The Flower Ornament Scripture

 

A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra

Thomas Cleary

BOOK FOUR

 

4. The Formation of the Worlds

 

 

THEN THE  GREAT  enlightening being Universally  Good,   by   means   of the spiritual power of the Buddha, looked over the oceans of all worlds, the oceans of all sentient beings, the oceans of all Buddhas , the oceans of all elemental realms, the oceans of all sentient beings'  actions,  the oceans of all sentient beings' faculties and inclinations, the oceans of all teaching cycles of all Buddhas, the oceans of all time periods, the oceans of all powers of vows of the Buddhas, and the oceans of all   the Buddhas' miracles.

Having thus observed and examined all these, he declared to all the enlightening beings in the ocean of congregations at all scenes of enlightenment,   "Children of Buddha,   the Buddhas'  pure knowledge   of the formation and disintegration of all oceans of worlds is inconceivable. Their knowledge of the oceans of actions of all sentient beings is inconceivable. Their  knowledge of the oceans of structures of all ele­ mental realms  is inconceivable. Their knowledge which can tell of the oceans of all inclinations, understandings, and faculties is inconceivable. Their instantaneous knowledge of all the past, present, and future is inconceivable.  Their knowledge revealing   the boundless   ocean of vows of all   enlightened   ones is   inconceivable.   Their knowledge demonstrat­ ing the oceans of miracles of all Buddhas is inconceivable. Their knowl­ edge operating   the cycles   of teaching is inconceivable.   Their knowledge of how to construct explanations is inconceivable.  Their pure buddha­ bodies are inconceivable. Their oceans of boundless forms illumining everywhere are inconceivable.   Their marks   and subsidiary  refinements, all pure, are inconceivable.  Their  ocean of boundless auras,  fully pure, is inconceivable. Their ocean of clouds of light of various colors is inconceivable. Their ocean of extraordinary jewel radiance is inconceiv­ able. Their ocean of perfect languages  is inconceivable. Their ocean of powers of magical displays to civilize and develop sentient beings is inconceivable. Their oceans of courageous taming of all sentient beings, letting none go to ruin, is inconceivable. Their abode in the state of buddhahood  is inconceivable.   Their entry into the  realm of realization of thusness is inconceivable. Their protective and sustaining power is

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inconceivable.  Their examination of all spheres of enlightened knowl­ edge is inconceivable. Their spheres of power, which none can overcome, are inconceivable.  Their quality of fearlessness, which none can surpass, is inconceivable. Their abiding in undifferentiated concentration is inconceivable. Their miraculous displays are inconceivable. Their pure independent knowledge is inconceivable. All the enlightening teachings, which none can destroy, are inconceivable.

"All these things I shall, with the power of the Buddha and of all enlightened ones, fully expound, to cause all sentient beings to enter the ocean of knowledge  and wisdom of the Buddha,  to cause all enlighten­ ing beings to abide securely in the ocean of virtues of the Buddha,  to cause all oceans of worlds to be adorned by the freedom of the Buddhas, to cause the lineage of the enlightened ones to continue unbroken throughout all ages, to cause the real true nature of all things to be pointed out in all oceans of worlds, to cause all sentient beings to be taught in accordance with their understandings, to cause the expedient methods according to the ocean of all beings' faculties to induce them to engender the qualities of buddhahood,  to   cause the mountains of all obstructions to be smashed, according to the inclinations of all beings,  to cause all sentient beings to purify and master the essential ways of emancipation in accordance with their mentalities, and to cause all enlightening beings to abide in the ocean of vows of universal goodness and wisdom."

Now the enlightening being Universally Good, because he wished to gladden the innumerable beings at the site of enlightenment, to increase their appreciation of all truths,   to   cause them to conceive an ocean of great true faith and resolve, to cause them to purify the all-sided cosmic matrix body, to cause them to establish the ocean of vows of the Universally Good, to cause them to purify the eye of equanimous knowledge, which enters equally into past, present, and future, to cause them to increase the ocean of great wisdom illumining   the repository   of all worlds, to cause them to develop memory power to hold all the teaching cycles, to cause the whole realm of buddhahood to be mani­ fested in all enlightenment sites, to cause all the Buddha teachings to be brought   forth,   to increase the nature of vast,   profound all-knowledge of the cosmos, he spoke these verses:

 

 

The   exceedingly profound ocean   of virtues   of wisdom Appears  in innumerable   lands throughout  the   ten   directions, Its light shining   everywhere,   turning   the   wheel   of the teaching In accord with what the various sentient beings need to see.

