The Sūtra In Which The Buddha Speaks Of Contemplation On Immeasurable Life Buddha
(In 424 C.E.) by Liú Sòng Dynasty’s Western Regions’ Tripiṭaka Dharma Master Kālayaśas translated (to Chinese) (In 2020 C.E. by Upāsakā Shěn Shí’ān translated to English.)
[For Chinese-English version, see purelanders.com/guanjing. Suggestions are welcome for more precise choice of words. Námó Āmítuófó.]
[Note Before Studying The Contemplation Sūtra
Although the first 13 contemplations of this sūtra are on visualisation practices, the Pure Land Patriarchs generally discourage practising visualisation due to the coarseness of our minds, that contrasts with the refined nature of what to be visualised. This disparity is especially obvious for beings in this Dharma-Ending Age. An example of a Patriarch discouraging visualisation can be seen at https://purelanders.com/2019/09/29/why-focus-on-buddha-recitation-not-visualisation and https://purelanders.com/2017/04/05/should-we-practise-visualisation-of-pure-land-amituofo.
What they encourage is direct mindfulness of the Buddha’s name verbally and/or silently – which is also the focus in the last contemplation, as emphasized by Śākyamuni Buddha in the sūtra’s conclusion too. This does not fall short in benefits. The visualisation practices are then only for those with sharper minds, to be practised exactly as stated, with no compromise at all, to be considered true practice. Although seldom practised these days, the corresponding sections in the sūtra are still studied to acquire an inspired sense of the majesty of Āmítuófó and the attributes in his Pure Land. Other especially significant parts include the Three Blessings, Three Minds, Three Beings and criteria for birth in the nine grades of Pure Land.]
[00] Preface Section
Thus is as I have heard. At one time, the Buddha was at Rājagṛha City, within Mount Gṛdhrakūṭa. With the Great Bhikṣus’ assembly, of one thousand two hundred and fifty persons together. And Bodhisattvas of thirty-two thousand, with Mañjuśrī Dharma Prince then as the foremost.
At that time, Rājagṛha’s great city had a prince named Ajātaśatru. Accordingly complying with Devadatta, the instruction of his evil friend, he arrested his father King Bimbisāra, imprisoning and placing him in a seven-layered room within, restricting all ministers, with no one allowed to go towards him.
The Queen was named Vaidehī. With reverence for the Great King, she bathed and cleansed herself, and with ghee and honey holding fried flour, used them for spreading on her body. With all necklaces within, filled with grape juice, secretly with these offered to the King.
At that time, the Great King ate the fried flour, drank the juice, and requested for water to rinse his mouth. Having rinsed his mouth completely already, with joined palms reverencing, towards Mount Gṛdhrakūṭa, from afar prostrated to the World-Honoured One, and made this statement, ‘The Great Maudgalyāyana, who is my relative and friend, may you give rise to loving-kindness and compassion, to confer me with the Eight Precepts.’
Then, Maudgalyāyana, like a hawk and falcon flying, swiftly reached the King’s place. Day after day thus, conferring the King with the Eight Precepts. The World-Honoured One likewise sent Honoured One Pūrṇa, for the King, to speak the Dharma. Thus with time, passing three of seven days, with the King eating fried flour and honey, attaining hearing of the Dharma thus, his countenance was harmonious and joyful.
Then, Ajātaśatru asked the gatekeeper, ‘Of my father the King now, does he still remain alive?’
Then, the gatekeeper said, ‘Great King, the Queen, with her body spread with fried flour and honey, and necklaces filled with juice, hold and use them to offer the King. The Śramaṇas Maudgalyāyana and Pūrṇa, who from the sky then come, for the King, to speak the Dharma, cannot be prohibited.’
Then, Ajātaśatru, having heard these words already, with anger at his mother said, ‘My mother is a traitor, with a traitor as companion. Those Śramaṇas are evil persons, using illusions to confuse with sorcery skills, to enable this evil King, to not die for many days.’ Immediately holding a sharp sword, he desired to harm his mother.
Then, there was a minister named Moon Light, who was clever and with much wisdom, and with Jīvaka, to the King paid homage. He said, ‘Great King, we ministers have heard the Vedic commentaries and scriptures say, that since the kalpa’s beginning, there were many evil Kings, with greed for kingship’s position thus, killing and harming their fathers. Of eighteen thousand, never before heard were those without the path, who harmed their mothers. The King, if now doing this matter of killing, against this, defiling the Kṣatriya caste, we ministers cannot bear to hear it. As this is of Caṇḍālas, we and others will not be appropriate to continue dwelling in here.’ Then, the two great ministers, having said these words completely, with hands grasping their swords, walked backwards and withdrew.
Then, Ajātaśatru, surprised and frightened, told Jīvaka, ‘Will you not help me?’
Jīvaka said, ‘Great King, be cautious to not harm your mother.’
The King, hearing these words, repented and requested his help. Immediately then giving up his sword, he stopped and did not harm his mother. He ordered his inner officials to imprison and place her in an inner palace, to not enable her to again exit.
Then, Vaidehī, subject to imprisonment already, became worried, wan and sallow. From afar towards Mount Gṛdhrakūṭa, to the Buddha she paid homage, and made this statement, ‘The Thus Come World-Honoured One, when in the past, often sent Ānanda, to come and console me. I now am worried, with the World-Honoured One’s majesty, having no way to attain sight of it. May you send Maudgalyāyana and Honoured One Ānanda for me, to meet one another.’ Having made this statement already, sorrowfully weeping and raining tears, from afar towards the Buddha she prostrated.
Yet to raise her head, just then, at that time, the World-Honoured One, at Mount Gṛdhrakūṭa, knew that thought of Vaidehī. Immediately, he ordered Great Maudgalyāyana, and with Ānanda, who from the sky then came. The Buddha from Mount Gṛdhrakūṭa disappeared, and in the royal palace appeared.
Then, Vaidehī, having prostrated already, when raising her head, saw the World-Honoured Śākyamuni Buddha, with his body purple-gold in colour, seated on a hundred treasures’ lotus flower. With Maudgalyāyana attending on his left, and Ānanda attending on his right. With Śakra, Brahma and all world-protecting heavenly beings, in the empty space within, universally raining heavenly flowers, holding and using them to make offerings.
Then, Vaidehī, seeing the Buddha World-Honoured One, personally abandoned her necklaces, with her entire body thrown to the ground, wailing towards the Buddha, said ‘World-Honoured One, I in the past, created what transgression, to give birth to this evil son? The World-Honoured One moreover, has what kind of cause and condition, to be with Devadatta, together as family members? I only wish that the World-Honoured One, will for me extensively speak of the place without worries and afflictions, that I should be reborn in, as I do not have joy in this Jambudvīpa’s defiled and evil period. This defiled and evil place, with hell-beings, hungry ghosts and animals filled fully, is with many unvirtuous ones gathered. May I in the future, not hear evil voices, and not see evil persons. Now towards the World-Honoured One, with five parts of my body thrown to the ground, I seek your pity with repentance. I only wish that the sunlike Buddha, will teach me to contemplate on that place with pure karmas.’
