The Sūtra In Which The Buddha Speaks Of Amitābha Buddha (With Notes)《佛说阿弥陀经》(加注) The Sūtra With Praises Of Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues That All Buddhas Protect Mindfully《称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经》Dhāraṇī For Uprooting All Karmic Obstacles And Attaining Birth In Pure Land (Rebirth Mantra)《拔一切业障根本得生净土陀罗尼》(往生咒)

《佛说阿弥陀经》
[The] Sūtra [1] [In Which The] Buddha [2] Speaks [Of] Amitā [3] [bha Buddha]

《阿弥陀经》
Amitā[bha] Sūtra

《称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经》
[The] Sūtra [With] Praises [Of] Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues [4] That All Buddhas Protect Mindfully [5]

《一切诸佛所护念经》
[The] Sūtra That All Buddhas Protect Mindfully

[公元 402 年] 姚秦三藏法师鸠摩罗什译
[In 402 C.E.] By Yáo Qín Dynasty’s [6] Tripiṭaka Dharma Master [7] Kumārajīva [8] Translated [To Chinese]

公元 2026 年优婆塞菩萨戒子沈时安重[英]译
In 2026 C.E. By Upāsakā [9] Bodhisattva [10] Preceptee [11] Shen Shi’an Retranslated [To English]

[1] Sūtra (经): Teaching of the Buddha (佛) first memorised by his disciples (弟子) and later recorded in writing as scripture.
[2] (i) Buddha (佛): An Awakened (觉) or Fully Enlightened one, who has attained liberation (解脱) from all suffering (苦), and perfected compassion (慈悲) and wisdom (智慧), with all other virtues (德), for guiding all sentient beings (众生) to the same goal of Buddhahood (佛果) attained.
(ii) The Buddha (佛陀): Śākyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛): Our Fundamental Teacher (本师), the founder of Buddhism in our world. Śākyamuni (释迦牟尼) means ‘the wise one (sage or Noble One: 圣者) of the Śākya clan (释迦族)’. ‘Śākya’ (释迦) means ‘able to be benevolent’ (能仁). ‘Muni’ (牟尼) means ‘perfect stillness with flames of afflictions extinguished’ (寂默).
[3] Amitā (阿弥陀) [bha/yus Buddha]: Immeasurable (无量) [Light (光)/Life (寿) Buddha (佛)].
[4] Meritorious virtues (功德): Blessed virtues (福德) arising from pure (清净) deeds of body, speech and mind (身口意).
[5] Sūtra With Praises Of Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues That All Buddhas Protect Mindfully (称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经): Alternative (yet actual) name of this sūtra, which is mindfully protected by all Buddhas, who teach it to all, and mindfully protect all who learn, practise (and teach) accordingly.
[6] Yáo Qín (姚秦) Dynasty: Kingdom in ancient China (between 384 to 417 C.E.), from Sanskrit (梵文) to Chinese (中文), in 402 C.E.
[7] Tripiṭaka Dharma Master (三藏法师): Buddhist monastic proficient in knowledge of the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma: 法) in the Sūtras (scriptures) (经), Vinaya (discipline) (律) and Abhidharma (commentaries and treatises) (论) – collectively called the Tripiṭaka (三藏).
[8] Kumārajīva (鸠摩罗什): Monastic scholar (344 to 413 C.E.) from Kucha (龟兹), one of the Four Great Sūtra-Translating Masters (四大译经师) of Mahāyāna (Great Vehicle) sūtras (大乘经) leading to Buddhahood, who translated this sūtra in 402 C.E.
[9] Upāsakā (优婆塞): Buddhist layman who has taken refuge (皈依) in the Triple Gem (三宝) of the Buddhas (佛), Dharma (法) and Saṃgha (僧) (i.e. community of awakened lay and monastic practitioners), and has committed to upholding at least the Five Precepts (五戒) to abstain from killing lives (杀生), stealing (偷盗), sexual misconduct (邪淫), false speech (妄语) and taking of intoxicants (饮酒).
[10] Bodhisattva (菩萨): One who aspires for Buddhahood, while guiding all sentient beings to it.
[11] Bodhisattva Preceptee (菩萨戒子): One who aspires to practise the Bodhisattva path with commitment to the Bodhisattva Precepts (菩萨戒).

南无莲池海会佛菩萨 [3x]
námó liánchí hǎihuì fópúsà
Homage to [and refuge for life in] the oceanwide lotus pond assembly’s [12] Buddha and Bodhisattvas

[12] Oceanwide Lotus Pond Assembly (莲池海会): The immeasurably vast gathering of enlightened beings in the Pure Land (净土). The lotus pond(s) are where more beings are born in upon reaching it, to join the assembly there.

《佛说阿弥陀经》
fóshuō āmítuójīng
[The] Sūtra [In Which The] Buddha Speaks [Of] Amitā [Buddha]

[序分
PREFACE SECTION]

[大阿罗汉与大弟子众
Assembly Of Great Arhats And Great Disciples]

如是我闻，一时，佛在舍卫国，祇树给孤独园。
rúshì wǒwén, yīshí, fózài shèwèiguó, qíshù jǐgūdú yuán. 
与大比丘僧，千二百五十人俱。
yǔ dà bǐqiūsēng qiānèrbǎiwǔshí rénjù.
皆是大阿罗汉，众所知识。
jiēshì dà āluóhàn, zhòngsuǒ zhīshí.
长老舍利弗、摩诃目犍连、摩诃迦叶、
zhǎnglǎo shèlìfó, móhē mùjiànlián, móhē jiāshè,
摩诃迦旃延、摩诃俱絺罗、离婆多、
móhē jiāzhānyán, móhē jùchīluó, lípóduō,
周利槃陀伽、难陀、阿难陀、罗睺罗、
zhōulì pántuóqié, nántuó, ānántuó, luóhóuluó,
憍梵波提、宾头卢颇罗堕、迦留陀夷、
jiāofàn bōtí, bīntóu lúpō luóduò, jiāliú tuóyí,
摩诃劫宾那、薄拘罗、阿㝹楼驮，
móhē jiébīnnà, bójūluó, ānóu lóutuó,
如是等诸大弟子。
rúshì děng zhū dà dìzǐ.

Thus is [as] I [13] [have] heard. [At] one time, [the] Buddha [was] at Śrāvastī City’s [14] Jeta [15] Grove [And] Giver-[To-The]-Lonely [16] Garden [17]. With [the] Great Bhikṣus’ [18] Saṃ[gha [19], one] thousand two hundred [and] fifty persons together. All are Great Arhats [20], many those known [and] recognised. [The] Elders [21] Śāriputra [22], Mahāmaudgalyāyana [23], Mahākāśyapa [24], Mahākātyāyana [25], Mahākauṣṭhila [26], Revata [27], Śuddhipanthaka [28], Nanda [29], Ānanda [30], Rāhula [31], Gavāṃpati [32], Piṇḍola-Bhāradvāja [33], Kālodayin [34], Mahākapphiṇa [35], Vakkula [36], Aniruddha [37], such [and] other many great disciples.

