※《淨土三經》中英翻譯、謹供參考。※
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《佛說無量壽經 》上
The Sutra on
the Buddha of Infinite Life (Part A)
THE LARGER
SUTRA ON AMITAYUS
曹魏天竺三藏康僧鎧譯
Translated into Chinese during the
Ts'ao-Wei dynasty by the Tripitaka Master Samghavarman from India
This Sutra expounds the Sacred Story of
Amita and was delivered
by
Shakyamuni Buddha and translated into Chinese during the Ts'ao-Wei
dynasty by the Tripitaka Master Samghavarman fromIndia
Shakyamuni Buddha and translated into Chinese during the Ts'ao-Wei
dynasty by the Tripitaka Master Samghavarman from
我聞如是。Thus have I heard一時，At one time佛住王舍城，耆闍崛山中，the Buddha was staying on the Vulture
Peak in Rajagriha與大比丘眾萬二千人俱，with a large company of twelve thousand monks一切大聖神通已達，They were all great sages who had already
attained supernatural powers其名曰：Among them were the following尊者了本際、the Venerable Ajnata-kaundinya尊者正願、the Venerable Ashvajit尊者正語、the Venerable Vaspa尊者大號、the Venerable
Mahanama尊者仁賢、the Venerable
Bhadrajit尊者離垢、the Venerable
Vimala尊者名聞、the Venerable
Yashodeva尊者善實、the Venerable
Subahu尊者具足、the Venerable
Purnaka尊者牛王、the Venerable
Gavampati尊者優樓頻螺迦葉、the Venerable
Uruvilva-kashyapa尊者伽耶迦葉、the Venerable Gaya-kashyapa尊者那提迦葉、the Venerable Nadi-kashyapa尊者摩訶迦葉、the Venerable
Mahakashyapa尊者舍利弗、the Venerable
Shariputra尊者大目犍連、the Venerable
Mahamaudgalyayana尊者劫賓那、the Venerable Kapphina尊者大住、the Venerable Mahakausthilya尊者大淨志、the Venerable Mahakatyayana尊者摩訶周那、the Venerable Mahacunda尊者滿願子、the Venerable
Purna-maitrayaniputra尊者離障、the Venerable Aniruddha尊者流灌、the Venerable Revata尊者堅伏、the Venerable Kimpila尊者面王、the Venerable Amogha-raja尊者果乘、the Venerable Parayanika尊者仁性、the Venerable
Vakkula尊者喜樂、the Venerable Nanda尊者善來、the Venerable Svagata尊者羅云、the Venerable
Rahula尊者阿難，and the Venerable
Ananda皆如斯等上首者也；All of these were
Elders又與大乘眾菩薩俱，Mahayana
bodhisattvas also accompanied the Buddha, including all those of this
Auspicious Kalpa, such as普賢菩薩、the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra妙德菩薩、the Bodhisattva Manjushri慈氏菩薩等，and the Bodhisattva
Maitreya此賢劫中一切菩薩；又賢護等十六正士；There were also the
sixteen lay bodhisattvas, such as Bhadrapala善思議菩薩、as well as the Bodhisattva Profound Thought信慧菩薩、the Bodhisattva
Wisdom of Faith空無菩薩、the Bodhisattva
Voidness神通華菩薩、the Bodhisattva
Bloom of Supernatural Power光英菩薩、the Bodhisattva Hero of Light慧上菩薩、the Bodhisattva Superior wisdom智幢菩薩、the Bodhisattva
Banner of Wisdom寂根菩薩、the Bodhisattva
Tranquil Ability願慧菩薩、the Bodhisattva
Wisdom of Vows香象菩薩、the Bodhisattva
Sweet-smelling Elephant寶英菩薩、the Bodhisattva Hero of Treasures,中住菩薩、the Bodhisattva Dwelling-in-the-Center制行菩薩、the Bodhisattva Practice of Restraint解脫菩薩；and the Bodhisattva
Emancipation皆遵普賢大士之德，具諸菩薩無量行願，following the
virtues of the Mahasattva Samantabhadra安住一切功德之法，Each of these, is endowed with the immeasurable
practices and vows of the Bodhisattva Path, and firmly dwells in all the
meritorious deeds遊步十方，He freely travels in all the
ten quarters行權方便，and employs
skillful means of emancipation入佛法藏究竟彼岸，He enters the treasury of the Dharma of the Buddhas, and reaches the
Other Shore於無量世界現成等覺。Throughout the
innumerable worlds he attains Enlightenment
處兜率天，Dwelling in the Tusita Heaven弘宣正法，he proclaims the true Dharma捨彼天宮，Having left the
heavenly palace降神母胎，he descends into
his mother's womb從右脅生，Soon after he is born from her right side現行七步，he takes seven
steps光明顯耀，普照十方，As he does so, an
effulgence illuminates everywhere in the ten quarters無量佛土，and innumerable
Buddha-lands六種振動，shake in six ways舉聲自稱：Then he utters
these words「吾當於世，為無上尊，I will become the
most honored one in the world釋梵奉侍，Shakra and Brahma reverently attend him,天人歸仰！」and heavenly beings adore and worship
him示現算計文藝射御，He shows his
ability in calculation,
writing, archery and horsemanship博綜道術，He is also conversant with the divine arts貫練群籍，and well-read in
many volumes 遊於後園， In the field
outside the palace講武試藝。he trains himself in the martial arts現處宮中，and at court色味之間。shows that he also enjoys the pleasures of the
senses見老病死，When he first
encounters old age, sickness and death悟世非常。he realizes the impermanence of the world棄國財位，He renounces his
kingdom, wealth and throne入山學道。and goes into the
mountains to practice the Way服乘白馬，After sending back the white horse that he has been riding寶冠瓔珞，together with the
jewelled crown and ornaments遣之令還。which he has been wearing捨珍妙衣，he takes off his magnificent clothes而著法服。and puts on a
Dharma robe剃除鬚髮，He cuts his hair
and shaves his beard端坐樹下，sits upright under a tree勤苦六年，and strives at ascetic practices for six years行如所應。in accord with the
traditional way現五濁剎，Since he has
appeared in the world of the five defilements隨順群生。he behaves as the multitude示有塵垢，And as his body
appears dirty沐浴金流。he takes a bath in
the Golden River天按樹枝，As a god bends a
branch down towards him得攀出池，he is able to climb up the river bank靈禽翼從，A divine bird follows him closely往諧道場，to the seat of
Enlightenment吉祥感徵，A deva takes the
form of a youth表章功祚。and perceiving a
favorable sign哀受施草，respectfully
presents him with the auspicious grass敷佛樹下，The Bodhisattva compassionately accepts it, spreads
it under the Bodhi-tree跏趺而坐。and sits upon it with his legs crossed奮大光明，He emits a great flood of light使魔知之，to inform Mara of this魔率官屬，Mara and his army而來逼試，come to attack and
tempt him制以智力，but he brings them
under control with the power of wisdom皆令降伏。and makes them all surrender得微妙法，Then he attains the
supreme Dharma成最正覺。and realizes the
highest, perfect Enlightenment釋梵祈勸，As Shakra and Brahma request him請轉法輪，to turn the Wheel of the Dharma以佛遊步，The Buddha visits various places佛吼而吼。and preaches the
Dharma in his thunderous voice扣法鼓，He beats the Dharma-drum吹法螺，blows the Dharma-conch執法劍，brandishes the Dharma-sword建法幢，hoists the Dharma-banner震法雷，rolls the