At that time, the World-Honoured One emitted light from between his brows. His light golden in colour, illuminated everywhere in the ten directions’ immeasurable worlds. Returning to abide on the Buddha’s crown, transforming to be a gold dais, like Mount Sumeru. The ten directions’ all Buddhas’ pure and wonderful lands, with all within appear. Perhaps having lands, with seven treasures composed. Moreover, having lands, that are purely with lotus flowers. Moreover, having lands, like Ease Heaven’s palace. Moreover, having lands, like crystal mirrors. The ten directions’ lands, with all within appear. Having such and other immeasurable all Buddha lands, majestic, prominent and worth contemplating, enabling Vaidehī to see them.
Then, Vaidehī to the Buddha said, ‘World-Honoured One, all these Buddha lands, even though pure, with all having bright lights, I now have joy for birth in that Land Of Ultimate Bliss of Amitābha Buddha, only wishing that the World-Honoured One teach me to contemplate it, and teach me to rightly receive it.’
At that time, the World-Honoured One immediately then gave a smile, that had five colours’ lights, from the Buddha’s mouth emitting. With each and every one light illuminating King Bimbisāra’s crown.
At that time, the Great King, although imprisoned, his mind’s eye was without obstructions. From afar seeing the World-Honoured One, with his head and face he paid homage. Naturally increasing in progress, he accomplished as an Anāgāmin.
At that time, the World-Honoured One told Vaidehī, ‘Do you now not know, that Amitābha Buddha, from here, is not far? You should with continual mindfulness, attentively contemplate that land, and those with pure karmas accomplished. I will now for you, extensively speak with all analogies, to likewise enable future lives’ all ordinary beings, those desiring to cultivate pure karmas, to attain birth in the Western Land Of Ultimate Bliss.
Those desiring birth in that land, should cultivate Three Blessings. First, is to have filial support of their fathers and mothers, attend to their teachers and seniors, with loving-kindness’ mind not kill, and cultivate the Ten Good Karmas. Second, is to accept and uphold the Threefold Refuge, be complete with all precepts, and not violate majestic conduct. Third, is to give rise to the Bodhi Mind, have profound faith in cause and effect, study and recite the Great Vehicle’s sūtras, and encourage progress of practitioners. Thus, these three matters, are named as pure karmas.’
The Buddha told Vaidehī, ‘Do you now not know, that these three kinds of karmas precisely are, in the past, future and present, the three periods’ all Buddhas’ pure karmas’ right causes?’
The Buddha told Ānanda and Vaidehī, ‘Attentively listen, attentively listen, and carefully contemplate with mindfulness of this. The Thus Come One now, for future lives’ all sentient beings, for those by afflictions’ thieves harmed, will speak of pure karmas. Excellent, Vaidehī, for quickly asking about this matter.
Ānanda, you should accept and uphold this, to extensively for all assemblies, proclaim the Buddha’s words. The Thus Come One now, will teach Vaidehī and future lives’ all sentient beings, to contemplate on the Western Land Of Ultimate Bliss. With the Buddha’s power thus, you should attain sight of that Pure Land. Like holding a bright mirror, personally seeing your face’s image. Seeing that land’s ultimate wonderful and blissful matters, with minds joyful thus, immediately then attaining Non-Arising Of Dharmas’ Forbearance.’
The Buddha told Vaidehī, ‘You are an ordinary being, with your mind’s contemplation weak and inferior, yet to attain the heavenly eye, not able to far contemplate. All Buddha Thus Come Ones, have distinctive skilful means, to enable you to attain sight of it.’
Then, Vaidehī to the Buddha said, ‘World-Honoured One, those like me now, with the Buddha’s power thus, see that land. If after the Buddha’s Parinirvāṇa, of all sentient beings’ kinds, the defiled and evil, unvirtuous, and those by the Five Sufferings bothered, how should they see Amitābha Buddha’s Land Of Ultimate Bliss?’
Main Principles’ Section
Concentrated Goodness’ Meaning
[01] The First Contemplation: Sun’s Contemplation
The Buddha told Vaidehī, ‘You and other sentient beings, should focus your minds with continual mindfulness single-pointedly, to have contemplation of the West. How to do this contemplation?
Of all those doing contemplation, all sentient beings, naturally not born blind, disciples who have sight, should all see the sun set. They should give rise to this contemplated thought, upright seated westward, with attentive contemplating of the place where the sun almost sets, enabling their minds to firmly abide, with focused contemplation not moving. Seeing the sun almost setting, shaped like a suspended drum.
Completely seeing the sun already, with closed eyes and opened eyes, all enabled to be clearly understood, this is known as Sun’s Contemplation, named the First Contemplation.
[02] The Second Contemplation: Water’s Contemplation
Next to do is Water’s Contemplation. With seeing of water pure and clear, likewise enabled to be clearly understood, without scattered thoughts.
Completely seeing the water already, you should give rise to Ice Contemplation.
With seeing of ice shining penetratingly, do Lapis Lazuli Contemplation.
With this contemplation accomplished already, see the lapis lazuli ground, inside and outside shining penetratingly.
Below has vajra and seven treasures’ gold pillars, supporting the lapis lazuli ground. These pillars have eight sides, with eight corners complete. Each and every one side’s surface, is with a hundred treasures, by those composed. Each and every one treasure gem, has a thousand bright lights. Each and every one bright light, has eighty-four thousand colours, shining on the lapis lazuli ground, like a koṭi thousand suns, that cannot be completely seen.
The lapis lazuli ground above, is with yellow-gold cords, mixing and mingling, in between inlaying. With seven treasures’ boundaries, divided equally, distinctly and clearly. Each and every one treasure within, has five hundred colours’ lights. Their lights are like flowers, also resembling stars and the moon. Suspending to dwell in empty space, becoming daises with bright lights.
Having towering pavilions of ten million, with hundred treasures composed. At the daises’ both sides, each has a hundred koṭis of flower banners, and immeasurable musical instruments, with these as adornments. Eight kinds of cool breezes, from the bright lights emit, and strike these musical instruments, to expound sounds of suffering, emptiness, impermanence and non-self. This is known as Water’s Contemplation, named the Second Contemplation.
[03] The Third Contemplation: Ground’s Contemplation
When these contemplations are being accomplished, each and every one should be contemplated of, to the utmost enabling them to be understood clearly. With closed eyes and opened eyes, not enabled to be scattered and lost. Only excluding when eating, constantly recollecting these matters.
