Sutra of Immeasurable Life, Part One

曹魏天竺三藏康僧鎧譯

Translated by the Tripitaka Master Sanghavarman of India during the Cao Wei dynasty.

我聞如是：

Thus have I heard:

一時佛住王舍城耆闍崛山中，與大比丘眾萬二千人俱，一切大聖神通已達，其名曰：尊者了本際、尊者正願、尊者正語、尊者大號、尊者仁賢、尊者離垢、尊者名聞、尊者善實、尊者具足、尊者牛王、尊者優樓頻䗍迦葉、尊者伽耶迦葉、尊者那提迦葉、尊者摩訶迦葉、尊者舍利弗、尊者大目揵連、尊者劫賓那、尊者大住、尊者大淨志、尊者摩訶周那、尊者滿願子、尊者離障閡、尊者流灌、尊者堅伏、尊者面王、尊者果乘、尊者仁性、尊者喜樂、尊者善來、尊者羅雲、尊者阿難，皆如斯等上首者也。

Once the Buddha was staying at Rajagriha, on Vulture Peak, together with twelve thousand great bhikshus (ordained monks), all great sages whose spiritual powers were fully realized. Their names were: the Venerable Ajnatakaundinya, the Venerable Right Vow, the Venerable Right Speech, the Venerable Great Name, the Venerable Benevolent Worthy, the Venerable Freed from Defilement, the Venerable Famed Hearing, the Venerable Good Fruit, the Venerable Complete, the Venerable Ox King, the Venerable Uruvilva-Kasyapa, the Venerable Gaya-Kasyapa, the Venerable Nadi-Kasyapa, the Venerable Mahakasyapa, the Venerable Shariputra, the Venerable Mahamaudgalyayana, the Venerable Kapphina, the Venerable Great Abiding, the Venerable Great Pure Aspiration, the Venerable Mahacunda, the Venerable Purnamaitrayaniputra, the Venerable Free from Obstruction, the Venerable Flowing Stream, the Venerable Firm Subduer, the Venerable Face King, the Venerable Fruit Vehicle, the Venerable Benevolent Nature, the Venerable Joyful, the Venerable Svagata, the Venerable Rahula (the original text writes his name differently), and the Venerable Ananda, all such leading disciples.

又與大乘眾菩薩俱，普賢菩薩、妙德菩薩、慈氏菩薩等，此賢劫中一切菩薩。

There were also the assembly of Mahayana Bodhisattvas (short for bodhisattva, one who seeks awakening and also helps beings cross over): Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, Bodhisattva Manjushri, Bodhisattva Maitreya, and all the Bodhisattvas of this Auspicious Kalpa.

又賢護等十六正士：善思議菩薩、信慧菩薩、空無菩薩、神通華菩薩、光英菩薩、慧上菩薩、智幢菩薩、寂根菩薩、願慧菩薩、香象菩薩、寶英菩薩、中住菩薩、制行菩薩、解脫菩薩，皆遵普賢大士之德，具諸菩薩無量行願，安住一切功德之法，遊步十方，行權方便，入佛法藏，究竟彼岸，於無量世界現成等覺。

There were also the sixteen righteous men headed by Bhadrapala: Bodhisattva Good Thought, Bodhisattva Faith Wisdom, Bodhisattva Empty Nothing, Bodhisattva Spiritual Power Flower, Bodhisattva Light Splendor, Bodhisattva Supreme Wisdom, Bodhisattva Wisdom Banner, Bodhisattva Quiescent Root, Bodhisattva Vow Wisdom, Bodhisattva Fragrant Elephant, Bodhisattva Jewel Splendor, Bodhisattva Middle Abiding, Bodhisattva Disciplined Conduct, and Bodhisattva Liberation. All followed the practices of the great being Samantabhadra, were complete in the immeasurable practices and vows of all Bodhisattvas, and dwelled securely in all the teachings of merit. They roamed the ten directions, applied skillful means, entered the treasury of the Buddha's Dharma, reached the far shore completely, and in countless worlds manifested the attainment of perfect enlightenment.

