Chapter Nine: Praising the Names of the Buddhas

爾時，地藏菩薩摩訶薩白佛言：「世尊！我今為未來眾生，演利益事，於生死中，得大利益。唯願世尊，聽我說之。」

At that time the Bodhisattva-Mahasattva Ksitigarbha said to the Buddha: "World-Honored One! Now I will set forth for beings of the future matters of benefit, so that they gain great benefit in birth and death. I only hope the World-Honored One will listen to what I say."

佛告地藏菩薩：「汝今欲興慈悲，救拔一切罪苦六道眾生，演不思議事，今正是時，唯當速說。吾即涅槃，使汝早畢是願，吾亦無憂現在未來一切眾生。」

The Buddha said to the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha: "You now wish to rouse compassion and rescue all beings of the six paths suffering for their sins, and to set forth inconceivable matters; now is exactly the time, so speak quickly. I will soon enter nirvana, so that you may complete this vow early, and I will have no worry for all beings of the present and future."

地藏菩薩白佛言：「世尊！過去無量阿僧祇劫，有佛出世，號無邊身如來。若有男子女人，聞是佛名，暫生恭敬，即得超越四十劫生死重罪。何況塑畫形像、供養讚歎？其人獲福，無量無邊。

The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha said to the Buddha: "World-Honored One! In the past, immeasurable asamkhya kalpas ago, a Buddha appeared in the world named the Tathagata Boundless Body. If any man or woman hears the name of this Buddha and, even for a moment, gives rise to reverence, he will at once transcend the heavy sin of birth and death of forty kalpas. How much more if he sculpts or paints his image, makes offerings and praises him? The blessings that person gains are immeasurable and boundless.

「又於過去恆河沙劫，有佛出世，號寶性如來。若有男子女人，聞是佛名，一彈指頃，發心歸依，是人於無上道，永不退轉。」

(The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha continued:) "Again, in the past, kalpas as many as the sands of the Ganges ago, a Buddha appeared in the world named the Tathagata Precious Nature. If any man or woman hears the name of this Buddha and, within the time of a finger snap, arouses the mind to take refuge, that person will never retreat from the unsurpassed path."

「又於過去，有佛出世，號波頭摩勝如來。若有男子女人，聞是佛名，歷於耳根，是人當得千返生於六慾天中，何況志心稱念。」

(The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha continued:) "Again, in the past, a Buddha appeared in the world named the Tathagata Padma Victory. If any man or woman hears the name of this Buddha and it passes through the ear, that person will be reborn a thousand times among the six heavens of desire, how much more if he recites it with sincere resolve."

「又於過去不可說不可說阿僧祇劫，有佛出世，號獅子吼如來。若有男子女人，聞是佛名，一念歸依，是人得遇無量諸佛，摩頂授記。」

(The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha continued:) "Again, in the past, unspeakable, unspeakable asamkhya kalpas ago, a Buddha appeared in the world named the Tathagata Lion's Roar. If any man or woman hears the name of this Buddha and takes refuge in a single thought, that person will meet immeasurable Buddhas, who will stroke his head and give him the prediction of Buddhahood."

「又於過去，有佛出世，號拘留孫佛。若有男子女人，聞是佛名，志心瞻禮，或復讚歎，是人於賢劫千佛會中，為大梵王，得授上記。」

(The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha continued:) "Again, in the past, a Buddha appeared in the world named the Buddha Krakucchanda. If any man or woman hears the name of this Buddha, sincerely gazes and bows, or also praises him, that person will be a Great Brahma King in the assembly of the thousand Buddhas of the Auspicious Kalpa, and will receive the highest prediction."

「又於過去，有佛出世，號毘婆尸佛。若有男子女人，聞是佛名，永不墮惡道，常生人天，受勝妙樂。」

(The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha continued:) "Again, in the past, a Buddha appeared in the world named the Buddha Vipasyin. If any man or woman hears the name of this Buddha, he will never fall into the evil paths, will always be born among humans and devas, and will enjoy supreme and wonderful joy."

「又於過去無量無數恆河沙劫，有佛出世，號寶勝如來。若有男子女人，聞是佛名，畢竟不墮惡道，常在天上，受勝妙樂。」

(The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha continued:) "Again, in the past, immeasurable, countless Ganges-sand kalpas ago, a Buddha appeared in the world named the Tathagata Precious Victory. If any man or woman hears the name of this Buddha, he will in the end never fall into the evil paths, will always be in the heavens, and will enjoy supreme and wonderful joy."

「又於過去，有佛出世，號寶相如來。若有男子女人，聞是佛名，生恭敬心，是人不久，得阿羅漢果。」

(The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha continued:) "Again, in the past, a Buddha appeared in the world named the Tathagata Precious Marks. If any man or woman hears the name of this Buddha and gives rise to a reverent mind, that person will soon attain the fruit of an arhat."

「又於過去，無量阿僧祇劫，有佛出世，號袈裟幢如來。若有男子女人，聞是佛名者，超一百大劫生死之罪。」

(The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha continued:) "Again, in the past, immeasurable asamkhya kalpas ago, a Buddha appeared in the world named the Tathagata Kasaya Banner. If any man or woman hears the name of this Buddha, he will transcend the sin of birth and death of a hundred great kalpas."