Those thus with these contemplations, are named as having Coarse Sight Of The Land Of Ultimate Bliss’ Ground. If attaining samādhi, seeing that land’s ground, understanding it distinctly and clearly, it cannot be completely spoken of. This is known as Ground’s Contemplation, named the Third Contemplation.’
The Buddha told Ānanda, ‘You should uphold the Buddha’s words, for future lives’ all great assemblies, those who desire to be liberated from suffering, speak this contemplation of ground’s method. If there are those contemplating this ground, they will eliminate eighty koṭis’ kalpas’ transgressions of births and deaths. Relinquishing their bodies for other lives, they will definitely be born in the Pure Land, with minds attaining doubtlessness. Those doing this contemplation, are named as having right contemplation. If there are those with other contemplations, they are named as wrong contemplations.’
[04] The Fourth Contemplation: Trees’ Contemplation
The Buddha told Ānanda and Vaidehī, ‘With Ground’s Contemplation accomplished already, next to contemplate are the treasure trees. Those who contemplate the treasure trees, with each and every one contemplated of, should do Seven Layers’ Rows Of Trees’ Contemplation. Each and every one tree, is as tall as eight thousand yojanas. All these treasure trees, have seven treasures’ flowers and leaves, without those not complete with them.
Each and every one flower and leaf, is made of a distinctive treasure’s colour. With lapis lazuli colour within, emitting golden coloured light. With crystal colour within, emitting red coloured light. With carnelian colour within, emitting tridacna light. With tridacna colour within, emitting green pearl light. With coral, amber and all treasures, with them for shining and adorning.
Wonderful pearl nets, completely cover the trees above. Each and every one tree above, has seven layers of nets. Each and every one net in between, has five hundred koṭis of wonderful flowers’ palace halls, like Brahma King’s palace. All heavenly youths are naturally within. Each and every one youth, has five hundred koṭis of śakrābhi-lagna maṇis, with them as necklaces. These maṇis’ lights illuminate a hundred yojanas, similar to the harmonious merging of a hundred koṭis of suns and moons, that cannot be completely named. With all treasures in between inlaying, those colours within are supreme.
All these treasure trees, are with row to row matching one another, and leaf to leaf one after another. In all leaves between, produce all wonderful flowers, with these flowers above naturally having seven treasures’ fruits. Each and every one tree’s leaf, has length and breadth exactly equal to twenty-five yojanas. Their leaves with a thousand colours, have a hundred kinds of pictures, like heavenly necklaces. They have all wonderful flowers, made of Jāmbūnada’s golden colour. Like rotating fire wheels, winding around between the leaves.
Welling up to produce all fruits, like Śakra’s vase. They have great bright lights, transforming to become banners and immeasurable treasure canopies. These treasure canopies within, shine and appear with the three-thousandfold great-thousandfold worlds’ all Buddhas’ practices. The ten directions’ Buddha lands, likewise within appear.
Having seen these trees already, likewise should there be, one after another, with each and every one contemplated of. Contemplating and seeing the trees’ stems, branches and leaves, flowers and fruits, with all enabled to be distinct and clear. This is known as Trees’ Contemplation, named the Fourth Contemplation.
[05] The Fifth Contemplation: Eight Meritorious Water’s Contemplation
Next that should be contemplated is water. For those desiring to contemplate the water, the Land Of Ultimate Bliss has eight meritorious virtues’ ponds’ water. Each and every one pond’s water, is with seven treasures, by those composed. These treasures are gentle and soft, from the wish-fulfilling gem king produced, dividing as fourteen branches. Each and every one branch, is made of the seven treasures’ wonderful colours.
With yellow-gold as channels, the channels below are all with various colours’ vajra, with them as their bottoms’ sands. Each and every one of the waters within, has sixty koṭis of seven treasures’ lotus flowers. Each and every one lotus flower, is completely round, exactly equal to twelve yojanas across.
That maṇi’s water flows and pours into the flowers between, following the trees to their above and below. Its sounds are subtle and wonderful, expounding on suffering, emptiness, impermanence, non-self and all pāramitās. Moreover, having those with high praises of all Buddhas’ forms’ excellences.
The wish-fulfilling gem king, wells up to emit golden coloured, subtle and wonderful bright light. This light transforms to be a hundred treasures’ colours’ birds, with harmonious singing, moving and elegant, constantly praising mindfulness of Buddha, mindfulness of Dharma and mindfulness of Saṃgha. This is known as Eight Meritorious Water’s Contemplation, named the Fifth Contemplation.
[06] The Sixth Contemplation: Overall Contemplation
Of all treasures’ lands, at each and every one’s boundary above, are five hundred koṭis of treasure towers. These towering pavilions within, have immeasurably many heavenly beings, making heavenly music.
Moreover, having musical instruments, suspending to dwell in empty space, like heavenly treasure banners, without striking self-sounding. All these sounds within, all speak of mindfulness of Buddha, mindfulness of Dharma and mindfulness of Bhikṣus’ Saṃgha. With this contemplation accomplished already, it is named as having Coarse Sight Of The Land Of Ultimate Bliss’ Treasure Trees, Treasure Ground And Treasure Ponds, and is known as Overall Contemplation, named the Sixth Contemplation.
If there are those seeing these, they will eliminate immeasurable koṭis’ kalpas of extremely heavy evil karma, and after their lives end, definitely be born in that land. Those doing this contemplation, are named as having right contemplation. If there are those with other contemplations, they are named as wrong contemplations.’
[07] The Seventh Contemplation: Flower Throne’s Contemplation
The Buddha told Ānanda and Vaidehī, ‘Attentively listen, attentively listen, and carefully contemplate with mindfulness of this. I will for you, differentiate and explain the methods for eliminating suffering and afflictions. For you and others to recollect and uphold, extensively for the great assembly, differentiating and explaining.’
When speaking these words, Immeasurable Life Buddha, abided and stood within the sky. With Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds and Great Power Arrived, these two Great Bodhisattvas, attending and standing on his left and right. With bright lights burning vigorously, that cannot be completely seen. With a hundred thousand Jāmbūnada’s golden colours, that cannot be compared.
Then, Vaidehī, seeing Immeasurable Life Buddha already, received his feet and paid homage. To the Buddha, she said, ‘World-Honoured One, I now, because of the Buddha’s power thus, attain sight of Immeasurable Life Buddha and the two Bodhisattvas. For future sentient beings, how should they contemplate Immeasurable Life Buddha and the two Bodhisattvas?’
The Buddha told Vaidehī, ‘Those desiring to contemplate that Buddha, should give rise to this contemplated thought. On seven treasures’ ground above, do a lotus flower’s contemplation. Enable this lotus flower, with each and every one petal above, to be made of a hundred treasures’ colours. They have eighty-four thousand veins, similar to heavenly pictures. Each vein has eighty-four thousand lights, to be understood distinctly and clearly, with all enabled, to attain sight of them.
