The Flower Ornament Scripture

 

A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra

Thomas Cleary

BOOK TWELVE

 

12. Chief  in Goodness

 

 

THEN THE ENLIGHTENING BEING Manjushri, having explained the great virtues of unpolluted,   undistorted   pure activity,   wanted   to   bring   out the virtues of the aspiration for enlightenment,  so he asked the enlight­ening being Chief in Goodness,

 

 

Now I have, for the sake of the enlightening beings ,

Explained the purifying practices cultivated by Buddhas m the past;

Benevolent One, you too, in this assembly should Expound the supreme virtues of practical application.

 

 

Then Chief in Goodness responded in verse:

 

 

Very good, Benevolent One-you should listen clearly. Those  virtues  and  merits  cannot  be  measured:

I will now tell a little,  as well as I can, But it  will be but as a drop of the ocean.

 

When an enlightening being first determines on the Way, Vowing to seck and realize Buddhas' enlightenment,

The virtues therein are boundless, Immeasurable, beyond compare.

 

How much the more so, through countless, boundless eons,

To fully practice the virtues of the stages and transcendent ways; Even all the Buddhas of the ten directions

Together could not fully expound them all.

 

Of such  boundless  great virtues I will now tell a little bit,

330

 

Like the space trod by a bird's feet, Or  like  a  mote  of dust  of the  earth.

 

When enlightening beings determine to seek enlightenment, This is not without cause, not without conditions;

Engendering pure faith in the Buddha, Teaching, and Community, By this they produce a broad, magnanimous mind.

 

Not seeking objects of desire or positions of authority, Wealth, personal enjoyment, or fame,

It is only to forever annihilate creatures'   miseries And to benefit the world that they rouse their will.

 

Always wanting to profit and gladden all beings, They adorn lands and make offerings to Buddhas.

Accepting the right teaching, they cultivate its knowledges; To realize enlightenment they arouse their minds.

 

Deep faith, belief, and resolution always pure, They honor and respect all Buddhas,

As well as their Teachings and Communities;

Making offerings with ultimate sincerity, they rouse their will.

 

Deeply believing in the Buddha and the Buddha's teaching, They also believe in the Way traversed by buddhas-to-be, And believe in unexcelled great enlightenment:

Thereby do enlightening beings first rouse their will.

 

Faith is the basis of the Path, the mother of virtues, Nourishing and growing all good ways,

Cutting away the net of doubt, freeing from the torrent of passion, Revealing the unsurpassed road of ultimate peace.

 

When faith is undefiled, the mind is pure; Obliterating pride, it is the root of reverence,

And the foremost wealth in the treasury of religion, Being a pure hand to receive the practices.

 

Faith is generous, the mind not begrudging; Faith can joy fully enter the Buddha's teaching; Faith can increase knowledge and virtue;

Faith can assure arrival at enlightenment.

 

Faith makes the faculties pure, clear and sharp; The power of faith is strong and indestructible.

 

332  The Flower Ornament Scripture

 

Faith can annihilate the root of affliction,

Faith can turn one wholly to the virtues of buddhahood.

 

Faith has no attachment to objects :

Transcending difficulties , it reaches freedom from trouble. Faith can go beyond the pathways of demons,

And reveal the unsurpassed  road of liberation.

 

Faith is the unspoiled seed of virtue,

Faith can grow the seed of enlightenment. Faith can increase supreme knowledge, Faith can reveal all Buddhas.

 

Therefore I' ll explain in steps practicing in accord: Faith is most powerful , very difficult to have;

It's like in all worlds having

The wondrous  wish-fulfilling pearl.

 

If one can always faith fully serve the Buddhas,

Then one can keep the precepts and cultivate studies;

If one always keeps the precepts and practices what one learns, Then one can embody all virtuous qualities.

 

Self-control can develop the basis of enlightenment, Study the foundation of cultivating virtues;

Always acting in accord with discipline and  study,

One will be praised for excellence  by all enlightened ones.

 

If one always faithfully serves the Buddhas, Then one can assemble great offerings.

 

If one can assemble great offerings,

One's faith in Buddha is beyond conception.

 

If one always faith fully serves the honorable Teaching, Then one will tirelessly listen to the Buddha's teaching.

 

If one hears the Buddha's teaching without tiring of it, One's faith in the Teaching is inconceivable.

 

If one always faithfully serves the pure Community, Then one's faith will never regress.

 

If one's faith never regresses, One's power of faith is unshakable.

 

If nothing  can shake one's power of faith,

Then one gains purity,  clarity, and sharpness of sense.

 

If one has purity, clarity, and sharpness of sense, One can avoid bad associates.

 

If one can avoid bad associates,

Then one can approach good associates.

 

If one can be with good associates, Then one can cultivate great goodness.

 

If one can cultivate great goodness, One can perfect great causal power.

 

If one perfects great causal power,

Then one can attain supremely certain understanding.

 

If one attains supremely certain understanding, Then one will be protected by the Buddhas.

 

If one is protected by the Buddhas,

Then one can arouse the will for enlightenment.

 

If one can arouse the will for enlightenment,

Then one can diligently cultivate the virtues of buddhahood.

 

If one can diligently cultivate the virtues of buddhahood, Then he can be born in the family of the enlightened.

 

If one gets to be born in the family of the enlightened, Then one can practice skillful liberative techniques.

 

If one can develop skill in means of liberation well, Then one can reach purity of the faithful mind.

 

If one gains purity of the faithful mind, Then one can increase supreme will.

 

If one can increase supreme will,

Then one can always practice the transcendent ways,

 

If one always practices the transcendent ways, Then one can ful fill the Great Vchicle.

 

If one can fulfill the Great Vchicle,

Then one can give offerings to Buddhas in the right way.

 

334  The Flower Omament Scripture

If one can make offerings to Buddhas  in the right way, Then one can remember Buddha with unwavering mind.

 

If one can remember Buddha with unwavering mind, Then one can always sec infinite Buddhas .

 

If one always sees infinite Buddhas,

Then one sees the essence of the enlightened is eternal.

 

If one sees the essence of the enlightened is eternal, Then one can know the truth never dies.

 

If one can know the truth never dies,

Then one attains unhindered powers of elucidation.

 

If one attains unhindered powers of elucidation, Then one can expound boundless teachings.

 

If one can  expound boundless teachings,

Then one can compassionately liberate beings.

 

If one can compassionately liberate beings,

Then one can attain a mind of unshakable compassion.

 

If one can attain a mind of unshakable compassion, Then one can appreciate the most profound truth .

 

If one can appreciate the most profound truth, Then one can abandon the errors of fabrication.

 

If one can abandon the errors of fabrication, Then one can divorce conceit and indulgence.

 

If one can get rid of conceit and indulgence, Then one  can benefit all beings together.

 

If one can benefit all beings,

Then one can be in birth-and-death unwearied.

 

If one can be in birth-and-death unwearied, Then one can be invincibly brave and strong.

 

If one can be invincibly brave and strong,

Then  one  can  bring  forth  great  spiritual  powers.

 

If one can bring forth great spiritual powers,

One will know the activities of all sentient beings .

 

 

If one knows the activities of all sentient beings, Then one can mature and perfect living beings.

 

If one can mature and perfect living beings,

One will attain the knowledge to save all beings.

 

If one attains the knowledge to save all beings, Then one can perfect the means of salvation.

 

If one can perfect the means of salvation, One then will give beings unlimited benefit.

 

If one gives beings unlimited benefit,

One will fulfill the techniques of supreme knowledge.

