on the condition that some successful work of cultivation took place during the person's life. This crown door 頂門 symbolizes the Wisdom of All Modes 一切道種智, the superior cause and extreme fruitions 超因極果.

The light rays, which illumined all beings in the nine Dharma realms below the Buddha, lit up hundreds of millions of worlds in order to reveal the importance of this sutra to living beings. These manifold light rays serve to remind us to put forth great effort in explaining, lecturing on, printing, and circulating this sutra.

The printing and circulation of sutras is a beneficial cause that leads to the development of wisdom. Since there are so few sutras and commentaries available in the West, it can be said that the ground is parched and waiting for the rain of Dharma. The circulation of sutras such as this one is the falling of the Dharma rain.

The names of the various rays of light indicate what the rays reveal and how they function. For example, the five colors represent the five paths:

ﾷ Blue 青: the hells.

ﾷ Yellow 黃: the hungry ghosts.

ﾷ Red 赤: the animals.

ﾷ White 白: the human and god realms.

ﾷ Black 黑: the asuras, if integrated into the other paths, they may be non-existent.

As for the light marks:

ﾷ The small color mark 少色像˙譬二乘 symbolizes the Two Vehicles.

ﾷ The great color mark 大色像˙譬通菩薩 symbolizes penetrative Bodhisattvas.

ﾷ The short color mark 短色像˙譬別菩薩 symbolizes separate Bodhisattvas.

ﾷ The long color mark 長色像˙譬佛因果 symbolizes the Buddha cause and fruition.

The White Ray, the Great White Ray, the Auspicious Portent Ray, the Great Auspicious Portent Ray, the Jade Ray, the Great Jade Ray, the Purple Ray, the Great Purple Ray, the Blue Ray, the Great Blue Ray, the Azure Ray, the Great Azure Ray, the Red Ray, the Great Red Ray, the Green Ray, the Great Green Ray, the Gold Ray, the Great Gold Ray, the Celebration Cloud Ray, the Great Celebration Cloud Ray, the Thousand-Wheeled Ray, the Great Thousand-Wheeled Ray, the Jeweled Wheel Ray, the Great Jeweled Wheel Ray, the Solar Disc Ray, the Great Solar Disc Ray, the Lunar Disc Ray, the Great Lunar Disc Ray, the Palace Ray, the Great Palace Ray, the Ocean Cloud Ray and the Great Ocean Cloud Ray.

The White Ray 白毫相光, which is one of the 32 hallmarks, and the Great White Ray represent the power of Earth Store Bodhisattva and of this sutra to disperse the darkness in the world.

White 白: is 居眾色之先 the starting color of all the other colors. White can accept the other colors 白可受彩. It also gives rise to the color of all lights 起諸光之色.

Ray denotes: 1) That it can be discerned, and 2) That there is brightness 攬而可識曰相˙熾然如燄曰光.

This White Ray represents giving. Just as white is the essence 本 of all colors, so is giving is the essence of all dharmas. Giving is replete with both the virtues of Liberation and Prajna. When the Three Wheel Subtances are empty 三輪體空, then one can see the Real Mark of Giving which is replete with the three virtues. Then it is called Great.

The Auspicious Portent Ray and the Great Auspicious Portent Ray 瑞毫相光 bring auspiciousness.

The Auspicious Ray represents Precepts. When one stops evil, all good springs forth, making everything auspicious. Great is when one can see the true mark of precepts.

The Jade Ray and the Great Jade Ray 玉毫相光 refer to a kind of light that is like jade.

The Jade Ray represents Patience. From being patient, all evils are not produced; afflictions do not arise, just like jade without flaws. Great symbolizes the Patience of Non-Production of Dharmas, which entails seeing the true mark of Patience.

The Purple Ray and the Great Purple Ray 紫毫相光 are both of a purple color. The Purple Ray symbolizes vigor. By practicing all the good dharmas, and does not get them mixed up with evil dharmas 精. One progresses instead of regressing 進. Great is when body and mind, the two marks, are lost. Then one no longer sees any mark of vigor. One is apart from the false 精 and awakens to the principle 進.

The Blue Ray and the Great Blue Ray 青毫相光 are a shade of blue 青 that is similar to black but lighter 似黑而淺˙色則揚矣.

The Blue Ray symbolizes Chan. Blue belongs to the eastern direction 屬木, the leader of movement of the mass 群動之首. In the midst of movement, there is non-movement: that is Chan. Faced with a state, the mind does not move. Great symbolizes the samadhi of the Buddha, who is never without samadhi, the Shurangama samadhi of the Summit 首楞嚴定.

The Azure Ray and the Great Azure Ray 碧毫相光 are that deep green color 深青色 that we know as azure 碧. The Azure Ray designates Prajna, which can empty all marks, break all attachments, accomplish All Wisdom 一切智, and cross to the other shore; just like the azure jade, which is foremost amongst jades. Great or transcendental Prajna, which itself serves as a guide for all dharmas, guiding us to the other shore. No Dharma is not the Buddhadharma.

The Red Ray and the Great Red Ray 紅毫相光 represent the southern direction which belongs to fire 南方屬火. The Red Ray represents Expedients which can unglue, untie knots, sever delusions and help one certify to the True, just like the red light that illuminates the thousand worlds. Great refers to the expedients of the One Vehicle. Expedients enable the Three Vehicles to explain the Provisional to reveal the Actual 開權顯實.

The Green Ray and the Great Green Ray 綠毫相光 are a pure green that is in between blue and yellow. The Green Ray represents vows to enter the sea of birth and death to cross over those in suffering and difficulty, just as the green foliage can provide shade to living beings. This is no easy task. Great represents vowing to help living beings accomplish Buddhahood. If these great beings do not enter the hells, who will?

The Gold Ray and the Great Gold Ray 金毫相光 display the five types of colors that gold can have, among which yellow is foremost. Gold can buried a long time and yet will not change its characteristics. It can be worked a hundred times and will not lose its weight. The Gold Ray represents Power. Use spiritual power to take people across, leave suffering and attain bliss, just like gold. Great designates the Buddha’s Ten Powers, replete with all the power necessary to take living beings across.

The Celebration Cloud refers to the Knowledge paramita. The sea of the Buddhadharma can only crossed with the Knowledge paramita, just like the celebration dharma cloud that covers the sea of birth and death. And the Great Celebration Cloud 慶雲毫相光 designates the Wisdom of All Modes 一切種智.

The Thousand-Wheeled Light 千輪毫光 reveals the appearance of a thousand-spoked wheel such as is seen on the sole of the Buddha's feet.

The Shastra 十論 says that wheel 輪 refers to the state of the light of the full moon which pervades empty space and illuminates everything without obstruction.

The Thousand-Wheeled Ray symbolizes kindness which can give the world all kinds of joy. Great refers to the great kindness of those without conditions, which can give living beings transcendental joy.

The Jeweled Wheel Ray and the Great Jeweled Wheel Ray 寶輪毫光 manifest a wheel made from jewels. The Jeweled Wheel Ray represents compassion which can eradicate all kinds of worldly suffering. Great points to the great compassion of being of the same substance, which can eradicate both the suffering of both share section and change section birth and death.

The Solar Disc Ray and the Great Solar Disc Ray 日輪毫光 are like the sun. The Solar Disc Ray represents joy: rejoicing about others’ various merit and virtue, just like the sun lights up the great earth, benefiting and warming the ten thousand things. Great refers to great joy. When living beings become Buddhas before I do, I feel great joy, just like the great sun that universally illuminates the ten thousand things, enabling them to bear fruits.

The Lunar Disc Ray and the Great Lunar Disc Ray 月輪毫光 are like light from the moon. The Lunar Disc Ray refers to renunciation; when both relatives and enemies are renounced, the mind is cool and fresh like the moon. Great refers to great renunciation: of all the merit and virtue that we accrue, we give it up for the sake of all sentient beings, just like the great moon which illuminates the earth and enables all to be cool and fresh.

The Palace Ray and the Great Palace Ray 宮殿毫光 are a kind of light that reveals many palaces made of the seven gems. Palaces 殿 have a hall that is tall and large, and are huge, awe-inspiring and lofty. Palaces are also conspicuous and beautiful. The Palace Ray refers to the Three Vehicles Bodhi, which is as adorned as a palace. Great symbolizes the One Vehicle Bodhi: to become the Dharma King who is at ease with all dharmas.

The Ocean Cloud Ray and the Great Ocean Cloud Ray 海雲毫光 arises from the ocean. This cloud ray universally covers like the expansive ocean that seems endless. The Ocean Cloud Ray symbolizes the Three Vehicles Nirvana, covering the sea of birth and death. Great is the Great Nirvana that covers the great Dharma Realm sea.

Sutra text:

After emitting such rays of light from the “door” of his crown, the Buddha spoke in wonderfully subtle sounds to the great assembly of gods, dragons, and other members of the Eightfold Division of ghosts and spirits, and to humans, nonhumans, and others: "Hear me now in the palace of the Trayastrimsa Heaven as I praise Earth Store Bodhisattva's beneficial and inconceivable deeds among humans and gods, his transcendental deeds which planted the causes of his Sagehood, his certification on the Tenth Ground, and his ultimate irreversibility from Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi."

Sutra commentary:

After emitting such rays of light from the “door” of his crown, the Buddha spoke in wonderfully subtle sounds to the great assembly of gods, dragons, and other members of the Eightfold Division of ghosts and spirits, and to humans, nonhumans, and others:

At first, he smiled and emitted all kinds of light rays and spoke in subtle and wonderful sounds to praise the originally endowed nature virtue of all living beings.

Now, he emits light rays from the door on top of his head, speaking in subtle and wonderful sounds to praise living beings’ cultivation virtue. Bodhisattvas give rise to practice from their nature 從性起修. When the practice virtue has merit 修德有功, the nature virtue manifests 性德顯現. The self-nature can produce limitless merit and virtue to benefit limitless living beings.

The nature virtue 性德 is what all living beings are intrinsically endowed with. The ensuing practice virtue 修德 relies on the power of the Buddha and the Dharma. That is seeing the Buddha and listening to the Dharma. The Buddha and Dharma must be united harmoniously 和合, phenomenon and noumenon interfused 事理圓融, for limitless merit and virtue to be produced to benefit living beings.

Wonderfully subtle sounds refers to the Four Types of Eloquence and the Eight Types of Sound.

The first of the Four Types of Eloquence is Unobstructed Eloquence of Meaning 義無礙辯. Although there is fundamentally no meaning to express, when the Buddha speaks Dharma to awaken beings to the state beyond words, the meanings and doctrines become infinite and multilayered in response to the needs of living beings.

The second kind of eloquence is Unobstructed Eloquence in Dharma 法無礙辯. Fundamentally there is just one kind of Dharma, but when the Buddha speaks, it manifests as limitless and unbounded Dharmas. Even though so many Dharmas appear, they eventually return to one, and so it is said, "One root disperses into the myriad numbers 一本散為萬數, the myriad numbers all return to the single root 萬數仍歸一本."

The third is Unobstructed Eloquence of Phrasing 辭無礙辯. When some people speak they finish in two or three short sentences; when the Buddha speaks, on the other hand, his words are like an inexhaustible torrent 滔滔不決.

The fourth type of eloquence is the Eloquence of Delight in Speech 樂說無礙辯. It includes not only the enjoyment of speaking Dharma, but also the quality which causes those who hear it to enjoy listening.

In addition to the Four Types of Eloquence there are Eight Types of Sound:

1. The Ultimately Good Sound 極好音: The sound of the Buddha's voice is devoid of all the rasping, harsh qualities so often found among people. It is a harmonious sound, and the more one hears it the more we wish him to continue speaking.

2. The Gentle Sound 柔軟音: This sound is like the soft sound of a flowing brook, and it far surpasses the sound of orchestra music.

3. The Appropriate Sound 合適音: It’s just right, making the listeners feel that there is nothing better.

4. The Venerable and Wise Sound 尊慧音: The Buddha's voice is such that we need not even mention listening to his words; just hearing his sound is sufficient to lead to the development of wisdom.

5. The Non-Yin Sound 不陰音: This is the "yin" that occurs in the compound yin and yang. Yin represents the passive, negative, feminine, earthy, and so forth. Yang represents the active, positive, masculine, heavenly, and so forth. Many people's voices show yin qualities, such as a high and delicate timbre. When the Buddha speaks there is no such quality in his sound.

6. The Non-misleading Sound 不誤音: Everything the Buddha says is right and proper.

7. The Far-Reaching Sound 深遠音: The Buddha's disciple Mahamaudgalyayana, foremost in spiritual powers, once passed through limitless millions of Buddha-lands to the east in order to find out where the Buddha's voice stopped. No matter how far he traveled, the voice was still just as if the Buddha were right by his ear.