Those flower petals smaller, have lengths and breadths of two hundred and fifty yojanas. Such [a] lotus flower is complete with eighty-four thousand petals. Each and every one petal between, has a hundred koṭis of maṇi gem kings, with them for shining and adorning. Each and every one maṇi gem, emits a thousand bright lights. These lights are like a canopy, with seven treasures composed, completely covering the ground above.
Having śakrābhi-lagna treasures, with them as its dais. This lotus flower dais, has eighty thousand vajra kiṁśuka treasures, brahma maṇi treasures and wonderful pearl nets, with them as decorative adornments.
On this dais above, naturally then having four posts of treasure pillars. Each and every one treasure pillar, is like a thousand million koṭis of Sumeru mountains. The pillars above have treasure curtains, like those of Yama Heaven’s palace. Moreover, having five hundred koṭis of subtle and wonderful treasure gems, with them for shining and adorning. Each and every one treasure gem, has eighty-four thousand lights. Each and every one light, is made of eighty-four thousand different kinds of golden colours. Each and every one golden colour, pervades that treasure land, everywhere changing and transforming, with each making different forms. Perhaps as vajra daises, perhaps making pearl nets, perhaps making various flowers’ clouds, in the ten directions’ sides, according to wishes changing and appearing, giving and doing the Buddha’s practices. This is known as Flower Throne’s Contemplation, named the Seventh Contemplation.’
The Buddha told Ānanda, ‘Thus, this wonderful flower, is originally with Dharma Treasury Bhikṣu’s vows’ power, by that accomplished. If there are those desiring to be mindful of that Buddha, they should first do this Flower Throne’s Contemplation. When doing this contemplation, there must not be mixed contemplations. All should have each and every one contemplated of, with each and every one petal, each and every one gem, each and every one light, each and every one dais, each and every one pillar, all enabled to be distinct and clear. Like in a mirror within, personally seeing one’s face’s image.
Those with this contemplation accomplished, will eliminate fifty thousand koṭis’ kalpas’ transgressions of births and deaths, and definitely be born in the Land Of Ultimate Bliss. Those doing this contemplation, are named as having right contemplation. If there are those with other contemplations, they are named as wrong contemplations.’
[08] The Eighth Contemplation: Image’s Contemplation
The Buddha told Ānanda and Vaidehī, ‘Having seen these matters already, next that should be contemplated is the Buddha. Why is that so? All Buddha Thus Come Ones, are the Dharma Realm’s Body, who enter all sentient beings’ minds’ contemplations within. Therefore, when you and others have minds contemplating the Buddha, this mind is the same as his thirty-two forms, and eighty appearance-following excellences. It is the mind that becomes Buddha, and it is the mind that is Buddha. All Buddhas’ right all-knowing ocean, from the mind’s contemplation arises.
Therefore, you should have wholehearted continual mindfulness, to attentively contemplate that Buddha Tathāgata, Arhat, Samyaksaṃbuddha. Those contemplating that Buddha, should first contemplate his image. With closed eyes and opened eyes, seeing a treasure image, like that with Jāmbūnada’s golden colour, seated on that flower above.
Having seen his image seated already, the mind’s eye attains opening, to understand it distinctly and clearly. See the Land Of Ultimate Bliss’ seven treasures’ adornments. Its treasure ground, treasure ponds and treasure trees in rows lined. All heavenly treasure curtains, completely cover them above, with all treasure nets, filling the empty space within. Seeing thus, with these matters, to the utmost enabled to be understood clearly, like contemplating them within the palm.
Having seen these matters already, again, there should also be giving rise to a large lotus flower, at the Buddha’s left side, like the lotus flower before, equal without having differences. Again, give rise to a large lotus flower, at the Buddha’s right side. Contemplate a Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva’s image, seated on the left flower throne, likewise made of gold in colour, like before without difference. Contemplate a Great Power Arrived Bodhisattva’s image, seated on the right flower throne.
When this contemplation is accomplished, the Buddha’s and Bodhisattvas’ images, will all emit bright light. Their light golden in colour will illuminate all treasure trees. Each and every one tree below, likewise has three lotus flowers. All lotus flowers above, each has one Buddha’s and two Bodhisattvas’ images, completely filling that land.
When this contemplation is accomplished, practitioners should hear water flowing with bright light, and all treasure trees, ducks, geese and mandarin ducks, all speak the wonderful Dharma. Exiting concentration and entering concentration, constantly hearing the wonderful Dharma. That the practitioners hear, when exiting concentration, will be recollected and upheld, without abandoning it, enabling them to be with the sūtras agreeably. If there are those not agreeable, they are named as having false thoughts. If there are those with them agreeable, they are named as having Coarse Contemplation And Sight Of The Land Of Ultimate Bliss.
This is known as Image’s Contemplation, named the Eighth Contemplation. Those doing this contemplation, will eliminate immeasurable koṭis’ kalpas’ transgressions of births and deaths, and in this present life within, attain Samādhi From Mindfulness Of Buddha.’
[09] The Ninth Contemplation: Everywhere Contemplating All Physical Bodies’ Forms’ Contemplation
The Buddha told Ānanda and Vaidehī, ‘With this contemplation accomplished already, next that should also be contemplated are Immeasurable Life Buddha’s body’s form’s bright lights.
Ānanda, you should know, that Immeasurable Life Buddha’s body is like a thousand million koṭis of Yama Heaven’s Jāmbūnada’s golden colours. The Buddha’s body is as tall as six hundred thousand koṭis’ nayutas of Ganges River’s sands of yojanas.
The fine white hair between his brows, to the right circumambulating and winding around, is like five Sumeru mountains.
The Buddha’s eyes are like the four great oceans’ water, with their blue and white distinct and clear.
His body’s all pores, change to emit bright light, like Mount Sumeru. That Buddha’s halo’s light, is like that of a hundred koṭis of three-thousandfold great-thousandfold worlds.
In his halo’s light within, has a million koṭis’ nayutas of Ganges River’s sands of manifested Buddhas. Each and every one manifested Buddha, likewise has many innumerable manifested Bodhisattvas, with them as attendants.
Immeasurable Life Buddha has eighty-four thousand forms. Each and every one form within, each has eighty-four thousand appearance-following excellences. Each and every one excellence within, moreover, has eighty-four thousand bright lights. Each and every one bright light, everywhere illuminates the ten directions’ worlds’ sentient beings who are mindful of the Buddha, gathering and receiving, not abandoning them. His lights’ forms’ excellences, and with manifested Buddhas, cannot be completely spoken of.
You only should recollect and contemplate, to enable the mind’s eye to see. Those seeing these matters, will immediately see the ten directions’ all Buddhas. With seeing all Buddhas thus, this is named Samādhi From Mindfulness Of Buddha. Those doing this contemplation, are named as doing Contemplation Of All Buddhas’ Bodies.