Dharma-thunder曜法電，Hurls the Dharma-lightning澍法雨，brings the
Dharma-rain演法施，and bestows the
Dharma-gift常以法音覺諸世間。At all times, he
awakens the world with the sound of the Dharma光明普照無量佛土，His light illuminates countless
Buddha-lands一切世界，causing the entire
world六種震動。to quake in six
ways總攝魘界，It encompasses
Mara's realm動魔宮殿，shaking his palace眾魔攝怖，莫不歸伏。so that he and his host become frightened and surrender摑裂邪網，The bodhisattva
tears asunder the net of evil消滅諸見，destroys wrong views散諸塵勞，removes afflictions壞諸欲塹。flushes the gutters of desire嚴護法城，protects the Dharma-castle開闡法門。opens the
Dharma-gate洗灌垢污，washes off the grime of the passions顯明清白，and reveals the
pure white Dharma光融佛法，He unifies everything in the Buddha Dharma宣流正化。and thus proclaims the right teaching
入國分衛，He enters the town to beg alms護諸豐膳。he accepts even
rich food to enable the donors貯功德，to accumulate merit示福田。and also to show that he is a field of virtue欲宣法，Wishing to expound
the Dharma現欣笑。he smiles以諸法藥，and so cures救療三苦，the three pains顯現道意，with various
Dharma-medicines無量功德。He teaches that the
aspiration for Enlightenment has immeasurable merit授菩薩記，and, by giving predictions to bodhisattvas成等正覺。He enables them to attain Buddhahood示現滅度，He demonstrates that he passes into Nirvana拯濟無極。but endlessly
brings sentient beings to emancipation消除諸漏，In removing their defilements植眾德本。planting various
roots of virtue具足功德，and attaining
excellent merit微妙難量；he displays
wonderful and inconceivable works遊諸佛國，Furthermore, each of the bodhisattvas in the
assembly is able to visit various Buddha-lands普現道教。and expound teachings of the Way其所修行，His manner of
practice清淨無穢。is pure and
undefiled譬如幻師，Just as a magician現眾異像。with his perfect
skill can create at will
various illusions為男為女，including images of man or woman無所不變。at will本學明了，Having thoroughly learned all the methods of emancipation, and attained serene awareness of reality在意所為。此諸菩薩，亦復如是。學一切法，so the bodhisattva貫綜縷練，所住安諦，can freely teach and transform beings靡不感化。無數佛土，皆悉普現。He manifests himself everywhere in innumerable Buddha-lands,未曾慢恣，愍傷眾生。performing acts of compassion for sentient beings, tirelessly and with diligence如是之法，一切具足。He has thus obtained complete mastery of such methods of emancipation
various illusions為男為女，including images of man or woman無所不變。at will本學明了，Having thoroughly learned all the methods of emancipation, and attained serene awareness of reality在意所為。此諸菩薩，亦復如是。學一切法，so the bodhisattva貫綜縷練，所住安諦，can freely teach and transform beings靡不感化。無數佛土，皆悉普現。He manifests himself everywhere in innumerable Buddha-lands,未曾慢恣，愍傷眾生。performing acts of compassion for sentient beings, tirelessly and with diligence如是之法，一切具足。He has thus obtained complete mastery of such methods of emancipation
菩薩經典，究暢要妙，He is thoroughly conversant with the
essentials of the sutras for bodhisattvas 名稱普至， and, as his fame spreads everywhere道御十方。he guides sentient
beings throughout the ten quarters無量諸佛，All Buddhas remember him咸共護念。and give him their
protection佛所住者，皆已得住。He has already
dwelt in all the Buddha's abodes大聖所立，而皆己立。and performed all the deeds of the Great Sage如來道化，各能宣布。He proclaims the
Tathagata's teachings為諸菩薩，而作大師。acts as a great master for other bodhisattvas以甚深禪慧，and, with profound
samadhi and wisdom開導眾生。guides multitudes of beings通諸法性，With penetrating insight into the essential nature of dharmas達眾生相。he discerns
different aspects of living beings明了諸國，and closely watches over all the worlds供養諸佛。In making offerings
to the Buddhas化現其身，he manifests
transformed bodies猶如電光，like flashes of lightning善學無畏之網，Having well learned the extensive wisdom of
fearless曉了幻化之法。and having realized
the illusory nature of dharmas壞裂魔網，he destroys Mara's nets解諸纏縛。and unties all the bonds of passion超越聲聞、He rises above the stages of shravakas緣覺之地，and pratyekabuddhas得空無相無願三昧。and attains the
samadhis of emptiness, non-form, and non-desire善立方便，He skillfully provides expedient means顯示三乘。and thus reveals
three distinct teachings於此化終，而現滅度。Then for those of the middle and lower stages, he demonstrates his
passing into Nirvana亦無所作，But, in reality, he is
non-active亦無所有。and non-acquisitive不起不滅，and, being aware
that dharmas in themselves neither arise nor perish得平等法。he realizes that
they are of absolute equality具足成就無量總持百千三昧。He has attained innumerable dharanis, a hundred thousand samadhis
諸根智慧，and various kinds of spiritual faculties and wisdom廣普寂定。With the Meditation
of Vast and Universal Tranquillity深入菩薩法藏，he enters deeply into the Dharma-treasury for
bodhisattvas得佛華嚴三昧，After attaining the
Buddha-garland Samadhi宣揚演說一切經典。he proclaims and expounds all the sutras住深定門，While dwelling deep in meditation悉睹現在無量諸佛，he visualizes all
the innumerable Buddhas一念之頃，無不周遍。and in an instant visits every one of them濟諸劇難，By elucidating and teaching the ultimate truth to
sentient beings, he delivers them from the state of extreme pains諸閑不閑， from the
conditions in which suffering is so great as to prevent people from finding
time for Buddhist practices, 分別顯示真實之際，and also from the conditions in which suffering is not so great as to
prevent them from doing so得諸如來辯才之智。Having attained the Tathagata's thorough knowledge and eloquence入眾言音，he has fluent
command of languages開化一切。with which he enlightens all beings超過世間諸所有法，He is above all worldly affairs心常諦住度世之道。and his mind, always serene, dwells on the path of emancipation於一切萬物，隨意自在。this gives him complete control over
all dharmas為諸庶類，作不請之友。Without being asked
to do so, he becomes a good friend to each of the multitude of beings荷負群生，為之重擔。and carries their
heavy karmic burdens on his back受持如來甚深法藏，He upholds the Tathagata's profound Dharma-treasury護佛種性，and protects the
seeds of Buddhahood常使不絕。so that they may continue to multiply興大悲，Having awakened great compassion愍眾生。for sentient beings演慈辯，he kindly expounds
