The Flower Ornament Scripture

 

A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra

Thomas Cleary

BOOK TWO

 

2. Appearance of the Buddha

 

 

AT THAT TIME the enlightening  beings  and  the  leaders  of  all  the worlds  formed  these  thoughts:   "What  are  the  stages  of  the  Buddha? What are the vistas of the  Buddha?  What  are  the  empowcrments  of the Buddha? What  arc  the  acts  of the  Buddha?  What  are  the  powers of the Buddha? What  arc  the  fearlessnesses  of the  Buddha? What  arc the meditations of the Buddha? What arc the invincibilities of  the Buddha? What arc the  sense organs of the  Buddha?  What  are  the minds of the Buddha?  What  arc  the  lights  of the  Buddha's  body? What are the halos of the Buddha? What are the voices of the Buddha? What are the knowledges  of the Buddha? 0 please, World Honored One,   pity  us  and  explain  to  us.  Also,  all  the  Buddhas  of all  oceans of  worlds   in   the   ten   directions  explain   to   the   enlightening   beings the oceans of worlds, the oceans  of  sentient  beings,  the  oceans  of Buddhas ' liberations, the oceans of Buddhas' mystical displays, the oceans of Buddhas' teachings, the  oceans  of  Buddhas'  names,  the oceans of Buddhas' life spans, as well as the oceans of vows of all enlightening beings, the oceans of approaches of all enlightening beings,  the  oceans  of  aids  to   the  Way  of  all  enlightening  beings, the oceans of all  vehicles  of enlightening  beings,  the oceans  of ac­ tivities of all enlightening beings, the oceans of emancipations of all enlightening beings, the oceans of psychic powers of all  enlightening beings, the oceans of ways of transcendence of all enlightening beings, the oceans of stages of all enlightening beings, and the oceans of knowledge  of all  enlightening  beings-please,  0  Buddha,  Enlightened One, World Honored One, explain these for us too. "

Then the enlightening beings,  by mystical power, produced sound issuing spontaneously from the clouds of offerings, speaking verses:

 

 

Countless cons of practice complete,

You've   become truly awake under the enlightenment tree:

1 50

 

You appear universally to liberate beings, Like clouds filling all to the end of time.

 

When beings have doubts, you put an end to them, Causing all to develop great faith and resolution; Everywhere removing unlimited suffering,

You make all experience the peace of the Buddhas.

 

An infinite number of enlightening beings Have all come here to behold you:

Please explain the truth, eliminate doubt, According to our capacities to receive.

 

How can we know the stages of the Buddhas? How can we observe the Buddha's sphere?

The empowerment of the Buddha has no bounds: Please show us this truth and purify us.

 

What is the Buddha's realm of action That can be entered by wisdom?

Buddha's power is pure and unlimited:

Please show it to us enlightening beings.

 

What are your vast meditation states? How do you purify fearlessness?

Your  mystic powers cannot be measured:

Please explain in accord with beings' dispositions.

 

The Buddhas, kings of truth, are like the world leaders­ Free wherever they go, none can constrain them:

This    and   other   great   teachings Please expound for the benefit of all.

 

How are the Buddha's  eyes innumerable, As also are the other organs of sense?

And how are the minds also countless? Please show us a way to know about this .

 

As are the oceans of worlds and oceans of beings, All oceans of arrangements in the cosmos,

So  are the oceans  of Buddhas-unbounded: Please tell all to the children of Buddha.

 

The ocean of transcendent ways, forever beyond conception, The ocean of techniques for universal liberation,

The ocean of all the aspects of the teaching, Please expound at this enlightenment site.

 

At that point the   Buddha,  knowing   what   the   enlightening   beings were thinking, emitted a multitude of light rays   from his   teeth.   Those light rays were as numerous as atoms in a buddha-field: they included, for example,  light rays   of flowers   of jewels illumining   everywhere;   light rays producing various sounds adorning the universe; light rays draping subtle clouds;  light rays showing the Buddhas  of the ten directions sitting on their sites  of enlightenment making  mystical displays;  light rays of umbrellas of clouds of flames of all jewels; light rays filling the universe without impediment; light rays adorning all buddha-fields; light rays setting up banners ofpure diamonds; light rays adorning the scenes of enlightenment where hosts of enlightening beings were assembled;  light rays with subtle vibrations intoning the names and epithets of all the Buddhas. There were as many such light rays as there are atoms in a buddha-field, and each individual ray had as many light beams accom­ panying  it.  Those lights all contained all exquisite jewellike hues,   and they each illumined oceans of worlds as numerous as atoms in a billion buddha-lands. The congregations of enlightening beings in all the other oceans of worlds could see this Lotus Bank Array ocean of worlds within those lights . By the spiritual power of the Buddha, those lights, in the presence of all  those enlightening beings, intoned these verses:

 

 

Cultivating oceans of practices over countless eons, Making offerings to oceans of Buddhas everywhere, Teaching and liberating the oceans of all beings,

Now fulfilling  sublime enlightenment-The Universal Illuminator.

 

From  his  pores   come magic clouds With light shining through all quarters,

Awakening those able to receive the teaching,

Causing  them to approach enlightenment, pure,   unhindered.

 

Buddha traversed all paths of existence, Teaching and developing the living beings;

The mystic powers at his command are infinite: Instantly  he  causes  all  to  be  freed.

 

The   enlightenment   tree   of precious   gems Is embellished with the finest adornments; Buddha truly awakes under it,

Emanating light, majestically shining.

 

The roar of his great voice fills all quarters, Preaching for all the way to  great peace.

According to the mental dispositions of beings, He wakes them by various means.

 

He practiced transcendent ways and ful filled them, As many as atoms in a thousand lands.

All the powers he has already attained; You all should go and pay him respect.