處兜率天弘宣正法，捨彼天宮降神母胎，從右脇生，現行七步。光明顯曜，普照十方無量佛土，六種振動，舉聲自稱：「吾當於世為無上尊，釋梵奉侍，天、人歸仰。」示現算計、文藝、射御，博綜道術，貫練群籍，遊於後園講武試藝。現處宮中色味之間，見老、病、死，悟世非常，棄國財位，入山學道，服乘、白馬、寶冠、瓔珞，遣之令還。捨珍妙衣而著法服，剃除鬚髮，端坐樹下。勤苦六年，行如所應。現五濁剎隨順群生，示有塵垢沐浴金流。天按樹枝得攀出池，靈禽翼從往詣道場，吉祥感徵表章功祚。哀受施草，敷佛樹下，加趺而坐，奮大光明使魔知之。魔率官屬而來逼試，制以智力皆令降伏，得微妙法成最正覺。釋梵祈勸請轉法輪，以佛遊步、佛吼而吼，扣法鼓、吹法螺、執法劍、建法幢、震法雷、曜法電、澍法雨、演法施，常以法音覺諸世間，光明普照無量佛土。一切世界六種震動，總攝魔界、動魔宮殿，眾魔懾怖莫不歸伏。摑裂邪網，消滅諸見，散諸塵勞，壞諸欲塹。嚴護法城，開闡法門；洗濯垢汙，顯明清白；光融佛法，宣流正化。入國分衛獲諸豐饍，貯功德、示福田、欲宣法、現欣笑，以諸法藥救療三苦。顯現道意無量功德，授菩薩記成等正覺，示現滅度拯濟無極。消除諸漏，殖眾德本，具足功德微妙難量。遊諸佛國，普現道教，其所修行清淨無穢。

They dwelt in the Tushita heaven proclaiming the true Dharma; they left that heavenly palace, descended in spirit into a mother's womb, were born from the right side, and manifested taking seven steps. Radiant light shone universally on the immeasurable Buddha lands of the ten directions, the earth shook in six ways, and they declared with their own mouths: "I shall be the Supreme Honored One in the world; Indra and Brahma will attend me, and gods and humans will take refuge in me." They manifested skill in arithmetic, the arts, archery and charioteering, were broadly versed in the arts of the Way and thoroughly mastered the books, and went to the rear garden to practice and test martial skills. They manifested living in the palace amid pleasures of form and flavor, saw old age, sickness and death, awakened to the impermanence of the world, abandoned kingdom, land and wealth, entered the mountains to study the Way, and sent back their mount, white horse, jeweled crown and necklaces. They cast off fine clothes and put on the Dharma robe, shaved off beard and hair, and sat upright beneath a tree. For six years they practiced austerities, doing as was fitting. In the world of the five turbidities they accorded with beings, manifesting being dusty and bathing in a golden stream. The gods bent down a branch to help them climb out of the pool, spiritual birds flew as escort to the place of enlightenment, and auspicious signs proclaimed the merit and fortune to come. Out of compassion they accepted the grass offered, spread it beneath the Buddha tree, sat in the lotus posture, and sent forth a great light to let Mara know. Mara came with his officers and retinue to press and test them; they were subdued by wisdom and all submitted, and he attained the subtle Dharma and perfected supreme enlightenment. Indra and Brahma begged him to turn the Dharma wheel, and with the Buddha's way of walking and the Buddha's lion's roar he roared; he beat the Dharma drum, blew the Dharma conch, wielded the Dharma sword, raised the Dharma banner, shook the Dharma thunder, flashed the Dharma lightning, sent down the Dharma rain, and gave the Dharma as alms, constantly awakening the worlds with the sound of the Dharma, its light shining universally over immeasurable Buddha lands. In all worlds the earth shook in six ways, gathering in the realm of Mara and shaking his palaces; the demons were frightened and none failed to submit. He tore apart the net of wrong views, extinguished all views, dispersed the dust of toil, and demolished the moats of desire. He strictly guarded the city of the Dharma and opened the gates of the Dharma; he washed away stains and revealed purity; light blended with the Buddha's teaching and spread its true transforming influence. He entered towns and villages to beg for food and received abundant meals, storing up merit and manifesting as a field of blessings; about to proclaim the Dharma, he smiled with delight, and used the medicine of the Dharma to heal the three kinds of suffering. They revealed the intention of the Way and its immeasurable merit, gave Bodhisattvas the prediction of attaining perfect enlightenment, manifested extinction, and delivered beings without limit. They eliminated all outflows, planted the roots of many virtues, and were complete in subtle merit beyond measure. They traveled through all Buddha lands, manifesting universally the teaching of the Buddha's path, and the purity of their practice had no stain.