the teaching授法眼。and endows them
with the Dharma-eye杜三趣，He blocks the paths to the three evil realms開善門。opens the gate of
virtue以不請之法，and, without
waiting for their request, provides beings with the Dharma施諸黎庶。He does this for
the multitude of beings如純孝之子，just as a dutiful son愛敬父母。loves and respects his parents於諸眾生，He indeed looks upon sentient beings視若自己，as his own self一切善本，With such roots of
virtue皆度彼岸。all the
bodhisattvas in the assembly had reached the shore of emancipation悉獲諸佛無量功德。They had acquired
the Buddha's immeasurable merit智慧聖明，不可思議。and attained the sacred, pure and inconceivable wisdom如是之等菩薩大士，Innumerable bodhisattvas, mahasattvas不可稱計，一時來會。 such as these
assembled there all at once
爾時世尊，諸根悅豫，At that time all the senses of the
World-Honored One radiated joy姿色清淨，his entire body appeared serene光顏巍巍。and glorious, and his august countenance
looked most majestic尊者阿難，承佛聖旨，即從座起，Having perceived the Buddha's holy intention, the Venerable Ananda rose from his seat偏袒右肩，bared his right shoulder長跪合掌，prostrated himself, and joining his palms in reverence而白佛言：said to the Buddha「今日世尊，World-Honored One, today諸根悅豫，all your senses are radiant with joy姿色清淨，your body is serene and glorious光顏巍巍。and your august countenance is as majestic如明鏡淨，as a clear mirror影暢表裡。whose brightness radiates outward and inward威容顯耀，The magnificence of your dignified appearance超絕無量。is unsurpassed and beyond measure未曾瞻睹殊妙如今！I have never seen you look so superb and majestic as today唯然大聖，With respect, Great Sage我心念言：this thought has occurred to me『今日世尊住奇特之法；Today, the World-Honored One dwells in the rare and marvelous Dharma今日世雄住諸佛所住；today, the World-Hero dwells in the Buddha's abode今日世眼住導師之行；today, the World-Eye concentrates on the performance of the leader's duty今日世英住最勝之道；today, the World-Valiant One dwells in the supreme Bodhi今日天尊行如來之德；today, the One Most Honored in Heaven realizes the Tathagata's virtue去來現在，The Buddhas of the past, present and future佛佛相念，contemplate each other得無今佛念諸佛耶？How can this present Buddha not contemplate all other Buddhas何故威神光光乃爾？』」For what reason does his countenance look so majestic and brilliant於是世尊告阿難曰：Then the World-Honored One said to Ananda「云何，Tell me阿難！Ananda諸天教汝來問佛耶？whether some god urged you to put this question to the Buddha自以慧見問威顏乎？」or whether you asked about his glorious countenance from your own wise observation阿難白佛：Ananda replied to the Buddha「無有諸天來教我者，No god came to prompt me自以所見問斯義耳。」I asked you about this matter of my own accord
looked most majestic尊者阿難，承佛聖旨，即從座起，Having perceived the Buddha's holy intention, the Venerable Ananda rose from his seat偏袒右肩，bared his right shoulder長跪合掌，prostrated himself, and joining his palms in reverence而白佛言：said to the Buddha「今日世尊，World-Honored One, today諸根悅豫，all your senses are radiant with joy姿色清淨，your body is serene and glorious光顏巍巍。and your august countenance is as majestic如明鏡淨，as a clear mirror影暢表裡。whose brightness radiates outward and inward威容顯耀，The magnificence of your dignified appearance超絕無量。is unsurpassed and beyond measure未曾瞻睹殊妙如今！I have never seen you look so superb and majestic as today唯然大聖，With respect, Great Sage我心念言：this thought has occurred to me『今日世尊住奇特之法；Today, the World-Honored One dwells in the rare and marvelous Dharma今日世雄住諸佛所住；today, the World-Hero dwells in the Buddha's abode今日世眼住導師之行；today, the World-Eye concentrates on the performance of the leader's duty今日世英住最勝之道；today, the World-Valiant One dwells in the supreme Bodhi今日天尊行如來之德；today, the One Most Honored in Heaven realizes the Tathagata's virtue去來現在，The Buddhas of the past, present and future佛佛相念，contemplate each other得無今佛念諸佛耶？How can this present Buddha not contemplate all other Buddhas何故威神光光乃爾？』」For what reason does his countenance look so majestic and brilliant於是世尊告阿難曰：Then the World-Honored One said to Ananda「云何，Tell me阿難！Ananda諸天教汝來問佛耶？whether some god urged you to put this question to the Buddha自以慧見問威顏乎？」or whether you asked about his glorious countenance from your own wise observation阿難白佛：Ananda replied to the Buddha「無有諸天來教我者，No god came to prompt me自以所見問斯義耳。」I asked you about this matter of my own accord
佛言：The Buddha said「善哉！Well said阿難！Ananda所問甚快，I am very pleased with your question發深智慧，You have shown
profound wisdom真妙辯才，and subtle insight
in asking me 愍念眾生，問斯慧義。this wise question
out of compassion for
sentient beings如來以無盡大悲，矜哀三界，As the Tathagata, I regard beings of the three worlds
with boundless great compassion.所以出興於世，The reason for my appearance in the world光闡道教。reveal teachings of
the Way欲拯濟群萌，and save multitudes
of beings惠以真實之利。is to by endowing
them with true benefits無量億劫，Even in countless millions of kalpas難值難見。it is difficult to come upon and meet a Tathagata猶靈瑞華，It is as difficult as seeing an udumbara
flower時時乃出。which blooms very
rarely今所問者，Your question多所饒益，is of great benefit開化一切諸天人民。and will enlighten
all heavenly and human beings阿難！Ananda當知如來正覺，you should realize
that the Tathagata's其智難量，perfectly enlightened wisdom is unfathomable多所導御。capable of leading
innumerable beings to emancipation慧見無礙，無能遏絕。and that his penetrating insight cannot be
obstructed以一餐之力，With just one meal能住壽命憶百千劫，he is able to live
for a hundred thousand kotis of kalpas無數無量， or an incalculable and immeasurable length of
time, or beyond復過於此，Even after that
lapse of time諸根悅豫，his senses will
still be radiant with joy不以毀損，and show no signs of deterioration姿色不變，his appearance will not change光顏無異。and his august
countenance will look just the
same所以者何？The reason for this如來定慧，is that the Tathagata's meditation and
wisdom究暢無極，are perfect and
boundless於一切法，而得自在。and that he has
attained unrestricted
power over all dharmas阿難諦聽！Ananda, listen carefully今為汝說！」I shall now expound the Dharma對曰：Ananda replied「唯然！Yes, I will願樂欲聞！」With joy in my heart, I wish to hear the Dharma