[13] Ānanda (阿难): The Arhat (阿罗汉) foremost in hearing (多闻第一) and remembering the Buddha’s teachings, and personal attention.
[14] Śrāvastī (舍卫国): Capital city of Kosala (拘萨罗) kingdom in ancient India ruled by King Prasenajit (波斯匿王).
[15] Jeta (祇陀): Victory (胜利): Crown Prince (太子) of Kosala.
[16] Giver-To-The-Lonely (给孤独): Senior Minister of Kosala, also known as Anāthapiṇḍada (阿难宾低) (Anāthapindika) or Sudatta (须达多); Joyous Generosity: ‘The Elder Who Gives To The Lonely’ (e.g. the young and parentless, and the old and childless), the Buddha’s lay disciple foremost in generosity.
[17] Jetavana Vihāra (Monastery) (祇园精舍): With trees donated by Prince Jeta and ground donated by Anāthapiṇḍada.
[18] Great Bhikṣus (大比丘): Senior and virtuous fully ordained Buddhist monks.
[19] Saṃgha (僧): Community of enlightened non-Buddhas and those striving for higher Enlightenment (觉悟).
[20] Great Arhats (大阿罗汉): The Buddha’s monastic disciples (出家弟子) who have attained self-liberation (自了) of Arhathood (阿罗汉果).
[21] Elders (长老): Senior (资深) foremost (上首) monastic disciples with high virtues (德高) and many precepts’ upholding years (戒腊) together honourable (德腊俱尊).
[22] Śāriputra (舍利弗): The Arhat foremost in wisdom (智慧第一).
[23] Mahāmaudgalyāyana (摩诃目犍连): The Arhat foremost in supernormal powers (神通第一).
[24] Mahākāśyapa (摩诃迦叶): The Arhat foremost in ascetic practice (头陀第一).
[25] Mahākātyāyana (摩诃迦旃延): The Arhat foremost in expounding the Dharma in detail (教化第一) and debate.
[26] Mahākauṣṭhila (摩诃俱絺罗): The Arhat foremost in answering questions (答问第一) and eloquence.
[27] Revata (离婆多): The Arhat foremost without inversion and confusion (无倒乱第一), and in forest-dwelling.
[28] Śuddhipanthaka (周利槃陀伽): The Arhat foremost in meaning upheld (义持第一), liberation (解脱第一), manifestation of bodies and development of wholesome mind.
[29] Nanda (难陀): The Arhat foremost in guarding and protecting the roots’ doors (守护根门第一) (restraint of senses; self-control).
[30] Ānanda (阿难/陀): The Arhat foremost in hearing (多闻第一) and remembering the Buddha’s teachings, and personal attention.
[31] Rāhula (罗睺罗): The Arhat foremost in strict and detailed practice of guarding the precepts (密行第一).
[32] Gavāṃpati (憍梵波提): The Arhat foremost in receiving heavenly beings’ offerings (受天供养第一).
[33] Piṇḍola-Bhāradvāja (宾头卢颇罗堕): The Arhat foremost in receiving the Dharma-Ending Age’s offerings, as its blessings’ field (受应末法供，福田第一).
[34] Kālodayin (迦留陀夷): The Arhat foremost in teaching and transforming (教化第一), arousing faith in the Buddha’s kinsfolk.
[35] Mahākapphiṇa (摩诃劫宾那): The Arhat foremost in instruction of monastics (教僧第一) and knowing stellar constellations (知星宿第一).
[36] Vakkula (薄拘罗): The Arhat foremost without sickness (无病第一), longevity (of 160 years) (长寿第一) and simplification of practices (省事第一).
[37] Aniruddha (阿㝹楼驮): The Arhat foremost in the heavenly eye (divine vision) (天眼第一).

[大菩萨与天众
Assembly Of Great Bodhisattvas And Gods]

并诸菩萨摩诃萨：文殊师利法王子、
bìngzhū púsà móhēsà, wénshū shīlì fǎwángzǐ,
阿逸多菩萨、乾陀诃提菩萨、
āyìduō púsà, qiántuó hētí púsà,
常精进菩萨，与如是等诸大菩萨。
chángjīngjìn púsà, yǔ rúshì děng zhūdà púsà.
及释提桓因等，无量诸天大众俱。
jí shìtí huányīn děng wúliàng zhūtiān dàzhòng jù.

Also, [there were] many Bodhisattva-Mahāsattvas [38]: Mañjuśrī [the] Dharma Prince [39], Ajita [40] Bodhisattva, Gandhahastin [41] Bodhisattva, Constant Diligence [42] Bodhisattva, with such [and] other many Great Bodhisattvas. And Śa[kra] Devā[nāṃ] In[dra [43] with] others, immeasurably many heavenly [44] great assemblies together.

[38] Bodhisattva-Mahāsattva (菩萨摩诃萨): Great Bodhisattva Being: honorific title of advanced Bodhisattvas with fully developed Bodhicitta (Bodhi Mind: 菩提心) and ability to use compassion (慈悲) and wisdom (智慧) together to manifest skilful means (方便) to benefit one and all.
[39] Mañjuśrī the Dharma Prince (文殊师利法王子): Wonderful Auspiciousness (妙吉祥) Bodhisattva, who will ‘inherit’ the position to be Dharma King (法王) (Buddha) by attaining Buddhahood. He represents the perfect wisdom (圆满智慧) of all Buddhas.
[40] Ajita (阿逸多): Unconquerable (无能胜); Maitreya (弥勒) (Loving-kindness’ Clan: 慈氏) Bodhisattva, the next to manifest Buddhahood in our world about 5.6 billion years later.
[41] Gandhahastin (乾陀诃提): Bodhisattva ‘Not Resting’, in benefitting one and all.
[42] Constant Diligence (常精进): … in benefitting one and all (Nityodyukta Bodhisattva).
[43] Śakra Devānām Indra (释提桓因): Lord Of The Devas (天主); Śakra (帝释); Indra (因陀罗): Chief god of Trāyastriṃśa Heaven (忉利天).
[44] Heavenly (Beings) (天人): Devas (天), who are terrestrial (人间) and celestial (天界) gods of the Desire Realm (欲界) and brahmas (梵天), who are gods of the Form Realm heavens (色界天).

[西方极乐世界阿弥陀佛
The Western Land Of Ultimate Bliss’ Amitā Buddha]

尔时佛告长老舍利弗：
ěrshí fógào zhǎnglǎo shèlìfó,
「从是西方，过十万亿佛土，
cóngshì xīfāng, guò shíwànyì fótǔ,
有世界名曰极乐。
yǒu shìjiè míngyuē jílè.
其土有佛，号阿弥陀，今现在说法。
qítǔ yǒufó, hào āmítuó, jīn xiànzài shuōfǎ.

At that time, [the] Buddha told [the] Elder Śāriputra, ‘From this western direction, passing [a] hundred thousand koṭis [45] [of] Buddha Lands [46], is [a] world named Ultimate Bliss [47]. [In] that land is [a] Buddha, named Amitā [48] [i.e. Āmítuó(fó)], now presently speaking [the] Dharma.

[45] Koṭi (亿): About 10,000,000; unit of 10 million.
[46] Buddha Lands (佛土): Worlds where Buddhas (manifest to) reside and teach.
[47] Ultimate Bliss (极乐): Sukhāvatī: [Amitā(bha) Buddha’s Pure] Land [or Buddha Land] Of Utmost Bliss.
[48] Amitā (阿弥陀) [bha/yus Buddha]: Immeasurable (无量) [Light (光)/Life (寿) Buddha (佛)].

[正宗分
MAIN PRINCIPLES’ SECTION]

[彼土何故名为极乐 (1):
无众苦有诸乐
Why Is That Land Named As ‘Ultimate Bliss’ (1):
Without All Suffering And With All Bliss]

舍利弗，彼土何故名为极乐？
shèlìfó, bǐtǔ hégù míngwéi jílè.
其国众生，无有众苦，
qíguó zhòngshēng, wúyǒu zhòngkǔ,
但受诸乐，故名极乐。
dànshòu zhūlè, gùmíng jílè.

Śāriputra, that land, [for] what reason, [is] named as Ultimate Bliss? [As] that land’s sentient beings, [do] not have all [kinds of] suffering, [and] only receive all [kinds of] bliss, [it is] therefore named Ultimate Bliss.