 

If one fulfills the techniques of supreme knowledge, One will remain on the heroic unexcelled path.

 

If one remains on the heroic unexcelled path, One can crush the power of all demons.

 

If one can crush the power of all demons,

One can get beyond the realm of the four demons .

 

If one can get beyond the realm of the four demons, Then one can reach the stage of nonregression.

 

If one can reach the  stage  of nonregression,

One attains profound acceptance of the nonorigination  of things.

 

If one attains deep acceptance of the nonorigination  of things, One will receive the Buddhas' prediction of enlightenment.

 

If one's enlightenment is foretold by the Buddhas, Then all the Buddhas will appear in one's presence.

 

If all the Buddhas appear in one's presence,

One will comprehend the profound, mystic use of spiritual powers.

 

If one comprehends the deep mystic function of spiritual powers, One will be remembered by all the Buddhas.

 

If one is remembered by the Buddhas,

Then one will adorn oneself with the qualities of buddhahood .

 

 

If one adorns oneself with the qualities of buddhahood, One will attain a splendid body of felicity .

 

If one attains a splendid body of felicity,

One's body will be radiant as a mountain of gold.

 

If one's body is radiant as a mountain of gold,

It will be adorned with the thirty-two marks of distinction.

 

If one is adorned with the thirty-two marks,

One will be adorned with accompanying  refinements.

 

If one is adorned with the accompanying refinements, The light of one's aura will be unlimited.

 

If one's aura light is infinite,

One will be adorned with inconceivable light.

 

If one is adorned with inconceivable light, That light will produce lotus blossoms .

 

If the light produces lotus blossoms,

Innumerable Buddhas will sit on the blossoms, Appearing everywhere in the ten directions, Able to pacify all sentient beings.

 

If able to  harmonize beings this way, One manifests infinite mystical powers .

 

If one manifests infinite mystical powers, One dwells in inconceivable lands,

Expounding inconceivable teachings, Gladdening inconceivably many beings.

 

If one explains inconceivable teachings Gladdening   inconceivably  many   beings, Then with wisdom and power of elucidation One guides in accord with being's minds.

 

If one uses wisdom and powers of elucidation To guide in accord with beings ' minds,

Then one will never lose Action guided by wisdom.

 

If one never loses

Action guided by wisdom,

 

 

Then one's will power will be sovereign,

And one will appear physically in any state of being.

 

If one's  will  power  attains  the freedom To manifest a body in any state of being, Then one will be able, when teaching,

To accord with any language, inconceivably.

 

If one can,  when teaching,

Adopt any language, according to the congregation, Then one will instantly know all

The minds of all sentient beings.

 

If one can instantly know

The minds of all sentient beings,

One will  know afflictions arise  from nowhere And  will  not  sink  and  drown  in  birth  and  death.

 

If one knows afflictions come from nowhere And will never drown in birth and death,

Then one attains the body of the essence of truth And appears  in  the world  by  the power of truth.

 

If one attains the virtuous body of the essence of truth And appears in the world by the power of truth,

One will attain all the stages and freedoms of enlightenment, Practice the ways of transcendence and be supremely liberated.

 

If one attains the stages and freedoms of enlightenment, Practices the transcendent ways and is supremely liberated, One will attain   the great   spiritual powers   of the anointed And abide in the most supreme meditations .

 

If one attains the great spiritual powers of the anointed And abides in the most supreme meditations,

Then in the presence of the Buddhas

One will be annointed and ascend to that rank;

One will be anointed with the elixir of deathlessness By all the Buddhas in the ten directions.

 

If one is anointed with elixir

By the Buddhas of the ten directions, One's body will be all-pervasive as space,

Abiding at rest, immovable, filling the ten directions.

 

 

If one's body is pervasive as space,

Abiding at rest, immovable, filling all directions, One's action will be beyond compare, Unknowable to gods and men.

 

Enlightening beings practice acts of great compassion, Vowing to liberate all successfully;

Those who see, hear, listen, accept, or make offerings, They cause all to attain peace and happiness.

 

Those great beings   have   magnificent spiritual   powers; Their eye of reality is always complete, without any lack;

The wonderful practices of virtuous ways and other such paths Arc supreme jewels which they cause to appear.

 

Just like clusters of diamonds in the ocean,

By their mystic powers they produce many jewels;

Without  decrease or  increase,  and inexhaustible :

Such is the mass of enlightening beings' virtues.

 

Where there are lands with no Buddha, There they appear to attain enlightenment;

Where there are lands where the Teaching's unknown, They expound there the treasury of sublime doctrines.

 

Without   discrimination,   without   effort, They reach everywhere in a single instant, Like the moonlight extending everywhere, Teaching beings by innumerable techniques.

 

In the worlds  of the ten  directions

Constantly they show the way of Buddhahood:

Turning the wheel of the true teaching and entering extinction, Down to the distribution of their relics .

 

Sometimes they show the paths of followers or self-enlightened ones;

Sometimes they show the universal adornment of full buddhahood; Thus they open up the teachings of the three vehicles,

Widely liberating beings for infinite eons.

 

They may manifest the forms of dragon girls or boys, Or celestial dragons, or titans too,

Down to mahoragas and so on:

They let everyone sec according to desire.

 

 

Living beings'  forms and features are unalike, Their behaviors  and sounds are also countless; All of these enlightening beings can make appear

By the mystic power of the oceanic reflection meditation.

 

Beautifully purifying inconceivable lands, Making offerings to all enlightened ones, Emanating great light without bound,

They liberate sentient beings without limit too.

 

Their knowledge and wisdom is independent and inconceivable, Their speech in explaining truth is unhindered,

Their generosity, self-control, tolerance, energy, and meditation, Wisdom, skill in means, spiritual powers, and such,

Arc all likewise free,

By the  power of Buddha's Hower garland meditation.

 

They enter concentration on  one  atom

And accomplish concentration on all atoms, And yet that particle doesn't increase:

In one arc manifest inconceivable lands.

 

Of the many lands in that one atom, Some have Buddhas, some do not; Some are polluted, some arc pure; Some arc large, some are small;

Some are forming, some  disintegrating; Some arc upright,  some arc sideways; Some arc like heat-mirages on a vast plain, Some arc like Indra's net in the heavens.

 

What in one atom is manifest Is also manifest in all atoms;

This is the mystic power of concentration and liberation

Of these  sages  of great  renown.

 

If they want to make offerings to all Buddhas,

They enter into concentration and produce  mystic transformations , Able to reach throughout the universe with one hand

To give offerings to all the enlightened ones.

 

The most beautiful flowers in all realms, Perfumes, incense, and priceless jewels:

Such as these all emerge from their hands

To present to the Conquerors  under the trees of enlightenment.

 

 

Priceless jewel raiment, with mixed perfumes , Precious banners and canopies, all finely adorned, With flowers of gold and curtains ofjewels:

All of these rain from  their palms.

 

Whatever wonderful things there be in all realms

That may be worthy  to offer to the  Supreme Honored One, All shower from their palms, all complete,

And  they bring it to the enlightenment trees to offer to   the Buddhas .

 

All the artful music of the ten directions:

Bells and drums, harps and lyres, various different kinds, All played harmoniously, with beautiful tones,

All emerges from the enlightening beings' palms .

 

All eulogies that be in the ten directions, Praising the virtues of the enlightened ones, All of their various wonderful words

Arc intoned from within their palms .

 

The enlightened beings' right hands radiate pure light: Within the light is fragrant water raining from the sky, Sprinkling the buddha-lands of the ten directions,

As offerings to all the Lamps that Light the Worlds.