 

The ocean of lands of the ten directions is inconceivable: Buddha  has purified   them   all,   over immeasurable eons; In order to edify beings and cause them to mature

He appears in all lands.

 

The Buddha's realm is most profound, inconceivable; He  shows  it  to  all  beings,  letting  them  enter:

But their minds like the petty and are attached to existents, So they cannot understand what the Buddha  has realized.

 

If any have pure faith and unshakable minds

And are always able to associate with good teachers, All the Buddhas will give their power

So they can enter enlightened knowledge.

 

Beyond flattery and deception, hearts pure,

Always gladly kind and compassionate, ofjoyful natures, Determination broad and great, faith profound :

Such people, hearing this teaching, are glad.

 

Dwelling on the ground of universally good vows, Cultivating the pure ways of enlightening beings, Regarding the cosmos like space:

These people can know the Buddha's sphere.

 

Such enlightening beings gain true benefit Seeing the   Buddha's  mystical powers; None who practice other paths can know:

Only those of universally good practice can understand.

 

Sentient beings are infinite

Yct Buddha guards them all in his thoughts; Teaching the truth, reaching all:

The power of Vairocana's realm.

 

All lands  arc in my body

And so are the Buddhas living there; Watch my pores,

And I will show you the Buddha's realm.

 

The practice and vows of Universally Good arc boundless; I have already fully cultivated them.

The vast body of the realm of the universal eye Is the Buddha's sphere: listen clearly.

 

 

Then the great enlightening being Universally Good said to the great masses, "0 Children of Buddha, there are ten things about the world oceans which the Buddhas  of past,   present, and future have explained, do explain, and will explain.  What arc these ten? They arc the causes and conditions of the origination of the world oceans, the bases of the

 

world oceans,  the forms of the world oceans,  the substances and na­ tures of the world oceans,  the adornments of the   world oceans,  the purity of the world oceans, the appearance of Buddhas in the   world oceans, the eons of subsistence of the world oceans, the differences in changes over the ages of the world oceans, and the aspects of the world oceans that have no differences . If expressed in brief there arc these ten things,  but if they are fully expounded,   there arc as many as atoms  in an ocean of worlds,  which the Buddhas of past,  present, and   future have, do, and will explain.

"Children  of  Buddha,   if  explained  in  brief,   there  are  ten  kinds  of causes   and   conditions by which all oceans of worlds have been formed, arc formed, and will be formed. What arc the ten? They are: because of the Buddhas' mystical powers, because they must be so by natural law, because of the acts of all sentient beings,  because of what is realized by all enlightening beings developing omniscience, because of the roots of goodness accumulated by both enlightening beings   and   all   sentient beings,   because of the power of the vows of enlightening beings  purify­ ing lands, because enlightening beings have accomplished practical un­ dertakings without regressing, because of the enlightening beings' freedom of pure resolve, because of the independent  power   flowing   from   the roots of goodness of all enlightened ones and the moment of enlighten­ ment of all Buddhas,  and because   of the   independent   power   of the vows of the Univcrsally Good.  This is a summary explanation  of ten kinds of causes;  if I were to explain in full, there are as many as atoms in an ocean of worlds. "

Then  the   great  enlightening  being   Universally  Good,   in   order to   reiterate   the meaning  of what  he   had   said,   receiving   the   power of the Buddha,  looked  over  the ten directions  and  spoke  these verses :

 

 

The boundless ocean of myriad lands explained Vairocana Buddha has all beautifully purified.

The World Honored One's realm is inconceivable; Such arc his knowledge, wisdom, and mystic powers.

 

Enlightening beings cultivate the practice of oceans of vows, Universally adapting to the inclinations of sentient beings.