[彼土何故名为极乐 (2):
栏楯、罗网、行树、四宝
Why Is That Land Named As ‘Ultimate Bliss’ (2):
Balustrades, Nets, Lined Trees And Four Treasures]

又舍利弗，极乐国土，
yòu shèlìfó, jílè guótǔ,
七重栏楯、七重罗网、七重行树，
qīchóng lánshǔn, qīchóng luówǎng, qīchóng hángshù,
皆是四宝周匝围绕，是故彼国名为极乐。
jiēshì sìbǎo zhōuzā wéirào, shìgù bǐguó míngwéi jílè.

Moreover, Śāriputra, [as the] Land [Of] Ultimate Bliss’s seven [49] layers [of] balustrades [50], seven layers [of] nets, [and] seven layers [of] lined trees, are all [with] four treasures [51] surrounding, therefore [is] that land named as Ultimate Bliss.

[49] Seven (七): … represents the Seven Subjects Of (Thirty-Seven) Path Factors (七科道品) to Enlightenment (三十七道品): (1) Four Mindfulness Foundations (四念处), (2) Four Right Efforts (四正勤), (3) Four Bases Of Supernormal Powers (四神足), (4) Five Roots (五根), (5) Five Powers (五力), (6) Seven Awakening Limbs (七觉支) (Seven Factors Of Enlightenment) and the (7) Eightfold Noble Path (八圣道).
[50] Balustrades (栏楯): Decorative and educational railings.
[51] Four treasures (四宝): (1) Gold (金), (2) silver (银), (3) lapis lazuli (琉璃) and (4) crystal (玻瓈), that represent the Four Virtues (四德) of Buddhahood: (1) Permanence (常; eternality), (2) Bliss (乐), (3) (True) Self (我) (beyond attachment to self and non-self) and (4) Purity (净).

[彼土功德庄严 (1):
宝池、功德水、金沙、阶道、楼阁、七宝、莲花
That Land’s Meritorious Virtues’ Adornments (1):
Treasure Ponds, Meritorious Virtues’ Waters, Gold Sand, Stairs, Paths, Towers, Pavilions, Seven Treasures And Lotus Flowers]

又舍利弗，极乐国土，有七宝池，
yòu shèlìfó, jílè guótǔ, yǒu qībǎochí,
八功德水，充满其中。
bā gōngdé shuǐ, chōngmǎn qízhōng.
池底，纯以金沙布地。
chídǐ, chúnyǐ jīnshā bùdì.
四边阶道，金、银、琉璃、玻瓈，合成。
sìbiān jiēdào, jīn, yín, liúlí, bōlí, héchéng.
上有楼阁，亦以金、银、琉璃、玻瓈、
shàngyǒu lóugé, yìyǐ jīn, yín, liúlí, bōlí,
砗磲、赤珠、玛瑙，而严饰之。
chēqú, chìzhū, mǎnǎo, éryán shìzhī.
池中莲华，大如车轮，
chízhōng liánhuā, dàrú chēlún,
青色青光、黄色黄光、
qīngsè qīngguāng, huángsè huángguāng,
赤色赤光、白色白光，微妙香洁。
chìsè chìguāng, báisè báiguāng, wēimiào xiāngjié.
舍利弗，极乐国土，成就如是功德庄严。
shèlìfó, jílè guótǔ, chéngjiù rúshì gōngdé zhuāngyán.

Moreover, Śāriputra, [the] Land [Of] Ultimate Bliss has seven treasures’ [52] ponds, [with] eight meritorious virtues’ waters [53] fully filling them within. [The] pond beds [are] purely with gold sand spread [on their] grounds. [Their] four sides’ stairs [and] paths, [are with] gold, silver, lapis lazuli [and] crystal composed. Above are towers [and] pavilions, also with gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, tridacna, red pearls [and] carnelian, thus adorning them. [The] lotus flowers within [the] ponds [are as] large as chariot wheels, blue coloured [with] blue light, yellow coloured [with] yellow light, red coloured [with] red light, white coloured [with] white light, refined, wonderful, fragrant [and] pure. Śāriputra, [the] Land [Of] Ultimate Bliss [is] accomplished [with] such meritorious virtues’ adornments.

[52] Seven treasures (七宝): (1) Gold (金), (2) silver (银), (3) lapis lazuli (琉璃), (4) crystal (玻瓈), (5) tridacna (砗磲), (6) red pearls (赤珠) (ruby) and (7) carnelian (玛瑙).
[53] Eight Meritorious Virtues’ waters (八功德水): … which are (1) pure and clear (澄清), (2) clear and cool (清冷), (3) sweet and pleasant (甘美), (4) light and soft (轻软), (5) moisturising (润泽), (6) peaceful and harmonious (安和), (7) able to eliminate hunger and thirst (除饥渴), and (8) grow and nurture all sense roots (长养诸根).

[彼土功德庄严 (2):
天乐、金地、曼陀罗华、供养佛
That Land’s Meritorious Virtues’ Adornments (2):
Heavenly Music, Gold Ground, Māndarāva Flowers And Offering To Buddhas]

又舍利弗，彼佛国土，常作天乐，黄金为地。
yòu shèlìfó, bǐfó guótǔ, chángzuò tiānyuè, huángjīn wéidì.
昼夜六时，雨天曼陀罗华。
zhòuyè liùshí, yǔtiān màntuóluó huā.
其土众生，常以清旦，
qítǔ zhòngshēng, chángyǐ qīngdàn,
各以衣祴，盛众妙华，供养他方十万亿佛。
gèyǐ yīgé, chéngzhòng miàohuā, gòngyǎng tāfāng shíwànyì fó,
即以食时，还到本国，饭食经行。
jíyǐ shíshí, huándào běnguó, fànshí jīngxíng.
舍利弗，极乐国土，成就如是功德庄严。
shèlìfó, jílè guótǔ, chéngjiù rúshì gōngdé zhuāngyán.

Moreover, Śāriputra, that Buddha Land constantly plays heavenly music, [with] gold as ground. Day [and] night, [during the] six periods [54], raining [from the] sky [are] Māndarā[va] flowers [55]. That land’s sentient beings, constantly with early mornings, each with [their] clothes’ lapels, fill many wonderful flowers, [to] make offerings [to] other directions’ hundred thousand koṭis [of] Buddhas. Immediately by mealtime, returning to [the] original land, [to] eat food [and practise] walking meditation. Śāriputra, [the] Land [Of] Ultimate Bliss [is] accomplished [with] such meritorious virtues’ adornments.

[54] Six periods (六时): Three periods of day (morning, midday, afternoon) and three periods of night (evening, midnight, post-midnight); all the time. Each period is four hours, beginning at around 6 a.m.
[55] Māndarāva flowers (曼陀罗华): Superbly beautiful, fragrant, auspicious and wonderful heavenly flowers.

[彼土功德庄严 (3):
奇妙之鸟
That Land’s Meritorious Virtues’ Adornments (3):
Rare And Wonderful Birds]

复次舍利弗，彼国常有种种奇妙杂色之鸟，
fùcì shèlìfó, bǐguó chángyǒu zhǒngzhǒng qímiào zásè zhīniǎo.
白鹤、孔雀、鹦鹉、舍利、
báihè, kǒngquè, yīngwǔ, shèlì,
迦陵频伽、共命之鸟。
jiālíng pínqié, gòngmìng zhīniǎo.
是诸众鸟，昼夜六时，出和雅音。
shìzhū zhòngniǎo, zhòuyè liùshí, chū héyǎ yīn.
其音演畅五根、五力、七菩提分、
qíyīn yǎnchàng wǔgēn, wǔlì, qīpútífēn,
八圣道分，如是等法。
bāshèngdào fēn, rúshì děngfǎ.
其土众生，闻是音已，
qítǔ zhòngshēng, wénshì yīnyǐ,
皆悉念佛、念法、念僧。
jiēxī niànfó, niànfǎ, niànsēng.