 

Also they emit wondrous arrays of light beams Producing countless jewel lotus blossoms;

The colors and forms of the flowers are all superb, And these they present to the Buddhas.

 

They also emit flower garlands of light

With all kinds of flowers bunched into drapes, Scattered all over the lands everywhere

As presents to all the Honored Ones of great virtue.

 

They also emit lights adorned with perfumes , Various wonderful scents massed into drapes, Scattered all throughout the lands everywhere

As  presents  to  the Honored  Ones  of great virtue.

 

They also emit lights adorned with powdered incense, Various incenses collected into drapes,

And  distribute  them  throughout  all  worlds As gifts to the Honored Ones of great virtue.

 

 

They also emanate lights adorned with raiment, Various fine robes gathered into drapes,

And  distribute them throughout all worlds

As offerings to the Honored Ones of great virtue.

 

They also emit lights adorned with jewels, Various beautiful jewels massed into drapes, And distribute them throughout all worlds As presents to the Honored Ones .

 

They also produce lights adorned with lotuses, Various lotuses assembled into drapes,

And distribute them throughout  all worlds As gifts to the Honored Ones .

 

They also emit lights necklace adorned; Various fine necklaces gathered into drapes They distribute throughout all worlds

To offer to the Honored Ones.

 

They also emanate lights adorned with pennants Radiant with multicolored patterns,

Of all kinds, innumerable, all superbly fine: With these they decorate the buddha-lands.

 

Canopies adorned with melanges ofjewels, Draped with finely embroidered flags ,

And crystal chimes intoning Buddhas' voices :

These they take to offer the enlightened ones.

 

Their hands producing such inconceivable gifts, They present them to a Guide,

And do the same to all the Buddhas,

With their great psychic powers of concentration.

 

Enlightening beings dwell in concentration, Dealing with beings by various abilities ,

All of them guiding  by innumerable means, By the virtuous principles they practice.

 

Some usc the approach of offerings to Buddhas,

Some usc the approach of inconceivable generosity, Some use the approach of austerity and discipline, Some usc the   approach   of unshakable   tolerance, Some usc the approach of ascetic effort,

Some use the approach of tranquil meditation,

 

342  Tlze Flower Ornament Scripture

 

Some use the approach of certain, thorough knowledge, Some use the teaching of practical expedients,

Some use the teachings of the pure abodes and psychic  powers, Some use the approach of the benefits of the means of salvation,

Some  use th e approach of the adornments of knowledge  and virtue,

Some usc the  teaching of conditioning and liberation,

Some usc the teachings of faculties , powers, and the right path, Some use the teaching of followers ' liberation,

Some usc the teaching of purity of self-awakened ones, Some usc the teaching of the freedom of the Great Vehicle, Some use  the teaching of the miseries of impermanence, Some usc the teaching of no self and no life,

Some usc the teaching of impurity and detachment from desire, Some usc the approach of extinctive concentration.

 

According to  the differences in beings' ailments They all usc teaching-medicines to cure them. According to the inclinations of beings'  minds They all usc expedients to satisfy them.

 

According to the differences in sentient beings ' behaviors They all usc adaptive skills to perfect them .

The characteristics of such spiritual powers of concentration Cannot be fathomed by any gods or men.

 

Having a wondrous concentration called according to actions, Enlightening beings abide in this and observe everywhere, Appearing as appropriate to liberate sentient beings,

Causing them to gladly change according to the truth.

 

Where there is famine and disaster in the age, They give means of comfort  to all  in the world,

Causing them to be satisfied according to their desires, Creating benefit for all sentient beings.

They may give away fine food and drink, Sumptuous clothing, garlands ofjewels, And even a royal th rone,

To cause those who like generosity to accord with the teaching.

 

Adorned with flower garlands, anointed with perfume, With dignified behavior, they liberate beings,

Liked and esteemed by all in the world . Their appearance  and their garb

They adopt as is appropriate to please

And cause those who like form to follow the Path.

 

 

With exquisite voices like songs of birds, Wondrous tones in harmony,

Complete with all kinds of pure  voice,

They preach to beings according to their likes.

 

Eighty-four thousand gates of teaching Do the Buddhas usc to liberate beings:

And according to the different teachings They usc what's appropriate to liberate.

 

Sentient beings' pains and pleasures, gains and losses, etc. , Whatever things are done by beings of the world, Enlightening beings can appear to do the same things, Whereby to liberate all living beings.

 

The  suffering  of all  worldly  beings

Is deep and wide and boundless like the sea;

Enlightening beings, sharing their tasks, can tolerate it all, To cause  them to  benefit and gain peace and happiness.

 

If any do not know the way to emancipation

And do not seek liberation, to leave turmoil behind,

Enlightening beings show them relinquishment of nation and wealth,

Satisfaction in detachment and peace of mind.

 

If the home is a place of bondage by attachments,

In order to cause sentient beings to all escape trouble They show home-leaving and attainment of liberation, Without craving for any pleasures.

 

Enlightening beings manifest the practice of ten kinds of action And also practice the ways of great people,

Including the practices of seers and sages, Because they want to benefit sentient beings.

 

If there arc beings whose life span is immeasurable, Whose afflictions are slight and pleasures complete, Enlightening beings, being free in their midst,

Show the suffering of the ills of age, sickness, and death .

 

In the cases of those with greed, hatred, and ignorance, The raging fi res of these afflictions always blazing,

Enlightening beings manifest aging, sickness,  and death for them, To cause those sentient beings to all be tamed .

 

 

The Buddhas' ten powers and fearlessness, As well as their eighteen unique  qualities, All their countless virtues,

Are manifested to liberate beings.

 

Knowledge of others' minds, appropriate teaching, and ability to appear anywhere

Are all free functions   of the enlightened ones; The great enlightening beings manifest them all, Able to cause sentient beings to all be tamed.

 

Enlightening beings' various methods and techniques Adapt to worldly conditions to liberate beings:

Just like lotus blossoms, to which water does not adhere,

In the  same way they arc in  the world, provoking deep faith .

 

With extraordinary thoughts and profound talent, as cultural kings,

Song and dance, and conversation admired by the masses, All the various arts and crafts of the world

They manifest, like  magicians.

 

Some become grandees, city chiefs,

Some become merchants, caravan leaders; Some become physicians and scientists, Some become kings and ministers.

 

Some become great trees in the plains, Some become medicines or jewel mines; Some  become  pearls  that  ful fill  all  wishes,

Some show the right path to sentient beings.

 

If they sec a world just come into being,

Where the creatures don't yet have the tools for livelihood, Enlightening beings become craftsmen

And teach them various skills.

 

They do not make anything that will oppress  or afflict living beings:

They only explain things that will be of benefit to the world; Various fields of knowledge, such as incantational arts and medici­

nal herbs,

And all contained therein they can explain.

 

The excellent practices of all the sages

Faith fully looked up to by humans and divines,

 

Such difficult practices and austerities

Enlightening beings can perform according to need.

 

Some become non-Buddhist mendicants, Some practice asceticism alone in the forest; Some go naked, without any clothes,

Being teachers and leaders of such groups.

 

Some show various practices of wrong livelihood, Practicing incorrect principles as supreme;

Some manifest the postures of brahmin ascetics,

Becoming leaders of such groups.

 

Some expose themselves to the heat of fire and sun, Some practice cults imitating animals,

Some put on filthy clothing and worship fire:

In order to transform such  cultists, they become their teachers.

 

Some make a show of visiting shrines of various deities,

Some make a show of entering the water of the Ganges River, Some cat roots and fruits, all making a show of these practices, While always contemplating the truth that transcends them.