8. The Inexhaustible Sound 不竭音: The sound of the Buddha's voice can never be cut off. His sound is continuous.

When the Buddha speaks he may use all, or only some, of these eight sounds. One person may hear the Far Reaching Sound while at the same time another hears the Gentle Sound. This is due to the differing natures of living beings.

"Hear me now in the palace of the Trayastrimsa Heaven as I praise Earth Store Bodhisattva's beneficial and inconceivable deeds among humans and gods, his transcendental deeds which planted the causes of his Sagehood, his certification on the Tenth Ground, and his ultimate irreversibility from Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi."

His transcendental deeds which planted the causes of his Sagehood 超聖因事. His sagely wisdom unfolded very quickly.

The sutra text here makes a passing reference to the Ten Grounds, part of the fifty-five stages of a Bodhisattva's progress. This is discussed in great detail in the Avatamsaka Sutra, as well as in the Shurangama Sutra.

The first of the ten is called the Ground of Joy 歡喜地. At this stage a Bodhisattva is always happy, even if beaten or reviled. Because of his constant joy he is able to reach the second ground, Leaving Defilement 離垢地. Leaving defilement means putting aside all greed for personal comfort and most particularly greed for sexual pleasure. When all desire and unclean thoughts have been put aside, the third stage, Emitting Light 發光地, is reached. Once light is emitted, it flares into the blazing light of wisdom. Consequently, the name of the fourth stage is Blazing Wisdom 燄慧地. The fifth ground is called Difficult to Conquer 難勝地, since the Bodhisattva in this stage has such wonderful spiritual powers that he is invincible in debate and in spiritual powers. The sixth ground is called Manifestation 現前地, since there are further manifestations of wisdom and light. The seventh is called Far Traveling 遠行地 because the Bodhisattva can travel very far, and the eighth is called Unmoving 不動地. At the eighth stage the Bodhisattva does not need to move from his field of enlightenment and yet he is able to manifest and teach beings throughout the universe 不動道場而化十方的衆生. The ninth stage is called Good Wisdom 善慧地, and the tenth is known as Dharma Cloud 法雲地. At this stage the wisdom and compassion of the Bodhisattva cover beings like a great cloud that shades the earth.

In the above passage of text the Buddha praised Earth Store Bodhisattva's irreversibility from Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi 無上正等正覺, the Utmost, Right, and Equal Enlightenment. Although Earth Store Bodhisattva has not yet become a Buddha, the degree of his enlightenment is equal to that of the Buddhas.

There are varying degrees of enlightenment. Those of the Two Vehicles, Sound Hearers and those enlightened to causation, are surpassed by the enlightenment of the Bodhisattvas. The enlightenment of the Bodhisattvas is said to be right and equal 正等, since it can be said to be equal to that of the Buddhas. Such enlightenment, however, is still not the highest degree, since it is surpassed by that of the Buddha. Thus only Buddhas are said to have the Unsurpassed 無上, Right, and Equal Enlightenment. The term "irreversibility" 不退 refers to the Three Types of Non-retreating. The first of these is Irreversibility of Position, so called because there is no retreat to the practices of the Two Vehicles. The second is Irreversibility of Practice, since there is no retreat to the non-cultivating behavior of common people. The third is Irreversibility of Thought, so called because one’s thought is firmly fixed on the practice of the Great-Vehicle Dharmas.

Earth Store Bodhisattva’s attainments are inconceivable, meaning he has great spiritual powers. He has reached the level of sagehood, and hence has knowledge powers. Because when he was at the Tenth Ground, he did help others all reach this fruition. And because he has attained irreversibility, he can also enable living beings to be irreversible on the Path to Bodhi.

Sutra text:

As this was said, in the midst of the assembly a Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, named Contemplator of the World's Sounds, arose from his seat, knelt on one knee, and with palms together said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, is replete with great compassion and pities living beings who suffer for their offenses. In thousands of tens of thousands of millions of worlds he manifests thousands of tens of thousands of millions of transformation bodies. His meritorious virtues and awesome spiritual powers are inconceivable.

“I have heard the World-Honored One and the limitless Buddhas of the ten directions praise Earth Store Bodhisattva with different mouths but a common sound, saying that even if all the Buddhas of the past, present, and future were to speak of his meritorious qualities, they still could not finish speaking of them. Moreover, I have previously heard the World-Honored One tell the great assembly that he wished to praise Earth Store Bodhisattva’s beneficial acts. World-Honored One, for the sake of living beings of the present and future, please explain Earth Store Bodhisattva's inconceivable deeds. Cause the gods, dragons, and the others of the Eightfold Division to gaze in worship and attain blessings."

Sutra commentary:

As this was said, in the midst of the assembly a Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, named Contemplator of the World's Sounds, arose from his seat, knelt on one knee, and with palms together said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, is replete with great compassion and pities living beings who suffer for their offenses. In thousands of tens of thousands of millions of worlds he manifests thousands of tens of thousands of millions of transformation bodies. His meritorious virtues and awesome spiritual powers are inconceivable.

When the Contemplator of the World's Sounds, Avalokitesvara, says that he has heard the Buddhas of the ten directions praise Earth Store Bodhisattva with different mouths but a common sound, there are two possible explanations. One is that each Buddha spoke at a different time and place, yet each of them said exactly the same words; the other is that all the Buddhas simultaneously made this statement. All Buddhas can speak of Earth Store Bodhisattva’s merit and virtue endlessly.

Contemplator 觀 refers to that wisdom that can contemplate. One can use the three wisdoms to illuminate the proper nature and examine root and branch tips 察本末也. The World’s Sound 世音 refers to the state being contemplated: namely, the ten thousand images that are separate and different 所觀之境˙萬像隔別.

According to the Compassionate Flower Sutra 悲華經, in the past, No Fighting Mindfulness 無爭念 king’s first crown prince 太子, called Not Blinking 不眴, brought forth the Bodhi resolve and made the four vast oaths. That is why Jeweled Treasury 寶藏 Buddha told him, “You contemplate the gods and humans as well as the three evil paths, all living beings, and produce the mind of great compassion, wishing to end 斷 all their affliction and suffering 苦惱. You thus wish them to dwell in peace and bliss 住安樂. I hereby call you ‘One who contemplates the world’s sounds’. When you practice the Bodhisattva path, there already are a hundred thousand limitless hundred million nayutas 百千無量億那由他衆生 of living beings who obtained liberation from suffering thanks to you. When you are a Bodhisattva, you could already do great Buddha’s work.”

“I have heard the World-Honored One and the limitless Buddhas of the ten directions praise Earth Store Bodhisattva with different mouths but a common sound, saying that even if all the Buddhas of the past, present, and future were to speak of his meritorious qualities, they still could not finish speaking of them. Moreover, I have previously heard the World-Honored One tell the great assembly that he wished to praise Earth Store Bodhisattva’s beneficial acts. World-Honored One, for the sake of living beings of the present and future, please explain Earth Store Bodhisattva's inconceivable deeds. Cause the gods, dragons, and the others of the Eightfold Division to gaze in worship and attain blessings. "

Although the meritorious qualities derived from worshiping the Buddhas are limitless, we can select five representative benefits as examples. Those who bow to and worship Buddhas and Bodhisattvas gain a pleasing appearance 端正圓滿, a physiognomy that causes anyone who sees them to feel respect and like them. The second benefit is that of obtaining of a clear and resonant voice 得妙聲. The third is the attainment of wealth and honor 多饒財. The fourth is birth in an honorable family 生處高貴. The fifth is rebirth in the heavens 生天上. That is why when humans and gods bow to Earth Store Bodhisattva, they will naturally obtain blessings.

The Buddha’s verse says 佛偈云 that life is like a lamp in the wind. One does not know when it will go out.

Sutra text:

The Buddha replied to the Bodhisattva Contemplator of the World's Sounds, "You have great affinity with the Saha World. If gods, dragons, men, women, spirits, ghosts, or any other beings who suffer for offenses within the Six Paths hear your name, see your image, yearn for you, or praise you, they will definitely become irreversible in the unsurpassed Way. They will always be born among humans and gods and there fully experience wonderful bliss. When the fruit of their causes is about to ripen, they will encounter Buddhas and be given their predictions of enlightenment. You now have great compassion and pity for living beings, for gods, dragons, and the others of the Eightfold Division. Listen as I proclaim the inconceivable benefits of Earth Store Bodhisattva. Listen attentively. I will now talk about it."

Sutra commentary:

The Buddha replied to the Bodhisattva Contemplator of the World's Sounds, "You have great affinity with the Saha World.

Guan Yin has affinity with all types of beings in our world. They often call to her for help in times of difficulties.

If gods, dragons, men, women, spirits, ghosts, or any other beings who suffer for offenses within the Six Paths hear your name, see your image, yearn for you, or praise you, they will definitely become irreversible in the unsurpassed Way.

Have faith in Guan Yin and you too will certainly realize the Way.

They will always be born among humans and gods and there fully experience wonderful bliss. When the fruit of their causes is about to ripen, they will encounter Buddhas and be given their predictions of enlightenment. You now have great compassion and pity for living beings, for gods, dragons, and the others of the Eightfold Division. Listen as I proclaim the inconceivable benefits of Earth Store Bodhisattva. Listen attentively. I will now talk about it."

One encounters Guan Yin thanks to the combination of:

1. Her wisdom and great compassion as a cause.

2. Living beings’ suffering as conditions.

Sutra text:

The Contemplator of the World's Sounds said, "So be it, World-Honored One, I will be pleased to hear."

The Buddha told the Bodhisattva Contemplator of the World's Sounds, "In worlds of the present and future there will be gods whose heavenly merit has ended, who manifest the five signs of decay and who may be about to fall into the Evil Paths. When those signs appear, if those gods, whether male or female, see Earth Store Bodhisattva's image, hear his name, gaze at him or bow once to him, they will increase their heavenly blessings, experience great happiness, and never again fall into the retributions of the Three Evil Paths. How much more will limitless, boundless merit, virtue, and blessings accrue to those who see and hear the Bodhisattva and use incense, flowers, clothing, food, drink, jewels, and necklaces as offerings."

Sutra commentary:

The Contemplator of the World's Sounds said, "So be it, World-Honored One, I will be pleased to hear."

The Buddha told the Bodhisattva Contemplator of the World's Sounds, "In worlds of the present and future there will be gods whose heavenly merit has ended, who manifest the five signs of decay and who may be about to fall into the Evil Paths.

While the heavenly blessings are extremely blissful. For example, the gods’ bodies are soft and supple, refined and smooth 其身體柔軟細滑. Their imminent fall is marked by certain signs. When these signs appear, they feel extreme suffering that is not different from the hell suffering. The heavenly blessings are not unlike honey poison: first it is sweet but suffering is looming. There could be five major 大 signs, five minor 小 signs, or seven signs.

The five major signs 五大衰相 are:

1) The ever-fresh flower headdresses of the gods begin to wilt 華冠光萎. The gods’ hats are made of flowers.

2) The permanently clean clothes of the gods become soiled 衣著塵垢. Normally, their clothes never get soiled, yet at their end they will get dirty 衣服今穢.

3) The gods never sweat, but when signs of their decay occur, they perspire under their arms 兩腋流汗.

4) The normally fragrant bodies of the gods begin to stink when the signs of decay appear 體生臭氣.

5) The gods normally sit still and composed, as if in samadhi. When the signs of decay appear they begin to fidget 不樂本坐.

Once these signs have occurred, the gods fall and may be reborn to the lower realms as humans, ghosts, animals, hell dwellers, and so forth.

The Proper Dharma Mindfulness Sutra 正法念經 says that as their blessings are ending, afflictions arise 業盡懷憂惱. The prospect of having to renounce their goddesses causes them great suffering 捨離諸天女˙退時大苦惱˙不可譬喻. Thus they need to seek for help 故須求救也. If they fall into evil paths, they must follow its own karmic force 或有墮惡道者˙隋其業力.

In addition to the five major signs of decay, there are five minor signs, which are as follows:

1. The subtle voices of the gods, which are normally very beautiful and wonderful, become coarse 樂聲不起.

2. The shining light of their bodies fades 身光微昧.

3. Normally, when bathing, their bodies usually repel water like glass. When the signs of decay appear, they become soaked by water (rain) 浴水著身.

4. They become unable to renounce certain states of existence and become strongly attached to them 著境不捨.

5. They become weak and devoid of energy 身虛眼瞬. At this time their eyes, which normally remain fairly steady, begin to flit about.

In addition to the five major and five minor signs of decay, there is yet another list giving seven signs of decay. Some of these repeat those in the above lists but since they are often given as a unit, they will be treated as such here.