「又於過去，有佛出世，號大通山王如來。若有男子女人，聞是佛名者，是人得遇恆河沙佛，廣為說法，必成菩提。」

(The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha continued:) "Again, in the past, a Buddha appeared in the world named the Tathagata Great Penetrating Mountain King. If any man or woman hears the name of this Buddha, that person will meet Buddhas as many as the sands of the Ganges, who will teach him the Dharma at length, and he will surely attain bodhi."

「又於過去，有淨月佛、山王佛、智勝佛、淨名王佛、智成就佛、無上佛、妙聲佛、滿月佛、月面佛，有如是等不可說佛。世尊！現在未來一切眾生，若天若人，若男若女，但念得一佛名號，功德無量，何況多名？是眾生等，生時死時，自得大利，終不墮惡道。若有臨命終人，家中眷屬，乃至一人，為是病人，高聲念一佛名，是命終人，除五無間罪，餘業報等，悉得銷滅。是五無間罪，雖至極重，動經億劫，了不得出，承斯臨命終時，他人為其稱念佛名，於是罪中亦漸銷滅。何況眾生，自稱自念，獲福無量，滅無量罪。」

(The Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha continued:) "Again, in the past, there were the Pure Moon Buddha, the Mountain King Buddha, the Wisdom Victory Buddha, the Pure Name King Buddha, the Wisdom Accomplishment Buddha, the Unsurpassed Buddha, the Wonderful Sound Buddha, the Full Moon Buddha, the Moon Face Buddha, and such unspeakable Buddhas. World-Honored One! All beings of the present and future, whether devas or humans, men or women, if they can recite the name of even one Buddha, their merit is immeasurable, how much more if they recite many names? These beings, at birth and at death, will naturally gain great benefit and in the end will not fall into the evil paths. If someone is about to die, and even one person among the family relatives loudly recites the name of one Buddha for this sick person, the dying person, except for the sin of the five heinous crimes, will have the rest of his karmic retribution all wiped out. Although the five heinous crimes are extremely grave, and would ordinarily take hundreds of millions of kalpas without being able to escape, when at the time of dying another person recites the Buddha's name for him, even within these sins they are gradually wiped out. How much more when beings themselves recite and chant, gaining immeasurable blessings and wiping out immeasurable sins."

*讚

Hymn of praise.

普賢啟問，地藏宏開，三途六道絕塵埃，普廣問如來，授記十齋，接引上蓮臺。

Samantabhadra raised his question and Ksitigarbha opened wide the teaching, cutting off the dust of the three evil paths and six paths; Pu Guang asked the Tathagata, who gave the prediction of the ten fasts, to lead beings up to the lotus platform.

南無常住十方法（三稱）

I take refuge in the eternally abiding Dharma of the ten directions. (Chant three times.)

爾時，地藏菩薩摩訶薩承佛威神，從座而起，胡跪合掌，白佛言：「世尊！我觀業道眾生，校量佈施，有輕有重：有一生受福，有十生受福，有百生千生受大福利者。是事云何？唯願世尊，為我說之。」

At that time the Bodhisattva-Mahasattva Ksitigarbha, by the Buddha's majestic spiritual power, rose from his seat, knelt with his right knee on the ground and joined his palms, and said to the Buddha: "World-Honored One! I observe the beings of the paths of karma, and comparing the giving of alms, there are light ones and heavy ones: some receive blessings for one life, some for ten lives, and some receive great blessings and benefits for a hundred or a thousand lives. How does this come about? I only wish the World-Honored One would explain it to me."

爾時，佛告地藏菩薩：「吾今於忉利天宮，一切眾會，說閻浮提佈施校量功德輕重。汝當諦聽，吾為汝說。」

At that time the Buddha said to the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha: "Now, in the palace of the Heaven of the Thirty-three, before this whole assembly, I will speak of comparing the light and heavy merit of almsgiving in Jambudvipa. You should listen carefully, and I will speak for you."

地藏白佛言：「我疑是事，願欲聞。」

Ksitigarbha said to the Buddha: "I am in doubt about this matter and wish to hear it."

佛告地藏菩薩：「南閻浮提，有諸國王、宰輔大臣、大長者、大剎利、大婆羅門等，若遇最下貧窮，乃至癃殘瘂，聾痴無目，如是種種不完具者。是大國王等，欲佈施時，若能具大慈悲，下心含笑，親手遍佈施，或使人施，軟言慰諭。是國王等，所獲福利，如佈施百恆河沙佛功德之利。何以故？緣是國王等，於是最貧賤輩，及不完具者，發大慈心，是故福利，有如此報：百千生中，常得七寶具足，何況衣食受用。」

The Buddha said to the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha: "In southern Jambudvipa there are kings, chief ministers, great ministers, great elders, great Ksatriyas, great Brahmins and the like. If they meet the lowest of the poor, and even the crippled, mute, deaf, simple-minded or blind, with bodies incomplete in such ways, and these great kings and others wish to give alms, if they can have great compassion, lower their minds, smile, give to all with their own hands or have others give, comforting them with gentle words, the blessings and benefits these kings and others receive are equal to the benefit of giving alms to a hundred Buddhas as many as the sands of the Ganges. Why? Because these kings and others give rise to a great compassionate mind toward the poorest and lowest and toward those with incomplete bodies, so their blessings bring this reward: for hundreds of thousands of lives they will always have the seven jewels fully provided, how much more clothing, food and things to use."