power over all dharmas阿難諦聽！Ananda, listen carefully今為汝說！」I shall now expound the Dharma對曰：Ananda replied「唯然！Yes, I will願樂欲聞！」With joy in my heart, I wish to hear the Dharma
佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「乃往過去久遠無量不可思議無央數劫，In the distant past
-- innumerable, incalculable and
inconceivable kalpas ago綻光如來，a Tathagata named Dipankara興出於世，appeared in the world教化度脫無量眾生，Having taught and freed innumerable
beings皆令得道，and led them all
along the path of Enlightenment乃取滅度。he passed into Nirvana次有如來，Next appeared a Tathagata名曰光遠，named Far-reaching Light次名月光，After him came
Moonlight 次名旃檀香，and then
Sandalwood-Incense 次名善山王，King of Beautiful Mountains 次名須彌天冠，Crown of Mount Sumeru 次名須彌等曜，Brilliant like Mount Sumeru次名月色，Color of the Moon次名正念，Right Recollection 次名離垢，Free of Defilement次名無著，Non-attachment次名龍天，Dragon-deva次名夜光，Nocturnal Light次名安明頂，Peaceful and Brilliant Peak,次名不動地，Immovable Ground次名琉璃妙華，Exquisite Beryl Flower次名琉璃金色，Golden Beryl Luster次名金藏，Gold-treasury次名炎光，Flaming Light次名炎根，Fiery Origin次名地種，Earth-shaking次名月像，Image of the Moon次名日音，Sound of the Sun次名解脫華，Flower of Freedom次名莊嚴光明，Glorious Light次名海覺神通，Miraculous Power of
the Ocean of Enlightenment次名水光，Water Light次名大香，Great Fragrance次名離塵垢，Free of Dust and Defilement次名捨厭意，Abandoning Enmity次名寶炎，Flame of Jewels次名妙頂，Beautiful Peak次名勇立，Heroic Stance次名功德持慧，Merit-possessing Wisdom次名蔽日月光，Outshining the Sun
and the Moon次名日月琉璃光，Beryl Light of the
Sun and the Moon次名無上琉璃光，Supreme Beryl Light次名最上首，Highest Peak次名菩提華，Flower of
Enlightenment次名月明，Brightness of the
Moon次名日光，Sunlight次名華色王，King of the Colors
of Flowers次名水月光，Moonlight on the
Water次名除癡冥，Dispelling the
Darkness of Ignorance次名度蓋行，Practice of Removing Hindrances次名淨信，Pure Faith次名善宿，Storage of Good次名威神，Majestic Glory次名法慧，Wisdom of the Dharma,次名鸞音，Call of the Phoenix次名師子音，Roar of the Lion次名龍音，Voice of the Dragon次名處世，and Dwelling-in-the-world如此諸佛，All these Buddhas皆悉已過。」have already passed
into Nirvana
爾時，次有佛，Then appeared a Buddha名世自在王，named
Lokeshvararaja如來、the Tathagata應供、Arhat等正覺、Perfectly Enlightened One明行足、Possessed of Wisdom
and Practice善逝、Perfected One世間解、Knower of the World無上士、Unsurpassed One調御丈夫、Tamer of Men天人師、Master of Gods and
Men佛世尊。Buddha and
World-Honored One時有國王，At that time there was a king聞佛說法，who, having heard the Buddha's exposition of
the Dharma心懷悅豫，rejoiced in his heart尋發無上正真道意，and awakened aspiration for the highest, perfect Enlightenment棄國捐王，He renounced his kingdom and the throne行作沙門，and became a monk號曰法藏，named Dharmakara高才勇哲，Having superior intelligence, courage and wisdom與世超異。he distinguished himself in the world詣世自在王如來所，He went to see the Tathagata Lokeshvararaja稽首佛足，knelt down at his feet右繞三匝，walked round him three times keeping him always on his right長跪合掌，prostrated himself on the ground, and putting his palms together in worship以頌讚曰： praised the Buddha with these verses
the Dharma心懷悅豫，rejoiced in his heart尋發無上正真道意，and awakened aspiration for the highest, perfect Enlightenment棄國捐王，He renounced his kingdom and the throne行作沙門，and became a monk號曰法藏，named Dharmakara高才勇哲，Having superior intelligence, courage and wisdom與世超異。he distinguished himself in the world詣世自在王如來所，He went to see the Tathagata Lokeshvararaja稽首佛足，knelt down at his feet右繞三匝，walked round him three times keeping him always on his right長跪合掌，prostrated himself on the ground, and putting his palms together in worship以頌讚曰： praised the Buddha with these verses
光顏巍巍，The shining face of the Buddha is glorious威神無極。Boundless is his
magnificence如是炎明，Radiant splendor
such as his 無與等者。Is beyond all
comparison
日月摩尼，The sun, the moon and the mani-jewel珠光焰耀，Though shining with
dazzling brightness皆悉隱蔽，Are completely dimmed and obscured猶如聚墨。As if they were a pile of ink-sticks
如來容顏，The countenance of the Tathagata超世無倫。Is beyond compare
in the whole world正覺大音，The great voice of the Enlightened One響流十方。Resounds throughout the ten regions
戒聞精進，His morality, learning, endeavor三昧智慧，Absorption in
meditation, wisdom威德無侶，And magnificent virtues have no equal殊勝希有。They are wonderful and unsurpassed
深諦善念，He meditates deeply and directly諸佛法海，On the oceanic
Dharma of all the Buddhas窮深盡奧，He knows its depth and breadth究其涯底。And penetrates to its farthest end
無明欲怒，Ignorance, greed and anger世尊永無。Are forever absent
in the World-Honored One人雄師子，He is the lion, the most valiant of all men神德無量。His glorious virtue
is unlimited
功勳廣大，His meritorious achievements are vast智慧深妙，His wisdom is deep
and sublime光明威相，His light, with
awe-inspiring glory震動大千。Shakes the universe of a thousand million worlds
願我作佛，I resolve to become a Buddha齊聖法王。Equal in attainment
to you, holy king of the Dharma過度生死，To save living beings from birth-and-death靡不解脫。And to lead them all to emancipation
布施調意，My discipline in giving, mind-control戒忍精進，Moral virtues,
forbearance and effort如是三昧，And also in meditation and wisdom智慧無上。Shall be supreme and unsurpassed
吾誓得佛，I vow that, when I have become a Buddha普行此願。I shall carry out
this promise everywhere一切恐懼，And to all fear-ridden beings為作大安。Shall I give great peace
假令有佛，Even though there are Buddhas百千億萬，A thousand million
kotis in number無量大聖，And multiudes of
great sages數如恆沙。Countless as the
sands of the Ganges
供養一切，I shall make offerings斯等諸佛，To all those
Buddhas.不如求道，I shall seek the
supreme Way堅正不卻。Resolutely and
tirelessly
譬如恆沙，Even though the Buddha-lands are as innumerable as the sands of the Ganges諸佛世界，And other regions
and worlds復不可計，無數剎土。Are also without
number
光明悉照，My light shall shine everywhere遍此諸國，Pervading all those
lands如是精進，Such being the
result of my efforts威神難量。My glorious power shall be immeasurable
令我作佛，When I have become a Buddha國土第一。My land shall be
most exquisite其眾奇妙，And its people