1. The (body) light of the gods is extinguished 光滅.

2. The flowers (on top of their heads) fade 華萎.

3. Their beautiful form changes and they become unattractive 色變.

4. Their clothing catches dust 衣塵.

5. They perspire 腋汗.

6. Their bodies become thin 身瘦. Normally, they do not need to eat anything at yet they are not thin.

7. They cannot remain still in their seats 離本坐.

A Sutra records that a god in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three saw the above-mentioned seven signs of decay, and at end of his life fell to earth and became a suckling pig 作豚.

When those signs appear, if those gods, whether male or female, see Earth Store Bodhisattva's image, hear his name, gaze at him or bow once to him, they will increase their heavenly blessings, experience great happiness, and never again fall into the retributions of the Three Evil Paths.

When they gaze at the Bodhisattva’s image, they must fix their gaze as if not able to look away from it for an instant.

If, when these signs of decay are manifested, the gods are able to worship Earth Store Bodhisattva, their blessings will not only continue, but increase 轉報增福, and they will not fall into the lower realms 衰相滅.

The Saha World has one billion Shakras. One of them saw the five signs of decay appear. He sought the Buddha’s instructions. The Buddha spoke Dharma for him, enabling him to understand the Truth 見諦. The five signs of decay instantaneously disappeared and he immediately obtained more heavenly blessings. He was ecstatic and jumped up and down with joy. He uttered the following praise: “The Great Immortal should know that I, sitting here, have obtained again heavenly blessings. Please be mindful and support me!” According to the Long Agama Sutra, there are five types of blessings that the gods can increase: 1. Heavenly lifespan, 2. Heavenly form, 3. Heavenly reputation, 4. Heavenly bliss, and 5. Heavenly awesome deportment.

There was another god who had the appearance of a suckling pig 豚. He was naturally very unhappy with his fate but did not know what to do. The other gods urged him to seek help from the Buddha. The Buddha told him that in order to eradicate his causal offenses, he should often recite the three refuges 自歸依. After doing so for seven days, he was reborn in the human realm in the household of an elder. At birth, he would kneel three times 跪三歸. At the age of seven, he was playing by the road side and met Shariputra and Mahamaudgalyayana. He bowed to them and invited the Buddha to come to his house for a visit. When the Buddha spoke Dharma for him, he, his parents and relatives all obtained non-regression 阿惟越致.

How much more will limitless, boundless merit, virtue, and blessings accrue to those who see and hear the Bodhisattva and use incense, flowers, clothing, food, drink, jewels, and necklaces as offerings."

Making offerings can result in even greater benefits.

Sutra text:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds, if living beings in the Six Paths, present and future, are on the verge of death and hear the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva pass through their ear a single time, they will never endure the suffering of the Three Evil Paths. How much more will this be true if the parents and relatives use the dying man's houses, wealth, jewels, and clothing to commission the carving or painting of Earth Store Bodhisattva's image. Or if that sick person has not yet died and sees or hears that, on his behalf, relatives have used his house, jewels, and so forth for the carving or painting of Earth Store Bodhisattva's image, because of that merit, he may quickly be cured and his lifespan prolonged, even if his karmic retribution is such that he should have undergone severe sickness. If that person's retribution is such that his life is at an end and because of all manner of offense obstacles and karmic obstructions he should fall into the Evil Paths, because of receiving such merit he will be born among humans and gods, and there enjoy extremely wonderful bliss. All his obstacles due to offenses will be eradicated.

Sutra commentary:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds, if living beings in the Six Paths, present and future, are on the verge of death and hear the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva pass through their ear a single time, they will never endure the suffering of the Three Evil Paths.

In other words, while many people are primarily concerned with obtaining rebirth to Amitabha’s Pure Land upon their death, savvy people should also consider reciting this Bodhisattva’s name when on the verge of death as a form of insurance against falling into the evil paths.

How much more will this be true if the parents and relatives use the dying man's houses, wealth, jewels, and clothing to commission the carving or painting of Earth Store Bodhisattva's image. Or if that sick person has not yet died and sees or hears that, on his behalf, relatives have used his house, jewels, and so forth for the carving or painting of Earth Store Bodhisattva's image, because of that merit, he may quickly be cured and his lifespan prolonged, even if his karmic retribution is such that he should have undergone severe sickness.

Karmic retribution: Originally he is supposed to receive heavy retribution, and should have sickness ghosts and karmic retributions come harass him, but because of that merit, he may quickly be cured and his lifespan prolonged.

If that person's retribution is such that his life is at an end and because of all manner of offense obstacles and karmic obstructions he should fall into the Evil Paths, because of receiving such merit he will be born among humans and gods, and there enjoy extremely wonderful bliss. All his obstacles due to offenses will be eradicated.

The Great Compilation Sutra 大集經 tells us that cultivating a good mind 修一善心 can destroy 破 the hundred ten thousand kinds of evil, just as a small piece of Vajra can destroy Mount Sumeru, a small fire can burn everything, or a little bit of poison can harm living beings. Small goodness can destroy great evil.

We should repent. Those who repent will abound in goodness and possess vast blessings.

Sutra text:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds, in the future a man or woman may lose father, mother, brothers, or sisters while he or she is still an infant or three years old, or five years old, or under ten years of age. When fully grown the person may think of these parents and relatives but does not know into what path or world or heaven they have been born. If that person is able to carve or paint an image of Earth Store Bodhisattva, hear his name, or gaze upon and worship him; and if he can continue to do so from one through seven days, constantly hearing his name, seeing his image, beholding, worshiping, and making offerings without retreating from his initial resolve, then that person's relatives will be liberated for many aeons. Even though their karma might be such as to cause them to fall into Evil Paths for kalpas, they will be quickly reborn in the heavens, where they will receive supremely wonderful bliss. This results from their receiving the meritorious virtues established by that son, daughter, brother, or sister who has carved or painted an image of Earth Store Bodhisattva and then gazed upon it and worshiped it.

Sutra commentary:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds, in the future a man or woman may lose father, mother, brothers, or sisters while he or she is still an infant or three years old, or five years old, or under ten years of age.

Infants 乳哺時 are still fed on milk, often until the age of three.

When fully grown the person may think of these parents and relatives but does not know into what path or world or heaven they have been born.

He does not know into what path, of the six paths, or world , which country or which world in the ten directions, or heaven, of the six Desire Heavens. his relatives have been born.

If that person is able to carve or paint an image of Earth Store Bodhisattva, hear his name, or gaze upon and worship him; and if he can continue to do so from one through seven days, constantly hearing his name, seeing his image, beholding, worshiping, and making offerings without retreating from his initial resolve, then that person's relatives will be liberated for many aeons.

From one through seven days refers to the time period required until there is a response.

To be successful, he must not be retreating from his initial resolve, from the time he first brought forth the resolve to bow to the Bodhisattva’s image. This is of critical importance! The majority of us fall off by the way side!

Even though their karma might be such as to cause them to fall into Evil Paths for kalpas, they will be quickly reborn in the heavens, where they will receive supremely wonderful bliss. This results from their receiving the meritorious virtues established by that son, daughter, brother, or sister who has carved or painted an image of Earth Store Bodhisattva and then gazed upon it and worshiped it.

This is similar to rich parents who hear of their children being in trouble and use their vast resources to help them.

Sutra text:

"If that person's relatives have already been born in the heavens on the strength of their own merit and are already experiencing supremely wonderful bliss, upon receiving this additional merit, the causes for their attaining sagehood will increase and they will experience limitless bliss. If, in addition, that person is able to behold and worship Earth Store Bodhisattva's image single-mindedly during three weeks, reciting his name a full ten thousand times, the Bodhisattva may manifest a limitless body and tell that person the name of the world in which his relatives have been born. The Bodhisattva may manifest great spiritual power and personally lead him to those worlds in a dream to see his relatives."

Sutra commentary:

"If that person's relatives have already been born in the heavens on the strength of their own merit and are already experiencing supremely wonderful bliss, upon receiving this additional merit, the causes for their attaining sagehood will increase and they will experience limitless bliss.

This Dharma Door can make the rich richer and the privileged more blessed. Let’s not forget about them!

If, in addition, that person is able to behold and worship Earth Store Bodhisattva's image single-mindedly during three weeks, reciting his name a full ten thousand times, the Bodhisattva may manifest a limitless body and tell that person the name of the world in which his relatives have been born. The Bodhisattva may manifest great spiritual power and personally lead him to those worlds in a dream to see his relatives."

Before, the sutra mentioned only one bow. Now it talks about three weeks in order to see those relatives. During this three-week period, one should be very respectful and single-mindedly gaze at and bow to his image, recite his name for a full ten thousand times with utmost sincerity. At that time, the ten thousand offenses are eradicated and the ten thousand blessings are accrued: there will be a response with the Way 感應道交.

A limitless body 無邊身: There is no place where he cannot manifest his body. Also, he can manifest any body of any living being 無類不現身.

Because living beings, even those who believe in the Buddha, may sometimes be quite confused, the Bodhisattva does not always come to them in their waking state but sometimes appears in dreams.

Ordinary people who have many outflows and cannot enter samadhi can only see their relatives in dreams. Relying on his great spiritual powers, the Bodhisattva may lead their consciousness to those worlds to see those relatives.

Sutra text:

"Moreover, if one is able to recite the Bodhisattva's name one thousand times a day every day for one thousand days, the Bodhisattva will command the ghosts and spirits in the vicinity of that person to guard and protect him for his entire life. In this world his clothing and food will be abundant and he will have no suffering from sickness. No accidents will occur in his house, much less affect his person. Finally, the Bodhisattva will rub his crown and bestow a prediction of enlightenment upon him.

Sutra commentary:

"Moreover, if one is able to recite the Bodhisattva's name one thousand times a day every day for one thousand days, the Bodhisattva will command the ghosts and spirits in the vicinity of that person to guard and protect him for his entire life.

To recite the Bodhisattva's name one thousand times a day every day for one thousand days: or for about three years.

The Bodhisattva will command the ghosts and spirits, sending the earth spirit and various ghosts and spirits to protect you this lifetime.

In this world his clothing and food will be abundant and he will have no suffering from sickness. No accidents will occur in his house, much less affect his person. Finally, the Bodhisattva will rub his crown and bestow a prediction of enlightenment upon him.

Accidents 橫事, small or big, will not enter his doors.

Sutra text:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds, if a good man or woman in the future wishes to practice great kindness and compassion to rescue all living beings and wishes to cultivate unsurpassed Bodhi in order to leave the Triple World, and if that person sees Earth Store Bodhisattva's image, hears his name, and sincerely takes refuge with and relies on him; or, uses incense, flowers, clothing, jewels, food, and drink to make offerings; or gazes at and worships him, his wishes will quickly be realized and he will never have any obstructions.

Sutra commentary:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds, if a good man or woman in the future wishes to practice great kindness and compassion to rescue all living beings and wishes to cultivate unsurpassed Bodhi in order to leave the Triple World,

Such people would be rare indeed!

And if that person sees Earth Store Bodhisattva's image, hears his name, and sincerely takes refuge with and relies on him; or, uses incense, flowers, clothing, jewels, food, and drink to make offerings; or gazes at and worships him, his wishes will quickly be realized and he will never have any obstructions.

Earth Store Bodhisattva is called the King of Vows not only because he made great vows, but also because he can help living beings accomplish their vows.

The Triple World refers to the Desire Realm, Form Realm and Formless Realm.

In a Chinese temple 宋空觀寺 there was a monk who took refuge with Earth Store Bodhisattva. Each month, he observed the ten vegetarian days, copied images of the Bodhisattva, bowed and made offerings to him, praying for him to make an apparition. After three full years, a small guest shami passed the night in the temple. The monk went outside and spoke with the shami. They spoke for a few moments and suddenly the shami disappeared. The temple people asked the monk what the shami said. The monk told them the shami had said, “Your wonderful wish has now come to fruition, why is your resolve that short-sighted?” The monk understood and immediately brought forth the resolve for unsurpassed Bodhi. He later dreamt of the Bodhisattva telling him, “That shami was me. You sought to see me but did not bring forth the resolve for Bodhi. That is why I came to remind you. You copied a lot of my images, will thus never fall into the evil paths. At the end of your life, you will be reborn to the Tushita Heaven and will see Maitreya who will then bestow a prediction of Enlightenment upon you. I accord with your wishes, like shadow follows form, or water conforms to the vessel.” After he woke up, he wept a storm from gratitude.

