The Flower Ornament Scripture

 

A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra

Thomas Cleary

BOOK THIRTY-TWO

 

32. Dwelling Places of Enlightening Beings

 

 

THEN THE GREAT  ENLIGHTENING  BEING  Mind  King said to the enlighten­ing beings, "In the east there is a place called Wizard Mountain where enlightening beings have lived since ancient times. At present there is an enlightening being named Best of Diamonds  there with a group of fol­lowers, three hundred enlightening beings, always there expounding the Teaching. In the south there is a place called Outstanding Peak, where enlightening beings have dwelled since ancient times. Now there is an enlightening being named Spiritual Wisdom  there with a group of fol­lowers, five hundred enlightening beings, always there expounding the Teaching. In the west there is a place called Diamond Flame Mountain, where   enlightening   beings  have   lived since ancient  times.   Now  there is an enlightening being named Vigorous Fearless Action  there with a following of three hundred enlightening beings, always expounding the Teaching. In the north there is a place called Mass of Fragrance Moun­tain , where enlightening beings have lived since ancient times;  now there is an enlightening being named   Musky  Elephant there   with   a following of three thousand enlightening   beings,  always   expounding the Teaching. In the northeast there is a place called Clear, Cool Mountain, where enlightening beings have lived since ancient times; now there is an en­lightening being there named Manjushri , with   a following of ten   thou­ sand enlightening beings, always expounding the Teaching. In the ocean there is a place  called Diamond  Mountain,  where enlightening beings have lived since ancient times; now there is an enlightening being named Born of Truth there with a following of twelve   hundred   enlightening beings, always expounding the Teaching. In the southeast there is a pbce called Monument Mountain, where enlightening beings have lived since ancient times; now there is an enlightening being named Celestial Crown there with a following of a thousand enlightening beings,  always  ex­ pounding the Teaching. In   the southwest there is a place called Moun­tain of Light,  where enlightening beings have lived since ancient times; now there is an enlightening being named Best of Sages there with a fol-

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Dwelling Places of Enligh tening Beings      907

lowing of three thousand enlightening beings, always expounding the Teaching. In the northwest there is a place called Fragrant Breeze Moun­ tain ,   where enlightening beings have lived since ancient times;   now there is an enlightening being named Fragrant Light there with a following of five thousand enlightening beings, always expounding the Teaching.

"In the ocean there is also a dwelling place called Cave of Adorn­ ments, where enlightening beings   have lived  since ancient  times.   South of Vaishali there is a dwelling place called Stable Roots, where en­ lightening beings have stayed since ancient times. In the city of Mathura there is a dwelling place called Cave of Satisfaction , where enlightening beings have lived since ancient times. In the city of Kuchana  there is a dwelling place called Seat of the Law,  where enlightening beings have lived since ancient times. In the city Pure Other Shore there is a dwelling place called Mucilinda,  where enlightening beings have lived since an­ cient times. In the state of Maratha there is a dwelling place called Built by the Uninhibited Dragon King, where enlightening beings have lived since ancient times. In A fghanistan there is a dwelling place called Pro­ ducing Compassion, where enlightening beings have lived since ancient times. In China there is a dwelling place called Cave of Original Man, where enlightening beings  have lived since  ancient times.  In Kashgar there is a dwelling place called Oxhead  Mountain,  where enlightening beings have lived since ancient times.   In Kashmir   there is a dwelling place called Process, where enlightening beings have lived since ancient times. In the city of Increasing Joy there is a dwelling place called Seeing a Hundred Million Treasuries of Light,  where enlightening b eings have lived since ancient times. In the state of Gandhara there is a place called Shangrila Cavern,  where enlightening beings have lived since   ancient times. "