With contemplation of the Buddhas’ bodies thus, likewise seeing the Buddhas’ minds. Those Buddhas’ minds are great loving-kindness and compassion. With unconditional loving-kindness, gathering all sentient beings.
Those who do this contemplation, when relinquishing their bodies for other lives, will be born before all Buddhas, to attain Non-Arising’s Forbearance. Therefore, those wise should with continual minds, attentively contemplate Immeasurable Life Buddha.
Those contemplating Immeasurable Life Buddha, should from one form’s excellence enter. Only contemplating the fine white hair between his brows, to the utmost enabled to be understood clearly. For those seeing the fine white hair between his brows’ form, the eighty-four thousand forms’ excellences, will naturally then appear. Those who see Immeasurable Life Buddha, will immediately see the ten directions’ immeasurable all Buddhas. Attaining sight of immeasurable all Buddhas thus, all Buddhas will manifest in their presence to confer predictions.
This is known as Everywhere Contemplating All Physical Bodies’ Forms, named the Ninth Contemplation. Those doing this contemplation, are named as having right contemplation. If there are those with other contemplations, they are named as wrong contemplations.’
[10] The Tenth Contemplation: Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva’s True Physical Body’s Forms’ Contemplation
The Buddha told Ānanda and Vaidehī, ‘Having seen Immeasurable Life Buddha, understanding distinctly and clearly already, next likewise, you should contemplate Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva. This Bodhisattva’s body’s height is eight hundred thousand koṭis’ nayutas of yojanas, with body purple-gold in colour. His crown has an uṣṇīṣa, with the crown having halo’s light’s sides, each shining for a hundred thousand yojanas.
His halo’s light within, has five hundred manifested Buddhas, like Śākyamuni. Each and every one manifested Buddha, has five hundred manifested Bodhisattvas, and immeasurably many heavenly beings, with them as attendants. His entire body’s light within, has the five paths’ sentient beings’ all physical forms, with all within appearing.
His crown above has śakrābhi-lagna maṇi treasure, with it as heavenly crown. His heavenly crown within, has a standing manifested Buddha, as tall as twenty-five yojanas. Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva’s face is like Jāmbūnada’s golden colour.
His fine hair between his brows’ form, is complete with seven treasures’ colours, flowing out with eighty-four thousand kinds of bright lights. Each and every one bright light, has immeasurable and innumerable hundred thousands of manifested Buddhas. Each and every one manifested Buddha, has innumerable manifested Bodhisattvas, with them as attendants, changing and appearing with ease, filling the ten directions’ worlds.
His arms like red lotus flowers in colour, have eighty koṭis of subtle and wonderful bright lights, with them as necklaces. His necklaces within, universally appear with all majestic matters. His palms are made of five hundred koṭis of various lotus flowers’ colours.
His hands’ ten fingertips’ each and every one fingertip, has eighty-four thousand pictures, similar to printed patterns. Each and every one picture, has eighty-four thousand colours. Each and every one colour, has eighty-four thousand lights, with these lights gentle and soft, universally illuminating all. With these treasure hands, he receives and guides sentient beings.
When raising a foot, the foot below has a thousand-spoked wheel’s form, naturally manifesting to become five hundred koṭis of bright lights’ dais. When lowering a foot, it has vajra maṇi flowers, spreading and scattering over all, with nowhere not filled fully. His other body’s forms, all have excellences complete, like the Buddha’s without difference. Only the crown above’s uṣṇīṣa and the unseeable crown’s form, are not comparable with the World-Honoured One’s. This is known as Contemplation Of Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva’s True Physical Body’s Forms, named the Tenth Contemplation.’
[11] The Eleventh Contemplation: Complete Contemplation On Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds And Great Power Arrived
The Buddha told Ānanda, ‘If there are those who desire to contemplate Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, they should do this contemplation. Those doing this contemplation, will not meet all misfortunes, and will purely eliminate karmic obstacles, eliminating innumerable kalpas’ transgressions of births and deaths. Thus, of this Bodhisattva, only with hearing of his name, obtains immeasurable blessings, furthermore if attentively contemplating.
If there are those who desire to contemplate Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, they should first contemplate his crown above’s uṣṇīṣa, next contemplating his heavenly crown. His all other forms, likewise one after another, are to be contemplated of. With all enabled to be clearly understood, like contemplating them within the palm. Those doing this contemplation, are named as having right contemplation. If there are those with other contemplations, they are named as wrong contemplations.
Next to contemplate is Great Power Arrived Bodhisattva. This Bodhisattva’s body’s height and size, are likewise like those of Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds. His halo’s light’s sides each shines for a hundred and twenty-five yojanas, and illuminates two hundred and fifty yojanas. His entire body’s bright light, illuminates the ten directions’ worlds, and is made of purple-gold in colour. Sentient beings who have the conditions, will all attain sight of it.
Only seeing this Bodhisattva’s one pore’s light, immediately seen are the ten directions’ immeasurable all Buddhas’ pure and wonderful bright lights. Therefore, the name of this Bodhisattva is named Boundless Light.
With wisdom light, universally illuminating all, enabling departure from the three realms, with attaining of unsurpassable power. Therefore, the name of this Bodhisattva is named Great Power Arrived.
This Bodhisattva’s heavenly crown, has five hundred treasures’ flowers. Each and every one treasure flower, has five hundred treasures’ dais. Each and every one dais within, has the ten directions’ all Buddhas’ pure and wonderful lands’ vastness and lengths of their forms, with all within appearing.
His crown above’s uṣṇīṣa, is like a padma flower. On his uṣṇīṣa above, has a treasure vase, filled with all bright lights, universally appearing with Buddhas’ practices. All other body’s forms, are like Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds’, equal without having differences.
When this Bodhisattva walks, the ten directions’ worlds all shake. At where the ground moves, there are five hundred koṭis of treasure flowers. Each and every one treasure flower is majestic, tall and prominent, like the Land Of Ultimate Bliss’. When this Bodhisattva sits, the seven treasures’ land at once shakes.
From the below direction’s Golden Light Buddha’s land, and even to the above direction’s Bright Light King Buddha’s land, in their middle between, are immeasurable dust motes’ number of divided bodies of Immeasurable Life Buddha, divided bodies of Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds and Great Power Arrived, all like clouds gathering in the Land Of Ultimate Bliss. Everywhere filling the sky within, seated on lotus flower thrones, expounding the wonderful Dharma, to deliver suffering sentient beings.
Those doing this contemplation, are named as having Contemplation And Sight Of Great Power Arrived Bodhisattva. This is known as Contemplation Of Great Power Arrived’s Physical Body’s Forms. Those contemplating this Bodhisattva, are named as having the Eleventh Contemplation. This eliminates innumerable kalpas’ asaṃkhyeya transgressions of births and deaths.