「復次，地藏！若未來世，有諸國王，至婆羅門等，遇佛塔寺，或佛形像，乃至菩薩、聲聞、辟支佛像，躬自營辦，供養佈施。是國王等，當得三劫為帝釋身，受勝妙樂。若能以此佈施福利，迴向法界，是大國王等，於十劫中，常為大梵天王。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Ksitigarbha! If in the future there are kings and Brahmins and others who meet a stupa or temple of the Buddha, or an image of the Buddha, or even images of Bodhisattvas, sravakas or pratyekabuddhas, and personally arrange and make offerings and gifts, these kings and others will be Sakra for three kalpas and enjoy supreme and wonderful joy. If they can dedicate the blessings of this giving to the Dharma realm, these great kings and others will always be Great Brahma Kings for ten kalpas."

「復次，地藏！若未來世，有諸國王，至婆羅門等，遇先佛塔廟，或至經像，毀壞破落，乃能發心修補。是國王等，或自營辦，或勸他人，乃至百千人等，佈施結緣。是國王等，百千生中，常為轉輪王身。如是他人同佈施者，百千生中，常為小國王身。更能於塔廟前，發迴向心，如是國王，乃及諸人，盡成佛道，以此果報，無量無邊。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Ksitigarbha! If in the future there are kings and Brahmins and others who meet the stupa or temple of a former Buddha, or scriptures and images that have been damaged or fallen into ruin, and are able to arouse the mind to repair them, these kings and others, whether they arrange it themselves or encourage others, even up to hundreds of thousands of people giving alms to form a bond, will always be Wheel-Turning Kings for hundreds of thousands of lives. Those who join in giving with them will always be small kings for hundreds of thousands of lives. And if they further arouse the mind of dedication before the stupa or temple, such kings and all these people will all attain the Buddha path, and the reward from this is immeasurable and boundless."

「復次，地藏！未來世中，有諸國王，及婆羅門等，見諸老病，及生產婦女，若一念間，具大慈心，佈施醫藥、飲食、臥具，使令安樂。如是福利，最不思議：一百劫中，常為淨居天主；二百劫中，常為六慾天主；畢竟成佛，永不墮惡道，乃至百千生中，耳不聞苦聲。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Ksitigarbha! In the future, if there are kings and Brahmins and others who see the old and sick and women in childbirth, and in a single moment have a great compassionate mind and give medicine, food and drink, and bedding to bring them comfort, the blessings of this are the most inconceivable: for a hundred kalpas they will always be lord of the Pure Abode heavens; for two hundred kalpas they will always be lord of the six heavens of desire; in the end they will become Buddhas, never falling into the evil paths, and for hundreds of thousands of lives their ears will not hear the sound of suffering."

「復次，地藏！若未來世中，有諸國王，及婆羅門等，能作如是佈施，獲福無量，更能迴向，不問多少，畢竟成佛，何況釋梵轉輪之報。是故，地藏！普勸眾生，當如是學。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Ksitigarbha! If in the future there are kings and Brahmins and others who can give such alms and gain immeasurable blessings, and can further dedicate them, no matter how little or much, they will in the end become Buddhas, how much more the rewards of Sakra, Brahma and Wheel-Turning King. Therefore, Ksitigarbha! Urge all beings everywhere that they should learn like this."

「復次，地藏！未來世中，若善男子、善女人，於佛法中，種少善根，毛髮沙塵等許，所受福利，不可為諭。復次，地藏！未來世中，若有善男子、善女人，遇佛形像、菩薩形像、辟支佛形像、轉輪王形像，佈施供養，得無量福，常在人天，受勝妙樂。若能迴向法界，是人福利，不可為諭。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Ksitigarbha! In the future, if good men and good women plant a small root of goodness in the Buddha Dharma, as small as a hair, a grain of dust or sand, the blessings they receive cannot be compared (the base text has a variant character for "compared"; the correct character is the one used here). Again, Ksitigarbha! In the future, if there are good men and good women who meet an image of the Buddha, an image of a Bodhisattva, an image of a pratyekabuddha or an image of a Wheel-Turning King, and give alms and make offerings, they gain immeasurable blessings, will always be among humans and devas, and enjoy supreme and wonderful joy. If they can dedicate it to the Dharma realm, the blessings of this person cannot be compared."

「復次，地藏！未來世中，若有善男子、善女人，遇大乘經典，或聽聞一偈一句，發殷重心，讚歎恭敬，佈施供養。是人獲大果報，無量無邊。若能迴向法界，其福不可為諭。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Ksitigarbha! In the future, if there are good men and good women who meet Mahayana sutras, or hear a single verse or a single line, give rise to a deep and earnest mind, and praise, revere, give alms and make offerings, this person gains great reward, immeasurable and boundless. If they can dedicate it to the Dharma realm, his blessings cannot be compared."