Furthermore, Śāriputra, that land constantly has all kinds [of] rare [and] wonderful birds of various colours: White Cranes, Peacocks, Parrots, Śāris [56], Kalaviṅkas [57], [and] Birds That Share Life [58]. All these many birds, day [and] night, [during the] six periods, produce harmonious [and] elegant sounds. Their sounds clearly expound [the] Five Roots [59], Five Powers [60] , Seven Bodhi Factors [61], Eight Noble Path Factors [62], such [and] other Dharma [teachings]. That land’s sentient beings, [having] heard these sounds already, [will] all [be] mindful [of the] Buddha, mindful [of the] Dharma, [and] mindful [of the] Saṃgha.

[56] Śāris (舍利): Eloquent mynah-like birds with clear and sharp eyes, who represent wisdom.
[57] Kalaviṅkas (迦陵频伽): Birds with wonderful voices likened to Buddhas’, who sing before hatching.
[58] Birds That Share Life (共命之鸟): Jīvaṃjīvaka birds (命命鸟) with two heads each.
[59] Five Roots (五根): … of (1) Faith (信), (2) Diligence (精进), (3) Mindfulness (念), (4) Concentration (定) and (5) Wisdom (慧).
[60] Five Powers (五力): … of (1) Faith (信), (2) Diligence (精进), (3) Mindfulness (念), (4) Concentration (定) and (5) Wisdom (慧) from practice of the Five Roots.
[61] Seven Bodhi Factors (七菩提分): (1) Mindfulness (念), (2) Investigation Of Dharmas (择法), (3) Diligence (精进), (4) Joy (喜), (5) Tranquillity (轻安), (6) Concentration (定) and (7) Equanimity (舍).
[62] Eight Noble Path Factors (八圣道分): (1) Right Understanding (正见), (2) Right Thought (正思维), (3) Right Speech (正语), (4) Right Action (正业), (5) Right Livelihood (正命), (6) Right Effort (正精进), (7) Right Mindfulness (正念) and (8) Right Concentration (正定).

[彼土无三恶道
That Land Is Without The Three Evil Paths]

舍利弗，汝勿谓此鸟，实是罪报所生。
shèlìfó, rǔ wùwèi cǐniǎo, shíshì zuìbào suǒshēng.
所以者何？彼佛国土，无三恶道。
suǒyǐ zhěhé. bǐfó guótǔ wú sānèdào.

Śāriputra, you [should] not say these birds, really are those [from] transgressive retribution [63] born. Why [is] that [so]? That Buddha Land [is] without [the] three evil paths [64].

[63] Transgressive retribution (罪报): … as fruition of evil (恶业).
[64] Three evil paths (三恶道): Lower realms of hell-beings (地狱众生), hungry ghosts (饿鬼) and animals (畜生).

[诸鸟弥陀所化
All Birds Are Amitā Buddha’s Manifestations]

舍利弗，其佛国土，尚无恶道之名，何况有实？
shèlìfó, qífó guótǔ, shàngwú èdào zhīmíng, hékuàng yǒushí.
是诸众鸟，皆是阿弥陀佛，
shìzhū zhòngniǎo, jiēshì āmítuófó,
欲令法音宣流，变化所作。
yùlìng fǎyīn xuānliú, biànhuà suǒzuò.

Śāriputra, that Buddha Land [is] even without names of [the] evil paths, much less having [their] reality. All these many birds, are all Amitā Buddha, [who] desires [to] enable [the] Dharma’s sounds [to be] propagated, [with] transformations [of] those created.

[彼土功德庄严 (4):
百千种乐
That Land’s Meritorious Virtues’ Adornments (4):
Hundred Thousand Kinds Of Music]

舍利弗，彼佛国土，微风吹动诸宝行树，
shèlìfó, bǐfó guótǔ, wēifēng chuídòng zhūbǎo hángshù,
及宝罗网，出微妙音。
jí bǎoluó wǎng, chū wēimiào yīn.
譬如百千种乐，同时俱作。
pìrú bǎiqiān zhǒngyuè, tóngshí jùzuò.
闻是音者，自然皆生念佛、念法、念僧之心。
wénshì yīnzhě, zìrán jiēshēng niànfó niànfǎ niànsēng zhīxīn.
舍利弗，其佛国土，成就如是功德庄严。
shèlìfó, qífó guótǔ, chéngjiù rúshì gōngdé zhuāngyán.

Śāriputra, [in] that Buddha Land, gentle breezes blow [and] move all [the] lined treasure trees and treasure nets, [to] produce refined [and] wonderful sounds. For example, [like a] hundred thousand kinds [of] music, [at the] same time together playing. Those [who] hear these sounds, [will] naturally all give rise [to] minds that [are] mindful [of the] Buddha, mindful [of the] Dharma, [and] mindful [of the] Saṃgha. Śāriputra, that Buddha Land [is] accomplished [with] such meritorious virtues’ adornments.

[彼佛何故号阿弥陀 (1):
无量光
Why Is That Buddha Named ‘Amita’ (1):
Immeasurable Light]

舍利弗，于汝意云何？彼佛何故号阿弥陀？
shèlìfó, yúrǔ yìyún hé. bǐfó hégù hào āmítuó.
舍利弗，彼佛光明无量，照十方国，
shèlìfó, bǐfó guāngmíng wúliàng, zhào shífāngguó,
无所障碍，是故号为阿弥陀。
wúsuǒ zhàngài, shìgù hàowéi āmítuó.

Śāriputra, what [do] you think of [this]? That Buddha, [for] what reason, [is] named Amitā? Śāriputra, [as] that Buddha’s bright light [is] immeasurable, [and] illuminates [the] ten directions’ [65] lands without that obstructing, therefore [is he] named as Amitā[bha: Immeasurable Light].

[65] Ten directions (十方): … of all space, to the East, South, West, North, Below, Above, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast.

[彼佛何故号阿弥陀 (2):
无量寿
Why Is That Buddha Named ‘Amita’ (2):
Immeasurable Life]

又舍利弗，彼佛寿命，及其人民，
yòu shèlìfó, bǐfó shòumìng, jíqí rénmín,
无量无边阿僧祇劫，故名阿弥陀。
wúliàng wúbiān āsēng qíjié, gùmíng āmítuó.

Moreover, Śāriputra, [as] that Buddha’s lifespan, and that [of his] people, [are] immeasurable [and] boundless asaṃkhyeya [66] kalpas [67], therefore [is he] named [as] Amitā[yus: Immeasurable Life].

[66] Asaṃkhyeya (阿僧祇): ‘Innumerable’ or ‘incalculable’. (The path to Buddhahood is swiftest via the Pure Land, which also offers as much time as needed.)
[67] Kalpa (劫): An inconceivably long period of time; one world cycle: time for a world to be formed and destroyed, about 1,334,000,000 years.

舍利弗，阿弥陀佛，成佛已来，于今十劫。
shèlìfó, āmítuófó, chéngfó yǐlái, yújīn shíjié.

Śāriputra, since Amitā Buddha accomplished Buddhahood, by now, [it has been] ten kalpas.

[国土功德庄严 (5):
无量阿罗汉与菩萨
That Land’s Meritorious Virtues’ Adornments (5):
Immeasurable Arhats And Bodhisattvas]

又舍利弗，彼佛有无量无边声闻弟子，
yòu shèlìfó, bǐfó yǒu wúliàng wúbiān shēngwén dìzǐ,
皆阿罗汉，非是算数之所能知。
jiē āluóhàn, fēishì suànshù zhīsuǒ néngzhī.
诸菩萨众，亦复如是。
zhū púsà zhòng, yìfù rúshì.
舍利弗，彼佛国土，成就如是功德庄严。
shèlìfó, bǐfó guótǔ, chéngjiù rúshì gōngdé zhuāngyán.