 

Buddha-children of all quarters, as many as atoms of lands, All come together, with joy;

Having  showered clouds of offerings,

Now they stand before Buddha with single-minded gaze.

 

One tone of the Buddha contains an infinity, Able to expound the deep ocean of scriptures,

Raining the sublime teaching in accord with all minds; That most honored human you all should go see.

 

The vows of Buddhas of all times

Arc told under the enlightenment tree; All appear in an instant:

Hurry to the Buddha's spot.

 

Vairocana's great ocean of knowledge Shines from his face for all to see.

Now, awaiting the gathering of the masses,  he's  about to speak: Go see him and hear what he says.

 

 

At that time, all the masses in the oceans of  worlds in the  ten directions, awakened by the Buddha's light, all went to Vairocana Buddha's place and made offerings. For example, to the  cast  of  this Flower Bank Array ocean of worlds there is an ocean of worlds called Array of Lotuses of Pure Light: among its world systems is a land called Diamond Mine of Jewel Necklaces; the Buddha there was called Infinite King Awakening Space with the Water of Truth; among that Buddha's  vast congregation was a great enlightening being named Lotus Banner Contemplating the Supreme Teaching who came to the Buddha with a group  of enlightening  beings  as  numerous  as  atoms  in an ocean of worlds; each produced ten kinds of clouds of forms of enlightening beings, filling space and not dissolving. They also  mani­ fested ten kinds of clouds of jewel mountains,  ten kinds of clouds of spheres of sunlight, ten kinds of clouds ofjewel flower ornaments, ten kinds of clouds of music containing all tones, ten kinds of clouds of powder incense trees, ten kinds  of clouds  of myriad forms  of perfume and incense, and ten kinds of clouds of trees of all kinds of fragrances . Clouds of offerings such as these, as many as atoms in an ocean of worlds, filled all of space, not dispersing. Having caused these clouds to appear, the enlightening beings bowed to the Buddha and offered them

 

to him.  They then magically produced in the eastern quarter lion seats of banks of lights of various flowers and sat crosslegged on those seats. South  of this Flower Bank ocean of worlds   is   an   ocean   of worlds called Mine of Ornaments of Radiance of Moons  Made  of All Jewels. Among its world systems is a land called Array of Boundless  Light Spheres . The Buddha there was named Polar Mountain King with the Virtues of the Light of Universal Knowledge. Among  that Buddha's immense congregation was an enlightening being named Wisdom Uni­ versally  Illumining  the Ocean of Truths, who came to   the   Buddha along with a group of enlightening beings  as numerous as atoms in an ocean of worlds;  each produced ten kinds   of clouds   of jewels   from mines of lights of all   adornments,   filling   space   without   dispersing. They also manifested ten kinds of clouds of all-illumining regal jewels, raining all kinds of ornaments, ten kinds of clouds  of blazing jewels intoning the names and epithets of the Buddhas, ten kinds of clouds of jewels expounding all the Buddhas'  teachings, ten kinds of clouds  of jewel trees adorning the scene of   enlightenment,   ten   kinds   of jewel clouds   of precious light projecting   myriad phantom  buddhas,   ten   kinds of jewel clouds displaying the forms of the adornments of all sites of enlightenment, ten kinds of jewel clouds of lamps of intense flames expounding  the realm of the Buddhas,  ten kinds of jewel  clouds   of forms of the palaces of infinite lands,  and ten kinds of jewel clouds showing images of the Buddhas of past,  present, and future. Jewel clouds such as these, as many as atoms in an ocean of worlds,  all pervaded space without dispersing. Having caused these clouds to appear, the enlightening beings bowed to the Buddha and offered them to him; then each produced in the southern quarter lotus bank lion seats of

sapphires and rose gold, then sat crosslegged on the seats.

To the west of this Flower Bank ocean of worlds there is an ocean of worlds   named   Pleasant Jewel Light.   Among   the world systems  therein is a land called Producing   the   Best Life-Supports .   The   Buddha   there was named  Array of Quality Jewels of Fragrant Flowers.  Among  the vast congregation of that Buddha was a great enlightening being called Universal  Arrays of Moonlight's  Fragrant Flames,   who,   together   with as many enlightening beings as atoms in an ocean of worlds, came to the Buddha,  each producing ten kinds of clouds   of mansions   of all kinds of precious fragrant flowers, filling all space without dispersing. They   also   produced ten kinds   of clouds  of mansions  of precious   stones of boundless colors and forms, ten kinds of clouds of mansions of fragrant flames from precious lamps,  ten kinds  of clouds of mansions  of all pearls, ten kinds of clouds of mansions of all precious flowers, ten kinds of clouds   of mansions  decorated with jewel ornaments,  ten kinds of clouds of mansions manifesting the treasuries of lights of all adorn­ ments in the ten directions, ten kinds of clouds of mansions  of all kinds of embellishments  from throughout  the ten directions, ten kinds of clouds of mansions studded with all kinds of precious stones, and ten

 

kinds of clouds of mansions with gates of flowers and networks of chimes. These mansion clouds, as numerous as atoms in an ocean of worlds,  all filled space without dispersing.  Having  caused these clouds to appear, the enlightening beings bowed to the Buddha  and presented them as offerings; then they produced in the western quarter lion seats of great treasuries of gold leaves, and then sat   crosslegged   on   these seats.