譬如幻師現眾異像，為男、為女無所不變，本學明瞭在意所為。此諸菩薩亦復如是，學一切法貫綜縷練，所住安諦靡不感化，無數佛土皆悉普現，未曾慢恣、愍傷眾生。如是之法一切具足，菩薩經典究暢要妙，名稱普至導御十方，無量諸佛鹹共護念。佛所住者皆已得住、大聖所立而皆已立，如來道化各能宣佈，為諸菩薩而作大師。以甚深禪慧開導眾人，通諸法性，達眾生相，明瞭諸國，供養諸佛。化現其身猶如電光，善學無畏曉了幻法。壞裂魔網，解諸纏縛。超越聲聞、緣覺之地，得空、無相、無願三昧。善立方便，顯示三乘。於此中下而現滅度，亦無所作、亦無所有，不起、不滅得平等法。具足成就無量總持百千三昧，諸根智慧廣普寂定，深入菩薩法藏，得佛華嚴三昧。宣揚演說一切經典，住深定門，悉覩現在無量諸佛，一念之頃無不周遍。濟諸劇難諸閑不閑，分別顯示真實之際，得諸如來辯才之智。入眾言音，開化一切，超過世間諸所有法。心常諦住度世之道，於一切萬物隨意自在。為眾生類作不請之友，荷負群生為之重任。受持如來甚深法藏，護佛種性常使不絕。興大悲、愍眾生，演慈辯、授法眼、杜三趣、開善門，以不請之法施諸黎庶，猶如孝子愛敬父母。於諸眾生視之若己，一切善本皆度彼岸，悉獲諸佛無量功德，智慧聖明不可思議。

Like a magician who conjures many different forms, male or female, unable to transform into none, because what he learned from the start is clear to him and he acts as his mind wills. These Bodhisattvas were just so: they learned all dharmas, mastered them thoroughly, and dwelt in them securely, so that none were not transformed; in countless Buddha lands they appeared everywhere, never proud or unrestrained, with compassion for beings. In such Dharma all were complete; the Bodhisattva scriptures were thoroughly understood in their essence and subtlety, their names spread everywhere, they guided the ten directions, and countless Buddhas together watched over them. Where the Buddha dwelt, they already dwelt; what the great sage established, they had already established; the way and transformation of the Tathagata each could proclaim, and they were great teachers to the Bodhisattvas. With profound meditation and wisdom they guided the multitude, penetrated the nature of all dharmas, penetrated the characteristics of beings, understood all lands, and made offerings to all Buddhas. They transformed and manifested their bodies like lightning, were skilled at learning fearlessness, and knew well the arts of illusion. They tore apart the net of Mara and untied all bonds. They surpassed the stages of the shravakas and pratyekabuddhas and attained the samadhis (states of undistracted concentration) of emptiness, signlessness and wishlessness. They were skilled at establishing expedient means and revealed the three vehicles. Within this middle and lower they manifested extinction, with neither doing nor having, neither arising nor ceasing, and attained the Dharma of equality. They were complete in immeasurable dharanis and hundreds of thousands of samadhis, with faculties and wisdom vast and tranquil, entered deeply into the Bodhisattva Dharma treasury, and attained the Buddha Avatamsaka Samadhi. They proclaimed and expounded all scriptures, dwelt in the gate of deep concentration, and could see the immeasurable Buddhas of the present, in a single thought pervading all. They rescued beings from all kinds of severe hardship, both the fortunate and unfortunate conditions, distinguished and revealed the true limit, and attained the eloquent wisdom of all Tathagatas. They entered all kinds of sounds, transformed all, and surpassed all the dharmas of the world. Their minds always dwelt truly in the path of crossing over the world, and they were at ease in all things. For beings of all kinds they were friends who came unasked, taking beings upon themselves as their own heavy burden. They upheld the profound Dharma treasury of the Tathagata and protected the Buddha lineage so that it would never be cut off. They aroused great compassion and pity for beings, expounded loving eloquence, bestowed the Dharma eye, blocked the three evil realms and opened the gate of goodness, and gave the Dharma, never requested, to the common people, as filial sons love and respect their parents. They regarded all beings as themselves, carried all roots of goodness to the far shore, and obtained the immeasurable merit of all Buddhas, with wisdom and sagely clarity beyond conception.