The mentalities of sentient beings arc boundless;

The enlightening beings' lands extend throughout all ten directions.

 

Enlightening beings aim for omniscience, Diligently cultivating various spiritual powers, Generating  oceans of in finite vows, Developing vast, expansive lands.

 

Cultivating   oceans   of practices,   without bound, They enter the realm of buddhahood,  also   infinite; In order to purify the lands in the ten directions, They spend countless cons in each land.

 

Sentient beings are muddled by afflictions ,

Their conceptions and inclinations are not the same;

According to their mental states they perform inconceivably many acts,

Thereby forming the oceans of all lands.

 

The treasury of adornments of the lands of Buddha-children Is made ofjewels of undefiled light;

This depends   on   a   mind   of vast   resolute   faith. Their dwelling places in all quarters arc all like this.

 

Enlightening beings can cultivate the universally good practice, Traveling paths as numerous as atomic  particles in the cosmos, In each atom revealing countless lands

Pure and vast as space.

 

They manifest mystic powers equal in extent  to space And go to enlightenment sites where the Buddhas are; Upon their lotus seats they  reveal many  forms,

In each and  every body  containing all lands.

 

In a single instant they reveal past, present, and future, Where all oceans of lands are formed .

Buddha, by appropriate techniques, enters them all : This is what Vairocana has purified.

 

 

Then the enlightening being Universally Good said to the congregation, "0  Children of Buddha,  each of the oceans of worlds has bases of support  as numerous as atoms in an ocean of worlds.  That is to say, they may rest on all adornments, or in space,  or on the lights of all jewels,  or on the lights of all Buddhas,  or on the lights of the colors of all jewels, or on the voices of all Buddhas, or on illusory actions, or on thunderbolt bearers in   the form of powerful   titans,   or on   the bodies  of all the leaders of the worlds,   or on the bodies of all enlightening beings, or on the ocean   of all different embellishments   produced   by   the   power of the vows of the universally good enlightening beings.  The oceans of worlds have such bases as these, as many as atoms in an ocean of worlds." Then, in order to reiterate the meaning of this, Universally Good,   receiving the power of the Buddha,  surveyed the ten directions and said in verse,

 

All the various lands there arc Filling space in the ten directions

Sustained by Buddha's mystic power Appear in all places, so all can see.

 

There are some varieties of lands All   made of undefiled jewels, Pure gems, the most exquisite,

Radiating  everywhere oceans of light.

 

Then there are lands of pure light Which rest in the realm of space; Some are in oceans ofjewels, Some rest in mines of light.

 

Buddha, in the midst of this ocean of groups, Expounds  teachings,   all skillful and subtle; The realm of the Buddhas is boundlessly vast: Beings who see it are gladdened at heart.

 

Some are embellished with precious stones Shaped like flower lamps in vast arrays,

Their clouds of fragrant flame-light blazing with color, Covered with webs ofjewel lights.

 

Some lands have no boundaries;

They rest in the deep, immense lotus sea, Broad, pure, unique among worlds,

Because they're adorned by Buddhas' goodness.

 

Some world-oceans revolve, Stabilized by Buddha's power;

Enlightening beings arc everywhere there, Always seeing immeasurably vast treasures.

 

Some rest in thunderbolt hands, Some on celestial leaders' bodies; The supremely  honored Vairocana Is always here actively teaching.

 

Some rest evenly on jewel trees,

Or likewise on clouds of fragrant flames; Some rest on great bodies of water,

Some in the ocean of indestructible diamond.

 

 

Some rest on thunderbolt banners, Some are in flower seas;

Vast mystic powers all-pervading, Vairocana here can appear.

 

Some long, some short, there are innumerable kinds; Different too arc the rings they form.

Their  stores  of beautiful  adornments arc extraordinary: Only the purified  and  cultivated can see.

 

Thus   each of them arc different, But all rest on the ocean of vows. Some lands arc always in space,

With Buddhas like clouds filling them.

 

Some hang upside-down in space, Sometimes existing, sometimes not; Some lands are extremely pure,

Resting in enlightening beings' precious crowns .

 

The great spiritual powers of the Buddhas  everywhere All arc seen herein;

The voices of the Buddhas fill them all , Produced by the power of deeds.