「復次，地藏！若未來世中，有善男子、善女人，遇佛塔寺、大乘經典，新者佈施供養，瞻禮讚歎，恭敬合掌；若遇故者或毀壞者，修補營理，或獨發心，或勸多人同共發心。如是等輩，三十生中，常為諸小國王。檀越之人，常為輪王，還以善法，教化諸小國王。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Ksitigarbha! If in the future there are good men and good women who meet a stupa or temple of the Buddha, or Mahayana sutras that are new, and give alms and make offerings, gaze, bow and praise with reverently joined palms; or if they meet old or damaged ones, and repair and tend them, either rousing the mind on their own or urging many people to rouse the mind together, people of this kind will always be small kings for thirty lives. The benefactors (donors) will always be Wheel-Turning Kings, and will also teach and transform the small kings with good Dharma."

「復次，地藏！未來世中，若有善男子、善女人，於佛法中，所種善根，或佈施供養，或修補塔寺，或裝理經典，乃至一毛一塵，一沙一渧。如是善事，但能迴向法界，是人功德，百千生中，受上妙樂。如但迴向自家眷屬，或自身利益，如是之果，即三生受樂，捨一得萬報。是故，地藏！佈施因緣，其事如是。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Ksitigarbha! In the future, if there are good men and good women who have planted roots of goodness in the Buddha Dharma, whether by giving alms and making offerings, or by repairing stupas and temples, or by binding and mending scriptures, even as small as a hair or a speck of dust, a grain of sand or a drop of water, such good deeds, so long as they can be dedicated to the Dharma realm, the merit of this person will bring supreme and wonderful joy for hundreds of thousands of lives. If they are dedicated only to one's own family or to one's own benefit, the fruit of this is joy for three lives, giving up one to gain ten thousandfold reward. Therefore, Ksitigarbha! The conditions of giving are just like this."

爾時，堅牢地神白佛言：「世尊！我從昔來，瞻視頂禮無量菩薩摩訶薩，皆是大不可思議神通智慧，廣度眾生。是地藏菩薩摩訶薩，於諸菩薩，誓願深重。世尊！是地藏菩薩，於閻浮提，有大因緣。如文殊、普賢、觀音、彌勒，亦化百千身形，度於六道，其願尚有畢竟。是地藏菩薩，教化六道一切眾生，所發誓願劫數，如千百億恆河沙。」

At that time the Earth Spirit Drdha said to the Buddha: "World-Honored One! From ancient times I have gazed on and bowed before immeasurable Bodhisattva-Mahasattvas, all of great inconceivable spiritual powers and wisdom, delivering beings widely. This Bodhisattva-Mahasattva Ksitigarbha has the deepest and heaviest vows among all the Bodhisattvas. World-Honored One! This Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha has great karmic ties with Jambudvipa. Manjusri, Samantabhadra, Avalokitesvara and Maitreya also transform into hundreds of thousands of bodies to deliver beings in the six paths, but their vows have a time of completion. This Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha teaches and transforms all beings of the six paths, and the kalpas of the vows he has made are like hundreds of billions of Ganges sands."

「世尊！我觀未來及現在眾生，於所住處，於南方清潔之地，以土石竹木，作其室。是中能塑畫，乃至金銀銅鐵，作地藏形像，燒香供養，瞻禮讚歎。是人居處，即得十種利益。何等為十？一者，土地豐壤。二者，家宅永安。三者，先亡生天。四者，現存益壽。五者，所求遂意。六者，無水火災。七者，虛耗闢除。八者，杜絕惡夢。九者，出入神護。十者，多遇聖因。」

(The Earth Spirit Drdha continued:) "World-Honored One! I see that beings of the future and present, in the place where they live, on clean ground in the south, build a room of earth, stone, bamboo and wood. In it, if they sculpt or paint, or even make out of gold, silver, copper or iron, an image of Ksitigarbha, burn incense and make offerings, gaze, bow and praise, then the dwelling of this person gains ten kinds of benefit. What are the ten? First, the land is fertile. Second, the household is forever at peace. Third, the dead ancestors are born in heaven. Fourth, the living have increased lifespans. Fifth, what is sought comes as wished. Sixth, there are no calamities of water or fire. Seventh, waste and loss are warded off. Eighth, bad dreams are cut off. Ninth, spirits protect going out and coming in. Tenth, one often meets with holy causes."

「世尊！未來世中，及現在眾生，若能於所住處方面，作如是供養，得如是利益。」

(The Earth Spirit Drdha continued:) "World-Honored One! Beings of the future and present, if they can make such offerings in the place where they dwell, will gain such benefits."

復白佛言：「世尊！未來世中，若有善男子、善女人，於所住處，有此經典及菩薩像，是人更能轉讀經典，供養菩薩。我常日夜，以本神力，衛護是人，乃至水火盜賊，大橫小橫，一切惡事，悉皆消滅。」

He also said to the Buddha: "World-Honored One! In the future, if there are good men and good women who have this sutra and an image of the Bodhisattva where they live, and further recite the sutra and make offerings to the Bodhisattva, I will constantly, day and night, protect this person with my original spiritual power, and water, fire, thieves, great and small sudden misfortunes, and all evil affairs will all be wiped out."