wonderful and unexcelled道場超絕。The seat of Enlightenment shall be supreme
國如泥洹，My land, being like Nirvana itself而無等雙。Shall be beyond
comparison我當愍衷，I take pity on
living beings度脫一切。And resolve to save
them all
十方來生，Those who come from the ten quarters心悅清淨，Shall find joy and
serenity of heart已至我國，When they reach my land快樂安隱。They shall dwell in peace and happiness
幸佛信明，I beg you, the Buddha, to become my witness是我真證。And to vouch for
the truth of my aspiration發願於彼，Having now made my vows to you力精所欲。I will strive to fulfilll them
十方世尊，The World-Honored Ones in the ten quarters智慧無礙，Have unimpeded
wisdom常令此尊，I call upon those
Honored Ones知我心行。To bear witness to
my intention
假使身止，Even though I must remain諸苦毒中，In a state of
extreme pain我行精進，I will diligently
practice忍終不悔。Enduring all
hardships with tireless vigor
佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「法藏比丘說此頌已，而白佛言：Having spoken these
verses, the Bhiksu Dharmakara said to the Buddha Lokeshvararaja『唯然，Respectfully世尊！World-Honored One我發無上正覺之心。I announce that I
have awakened aspiration for the
highest, perfect Enlightenment願佛為我廣宣經法，I beseech you to explain the Dharma to me
fully我當修行，so that I can perform practices攝取佛國清淨莊嚴無量妙土。for the establishment of a pure Buddha-land adorned with infinite excellent qualities令我於世，So please teach me how速成正覺，to attain Enlightenment quickly拔諸生死勤苦之本。』」and to remove the roots of afflictions of birth-and-death for all
highest, perfect Enlightenment願佛為我廣宣經法，I beseech you to explain the Dharma to me
fully我當修行，so that I can perform practices攝取佛國清淨莊嚴無量妙土。for the establishment of a pure Buddha-land adorned with infinite excellent qualities令我於世，So please teach me how速成正覺，to attain Enlightenment quickly拔諸生死勤苦之本。』」and to remove the roots of afflictions of birth-and-death for all
佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「時世自在王佛，At that time the
Buddha Lokeshvararaja謂法藏比丘：replied to the Bhiksu Dharmakara『如所修行，You yourself should know by what practice莊嚴佛土，汝自當知。』you can establish a glorious Buddha-land比丘白佛：The Bhiksu said to
the Buddha『斯義弘深，That is far too
vast and deep非我境界。for my
comprehension唯願世尊，I sincerely beseech
you, World-Honored One廣為敷演諸佛如來淨土之行，to explain in detail the practices by which Buddhas, Tathagatas, established
their pure lands我聞此己，After I hear that當如說修行，I wish to practice
as instructed成滿所願。』and so fulfill my
aspirations爾時，At that time世自在王佛，the Buddha
Lokeshvararaja知其高明，志願深廣，recognized the Bhiksu Dharmakara's noble and high
aspirations,即為法藏比丘而說經言：and taught him as
follows『譬如大海，'If, for example, one keeps on bailing water
out of a great ocean一人斗量，with a pint-measure經歷劫數，尚可窮底，one will be able to reach the bottom after many kalpas得其妙寶。and then obtain rare treasures人有至心精進，求道不止，Likewise, if one
sincerely, diligently and unceasingly seeks the Way會當剋果，one will be able to
reach one's destination何願不得？」What vow is there
which cannot be fulfilled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，Then the Buddha Lokeshvararaja
explained in detail the greater and lesser aspects of two hundred and ten kotis
of Buddha-lands, together with the
good and evil natures of heavenly and human beings living there應其心願，悉現與之。He revealed them all to the Bhiksu just
as he had requested時彼比丘，Then the Bhiksu聞佛所說嚴淨國土，having heard the Buddha's exposition of the glorious pure land皆悉睹見，and also having seen all of them起發無上殊勝之願。resolved upon his supreme, unsurpassed
vows其心寂靜，His mind being
serene志無所著。and his aspirations
free of attachment一切世間，無能及者。he was unexcelled throughout the world具足五劫，For five full kalpas思惟攝取莊嚴佛國清淨之行。』he contemplated the vows, and then
chose the pure practices for the establishment of his Buddha-land
阿難白佛：Ananda asked the Buddha「彼佛國土，壽量幾何？」How long was the
life-span of beings in the land of the Buddha Lokeshvararaja佛言：The Buddha replied「其佛壽命，The length of life
of that Buddha四十二劫。was forty-two
kalpas時法藏比丘，He continued,
"After that Dharmakara Bodhisattva攝取二百一十億諸佛妙土清淨之行。adopted the pure
practices which had led to the establishment of the excellent lands of two hundred and ten kotis of Buddhas如是修已，When he had finished this task詣彼佛所，he went to the Buddha稽首禮足，knelt down at his feet遶佛三匝，walked round him three times合掌而住，joined his palms in worship and sat down白佛言：He then said to the Buddha『世尊！我已攝取莊嚴佛土清淨之行。』I have adopted the pure practices for the establishment of a glorious Buddha-land佛告比丘：The Buddha said to him『汝今可說，You should proclaim this宜知是時，Know that now is the right time發起悅可一切大眾。Encourage and delight the entire assembly菩薩聞已，Hearing this, other bodhisattvas修行比法，will practice this Dharma緣致滿足無量大願。』and so fulfill their innumerable great vows比丘白佛：The Bhiksu replied『唯垂聽察！I beg you to grant me your attention如我所願，當具說之：Now I will fully proclaim my vows
practices which had led to the establishment of the excellent lands of two hundred and ten kotis of Buddhas如是修已，When he had finished this task詣彼佛所，he went to the Buddha稽首禮足，knelt down at his feet遶佛三匝，walked round him three times合掌而住，joined his palms in worship and sat down白佛言：He then said to the Buddha『世尊！我已攝取莊嚴佛土清淨之行。』I have adopted the pure practices for the establishment of a glorious Buddha-land佛告比丘：The Buddha said to him『汝今可說，You should proclaim this宜知是時，Know that now is the right time發起悅可一切大眾。Encourage and delight the entire assembly菩薩聞已，Hearing this, other bodhisattvas修行比法，will practice this Dharma緣致滿足無量大願。』and so fulfill their innumerable great vows比丘白佛：The Bhiksu replied『唯垂聽察！I beg you to grant me your attention如我所願，當具說之：Now I will fully proclaim my vows
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國有地獄、there should be in
my land a hell餓鬼、a realm of hungry
spirits畜生者，or a realm of animals不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect
Enlightenment.
Enlightenment.