To the north of this Flower Bank ocean of worlds there is an ocean of worlds called Treasuries of Light Spheres of Lapis Lazuli  Lotuses. Among the world systems therein is a land called Array of Blue Lotuses. The Buddha's name was King of Sound of the Banner of Universal Knowledge. Among that Buddha's vast congregation was a great en­ lightening being named Lion Stretch Light, who, with a group of enlightening beings  as numerous as atoms in an ocean of worlds,  came to the Buddha,  each manifesting ten kinds of clouds of beautiful trees of all kinds of fragrant jewels,  which filled space without dispersing.  They also produced ten kinds of clouds   of trees displaying  arrays   of all   trees of infinite   colors   and forms,   ten kinds   of clouds   of trees   adorned with all flowers,   ten kinds of clouds of trees adorned with spheres of light  of the radiance of all jewels, ten kinds of clouds  of trees adorned with physical forms of enlightening beings, perfumed with all kinds of sandalwood, ten kinds of clouds  of trees inconceivably  adorned with scenes of past  sites of enlightenment, ten kinds of clouds  of trees of sunlike light from treasuries of clothes made of all kinds ofjewels,   and ten kinds of clouds of trees emanating all kinds of pleasing sounds. Clouds such as these, numerous as atoms  in an ocean of worlds, extended throughout space without dispersing.  Having  caused  these clouds to appear, the enlightening beings  bowed to the Buddha  and presented them as offerings; then they each magically  produced in the northern quarter lion seats of banks of lotuses with jewel lamps, and sat crosslegged on those seats.

Northeast of this Flower Bank ocean of worlds there is an ocean of worlds called Rose Gold and Lapis Lazuli Banner. Among the world systems there is a land called Array of Jewels.  The Buddha there was called Fearless Lamp of All Truths. Among that Buddha's vast congre­ gation  was a great enlightening being called Inexhaustible  Mine of Virtues of the Lamp of Supreme Light,  who came, with as many enlightening beings as there are atoms in an ocean of worlds,  to the Buddha, each producing ten kinds of clouds of lion thrones of stores of jewel lotuses of boundless forms, which filled space without dispersing. They  also produced ten kinds  of clouds of lion thrones of stores   of lights of diamonds, ten kinds of clouds of lion thrones adorned with all kinds of decorations,  ten kinds  of clouds  of lion thrones of banks of flames of lamps ringed with jewels, ten kinds of clouds of lion thrones showering jewel ornaments all over,   ten kinds   of clouds   of lion thrones of treasuries of precious ornaments of all fragrant flowers, ten kinds of

 

 

clouds of lion thrones of mines of regal jewels showing the adornments of the seats of all Buddhas, ten kinds of clouds of lion thrones of treasuries of jewel branches and stems of trees  of all kinds of precious stones, ten kinds of clouds of lion thrones of all arrays of ornaments, steps, and doors, and ten kinds of clouds  of lion thrones  of banks of lights  adorned with gems and perfumes.   Such clouds as these, as many as atoms in an ocean of worlds,  all filled space without dispersing. Having caused these clouds to appear,  the enlightening beings bowed to the Buddha  and presented them to him as offerings . Then, in the northeast direction each magically produced a lion seat ofjewel lotuses with banners of lights of precious stones and sat crosslegged thereon.

Southeast of this Flower Bank ocean of worlds is an ocean of worlds called Gold Embellished Lapis   Lazuli Light Shining Everywhere.   Among its world systems  is a land called Pure Fragrant   Light.   The   Buddha there was  named King   of Profound   Faith   and   Universal Joy.   Among the Buddha's vast congregation was a great enlightening being called Universal  Light of the Lamp  of Wisdom,  who came to the Buddha along with a group of enlightening beings  as numerous  as atoms  in an ocean of worlds, each producing ten kinds   of clouds   of drapes   of all kinds of wish-fulfilling jewels, which filled all of space without dispersing. They also  caused to appear ten kinds  of clouds of drapes  adorned with all flowers of sapphires,  ten kinds of clouds of drapes of all fragrant jewels, ten kinds of clouds of drapes of lamps  with jewel flames,  ten kinds of clouds of drapes of regal jewels displaying the   Buddhas' spiritual  powers  expounding the teachings, ten kinds  of clouds   of drapes of gems in the forms of all clothing adornments,  ten kinds of clouds  of drapes of lights of masses  of all   jewels,   ten   kinds   of clouds   of drapes   of sounds  of chimes on jewel nets,   ten  kinds   of clouds of drapes on jewel pedestals with lotus nets, and ten kinds of clouds of drapes displaying the forms of all inconceivable adornments. Clouds  of drapes ofjewels such as these, as many as atoms in an ocean of worlds, all filled space without dispersing.  Having caused these clouds to appear, the enlightening beings bowed to the Buddha  and presented them as offerings. Then, to the southeast, each magically produced a lion seat of banks ofjewel lotuses and sat crosslegged thereon.

Southwest of this Flower Bank ocean of worlds is an ocean of worlds called Sunlight Shining Everywhere; among its world systems is a land called Lion Sunlight. The Buddha there was called Sound of Light  of Universal   Knowledge.   Among that Buddha's  vast congregation was a great enlightening being named Topknot of Flames of Radiant  Flower Lights,  who came to   the Buddha  with a group of enlightening beings, as many as there are atoms in an ocean of worlds, each manifesting ten kinds of clouds of parasols of beautiful ornamental jewels, filling space without   dispersing.  They also produced ten kinds of clouds of parasols of flowers of arrays of light beams, ten kinds of clouds of parasols  of treasures of pearls of boundless colors, ten kinds of clouds of parasols of

 

 

diamonds emanating the  sounds of compassion ofall  enlightening beings, ten kinds of clouds   of parasols   of blazing   garlands ofjewels,  ten kinds of clouds of parasols draped with nets of chimes embellished  with precious   stones,   ten kinds of clouds of parasols   decorated with   branches of jewel trees, ten kinds of clouds of parasols of diamonds like the sun shining everywhere, ten kinds of clouds  of parasols of all  kinds of perfume and incense, ten kinds of clouds of parasols of stores of sandalwood, and ten kinds of clouds of parasols of arrays of universal lights of the vast sphere of buddhahood.  Such clouds of parasols  of precious substances, numerous as atoms in an ocean of worlds, all filled space without dispersing. Having caused these clouds to appear, the enlightening beings bowed to the Buddha and presented them as offerings. Then, to the southwest,  they each  magically produced a lion scat of banks of adornments of flames of sapphire light and sat crosslegged thereon.