Sutra text:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds, if good men and women in the future wish to fulfill hundreds of thousands of tens of thousands of millions of wishes and to succeed in as many undertakings regarding both present and future, they should simply take refuge with, gaze in worship at, make offerings to, and praise the image of Earth Store Bodhisattva. In such a way, their wishes and goals will certainly be realized. Moreover, they may ask Earth Store Bodhisattva, the Great Kind and Compassionate One, to eternally protect them. In a dream the Bodhisattva will rub their crowns and bestow predictions of enlightenment.

Sutra commentary:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds, if good men and women in the future wish to fulfill hundreds of thousands of tens of thousands of millions of wishes and to succeed in as many undertakings regarding both present and future, they should simply take refuge with, gaze in worship at, make offerings to, and praise the image of Earth Store Bodhisattva.

Hundreds of thousands of tens of thousands of millions of wishes refers to all sorts of wishes that can span the three periods of time.

In such a way, their wishes and goals will certainly be realized. Moreover, they may ask Earth Store Bodhisattva, the Great Kind and Compassionate One, to eternally protect them. In a dream the Bodhisattva will rub their crowns and bestow predictions of enlightenment.

Goals refer to what is sought.

In a temple 宋千福寺 in China, there was a statue of Earth Store Bodhisattva that was one meter and six centimeters 一尺六寸 tall. No one knows who made it, or when it was made. However, the statue was very magical. Staying for the night and bowing and repenting would definitely bring about a response. Once there was a lay person who was 37 years old who had lost all of his teeth. He came to the statue, made an offering of food 段食 and prayed. At night he dreamt the statue’s image came and rubbed the crown of his head. His whole body was very peaceful and he experienced light ease. When he awoke, 38 teeth had grown.

Sutra text:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds Bodhisattva, good men and women in the future may have high regard for the Great-Vehicle Sutras and make the inconceivable resolve to read and recite them from memory. Although they may encounter a good master who instructs them, so that they may become familiar with the texts, whatever they learn they forget in a short while, so that after months and years they are no longer able to read or recite them from memory. It is because such persons' karmic obstructions from past lives have not yet been eradicated that they do not have the proper disposition to read and recite sutras of the Great Vehicle. Upon hearing Earth Store Bodhisattva's name or seeing his image, such people should wholly use their original minds and respectfully state their situation to the Bodhisattva. They should then take incense, flowers, clothing, food, and drink, as well as all manner of playthings, and make offerings to the Bodhisattva. They should place a bowl of pure water before the Bodhisattva's image for one day and one night. Afterwards, placing their palms together, let them state their request and then drink the water while facing south. As the water is about to enter their mouths they should be particularly sincere and solemn. After drinking the water they should abstain from the five pungent plants, wine, meat, all sexual activity, and false speech, as well as all killing and harming, for one to three weeks.

Sutra commentary:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds Bodhisattva, good men and women in the future may have high regard for the Great-Vehicle Sutras and make the inconceivable resolve to read and recite them from memory. Although they may encounter a good master who instructs them, so that they may become familiar with the texts, whatever they learn they forget in a short while, so that after months and years they are no longer able to read or recite them from memory.

Having high regard for the Great-Vehicle Sutras 深生珍重 suggests that, perhaps, once they look at a Mahayana sutra, it is as if they have encountered the most precious thing.

The Dharma for reciting and reading sutras is as follows: the eyes look, the mouth recites and the mind contemplates or recites. The mind contemplates its meaning.

They may then moreover encounter a competent teacher but have trouble remembering the teachings.

It is because such persons' karmic obstructions from past lives have not yet been eradicated that they do not have the proper disposition to read and recite sutras of the Great Vehicle.

The reason beings encounter obstructions to their cultivation is that they have not yet eradicated obstructing karma from past lives. These obstructions often appear at moments when beings are about to undertake some beneficial practice, the recitation of sutras, for example. Just as they are about to start they are overwhelmed with weariness and become captivated by the demons of sleep. As soon as they put the text of the sutra down, the demons leave them alone; if they then become involved in idle, useless activities and chatter, they find themselves bursting with energy. The dharma given here to counteract this type of obstruction includes making offerings, among them even playthings. This refers to all sorts of toys, such as the balls children play with. Do not think, however, that the Bodhisattva likes to play with toys. The point of this offering is that one gives the things one most enjoys. This particular dharma also requires abstention from the five pungent plants, a list that includes everything in the category of garlic, onions, shallots, chives, and leeks. These items are forbidden because they tend to increase torpor, stupidity, anger, and sexual desire.

Such karmic obstructions from past lives that have not yet been eradicated arise as a result of two causes: 1) Stinginess with Dharma: in the past, people asked for Dharma but one would not give it. 2) One has obstructed others from speaking Dharma, from learning sutras, or from reading or reciting sutras. Also, failure to draw near the Triple Jewel and not respecting the Sangha are causes for losing wisdom seeds.

Upon hearing Earth Store Bodhisattva's name or seeing his image, such people should wholly use their original minds and respectfully state their situation to the Bodhisattva.

They should state their request, saying, “Na Mo Earth Store Bodhisattva, please help me eradicate this sleep or memory ghost obstruction.”

They should then take incense, flowers, clothing, food, and drink, as well as all manner of playthings, and make offerings to the Bodhisattva.

Incense and flowers represent bringing forth the Bodhi mind, clothing symbolize stillness extinction patience, food and drink represent increasing the wisdom life, and all manner of playthings symbolize spiritual powers that enable one to playfully roam 遊戲神通.

They should place a bowl of pure water before the Bodhisattva's image for one day and one night.

A bowl of pure water refers to a small cup of the cleanest (not dirty) water, which can clean and erode obstructions. Pure water symbolizes the eight virtues. The cup symbolizes single-mindedness 制心一處. Water has flowing and cleansing functions, and is also able to nourish and sustain living beings.

Place the water before the Bodhisattva's image to seek his samadhi power support. For one day and one night symbolizes extinguishing stupidity and producing wisdom. Day symbolizes wisdom brightness. Night symbolizes stupidity darkness.

Afterwards, placing their palms together, let them state their request and then drink the water while facing south.

One faces south, not forgetting that in China, the Bodhisattva dwells in the south.

As the water is about to enter their mouths they should be particularly sincere and solemn and (this is key) contemplate the Bodhisattva coming to bless 加被 the offered water.

After drinking the water they should abstain from the five pungent plants, wine, meat, all sexual activity, and false speech, as well as all killing and harming, for one to three weeks.

To avoid pungent plants, wine, meat etc… is to observe morality. With morality, it is easier to produce samadhi. Observe this strictly for a period of one to three weeks, even after a response has been obtained.

As far as pungent plants go, when cooked and consumed, they give rise to sexual desire; when consumed uncooked, they give rise to anger and hatred. They have such a bad smell that the gods and immortals of the ten directions stay far away whereas hungry ghosts lick and kiss the eater’s lips. To have ghost as companions will tend to exhaust our blessings and virtues. Those who eat these pungent plants, sow the cause for falling into the excrement and urine hells. Once they escape, they will be reborn as pigs or dogs. When they finally obtain a human body, their bodies will have a bad odor.

As for wine, the Buddha explains that the source of the three karmas’ evil is wine.

Sex is the leader of all evil 萬惡首.

If one cultivates like this for one to three weeks, a response could occur within three weeks. However, if we harbor slightest doubt, there will be no response!

Sutra text:

In dreams these good men or women will see Earth Store Bodhisattva manifesting a limitless body and anointing their crowns with water. When they awaken they will be endowed with keen intelligence. Should this sutra then be heard by them one time, they will eternally remember it and never forget or lose a single sentence or verse."

Sutra commentary:

In dreams these good men or women will see Earth Store Bodhisattva manifesting a limitless body and anointing their crowns with water.

This section describes the response of having wisdom unfold 發慧. This kind of response is rather hard to come by. It requires utmost sincerity and purity.

Earth Store Bodhisattva’s limitless body is the Dharma Body which is limitless. When this manifests, one’s mind is purified and past karmic obstacles are eradicated.

Anointing their crowns with water: One of the 42 Hands and Eyes is called the Sweet Dew Hand and Eyes. With it, one feels very good, as if taking a bath. It wipes away all defilements and karmic obstructions. Those who have received transmission should make sure to practice every day. If not, they will have to start over again.

When they awaken they will be endowed with keen intelligence. Should this sutra then be heard by them one time, they will eternally remember it and never forget or lose a single sentence or verse."

How can one remember all sutras? That is from the power of the Bodhisattva and Dharanis.

Sutra text:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds Bodhisattva, if there are people in the future whose food and clothing are insufficient, who find their efforts thwarted, or who endure sickness and ill fortune, whose families are not peaceful, whose relatives are scattered, or who are bothered by unfortunate occurrences, or who are often startled in their sleep by dreams, upon hearing the Bodhisattva's name and seeing his image, they should recite his name a full ten thousand times with extreme sincerity and respect. Those inauspicious matters will gradually be eradicated, and they will attain peace and bliss. Their food and clothing will be abundant and even in their dreams they will be peaceful and blissful.

Sutra commentary:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds Bodhisattva, if there are people in the future whose food and clothing are insufficient,

The previous section explained how to seek wisdom; this section discusses how to seek blessings.

To have insufficient food and clothing 衣食不足 is humans’ worst suffering.

Just like an elder in Shravasti who was extremely wealthy but unfortunately he was robbed by a gang of bandits and as a result lost all of his fortune. His own wife and children abandoned him and his servants deserted him. Friends and relatives avoided him like the plague. He had to beg for food and was met with contempt and disapproval. That was why he sighed, saying, “The poor and destitute have few choices in where they can come or go, and what they can say or hear. Poor and destitute people are like corpse raising ghosts in that no one wants to see them. They are like fatal illnesses which are very difficult to cure. To be poor is to have to endure so many difficulties and be subject to unbearable hunger, cold, hatred and resentment. One is often slighted and rudely treated. One is discriminated against, often scolded or blamed and has many worries. Such multitudes of suffering arise from poverty. Destitution has tremendous power and can make my own relatives abandon me in a flash.”

If there are destitute people who find their efforts thwarted, or who endure sickness and ill fortune, whose families are not peaceful, whose relatives are scattered, or who are bothered by unfortunate occurrences, or who are often startled in their sleep by dreams, upon hearing the Bodhisattva's name and seeing his image, they should recite his name a full ten thousand times with extreme sincerity and respect.

For those who cannot get what they seek 求者乖願, whatever they wish cannot be fulfilled.

When one has to endure sickness 多疾病, one cannot go to work to earn money. Or when sick, one cannot get medical help because of lack of medical insurance. And for one who has ill fortune 多兇衰, nothing is auspicious, nothing is right.

When families are not peaceful 家宅不安, then not only the physical location, but also those who live inside it, will not be peaceful either.

Those inauspicious matters will gradually be eradicated, and they will attain peace and bliss. Their food and clothing will be abundant and even in their dreams they will be peaceful and blissful.

The Bodhisattva extends protection to us day and night.

Sutra text:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds, good men or women in the future who must enter mountain forests; cross over rivers, seas, and other large bodies of water; or pass through dangerous roads for the sake of earning their own livelihood, for public or personal affairs, matters of life and death, or other urgent business, such people should first recite the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva a full ten thousand times. The ghosts and spirits of the ground they pass over will always surround and protect them in their walking, standing, sitting, and lying down. The peace and happiness of those persons will constantly be preserved, so that even if they encounter tigers, wolves, lions, or other harmful or poisonous creatures, the creatures will be unable to harm them."

Sutra commentary:

"Moreover, Contemplator of the World's Sounds, good men or women in the future who must enter mountain forests; cross over rivers, seas, and other large bodies of water; or pass through dangerous roads

One may need to enter dangerous routes in order to address matters of life and death, such as the announcement of a birth or death, or other urgent business, such as governmental issues, robberies, disasters, or invasions.

For the sake of earning their own livelihood, for public or personal affairs, matters of life and death, or other urgent business, such people should first recite the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva a full ten thousand times.

For those matters, earning a living, public or private reasons, death or urgent business, they should first recite the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva a full ten thousand times. Do not get stuck on the number 10,000. It really means recite with utmost sincerity until it is enough 滿足.

The ghosts and spirits of the ground they pass over will always surround and protect them in their walking, standing, sitting, and lying down.

They will receive protection in everything they do.

The peace and happiness of those persons will constantly be preserved, so that even if they encounter tigers, wolves, lions, or other harmful or poisonous creatures, the creatures will be unable to harm them."

Those who mean them harm will be unable to inflict harm upon them.