如是菩薩無量大士不可稱計，一時來會。

Such Bodhisattvas, immeasurable great beings beyond counting, came together to the assembly at one time.

爾時，世尊諸根悅豫，姿色清淨，光顏巍巍。

At that time, the World-Honored One had joyful faculties, a pure complexion, and a majestic, radiant face.

尊者阿難承佛聖旨，即從座起，偏袒右肩，長跪合掌而白佛言：「今日世尊諸根悅豫，姿色清淨，光顏巍巍，如明鏡淨影暢表裡，威容顯耀超絕無量，未曾瞻覩殊妙如今。唯然，大聖！我心念言：『今日世尊住奇特法、今日世雄住佛所住、今日世眼住導師行、今日世英住最勝道、今日天尊行如來德。去來現在佛佛相念，得無今佛念諸佛耶？何故威神光光乃爾？』」

The Venerable Ananda, receiving the Buddha's sacred intention, rose at once from his seat, bared his right shoulder, knelt with palms joined and said to the Buddha: "Today the World-Honored One has joyful faculties, a pure complexion, and a majestic, radiant face, like a clean bright mirror whose images show through inside and out; his dignified appearance shines beyond measure, and I have never beheld one so extraordinary as today. Yes, great sage! In my mind I thought: 'Today the World-Honored One dwells in a wondrous Dharma; today the World Hero dwells where Buddhas dwell; today the World Eye dwells in the conduct of a guide; today the World Champion dwells in the most excellent path; today the Honored One of the heavens practices the virtue of the Tathagata. The Buddhas of the past, future and present remember one another; could it be that today the Buddha is remembering the Buddhas? Why does the light of his spiritual power shine to this extent?'"

於是世尊告阿難曰：「云何，阿難！諸天教汝來問佛耶？自以慧見問威顏乎？」

Then the World-Honored One said to Ananda: "How is this, Ananda! Did the gods teach you to come and ask the Buddha? Or did you, from your own wise insight, ask about this majestic countenance?"

阿難白佛：「無有諸天來教我者，自以所見問斯義耳。」

Ananda said to the Buddha: "No gods taught me; I asked about this meaning from my own observation."

佛言：「善哉，阿難！所問甚快。發深智慧真妙辯才，愍念眾生問斯慧義。如來以無盡大悲矜哀三界，所以出興於世，光闡道教，普令群萌獲真法利。無量億劫難值難見，猶靈瑞華時時乃出。今所問者多所饒益，開化一切諸天人民。

The Buddha said: "Good, Ananda! You have asked very well. You have aroused deep wisdom and true, wondrous eloquence, and out of pity and concern for beings you ask about this meaning of wisdom. The Tathagata, with endless great compassion, takes pity on the three realms, and so appears in the world, spreading the teaching of the Buddha's path and enabling all living beings to gain the true benefit of the Dharma. Through immeasurable billions of kalpas he is hard to meet and hard to see, like the flower of numinous omen that appears only now and then. What you ask now brings much benefit and opens up all the gods and people.

「阿難！當知如來正覺其智難量，多所導御，慧見無礙，無能遏絕。以一喰之力，能住壽命億百千劫無數無量，復過於此。諸根悅豫不以毀損，姿色不變光顏無異。所以者何？如來定慧究暢無極，於一切法而得自在。

"Ananda! You should know that the Tathagata's perfect enlightenment, his wisdom is hard to measure, he guides many, and his wise vision has no obstruction, and none can check or cut it off. By the strength of a single meal, he could abide for hundreds of thousands of billions of kalpas, countless and immeasurable, or even longer. His joyful faculties are not impaired by it, his complexion does not change, and his radiant face does not differ. Why is this? The Tathagata's concentration and wisdom are thoroughly unobstructed and without end, and he has gained mastery over all dharmas.

「阿難諦聽，今為汝說。」

"Ananda, listen carefully; now I will explain it to you."

對曰：「唯然，願樂欲聞。」

He answered: "Yes, I am glad to hear."