Northwest of this Flower Bank ocean of worlds is an ocean of worlds called Precious Light Radiance. Among  its world systems  is a land called Array of Myriad Fragrances.  The Buddha  there was called Light of the Ocean of Infinite Virtues . A mong   that   Buddha's  congregation was a great enlightening being called Jewel King of Inexhaustible Light, who,  together with as   many enlightening beings  as   there are atoms  in an ocean of worlds, came to the Buddha, each producing ten kinds of clouds of light spheres of radiance of all jewels, filling space without dispersing. They also produced ten kinds of clouds of light  spheres of all beautiful flowers, ten kinds of clouds of light spheres of all phantom buddhas, ten kinds of clouds of light spheres of the buddha-lands of the ten directions, ten kinds of clouds of light spheres of the jewel trees and thunderous sound of the realm of the Buddhas, ten kinds of clouds  of light spheres of all regal gems, ten kinds of clouds of light spheres instantaneously displaying the forms of infinite beings, ten kinds of clouds of light spheres of the voice of the Buddha's great vow, and ten kinds of clouds of light spheres of diamonds emanating sounds edifying all sentient beings . Such clouds of light spheres, numerous as atoms in an ocean of worlds, all filled space without dispersing. Having produced these clouds, the enlightening beings bowed to the Buddha and presented them as offer­ ings . Then, to the northwest, they each produced   a lion   seat   of trea­ suries of awesome qualities of infinite light and sat crosslegged thereon.

Below this Flower Bank ocean of worlds there is an ocean of worlds called Treasury of Exquisite Qualities of Lotus Blossom Fragrance. Among its world systems is a land called Radiance of Light of a Jewel Lion. The Buddha there was named Light of the Cosmos. In the vast congregation of that Buddha was a great enlightening being named Wisdom Flaming with the Light of the Universe, who, together with as many  enlightening beings   as there are atoms in an ocean of worlds, came to the Buddha,  each producing ten kinds of clouds of light  beams of mines of all jewels, filling space without dispersing. They also

 

158  The Flower Omament Scripture

 

produced ten kinds of clouds of light beams   of all   fragrances , ten kinds of clouds of light beams producing the sounds of all   Buddhas  explain­ ing the truth, ten kinds of clouds of light beams revealing the arrays of all buddha-lands, ten kinds of clouds of light beams of palaces of all beautiful flowers, ten kinds of clouds of light beams   displaying  the work of the Buddhas of all ages teaching sentient beings, ten kinds of clouds of light beams of flower buds of all inexhaustible treasures, and ten  kinds  of  clouds  of light  beams  of all  kinds  of  decorated  thrones. Clouds of light beams such as these, numerous as atoms in an ocean of worlds,  filled all space without dispersing.  Having  caused these clouds to appear, the enlightening beings bowed to the Buddha and presented them as offerings. Then each created, in the nadir, a lion scat of lotuses with lamps with jewel flames, and sat crosslegged thereon .

Above this Flower Bank ocean of worlds is an ocean of worlds called Radiant Arrays of Precious Stones.  Among the world systems there is a land called Formless Subtle Light. The Buddha there was called Unim­ peded Light of Virtue.   Among that Buddha's  vast congregation was a great enlightening being called Vigorous  Intellect   with   Unhindered Power,   who,   along with as many enlightening beings as atoms  in an ocean of worlds,  came to the Buddha,  each producing ten kinds   of clouds of light-flames of jewels   of boundless   physical  forms,   filling space without dispersing. They also produced ten kinds of clouds of light-flames of webs of precious stones,  ten kinds of clouds of light­ flames of the ornaments of all the vast buddha-lands,  ten kinds   of clouds of light-flames of all exquisite fragrances , ten kinds of clouds of light-flames of all adornments, ten kinds of clouds of light-flames of the mystical displays of the Buddhas,  ten kinds of clouds of light-flames of all beautiful tree-t1owers, ten kinds of clouds of light-flames of all diamonds, ten kinds of clouds of light-flames of jewels bespeaking the practices of infinite enlightening beings, and ten kinds of clouds of light-t1ames of lamps of all pearls . Clouds of light flames like these, as numerous as atoms in an ocean of worlds,  all filled space without dispersing. Having  caused these clouds to appear,  the enlightening beings bowed to the Buddha and presented them   as offerings . Then,   at the zenith, they each produced a lion scat   of lotus   banks   of light intoning the voices of the Buddhas and sat crosslegged thereon.

In this way, in as many oceans of worlds as there are atoms in ten

billion buddha-fields, there were as   many   great   enlightening   beings, each surrounded by a group  of enlightening beings  as numerous as atoms in an ocean of worlds, who came to the gathering. These enlightening beings each produced clouds of offerings of various adornments,  as numerous as atomic particles in an ocean of worlds, which all filled space without dispersing. And having produced these clouds,  they   bowed   to the Buddha  and presented them as   offerings ; then ,   in the direction from which they had come,   all magically  pro-

 

duccd lion scats   with various precious adornments   and   sat crosslcgged on them.