Sutra text:

The Buddha told the Contemplator of the World's Sounds, "Earth Store Bodhisattva has great affinities with beings in Jambudvipa. Hundreds of thousands of aeons would not be time enough to describe the benefits derived by living beings who see this Bodhisattva and hear his name. Therefore, Contemplator of the World's Sounds Bodhisattva, you should use your spiritual powers to propagate this sutra and to cause the living beings of the Saha world to receive peace and happiness throughout hundreds of thousands of ten thousands of aeons."

Sutra commentary:

The Buddha told the Contemplator of the World's Sounds, "Earth Store Bodhisattva has great affinities with beings in Jambudvipa. Hundreds of thousands of aeons would not be time enough to describe the benefits derived by living beings who see this Bodhisattva and hear his name.

The benefits from this Dharma Door are truly inconceivable.

Therefore, Contemplator of the World's Sounds Bodhisattva, you should use your spiritual powers to propagate this sutra and to cause the living beings of the Saha world to receive peace and happiness throughout hundreds of thousands of tens of thousands of aeons."

Use your spiritual powers to propagate this sutra so that other living beings can also benefit from its Dharmas.

The Shastra 十論 says that Earth Store Bodhisattva gives joy to living beings, rescues them from the suffering of the three existences and showers them in limitless types of Dharma rain. This unsurpassed true sutra, is like eyes for living beings, a lamp in a dark room, gems to the impoverished, and medicine to the sick. We should quickly propagate it everywhere.

Sutra text:

At that time the World-Honored One spoke verses, saying:

Sutra commentary:

At that time the World-Honored One spoke verses, saying:

The Buddha uses the verses to restate the Dharmas just to make sure that living beings get it.

There are four reasons for the repetitive verses 重頌:

1) They accord with the country’s customs 隨國土. For example, India has the custom of scattering or stringing flowers.

2) They accord with beings’ understanding 隨生解. Various forms of words are more suitable to help living beings get the point.

3) They accord with preferences 隨樂欲. Some prefer prose, some prefer verse.

4) They accord with sharp or dull roots 隨利鈍. Some can immediately grasp it, some require more repetition.

Sutra text:

“As I contemplate Earth Store Bodhisattva's awesome spiritual strength,

Speaking for aeons as many as Ganges sands would fail to describe it.

To see, to hear, to worship for but one thought

Brings endless benefit to humans and gods.

If a man's or woman's or a god's or dragon's

Lifespan ends and he should fall into evil ways,

But with utmost sincerity he takes refuge with this Great Being

His lifespan will increase and his offenses will be eradicated.

Sutra commentary:

We should contemplate 觀 that the Buddha’s eyes are like 1,000 suns, illuminating and observing 照察 past and present 同於掌果.

One gaze, one bow, or one thought directed towards this Bodhisattva can bring measureless benefits to men and gods.

Take refuge with the Bodhisattva and you can increase your blessings without interruption.

The benefits are just endless and it would take forever to mention them all.

Gods and humans alike, all are greedy for long life, peace, bliss and freedom from difficulty 壽命安樂無患. That is why it says that one’s lifespan will increase and one’s offenses will be eradicated 壽命轉增除罪障.

Sutra text:

Those who when small, lost their parents' loving affection,

And do not know what paths their spirits took;

Lost brothers, sisters, or some other kin,

Whom they never knew while they were growing up,

Should carve or paint an image of this Great Being,

Should gaze and worship him unceasingly,

And for twenty-one days constantly recite his name.

The Bodhisattva will manifest a boundless body

And show the realms in which the kin were born.

And even if they’ve fallen into an evil path, they will find escape.

Sutra commentary:

If want to know where close relatives are reborn, make an image of the Bodhisattva and worship and gaze unceasingly at it. Recite his name for twenty-one days without losing the initial resolve and he will help.

Sutra text:

If one is able to not retreat from one’s first resolve,

The crown of one’s head will be rubbed, and a prediction of sagehood received.

One who wishes to cultivate Bodhi unsurpassed

And leave behind the suffering Triple World,

Having given rise to the great compassionate heart,

Should first gaze upon and worship the image of this Great Being.

Each wish one makes will quickly come to pass

Karmic hindrances never can cover up nor hinder.

One may resolve to recite a sutra text,

Wishing to cross over the crowds of confused beings to the other shore,

But although making such a vow is inconceivable,

Our efforts to accomplish it are in vain for whatever one reads is shortly thereafter forgotten;

Because of karmic obstructions and delusions,

One cannot remember the Great Vehicle sutras.

To Earth Store Bodhisattva he should offer

Scents and flowers, clothing, food, and all sorts of toys,

And place pure water on that Great Being's altar,

Wait one day and night, then drink the water;

Be diligent and respectful, and carefully avoid the pungent plants,

Both meat and wine, deviant sex and false speech;

For twenty-one days neither kill nor injure;

With extreme sincerity be mindful of the name of this Great Being.

Then in a dream one will see the boundless,

And, once awake, obtain keenness of the ear faculty;

So that when the teachings of this sutra are heard passing through one’s ear

Throughout ten million lives one will not forget.

The power of this Lord is inconceivable

It can cause one to obtain this wisdom.

Sutra commentary:

This section gives Dharmas to eradicate karmic obstructions.

Wait one day and night, then drink the water: wait for one day and night, kneel in front of his image, bow and take the small cup, face south and drink.

With extreme sincerity be mindful of the name of this Great Being 至心思念大士名: Drop everything else, recite his name and contemplate his great vow power and virtuous conduct.

Why avoid the pungent plants? Their nature is extraordinarily defiled and turbid 穢著, and produces the many mistakes and hinder the sagely Way. The Shurangama Sutra says that when cooked, they give rise to sexual desire, when raw, they give rise to anger. The gods and sages of the ten directions all stay away from the odor. After death, one who eats them will fall into the Excrement and Urine hell 死墮糞屎地獄. Then they’ll be born as pig or dogs 出作野干豬狗. When one finally obtains a human body again, it will constantly emanate a bad odor 其體腥臭.

There was a high sanghan in the Tang dynasty who built a sutra recitation hall 誦經堂. Every time he recited the Golden Light Sutra 金光名經, the Four Heavenly Kings would come to listen. Afterwards, when he read the sutra store, he would not forget a single word.

Earth Store Bodhisattva’s inconceivable powers can make the dull become sharp and the obtuse become wise.

Sutra text:

If poverty-stricken beings, plagued with disease,

Whose homes are troubled, whose relatives are scattered,

Who aren't at peace, even in sleep or dreams,

Whose efforts are thwarted, so they cannot carry out their wishes,

Gaze upon and worship Earth Store’s image with utmost sincerity,

All their evil affairs will be eradicate.

And even their dreams will be totally peaceful.

Their food and clothing will be plentiful, and gods and ghosts will surround and protect them.

Sutra commentary:

Only responses can be obtained from sincerely worshipping Earth Store Bodhisattva. Worshipping the other Bodhisattvas can also bring great benefits. For example, there was a group of people who boarded a boat into the high seas. They encountered an evil wind which brought them to the yaksha country. One person recited Guan Yin and taught the rest to do so. One Hinayana monk refused. He was the only one that was bound up while the rest were freed. He then decided to recite the Bodhisattva’s name and he too obtained liberation.

Sutra text:

Those who travel in mountain forests, across great seas,

Or among poisonous or evil birds and beasts, or evil people;

Among evil ghosts, and spirits, and also evil winds—

So many kinds of troublesome disturbances—

Need only gaze in worship and make offerings

To an image of Earth Store Bodhisattva, the Great Being.

In such a way, within the mountain forests, and on the great seas,

All evil should thereby cease.

Avalokitesvara, listen with extreme sincerity to what I say.

Earth Store Bodhisattva is endless and inconceivable.

Hundreds of thousands of tens of thousands of kalpas is time too brief

To fully describe the powers of this Great Being.

If humans can but hear the name "Earth Store",

Or if they see his image, and gaze in worship,

Or offer flowers, clothing, food, drink, and incense,

They will delight in a thousand wondrous joys.

If one can dedicate such merit to the Dharma Realm,

One will finally become a Buddha, transcending birth and death.

Therefore, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds, you should know about this

And inform all lands everywhere, as many as Ganges River's sands."

Sutra commentary:

Bitter sorrows 惡事 refers to evil happenings.

Men, ghosts and spirits all have the potential to be either good or evil. Evil winds have evil ghosts causing trouble.

How does Earth Store Bodhisattva dispel evil beasts/ghosts? By using the lion’s roar.

Only Guan Yin is able to fathom Earth Store Bodhisattva’s powers. That is why the Buddha speaks to her.


CHAPTER 13The Entrustment of Humans and Gods

The final chapter begins.

Entrustment 囑咐: The Buddha entrusts sentient beings to the Bodhisattvas, and makes the Bodhisattvas joyously do the hard and bitter work. In particular, the men and gods of the future 累劫 are entrusted to them, because these two kinds of beings have the easiest time obtaining the Way thanks to their sharper roots.

The sutra relates, “Can one make the vow to simultaneously bring all living beings in the five paths to the accomplishment of Buddhahood?” The Buddha replies, “One cannot accomplish the Way without a body. One should first take across beings in the three paths, enabling them to obtain a human or god body. Afterwards, one can then help them attain the Way.”

Furthermore, of the six paths, ghosts and spirits are immersed in darkness and worries, animals must struggle for food and evade predators, asuras have a big temper, the gods enjoy themselves. Therefore, the human path is most suitable to practicing the Bodhisattva path. A human body is very hard come by. Are we practicing?

This chapter has the same spirit as a mother on her death bed, who is particularly concerned about her young ones and entrusts them to the elders, making the elders promise to teach the young ones to become assets.

Sutra text:

At that time the World-Honored One raised his gold-colored arm and again rubbed the crown of Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, as he said, "Earth Store, Earth Store, your spiritual powers, compassion, wisdom, and eloquence are inconceivable. Even if all the Buddhas of the ten directions were to proclaim their praise of your inconceivable deeds, they could not finish in thousands of tens of thousands of aeons.

Sutra commentary:

At that time the World-Honored One raised his gold-colored arm and again rubbed the crown of Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, as he said,

In the previous chapter the Buddha rubbed the crown of the division bodies to comfort them on the hard task of crossing over living beings. Now, he only rubs the crown of Earth Store Bodhisattva, which symbolizes that the origin and manifestation are one and the same 本機一如.

The golden color symbolizes the Middle Way. The arm has the ability to pull and lift, symbolizing lifting and carrying living beings in the six paths. Therefore, raising his gold-colored arm 舉金色臂 symbolizes returning to the Middle Way One Nature 歸中道一性.

Before the Buddha rubbed the Bodhisattva’s crown to console him and acknowledge the hard work involved in crossing over living beings. Now the Buddha rubs the Bodhisattva’s crown to entrust living beings to him. Before one hand rubbed numberless crowns, symbolizing one and many self-mastery 表一多自在. Now one hand rubs one crown symbolizing that inherently there is only one Way that manifests the six paths and nine realms and that there is no other Way 表本同一道˙則顯六道九界˙更無二道也.

"Earth Store, Earth Store, your spiritual powers, compassion, wisdom, and eloquence are inconceivable.

Now that he’s about to enter Nirvana, the Buddha calls Earth Store Bodhisattva's name twice in order to show the depth of his compassion and loving care for him. Earth Store's spiritual powers are said to be inconceivable because all the beings in the hells receive their benefit, enabling even those who fundamentally should not be able to leave their suffering to do so. In addition, his compassion is said to be inconceivable because there are none to whom he is not compassionate.

There are three major types of compassion: compassion which is offered with conditions, compassion with respect to the Buddhadharma, and unconditionally offered compassion. The latter kind of compassion is particularly wonderful and inconceivable. The power of Earth Store Bodhisattva's compassion is unusually great, and is a strength which most other Bodhisattvas cannot match: he alone has made the vow to go to the hells and rescue beings. Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra have great vows, yet they teach beings in the world; only Earth Store Bodhisattva does not fear the suffering of the hells and goes there to teach beings. Thus he is known as the Teaching Host in the Dark Regions.

A demonstration of his inconceivable eloquence can be found in his ability to teach hungry ghosts to turn from evil to good. If his eloquence were not completely unobstructed and beyond thought, he would certainly be unable to effect such changes. Even if you wish to investigate the inconceivability of Earth Store Bodhisattva's various states, you will be unable to do so, since they are completely beyond all thought. This being the case, what is there to investigate?

Even if all the Buddhas of the ten directions were to proclaim their praise of your inconceivable deeds, they could not finish in thousands of tens of thousands of aeons.

The Great Shastra 大論 says that the Buddhas praise Bodhisattvas who are replete with the ten paramitas, spiritual powers, wisdom, eloquence, fearlessnesses, eighteen uncommon Dharmas etc., and yet do not stay within Nirvana but return to birth and death to save living beings.