佛告阿難：「乃往過去久遠無量不可思議無央數劫，錠光如來興出於世，教化度脫無量眾生，皆令得道乃取滅度。次有如來名曰光遠、次名月光、次名栴檀香、次名善山王、次名須彌天冠、次名須彌等曜、次名月色、次名正念、次名離垢、次名無著、次名龍天、次名夜光、次名安明頂、次名不動地、次名琉璃妙華、次名琉璃金色、次名金藏、次名炎光、次名炎根、次名地種、次名月像、次名日音、次名解脫華、次名莊嚴光明、次名海覺神通、次名水光、次名大香、次名離塵垢、次名捨厭意、次名寶炎、次名妙頂、次名勇立、次名功德持慧、次名蔽日月光、次名日月琉璃光、次名無上琉璃光、次名最上首、次名菩提華、次名月明、次名日光、次名華色王、次名水月光、次名除痴冥、次名度蓋行、次名淨信、次名善宿、次名威神、次名法慧、次名鸞音、次名師子音、次名龍音、次名處世，如此諸佛皆悉已過。

The Buddha said to Ananda: "In the past, long ago, immeasurable, inconceivable, countless kalpas ago, the Tathagata Dipamkara appeared in the world, teaching and delivering immeasurable beings, leading them all to attain the Way before entering extinction. Next came a Tathagata named Far Light, next one named Moonlight, next one named Sandalwood Fragrance, next one named Good Mountain King, next one named Sumeru Heavenly Crown, next one named Sumeru Equal Radiance, next one named Moon Color, next one named Right Mindfulness, next one named Free from Defilement, next one named Unattached, next one named Dragon Heaven, next one named Night Light, next one named Peaceful Bright Summit, next one named Unmoving Ground, next one named Lapis Lazuli Wonderful Flower, next one named Lapis Lazuli Golden Color, next one named Golden Treasury, next one named Flame Light, next one named Flame Root, next one named Earth Seed, next one named Moon Image, next one named Sun Sound, next one named Liberation Flower, next one named Adorned Radiance, next one named Ocean Awakening Spiritual Power, next one named Water Light, next one named Great Fragrance, next one named Free from Dust and Defilement, next one named Discarding Weariness, next one named Jewel Flame, next one named Wonderful Summit, next one named Courageous Stance, next one named Merit Holding Wisdom, next one named Eclipsing Sun and Moon Light, next one named Sun-Moon Lapis Lazuli Light, next one named Supreme Lapis Lazuli Light, next one named Foremost Leader, next one named Bodhi Flower, next one named Moon Brightness, next one named Sunlight, next one named Flower Color King, next one named Water Moon Light, next one named Dispelling Delusion and Darkness, next one named Crossing Canopy Practice, next one named Pure Faith, next one named Good Constellation, next one named Majestic Spirit, next one named Dharma Wisdom, next one named Phoenix Voice, next one named Lion's Voice, next one named Dragon Voice, and next one named Dwelling in the World; such Buddhas have all passed away.

「爾時，次有佛名世自在王如來、應供、等正覺、明行足、善逝、世間解、無上士、調御丈夫、天人師、佛、世尊。時有國王，聞佛說法心懷悅豫，尋發無上正真道意，棄國、捐王，行作沙門，號曰法藏，高才勇哲與世超異。詣世自在王如來所，稽首佛足，右遶三匝，長跪合掌以頌讚曰：

"At that time, next there was a Buddha named Lokesvararaja Tathagata, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly Enlightened, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, World-Honored One. At that time there was a king who, hearing the Buddha teach the Dharma, was delighted in heart and at once aroused the aspiration for the unsurpassed, true Way; he abandoned his kingdom, gave up his throne, and left home to become a shramana, taking the name Dharmakara, of high talent, courageous and wise, outstanding beyond the world. He went to the Tathagata Lokesvararaja, bowed at the Buddha's feet, circled him three times to the right, knelt with palms joined, and praised him with verses, saying:

「『光顏巍巍，威神無極，如是炎明，

"'Your radiant face is majestic, your spiritual power has no end; such a blazing light

無與等者。日月摩尼，珠光炎耀，

has nothing that can equal it. Sun, moon and mani jewels, their pearly light blazing,

皆悉隱蔽，猶如聚墨。如來容顏，

are all eclipsed, as though piled up as black ink. The Tathagata's countenance

超世無倫，正覺大音，響流十方。

surpasses the world beyond compare; the great voice of perfect enlightenment resounds through the ten directions.