佛告堅牢地神：「汝大神力，諸神少及。何以故？閻浮土地，悉蒙汝護。乃至草木沙石，稻麻竹葦，穀米寶貝，從地而有，皆因汝力。又常稱揚地藏菩薩利益之事，汝之功德，及以神通，百千倍於常分地神。若未來世中，有善男子、善女人，供養菩薩，及轉讀是經，但依地藏本願經一事修行者，汝以本神力，而擁護之。勿令一切災害，及不如意事，輒聞於耳，何況令受？非但汝獨護是人故，亦有釋梵眷屬、諸天眷屬，擁護是人。何故得如是聖賢擁護？皆由瞻禮地藏形像，及轉讀是本願經故。自然畢竟出離苦海，證涅槃樂。以是之故，得大擁護。」

The Buddha said to the Earth Spirit Drdha: "Your great spiritual power is rarely matched by the other spirits. Why? All the land of Jambudvipa is protected by you. Even the grasses and trees, sand and stones, rice and hemp, bamboo and reeds, grain, rice and treasures, all that comes from the earth, is due to your power. You also constantly praise the benefits brought by the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, and your merit and spiritual powers are hundreds of thousands of times those of the ordinary earth spirits. If in the future there are good men and good women who make offerings to the Bodhisattva and recite this sutra, so long as they practice according to even one point of the Sutra of the Original Vows of Ksitigarbha, protect them with your original spiritual power. Do not let any calamity or unwelcome event easily reach their ears, how much less let them suffer it? It is not only you alone who protect these people; the retinues of Sakra and Brahma and the retinues of the devas also protect them. Why do they gain protection from such saints and worthies? It is all because they gaze and bow before the image of Ksitigarbha and recite this Sutra of Original Vows. They will naturally in the end leave the sea of suffering and realize the joy of nirvana. For this reason they receive great protection."

爾時，世尊從頂門上，放百千萬億大毫相光——所謂白毫相光、大白毫相光、瑞毫相光、大瑞毫相光、玉毫相光、大玉毫相光、紫毫相光、大紫毫相光、青毫相光、大青毫相光、碧毫相光、大碧毫相光、紅毫相光、大紅毫相光、綠毫相光、大綠毫相光、金毫相光、大金毫相光、慶雲毫相光、大慶雲毫相光、千輪毫光、大千輪毫光、寶輪毫光、大寶輪毫光、日輪毫光、大日輪毫光、月輪毫光、大月輪毫光、宮殿毫光、大宮殿毫光、海雲毫光、大海雲毫光。於頂門上，放如是等毫相光已，出微妙音，告諸大眾、天龍八部、人、非人等：「聽吾今日於忉利天宮，稱揚讚歎地藏菩薩於人天中利益等事、不思議事、超聖因事、證十地事、畢竟不退阿耨多羅三藐三菩提事。」

At that time the World-Honored One sent forth from the crown of his head hundreds of thousands of millions of great light rays of the hair-mark, namely: the white hair-mark light, the great white hair-mark light, the auspicious hair-mark light, the great auspicious hair-mark light, the jade hair-mark light, the great jade hair-mark light, the purple hair-mark light, the great purple hair-mark light, the blue hair-mark light, the great blue hair-mark light, the emerald hair-mark light, the great emerald hair-mark light, the red hair-mark light, the great red hair-mark light, the green hair-mark light, the great green hair-mark light, the golden hair-mark light, the great golden hair-mark light, the festive-cloud hair-mark light, the great festive-cloud hair-mark light, the thousand-wheel hair light, the great thousand-wheel hair light, the jeweled-wheel hair light, the great jeweled-wheel hair light, the sun-wheel hair light, the great sun-wheel hair light, the moon-wheel hair light, the great moon-wheel hair light, the palace hair light, the great palace hair light, the ocean-cloud hair light, the great ocean-cloud hair light. After sending forth such hair-mark lights from the crown of his head, he uttered a subtle and wonderful voice and addressed the great assembly, the devas, nagas and eight kinds of beings, humans and non-humans: "Listen to me today in the palace of the Heaven of the Thirty-three as I proclaim and praise the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha's benefits among humans and devas, his inconceivable deeds, his deeds surpassing the holy causes, his attainment of the ten stages, and his final non-retreat from Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi."