Sutra text:

"Earth Store, Earth Store, remember that now, in the Trayastrimsa Heaven in this great assembly of hundreds of thousands of tens of thousands of millions of indescribable, indescribable numbers of all the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, gods, dragons, and eightfold divisions of spirits, I again entrust to you the humans and gods of the future who are still in the burning house and have not yet left the Triple World. Do not allow those beings to fall into the Evil Paths for the space of even a single day and night, much less fall into the Uninterrupted Hell of the Five Offenses and the Avici hell where they would have to pass through thousands of tens of thousands of millions of aeons without being able to leave.

Sutra commentary:

"Earth Store, Earth Store, remember that now, in the Trayastrimsa Heaven in this great assembly of hundreds of thousands of tens of thousands of millions of indescribable, indescribable numbers of all the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, gods, dragons, and eightfold divisions of spirits, I again entrust to you the humans and gods of the future who are still in the burning house and have not yet left the Triple World.

The burning house of the Triple World: What fun is there in such a dangerous place?

Do not allow those beings to fall into the Evil Paths for the space of even a single day and night, much less fall into the Uninterrupted Hell of the Five Offenses and the Avici hell where they would have to pass through thousands of tens of thousands of millions of aeons without being able to leave.

The Five Offenses 五無間 are the five rebellious offenses that destine one towards the Great Unintermittent Hell.

Avici hell 阿鼻地獄 is the worst place that one can be. It is best to stay as far away as possible.

The Buddha entrusts all (諸眾生等) living beings to Earth Store Bodhisattva from his Nirvana until Maitreya’s appearance in the world.

One day and night in the Heavens of the Four Heavenly Kings is equivalent to 50 years in the human realm. Our one day and night in the human realm is 500 years in the hells, because there is so much suffering there that it seems that long.

Sutra text:

"Earth Store, the beings of Jambudvipa are of irresolute will and nature, and they habitually do many evil deeds. Even if they resolve their thoughts on good, in an instant they turn back on that resolve. And if they encounter evil conditions, in every thought they tend to become increasingly involved in them. For this reason I reduplicate hundreds of thousands of millions of transformation bodies, to cross them over and liberate them, all in accord with their fundamental natures.

Sutra commentary:

"Earth Store, the beings of Jambudvipa are of irresolute will and nature, and they habitually do many evil deeds. Even if they resolve their thoughts on good, in an instant they turn back on that resolve.

The irresolute nature 性無定 of living beings can be seen in those who want to study one day and not the next, who want to do good for a moment and then decide to do evil. In one moment you resolve to cultivate and accomplish the pure Dharma Body, and then the resolve changes to a wish for the retribution body. A moment later you may decide that having a hundred thousand million transformation bodies is the most desirable goal and switch to that, and so there is nothing fixed about your will or resolve. These are examples of irresolute will concerning the bodies of the Buddha.

On the other hand, irresolute will can also be seen in the desire, on one day, to cultivate the Ten Good Deeds and attain rebirth in the heavens, followed by a burst of activity in the Ten Evils the next. One's resolve is set for the heavens, but the next day one thinks that being an animal would not be bad. An unfixed nature very commonly shows up in the resolve to stop smoking, drinking, or taking drugs: one's resolutions often last for only a moment. What is particularly bad about this kind of vacillating behavior is that people who act this way always end up rationalizing their actions one way or another.

And if they encounter evil conditions, in every thought they tend to become increasingly involved in them.

When people of irresolute nature meet a teacher who tells them to learn or do something and stresses its importance, they may try to take action, but they lack the resolve to complete the project. If someone tells them to misbehave, on the other hand, they don't even need instructions but learn to do it spontaneously. Gamblers are an excellent example of this tendency: no one has to teach them how to place bets; they see it done once and remember all the details of how to do it themselves in the future.

While it does happen that living beings may decide to do good deeds, such as contributing to build a temple, printing sutras, or making images, they may quickly turn back on their initial resolve. They give, but the gift is accompanied by the thought, "What's in it for me?" A good historical example of such a person is the Emperor Wu 張僧繇 of the Liang Dynasty, who built temples, aided the Sangha, and propagated Buddhism, but who still had to ask Patriarch Bodhidharma how much merit he had accrued.

When living beings tend to retreat from good, they surge forward into evil—they are attracted by anything that is conducive to falling into evil paths. Foremost among these causes are greed for sex and wealth; hatred, which leads to murder, arson, and other antisocial acts; and stupidity, which drives one constantly to try to get what one cannot attain.

For this reason I reduplicate hundreds of thousands of millions of transformation bodies, to cross them over and liberate them, all in accord with their fundamental natures.

We certainly keep this Bodhisattva pretty busy! However, this is quite challenging and most rewarding work!

Sutra text:

"Earth Store, I now earnestly entrust the multitudes of humans and gods to you. If, in the future, gods or humans, whether good men or good women, plant a few good roots in the Buddhadharma, be they as little as a strand of hair, dust mote, grain of sand, or drop of water, you should use your spiritual powers and virtues to protect them so that they gradually cultivate the unsurpassed way and do not retreat from it.

Sutra commentary:

"Earth Store, I now earnestly entrust the multitudes of humans and gods to you. If, in the future, gods or humans, whether good men or good women, plant a few good roots in the Buddhadharma, be they as little as a strand of hair, dust mote, grain of sand, or drop of water,

In the future: that includes us.

All living beings are replete with Buddha nature. Icchantikas 闡提 who fail to being forth the faith, although evil, are still replete with their good nature.

If we plant the smallest of good seeds with the Buddhadharma, then we will receive the largest retributions imaginable.

It should be clear that those who are studying this sutra are included in the group of good men and women, for if they were not they would have given up the study long ago. Evil men and women who take up this study feel as if they are sitting on needles: they put it aside and run off as soon as possible. Good men and women who take it up feel ever increasing joy in study. Furthermore, this passage reassures us that, although we beings are of irresolute nature and mind, there is no need to be frightened, since Shakyamuni Buddha and Earth Store Bodhisattva have made this pact. All that is required is to have done good works in the Buddhadharma.

You should use your spiritual powers and virtues to protect them so that they gradually cultivate the unsurpassed way and do not retreat from it.

It may be objected by some that they have done good but have never seen Earth Store Bodhisattva come to protect them. Think it over for a moment. Although his protection may not have been visible, were you ever in an accident in which you might have been injured or killed but from which you escaped unharmed? That is an example of Earth Store Bodhisattva's protection of you.

If you object that you have never been in an accident and consequently have not been protected by Earth Store Bodhisattva, then continue to reflect. Have you ever had a serious illness from which you recovered? Or have you ever been on a boat in rough waters and avoided capsizing? Such good fortune is due to the protection of Earth Store Bodhisattva. Have you ever been on an airplane trip that was completely without incident? That too is through the protection of Earth Store Bodhisattva. In fact, if you've ever felt apprehensive about undertaking a voyage and managed to overcome your fear, that too is an example of Earth Store Bodhisattva giving you a little added courage. The situations in which he responds are varied and uncountable. Because of the agreement made in the palace of the Trayastrimsa Heaven, living beings should have faith in him.

The sutra 處胎經 remarks on the difficulties of getting a human body: “The blind turtle perhaps can consistently emerge with its head through a whole in a piece of wood 盲龜浮木孔˙時時猶可值. However, the human body is hard to obtain again in one hundred million kalpas 人一失命根億劫復難事˙. In the great ocean, one needle can be found 海水深廣大˙三百三十六˙一針投海中˙求之上可得. Yet, once a human body is lost it is very hard to restore 一失人身命˙難得過於是.”

Sutra text:

"Moreover, Earth Store, if in the future, humans and gods who ought to fall into the Evil Paths as karmic retribution, are on the verge of falling into those paths, or are already at the very gates of those paths, are able to recite the name of one Buddha or Bodhisattva, or a single sentence or verse from a Mahayana sutra, you should use your spiritual powers to rescue them with expedient means. Display to them a limitless body, smash the hells, and cause them to be born in the heavens and experience supremely wonderful bliss."

Sutra commentary:

"Moreover, Earth Store, if in the future, humans and gods who ought to fall into the Evil Paths as karmic retribution are on the verge of falling into those paths,

Karmic retribution is not necessarily from this life time but could also be from prior lives. It is a matter of when these bad seeds created in the past mature!

Or who are already at the very gates of those paths, are able to recite the name of one Buddha or Bodhisattva, or a single sentence or verse from a Mahayana sutra,

There was a woman who recited the Buddha’s name her entire life. One day she fell gravely ill. She was hospitalized and the doctor gave up on her. As she was dying, her own daughter was by her side and reminded her to recite the Buddha’s name. She could not even utter a sound. The key word here is to be “able”.

You should use your spiritual powers to rescue them with expedients means. Display to them a limitless body, smash the hells, and cause them to be born in the heavens and experience supremely wonderful bliss."

Smash the hells with your tin staff 錫丈. He opens the doors of the hells and enables all the hungry ghosts spring loose.

The Analogy 譬喻 Sutra states that there was a king who killed his father to usurp the throne. An Arhat knew that this king would not live more than seven days. When he died, he was surely bound for the Avici Hells to undergo suffering for one kalpa. The Arhat thus taught the king to recite with utmost sincerity “Na Mo Buddha.” The king thus recited day and night without rest. At his time of death, he was escorted by the ghosts to the door of the Avici hell. He started reciting the Buddha’s name loudly. All the other prisoners also heard and imitated him in his recitation. The hell’s fierce fire immediately became extinguished and all the reciters obtained liberation. They were reborn in the human realm and later met with the Arhat who spoke Dharma for them, causing them to attain First Stage Arhatship 須陀洹.

Sutra text:

The World Honored One then spoke in verse, saying,

Humans and gods and other beings of the present and the future,

I now earnestly entrust to you.

With great spiritual penetrations, skill-in-means, take them across,

Do not allow them to fall into the Evil Paths."

Sutra commentary:

We ought to have faith and do more good so that the Bodhisattva has more chances to help us avoid falling into the Evil Paths.

Sutra text:

At that time Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, knelt on one knee, placed his palms together, and said to the Buddha, "World Honored One, please do not be concerned. If good men and women in the future have a single thought of respect toward the Buddhadharma, I shall use hundreds of thousands of expedient devices to cross them over so that they may quickly attain liberation from birth and death. How much more will those who have heard of good undertakings and whose every thought is of cultivating, never retreat from the unsurpassed Way."

Sutra commentary:

At that time Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, knelt on one knee, placed his palms together, and said to the Buddha, "World Honored One, please do not be concerned. If good men and women in the future have a single thought of respect toward the Buddhadharma, I shall use hundreds of thousands of expedient devices to cross them over so that they may quickly attain liberation from birth and death.

Have a single thought of respect toward the Buddhadharma simply by putting your palms together or nodding your head towards a Buddha image.

The sutra says that we should be mindful of impermanence. Cultivators should take advantage of this false body, knowing that the 10,000 things will return to Emptiness 歸空.

How much more will those who have heard of good undertakings and whose every thought is of cultivating, never retreat from the unsurpassed Way."

The Four Self-invasions Sutra 四自侵經 says that cultivators should examine themselves. Each should inwardly contemplate that their body is like a dream or an illusion, or that it is like an army on its way to combat, under the direction of a famous general, to wage war against a ferocious enemy. Cultivators of the Way should subdue their mind and keep their will in check, cultivate the Dharma and obey the Way, behave in accord with the rules and stay within the bounds of the precepts. Their body and mind should be pure and spotless. They should give kindness and donate virtue. They should expel and abandon anger, consternation, arrogance, and excessive fighting and argument. They should single-mindedly and vigorously practice the Way, understanding that there is no obtaining and no obstruction. They set the proper resolves. If they teach living beings, they should first make their mind proper. Even the body conduct must also be proper. Body and mind should both be proper so that there are no flaws. Because there are no flaws, they obtain the Way and end revolving in the Wheel. That is why the Ten Wheels Shastra 十輪 says that those who follow good conduct are like the bright sun, enabling them to never retreat from the unsurpassed Way 自然於無上道永不退轉.

As the saying goes: “A long journey of a thousand miles 千里遠行, starts with the first step 始於初步; a thousand, or ten thousand thoughts, are not apart from the first thought 千念萬念, 不離初念.”

It is important to consider the reasons that one was born as a human being. Are we humans merely in order to live in confusion and die a muddled death? Is the point of our lives merely to eat our fill and go to sleep, only to wake up and eat again? Are we in the world only in order to work at a job and get enough money for a couple of meals a day and a suit of clothes? If all we are here for is to eat and sleep, sleep and eat again, while waiting to die, then it would be better to die, for such a life is utterly meaningless. The troubles and difficulties far surpass the ease and pleasure, and death is preferable.