A fter having thus seated themselves, those enlightening beings each produced, from the hair pores of their bodies, light rays of the various colors of all jewels,  as many as atoms in ten oceans of worlds; in each light ray there appeared as many enlightening beings   as there   arc atoms in ten oceans of worlds,  all sitting on lion seats of banks of lotuses. These enlightening beings   all   could enter into every atom of the oceans of structures  in all universes.  In each individual atom were vast fields, as many as atoms in ten buddha-worlds; in each field were all the past, present, and future Buddhas.  These enlightening beings were all able to go to all these Buddhas, associate with them, and provide them with offerings,   and in each   and every   thought-instant,   by   means of mastery of dream-power, demonstrated teachings enlightening as many sentient beings as there arc atoms in an ocean of worlds; in every instant, by the teaching showing how celestial beings die and arc born,   they   enlight­ ened as many sentient beings as atoms in an ocean of worlds; in every instant, by explaining the teaching of the acts and practices of enlighten­ ing beings,  they enlightened as many sentient beings as atoms  in an ocean of worlds;  in every instant, by the teaching   of the Buddha's virtues and mystical displays which stir all lands,  they enlightened as many sentient beings as atoms in an ocean of worlds;  in every instant, by the teaching of beautifying and purifying all buddha-lands,  revealing the ocean of all   great   vows,   they enlightened   as   many sentient beings as atoms in an ocean of worlds; in every instant, by the teaching of the Buddha's voice which contains the languages of all sentient beings, they enlightened as many sentient beings as atoms in an ocean of worlds; in every instant, by the teaching which can shower the rain of all Buddha teachings,  they enlightened as many sentient beings   as   atoms  in an ocean of worlds; in every instant, by the teaching of light illuminating everywhere in the ten directions, pervading the cosmos  and showing mystical  demonstrations,  they enlightened as many beings as atoms in an ocean of worlds;  in every instant, by the teaching of all Buddhas' power of liberation manifesting the body of Buddha  everywhere,   filling the cosmos,  they enlightened as many sentient beings as atoms  in an ocean of worlds;  in every instant,   by the teaching of the universally good enlightening being setting  up the ocean of all sites of enlighten­ ment with all assemblies  of beings,  they enlightened as many sentient beings as atoms in an ocean of worlds .

In this way, throughout all universes, adapting to the mentalities of sentient beings,  they caused them all to awaken.   In every instant they each caused as many sentient beings as atoms in a polar mountain who had fallen into miserable states to be forever relieved of their sufferings; each caused that many sentient beings stuck in wrong concentrations to enter right concentration; each caused   that many  sentient beings to be born in celestial spheres according to their inclinations; each caused that

 

many sentient beings to rest secure in   the   states of Buddhas'  disciples or self-enlightened ones; each caused that many sentient beings to serve good teachers and act virtuously;   each   caused   that   many  sentient beings to set their minds on supreme enlightenment;   each caused   that many sentient beings to head for the enlightening being's stage of nonregression;  each   caused that many sentient beings   to   attain the eye of pure wisdom and see all things impartially, as does the Buddha; each caused that many   sentient beings   to   abide securely in   the powers   and the oceans of vows, and to purify the buddha-lands by means of inexhaustible  knowledge; each caused that   many   sentient   beings  to dwell in the vast ocean of Vairocana's vows and be born in the family of the Buddhas.

At that time the enlightening beings simultaneously raised their voices within the lights and spoke in verse, saying,

 

 

In the light rays wondrous sounds are produced, Pervading all lands in the ten directions, Expounding the virtues of the Buddha's  children, Able to enter the wondrous path of enlightenment.

 

Cultivating practices for oceans of eons, never wearied, Enabling suffering beings to realize liberation,

Spirits never downcast, never worn out:

Buddha children can well enter these techniques.

 

Cultivating appropriate means for oceans of eons, Infinite, boundless, leaving out none,

Entering into all the aspects of the teachings,

They constantly teach, yet their essence is silent and tranquil.

 

The vows of the Buddhas  of past,  present, and future, All have they mastered, all consummated;

Then do they thereby benefit all beings As their own pure practical work.

 

In the congregations of all the Buddhas,

Going everywhere throughout the ten directions,

All, by the ocean of profound knowledge and wisdom, Enter the Buddha's way of ultimate peace.

 

Each of the light rays, boundless, Enters inconceivable lands;

The eye of pure knowledge can see it all: This is enlightening beings' sphere of action.

 

Enlightening beings can, resting on a single hairtip, Stir all lands in the ten directions

Without causing fear in the beings there:

This is their stage of pure skill in means.

 

Infinite bodies in each individual atom Furthermore manifest lands variously arrayed; Instantaneous death and birth, all do they show: Those who've attained the unhindered mind.

 

All ages in the past, present, and future They can show in a single instant;

Knowing the body is illusory,  without substance or sign Are those who realize the nature of things unimpeded.

 

They're all able to enter the supreme practice of the universally good,

So all sentient beings like to see them, Buddha children can abide by this teaching, With  a  great  sound roaring within their lights.

 

 

Then the Buddha,  wishing to enable all the enlightening beings to realize the   spiritual   power of the boundless realm of the Enlightened One, emitted a light from between his brows . That light was called Treasury of the Light of Knowledge   of All Enlightening Beings  Illumin­ ing the Ten Directions.  Its form was like a cloud   of lamps   with jewellike light. It shone throughout all buddha-fields in the ten directions, revealing all the lands and beings therein. It also caused all networks of worlds to tremble.  In every single atom it revealed innumerable  Bud­ dhas showering the teachings of all the Buddhas of all times,  in accord with the differences in character and inclination of the various sentient beings . It clearly showed the Buddha's ocean of transcendent ways, and also rained infinite clouds of various emancipations, causing the sentient beings to forever cross over birth and death.   It also   showered clouds of the great vows of the Buddhas,  and clearly showed,  in all worlds in the ten directions,   the universally   good enlightening   beings'  congregations at the sites of enlightenment.   Having done all this,   the light swirled around the Buddha, circling to the right, then went in under his feet .