說是語時，會中有一菩薩摩訶薩，名觀世音，從座而起，胡跪合掌，白佛言：「世尊！是地藏菩薩摩訶薩，具大慈悲，憐愍罪苦眾生，於千萬億世界，化千萬億身。所有功德，及不思議威神之力，我聞世尊與十方無量諸佛，異口同音，讚歎地藏菩薩云：正使過去現在未來諸佛，說其功德，猶不能盡。曏者，又蒙世尊普告大眾，欲稱揚地藏利益等事。唯願世尊，為現在未來一切眾生，稱揚地藏不思議事，令天龍八部，瞻禮獲福。」

As he spoke these words, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva in the assembly named Avalokitesvara rose from his seat, knelt with his right knee on the ground and joined his palms, and said to the Buddha: "World-Honored One! This Bodhisattva-Mahasattva Ksitigarbha has great compassion and pities beings suffering for their sins; in tens of millions of billions of worlds he transforms into tens of millions of billions of bodies. His merits and inconceivable majestic power, I have heard the World-Honored One and the immeasurable Buddhas of the ten directions with one voice praise the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, saying that even if the Buddhas of the past, present and future spoke of his merit, they could not exhaust it. Just now the World-Honored One has also told the whole assembly that he would praise Ksitigarbha's benefits and other matters. I only wish that the World-Honored One, for all beings of the present and future, would praise Ksitigarbha's inconceivable deeds, so that the devas, nagas and eight kinds of beings may gaze, bow and gain blessings."

佛告觀世音菩薩：「汝於娑婆世界，有大因緣。若天若龍、若男若女、若神若鬼，乃至六道罪苦眾生，聞汝名者、見汝形者、戀慕汝者、讚歎汝者，是諸眾生，於無上道，必不退轉，常生人天，具受妙樂，因果將熟，遇佛授記。汝今具大慈悲，憐愍眾生，及天龍八部，聽吾宣說地藏菩薩不思議利益之事。汝當諦聽，吾今說之。」

The Buddha said to the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara: "You have great karmic ties with the Saha world. Whether devas or nagas, men or women, spirits or ghosts, and even beings of the six paths suffering for their sins, those who hear your name, see your form, long for you or praise you, these beings will surely never retreat from the unsurpassed path, will always be born among humans and devas and fully enjoy wonderful joy, and when the cause and effect ripen, they will meet a Buddha who gives them a prediction. You now have great compassion and pity beings and the devas, nagas and eight kinds of beings, so listen as I proclaim the inconceivable benefits of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha. You should listen carefully, and I will now speak."

觀世音言：「唯然，世尊！願欲聞。」

Avalokitesvara said: "Yes, World-Honored One! I wish to hear it."

佛告觀世音菩薩：「未來現在諸世界中，有天人受天福盡，有五衰相現，或有墮於惡道之者。如是天人，若男若女，當現相時，或見地藏菩薩形像，或聞地藏菩薩名，一瞻一禮，是諸天人，轉增天福，受大快樂，永不墮三惡道報。何況見聞菩薩，以諸香、華、衣服、飲食、寶貝、瓔珞，佈施供養，所獲功德福利，無量無邊。」

The Buddha said to the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara: "In the worlds of the future and present, among devas whose heavenly blessings are exhausted, there are those in whom the five signs of decay appear (the five signs of decline that appear when a deva is about to die), or who are about to fall into the evil paths. When such devas, whether male or female, show these signs, if they see an image of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha or hear the name of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, and gaze once and bow once, these devas will have their heavenly blessings increase and receive great joy, and will never fall into the retribution of the three evil paths. How much more if they see and hear the Bodhisattva and give alms and make offerings of incense, flowers, clothing, food, treasures and necklaces, the merit and blessings they gain are immeasurable and boundless."

「復次，觀世音！若未來現在諸世界中，六道眾生，臨命終時，得聞地藏菩薩名，一聲歷耳根者，是諸眾生，永不歷三惡道苦。何況臨命終時，父母眷屬，將是命終人舍宅、財物、寶貝、衣服，塑畫地藏形像。或使病人未終之時，眼耳見聞，知道眷屬將舍宅寶貝等，為其自身，塑畫地藏菩薩形像。是人若是業報合受重病者，承斯功德，尋即除愈，壽命增益。是人若是業報命盡，應有一切罪障業障，合墮惡趣者，承斯功德，命終之後，即生人天，受勝妙樂，一切罪障，悉皆銷滅。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Avalokitesvara! If in the worlds of the future and present, beings of the six paths at the time of dying are able to hear the name of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, even one sound passing through the ear, these beings will never again go through the suffering of the three evil paths. How much more if at the time of dying, the parents and relatives take the house, goods, treasures and clothing of the dying person and sculpt or paint an image of Ksitigarbha. Or if, before the sick person has died, his eyes and ears see and hear, so that he knows that his relatives are using the house and treasures to sculpt or paint an image of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha for him. If this person's karmic retribution is to suffer a grave illness, then through this merit he will at once recover and his lifespan will increase. If this person's karmic retribution is that his life is exhausted, and he has all kinds of sinful and karmic obstructions which should cause him to fall into the evil destinies, then through this merit after death he will be born among humans and devas and enjoy supreme and wonderful joy, and all his sinful obstructions will be wiped out."