戒聞精進，三昧智慧，威德無侶，

Precepts, learning, diligence, samadhi and wisdom, with majestic virtue that has no companion,

殊勝希有。深諦善念，諸佛法海，

are excellent and rare. Deeply contemplating, well remembering, the ocean of the Dharma of all Buddhas,

窮深盡奧，究其崖底。無明、欲、怒，

you have exhausted its depths and traced it to the bottom. Ignorance, greed and anger,

世尊永無，人雄師子，神德無量。

the World-Honored One is forever without; lion among humans, with immeasurable spiritual virtue.

功德廣大，智慧深妙，光明威相，

Your merit is vast, your wisdom deep and subtle, your radiant light and majestic aspect

震動大千。願我作佛，齊聖法王，

shake the great thousand worlds. May I become a Buddha, equal to the sacred Dharma King,

過度生死，靡不解脫。佈施、調意、

crossing beyond birth and death, with none who are not liberated. Giving, taming the mind,

戒、忍、精進，如是三昧，智慧為上。

precepts, patience, diligence, and such samadhi, with wisdom foremost.

吾誓得佛，普行此願，一切恐懼，

I vow to become a Buddha and carry out these vows everywhere; for all fears,

為作大安。假令有佛，百千億萬，

I shall bring great peace to them. Suppose there were Buddhas, hundreds of thousands of billions,

無量大聖，數如恆沙，供養一切，

immeasurable great sages, numerous as the sands of the Ganges, and one made offerings to all of them,

斯等諸佛，不如求道，堅正不卻。

these Buddhas would still not equal one who seeks the Way, firm and upright without retreating.

譬如恆沙，諸佛世界，復不可計，

Like the sands of the Ganges in number, the worlds of the Buddhas,

無數剎土，光明悉照，遍此諸國，

countless lands beyond calculation, whose light reaches all, extending through all these countries,

如是精進，威神難量。令我作佛，

such is my diligence, and my majestic spiritual power is hard to measure. May I become a Buddha

國土第一，其眾奇妙，道場超絕。

whose land is first among lands, whose assembly is wondrous, and whose place of the Way is beyond compare.

國如泥洹，而無等雙，我當愍哀，

May the land be like nirvana (the state where afflictions cease and one no longer drifts through birth and death), with none that can pair with it; I shall have pity and compassion,

度脫一切。十方來生，心悅清淨，

and deliver all. Those from the ten directions who come to be reborn there will be joyful and pure in heart,

已到我國，快樂安隱。幸佛信明，

and having reached my land will be happy and at peace. I am fortunate that the Buddha bears witness in good faith,

是我真證，發願於彼，力精所欲。

and this is my true testimony; there I make my vow and strive with all my strength for what I seek.

十方世尊，智慧無礙，常令此尊，

The World-Honored Ones of the ten directions, whose wisdom has no obstruction, may always cause these Honored Ones

知我心行。假令身止，諸苦毒中，

to know my mind and conduct. Even if my body should remain amid all kinds of bitter torment,

我行精進，忍終不悔。』」

I will practice diligently, and endure to the end, never regretting.'"

佛告阿難：「法藏比丘說此頌已而白佛言：『唯然，世尊！我發無上正覺之心，願佛為我廣宣經法，我當修行，攝取佛國清淨莊嚴無量妙土，令我於世速成正覺，拔諸生死勤苦之本。』」

The Buddha said to Ananda: "When the bhikshu Dharmakara had spoken this verse, he said to the Buddha: 'Yes, World-Honored One! I have aroused the mind of unsurpassed perfect enlightenment. I pray that the Buddha will teach the Dharma scriptures for me at length, and I shall practice them, gather in a Buddha land of pure adornment and immeasurable wondrous soil, and let me swiftly attain perfect enlightenment in the world and pull out the roots of all the toil of birth and death.'"

佛語阿難：「時世自在王佛告法藏比丘：『如所修行莊嚴佛土，汝自當知。』

The Buddha said to Ananda: "At that time the Buddha Lokesvararaja said to the bhikshu Dharmakara: 'What you practice to adorn a Buddha land, you yourself should know.'