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人壽終之後，humans and devas in
my land should after death復更三惡道者，fall again into the three evil realms不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land不悉真金色者，should not all be
the color of pure gold不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land形色不同有好醜者， should not all be
of one appearance, and should there be any difference in beauty不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land不識宿命，should not remember
all their previous lives下至知百千億那由他諸劫事者，not knowing even the events which occurred during
the previous hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of kalpas不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land不得天眼，should not possess
the divine eye下至見百千億那由他諸佛國者，of seeing even a
hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of Buddha-lands不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land不得天耳，should not possess
the divine ear下至聞百千億那由他諸佛所說，of hearing the teachings of at least a hundred thousand
kotis of nayutas of Buddhas不悉受持者， and should not remember all of them不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land不得見他心智，should not possess the faculty of knowing the
thoughts of others下至知百千億那由他諸佛國中眾生心念者， at least those of all sentient beings living in a hundred
thousand kotis of nayutas of Buddha-lands不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land不得神足，should not possess
the supernatural power of travelling anywhere於一念頃，in one instant下至不能超過百千億那由他諸佛國者，even beyond a hundred thousand kotis
of nayutas of Buddha-lands不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land若起想念貪計身者，should give rise to
thoughts of self-attachment不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land不住定聚，should not dwell in
the Definitely Assured State必至滅度者， and unfailingly reach Nirvana,不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood光明有限量，my light should be
limited下至不照百千億那由他諸佛國者，unable to illuminate at least a hundred
thousand kotis of nayutas of Buddha-lands不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood壽命有限量，my life-span should
be limited下至知百千億那由他劫者，even to the extent of a hundred thousand
kotis of nayutas of kalpas不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中聲聞，有能計量，the number of the
shravakas in my land could be known乃至三千大千世界眾生，悉成緣覺，於百千劫，悉共計校知其數者，even if all the
beings and pratyekabuddhas living in this universe of a thousand million worlds
should count them during a hundred
thousand kalpas不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land壽命無能限量，should have limited
life-spans除其本願，修短自在。except when they
wish to shorten them若不爾者，in accordance with their ogirinal vows不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land乃至聞有不善名者，should even hear of
any wrongdoing不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood十方世界無量諸佛，innumerable Buddhas
in the land of the ten quarters不悉咨嗟稱我名者，should not all
praise and glorify my Name不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood十方眾生，sentient beings in
the lands of the ten
quarters至心信樂，who sincerely and joyfully entrust themselves to me欲生我國，desire to be
born in my land乃至十念，and call my Name, even ten times若不生者，should not be born
there不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment唯除五逆，Excluded, however, are those
who commit the five gravest offences誹謗正法。and abuse the right Dharma
quarters至心信樂，who sincerely and joyfully entrust themselves to me欲生我國，desire to be
born in my land乃至十念，and call my Name, even ten times若不生者，should not be born
there不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment唯除五逆，Excluded, however, are those
who commit the five gravest offences誹謗正法。and abuse the right Dharma
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood十方眾生，sentient beings in
the lands of the ten
quarters發菩提心，who awaken aspiration for Enlightenment修諸功德，do various meritorious
deeds至心發願，and sincerely desire欲生我國，to be born in my land臨壽終時，假令不與大眾圍繞現其人前者，should not, at their death, see me appear before them surrounded by a multitude of sages不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
quarters發菩提心，who awaken aspiration for Enlightenment修諸功德，do various meritorious
deeds至心發願，and sincerely desire欲生我國，to be born in my land臨壽終時，假令不與大眾圍繞現其人前者，should not, at their death, see me appear before them surrounded by a multitude of sages不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood十方眾生，sentient beings in
the lands of the ten
quarters聞我名號，who, having heard my Name繫念我國，concentrate their thoughts on my
land植諸德本，plant roots of virtue至心迥向，and sincerely transfer their merits欲生我國，towards my land with a desire to be born there不果遂者，should not eventually fulfill their
aspiration不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
quarters聞我名號，who, having heard my Name繫念我國，concentrate their thoughts on my
land植諸德本，plant roots of virtue至心迥向，and sincerely transfer their merits欲生我國，towards my land with a desire to be born there不果遂者，should not eventually fulfill their
aspiration不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land不悉成滿三十二大人相者，should not all be
endowed with the thirty-two physical characteristics of a Great Man不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood他方佛土諸菩薩眾，bodhisattvas in the
Buddha-lands of other quarters來生我國，who visit my land究竟必至一生補處。should not ultimately and unfailingly reach the Stage of Becoming a
Buddha after One More Life除其本願，自在所化。為眾生故，Excepted are those who wish to teach and guide sentient beings in accordance with
their original vows被弘誓鎧，For they wear the armour of great vows積累德本，accumulate merits度脫一切，deliver all beings from birth-and-death遊諸佛國，visit Buddha-lands修菩薩行，to perform the
bodhisattva practices供養十方諸佛如來。make offerings to Buddhas, Tathagatas, throughout the ten quarters開化恆沙無量眾生，enlighten
uncountable sentient beings as numerous as the sands of the River Ganges使立無上正真之道，and establish them
in the highest, perfect Enlightenment超出常倫，Such bodhisattvas transcend the course of practice
of the ordinary bodhisattvas諸地之行， manifest the practices of all the bodhisattva stages現前修習普賢之德。and cultivate the virtues
of Samantabhadra若不爾者，不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中菩薩，bodhisattvas in my
land承佛神力，供養諸佛，in order to make
offerings to Buddhas through my transcendent power一食之頃，不能遍至無量，無數億那由他諸佛國者，should not be able
to reach immeasurable and innumerable kotis of nayutas of Buddha-lands in as
short a time as it takes to eat a meal不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中菩薩，bodhisattvas in my
land在諸佛前，現其德本，諸所求欲供養之具，若不如意者，should not be able,
as they wish, to perform meritorious acts of worshipping the Buddhaswith the
offerings of their choice
不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中菩薩，bodhisattvas in my
land不能演說一切智者，should not be able
to expound the Dharma with the all-knowing wisdom不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中菩薩，there should be any
bodhisattva in my
land不得金剛那羅延身者， not endowed with the body of the Vajra-god Narayana不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
land不得金剛那羅延身者， not endowed with the body of the Vajra-god Narayana不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land一切萬物，all the myriads of
manifestations 嚴淨光麗，glorious and
resplendent形色殊特，窮微極妙，and have exquisite
details beyond description無能稱量。Innumerable 其諸眾生，sentient beings乃至逮得天眼，should be able,