Those doing this contemplation, will not dwell in wombs, and often travel to all Buddhas’ pure and wonderful lands. With this contemplation accomplished already, is named as having Complete Contemplation Of Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds And Great Power Arrived.
[12] The Twelfth Contemplation: Universal Contemplation
When seeing these matters, you should give rise, personally with the mind, to be born in the Western Land Of Ultimate Bliss, in a lotus flower within, in the full lotus posture seated.
Do the lotus flower’s closing’s contemplation, and do the lotus flower’s blossoming’s contemplation. When the lotus flower blossoms, have five hundred colours’ lights, coming to illuminate the body contemplated. With eyes open contemplating, see Buddhas and Bodhisattvas fill the empty space within.
The waters, birds, groves, and with all Buddhas, that produce sounds, all expound the wonderful Dharma, with twelve divisions of the sūtras agreeably. If when exiting concentration, with recollecting and upholding not lost.
Seeing these matters already, is named Sight Of Immeasurable Life Buddha’s Land Of Ultimate Bliss. This is known as Universal Contemplation, named the Twelfth Contemplation. Immeasurable Life Buddha, manifesting bodies innumerable, with Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds and Great Power Arrived, constantly come to reach those places, where these practising persons are.’
[13] The Thirteenth Contemplation: Mixed Contemplation
The Buddha told Ānanda and Vaidehī, ‘If there are those desiring with the sincere mind to be born in the Western Pure Land, they should first contemplate an image of one zhàng and six chǐs, on a pond’s water above.
Like that first said, as Immeasurable Life Buddha’s body’s measure is boundless, it is not that ordinary beings’ minds’ power can reach. However, with that Thus Come One’s past vows’ power thus, those who have recollection and contemplation, will definitely attain accomplishment.
Only contemplating the Buddha’s image, attains immeasurable blessings, moreover with contemplating of the Buddha’s complete body’s forms. Amitābha Buddha, with supernormal powers as wished, in the ten directions’ lands, change and appear with ease. Perhaps appearing with a great body, filling empty space within. Perhaps appearing with a small body, of one zhàng and six to eight chǐs. Those appeared forms, are all pure gold in colour.
From his halo’s light manifests Buddhas and treasure lotus flowers, like those above said. Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva and Great Power Arrived, appear in all places, with bodies similar to sentient beings.
Only by contemplating their heads’ forms, knowing it is Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds, knowing it is Great Power Arrived. These two Bodhisattvas support Amitābha Buddha in universally transforming all. This is known as Mixed Contemplation, named the Thirteenth Contemplation.’
Scattered Goodness’ Meaning
[14] The Fourteenth Contemplation: High Grade’s Births’ Contemplation
[14.1] The High Grade’s High Births
The Buddha told Ānanda and Vaidehi, ‘For those of High Grade’s High Births, if there are sentient beings, aspiring for birth in that land, giving rise to three kinds of minds, they will immediately attain rebirth. What are the three? First is the utmost sincere mind, second is the profound faithful mind, and third is the mind of dedication with giving rise of aspiration to be born. Those complete with these three minds, will definitely be born in that land.
Moreover, there are three kinds of sentient beings, who will attain rebirth. What are the three? First are those with loving-kindness’ mind, who do not kill, and are complete with all precept practices. Second are those who study and recite the Great Vehicle’s right and equal sūtras. Third are those who cultivate practice of the Six Mindfulnesses, dedicating with giving rise of aspiration, aspiring for birth in that land. Complete with these meritorious virtues, in one day and even seven days, they will immediately attain rebirth.
When being born in that land, these persons, with diligence courageous and powerful thus, Amitābha Thus Come One, with Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds, Great Power Arrived, innumerable manifested Buddhas, a hundred thousand Bhikṣus, Voice-Hearers’ great assembly, immeasurably many heavenly beings, and seven treasures’ palace halls will appear. Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, holding a vajra dais, with Great Power Arrived Bodhisattva, will arrive before these practitioners. Amitābha Buddha will emit great bright light, that illuminates these practitioners’ bodies. With all Bodhisattvas, extending their hands to welcome and receive them. Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds, Great Power Arrived, with innumerable Bodhisattvas, will highly praise these practitioners, to encourage progress with their minds.
These practitioners, seeing this already, will be joyful and enthusiastic. Personally seeing their bodies, riding on vajra daises, following the Buddha from behind, like that within a fingersnap’s moment, they are reborn in that land.
Born in that land already, seeing the Buddha’s physical body, with all his forms complete. Seeing all Bodhisattvas, with their physical forms complete. The bright lights and treasure groves expound the wonderful Dharma. Having heard it already, immediately awakening to Non-Arising Of Dharmas’ Forbearance. Passing a moment’s interval, one by one serving all Buddhas, everywhere in the ten directions’ realms. From all Buddhas, before them, one after another, receiving predictions. Returning to the original land, attaining immeasurable hundred thousands of dhāraṇī doors. These are named as those with High Grade’s High Births.
[14.2] The High Grade’s Middle Births
For those of High Grade’s Middle Births, they do not need to accept and uphold, study and recite the right and equal sūtras. With good understanding of their meanings and purposes, of the supreme truth, with their minds not startled, with profound faith in cause and effect, not slandering the Great Vehicle. With these meritorious virtues, dedicating with the aspiration of seeking birth in the Land Of Ultimate Bliss.
For those practising these practices, when their lives almost end, Amitābha Buddha, with Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds, Great Power Arrived, an immeasurable great assembly, and family members will surround, holding a purple-gold dais, arriving before these practitioners. Praising by saying, “Dharma disciple, as you practise the Great Vehicle, and understand the supreme truth, therefore I have now come to welcome and receive you.”
With thousands of manifested Buddhas, at once extending their hands. These practitioners will personally see themselves seated on purple-gold daises, with joined palms and crossed hands, highly praising all Buddhas. As if in one thought moment, they will be immediately born in that land’s seven treasures’ ponds within.
These purple-gold daises, like great treasure flowers, passing a night, then blossom. These practitioners’ bodies are made of pure purple-gold in colour, and their feet below likewise have seven treasures’ lotus flowers.
The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, together at the same time emit light, that illuminates these practitioners’ bodies. Their eyes immediately open to understanding, and because of former past habits, universally hear all sounds, that purely speak of the extremely profound supreme truth. Immediately descending from their gold daises, they will prostrate to the Buddha, and with joined palms, highly praise the World-Honoured One.
With passing of seven days, immediately then, for Anuttarā Samyak Saṃbodhi, attaining non-retrogression. Immediately then, able to fly, to reach everywhere in the ten directions, one by one serving all Buddhas. At all Buddhas‘ places, cultivating all samādhis.