 

Some lands fill the universe,

Pure,   undefiled,   arising from mind,

Like reflections , illusions, boundlessly vast, Each ditTcrcnt, like in Indra's net.

 

Some show stores  of various  adornments Set up in empty space.

Realms of actions arc inconceivable: Buddha's power reveals them for all to see.

 

Inside the particles of each land

Constantly  revealing the Buddha-lands, Their numbers   infinite,   equal to beings: Such is the action of the  Universally Good.

 

In order to fully develop beings

He cultivated practice here for infinite cons, Producing great miraculous displays Extending everywhere through the cosmos.

 

The  Formatio11  of the  Worlds

 

In each atom of the lands of the cosmos Rest the vast oceans of worlds;

Clouds of Buddhas equally cover them all, Filling every place.

 

189

 

 

Like the free action in one atom So it is in all atoms;

All the great occult powers of Buddhas and enlightening beings Vairocana can cause to appear.

 

All the vast lands

Arc  like  reflections,  illusions,  or  flames:

Nowhere is their origin seen,

Nor where they go or whence they came.

 

Disintegration and formation recur in cycles Without pause, in the midst of space;

All depends on pure vows

Sustained by the vast power of action.

 

 

Then the enlightening being Universally Good said further to the great congregation, "Children of Buddha, the oceans of worlds have various different forms and characteristics.  That is to say,   some  arc round, some square, some neither round nor square. There arc infinite distinctions. Some arc shaped like whirlpools, some like mountains of flames, some like trees, some like flowers, some like palaces, some like living creatures, some like Buddhas.  There arc as many forms such as these as there arc atoms in an ocean of worlds."

Then, to review this point,   Universally  Good,   imbued   with   the power of the Buddha, looked over the ten directions and said,

 

 

The oceans of lands arc variously different: Various adornments, various supports;

Different forms, all beautiful, pervade the ten directions : You should together all observe them .

 

Some are round, some arc square, Some  triangular,  some  octagonal;

Gemstone-wheel shaped, lotus blossoms, and so on:

All arc di fferen t, according to deeds.

 

Some have arrays of pure flames, Mixed with gold, most rarely fine,

 

190  The Flower Omarnent Scripture

 

All doors open, with no resistance:

This is from deeds broadminded and pure.

 

The store of boundless  differences  of the  oceans  of worlds Is like clouds draped in the sky,

Jewel discs spread on the ground in wonderful arrays, The lights of the Buddhas shining therein.

 

All lands, distinctions of mind, Appear reflected in  various lights; In these oceans of worlds

Buddhas each manifest mystical powers.

 

Some lands arc dirty, some are pure; Pleasant or painful, each is different.

This comes from the inconceivable ocean of acts: Cyclic phenomena arc always like this .

 

Inside a single hair pore, inconceivable lands With various bases, many as atoms:

In each of them a universal illuminator Expounds the truth in the midst of the crowd.

 

In a single atom, great and small lands, Variously different, as numerous as atoms; Level, high and low, each is different:

Buddha goes to all to operate the teaching.

 

The lands manifested in a single atom

Arc all the occult power of the original vow:

According to the various differences in inclination of mind All can be made, in the midst of space.

 

In all atoms of all lands

Buddha enters, each and every one,

Producing miracle displays for sentient beings: Such is the way of Vairocana.

 

 

Then the enlightening being Universally Good also said to the great assembly, "Children of Buddha, know that the oceans of worlds have various substances.   Some have bodies of arrays of all jewels,   some   arc of various   ornaments made of all precious substances,   some   arc of lights of all jewels, some arc of lights of various colors, some arc of lights of various adornments,  some arc composed of Buddhas'  powers,  some arc of characteristics of fine gems , some arc made of miraculous displays of

 

The  Formatiotz  of the  Worlds    191

 

Buddhas,  some arc of jewel sun discs,  some are of extremely minute, fine jewels, some arc made of radiance of all jewels, some are of various fragrances, some   are made of crowns   of precious   flowers,   some  arc of all jewel reflections, some are made of what is manifested by all adornments,  some are made of an instant  of mind   manifesting   the whole cosmos, some arc made of jewels in the forms of enlightening beings, some arc made of jewel flower pistils,  some are made of the spoken  sounds of the Buddhas."  Then, to repeat   this,   Universally Good surveyed the ten directions by the Buddha's power and said,

 

 

There arc some oceans of worlds Compounded ofjewels,

Solid and unbreakable,

Resting on precious lotus blossoms.