Moreover, Śāriputra, that Buddha has immeasurable [and] boundless Voice-hearer [68] [i.e. Śrāvaka] disciples, all [of whom are] Arhats, [who] are not those [by] counting of [their] number able [to be] known. All Bodhisattva assemblies, [are] likewise thus. Śāriputra, that Buddha Land [is] accomplished [with] such meritorious virtues’ adornments.

[68] Voice-hearer (声闻): … of the Buddha’s teachings; disciples of the Buddha seeking Arhathood (self-liberation) (first).

[无量阿鞞跋致与一生补处菩萨
Immeasurable Avaivartikas And Ekajaṭī-pratibaddha Bodhisattvas]

又舍利弗，极乐国土，众生生者，
yòu shèlìfó, jílè guótǔ, zhòngshēng shēngzhě,
皆是阿鞞跋致。其中多有一生补处，
jiēshì āpībázhì. qízhōng duōyǒu yīshēng bǔchǔ.
其数甚多，非是算数所能知之，
qíshù shènduō, fēishì suànshù suǒnéng zhīzhī,
但可以无量无边阿僧祇说。
dàn kěyǐ wúliàng wúbiān āsēngqí shuō.

Moreover, Śāriputra, [in the] Land [Of] Ultimate Bliss, those sentient beings born, are all Avaivartikas [69]. Within them, many are [in] One Life [To] Replacement’s Position [70], [with] their number extremely great, [who] are not those [by] counting of [their] number able [to be] known, [and] only can with immeasurable [and] boundless asaṃkhyeya [kalpas be] spoken.

[69] Avaivartika (阿鞞跋致): Those at the Stage Of Non-Retrogression (不退转), with non-backsliding progress assured of Buddhahood.
[70] One Life To Replacement’s Position (一生补处): … of other Buddhas (Ekajaṭī-pratibaddhas): Bodhisattvas at the stage of one life to Buddhahood, to ‘replace’ preceding Buddhas, to guide all beings to Buddhahood.

[为何愿生彼国 (1):
会上善人
Why Vow To Be Born In That Land (1)
Meet Superior Good Persons]

舍利弗，众生闻者，
shèlìfó, zhòngshēng wénzhě, 
应当发愿，愿生彼国。
yīngdāng fāyuàn, yuànshēng bǐguó.
所以者何？得与如是诸上善人，俱会一处。
suǒyǐ zhěhé. déyǔ rúshì zhūshàng shànrén jùhuì yīchǔ.

Śāriputra, those sentient beings [who] hear [this], should give rise [to the] Aspiration [71], aspiring [to be] born [in] that land. Why [is] that [so? To] attain [being] with all such superior good persons, together meeting [in] one place.

[71] … or Vow (愿)

[如何得生彼国
How To Attain Birth In That Land]

舍利弗，不可以少善根福德因缘，得生彼国。
shèlìfó, bùkěyǐ shǎo shàngēn fúdé yīnyuán, déshēng bǐguó.
舍利弗，若有善男子、善女人，
shèlìfó, ruòyǒu shànnánzǐ, shànnǚrén, 
闻说阿弥陀佛，执持名号，
wénshuō āmítuófó, zhíchí mínghào,
若一日、若二日、若三日、若四日、
ruò yīrì, ruò èrrì, ruò sānrì, ruò sìrì,
若五日、若六日、若七日，一心不乱，
ruò wǔrì, ruò liùrì, ruò qīrì, yīxīn bùluàn,
其人临命终时，阿弥陀佛，与诸圣众，现在其前。
qírén línmìng zhōngshí, āmítuófó, yǔzhū shèngzhòng, xiànzài qíqián.
是人终时，心不颠倒，
shìrén zhōngshí, xīnbù diāndǎo,
即得往生阿弥陀佛极乐国土。
jídé wǎngshēng āmítuófó jílè guótǔ.

Śāriputra, [one] cannot, with few good roots [72] [and] blessed virtues [73] [as] cause [and] condition [74], attain birth [in] that land. Śāriputra, if [there] are good men [and] good women, [who] hear [this] spoken [about] Amitā Buddha, firmly [i.e. faithfully] upholding [his] name [75] [i.e. Āmítuófó], if [for] one day, if [for] two days, if [for] three days, if [for] four days, if [for] five days, if [for] six days, if [for] seven days [76], wholeheartedly [77] without [being] scattered [78], when these persons approach life’s end, Amitā Buddha, with many [in his] noble assembly, [will] appear before them. When these persons’ [lives are] end[ing, their] minds [will] not [be] inverted [79], [and they will] immediately attain rebirth [in] Amitā Buddha’s Land [Of] Ultimate Bliss.

[72] Good roots (善根): Spiritual foundations of being (relatively) free from the Three Poisons (三毒) of attachment, aversion and delusion (贪嗔痴), for cultivating blessed virtues (福德). (To practise the path towards awakening is to have good roots, as its close cause [亲因].)
[73] Blessed virtues (福德): Blessings (福) from good karmas (善业) arising from virtuous deeds (德) of body, speech and mind (身口意). (To practise what supports the path to awakening, such as generosity, upholding precepts, meditative concentration and others is to have blessed virtues, as its supportive conditions [助缘].)
[74] Cause and condition (因缘): With Faith (信) and Aspiration (愿) having the sincere Practice (行) of firmly upholding the name (执持名号) of Āmítuófó, is with each recitation having many good roots (善根) and blessed virtues (福德), as the crucial cause (因) and condition (缘) for reaching Pure Land.
[75] Firmly uphold mindfulness of his name (执持名号): … vocally or silently.
[76] Seven days (七日): … or more if necessary, even after physical death and rebirth.
[77] Wholeheartedly (一心): … which is with utmost sincere Faith in Amítuófó and unwavering Aspiration to reach his Pure Land, thus naturally becoming as focused (concentrated; single-minded) as possible.
[78] Without being scattered (不乱): … by being distracted. (When truly wholehearted, one will not be scattered.)
[79] Minds will not be inverted (心不颠倒): … with confused (deluded) thoughts, thus suffering from afflictions (烦恼) of attachment (perhaps to wanting to live on [贪生]) and aversion (perhaps with fear of death [怕死]).

[为何愿生彼国 (2):
得以上利益
Why Vow To Be Born In That Land (2)
Receive Benefits Above]

舍利弗，我见是利，故说此言。
shèlìfó, wǒjiàn shìlì, gùshuō cǐyán.
若有众生，闻是说者，
ruòyǒu zhòngshēng, wénshì shuōzhě,
应当发愿，生彼国土。
yīngdāng fāyuàn, shēngbǐ guótǔ.

Śāriputra, [as] I see these benefits, therefore [do I] speak these words. If [there] are sentient beings, who hear this spoken, [they] should give rise [to the] Aspiration [i.e. Vow], [to be] born [in] that land.

[流通分
TRANSMISSION SECTION]

[东方诸佛劝信称赞言
Exhortation Of Faith In These Praises By All Buddhas Of The Eastern Direction]

舍利弗，如我今者，
shèlìfó, rúwǒ jīnzhě,
赞叹阿弥陀佛不可思议功德之利，
zàntàn āmítuófó bùkěsīyì gōngdé zhīlì,
东方亦有阿閦鞞佛、须弥相佛、大须弥佛、
dōngfāng yìyǒu āchùbǐfó, xūmíxiàngfó, dàxūmífó,
须弥光佛、妙音佛，如是等恒河沙数诸佛，
xūmíguāngfó, miàoyīnfó, rúshì děng hénghé shāshù zhūfó,
各于其国，出广长舌相，
gèyú qíguó, chū guǎngcháng shéxiàng,
遍覆三千大千世界，说诚实言：『汝等众生，
biànfù sānqiān dàqiān shìjiè, shuō chéngshí yán, rǔděng zhòngshēng,
当信是《称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经》。』
dāngxìn shì chēngzàn bùkěsīyì gōngdé yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniàn jīng.