「比丘白佛：『斯義弘深，非我境界。唯願世尊廣為敷演諸佛如來淨土之行。我聞此已，當如說修行成滿所願。』

"The bhikshu said to the Buddha: 'This meaning is too vast and profound, and not within my realm. I only wish that the World-Honored One will expound at length for me the practices of the pure lands of all Buddhas and Tathagatas. Having heard them, I shall practice as taught and fulfill what I wish for.'

「爾時，世自在王佛知其高明志願深廣，即為法藏比丘而說經言：『譬如大海，一人斗量，經歷劫數尚可窮底，得其妙寶。人有至心精進，求道不止，會當剋果，何願不得？』

"At that time the Buddha Lokesvararaja, knowing his brilliance and his deep and vast aspiration, at once taught the sutra to the bhikshu Dharmakara, saying: 'It is like the great ocean: if one person measures it with a dou measure, over the passing of kalpas he could still exhaust it to the bottom and obtain the wondrous treasures within. If a person has the utmost sincerity and diligence, and seeks the Way without stopping, he will surely reach the fruit; what vow could he fail to attain?'

「於是，世自在王佛即為廣說二百一十億諸佛剎土天人之善惡、國土之粗妙，應其心願悉現與之。

"Then the Buddha Lokesvararaja at once taught him at length about the good and evil of the gods and people in twenty-one billion Buddha lands, and the coarseness or subtlety of those lands, and in accord with his heart's wish displayed them all to him.

「時彼比丘聞佛所說嚴淨國土，皆悉覩見。超發無上殊勝之願，其心寂靜，志無所著，一切世間無能及者。具足五劫，思惟攝取莊嚴佛國清淨之行。」

"At that time the bhikshu, hearing the adorned and pure lands described by the Buddha, saw them all completely. Transcendently he made unsurpassed and supreme vows; his mind was still, his aspiration clung to nothing, and nothing in all the world could match it. For a full five kalpas he contemplated and gathered in the pure practices that adorn a Buddha land."

阿難白佛：「彼佛國土壽量幾何？」

Ananda said to the Buddha: "How long was the lifespan in that Buddha's land?"

佛言：「其佛壽命四十二劫。

The Buddha said: "That Buddha's life was forty-two kalpas.

「時法藏比丘攝取二百一十億諸佛妙土清淨之行。如是修已，詣彼佛所，稽首禮足，遶佛三匝，合掌而住，白言：『世尊！我已攝取莊嚴佛土清淨之行。』

"At that time the bhikshu Dharmakara had gathered in the pure practices of twenty-one billion wondrous Buddha lands. Having cultivated these in this way, he went to that Buddha, bowed with his forehead at the Buddha's feet, circled the Buddha three times, stood with palms joined, and reported: 'World-Honored One! I have gathered in the pure practices that adorn a Buddha land.'

「佛告比丘：『汝今可說，宜知是時。發起悅可一切大眾。菩薩聞已，修行此法，緣致滿足無量大願。』

"The Buddha said to the bhikshu: 'You may speak now; you should know that it is the right time. Do so in a way that all the great assembly will be pleased and approve. When the Bodhisattvas hear it and practice this Dharma, by this cause they will be able to fulfill immeasurable great vows.'

「比丘白佛：『唯垂聽察，如我所願，當具說之。

"The bhikshu said to the Buddha: 'I only hope you will listen and examine; as for the vows I have made, I shall state them one by one.

「『設我得佛，國有地獄、餓鬼、畜生者，不取正覺。

"'If, when I become a Buddha, there are still hells, hungry ghosts or animals in my land, may I not attain perfect enlightenment.

「『設我得佛，國中人天壽終之後復更三惡道者，不取正覺。

"'If, when I become a Buddha, humans and gods in my land, after their lives end, should fall again into the three evil paths, may I not attain perfect enlightenment.

「『設我得佛，國中人天不悉真金色者，不取正覺。

"'If, when I become a Buddha, the humans and gods in my land are not all the color of true gold, may I not attain perfect enlightenment.

「『設我得佛，國中人天形色不同有好醜者，不取正覺。

"'If, when I become a Buddha, the humans and gods in my land differ in form and color, some handsome and some ugly, may I not attain perfect enlightenment.