「復次，觀世音菩薩！若未來世，有男子女人，或乳哺時，或三歲、五歲、十歲已下，亡失父母，乃及亡失兄弟姊妹。是人年既長大，思憶父母，及諸眷屬，不知落在何趣？生何世界？生何天中？是人若能塑畫地藏菩薩形像，乃至聞名，一瞻一禮，一日至七日，莫退初心，聞名見形，瞻禮供養。是人眷屬，假因業故，墮惡趣者，計當劫數，承斯男女兄弟姊妹塑畫地藏形像、瞻禮功德，尋即解脫，生人天中，受勝妙樂；是人眷屬，如有福力，已生人天，受勝妙樂者，即承斯功德，轉增聖因，受無量樂。是人更能三七日中，一心瞻禮地藏形像，念其名字，滿於萬遍。當得菩薩現無邊身，具告是人眷屬生界；或於夢中，菩薩現大神力，親領是人於諸世界，見諸眷屬。更能每日，念菩薩名千遍，至於千日。是人當得菩薩遣所在土地鬼神，終身衛護，現世衣食豐溢，無諸疾苦，乃至橫事不入其門，何況及身？是人畢竟得菩薩摩頂授記。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara! If in the future there are men and women who, while still nursing, or at three, five or under ten years of age, lose their parents, or lose brothers and sisters. When this person has grown up, he longs for his parents and other relatives and does not know which destiny they have fallen into, which world they were born in, which heaven they were born in. If this person can sculpt or paint an image of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, or even hear the name, gaze once and bow once, for one day up to seven days, without retreating from his first resolve, hearing the name, seeing the form, gazing, bowing and making offerings. The relatives of this person, if they have fallen into the evil destinies because of karma, and should be counted by kalpas there, will, through the merit of these sons and daughters, brothers and sisters sculpting or painting the image of Ksitigarbha and gazing and bowing, be freed at once and born among humans and devas, enjoying supreme and wonderful joy; if the relatives of this person have blessing power and have already been born among humans and devas enjoying supreme and wonderful joy, then through this merit they will increase their holy causes and receive immeasurable joy. If this person can further, within three weeks, single-mindedly gaze and bow before the image of Ksitigarbha and recite his name ten thousand times, he will see the Bodhisattva appear in a boundless body and tell this person in detail the realm in which his relatives have been born; or in a dream the Bodhisattva will show great spiritual power and personally lead this person through the worlds to see his relatives. If he further recites the Bodhisattva's name a thousand times every day for a thousand days, this person will have the Bodhisattva send the earth spirits and ghosts of the place to protect him for the rest of his life, with abundant clothing and food in this life and no sickness or suffering, and even sudden misfortunes will not enter his gate, how much less reach his body? In the end this person will receive from the Bodhisattva the stroking of the head and the prediction of Buddhahood."

「復次，觀世音菩薩！若未來世，有善男子、善女人，欲發廣大慈心，救度一切眾生者，欲修無上菩提者，欲出離三界者。是諸人等，見地藏形像及聞名者，至心皈依，或以香華衣服、寶貝飲食，供養瞻禮。是善男女等，所願速成，永無障礙。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara! If in the future there are good men and good women who wish to give rise to a vast compassionate mind and rescue all beings, who wish to cultivate unsurpassed bodhi, who wish to leave the three realms. These people, seeing the image of Ksitigarbha and hearing his name, sincerely take refuge, or make offerings of incense, flowers, clothing, treasures, food and drink, and gaze and bow. These good men and women will have their vows quickly fulfilled, with no obstruction ever."

「復次，觀世音！若未來世，有善男子、善女人，欲求現在未來百千萬億等願、百千萬億等事，但當皈依、瞻禮、供養、讚歎地藏菩薩形像，如是所願所求，悉皆成就。復願地藏菩薩，具大慈悲，永擁護我，是人於睡夢中，即得菩薩摩頂授記。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Avalokitesvara! If in the future there are good men and good women who wish to seek hundreds of thousands of millions of vows and hundreds of thousands of millions of matters, in the present and future, they need only take refuge in, gaze at, bow to, make offerings to and praise the image of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, and all that is vowed and sought will be fulfilled. If they also wish that the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, with great compassion, will protect me forever, this person will in sleep and dreams receive from the Bodhisattva the stroking of the head and the prediction of Buddhahood."

「復次，觀世音菩薩！若未來世，善男子、善女人，於大乘經典，深生珍重，發不思議心，欲讀欲誦。縱遇明師，教視令熟，旋得旋忘，動經年月，不能讀誦。是善男子等，有宿業障，未得消除，故於大乘經典，無讀誦性。如是之人，聞地藏菩薩名，見地藏菩薩像，具以本心恭敬陳白，更以香、華、衣服、飲食、一切玩具，供養菩薩。以淨水一盞，經一日一夜，安菩薩前，然後合掌請服，迴首向南，臨入口時，至心鄭重。服水既畢，慎五辛、酒肉、邪婬、妄語，及諸殺害，一七日，或三七日。是善男子、善女人，於睡夢中，具見地藏菩薩現無邊身，於是人處授灌頂水。其人夢覺，即獲聰明，應是經典，一歷耳根，即當永記，更不忘失一句一偈。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara! If in the future good men and good women hold the Mahayana sutras in deep esteem and give rise to an inconceivable mind, wishing to read and recite them. Even if they meet a bright teacher who teaches them until they are familiar, they forget as soon as they get it, and months and years go by without being able to read and recite. These good men and others have old karmic obstructions not yet removed, and so have no nature for reading and reciting the Mahayana sutras. Such a person, hearing the name of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and seeing the image of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, should present and state his original mind with reverence, and further make offerings to the Bodhisattva of incense, flowers, clothing, food and drink, and all kinds of playthings. Take a cup of pure water, place it before the Bodhisattva for a day and a night, and then with palms joined ask to drink it, turning the head to face south, and when it is about to enter the mouth, be sincere and solemn. After drinking the water, be careful to avoid the five pungent foods, wine and meat, sexual misconduct, false speech and all killing, for one week or three weeks. These good men and good women, in sleep and dreams, will fully see the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha appear in a boundless body and give consecration water to this person. When the person awakens from the dream he will at once gain sharp intelligence, and any sutra that passes once through his ear will be remembered forever, and he will never forget a single line or verse."