Śāriputra, like I now, highly praise [the] benefits of Amitā Buddha’s inconceivable meritorious virtues, [in the] eastern direction, [there] also are Akṣobhya [80] Buddha, Sume[ru] [81] Form [82] Buddha, Great Sume[ru] [83] Buddha, Sume[ru] Light [84] Buddha, Wonderful Voice [85] Buddha, such [and] other Ganges River’s sands’ [86] number [of] all Buddhas, each in his land, extending [the] broad [and] long tongue’s form [87], [that] covers completely [his] three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world [88], speaking [these] truthful words, “You all sentient beings, should believe this Sūtra [With] Praises [Of] Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues That All Buddhas Protect Mindfully [89].”

[80] Akṣobhya (阿閦鞞): Immovable
[81] Sumeru (须弥): Central and tallest mountain in each world.
[82] Sumeru Form (须弥相): Meru-dhvaja
[83] Great Sumeru (大须弥): Mahā-meru
[84] Sumeru Light (须弥光): Meru-prabhāsa
[85] Wonderful Voice (妙音): Mañju-svara
[86] Ganges River’s sands (恒河沙): … which are extremely fine, representing an immeasurable number.
[87] Broad and long tongue’s form (广长舌相): … which emphasises the universal truthfulness and importance of this sūtra’s teachings.
[88] Three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world (三千大千世界): Great trichiliocosm (world system) with 1,000,000,000 (1 billion) worlds.
[89] Sūtra With Praises Of Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues That All Buddhas Protect Mindfully (称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经): Alternative (yet actual) name of this immeasurably praiseworthy and meritorious sūtra, which is mindfully protected by all Buddhas teaching it to all, who also mindfully protect all who learn, practise and teach accordingly.

[南方诸佛劝信称赞言
Exhortation Of Faith In These Praises By All Buddhas Of The Southern Direction]

舍利弗，南方世界，有日月灯佛、
shèlìfó, nánfāng shìjiè, yǒu rìyuèdēngfó,
名闻光佛、大焰肩佛、须弥灯佛、
míngwénguāngfó, dàyànjiānfó, xūmídēngfó,
无量精进佛，如是等恒河沙数诸佛，
wúliàngjīngjìnfó, rúshì děng hénghé shāshù zhūfó,
各于其国，出广长舌相，
gèyú qíguó, chū guǎngcháng shéxiàng,
遍覆三千大千世界，说诚实言：『汝等众生，
biànfù sānqiān dàqiān shìjiè, shuō chéngshí yán, rǔděng zhòngshēng,
当信是《称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经》。』
dāngxìn shì chēngzàn bùkěsīyì gōngdé yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniàn jīng.

Śāriputra, [in the] southern direction’s worlds, [there] are Sun [And] Moon Lamp [90] Buddha, Renown Light [91] Buddha, Great Flaming Shoulders [92] Buddha, Sume[ru] Lamp [93] Buddha, Immeasurable Diligence [94] Buddha, such [and] other Ganges River’s sands’ number [of] all Buddhas, each in his land, extending [the] broad [and] long tongue’s form, [that] covers completely [his] three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world, speaking [these] truthful words, “You all sentient beings, should believe this Sūtra [With] Praises [Of] Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues That All Buddhas Protect Mindfully.”

[90] Sun And Moon Lamp (日月灯): Candra-sūrya-pradīpa
[91] Renown Light (名闻光): Yaśaḥ-prabha
[92] Great Flaming Shoulders (大焰肩): Mahārci-skandha
[93] Sumeru Lamp (须弥灯): Meru-pradīpa
[94] Immeasurable Diligence (无量精进): Ananta-vīrya

[西方诸佛劝信称赞言
Exhortation Of Faith In These Praises By All Buddhas Of The Western Direction]

舍利弗，西方世界，有无量寿佛、
shèlìfó, xīfāng shìjiè, yǒu wúliàngshòufó,
无量相佛、无量幢佛、大光佛、
wúliàngxiāngfó, wúliàngchuángfó, dàguāngfó,
大明佛、宝相佛、
dàmíngfó, bǎoxiāngfó,
净光佛，如是等恒河沙数诸佛，
jìngguāngfó, rúshì děng hénghé shāshù zhūfó,
各于其国，出广长舌相，
gèyú qíguó, chū guǎngcháng shéxiàng,
遍覆三千大千世界，说诚实言：『汝等众生，
biànfù sānqiān dàqiān shìjiè, shuō chéngshí yán, rǔděng zhòngshēng,
当信是《称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经》。』
dāngxìn shì chēngzàn bùkěsīyì gōngdé yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniàn jīng.

Śāriputra, [in the] western direction’s worlds, [there] are Immeasurable Life [95] Buddha, Immeasurable Form [96] Buddha, Immeasurable Banner [97] Buddha, Great Light [98] Buddha, Great Brightness [99] Buddha, Treasure Form [100] Buddha, Pure Light [101] Buddha, such [and] other Ganges River’s sands’ number [of] all Buddhas, each in his land, extending [the] broad [and] long tongue’s form, [that] covers completely [his] three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world, speaking [these] truthful words, “You all sentient beings, should believe this Sūtra [With] Praises [Of] Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues That All Buddhas Protect Mindfully.”

[95] Immeasurable Life (无量寿): Amitāyus
[96] Immeasurable Form (无量相): Amita-ketu
[97] Immeasurable Banner (无量幢): Amita-dhvaja
[98] Great Light (大光): Mahā-prabha
[99] Great Brightness (大明): Mahā-prabhāsa
[100] Treasure Form (宝相): Ratna-ketu
[101] Pure Light (净光): Śuddha-raśmi-prabha

[北方诸佛劝信称赞言
Exhortation Of Faith In These Praises By All Buddhas Of The Northern Direction]

舍利弗，北方世界，有焰肩佛、
shèlìfó, běifāng shìjiè, yǒu yànjiānfó,
最胜音佛、难沮佛、日生佛、
zuìshèngyīnfó, nánjǔfó, rìshēngfó,
网明佛，如是等恒河沙数诸佛，
wǎngmíngfó, rúshì děng hénghé shāshù zhūfó,
各于其国，出广长舌相，
gèyú qíguó, chū guǎngcháng shéxiàng,
遍覆三千大千世界，说诚实言：『汝等众生，
biànfù sānqiān dàqiān shìjiè, shuō chéngshí yán, rǔděng zhòngshēng,
当信是《称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经》。』
dāngxìn shì chēngzàn bùkěsīyì gōngdé yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniàn jīng.

Śāriputra, [in the] northern direction’s worlds, [there] are Flaming Shoulders [102] Buddha, Most Victorious Voice [103] Buddha, Difficult-[To]-Defeat [104] Buddha, Sun Birth [105] Buddha, Net [Of] Brightness [106] Buddha, such [and] other Ganges River’s sands’ number [of] all Buddhas, each in his land, extending [the] broad [and] long tongue’s form, [that] covers completely [his] three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world, speaking [these] truthful words, “You all sentient beings, should believe this Sūtra [With] Praises [Of] Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues That All Buddhas Protect Mindfully.”