 

Some show themselves kneeling or standing on one foot, Some lie on thorns or in dust and dirt;

Some lie on pounding stones,  seeking release, And become teachers and leaders of such groups.

 

Of such followers of heretical paths

They observe the minds and understandings, and do the same things;

The ascetic practices they demonstrate, worldlings cannot bear: They cause them to be tamed after seeing them.

 

Sentient beings are deluded and accept false teachings; Sticking to wrong views, they suffer many pains:

For them arc expediently  taught wonderful principles To cause them to understand the genuine truth.

 

The four truths may be explained in local magical language, Or the four truths may be told in skillful esoteric language, Or the four truths may be spoken in direct human speech,

Or the four truths may be told in the language of divine mystery; The four truths arc explained through analysis of words,

The four truths are explained through ascertainment of principles, The four truths arc explained skillfully refuting others,

 

The four truths are explained undisturbed by outsiders; The four truths may be explained in several languages, Or they may be explained in all languages.

In whatever languages beings understand

The four truths are explained for them, to liberate them. All the teachings of all Buddhas

Are thus explained exhaustively,

Knowing the realm of language is inconceivable:

This is called the power of concentration of expounding the truth.

 

There is a supreme  concentration called peace and bliss Which can universally save and liberate all sentient beings, Radiating a great light, inconceivable,

Causing those who see it to all be pacified.

This  light  emanated  is  called  "good  manifestation"­ If any sentient beings encounter this light,

It will cause them to benefit, without fail :

By this way they can attain unsurpassed knowledge; It first shows the Buddhas,

Shows the Teaching, shows  the Community,  shows  the Right Path,

And  also  shows  the  Buddhas'  tombs  and  images­ By this the light is formed .

 

It also emits  a light called "shining" Which outshines the lights of all the gods, Removing all barriers of darkness, Benefiting all living  beings .

This light  awakens  all sentient beings, Inducing them to offer lamps to the Buddhas; Because they present lamps to the Buddhas, They can become supreme lamps in the world . Burning oil lamps and butter lamps,

As well as various bright torches,

And lamps of finest jewels with fragrant herbs,

And presenting them to the Buddhas,  they attain this light.

 

It also emits a light called "salvation":

This light can awaken all beings

And cause them to develop great  determination To liberate the living from the sea of desire.

If one can universally  produce this determination To liberate   the   living   from   the sea   of desire, Then one can cross over the torrents of afflictions

And lead the way to the sorrowless citadel of freedom. By building bridges and rafts

 

Wherever there is water on the roads,

Criticizing fabrication and praising dispassionate calm, Thereby is this light attained.

 

It also emanates a light called "annihilating attachment": This light can awaken all beings,

Causing them to give up objects of desire

And concentrate on the savor  of the sublime teaching of liberation. If one can give up objects of desire

And concentrate on the subtle true savor of liberation, One can , with the Buddha's rain of sweet dew,

Extinguish all the cravings in the world.

By  charitably   giving   ponds,  wells,   and   springs, Only seeking the unsurpassed way of enlightenment, Criticizing desires and praising meditation,

It is possible to produce this light.

 

It also radiates a light called "j oy" :

This light can awaken all beings,

Causing them to long for perfect enlightenment And determine to realize the teacherless path.

Making  statues of the Buddha  of Great Compassion, Adorned with all distinguishing marks, sitting on a flower, And by always praising Buddha's supreme virtues

Can this light thereby be produced.

 

It  also  emits  a  light called  "appreciation":

This light can awaken all beings,

Causing their minds to appreciate the Buddhas As well as their Teaching and Community.

If they always appreciate the Buddhas, Their teachings and communities,

Then in the congregations of the Buddhas

They'll attain acceptance of the profound truth of the emptiness  of things .

Enlightening  sentient beings without number,

Making them always remember the Buddha, Teaching, and Community,

Is whereby this light is attained.

 

It also  emanates  a  light  called  "collection  of virtues": This light can awaken all beings,

Inducing them to practice unlimited giving in various forms, Aspiring thereby to the unexcelled Path.

Establishing great charitable functions without imposing limits, Satis fying the needs of all who come,

 

348  The Flower Omament Scripture

 

Not letting their hearts feel any lack, Is whereby this light is made.

 

It also emits a light called "full knowledge":

This light can awaken all beings,

Causing them to instantly, in one principle, Understand innumerable teachings.

Analyzing teachings for sentient beings And determining the real true meaning,

Skillfully expounding the meanings of the  teachings,  without lack,

Is how this light is made.

 

It also radiates a light called "lamp of wisdom": This light can awaken all beings

And cause them to know sentient beings are inherently empty and at rest,

And that all things have no existence.

Explaining  that  all  things  arc  empty,  with  no  controller,  no  self, Like illusions, like flames, like the moon reflected in the water, And also like dreams or reflected images,

Is how this light is made.

 

It also emits a light called "mastery of the teachings": This light can awaken all beings

And cause them to attain inexhaustible mnemonic command To retain all the teachings of the Buddhas.

Honoring and supporting the holders of the teachings, Serving and protecting the sages and saints,

Handing on various teachings to beings, Is how this light is produced.

 

It also emanates a light called "able to relinquish": This light can awaken miserly people,

Making them realize all wealth is impermanent, And enjoy giving, without attachment.

Able to subdue stubborn stinginess,

Understanding wealth is like dreams or floating clouds, Causing the pure mind of generosity to grow,

Is how this light is attained.

 

It also radiates a light called "removing heat": This light can awaken the immoral

And   cause them   to   maintain pure precepts And determine to realize the teacherless path.

Inducing sentient beings to accept moral precepts

 

 

And to purify the practice of virtuous actions

And causing them to be inspired to  seek  enlightenment Is how this light is made.

 

It also emits a light called "adornment  of tolerance": This light can awaken bad-tempered beings,

Causing them to get rid of anger  and divorce conceit, And gladly be tolerant and harmonious.

When the violence of beings is hard to endure,

To be unmoved in mind, for the sake of enlightenment, Always happily extolling the virtues of tolerance,

Is how this light's produced.

 

It also radiates a light called "intrepitude":

This light can awaken the lazy,

Causing them always to respect and support

The Buddha, Teaching,  and Community,  without weariness. If they always support and respect

The Buddha,  the Teaching,  and the Community, They can get beyond the realms of the four demons And quickly attain unsurpassed enlightenment.

Exhorting sentient  beings to progress,

Always diligently supporting the Buddha, Teaching, and Commu­ nity,

Wholeheartedly guarding the Teaching when it's  about  to perish, Is how this light can be made.

 

It also emanates a light called "tranquility":

This light can awaken the scatter-minded,

Causing them to detach from greed, anger, and folly, With their minds unstirring and properly stabilized. Abandoning all bad associates,

Meaningless talk and impure action, Praising meditation and solitude:

Thus is this light produced.

 

It also radiates a light called "adornment of wisdom": This light can awaken the ignorant and deluded,

Causing them to realize the truth and understand conditional origination,

Their faculties ,   knowledge,   and wisdom  penetrating thoroughly. If they can realize the truth and understand conditioned origination, Their faculties, knowledge, and wisdom penetrating,

They'll attain the state of "sun-lamp" mental focus

With the light of wisdom and perfect the fruit of buddhahood. Being able to give away country and wealth

 

350  Th e Flower Omamerzt Scriptllre

 

For  the sake of enlightenment, seeking the right teaching,

Then, having heard it,  single-mindedly applying  it and explaining to others,

Is how this light may be made.