「復次，觀世音菩薩！若未來世，有諸人等：衣食不足，求者乖願；或多病疾，或多兇衰；家宅不安，眷屬分散；或諸橫事，多來忤身；睡夢之間，多有驚怖。如是人等，聞地藏名，見地藏形，至心恭敬，念滿萬遍。是諸不如意事，漸漸消滅，即得安樂，衣食豐溢，乃至於睡夢中，悉皆安樂。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara! If in the future there are people whose clothing and food are not enough and whose wishes are thwarted; or who have many illnesses or many misfortunes and declines; whose homes are not at peace and whose relatives scatter; or who are afflicted by many sudden calamities; and who have frequent terrors in sleep and dreams. Such people, hearing the name of Ksitigarbha and seeing the image of Ksitigarbha, with sincere reverence reciting it ten thousand times. These unwelcome matters will gradually vanish and they will at once gain peace and joy, with abundant clothing and food, and even in sleep and dreams all will be peaceful and joyful."

「復次，觀世音菩薩！若未來世，有善男子、善女人，或因治生，或因公私，或因生死，或因急事，入山林中，過渡河海，乃及大水，或經險道。是人先當念地藏菩薩名萬遍，所過土地，鬼神衛護，行住坐臥，永保安樂。乃至逢於虎狼師子、一切毒害，不能損之。」

(The Buddha continued:) "Again, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara! If in the future there are good men and good women who, whether for making a living, for public or private business, for life and death, or for urgent matters, enter mountains and forests, cross rivers and seas and even great waters, or pass through dangerous roads. This person should first recite the name of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha ten thousand times, and the spirits and ghosts of the lands he passes through will protect him, so that walking, staying, sitting and lying he always remains at peace and in joy. Even when he meets tigers, wolves, lions and all poisonous harms, they cannot hurt him."

佛告觀世音菩薩：「是地藏菩薩，於閻浮提，有大因緣。若說於諸眾生見聞利益等事，百千劫中，說不能盡。是故，觀世音！汝以神力，流佈是經，令娑婆世界眾生，百千萬劫，永受安樂。」

The Buddha said to the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara: "This Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha has great karmic ties with Jambudvipa. If one spoke of the benefits that beings gain from seeing and hearing him, one could not finish in hundreds of thousands of kalpas. Therefore, Avalokitesvara! With your spiritual power, spread this sutra, so that beings of the Saha world may enjoy peace and joy for hundreds of thousands of myriads of kalpas."

爾時，世尊而說偈言：

At that time the World-Honored One spoke in verse:

:「吾觀地藏威神力，恆河沙劫說難盡，

"I see that Ksitigarbha's majestic spiritual power cannot be told in full even in Ganges-sand kalpas,

:見聞瞻禮一念間，利益人天無量事。

Seeing, hearing, gazing and bowing take place in a single thought, and bring immeasurable benefit to humans and devas.

:若男若女若龍神，報盡應當墮惡道，

Whether men, women, nagas or spirits, whose retribution is exhausted and who should fall into the evil paths,

:至心皈依大士身，壽命轉增除罪障。

if they sincerely take refuge in the body of the great being, their lifespans increase and their sinful obstructions are removed.

:少失父母恩愛者，未知魂神在何趣？

Those who lost their parents' loving care when young, not knowing in which destiny the souls of their parents dwell,

:兄弟姊妹及諸親，生長以來皆不識。

and brothers, sisters and kin whom they have never recognized since they grew up,

:或塑或畫大士身，悲戀瞻禮不暫捨，

if they sculpt or paint the body of the great being, with sorrowful longing gaze and bow without leaving for a moment,

:三七日中念其名。菩薩當現無邊體，

and for three weeks recite his name, the Bodhisattva will appear in a boundless form,

:示其眷屬所生界，縱墮惡趣尋出離。

showing the realm where their relatives have been born; even if they fell into evil destinies they will leave at once.

:若能不退是初心，即獲摩頂受聖記。

If they can keep this first resolve without retreating, they will receive the stroking of the head and the holy prediction.

:欲修無上菩提者，乃至出離三界苦，

Those who wish to cultivate unsurpassed bodhi, and even to leave the suffering of the three realms,

:是人既發大悲心，先當瞻禮大士像，

this person, having given rise to a great compassionate mind, should first gaze and bow before the image of the great being,