 

Some arc pure light beams Of unknowable origin;

These arrays of all light beams Rest in empty space.

 

Some  are made of pure   light And also rest on light rays Embellished with clouds of light Where enlightening beings roam.

 

There are some oceans of lands Born of the power of vows, Existing like reflections:

They can't be grasped or explained.

 

Some arc made of precious stones Emitting sunlikc light;

Discs of pearls adorn the ground, And enlightening beings abound.

 

Some lands are made ofjewel flames, Covered with clouds of flames,

The radiance of the jewels superb;

All comes from results of acts .

 

Some arc born of subtle forms,

With various features adorning the ground, Like crowns holding all jewels;

These come from the Buddha's  work.

 

 

Some are born from the ocean of minds,

Existing according to what the minds understand. Like illusions, they have no locus:

All arc mental constructions.

 

Some are made of the precious light Of the Buddha's aura;

All the Buddhas appear therein, Each producing miracles.

 

Some universally good enlightening beings Produce various oceans of lands,

Adorned by the power of their vows, All exceptionally sublime.

 

 

Then the enlightening being Universally Good also said to the great congregation, "Know that the oceans of worlds have various adornments. Some  arc adorned by all   ornaments   producing   beautiful   clouds,  some by explanations of the virtues of all enlightening beings, some by explanations of the rewards of actions of all sentient beings, some by revelations of the ocean of vows of all enlightening beings, some by representations of the images  of all Buddhas  of past,  present,  and future,   some   by   the   spheres   of occult powers revealing boundless   cons in   a single   moment,  some by production of all buddha-bodies,   some by production  of fragrant clouds  of all jewels, some   by  radiant lights  showing  the wonderful things  in all   enlightenment  scenes, some  by illustration  of the   practices  and vows   of all  universally good ones. There are as many such adornments as atoms in an ocean of worlds. "

Then, to repeat, Universally Good, imbued with the power of the Buddha, looked over the ten directions and said,

 

 

The vast oceans of lands are boundless; All are made from pure action,

With various adornments and various abodes, They fill all ten directions .

 

Clouds ofjewel flames of boundless forms , Vast arrays of adornments, not the same, Always appear in all oceans of lands,

Radiating subtle sounds expounding the truth.

 

Adorned by the various great vows

Of the enlightening beings'  boundless sea of virtues,

 

These lands simultaneously produce sublime sounds Shaking the network of the lands of the ten directions.

 

The ocean of beings' acts is vast, immeasurable;

According  to  the  results  they  effect,  the  lands  arc  each  ditierent. The adornments in all places

Can tell of this, by the Buddha's powers .

 

The spiritual powers of Buddhas past, present, and future Appear throughout the oceans of lands;

In each phenomenon all the Buddhas appear: Thus do they purify-you should observe.

 

Past, future, and present cons, All lands in the ten directions, And all the adornments therein, All appear in each land.

 

In all phenomena arc countless Buddhas:

As many as beings, filling the world;

In order to teach they produce mystic effects Whereby they adorn the oceans of lands.

 

All the adornments emit beautiful clouds Of various flowers and fragrant flames, With clouds ofjewels appearing as well:

The oceans of worlds arc  embellished with these.

 

All sites of enlightenment in the ten directions Arc complete with all kinds of adornment; Flowing lights spread afar, like clouds of color: All arc shown in this ocean of lands.

 

The practice of the vows of the universally good

Buddha children have practiced for cons as many as beings; Boundless lands have they all adorned,

All appearing in all places.