 

It also emits a light called "buddha-wisdom ":

This light can awaken all conscious creatures,

Causing them to see innumerable, boundless Buddhas, Each sitting on jewel lotus flowers.

Praising the Buddhas'  powers and liberation, Telling of the Buddhas ' freedom without bound, Manifes ting Buddhas' powers an d mystic abilities, Is how this light may be produced.

 

It also emanates a light called "fearlessness":

This light shines on th ose in  fear And causes the speedy annihilation Of all inhuman harmful things.

Being able to give  beings freedom from fear,

E xhorting the ceasing of all affliction and injury encountered, Rescuing th ose in danger, the orphaned and the helpless,

Is how this light can be made.

 

It also radiates a light called "peace" :

This light can illumine those who are ill And cause all pains to be relieved

So all can gain the bliss of right concentration. Dispensing  medicine   to  cure   afflictions, Anointing with precious life-prolonging perfume,

Giving butter, oil, honey, and milk for nourishment, Is how this light can be made.

 

It also emits a light called "seeing Buddha":

This light can awaken those about to die, Causing  them  to  sec  any  Buddha  they think  of,

So when their life ends they can be born in that Buddha's  pure land.

To exhort the dying to remembrance of Buddha, And show  them icons for them to behold, Causing them to take refuge in the Buddha,

Is how this light can be made.

 

It also emanates a light called "delight in the Teaching": This light can awaken all beings,

Causing them to always delight in the true teaching, Listening to it, expounding it, writing and copying it.

 

Chief in  Goodness

 

Being able to expound the  teaching when it's about to perish, Causing those who seck the teaching to be ful filled, Appreciating the teaching and striving to practice it,

Is how this light can be made.

 

It also radiates a light called "wondrous  sound": This light can awaken enlightening beings

And cause all voices heard in the world To be to the hearer the voice of Buddha. Praising the Buddha out loud,

And presenting music like bells and chimes,

And causing all creatures to hear the sound  of Buddha, Is how this light can be made.

 

It also emits a light called "dispensing  elixir" :

This light can awaken all beings, Causing them to give up all indulgence And fully practice all virtues.

Explaining the instability of created things

And how they're filled with countless vexations,

Always happily extolling the bliss of dispassionate  tranquility Is how this light can be made.

 

It also emanates a light called "supreme":

This light awakens all beings,

Causing them to hear from the Buddhas,

The supreme teachings of discipline, concentration, and knowledge. Always gladly praising all Buddhas'

Supreme  self-control , concentration, and   knowledge, In this way seeking the unexcelled Path,

Is how this light is attained .

 

It  also  radiates  a  light  called  "j ewel  adornment": This light can awaken all beings,

Causing them  to attain an inexhaustible treasury ofjewels To offer to the enlightened ones.

Presenting various excellent jewels

To the Buddhas and Buddhas'  shrines, Also giving them generously to the poor, Is how this light can be made.

 

It also emits a light called "adornment  of fragrance": This light can awaken all beings,

Causing those who sense it to be pleased And assured of ful filling enlightened virtues. Spreading the ground with exquisite incense

 

 

To offer to the supreme Guides ,

And also  therewith making shrines and icons, Is how this light can be made.

 

It also emanates a light called "various adornments" With jewel pennants and canopies beyond number, Burning incense, scattering flowers, playing music, Filling cities, inside and out.

Having originally presented the Buddhas with various adornments: Wonderful dancing and music,

Perfumes , flowers, pennants, canopies, and such, Is how this light was made.

 

It also radiates a light called "purification" Which causes the ground to be flat as a palm.

Adorning the Buddhas'  shrines and their surroundings Is how this light can be made.

 

It also emits a light called "great clouds"

Which can produce fragrant clouds and rain fragrant water. Sprinkling the shrines and their precincts

Is how this light is made.

 

It also emanates a light called "adornments" Which can cause the naked to be clothed.

Giving fine things to adorn the body Is how this light is made.

 

It also radiates a light called "excellent savor" Which can cause the hungry to get fine food . Giving various delicacies

Is how this light is made.

 

It also radiates a light called "great wealth" Which causes the poor to gain treasure.

Giving unlimited things to the Buddha,  Teaching, and Community, Is how this light can be made.

 

It also emits a light called " clarity of eye"

Which can cause the blind to see all forms and colors. Giving lamps to Buddhas or their shrines

Is how this light is made.

 

It also emanates a light called " clarity of ear" Which can cause th e deaf to be able to hear.

 

Chief i11  Goodness

 

Playing music for Buddhas or at their shrines Is how this light is made.

 

It also radiates a light called "clarity of nose"

By which one can smell scents hitherto unnoticed. Giving  incense to the   Buddhas  and their shrines Is how this light is made.

 

It also emits a light called "purity of tongue" Able to praise the Buddhas in beautiful tones.

Forever getting rid of coarse,   unwholesome  speech Is how this light is made.

 

It also emits a light called  "purity  of body" Which causes the impaired to be fully restored. Prostrating the body  to Buddhas  and their shrines Is how this light is made.

 

It also radiates a light called  "purity  of mind" Causing the absent-minded to gain right mindfulness. Practicing concentration till  totally mastered

Is how this light is made.

 

It also   emanates   a light called  "purity  of form" Causing one to see the inconceivable forms of Buddhas . Adorning shrines in various beautiful forms

Is how this light is made.

 

353

 

 

It also emits a light  called "purity of sound"

Causing knowledge of the basic emptiness of the nature of sound.

Contemplating  the dependent origination of sound,  like echoes in a valley

Is how this light is made.

 

It also radiates a light called "purity of scent" Causing all bad odors  to be sweetly purified.

Washing the shrines and enlightenment trees with fragrant water Is how this light is made.

 

It also emits a light called "purity of taste" Which can eliminate all poisons in food.

Continued support of the  Buddha,  Community,  and  parents Is how this light is made.

 

It also emanates a light called "purity  of feeling" Able to soften what's unpleasant to touch;

 

Though  spears and swords rain from the sky, It can ch ange them all to flower garlands.

By having in the past spread the roads

With perfumes, scattered flowers, and robes For the Buddhas to walk upon

Is how such a light was attained.

 

It also radiates a light called "purity of phenomena" Able to cause all hair pores to expound Inconceivable wonderful teachings

So all who hear joyfully understand.

What originates from causes and conditions has no origination; The reality-body of the Buddhas is not a body;

The nature of things is eternally like space:

By explaining these meanings is there light like this .

 

Such incomparable gateways of lights

Arc innumerable, like sand grains of the Ganges River; All emerge from the Great Sage's pores,

Each performing a distinct function.

As the lights emanated from a single pore

Arc countless, innumerable as the Ganges' sands, So are those of each and every pore:

This is the power of the Sage' s concentration. According to the lights attained by past practice,

Those who practice likewise, according to their affinities, Now radiate lights therefore like this :

This is the freedom of the Sage's knowledge.

Those who practiced virtuous deeds like the Buddha And had appreciation and rejoiced in accord,

Who saw what he did and then did likewise, They arc all able to sec this light.

If  any   practice   virtuous deeds  themselves And make offerings to innumerable Buddhas,

Always aspiring to the virtues of buddhahood, They arc awakened by this light.

 

Just as when those born blind don't see the sun

It  is  not  because  there's  no  sun  appearing  in  the world­ All those who have eyes can clearly sec it,

Each doing their work according to their occupations, So  it  is  with the lights  of the Great  Being-

Those who have wisdom all can sec,

While ordinary folk with false beliefs and low understanding Cannot perceive these lights at all .