Passing one small kalpa, attaining Non-Arising’s Forbearance, manifesting in their presence to receive predictions. These are named as those with High Grade’s Middle Births.
[14.3] The High Grade’s Low Births
For those of High Grade’s Low Births, they likewise believe in cause and effect, and do not slander the Great Vehicle. Only giving rise to the unsurpassable path’s mind, with these meritorious virtues, dedicating with the aspiration of seeking birth in the Land Of Ultimate Bliss.
When these practitioners’ lives almost end, Amitābha Buddha and Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds, Great Power Arrived, with many Bodhisattvas, holding a golden lotus flower, manifesting as five hundred Buddhas, will come to welcome these persons. These five hundred manifested Buddhas, at once extend their hands. Praising by saying, “Dharma disciple, as you now are pure, and gave rise to the unsurpassable path’s mind, I have come to welcome you.”
When seeing this matter, they immediately personally see their bodies seated on golden lotus flowers. Seated already, the flowers close, following the World-Honoured One from behind, they will immediately attain rebirth within seven treasures’ ponds.
In one day and one night, the lotus flowers then open. Within seven days, then attaining sight of the Buddha. Although seeing the Buddha’s body, of all his forms’ excellences, their minds do not understand them clearly. Of three of seven days later, then understanding clearly when seeing them. Hearing all sounds, that all expound the wonderful Dharma. Travelling in the ten directions, making offerings to all Buddhas. From all Buddhas, before them, hearing the extremely profound Dharma.
Passing three small kalpas, attaining the hundred dharmas’ clear door, abiding on the Joy Ground. These are named as those with High Grade’s Low Births.
This is named the High Grade’s Births’ Contemplation, named the Fourteenth Contemplation.’
[15] The Fifteenth Contemplation: Middle Grade’s Births’ Contemplation
[15.1] The Middle Grade’s High Births
The Buddha told Ānanda and Vaidehi, ‘For those of Middle Grade’s High Births, if there are sentient beings, who accept and uphold the Five Precepts, uphold the Eight Precepts for purification, cultivate practice of all precepts, not create the Five Heinous Transgressions, without all faults and suffering. With these good roots, dedicating with the aspiration of seeking birth in the Western Land Of Ultimate Bliss.
When approaching their lives’ end, Amitābha Buddha, with many Bhikṣus, and family members will surround, emitting golden coloured light, arriving at where these persons are. Expounding on suffering, emptiness, impermanence and non-self. Highly praising departure from the household life, to attain departure from all suffering. These practitioners, seeing these already, will have minds with great joy.
Personally seeing their bodies, seated on lotus flower daises, long kneeling with joined palms, to the Buddha paying homage. Yet to raise their heads, just then, they will immediately attain rebirth in the Land Of Ultimate Bliss, with the lotus flowers soon blossoming.
When the flowers blossom, they will hear all sounds, highly praising the Four Truths. Immediately then attaining the Arhat path, with the Three Insights and Six Supernormal Powers, complete with the Eight Liberations. These are named as those with Middle Grade’s High Births.
[15.2] The Middle Grade’s Middle Births
For those of Middle Grade’s Middle Births, if there are sentient beings, if for one day and one night, uphold the Eight Precepts for purification, if for one day and one night, uphold the Śrāmaṇera Precepts, if for one day and one night, uphold the Complete Precepts, with majestic conduct without lack. With these meritorious virtues, dedicating with the aspiration of seeking birth in the Land Of Ultimate Bliss.
With the precepts’ fragrance perfuming cultivation thus, these practitioners, when their lives almost end, will see Amitābha Buddha, with many family members, emitting golden coloured light, holding a seven treasures’ lotus flower, arriving before these practitioners. These practitioners will personally hear a voice within the sky, praising by saying, “Good man, as you are a good person, who accordingly follow the three periods’ all Buddhas’ teachings thus, I have come to welcome you.”
These practitioners will personally see themselves seated on lotus flowers above, with the lotus flowers immediately closing, for birth in the Western Land Of Ultimate Bliss.
In the treasure ponds within, with passing of seven days, the lotus flowers then blossom. With the flowers blossomed already, they will open their eyes, and with joined palms, highly praise the World-Honoured One. Hearing the Dharma with joy, attaining as Srotāpannas.
Passing half a kalpa already, accomplishing as Arhats. These are named as those with Middle Grade’s Middle Births.
[15.3] The Middle Grade’s Low Births
For those of Middle Grade’s Low Births, if there are good men and good women, with filial support of their fathers and mothers, who practise worldly benevolence and loving-kindness.
These persons, when their lives almost end, meet good-knowing friends, for them extensively speaking of Amitābha Buddha’s Land’s blissful matters, likewise speaking of Dharma Treasury Bhikṣu’s forty-eight vows.
Having heard these matters already, soon then with their lives ending. For example, like a strong man bending and extending an arm in a moment, they will be immediately born in the Western Land Of Ultimate Bliss.
Having passed seven days already, they will meet Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds and Great Power Arrived. Hearing the Dharma with joy, attaining as Srotāpannas.
Passing one small kalpa, accomplishing as Arhats. These are named as those with Middle Grade’s Low Births.
This is named the Middle Grade’s Births’ Contemplation, named the Fifteenth Contemplation.’
[16] The Sixteenth Contemplation: Low Grade’s Births’ Contemplation
[16.1] The Low Grade’s High Births
The Buddha told Ānanda and Vaidehi, ‘For those of Low Grade’s High Birth, perhaps are sentient beings, who did all evil karmas. Although not slandering the right and equal sutras, these such foolish persons, created many evil dharmas, without having repentance.
When their lives almost end, they meet good-knowing friends, for them speaking the Great Vehicle’s twelve divisions’ sūtras’ heading titles’ words. With hearing of such all sūtras’ names thus, eliminating a thousand kalpas of extremely heavy evil karma.
Those wise again teach them to, with joined palms and crossed hands, recite “Námó Amitā[bha/yus] Buddha” [i.e. Námó Āmítuófó]. Reciting the Buddha’s name thus, eliminating fifty koṭis’ kalpas’ transgressions of births and deaths.
At that time, that Buddha immediately sends a manifested Buddha, manifested Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds and manifested Great Power Arrived, to arrive before these practitioners. Praising by saying, “Good man, with your reciting of the Buddha’s name thus, with all transgressions eliminated, I have come to welcome you.”
Having made this statement already, these practitioners immediately see the manifested Buddha’s bright light, everywhere filling their rooms. Seeing it already, with joy, immediately then, their lives end. Riding on treasure lotus flowers, following the manifested Buddha from behind, to be born within treasure ponds.