 

 

Then Universally  Good also said to the congregation, "Know that in the oceans   of worlds   there   arc oceans of purifying techniques   as   many as atoms in an ocean of worlds. That is to say, the enlightening beings associate with all good teachers to cultivate the same roots of goodness; they   cause   great   clouds    of   virtues   to   grow,    extending    throughout the universe; they clarify all their great beliefs; they contemplate  the spheres of all enlightening beings and abide therein; they cultivate all

 

means of transcendence and ful fill them; they contemplate all stages of enlightenment and enter them; they produce the ocean of all pure aspirations; they cultivate all practices essential for emancipation;  they enter into the ocean of all adornments; they perfect the   power   of purifying methods. There arc as many of these and others as there are atoms in an ocean of worlds."

Then,   to   reiterate,   Universally   Good looked   over the   ten   directions by the power of the Buddha invested in him, and said,

 

The  adornments  of all  oceans  of worlds

Are born from countless techniques, vows, and powers; All the oceans of lands always shine,

Produced by the power of countless pure deeds.

 

Forever associating with good teachers , Together doing good works, all pure,

With great compassion extending to all beings, Thereby arc world-oceans adorned.

 

Concentration on all the teachings, Meditation, liberation, and skill in means Are all purified with the Buddha:

Thus are the world-oceans born.

 

Developing  boundless   certainty, Able to understand like the Buddha,

Having purified patience and skill in means, Thus can boundless lands be purified.

Cultivating supreme practices to aid sentient beings, Virtue great and always growing,

Like clouds spreading as far as space:

Thus arc world-oceans perfected .

 

The transcending means are infinite, many as heings; All have the Buddhas practiced to perfection;

Transcendent vow-taking has no end:

Pure world-oceans arc born from here.

 

Purely practicing all peerless truths, Developing boundless liberating practices, Edifying beings by various means :

Thus  are  beautified  oceans  of worlds.

 

Practicing techniques of adornment,

Entering the ocean of teachings of enlightened virtues,

 

Causing all beings to dry up the source of suffering: Thus arc vast lands perfected.

 

The ocean of powers is peerlessly great, Causing all beings to plant roots of good, Making offerings to all the enlightened:

Thus are boundless lands all purified.

 

 

Then Universally Good addressed the masses again: "Buddha children, know that in each ocean of worlds there are differences in the manifesta­ tion of the Buddhas,  as many as atomic particles in an ocean of worlds. That is,  some manifest small bodies, some large bodies, some manifest short lives, some long lives, some only adorn and purify a single buddha-land, some adorn and purify innumerable buddha-lands,  some only reveal one vehicle of teaching, some reveal inconceivably  many vehicles of teaching, some appear to tame a few sentient beings,  some tame boundless sentient beings. Such differences as these are as many as atomic particles in an ocean of worlds ."

Then Universally Good,  to review, looked over the ten directions by the power he received from the Buddha, and said,

 

 

Various accommodating methods of the Buddhas Appear in all the oceans of worlds,

All adapted to the inclinations of sentient beings: This is the Buddhas' power of skillful expedients.

 

The reality-body of the Buddhas is inconceivable: Colorless, formless, beyond any image,

Yet able to manifest myriad forms for sentient beings, Causing them to sec, according to their inclinations.

 

Some manifest short lives for beings, Some appear to live for countless cons;

The reality-body manifests throughout the ten directions, Appearing in the world according to suitability.

 

Some there are who beautify and purify all

The inconceivable oceans of worlds in all directions; And some only purify one single land,

Yet showing all within that one.

 

Some, according to the mentalities of sentient beings, Reveal inconceivably many various vehicles of liberation;

 

Some only expound one vehicle of teaching,

Yct within that one arc revealed innumerable methods.

 

Some there are who, naturally enlightened, Cause a few beings to abide in the Way; Some can in a single instant

Awaken countless deluded ones.

 

Some produce mystical clouds from their pores Which manifest countless , boundless Buddhas Appearing in all worlds,

Liberating beings by various means.

 

Some there arc whose spoken sounds pervade everywhere Explaining truth in accord with mental inclinations of beings, Through inconceivably many eons

Taming oceans of countless beings.

 

Some  have   infinite   beautified   worlds, Their congregations pure, sitting solemnly, Buddhas like clouds spreading over,

Filling the oceans of worlds in the ten directions.