even with the divine eye有能明了，辯其名數者，to distinguish by name alculate by number 不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中菩薩，bodhisattvas in my
land乃至少功德者，even those with
little store of merit不能知見其道場樹無量光色，should not be able to see the Bodhi-tree which has countless colors高四百萬里者， and is four
million li (kilometer)
in height不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中菩薩，bodhisattvas in my
land若受讀經法，諷誦持說，而不得辯才智慧者，should not acquire
eloquence and wisdom in upholding sutras and reciting and expounding them不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中菩薩，bodhisattvas in my
land智慧辯才若可限量者，the wisdom and
eloquence has limitation不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國土清淨，my land should not
be resplendent皆悉照見十方一切無量無數不可思議諸佛世界，revealing in its
light all the immeasurable, innumerable and inconceivable Buddha-lands猶如明鏡，睹其面像。like images
reflected in a clear mirror若不爾者，不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood自地以上，至於虛空，in my land, from
the ground to the sky, all the myriads of manifestations宮殿樓觀，such as palaces, pavilions池流華樹，ponds, streams, flowers and trees國土所有一切萬物，皆以無量雜寶百千種香而共合成。嚴飾奇妙，should not be
composed of both countless treasures, which surpass in supreme excellence
anything in the worlds超諸天人。of humans and devas其香普薰十方世界。and of a hundred thousand kinds of aromatic wood, whose fragrance
pervades all the worlds of the ten quarters菩薩聞者，causing all bodhisattvas皆修佛行。who sense it to
perform Buddhist practices若不爾者，不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood十方無量不可思議諸佛世界眾生之類，sentient beings in
the immeasurable and inconceivable
Buddha-lands of the ten quarters蒙我光明觸其身者，who have been touched by my light身心柔軟，should not feel tenderness, peace and happiness in their bodies
and minds超過天人。surpassing those of
humans and devas若不爾者，不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood十方無量不可思議諸佛世界眾生之類，sentient beings in
the immeasurable and inconceivable Buddha-lands of the ten quarters聞我名字，who have heard my
Name不得菩薩無生法忍諸深總持者，should not gain the
bodhisattva's insight into the non-arising of all dharmas and should not acquire various profound
dharanis不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood十方無量不可思議諸佛世界，其有女人，women in the
immeasurable and inconceivable Buddha-lands of the ten quarters who聞我名字，having heard my
Name歡喜信樂，rejoice in faith發菩提心，awaken aspiration
for Enlightenment厭惡女身，and wish to renounce womanhood壽終之後，should after death復為女像者，be reborn again as
women不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood十方無量不可思議諸佛世界諸菩薩眾，bodhisattvas in the
immeasurable and inconceivable Buddha-lands of the ten quarters聞我名字，who have heard my
Name壽終之後，should not, after
the end of their lives常修梵行，always perform sacred practices至成佛道。until they reach Buddhahood若不爾者，不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood十方無量不可思議諸佛世界諸天人民，humans and devas in
the immeasurable and inconceivable Buddha-lands of the ten quarters聞我名字，who having heard my Name五體投地，prostrate themselves on the ground to revere稽首作禮，and worship me歡喜信樂，rejoice in faith修菩薩行，and perform
bodhisattva practices諸天世人，莫不致敬。should not be respected by all devas and people of the world若不爾者，不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land欲得衣服，should not obtain
clothing隨念即至，as soon as such a
desire arises in their minds如佛所讚應法妙服，and if the fine robes as prescribed and praised by the Buddhas自然在身。should not be
spontaneously provided for them to wear若有裁縫擣染浣濯者，and if these clothes should need sewing, bleaching,
dyeing or washing不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中天人，humans and devas in
my land所受快樂，should not enjoy
happiness and pleasure不如漏盡比丘者，comparable to that of a monk who has
exhausted all the passions不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
exhausted all the passions不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中菩薩，the bodhisattvas in
my land隨意欲見十方無量嚴淨佛土，who wish to see the immeasurable glorious
Buddha-lands of the ten quarters應時如願，於寶樹中，皆悉照見，should not be able to view all of them reflected
in the jewelled trees猶如明鏡，睹其面像。just as one sees one's face reflected in a clear mirror若不爾者，不取正覺。
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood他方國土諸菩薩眾，bodhisattvas in the
lands of the other quarters聞我名字，who hear my Name至於得佛，should, at any time before becoming Buddhas諸根缺陋不具足者，have impaired,
inferior or incomplete sense organs不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood他方國土諸菩薩眾，bodhisattvas in the
lands of the other quarters聞我名字，who hear my Name皆悉逮得清淨解脫三昧，should not all attain the samadhi called 'pure emancipation' and住是三昧，一發意頃，while dwelling
therein供養無量不可思議諸佛世尊， should not be able
to make offerings in one instant to immeasurable and inconceivable Buddhas,
World-Honored Ones 而不失定意。without losing concentration若不爾者，不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood他方國土諸菩薩眾，bodhisattvas in the
lands of the other quarters聞我名字，who hear my Name壽終之後，生尊貴家。should not be reborn into noble families after their death若不爾者，不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood他方國土諸菩薩眾，bodhisattvas in the
lands of the other quarters聞我名字，who hear my Name歡喜踴躍，should not rejoice so greatly as to dance修菩薩行，and perform the bodhisattva practices具足德本。and should not
acquire stores of merit若不爾者，不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood他方國土諸菩薩眾，bodhisattvas in the
lands of the other quarters聞我名字，who hear my Name皆悉逮得普等三昧。should not all attain the samadhi called 'universal equality' and住是三昧，while dwelling
therein至於成佛，常見無量不可思議一切諸佛。should not always
be able to see all the immeasurable and inconceivable Tathagatas until those
bodhisattvas, too, become Buddhas若不爾者，不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood國中菩薩，bodhisattvas in my
land隨其志願所欲聞法，自然得聞。should not be able
to hear spontaneously whatever teachings they may wish若不爾者，不取正覺。may I not attain
perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood他方國土諸菩薩眾，bodhisattvas in the lands of the other
quarters聞我名宇，who hear my Name不即得至不退轉者，should not
instantly reach the Stage of Non-retrogression不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
設我得佛，If, when I attain Buddhahood他方國土諸菩薩眾，bodhisattvas in the
lands of the other quarters聞我名字，who hear my Name不即得至第一忍，should not instantly gain the first第二第三法忍，second and third insights into the nature of dharmas於諸佛法不能即得不退轉者，and firmly abide in
the truths realized by all the Buddhas不取正覺。may I not attain perfect Enlightenment
佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「爾時，法藏比丘說此願已，The Bhiksu
Dharmakara, having thus proclaimed those vows,以偈頌曰：spoke the following verses
我建超世願，I have made vows, unrivaled in all
the world必至無上道，I will certainly
reach the unsurpassed Way斯願不滿足，If these vows should not be fulfilled誓不成等覺。May I not attain perfect
Enlightenment我於無量劫，為大施主，If I should not
become a great benefactor In lives to come for immeasurable kalpas不普濟諸貧苦，To save the poor
and the afflicted everywhere誓不成等覺。May I not attain perfect Enlightenment我至成佛道，When I attain Buddhahood名聲超十方，My Name shall be
heard throughout the ten quarters究竟有不聞，Should there be any place where it is not heard誓不成等覺。May I not attain
perfect Enlightenment離欲深正念，Free of greed and with deep, perfect mindfulness淨慧修梵行，And pure wisdom, I
will perform the sacred practices志求無上尊，I will seek to attain the unsurpassed Way為諸天人師。And become the