But if we come to human life for the purpose of establishing merit and benefiting those who come after us, then there is meaning. It is for those who come first to teach those who come later, for those who understand to teach those who do not. If everyone understood the principle of cultivation, there would be much less sorrow in the world. In whatever you do, see to it that you are helping others, not trying to be helped by them. Emulate the behavior of Shakyamuni Buddha, of the Bodhisattvas, of the great Patriarchs of old, all of whom worked exclusively for the benefit of beings. Do not merely become involved in "intellectual Zen" and chatter about Dharma.

If you hear of someone doing a meritorious deed such as printing sutras, or constructing temples, then support those endeavors. If you are unable to do so with money, give your labor. In general, make sure that your every action is for the purpose of aiding beings.

Sutra text:

When this was said, a Bodhisattva in the assembly named Empty Space Treasury spoke to the Buddha: "World Honored One, I personally have come to the Trayastrimsa Heaven and heard the Thus Come One speak of the inconceivable power of Earth Store Bodhisattva's awesome spiritual strength. If in the future good men or good women, as well as gods and dragons, hear this sutra and the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva, or if they gaze at and worship his image, how many kinds of blessings and benefits will they attain? Please, World Honored One, say a few words about this for the sake of those living beings in the present and in the future."

Sutra commentary:

When this was said, a Bodhisattva in the assembly named Empty Space Treasury spoke to the Buddha:

Empty Space Store Bodhisattva 虛空藏 comes from a world thousands of millions of world systems away. To the west of our Saha world by a number of worlds equal to the sands in eighty Ganges rivers, there is a Buddhaland called 一切香積依 All Incense Accumulation Sash. Its Buddha is named Victory Flower Arrangement Treasury Thus Come One 勝華敷藏如來. In addition, the Bodhisattva named Empty Space Store also dwells there. He has a jewel 如意珠 in his top knot from which anything one wishes for will come, the brilliance of which surpasses all other jewels, just as his virtues are only unsurpassed by those of the Tathagata. Should you ever encounter a Bodhisattva with a wishing gem atop his head, you should recognize him, for if you do, he will give you jewels and treasures; you will be able to have some of the treasures he has in empty space, and you will never be poor. There is a saying: “無一法不歸空如來藏故 Not a single dharma does not return to the Emptiness Thus Come One Treasury.” Only this Bodhisattva can integrate and store 融納 Earth Store Bodhisattva’s limitless merit and virtue.

"World Honored One, I personally have come to the Trayastrimsa Heaven and heard the Thus Come One speak of the inconceivable power of Earth Store Bodhisattva's awesome spiritual strength. If in the future good men or good women, as well as gods and dragons, hear this sutra and the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva, or if they gaze at and worship his image, how many kinds of blessings and benefits will they attain? Please, World Honored One, say a few words about this for the sake of those living beings in the present and in the future."

Emptiness and the Mundane are not dual 空假不二. In actuality, they are of one substance 當體即中, and this one substance can perfectly encompass the wonderful conduct 圓融妙行. All return to the Secret Store 同歸秘藏. That is why he is called Empty Space Store 故終乎虛空藏.

Sutra text:

The Buddha told Empty Space Store Bodhisattva, "Listen attentively, listen attentively, I shall enumerate and describe them to you. If there are good men and women in the future who see Earth Store's image, or who hear this sutra or read or recite it; who use incense, flowers, food and drink, clothing, or gems as offerings; or if they praise, behold, and worship him, they shall attain twenty-eight kinds of advantages:

1) Gods and dragons will be mindful of them and protect them.

2) The fruits of their goodness will increase daily.

3) They will accumulate superior causes of sagehood.

4) They will not retreat from Bodhi.

5) Their food and drink will be abundant.

6) Epidemics will not touch them.

7) They will not encounter disasters of fire and water.

8) They will not have difficulties with thieves or armed robbers.

9) They will be respected by all who see them.

10) They will be aided by ghosts and spirits.

11) Women will be reborn as men.

12) If born as women they will be daughters of kings and ministers.

13) They will be upright and have handsome appearances.

14) They will often be born in the heavens.

15) They may be emperors or kings.

16) They will know their past lives.

17) They will attain whatever they seek.

18) Their families will be happy.

19) All disasters will be eradicated.

20) They will eternally be apart from the bad karmic paths.

21) They will always arrive at their destination.

22) At night their dreams will be peaceful and happy.

23) Their deceased ancestors will leave suffering behind.

24) They will receive the blessings from their past lives to aid their rebirth.

25) They will be praised by the sages.

26) They will be intelligent and have sharp faculties.

27) They will have magnanimous, kind, and sympathetic hearts.

28) They will ultimately attain Buddhahood.

Sutra commentary:

The Buddha told Empty Space Store Bodhisattva, "Listen attentively, listen attentively, I shall enumerate and describe them to you. If there are good men and women in the future who see Earth Store's image, or who hear this sutra or read or recite it; who use incense, flowers, food and drink, clothing, or gems as offerings; or if they praise, behold, and worship him, they shall attain twenty-eight kinds of advantages:

The key here is to be extremely sincere in the act of seeing, hearing, gazing, praising or making an offering. Use your six organs with extreme sincerity toward the sutra or image.

To skillfully speak the Dharma 夫善說法者 is to not speak and not explain 無說無示. To listen to the Dharma well 善聽法者 is to obtain nothing and hear nothing 無得無聞. There is really nothing real: Listen attentively, listen attentively 諦聽諦聽. If one can discern well the real marks of all dharmas, if one is at the Primary Meaning but does not move 善能分別諸法相˙於第一義而不動, then one is consistent with the Tathagata’s instruction 乃如來分別之指.

When the text speaks of beings that see Earth Store Bodhisattva's image, it refers to the truth of their vision. Hearing the sutra shows the truth of their hearing. Recitation and offerings of food and drink show the truth of their speech and taste, while offerings of incense and flowers show the truth of their sense of smell. And the use of clothing and gems shows the truth of their sense of touch. When all six senses (including thought) are true, living beings may derive twenty-eight kinds of benefit.

Since many are self-explanatory, only a few of the benefits will be mentioned in this commentary.

1. They will be remembered and protected by gods and dragons 天龍護念. This includes the heavenly asuras. The music spirits (Gandharvas 乾闥婆) may be male or female. The males have a horn on their head. As soon as they smell the incense burned by Shakra, the male Gandharvas immediately come, dancing and singing. When you recite this sutra, they are in space and praise you.

2. The fruits of their goodness will increase daily 善果日增. Thus causes you not to retreat from cultivation. One can vigorously strive forward. Goodness engenders goodness. The fruitions increase thanks to the causes. The causes rely on the fruitions to accumulate 事迹相連˙果由因而增進˙因藉果而積集.

3. They will accumulate superior causes of Sagehood 集聖上因. The causes of wisdom include listening to explanations of sutras and hearing Dharma spoken, things which most ordinary people do not become involved in. The more they accumulate, the sturdier their mind for the Way becomes, and the more valiant their vow power becomes.

4. They will not retreat from Bodhi 菩提不退. When we cultivate, sometimes, we are very vigorous, at other times, we feel like retreating because it seems that there is no response. If we recite this sutra, our Way mind will constantly make progress daily and will not retreat. Cause and effect follow one another. Naturally one will not retreat from Bodhi.

5. Their food and drink will be abundant 衣食豐足. Everyone ought to look at themselves at this point and ask why it is that they may not have sufficient food and clothing in their lives. This is a result of not having planted good roots in the past, of not having worshiped Earth Store Bodhisattva's image, and of not having recited this sutra. The word zú 足 means to know contentment (one is able to reign in the greedy mind): that is a tremendous blessing in itself!

Clothes cover the body. Food nourishes it. Although these may appear to be insignificant conditions, they make it easier to cultivate and accomplish the great feats.

6. Epidemics will not touch them 疾疫不臨. The death of so many at one time from a single disease is what is meant by an epidemic.

Sicknesses are conditions for retreating from the Way 退道之緣: they are internal obstructions. They cause the body and strength to diminish and become damaged 能令色力減損.

The Shastra 十論 says that if sentient beings are controlled by evil ghosts which cause them to be sick, then by making offerings to Earth Store Bodhisattva, they will obtain liberation from everything and have no more fear. Their bodies and minds will be at peace and agreeable. That is why it is said that epidemics will not touch them.

7. They will not encounter disasters of fire and water 離水火災. Recite this sutra and there will be no such disasters, or external obstructions. Fall into the water and one will not drown. Enter the fire and one will not get burned. Even if one falls into the sea, perhaps one will reach a shallow place. Or while endangered by the fire, suddenly one will be rescued.

The Shastra 十論 says that if one worships Earth Store Bodhisattva, even the three great calamities 災 can also be prevented.

8. They will not have difficulties with thieves and armed robbers 無盜賊惡. One is robbed because of past causes and now one must repay the debt. The Bodhisattva can thus help free us from past enmities. Learn to recognize the law of cause and effect in action.

The Shastra 十論 states that if sentient beings are frightened of enemies, bandits, armies or war, and other kinds of scary things that surround and harass them causing their body and mind to be alarmed, and if they can make offerings and be respectful towards Earth Store Bodhisattva, then all frightening things will be avoided, and they will obtain safety.

9. They will be respected by all who see them 人見欽敬. It will not be necessary to hang out a sign and advertise oneself. There will be no effort required for people to respect you, for respect will come naturally. If there is virtue, then respect comes naturally. If there is no virtue, no matter how hard a wind you blow, you will never be able to stir up respect. It is definitely not a good thing to go about saying what a great protector of the Buddhadharma you are or how you are a member of this and that benevolent association. It is pseudo-virtue that constantly tries to sell itself, and the result of such activity is that, while those without eyes may be deceived, people who see clearly will know you for the pitiful thing you are. Those with true merit and virtue do not need to advertise it.

10. They will be aided by ghosts and spirits 神鬼助持. Whatever difficulties you encounter, the dharma protectors will come and invisibly help you. Not only the good spirits but also the evil spirits will help you, because the Bodhisattva’s power and way virtue, causes them to change their ways and come create merit and virtue with you. Why are you not helped? Maybe because you have not got it yet. Keep working at it and your turn will come.

11. Women will be reborn as men 女轉男生. It was mentioned earlier in the sutra that women have five obstacles and cannot hold certain positions. It is important to understand that this passage is not saying that a woman can turn into a man in this life. If she dislikes the body of a woman, she may be reborn male in the next life.

12. If born as women they will be daughters of kings and ministers 為王臣女. Women who do not mind being women, however, will be reborn into royal households. They can have tremendous influence which can be used it to teach and transform others.

13. They will be upright and have handsome appearances 端正相好. All their features will be upright 端正 and perfect 圓滿, from having wisdom and blessings.

14. They will often be born in the heavens 多生天上. Often they will be reborn in the heavens to enjoy heavenly blessings and wonderful bliss.

15. They may be emperors or kings 或為帝王. If you feel that you have enough and do not wish to become emperors, how about becoming a Buddha?

16. They will know their past lives 宿智命通. To know what one was in prior lives gives one the power of understanding the causes 了因之力 of one’s current conditions. When one is not confused about the prior causes 前因不昧, one leaves the dust to cultivate 離塵修道. Bodhisattvas have the hundred practices, among which wisdom ranks as foremost 士有百行˙智為其首.

17. They will attain whatever they seek 有求皆從. Seeking wealth and honor, sons or daughters, food or drinks, or power and influence: one gets it all. Do not be so stuck with externals though! Seek Bodhi!

18. Their families will be happy 眷屬歡樂. In spite of the intimacy between father and son, sometimes this relationship is strained. Children often look on their parents as having addled or petrified brains totally incapable of understanding modern trends. They often feel that their parents have no idea how to be a father or mother and that the parents are totally misguided and confused. Parents, on the other hand, may sometimes realize that their children are up to no good, but because of the deep compassion and love they have for them, they are willing to overlook their children's faults.

The same kind of problem may even arise between husbands and wives. Before the marriage everything is fine and there is never a quarrel, but after the wedding they begin to display their tempers to one another. As a result of worshiping Earth Store, none of these problems appear.

19. All disasters will be eradicated 諸橫消滅. All disasters and unexpected events 外意事 will not occur. People don’t realize that bad things occur because they have an improper frame of mind. Harboring bad thoughts has a way of drawing the trouble makers who bring along undesirable happenings to you and your family. Instead, if one maintains the sutra sincerely long enough, one will tend to have the proper frame of mind and thus avoid having potential disasters come their way.