 

The techniques of the Buddhas  arc inconceivable, All appearing in accord with beings'  minds, Abiding in various beautified fields,

Extending throughout all lands.

 

 

Then Universally Good again addressed the great assembly: "Buddha­ children, know that the oceans of worlds have as many spans  of existence as there arc atoms in an ocean of worlds.  That is,  some abide for an incalculable con, some abide for an infinite eon, some abide for a boundless con, some abide for an incomparable eon, some abide for an uncountable con, some abide for an unspeakable con, some abide for an inconceivable con, some  abide for an immeasurable eon,  some  abide for an inexplicable con. There are as many such spans  as atoms in an ocean of worlds. "

Then, to review, Universally Good,  looking over the ten directions by the power received from the Buddha, said,

 

 

Among the oceans of worlds arc various ages, Adorned by vast, extensive technical skills; Observing all the lands in the ten directions,

The differences in the measures of their ages become clear.

 

I see that the eon lengths in the world-oceans of the ten directions Are innumerable, same as sentient beings:

Some  long,  some short,  some are without bounds; I now tell of them, by the Buddha's voice.

 

I see the oceans of lands in the ten directions:

Some abide for cons numerous as atoms, Some for one eon, some for numberless;

Each is different, due to the variety of vows.

 

Some  arc wholly pure, some wholly defiled;

Then again, in some purity and defilement are mixed. The structures of the oceans of vows vary,

Abiding in the conceptions of sentient beings.

 

Having cultivated practices for cons as many as atoms m a land

And attained vast and pure oceans of worlds, The   Buddhas'  realm is   fully   adorned, Abiding forever, through boundless cons.

 

Some cons arc called Light of Various Jewels, Some, Mind of Radiant Eyes, or Equal Sound, Undefiled Light, or Eon of Virtue;

These pure eons contain all cons.

 

There arc pure cons where one Buddha appears, Or in one eon countless Buddhas may appear.

With inexhaustible skill in means and great will power, They enter into all the various ages.

 

Infinite eons may enter   one   con, Or one con rnay enter rnany eons:

The various aspects of the ocean of all  eons Clearly appear in the lands of the ten directions.

 

The adornments of all cons May all appear in one con;

Or the adornments of one con May enter Jll boundless cons.

 

From the first moment to the completion of the con, All is born from the conceptions of beings' minds.

All oceans of lands, their cons boundless, Arc puritlcd by one technique.

 

Then Universally Good also said to the masses,  "Children of Buddha, you should know that the oceans of worlds have as many differences in changes in the ages as there are atoms in an ocean of worlds. That is, as a consequence of natural law,   the oceans   of worlds   have innumerable ch anges of the ages,   forming and disintegrating; because defiled beings live in them, the oceans of worlds have changes in the ages, becoming defiled; as a result of having sentient beings who cultivate great virtues living in them, the oceans of worlds have changes in the ages coming to have some purity in the midst of their defilements; as a result  of enlightening beings  with faith and understanding living  there,  world oceans have changes in the ages,  coming to have more purity than defilement;   as   a result   of innumerable beings   there conceiving   the will for enlightenment, the oceans of worlds have changes in their ages, becoming  totally  pure;  as a result of enlightening beings  traveling in the various worlds, the oceans of worlds have changes in the ages, becoming beautified with boundless adornment; as a result of the enlightening beings of all the world-oceans in the ten directions gathering, world-oceans have changes in the ages,  becoming beautified with infinite great adornments;  because of the Buddhas  passing  away into nirvana, world oceans have changes in the ages, their adornments dying out; because of Buddhas  appearing in the worlds,  oceans   of worlds have changes in the ages, becoming extensively beautified and purified; because of the mystic powers and edifying miracles  of the Buddhas,  world-oceans have changes in the ages, becoming  pure all over. There arc as many  such  changes  as atoms  in an ocean of worlds."

Then, to reiterate, the enlightening being Universally Good,  looking over the ten   directions   by   the power received   from   the Buddha,   said In verse,

 

 

All lands are born

According to the power of actions; You all should observe

The forms of changes as they are.