Passing seven of seven days, the lotus flowers then blossom. When the flowers blossom, the great compassionate Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva and Great Power Arrived Bodhisattva, will emit great bright light, and abide before these persons, for them speaking the extremely profound twelve divisions’ sūtras. Having heard them already, with faith and understanding, they will give rise to the unsurpassable path’s mind.
Passing ten small kalpas, complete with the hundred dharmas’ clear door, attaining entry onto the First Ground. These are named as those with Low Grade’s High Births.’
[16.2] The Low Grade’s Middle Births
The Buddha told Ānanda and Vaidehi, ‘For those of Low Grade’s Middle Births, perhaps are sentient beings, who broke and violated the Five Precepts, Eight Precepts and Complete Precepts. These such foolish persons, stole the Saṃgha’s objects, robbed the presently manifested Saṃgha’s objects, and impurely spoke the Dharma, without having repentance, with all evil karmas then “self-adorned”. Thus, these transgressing persons, with their evil karma thus, should fall into hell. When their lives almost end, hell’s all fires, at once together arrive.
Meeting good-knowing friends, with great loving-kindness and compassion, immediately for them praising and speaking of Amitābha Buddha’s Ten Powers’ majestic virtues, extensively praising that Buddha’s bright light’s supernormal powers. Likewise praising precepts, concentration, wisdom, liberation and liberation’s knowledge with insight.
These persons, having heard these already, will eliminate eighty koṭis’ kalpas’ transgressions of births and deaths. Hell’s fierce fires transform to be cool breezes, blowing many heavenly flowers. The flowers above all have manifested Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, welcoming and receiving these persons. As if in one thought moment, they will immediately attain rebirth within seven treasures’ ponds’ lotus flowers inside.
With passing of six kalpas, the lotus flowers then blossom. Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds and Great Power Arrived, with Brahma voices, will comfort those persons, for them speaking the Great Vehicle’s extremely profound sūtras. Having heard these Dharma teachings already, immediately then giving rise to the unsurpassable path’s mind. These are named as those with Low Grade’s Middle Births.’
[16.3] The Low Grade’s Low Births
The Buddha told Ānanda and Vaidehi, ‘For those of Low Grade’s Low Births, perhaps are sentient beings, who did unvirtuous karmas, the Five Heinous Transgressions and the Ten Evil Karmas, complete with all of the unvirtuous. These such foolish persons, with evil karma thus, should fall into evil paths, passing through many kalpas, to receive suffering without end.
These such foolish persons, when approaching their lives’ end, meet good-knowing friends, offering all kinds of comfort, for them speaking the wonderful Dharma, teaching to enable them to be mindful of the Buddha. If those persons, by suffering bothered, have no time to be mindful of the Buddha, a good friend says these words, “If you are those not able to be mindful of that Buddha, you should recite ‘Immeasurable Life Buddha’. Thus with the sincere mind, enable its sound to not end, to complete ten thoughts, reciting ‘Námó Amitā[bha/yus] Buddha’ [i.e. Námó Āmítuófó].”
Reciting the Buddha’s name thus, in thought to thought within, eliminating eighty koṭis’ kalpas’ transgressions of births and deaths. When their lives are ending, they will see golden lotus flowers, similar to the sun disc, abiding before these persons. As if in one thought moment, they will immediately attain rebirth in the Land Of Ultimate Bliss.
In lotus flowers within, completing twelve great kalpas, the lotus flowers then blossom. Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds and Great Power Arrived, with great compassionate voices, will for them extensively speak of all dharmas’ true form, eliminating transgressive dharmas. Having heard this already, with joy, immediately then giving rise to the Bodhi Mind. These are named as those with Low Grade’s Low Births.
This is named the Low Grade’s Births’ Contemplation, named the Sixteenth Contemplation.’
[17] Attainment Of Benefits’ Section
When speaking these words, Vaidehī with her five hundred maids, having heard that the Buddha said, immediately then saw the Land Of Ultimate Bliss’ vastness and lengths of its forms, attaining sight of the Buddha’s body and the two Bodhisattvas. Their minds gave rise to joy, praising that never before had. Suddenly opening to understanding with great awakening, reaching Non-Arising’s Forbearance. The five hundred maids gave rise to Anuttara Samyak Saṃbodhi’s mind, and aspired to be born in that land. The World-Honoured One predicted that all will be reborn there. When born in that land already, they will obtain Samādhi Of All Buddhas Manifesting In The Present. Immeasurably many heavenly beings gave rise to the unsurpassable path’s mind.
Transmission Section
[18] Royal Palace’s Transmission Section
At that time, Ānanda immediately from his seat arose, and to the Buddha said, ‘World-Honoured One, what should be the name of this sūtra? Of this Dharma teaching’s essence, how should it be accepted and upheld?’
The Buddha told Ānanda, ‘This sūtra is named “Contemplation On The Land Of Ultimate Bliss, Immeasurable Life Buddha, Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva And Great Power Arrived Bodhisattva”. Likewise named “Pure Elimination Of Karmic Obstacles, For Birth Before All Buddhas”. You should accept and uphold it, without enabling it to be forgotten and lost. Those who practise this samādhi, will in their present lives attain sight of Immeasurable Life Buddha and the two Great Bodhisattvas.
If good men and good women, only with hearing of the Buddha’s name and the two Bodhisattvas’ names, will eliminate immeasurable kalpas’ transgressions of births and deaths, furthermore if recollecting mindfully.
If there are those mindful of the Buddha, you should know that these persons, are then puṇḍarīka flowers within humans. Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva and Great Power Arrived Bodhisattva, are as their good friends. They will sit in the place for realising the path, by being born in all Buddhas’ home.’
The Buddha told Ānanda, ‘You should well uphold this spoken. Those upholding this spoken, are the same as those upholding Immeasurable Life Buddha’s name [i.e. Āmítuófó].’
The Buddha, when speaking these words, Honoured One Maudgalyāyana, Honoured One Ānanda, Vaidehī and others, hearing that the Buddha said, all had great joy.
[19] [Gṛdhrakūṭa’s Section]:
[19.1] [Gṛdhrakūṭa’s Preface Section]
At that time, the World-Honoured One, stepped onto empty space, and returned to Mount Gṛdhrakūṭa.
[19.2] [Gṛdhrakūṭa’s Main Principles’ Section]
At that time, Ānanda extensively for the great assembly, spoke of the matters, as above.
[19.3] [Gṛdhrakūṭa’s Transmission Section]
Immeasurably many heavenly beings, dragons and yakṣas, hearing that the Buddha said, all had great joy, as they prostrated to the Buddha and departed.
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相关经典
Related Sūtras:
中英《佛说观无量寿佛经》
‘The Sūtra In Which The Buddha Speaks Of Contemplation On Immeasurable Life Buddha’ In Chinese And English
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中国净土宗十三祖印光大师校订之《净土五经》
‘The Pure Land Tradition’s Five Sūtras’ As Checked By The Chinese Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
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