[102] Flaming Shoulders (焰肩): Arci-skandha
[103] Most Victorious Voice (最胜音): Vaiśvānara-nirghoṣa
[104] Difficult-To-Defeat (难沮): Duṣpradharṣa
[105] Sun Birth (日生): Āditya-saṃbhava
[106] Net Of Brightness (网明): Jālinī-prabha

[下方诸佛劝信称赞言
Exhortation Of Faith In These Praises By All Buddhas Of The Below Direction]

舍利弗，下方世界，有师子佛、
shèlìfó, xiàfāng shìjiè, yǒu shīzǐfó,
名闻佛、名光佛、达摩佛、
míngwénfó, míngguāngfó, dámófó,
法幢佛、持法佛，
fǎchuángfó, chífǎfó,
如是等恒河沙数诸佛，
rúshì děng hénghé shāshù zhūfó,
各于其国，出广长舌相，
gèyú qíguó, chū guǎngcháng shéxiàng,
遍覆三千大千世界，说诚实言：『汝等众生，
biànfù sānqiān dàqiān shìjiè, shuō chéngshí yán, rǔděng zhòngshēng,
当信是《称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经》。』
dāngxìn shì chēngzàn bùkěsīyì gōngdé yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniàn jīng.

Śāriputra, [in the] below direction’s worlds, [there] are Lion [107] Buddha, Renown [108] Buddha, Name [Of] Light [109] Buddha, Dharma Buddha, Dharma Banner [110] Buddha, Upholding Dharma [111] Buddha, such [and] other Ganges River’s sands’ number [of] all Buddhas, each in his land, extending [the] broad [and] long tongue’s form, [that] covers completely [his] three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world, speaking [these] truthful words, “You all sentient beings, should believe this Sūtra [With] Praises [Of] Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues That All Buddhas Protect Mindfully.”

[107] Lion (师子): Siṃha
[108] Renown (名闻): Yaśas
[109] Name Of Light (名光): Yaśaḥ-prabhāsa
[110] Dharma Banner (法幢): Dharma-dhvaja
[111] Upholding Dharma (持法): Dharma-dhara

[上方诸佛劝信称赞言
Exhortation Of Faith In These Praises By All Buddhas Of The Above Direction]

舍利弗，上方世界，有梵音佛、
shèlìfó, shàngfāng shìjiè, yǒu fànyīnfó,
宿王佛、香上佛、香光佛、
sùwángfó, xiāngshàngfó, xiāngguāngfó,
大焰肩佛、杂色宝华严身佛、娑罗树王佛、
dàyànjiānfó, zásèbǎohuā yánshēnfó, suōluóshùwángfó,
宝华德佛、见一切义佛、如须弥山佛，
bǎohuādéfó, jiànyīqièyìfó, rúxūmíshānfó,
如是等恒河沙数诸佛，
rúshì děng hénghé shāshù zhūfó,
各于其国，出广长舌相，
gèyú qíguó, chū guǎngcháng shéxiàng,
遍覆三千大千世界，说诚实言：『汝等众生，
biànfù sānqiān dàqiān shìjiè, shuō chéngshí yán, rǔděng zhòngshēng,
当信是《称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经》。』
dāngxìn shì chēngzàn bùkěsīyì gōngdé yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniàn jīng.

Śāriputra, [in the] above direction’s worlds, [there] are Brahmā Voice [112] Buddha, Constellation King [113] Buddha, Fragrance Superior [114] Buddha, Fragrant Light [115] Buddha, Great Flaming Shoulders [116] Buddha, Varicoloured Treasure Flower Adorned Body [117] Buddha, Śāla Tree King [118] Buddha, Treasure Flower Virtue [119] Buddha, Seeing-All-Meanings [120] Buddha, Sume[ru] Mountainlike [121] Buddha, such [and] other Ganges River’s sands’ number [of] all Buddhas, each in his land, extending [the] broad [and] long tongue’s form, [that] covers completely [his] three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world, speaking [these] truthful words, “You all sentient beings, should believe this Sūtra [With] Praises [Of] Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues That All Buddhas Protect Mindfully.”

[112] Brahmā Voice (梵音): Brahma-ghoṣa
[113] Constellation King (宿王): Nakṣatra-rāja
[114] Fragrance Superior (香上): Gandhottama
[115] Fragrant Light (香光): Gandha-prabhāsa
[116] Great Flaming Shoulders (大焰肩): Mahārci-skandha
[117] Varicoloured Treasure Flower Adorned Body (杂色宝华严身): Ratna-kusuma-saṃpuṣpita-gātra
[118] Śāla Tree King (娑罗树王): Sālendra-rāja
[119] Treasure Flower Virtue (宝华德): Ratnotpalaśrī
[120] Seeing-All-Meanings (见一切义): Sarva-artha-darśa
[121] Sumeru Mountainlike (如须弥山): Sumeru-kalpa

[为何名为《一切诸佛所护念经》
Why Is This Named As The Sūtra That All Buddhas Protect Mindfully]

舍利弗，于汝意云何？何故名为《一切诸佛所护念经》？
shèlìfó, yú rǔyì yúnhé. hégù míngwéi yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniànjīng.
舍利弗，若有善男子、善女人，
shèlìfó, ruòyǒu shànnánzǐ, shànnǚrén,
闻是经受持者，及闻诸佛名者，
wénshì jīng shòuchí zhě, jíwén zhūfómíng zhě.
是诸善男子、善女人，
shìzhū shànnánzǐ, shànnǚrén,
皆为一切诸佛之所护念，
jiēwéi yīqiè zhūfó zhīsuǒ hùniàn,
皆得不退转于阿耨多罗三藐三菩提。
jiēdé bùtuìzhuǎn yú ānòu duōluó sānmiǎo sānpútí.
是故舍利弗，汝等皆当信受我语，及诸佛所说。
shìgù shèlìfó, rǔděng jiēdāng xìnshòu wǒyǔ, jí zhūfó suǒshuō.

Śāriputra, what [do] you think of [this? For] what reason [is this] named as [the] Sūtra That All Buddhas Protect Mindfully? Śāriputra, if [there] are good men [and] good women, who hear this sūtra, accept [and] uphold [it], and hear all those Buddhas’ names, all these good men [and] good women, [will] all by all Buddhas, [be] those protected mindfully, [and] all attain non-retrogression [122] for Anuttarā Samyak Saṃbodhi [123]. Therefore, Śāriputra, you all should faithfully accept my words, and those [that] all Buddhas speak.

[122] Non-retrogression (不退转): Non-backsliding spiritual progress assured of Buddhahood.
[123] Anuttarā Samyak Saṃbodhi (阿耨多罗三藐三菩提): Unsurpassable Complete And Perfect Enlightenment (Unsurpassable Right And Equal Right Awakening: 无上正等正觉); Buddhahood.

[为何愿生彼国 (3):
得不退转于阿耨多罗三藐三菩提
Why Vow To Be Born In That Land (3):
Attain Non-Retrogression For Anuttarā Samyak Saṃbodhi]

舍利弗，若有人，已发愿、
shèlìfó, ruò yǒurén, yǐfāyuàn,
今发愿、当发愿，
jīnfāyuàn, dāngfāyuàn,
欲生阿弥陀佛国者，
yùshēng āmítuófó guózhě,
是诸人等，皆得不退转于阿耨多罗三藐三菩提。
shì zhūrén děng, jiēdé bùtuìzhuǎn yú ānòu duōluó sānmiǎo sānpútí.
于彼国土，若已生、若今生、若当生。
yúbǐ guótǔ, ruòyǐshēng, ruòjīnshēng, ruòdāngshēng.
是故舍利弗，诸善男子、善女人，
shìgù shèlìfó, zhū shànnánzǐ, shànnǚrén,
若有信者，应当发愿，生彼国土。
ruò yǒuxìn zhě, yīngdāng fāyuàn, shēngbǐ guótǔ.