 

Defiled  sentient beings   arc bound By habitual con fusions, to be feared; Their minds cause oceans of worlds To all become defiled .

 

If any have pure hearts

And cultivate virtuous deeds,

Their minds will cause oceans of worlds To have purity mixed with defilement.

 

If enlightening beings of faith and understanding Are born in the age,

According   to   what's   in   their   minds Purity mixed with defilement will show.

 

When infinite sentient beings Determine on enlightenment,

Their minds will cause world-oceans To be pure for that age.

 

When boundless billions of enlightening beings Travel to all quarters,

Adornments,   all   of them equal, Arc variously seen through the age.

 

When in each and every atom

Of Buddha-lands as many as atoms Enlightening beings gather together, All the lands are pure.

 

When a Buddha  passes away That   land's   adornments   perish; If no beings are vessels of truth, That land becomes defiled.

 

If a Buddha appears in the world Everything is marvelous;

In accord with the purity  of mind, All adornments are complete.

 

The spiritual powers of the  Buddhas Arc shown in inconceivable numbers; Then the ocean of lands

Arc all totally pure.

 

 

Then Universally Good again addressed the assembly: "Children of Buddha,  know that there are many ways in which the oceans of worlds arc not  different,  as  many as  atoms in an ocean  of worlds.  That is,  there is no difference in   the number of worlds in each ocean of worlds,  being as many as atoms in an ocean of worlds;  there is no difference in the powers of the Buddhas appearing in each ocean of worlds; there is no difference in that all   enlightenment sites in each ocean of worlds   per­ vade the cosmos in all directions; there is no difference in the assemblies at the enlightenment sites of all the Buddhas in each ocean of worlds; there is no difference in the auras of all the Buddhas in each ocean of

 

 

worlds pervading the cosmos; there is no difference in the miracles and epithets of all Buddhas in each ocean of worlds; there is no difference in the voices of all the Buddhas in   each   ocean of worlds   pervading   the ocean of worlds and abiding forever. There is no difference in the techniques of the teaching cycles in each ocean of worlds; there is no difference in that in each   ocean of worlds all oceans of worlds every­ where enter into the individual atom;   there is   no difference in   that in each   and   every   atom   of each   ocean of worlds   are   manifest the   vast real ms of all the Buddhas  of the past,   present,   and future .   The aspects of the oceans of worlds which   arc   not   different   arc,   briefly   stated, thus; if they arc fully told, there arc as many as atoms in an ocean of worlds."

Then the enlightening  being Universally  Good,  to recapitulate, looked over  the ten directions   by   the   power   of the   Buddha  and   said m verse,

 

 

In each atom arc many oceans of worlds,

Their locations each different , all beautifully pure; Thus docs infinity enter into one,

Yct each unit's distinct, with no overlap.

 

Within each atom are inconceivably many Buddhas Appearing everywhere in accord with beings' minds, Reaching everywhere in all oceans of worlds:

This technique of theirs is the same for all.

 

In each and every atom arc enlightenment trees, All draped with various adornments

In which all lands alike appear; In this all arc no different.

 

In each atom arc congregations numerous as atoms, All surrounding the leader of humanity,

Going beyond all, pervading the worlds, Yet with no crowding or confusion.

 

In each atom arc innumerable lights Pervading the lands of the ten directions,

All showing the Buddhas' enlightening practices, The same in all oceans of worlds.

 

In each atom arc infinite bodies

Transf()nning like   clouds,   circulating   everywhere; By mystic  buddha-powers they guide all   beings, No different in all ten directions' lands.

 

 

In each atom   are expounded many teachings; Those teachings arc pure and revolve like wheels. The gates of freedom by various means

Arc all told of, without discrimination.

 

One atom   emanates   all   Buddhas'  voices, Filling those beings who are receptors of truth;

Omnipresent in the oceans of worlds for countless eons, These voices too have no difference.

 

The countless beautiful adornments of oceans of worlds All enter inside a single atom;

Such mystic powers of the Buddhas All arise from the nature of action.

 

In each atom the Buddhas of all times Appear, according to inclinations;

While their essential nature neither comes nor goes, By  their vow  power  they  pervade  the  worlds.