Then an immense lotus blossom suddenly appeared before the Buddha. That lotus had ten kinds  of adornments,  unmatched by any other lotuses. That is to say, its stem was a mixture of various gems; its bud was of diamond; its petals were all the jewels in the universe; its pistils were of fragrant gems;  rose gold adorned its base; exquisite nets cov­ ered it above; its radiant color was pure; it instantaneously displayed the boundless miracles of the Buddhas; it could produce all kinds of sounds;

 

 

its diamonds reflected the body of Buddha. In its sounds it could expound all the practical undertakings cultivated by enlightening beings. When this flower had sprung up,  in an instant there was,  in the curl of white hair on the Buddha's brow, a great enlightening being named Supreme Sound of All Truths, together with a group  of enlightening beings, as numerous as atoms in an ocean of worlds: they all came forth together  and circled  the Buddha  to the right innumerable  times; then, having bowed to the Buddha, Supreme Sound of All Truths sat on the flower dais, while the other enlightening beings sat on the

pistils .

This enlightening being Supreme   Sound of All Truths   comprehended the profound realm of reality, gave rise to great joy,  and entered the sphere  of action of the Buddha,  his knowledge unobstructed.  He en­ tered the   unfathomable   ocean   of the   Buddha's  reality-body,   and   went to where the Buddhas were in all lands. In each hair pore of his body he showed mystical powers.  In every  moment of thought he contemplated the entire cosmos. The Buddhas of the ten directions all bestowed their power on him,  causing him  to rest in all   meditation states,  forever seeing the Buddhas' body of the ocean of qualities of the boundless cosmos, including all meditations and liberations, mystic powers and miraculous displays.  Then, in the   midst   of the assembly,  empowered by the Buddha, he looked over the ten directions and said in verse,

 

 

The Buddha's body fills the cosmos, Appearing before all beings everywhere-

In all conditions, wherever sensed, reaching everywhere, Yct always on this seat of enlightenment.

 

In each of the Buddha's pores

Sit Buddhas many as atoms in all lands, Surrounded by masses of enlightening beings

Expounding the supreme practice of the universally good.

 

Buddha, sitting at rest on the enlightenment scat, Displays in one hair oceans of fields ;

The same is true of every single hair, Thus pervading the cosmos.

 

He sits in each and every land, Pervading the lands one and all;

Enlightening beings from everywhere gather, All coming to the enlightenment scene.

 

Oceans of enlightening beings with virtues and lights Numerous as atoms in all lands

 

 

All are in the congregation of the Buddha, F illing the entire cosmos.

 

In lands numerous as atoms in the cosmos He appears in every congregation;

This  realm  of knowledge of body-distribution

Can be established in the practice of universal goodness.

 

In the congregations of all the Buddhas Enlightening beings of supreme knowledge sit, Each hearing the teaching, conceiving joy,

Cultivating themselves in every situation for boundless ages.

 

Having entered the far-reaching vows of the universally good, Each produces the teachings of the Buddhas,

In the ocean of Vairocana's teachings,

They practice and master buddhahood.

 

What the enlightening being Universally Good is awake to All Buddhas alike praise with joy:

Having attained the great mystic  powers of the  Buddhas, He circulates throughout the whole cosmos.

 

In all lands, as many as atomic particles,

He manifests clouds of bodies, filling them all, Radiating light for beings everywhere,

Each raining teachings suited to their minds.

 

At that time there was another great enlightening being in the assembly, named King of Lotus Light Wisdom Contemplating All Supreme Truths, who,  empowered by the Buddha,  looked over  the ten  directions   and said in verse,

 

The profound knowledge of the Buddha Enters everywhere in the cosmos:

Able to operate in accord with all times, It is a clear guide for the world.

 

The  Buddhas  have  the  same  reality-body-

It depends on nothing,  is without distinction;

It causes beings to see Buddha in physical form According to their intellects.

 

Replete with all knowledge, Buddha  knows  all  things:

 

 

In all lands, Everything is evident.

 

Buddha's bodies, lights, and physical forms Are all inconceivable.

Sentient beings who believe

He causes to see them according to potential.

 

In one Buddha-body

He produces infinite Buddhas, Thunderous sound pervading all lands

Expounding the teaching, the deep ocean of thusness.

 

In each hair pore

Are webs of light pervading all quarters, Intoning the sublime voices of Buddha, Taming the hard to tame.

 

From the Buddha's light

Issues  deep and wondrous sound Extolling the Buddha's ocean of virtues And the practices of enlightening beings.

 

Buddha turns the wheel of true teaching, Which  is infinite and has no   bounds; The  truth  taught  is  beyond  compare:

The shallow cannot fathom it.

 

In all worlds he manifests, Fulfilling true   enlightenment, In each displaying miracles Which fill the whole cosmos.

 

Each of the Buddha's bodies

Manifests Buddhas equal to the number of beings, In every one of the numberless lands

Showing spiritual powers.

 

 

At that time there was another enlightening being in the assembly, called Light of Wisdom ofJoy in the Truth; empowered by the Buddha, he looked over the ten directions and said,

 

 

Buddha's body is always apparent, Filling the entire cosmos,

 

 

Always intoning far-reaching sound Shaking all lands in all quarters.

 

Buddha manifests bodily everywhere, Entering into all worlds,

Revealing occult spiritual power According to the inclinations of beings.

 

Buddha appears before all beings In accordance with their minds; What the sentient beings see

Is  the  Buddha's  mystic  power.

 

His radiance has no bounds And his teaching too is infinite;

Buddha children can enter and observe According to their knowledge.

 

The Buddha's body has no birth Yet can appear to be born.

The nature of reality is like space: Therein do the Buddhas dwell.