 

Chief in  Goodness

 

Crystal palaces and chariots

Painted with precious ethereal scents

Arc  naturally supplied  to those with virtue: They cannot be occupied by the virtueless ones; So it is with the Great Being's lights:

Those of deep knowledge arc all  illumined,

While the ignorant, with false beliefs and poor understanding Arc not able to sec these lights at all.

 

If any who hear of the varieties of these lights

Can develop pure and profound faith and resolution, They'll sunder forever the web of all doubts

And promptly complete the banner of virtue.

 

There's a supreme concentration that can produce Arrays of retinues, all free,

Incomparable assemblies of Buddha-children Of all buddha-lands in the ten directions :

Thnc is a lotus blossom,  adorned with lights, Of equal extent to a billion world galaxy,

On which the enlightening being sits, completely filling it­ This is the mystic power of this concentration .

There arc also lotus blossoms  surrounding, As many as atoms in ten lands,

On which the   hosts   of Buddha-children  sit, Abiding in the spiritual power of this concentration. Having  fully developed good   causes   in the  past And fully practiced the virtues of buddhahood,

Such people surround the enlightening being, All joining their palms and gazing tirelessly. Like the bright moon among the stars

Is the enlightening being in the midst of the congregation. Such is the practice of the great being

Entering the spiritual power of this concentration. As manifested in one region

Surrounded by hosts of Buddha-children, So it is in all regions,

Abiding in this spiritual power of concentration.

 

There's  a  supreme  concentration  called  "network  of loci"­ Thc enlightening being dwelling in this teaches widely,

Appearing bodily in all quarters,

Sometimes entering concentration, sometimes emerging: Sometimes entering right concentration in the East

And emerging from concentration in the West, Sometimes entering right concentration in the West

 

355

 

356  The Flower OrnametJt Scripture

 

And emerging from concentration in the East,

Sometimes entering right  concentration in other directions And   emerging   from   concentration in   still   others, Sometimes entry and emergence pervade all ten directions: This is called the enlightening being's concentration power.

 

Appearing before and associating with All the countless Buddhas

In the lands throughout the East

While dwelling in this concentration, silent and unmoving, And emerging from concentration

In the presence of all the Buddhas Of the worlds in the West,

Making unlimited offerings to all of them; Appearing before and associating with

All the countless Buddhas

In the lands throughout the West

While remaining in concentration, silent and unmoving, And emerging from concentration

In the presence of all the  Buddhas Of the worlds in the East,

Making unlimited o fferings to all of them, Thus  does  the  enlightening   being   enter All the worlds of the ten  directions,

Sometimes manifesting concentration, silent and unmoving, Sometimes manifesting respectful offering to the Buddhas.

 

Entering right concentration in the eye-organ, Emerging from concentration in the field of form, Showing the inconceivability of the nature of form, Unknowablc to all gods and men;

Entering right concentration in the field of form

And emerging from concentration in   the eye,   without   disturbing the mind,

Explaining the eye is birthless and has no origin, By nature empty, null, and doing nothing;

 

Entering right concentration in the ear faculty

And emerging from concentration in the field of sound, Distinguishing the sounds of all languages,

Unknowable to gods and men,

Entering right concentration in the field of sound,

Emerging from concentration in the ear, the mind undisturbed, Explaining the car is birthlcss and has no origin,

By nature empty, null, and doing nothing;

 

Chief in  Goodrzess

 

Entering right concentration in the nose faculty

And emerging from concentration in the field of scent, Discovering all the most excellent fragrances, Unknowable to gods and men,

Entering right concentration in the field of scent,

Emerging from concentration in the nose, mind undisturbed, Explaining the nose is birthlcss and has no origin,

Empty by nature, null,  and doing nothing;

 

357

 

 

Entering right concentration in the tongue facul ty, Emerging from concentration in the field of flavor, Discovering all the most exquisite flavors Unknowable to gods and men,

Entering right concentration in the field of flavor,

Emerging from concentration in the tongue, mind undisturbed, Explaining the tongue is birthlcss and has no origin,

By nature, empty, null, and doing nothing;

 

Entering right concentration in the faculty of the body , Emerging  from concentration in   the   field of touch, Able to clearly distinguish all textures,

Unknowable to gods and men,

Entering right concentration in the field of touch,

Emerging from concentration in the body, mind undisturbed, Explaining the body is birthlcss and has no origin,

By nature empty, null, and doing nothing;

 

Entering right concentration in the mental  faculty, Emerging from concentration in the field of phenomena, Discerning the characteristics of all things,

Unknowable to gods and men,

Entering   right   concentration   in   the   field   of phenomena, Emerging from concentration in the mental organ, mind undis­

turbed,

Explaining the mind is birthless and has no origin, By nature empty, null, and doing nothing;

 

Entering right concentration in the body of a youth, Emerging from concentration in the body of an adult, Entering right concentration in the body of an adult, Emerging from concentration in the body of one aged, Entering right concentration in the body of one aged,

Emerging from concentration in the body of a devout woman, Entering right concentration in the body of a devout woman, Emerging from concentration in the body of a devout  man, Entering right concentration in the body of a devout man,

 

358  The Flower Omament Scripture

 

Emerging from concentration in the body of a nun, Entering right concentration in the body of a nun, Emerging from concentration in the body of a monk, Entering right concentration in the body of a monk,

E merging from concentration in the body of a learner or nonlearner, Entering right concentration in the body of a learner or nonlcarner,

Emerging  from concentration in the body   of a   self-enligh tened one,

Entering right concentration in the body of a self-enligh tened one,

E merging from concentration in the body of a fully enlightened one,

Entering right concentration in the body of an enlightened one, Emerging from concentration in the body of a celestial being, Entering right concentration in the body of a celestial being,

E merging from concentration in the body of a dragon, Entering right concentration in the body of a dragon, Emerging from concentration in the body of a yaksha, Entering right concentration in the body of a yaksha, Emerging from concentration in the body of a ghost, Entering right concentration in the body of a ghost, Emerging from concentration in a hair pore,

Entering right concentration in one hair pore, Emerging from concentration in all hair pores, Entering right concentration in all pores, Emerging from concentration on a hairtip, Entering right concentration on a hairtip, Emerging from concentration in an atom, Entering right concentration in an atom,

E merging from right concentration in all atoms, Entering right concentration in all atoms,

Emerging from concentration in diamond ground, Entering right concentration in diamond ground, Emerging from concentration on a crystal tree, Entering right concentration on a crystal tree, Emerging from concentration in Buddha's aura, Entering right concentration in Buddha's aura, Emerging from concentration in rivers and seas, Entering right concentration in rivers and seas,

E merging from concentration in the clement fire, Entering right concentration in the clement fire,

Emerging from concentration in the wind, mind undisturbed, Entering right concentration in the clement wind,

Emerging from concentration in the clement  earth, Entering right concentration in   the element earth, Emerging from concentration in the mansion of heaven, Entering right concentration in the mansion of heaven,

 

 

Emerging from concentration in space, mind undisturbed: This is called  the inconceivable freedom of concentration Of the one with infinite virtues,

Which all the Buddhas of the ten directions

Could not thoroughly expound even in countless eons.

 

All the enlightened ones together explain

That the consequences of beings'  actions arc unthinkably  many. The metamorphic emanations of the dragons, the masteries of the

Buddhas,

And the spiritual powers of enlightening beings are also inconceiv- able.

Though one try to illustrate this by metaphor,

After all there is no metaphor that can be likened to this; However,   people  of wisdom  and  intelligence Understand their meaning by means of similitudes .