Śāriputra, if [there] are people, who [have] already given rise [to] Aspiration [i.e. vowed], [are] now giving rise [to] Aspiration [i.e. vowing], [or] will [be] giving rise [to] Aspiration, desiring [to be] born [in] Amitā Buddha’s Land, all these people [and] others, [will] all attain non-retrogression for Anuttarā Samyak Saṃbodhi. In that land, [they have] already [been] born, or [are] now [being] born, or will [be] born. Therefore, Śāriputra, [of] all good men [and] good women, if [there] are those [who] have Faith, [they] should give rise [to the] Aspiration, [to be] born [in] that land.

[诸佛称释迦牟尼佛称赞言
All Buddhas’ Praises Of Śākyamuni Buddha]

舍利弗，如我今者，
shèlìfó, rúwǒ jīnzhě,
称赞诸佛不可思议功德，
chēngzàn zhūfó bùkěsīyì gōngdé,
彼诸佛等，亦称赞我不可思议功德，而作是言：
bǐ zhūfó děng, yì chēngzàn wǒ bùkěsīyì gōngdé, érzuò shìyán,
『释迦牟尼佛，能为甚难希有之事，
shìjiāmóunífó, néngwéi shènnán xīyǒu zhīshì,
能于娑婆国土，五浊恶世，
néngyú suōpó guótǔ, wǔzhuó èshì,
劫浊、见浊、烦恼浊、众生浊、命浊中，
jiézhuó, jiànzhuó, fánnǎozhuó, zhòngshēngzhuó, mìngzhuó zhōng,
得阿耨多罗三藐三菩提，
dé ānòu duōluó sānmiǎo sānpútí,
为诸众生，说是一切世间难信之法。』
wèizhū zhòngshēng, shuōshì yīqiè shìjiān nánxìn zhīfǎ.

Śāriputra, like I now, praise all Buddhas’ inconceivable meritorious virtues, all those Buddhas [and] others, also praise my inconceivable meritorious virtues, and make this statement, “Śākyamuni Buddha [is] able [to] do [these] extremely difficult [and] rare of matters, able [to], in [the] Sahā Land’s [124] Five Defilements’ [125] Evil Period, [with] Kalpa’s Defilement [126], Views’ Defilement [127], Afflictions’ Defilement [128], Sentient Beings’ Defilement [129], [and] Lifespan’s Defilement [130] within, attain Anuttarā Samyak Saṃbodhi, [and] for all sentient beings, speak this Dharma that all [in the] world [find] difficult [to] believe.”

[124] Sahā Land (娑婆国土): … of ‘endurance’ of sufftering.
[125] Five Defilements (五浊): Five Turbidities.
[126] Kalpa’s Defilement (劫浊): … is this period when all kinds of corrupted phenomena (due to defilements below) increasingly gather.
[127] Views’ Defilement (见浊): … which are wrong and harmful.
[128] Afflictions’ Defilement (烦恼浊): … which cause suffering (苦) due to attachment (贪), aversion (嗔), delusion (痴), arrogance (慢) and doubt (疑).
[129] Sentient Beings’ Defilement (众生浊): … which arise from Views’ Defilement and Afflictions’ Defilement mixing to give rise to sentient beings who are defiled in body and mind.
[130] Lifespan’s Defilement (命浊): … which is the ill effect of having shorter lives (due to defilements above), that makes spiritual progress without the Pure Land path difficult.

[成佛说此法之甚难
Extreme Difficulty Of Accomplishing Buddhahood And Speaking This Dharma]

舍利弗，当知我于五浊恶世，行此难事，
shèlìfó, dāngzhī wǒyú wǔzhuó èshì, xíngcǐ nánshì,
得阿耨多罗三藐三菩提，
dé ānòu duōluó sānmiǎo sānpútí,
为一切世间说此难信之法，是为甚难。」
wèi yīqiè shìjiān shuōcǐ nánxìn zhīfǎ, shìwéi shènnán.

Śāriputra, [you] should know [that] I, in [this] Five Defilements’ Evil Period, did these difficult matters, [of] attaining Anuttarā Samyak Saṃbodhi, [and] for all [in the] world spoke this Dharma that [is] difficult [to] believe, [which] truly is extremely difficult.’

[大众欢喜信受
Great Assembly’s Joyfulness And Faithful Acceptance]

佛说此经已，舍利弗，及诸比丘、
fóshuō cǐjīng yǐ, shèlìfó, jízhū bǐqiū,
一切世间天、人、阿修罗等，
yīqiè shìjiāntiān, rén, āxiūluó děng,
闻佛所说，欢喜信受，作礼而去。
wénfó suǒshuō, huānxǐ xìnshòu, zuòlǐ érqù.

[The] Buddha, [having] spoken this sūtra already, Śāriputra, and all [the] Bhikṣus, [with] all [the] world’s heavenly [beings], humans, asuras [131] [and] others, [having] heard that [the] Buddha spoke, joyfully [and] faithfully accepted [it, as they] made prostrations and departed.

[131] Asuras (阿修罗): Demi-gods who tend to be jealous of gods (heavenly beings: 天人).

《佛说阿弥陀经》
fóshuō āmítuójīng
[The] Sūtra [In Which The] Buddha Speaks [Of] Amitā [Buddha]
_____

《拔一切业障根本得生净土陀罗尼》【往生咒】[3x]
bá yīqiè yèzhàng gēnběn déshēng jìngtǔ tuóluóní [wǎngshēngzhòu]
Dhāraṇī [132] [For] Uprooting All Karmic Obstacles [And] Attaining Birth [In] Pure Land [Rebirth Mantra] [133] [3x]

नमो अमिताभाय तथागताय।
Namo Amitābhāya Tathāgatāya.
南无阿弥多婆夜 哆他伽跢夜。
námó āmíduōpóyè duōtāqiéduōyè.
归命无量光如来。
[Homage to and] refuge for life in Immeasurable Light Thus Come [One].

तद्यथा
Tadyathā:
哆地夜他：
duōdìyètā:
即说咒曰：
Now speaking [the] mantra:

अमृतोद्भवे
Amṛtod bhave!
阿弥唎都 婆毗！
āmílìduō pópí!
甘露 生！
[With his] ambrosia [134] born!

अमृत​​सिद्धंभवे
Amṛta siddhaṃbhave!
阿弥唎哆 悉耽婆毗！
āmílìduō xīdānpópí!
甘露 成就生！
[With his] ambrosia accomplish birth!

अमृतविक्रान्ते
Amṛta vikrānte!
阿弥唎哆 毗迦兰帝！
āmílìduō píjiālándì!
甘露 超越！
[With his] ambrosia transcend!

अमृतविक्रान्त गामिनि
Amṛta vikrānta gāmini!
阿弥唎哆 毗迦兰哆 伽弥腻！
āmílìduō píjiālánduō!
甘露 超越 勇猛！
[With his] ambrosia transcend courageously!

गगन कीर्तकरे
Gagana kīrtakare!
伽伽那 枳多迦隷！
qiémínì qiéqiénà!
虚空 名声 遍满！
[With his] renown fill empty space!

स्वाहा।
Svāhā!
娑婆诃！
Sāpóhē!
成就！
[With all be] accomplished! [135]

[132] Dhāraṇī (陀罗尼): Usually longer mantra (咒) with ‘total retention’ (总持) of the Dharma’s essence, with protective power and blessings, also for recitation to cultivate concentration and wisdom. (Often used together or interchangeably with ‘mantra’.) The Chinese and English versions above are approximate translations.
[133] Mantra (咒): String of syllables with encapsulation of the Dharma’s essence, with protective power and blessings, also for recitation to cultivate concentration and wisdom. (Often used together or interchangeably with ‘dhāraṇī’ [陀罗尼].)
[134] Ambrosia (甘露): ‘Nectar’ of immeasurable life, representing Āmítuófó’s immeasurable meritorious virtues and blessings.
[135] Accomplished (成就): Also meaning ‘So be it!’ and ‘Rejoice!’

For latest improved version, please contact purelanders.com/contact

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