 

No abiding, yet no departing: Everywhere the Buddha's seen; His light  reaches   everywhere, His fame is heard afar.

 

No substance, no abode,

And no origin that can be found; No signs, no form:

What appears is like reflections .

 

Buddha raises clouds of teachings Suited to beings' minds;

With  various forms   of  expedient  means He enlightens them and calms  them down.

 

In all worlds is Buddha  seen Sitting on the enlightenment site,

Surrounded by a great congregation, Illumining all lands.

 

The bodies of all Buddhas All have infinite forms;

Though their manifestations be innumerable, Their forms are never exhausted.

 

 

At that time another great enlightening being in the assembly, named Wisdom  like Fragrant Flame Light Illumining Everywhere, empowered by the Buddha, looked over the ten directions and said in verse,

 

The enlightening beings in this assembly Enter the Buddha's inconceivable state, Each able to see

All the Buddha's spiritual powers.

 

The body of knowledge can enter The  atoms  of every land, Perceiving bodies therein,

Seeing all the Buddhas.

 

Like reflections appearing in all worlds Where all the Buddhas are,

In each and every one

They reveal miraculous deeds.

 

The practice of vows of Universally Good They   have   developed,   clear and   pure; They are able to see in all lands

Buddha's  miracles everywhere.

 

They physically dwell in all places, Equanimous in all;

With knowledge capable of such action, They enter the Buddha's realm.

 

Having realized enlightened knowledge, They illumine the cosmos equally, Fitting into the Buddha's pores

The  oceans  of all  worlds.

 

In all buddha-lands

They manifest mystic powers, Appearing in various bodies, With various names as well.

 

They can, in an instant's time, Show  miracles  everywhere:

Truly awakening at the site of enlightenment And turning the wheel of truth.

 

All lands, wide and vast, Billions of ages, inconceivable,

 

 

Can be shown in a moment's span

In  the enlightening beings'  concentration.

 

Each and every enlightening   being In all the buddha-lands

Is in the Buddha-body, Boundless, without limit.

 

 

Then another great enlightening being in the assembly,  named Lion Stretch   Wisdom  Light,   empowered by the Buddha,  looked  over the ten directions and said,

 

 

Vairocana Buddha

Can   turn   the wheel  of truth In all the lands of the cosmos, Filling it like clouds .

 

In all the great oceans of worlds In all the ten directions

Buddha's power of mind and will Turns  the  wheel  of truth.

 

In the vast assemblies of beings In all lands

His names are not the same;

He expounds the truth according to need.

 

Buddha's  majestic powers

Were made by the vows of universal goodness and wisdom; In all lands

That wondrous   sound reaches   everywhere.

 

Buddha's bodies arc numerous as atoms in lands, Showering    the   rain   of   truth    everywhere; Unborn, without distinction,

Appearing in all worlds.

 

What he practiced in the past Over countless billions of eons In all lands, many as atoms,

That wondrous sound can fully tell.

 

Nets  of lights  pervade All the numberless lands;

 

In the lights are Buddhas Teaching all beings everywhere.

 

The Buddha-body, without distinction, Fills the cosmos,

Able to manifest physical forms, Teaching according to potentials.

 

Different are the various  names Of all the guides

In all worlds of all times;

They are spoken so all may see.

 

The cycles of sublime  teachings Of all the Buddhas

Of past and present

All gathered  here can  hear.

 

 

Then another great enlightening being in the assembly,  named Trea­ sury of Qualities of Wisdom of the Ocean of Truth, empowered by the Buddha, looked over the ten directions and said,

 

 

Buddha children in this assembly Cultivate all knowledge and wisdom; These people can enter

Such gates of means.

 

In   each   and every land They speak the great sound

Telling of the Buddha's  sphere Making it heard through all quarters.

 

In each mental moment They observe all things

Abiding in the state of true thusness;

They comprehend the ocean of all phenomena.

 

In every buddha-body

For  billions of ages,  inconceivable, They practiced ways of transcendence And purified all the lands.

 

In each atom

They can witness all things;

 

Thus without obstruction They go to all lands.

 

To    every    buddha-field They go without exception;

Seeing the Buddhas' mystic power, They enter the Buddhas' realm.

 

The far-reaching sound of the Buddhas Is heard throughout the cosmos; Enlightening   beings   can understand, And enter the ocean of sound.

 

Intoning subtle sounds through the eons, Those sounds equal, without distinction, Those with knowledge of sounds

Can   completely comprehend.

 

Reaching stage after stage, Dwelling in the stage of power, They diligently worked for eons, And such is their attainment.

 

 

Then another great enlightening being in the assembly,  named  Uni­ versal Light of the Lamp  of Wisdom,  empowered by the Buddha, looked over the ten directions and said,

 

 

All the Buddhas

Are beyond all forms;

Who can understand this truth Sees the Guide of the World.

 

Enlightening beings in meditation, The light of wisdom illumining all, Can  know the independent essence Of all the Buddhas.

 

Seeing the Buddha's  real body, They awake to the profound truth; Observing everywhere the cosmos, They assume bodies at will.

 

Born from the sea of blessings, Abiding in the stage of wisdom,

 

They investigate all things

And cultivate the supreme path.

 

In all buddha-lands Where all Buddhas are,

Thus throughout the cosmos, They see the real true body.

 

In immense lands in all quarters,

For billions of eons diligently practicing, They are able to roam in true knowledge Of the sea of all phenomena.

 

There is only one indestructible immanent body Seen  in  all  particles:

Unborn, signless,

It's manifest in all lands.

 

According  to the mentalities   of beings It appears everywhere before them; Showing various means of training,

It turns them to the Buddha-way.

 

By the spiritual power of the Buddha Are enlightening beings born;

Sustained by the strength of the Buddha, They see all enlightened ones.