 

Buddha's followers' minds dwell in the eight liberations And the transformations they display are all freely done: They can manifest many bodies by one body

And can make one body of many bodies. They can enter fire-concentration in space,

Walking, standing, sitting, and lying, all in the sky,

Producing water from the upper body and fire from the lower, Or fire from the upper body and water from the lower.

In this way,   in   the moment of one thought, They can transform freely in innumerable ways . They do not fully have great compassion

And do not seek buddhahood for the sake of all beings, Yet still they can manifest such inconceivable things-

How  much  more is  the  power of the  great benefactors,  enlighten- ing  beings:

Like sun and moon traveling through space, Their lights ' reflections appearing in all places,

In springs,  ponds,  reservoirs, and water in vessels, In jewellike  rivers and seas-they reflect   everywhere: So  it  is  with  the  forms  of enlightening  beings­ They appear everywhere, inconceivably;

This is all the freedo m of concentration,

Which only the enlightened can completely realize. Like the images of four armies in the ocean water, Each distinct, not merging or mixing,

Their swords, spears, bows and arrows, are many and diverse, Their armor,  helmets,  and  chariots  arc  not  the  same: Whatever the differences in the forms they have,

 

360  The Flower Ornammt Scripture

 

All are reflected in the water,

Yct  the  water  itself does  not  discriminiatc-

Thc concentration of enlightening beings is also like this .

 

In the ocean arc spirits called "good at sound"

Whose voices universally adapt to all creatures of the sea, And who completely understand all their languages

And  make  them  all joyful  and  happy:

Those spirits have greed, malice, and folly, Yct they can still understand all sounds-

How much more the enlightening beings ' power of mental command-

Can they not cause all beings joy?

 

There is a  woman named Explanatory Ability

Who  was  born  through  her  parents'  supplication  to  heaven: If one can divorce evil and delight in truth,

One can enter her body and engender wondrous eloquence. She still has desire, aversion, and ignorance,

Yct  can  bestow  elucidating  powers  in  accord  with  practice­ How much the more so can enlightening beings full of wisdom Bestow benefits on sentient beings.

 

Like a magician who knows the ways of magic Can produce any number of various things, Make an instant seem a day, a month, a year, Produce a city rich and very happy;

The magician has greed, anger, and ignorance still, Yct can delight the world  with  magic ability-

How much the more so can the power of meditation and liberation Bring all creatures joy.

 

When the gods and titans fought, The titans lost and ran away;

Their armaments, chariots , and soldiers They hid at once where none could see. They have greed, malice, and folly,

Yct arc still capable of inconceivable transformations ;

How much the more can dwelling in fearlessness of supernormal powers

Now  manifest  independent  freedom.

 

Indra,  king  of gods,  has  a  royal  elephant-

When it knows the king wants to go somewhere, It  transforms  itself,  creating  thirty-three  heads, Each head having six tusks,

 

 

With the waters of seven ponds on each tusk, Clean and fragrant, pure, still and full;

In the water of each pure  pond

Are seven lotuses in beautiful array;

On each of those adorning lotus blossoms Are seven celestial jadelike  maidens Skillfully dancing and playing music Entertaining Indra, king of gods.

That elephant can also lose its original form

And transform its body to be like that of the gods, Completely the same in bearing and action-

It has this   miraculous  power of transformation . It still has greed, anger, and ignorance,

Yet nonetheless  can  manifest  such  miraculous  powers­ How much the more is one replete with skill and knowledge Free in all states of concentration.

 

Like the metamorphosed  phantom  body of a titan Walking on the diamond stratum, standing  in the ocean,

The water at the  deepest part  of the  ocean only reaching its midriff

While  its  head  is  level  with  the  soaring  polar  mountain­ It has greed, anger, and ignorance,

Yct still can display such great wonders-

How much the more docs   the   demon-quelling Lamp  that Lights the World

Have awesome mystic powers at his command.

 

When the gods and the titans warred

King  Indra's  magic  power was  inconceivable­ However many the troops of titans were,

lndra manifested as many bodies to oppose them.

The titans had the idea "Indra is coming at us

And will surely capture and bind us, " So they were all anxious and scared.

Indra manifested a body with a thousand eyes, Holding thunderbolts, throwing flames, Armored,  armed,   and awesomely  majestic; The titans, seeing this, all retreated.

Indra, with the power of a little virtue Still  could  defeat  a  great enemy- How much more is the savior of all

Replete with virtues, all at  his command.

 

362  The Flower Omament  Scripture

 

In the heaven of happiness is a celestial drum Produced as a   consequence of deeds  of the   gods; It knows when the gods arc indulging themselves,

And spontaneously produces this sound in the sky: "All objects of desire are transient,

Like bubbles,  foam-empty,  unreal;

All existents arc like dreams,  like mirages, Like fl oating clouds, the moon in the water.

Indulgence  is  an  enemy,  a  torment  and  a  pain-

It's not the immortal way, but the path of birth and death. Any who act indulgently

Will enter the   mouth of the shark of death. As the root of all the miseries in the world, All wise people shun it.

The qualities of objects of desire  arc  perishable­ You should take pleasure in what's real and true. "

When the gods of the thirty-three heavens hear this sound, They all go up into the hall of good teaching

And Indra preaches for them the subtle teaching,

Making them docile and tranquil, removing greed and craving. That sound is formless and cannot be seen,

Yet  it  can  benefit  the  celestial  beings-

How much the more, manifesting  bodies adapting to inclinations, Can enlightening beings rescue and liberate the living .

 

When the gods and titans warred,

By   the superior  power of the gods'  virtue The celestial drum sounded, telling the hosts, "You should not worry or fear, "

And   the gods,  hearing this declaration, Were rid of fear and increased in strength. Then the titans' hearts trembled with fright And their troops all retreated and fled.

The wonderful ambrosial  concentration is like that heavenly drum: It always produces the sound of dispassion,  conquering demons; Great compassion mercifully rescues all,

Causing all beings to end their afflictions .

 

Indra has intercourse with all the goddesses, Ninety-two trillion in number,

Causing each to think to herself That the king is amusing her alone.

As he responds to all the goddesses' bodies, So  it  is  in  the  hall  of good  teaching-

He can instantly manifest supernatural powers And go to everyone to preach to them.

 

 

lndra,  who has greed, anger,   and ignorance, Can cause   all in   his   retinue   to   be happy­ How much the more is skillful spiritual power Able to cause all to rejoice.

 

The king of the heaven of access  to others'  enjoyments Has sovereignty in the realm of desire;

With habitual confusion for a snare,

He captures and binds all ordinary folk. He has  greed,  anger, and ignorance, Yet  has  mastery  over  sentient  beings-

How much the more is the possessor of the ten independent powers Able to cause beings to act in accord.

 

The great brahma king of the billion world galaxy Can appear in all the abodes

Of the brahma gods and sit with them,

Speaking in the subtle, pure brahma voice. He abides in the worldly brahma path,

Yet still  commands concentration  and supernatural powers­ How much the more so docs the transcender of the world,

unexcelled,

Have mastery of meditation and liberation.

 

The god Maheshavara's knowledge is sovereign: When the dragons of the sea shower rain,

He can count distinctly every drop, Discerning them all in a single instant:

If one has diligently practiced and learned for countless eons And attained   the   supreme  knowledge   of enlightenment, How would such a one not be able

To instantly know the minds of all beings?