20. They will eternally be apart from the paths of evil karma 業道永除. Paths of evil karma refers to the three evil paths. From cultivating non-outflow karmas, all three realms with outflow karmas are extinguished. The evil paths are to be avoided at all costs for those who wish to cultivate.

21. They will always arrive at their destination 去處盡通. Wherever you wish to go, you will get there without problems, and everything will be auspicious without obstructions. You can roam without fear and with self-mastery. This is from worshipping Earth Store Bodhisattva.

22. At night their dreams will be peaceful and happy 夜夢安樂. They may dream of making offerings to the Buddha, of bowing, reciting sutras, of holding mantras, of chanting the Buddha's name, or of other beneficial practices.

23. Their deceased ancestors will leave suffering behind 先亡離苦. This refers not only to relatives in this life but to ancestors and parents of aeons of past lives. Xian 先 means ancestors; wáng 亡 means deceased. The Asians have this great tradition of taking care of their ancestors. That is a form of filial piety that should be taught and preserved by the new generations.

24. They will receive the blessings from their past lives to aid their rebirth 宿福受生. Your good roots and blessings from prior lives will spillover to this lifetime. Why are you not well off this lifetime? Because in prior lifetimes, you did not help the poor and lonely. The Earth Store Dharma will activate the good seeds that you have accrued from past lives in order to help you obtain rebirth.

Bodhisattvas relentlessly garner their blessings by helping others. Furthermore, they have four Dharmas that cause them not to lose their previously accrued good roots 得先因力˙不失善根:

1. Bodhisattvas do not see other’s deficiencies as flaws 見他闕˙不以為過. For example, parents who know that their children are so wrong and yet do not see them as having faults are like this. Someone immediately raised her hand and objected, “If I don’t see faults in my children, am I not failing to teach and protect them? Am I not a failure as a parent?” A westerner student says that children have minds of their own. We can’t tell them what to do. I prefer the middle road.

I feel that normally, children are able to understand what you tell them. However, they choose to ignore your advice. Quite often, this leads to confrontations and arguments between the parents over how to go about educating the children. There is nothing wrong with wishing to teach your children. However it is wrong to insists that they get it immediately. Yes, they get it but they tend to choose to heed your advice when they like it.

What are parents supposed to do? You tell them in no uncertain terms that you believe that they are so wrong. However, you respect them profoundly and that is why you must give them the room and chance to make mistakes and learn. When they fail, be prepared to be there for them and share in the hurt. Tell them that seeing them in trouble hurts you a lot more, not only because you hate it when they suffer, but also because you then have the burden of guilt of having failed to convince them not to make those mistakes.

That way, your children will get the message and are less likely to commit the same mistakes again.

Of course, it does not hurt to give them blessings so that they are less likely to get into trouble.

Not to see others’ deficiencies really means that you are not afflicted by their flaws. It does not mean at all that you turned blind, deaf and dumb all of a sudden.

2. Towards angry people, Bodhisattvas always practice kindness 於怒人常修慈心. There are three stages to this Dharma. First, you do not reject angry people, no matter how ugly and unpleasant they are. I know, like many of you, I too have been in situations where I would do anything to be able to sock it to them. It would feel so good! Also, there are cases where they are angry at us for totally absurd reasons. In that case, we should refrain from even attempting to justify ourselves. Why? Because the first step is to learn to bear it without complaining or justifying. For example, if we were to justify ourselves, then they may not get as angry towards us any more and therefore we would forego the opportunity to endure a worsening situation, which would help us build our patience.

This is how we become increasingly patient: keep enduring the abuse until we cannot take any more. Then walk away and admit defeat. The reason we fight is because we cannot take being defeated. After we have recovered, then we can come back for more abuse and try to endure a little bit more each time. One becomes more patient by building it up. It does not happen overnight.

The second step is keep enduring the abuse until the person calms down. That is one way to settle the past karmic debt. Once it is paid up, they will naturally stop getting angry at us. While we are at it, we should learn to become grateful to the person for giving us the chance to practice patience. Do you realize that when people get angry, their heart and liver get adversely impacted? This is a well known fact in Eastern medicine. For example, it explains why there are so many heart diseases in this day and age: people get angry so often.

One of my disciples came to me and complained about chest pains. I told her that I had been waiting for the opportunity to help her work on her anger issues. Since she reached a pretty high level of gongfu, every time that she allowed herself to get angry, her heart took a serious beating. After she knew and learned to control her anger, her chest pains went away in no time.

If we can learn to appreciate the price they have to pay for giving us the chance to practice patience, it makes it easier to graduate to the third stage, which is to give rise to the mind of kindness towards angry people.

3. Bodhisattvas often speak of causes and conditions 當說諸法因緣.

4. Bodhisattvas are always mindful of Bodhi 常念菩提.

25. They will be praised by the sages 諸聖讚歎. The Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Arhats of the ten directions praise you. This occurs because you have cultivated superior blessings. The Great Shastra says: “When Bodhisattvas listen to the deep and profound and inconceivable Buddhadharma, they do not give rise to skepticism 疑悔.”

26. They will be intelligent and have sharp faculties 聰明利根. One will be very smart, have excellent memory and be very wise. Not only will one’s eyes be very bright and far-seeing and one’s ears be very sharp, but also all of one’s six organs will be very sharp and acute.

27. They will have magnanimous, kind, and sympathetic hearts 饒慈愍心. Like Bodhisattvas, one’s heart will be very kind and compassionate towards all. Even when one is poorly treated, there will be no ill-feeling at all!

Kindness has five benefits:

1. One will not be injured by knives.

2. One will not be harmed by poison.

3. One will not be burned by fire.

4. One will not be drowned by water.

5. One will be liked by those who are angry and evil 瞋惡見喜.

28. They will ultimately attain Buddhahood 畢竟成佛. They will definitely attain Buddhahood.

Sutra text:

"Moreover, Empty Space Treasury Bodhisattva, if gods, dragons, or spirits of the present or future hear Earth Store Bodhisattva's name, bow to his image, or merely hear of his past vows, deeds and practices, and then praise him and gaze at and worship him, they will benefit in seven ways.

Sutra commentary:

"Moreover, Empty Space Treasury Bodhisattva, if gods, dragons, or spirits of the present or future hear Earth Store Bodhisattva's name, bow to his image, or merely hear of his past vows, deeds and practices, and then praise him and gaze at and worship him, they will benefit in seven ways.

Why do we bow to Buddhas? Because it eradicates karmic offenses as many as the sands in the Ganges river.

Sutra text:

1 They will quickly reach the sages' ground.

2 Their evil karma will be eradicated.

3 All the Buddhas will protect and be near them.

4 They will not retreat from Bodhi.

5 Their inherent powers will increase.

6 They will know their past lives.

7 They will ultimately realize Buddhahood.

Sutra commentary:

1. They will reach the sages' ground 速超聖地. They will very quickly advance, for example, skipping from third to fifth Samadhi. This applies to all ten (sagely) grounds and is a result of having very sharp faculties and superior roots.

2. Their evil karma will be eradicated 惡業消滅. Evil karmas are filth that prevents you from becoming a Buddha. They also are those dark corners of your mind that you do not wish others to know about. Although we have created evil karmas, the three obstructions are automatically eradicated.

3. All the Buddhas will protect and be near them 諸佛臨護. One can encounter Buddhas and obtain their protection. This occurs naturally like the moon watches over the rivers.

4. They will not retreat from Bodhi 菩提不退. Irreversibility from Bodhi simply refers to setting out to become a Buddha and continuing until that goal is reached. You start out by holding the Five Precepts, leaving home, cultivating to become a great monk, or maybe a patriarch, and then, after you practice the Bodhisattva way, a Buddha. Of course, you must continue the practice and not turn back. You cannot say one day that you will cultivate the Five Precepts and then the very next moment hesitate about practicing them. Do not think that if you receive the precepts and then break them it will be a great loss of face, too embarrassing a position, and consequently put off receiving them. Do not on the one hand think about leaving home and, on the other, start doubting the merits of doing so.

5. Their inherent powers will increase 增長本力. This means that their inherent ability to become Buddhas will grow daily. Externally, they cultivate the causes which gradually imbue 熏 and increase the True Suchness fundamental power 增真如本力. And because of their profound practices, Bodhisattvas are replete with compassion and wisdom which continue to increase. Hence their inherent powers will also increase.

6. They will know their past lives 宿命接通. In addition to these benefits, they will attain the penetration of their past lives and know, for example, "Once I was a tiny ant and now I have obtained the enormous body of a human. I went from an ant to a butterfly, from a butterfly to a songbird; the songbird became an eagle, a vegetarian eagle, and so blessings and wisdom were cultivated for accomplishing Bodhi. Along that road I have now become a human." When you obtain the penetration of your past lives you will know all of this, for behind one body there follow limitless numbers of differing bodies. One can go back to 80,000 great kalpas like the Arhats. Regarding the knowledge of past lives and knowledge of others’ thoughts, if sentient beings make offerings of all sorts of great and wonderful food and drink, then thanks to this karma power they will be able to attain this wisdom.

7. They will ultimately realize Buddhahood 畢竟成佛. That is the final goal.

Sutra text:

At that time, all those who had come from the ten directions, the indescribable, indescribable numbers of Buddhas, Thus Come Ones, as well as the great Bodhisattvas, gods, dragons, and the remainder of the Eightfold Divisions who heard Shakyamuni Buddha's praise of Earth Store Bodhisattva's great awesome, and inconceivable spiritual powers, exclaimed that there had never been anything like this before.

Sutra commentary:

At that time, all those who had come from the ten directions, the indescribable, indescribable numbers of Buddhas, Thus Come Ones, as well as the great Bodhisattvas, gods, dragons, and the remainder of the Eightfold Divisions who heard Shakyamuni Buddha's praise of Earth Store Bodhisattva's great awesome, and inconceivable spiritual powers, exclaimed that there had never been anything like this before.

Everyone agrees that never before has there been a Bodhisattva as rare and powerful as this.

Sutra text:

At that time limitless incense, flowers, heavenly garments, and pearl necklaces rained down in the Trayastrimsa Heaven as offerings to Shakyamuni Buddha and Earth Store Bodhisattva. When this was finished, the entire assembly again gazed upward, made obeisance, placed their palms together, and withdrew.

Sutra commentary:

At that time limitless incense, flowers, heavenly garments, and pearl necklaces rained down in the Trayastrimsa Heaven as offerings to Shakyamuni Buddha and Earth Store Bodhisattva.

The goddesses were scattering the most precious incense, flowers, heavenly garments, and gems as offerings to the Buddha 能說之教主 and Earth Store Bodhisattva 能行之願王.

Incense 香 represents the cause penetrating the fruition sea 因通果海, accomplishing the Dharma body 五分法身. Flowers 華 symbolize the perfect cause and commensurate fruition 圓因剋果, replete with the forty-one positions. Heavenly garments 天衣 are produced on trees, and are light 輕, refined 細 and natural 自然, representing certification to the Patience of Still Extinction 證寂滅之忍. Jeweled necklaces 珠瓔 represent the four superior 勝 dharmas (precepts, samadhi, wisdom and dharani), that adorn the Dharma Body. Also, necklaces adorn the neck, symbolizing the nature and virtue of the Middle Way. Limitless 無量 symbolizes that the cause and effect Dharma is replete with limitless merit and virtue.

When this was finished, the entire assembly again gazed upward, made obeisance, placed their palms together, and withdrew.

Placing their palms together 合掌 symbolizes that the ten Dharma Realms are just one substance.

In withdrawing 退, they manifesting that the ten thousand species all return to one 顯萬類同歸.

The exegesis of the sutra text is now finished, but cultivation is not complete until Buddhahood has been achieved. Only then can it be said, "Done is what had to be done 所作以辦. The life of purity has been led 梵行以立, there is no further becoming 不受後有."

Those who have been able to study this sutra are people with good roots, for if they were not, there is no way they could have had this opportunity. In fact, even if they wanted to study it they would have been unable to do so. For example, three years ago when I first started explaining this sutra, a lay man requested that I continue explaing this sutra at Repaying Kindess Temple so that he could come and listen to it. I agreed. However, he was able to attend only around five lectures before he dropped out.

Some who do not have good roots might even say that they do not wish to become Buddhas, that they would just as soon go off to the hells and let Earth Store Bodhisattva use his great powers to release them, so that they could continue a life of wrongdoing. They ignore the fact that Earth Store Bodhisattva's great spiritual powers enable him to know full well what is in their thoughts, and that when he sees such a plan he neglects to open the gates of that offenders' hell that quickly. Do not study the ways of such people because we too would have to endure great suffering in the hells.

Go onward in cultivation, practice in accordance with the principles of this sutra. Do so with energy, do not retreat. Go forward with vigor.