 

All the guides

With boundless   spiritual powers A waken enlightening beings Throughout the entire cosmos.

 

 

Then there was another great enlightening being in the assembly, named Flower Flame Topknot with Universally Illumining Knowledge, who, empowered by the Buddha, looked over the ten directions and said,

 

 

In all lands

Uttering subtle sounds Extolling Buddha's virtues, The cosmos is all filled.

 

Buddha has reality for his body, Pure  as  space  itself;

 

 

All the physical forms that appear He includes in this reality.

 

If anyone has deep faith and joy And is accepted by the Buddhas, Know that such a person

Can   engender knowledge  comprehending Buddha.

 

Those with little knowledge Cannot   know   these    truths; Those whose wisdom eye is pure Alone are able to see.

 

By the Buddha's power

They examine all phenomena; As they enter, abide, and leave, All they see is clear.

 

In all things

Boundless are the aspects  of teaching; Developing omniscience,

One enters the deep ocean of reality.

 

Abiding in the buddha-land Appearing in all places,

No coming and no going:

All Buddha's teachings are thus.

 

In the ocean of sentient beings

The buddha-body  appears   like   a   reflection; According to the differences in their  understandings Thus do they see the Guide.

 

In   each   and   every hair pore He manifests mystical powers;

The pure ones who practice the vow Of universal wisdom can see.

 

Buddha, with each of his bodies, Teaches in every place, Pervading the whole cosmos, Beyond the reach of thought.

 

Then another great enlightening being in the congregation, named Inexhaustible Light of Majestic Wisdom, empowered by the Buddha, surveyed the ten directions and said,

 

 

In each and every buddha-land

Sits Buddha on all enlightenment sites, Surrounded by assembled groups, Conquering the armies of demons.

 

The Buddha's body radiates light Filling the ten directions; Appearing  in accord with need, In forms that are not the same.

 

Every single atom Is filled with light;

It's seen in all lands in the ten directions, Variously, different in each.

 

The countless various lands

In the oceans of lands of all quarters All are level and pure,

Made of royal sapphires.

 

Some inverted, some sideways, Some like lotus buds,

Some round, some square:

They are of various forms .

 

Traveling unimpeded to all lands Throughout the universe,

In all groups of beings Buddha always teaches.

 

The buddha-body is inconceivable; All lands exist therein:

In all places there

He guides the worlds,  teaching truth.

 

In the subtle teaching he expounds

The essence of things is undifferentiated; Based on the one real truth,

He expounds various characteristics of things.

 

Buddha, with a round, complete sound, Exposes the genuine truth;

According to differences in understanding, He manifests infinite teachings.

 

 

In all lands we see

Buddha sitting on the enlightenment site; Buddha's body appears like reflections:

Its birth or death cannot be found .

 

 

Then another great enlightening being in the assembly,  named  Wis­ dom Illumining the Universe, empowered by the Buddha,  looked  over the ten directions and said,

 

 

Inconceivable is   the form

Of the Buddha's subtle body; Those who see it rejoice,

Respecting and believing the teaching.

 

All the features of the Buddha's body Each manifest innumerable Buddhas Entering all worlds everywhere,

Into each atom therein.

 

The infinite, boundless Buddhas Of all oceans of lands

Each,  in   every   instant, Display  their spiritual powers .

 

Enlightening beings of great knowledge Enter deeply into the ocean of truth; Sustained by the power of the Buddha, They can know his techniques.

 

If any be already established

In the practical vows of universal goodness and wisdom, They see in all those lands

The mystic powers of all Buddhas.

 

If anyone has certain faith

As well as great determination, They'll have profound wisdom And comprehend all things.

 

Able to observe

All   the Buddhas'  bodies, Form and sound unhindered, They'll understand all realms.

 

1 74 The Flower Ornammt Scripture

 

Able to abide in the  sphere  of knowledge Of all buddha bodies,

They'll  plunge into buddhahood E mbracing the whole cosmos .

 

As many as atoms in buddha-lands, This many lands

They can cause in an instant To appear in every atom.

 

All lands

And deeds of mystic power All appear in a single land:

Such is the power of enlightening beings.

 

 

Then another great enlightening being in the assembly, named Unob­ structed Wisdom with Vigorous Power,  empowered by the Buddha, looked over the ten directions and said,

 

 

Buddha speaks one subtle sound Heard throughout the cosmos; Containing all sounds,

The rain  of truth fills everywhere.

 

With the ocean of all languages, In all sounds according to type, In all buddha-lands,

He expounds the pure teaching.

 

In all lands are seen

The miracles of the Buddha;

Hearing the Buddha preach the truth, They head for enlightenment.

 

In each atom

Of all lands in the cosmos

Buddha, by the power of liberation, Manifests physically therein.

 

The reality-body  is like space;

Unobstructed, without differentiation. Physical  forms appear like reflections, M anifesting myriad appearances.

 

Reflections have no location;

Like space, they've no substantial nature:

Those whose wisdom  is great Will comprehend their equality.

 

The buddha-body is ungraspable; Unborn, uncreated,

It appears in accord with beings, Equanimous as empty space.

 

All Buddhas in the ten directions Enter into a single pore,

Each showing mystic powers That the eye of wisdom can see.

 

The power of Vairocana Buddha's vows Pervades the entire cosmos,

In all lands

Always  expounding the unexcelled teaching.

 

The miracles shown in a single hair, Even if told of by all the Buddhas For innumerable eons,

Could  not be completely defined.

 

 

As in this world,  at the site of enlightenment, by virtue of the Buddha's spiritual   power,   there were in each of the ten directions as many enlightening beings as atoms in a billion oceans of worlds   who came and gathered, so you should know that in each world of all oceans of worlds the same thing took place at all the enlightenment sites .