 

The consequences of sentient beings' actions are inconceivably nuny,

Being as a great wind power, producing the worlds: Vast oceans, mountains, celestial palaces,

Radiance ofjewels, and all sorts of things; They also can produce clouds and bring rain, And can disperse and dissolve all cloudiness, And can ripen all grains,

And comfort the living.

The wind cannot learn transcendent wisdom, Or learn the qualities of buddhahood,

Yet  still  can  perform  inconceivable  deeds-

How much the more so one who fulfills all vows .

 

364  The Flower Ornament Scripture

 

The various voices of men and women, The calls of birds and beasts,

The sounds of oceans, rivers, and thunder, Can  all  delight  sentient beings'  minds-

How much the more one who knows the nature of sound  is like echoes,

Who attains to unhindered, wonderful eloquence, And teaches the truth as appropriate to each ,

Is able to bring joy to the creatures of the world.

 

The ocean  has  a  special  extraordinary  quality­ It can be an equal reflector of all;

Sentient  beings,  precious  things,  rivers  and  streams­ All it contains, prohibiting none.

One with inexhaustible meditation, concentration,   and   liberation, Can also be a seal of equanimity,  equally  reflecting,   like this; The wonderful practices of virtue and knowledge

This one cultivates all without tiring.

When the dragon kings of the ocean roam about, They are free wherever they may be,

Producing  clouds   covering   the earth, Those clouds of various decorative colors:

In the sixth heaven, of access to others' enjoyments , The clouds arc the color of gold;

In the heaven of  enjoyment of emanations  they're the color of ruddy pearls;

In the heaven of happiness,  they're  the color of frost and  snow; In  the  heaven of timely portion  they're the color of lapis  lazuli; In the heaven of thirty-three celestial realms they're  opal   colored; In the heaven of the four kings they're crystal colored;

Over the oceans , they're diamond colored; Among kinnaras they're incense colored;

In the dragons' abodes they're lotus colored; Where yakshas live, the color of white geese; Among titans, the  color  of mountain  rocks;

In the  region of Uttara, the color of golden flames; In Jambudvipa, the color of sapphire;

In the other continents, their adornments  are mixed­ These are given according to the likes of the creatures.

 

Also in the heaven of access to others ' enjoyments Lightning in the clouds shines like sunlight;

In the heaven of enjoyment of emanations,  it's like moonlight; In the heaven of happiness, like rose gold;

In the timely portion heaven,  it's the color ofjadelikc  snow; In the thirty-threefold heaven, the color of golden flames;

 

 

In the four kings'  heaven, the color of all jewels; In the ocean,  the color of red pearls;

In the realm of the kinnaras, the color of lapis lazuli;

In the abode of dragons, the colors of a mine of jewels; Where the yakshas live, the color of crystal;

Among the titans,  the color of onyx;

In the realm of Uttara,  the color of fiery pearls; In Jambudvipa, the color of sapphires;

In the other continents,  the embellishments  are  mixed­ As are the colors of the clouds, so is the lightning.

 

In the heaven of access to others'  enjoyments, thunder is like  the voice of Brahma;

In the heaven of enjoyment of emanations, it's like the sound of great drums;

In the heaven of happiness it's like the sound of singing;

In the heaven of timely portion it's like the voices of goddesses; In the heaven of thirty-three celestial regions

It's like the various sounds of kinnaras;

In the heaven of the four world-guarding kings It's like the sounds produced by grandharvas;

In the ocean it sounds like mountains crashing together; Among the kinnaras, it's the sound of pipes,

In the castles of the dragons, it sounds like the call of kalavinka birds;

In the yakshas' abode it's like the voices of dragon maidens; Among the titans, it sounds like a celestial drum;

Among humans, it's like the sound of the surf.

 

In the heaven of free access to others'  enjoyments rain  perfumes With various mixed flowers as embellishments;

In the heaven of enjoyment of emanations rain cotton flowers, Mandarava flowers, and rich perfumes;

In the heaven of happiness rain crystals Complete with adornments  of various jewels;

The jewels  in the topknots there are like moonlight, The exquisite clothes worn there are the color of gold; In the heaven of time rain banners and canopies, Garlands, perfumes , and beautiful decorations,

As well as excellent raiment the color of pearl And various kinds of music;

In the heaven of thirty-three realms rain wish-fulfilling jewels, Solid black aloes and sandalwood fragrance,

Various perfumes   of heavenly   flowers Raining down intermingled with each other;

In the citadels of the world guardians rain delicacies

 

366  The  Flower  Orname11t  Scripture

 

With color,  aroma,  and fl avor with strengthening power; It also rains inconceivable beautiful jewels,

All made by the  dragon kings. Also in the oceans

It rains increasingly, like a whirl,

And rains inexhaustible treasuries  ofjewels, And  rains  various jewel  ornaments  as  well. In the \vorld of kinnaras it rains necklaces, Lotuses of many colors, robes, and jewels,

Flowers that grow in the rains , and golden colored flowers, With various kinds of music all included therein.

In the castles of the dragon kings rain ruddy pearls; Among the titans it rains weapons

Conquering all enemies .

In the continent Uttara it rains necklaces

A nd also rains innumerable exquisite fl owers;

In the continents Purvavideha   and Aparagodaniya It rains various ornamental articles;

In the continent Jambudvipa it rains pure water, Fine, refreshing, always at appropriate times, Nourishing flowers, fruits, and herbs,

Ripening all the crops.

Innumerable such beautiful adornments, Various clouds , lightning, thunder, and rain, The dragon kings can freely make

Without moving  their bodies, without   discrimination In their world, the ocean, they dwell,

Yet  can  manifest  this  inconceivable  power-

How much the more those who enter the ocean of truth and embody virtue

Can produce  great mystical transformations .

 

The doors of liberation of the en1ightening beings Cannot be revealed by any similes,

But I have, with these metaphors, Said something of their free power.

 

Foremost knowledge, vast wisdom, True knowledge, boundless wisdom,

Extraordinary wisdom, supreme wisdom­ Such a teaching has now been explained.

This teaching is rare and most extraordinary; If people who have heard it can accept,

Can believe, absorb, praise,  and explain it,

This accomplishment is to be considered most difficult.

Of all the ordinary people in the world

 

 

It's hard to find one with faith in this teaching. If any diligently cultivate pure virtues,

By the power of past cause they can believe. Among the creatures of all worlds

Arc few who want to seek the vehicle of Buddha's followers; Those who seck solitary enlightenment arc even fewer,

And those who aim for the Great Vehicle arc very hard  to find. But striving for the Great Vchicle is still easy

Compared  to   the greater difficulty of believing  this teaching. Even more difficult it is to retain, recite, and explain it for others, To practice according to the teaching and truly understand it.

To hold a galaxy on one's head Without  moving,  for one eon, Is not to be considered difficult

Compared to believing this teaching.

To pick up ten buddha-lands in the hand And stand in space through an eon

Is not to be considered hard Compared to believing this teaching. If one provides comforts for an con

To the homes of beings numerous as atoms in ten lands, His  merit is  not  to  be  considered  supreme-

One who believes this teaching is most excellent. Even spending an con serving

Buddhas as many as atoms in ten lands, One's   merit   will   be   greater,   supreme, If one can recite and hold this book.

 

 

When the enlightening being Chief in Goodness  had spoken  these verses, the worlds in the ten directions quaked in six ways, the palace of demons was shrouded, the realms of ill ceased; the Buddhas of the ten directions   appeared before   him   and each patted him  on the   head   with his right hand and praised him,  saying,  "Excellent�  You incisively explain this teaching, and we all accordingly rejoice. "

 

End  of the  second  assembly.