teacher of devas and humans神力演大光，With my divine power I will display great light普照無際土，Illuminating the
worlds without limit消除三垢冥，And dispel the darkness of the three defilements明濟眾厄難。Thus I will deliver
all beings from misery開彼智慧眼，Having obtained the eye of wisdom滅此昏盲闇，I will remove the darkness of ignorance閉塞諸惡道，I will block all
the evil paths通達善趣門。And open the gate
to the good realms功祚成滿足，When merits and virtues are perfected威曜朗十方，My majestic light shall radiate in
the ten quarters日月戢重暉，Outshining the sun
and the moon天光隱不現。And surpassing the
brilliance of the heavens 為眾開法藏，I will open the Dharma-store for the multitudes廣施功德寶，And endow them all
with treasures of merit常於大眾中，Being always among the multitudes說法師子吼。I will proclaim the Dharma with the lion's roar供養一切佛，I will make
offerings to all the Buddhas具足眾德本，Thereby acquiring roots of virtue願慧悉成滿，When my vows are fulfilled and my wisdom perfected得為三界雄。I shall be the
sovereign of the three worlds如佛無量智，Like Buddha’s unhindered wisdom通達靡不照，Mine shall reach
everywhere, illuminating all願我功德力，May my supreme wisdom等此最勝尊，Be like yours, Most
Excellent Honored One斯願若剋果，If these vows are to be fulfilled大千應感動，Let this universe of a thousand million worlds
shake in response虛空諸天神，And let all the devas in heaven當雨珍妙華。Rain down rare and marvelous flowers
佛謂阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「法藏比丘說此頌已，As soon as the
Bhiksu Dharmakara spoke those verses應時普地六種震動，the entire earth shook in six ways天雨妙華，and a rain of
wonderful flowers fell from
heaven以散其上。scattering
everywhere自然音樂，Spontaneous music
was heard空中讚言：and a voice in the
sky said『決定必成無上正覺！』Surely you will
attain the highest, perfect Enlightenment於是法藏比丘具足修滿如是大願，Then the Bhiksu Dharmakara kept all
those great vows which were sincere誠諦不虛，超出世間，unfailing and unsurpassed in the whole world深樂寂滅。and intensely
aspired to attain
Nirvana阿難！Then, Ananda法藏比丘於其佛所，after proclaiming and establishing those universal vows in the presence of the Buddha Lokeshvararaja諸天、魔、before the multitude of beings梵龍神八部大眾之中，發斯弘誓，建此願已，including the eight kinds of superhuman beings, such as devas and dragon-spirits, and also Mara and Brahma一向專志莊嚴妙土。the Bhiksu Dharmakara was solely intent on producing a glorious and exquisite land所修佛國，The Buddha-land開廓廣大，which he sought to establish was vast in extent超勝獨妙，unsurpassed and supremely wonderful建立常然，always present無衰無變。and subject neither to decay nor change於不可思議兆載永劫，During inconceivable and innumerable kalpas積植菩薩無量德行，he cultivated the immeasurable meritorious practices of the Bodhisattva Path不生欲覺、He did not harbor any thought of greed瞋覺、hatred害覺，or cruelty不起欲想、nor did he allow
any ideas of greed瞋想、hatred害想，or cruelty to arise不著色聲香味觸法，He was unattached to any form, sound, smell, taste, touch or idea忍力成就，Possessed of the power to persevere不計眾苦。he did not avoid undergoing various afflictions少欲知足，Having little desire for his own sake, he knew contentment無染恚癡， Without any impure thought, enmity or stupidity三昧常寂，he dwelt continually in tranquil samadhi智慧無礙，His wisdom was unobstructed無者虛偽諂曲之心，and his mind free of falsehood and deceitfulness和顏愛語先意承問。With an expression of tenderness in his face and with kindness in his speech勇猛精進，he spoke to others in consonance with their inner thoughts志願無倦。Courageous and diligent,
strong-willed and untiring專求清白之法，he devoted himself solely to the pursuit of the pure Dharma以惠利群生。thereby benefiting a multitude of beings恭敬三寶，He revered the Three
Treasures奉事師長。respected his teachers and elders以大莊嚴具足眾行，and thus adorned his practices with a great store of merits令諸眾生功德成就。By so doing, he enabled sentient beings to partake of it.
Nirvana阿難！Then, Ananda法藏比丘於其佛所，after proclaiming and establishing those universal vows in the presence of the Buddha Lokeshvararaja諸天、魔、before the multitude of beings梵龍神八部大眾之中，發斯弘誓，建此願已，including the eight kinds of superhuman beings, such as devas and dragon-spirits, and also Mara and Brahma一向專志莊嚴妙土。the Bhiksu Dharmakara was solely intent on producing a glorious and exquisite land所修佛國，The Buddha-land開廓廣大，which he sought to establish was vast in extent超勝獨妙，unsurpassed and supremely wonderful建立常然，always present無衰無變。and subject neither to decay nor change於不可思議兆載永劫，During inconceivable and innumerable kalpas積植菩薩無量德行，he cultivated the immeasurable meritorious practices of the Bodhisattva Path不生欲覺、He did not harbor any thought of greed瞋覺、hatred害覺，or cruelty不起欲想、nor did he allow
any ideas of greed瞋想、hatred害想，or cruelty to arise不著色聲香味觸法，He was unattached to any form, sound, smell, taste, touch or idea忍力成就，Possessed of the power to persevere不計眾苦。he did not avoid undergoing various afflictions少欲知足，Having little desire for his own sake, he knew contentment無染恚癡， Without any impure thought, enmity or stupidity三昧常寂，he dwelt continually in tranquil samadhi智慧無礙，His wisdom was unobstructed無者虛偽諂曲之心，and his mind free of falsehood and deceitfulness和顏愛語先意承問。With an expression of tenderness in his face and with kindness in his speech勇猛精進，he spoke to others in consonance with their inner thoughts志願無倦。Courageous and diligent,
strong-willed and untiring專求清白之法，he devoted himself solely to the pursuit of the pure Dharma以惠利群生。thereby benefiting a multitude of beings恭敬三寶，He revered the Three
Treasures奉事師長。respected his teachers and elders以大莊嚴具足眾行，and thus adorned his practices with a great store of merits令諸眾生功德成就。By so doing, he enabled sentient beings to partake of it.
「住空無相無願之法，He dwelt in the realization that all
dharmas are empty, devoid of distinctive
features and not to be sought after無作無起，and that they neither act nor arise觀法如化。He thus realized that all dharmas are like magical creations遠離麤言，He avoided all wrong speech自害害彼，that would bring harm upon himself or others彼此俱害。or both修習善語，he
engaged in right speech自利利人，that would bring benefit to himself or others人我兼利。or both棄國捐王，He abandoned his kingdom and renounced the throne絕去財色，leaving behind wealth and sensuous pleasures自行六波羅密，Practicing the Six Paramitas himself教人令行。he taught others to do the same無央數劫，During innumerable kalpas積功累德。he accumulated merits and amassed virtues隨其生處，Wherever he was born在意所欲，無量寶藏自然發應。an immeasurable stock of treasure spontaneously appeared as he wished教化安立無數眾生，He taught countless sentient beings住於無上正真之道。and guided them on the path of the highest, true Enlightenment或為長者居士豪姓尊貴，He was reborn as a rich man, a lay devotee, a member of the highest caste or of a noble family或為剎利國君轉輪聖帝，a ksatriya king, a wheel-turning monarch或為六欲天主乃至梵王。a king of one of the six heavens in the world of desire, or even higher, as a Brahma-king常以四事供養恭敬一切諸佛，He revered and worshipped all Buddhas by making the four kinds of offering to them如是功德不可稱說。The merit he thus acquired was indescribably great口氣香潔如優缽羅華，Fragrance issued from his mouth as from a blue lotus-flower身諸毛孔出旃檀香，and every pore of his body emitted the scent of sandalwood其香普熏無量世界。which permeated innumerable worlds容色端正，His appearance was majestic相好殊妙；and his physical characteristics and marks were truly wonderful其手常出無盡之寶，From his hands, inexhaustible treasures衣服飲食、clothes, food and drink珍妙華香、rare and exquisite flowers and incense繒蓋幢幡莊嚴之具，silken canopies, banners, and other ornaments were produced如是等事，In such manifestations超諸人天，he was unrivaled among all heavenly and human beings於一切法，而得自在。」He thus attained the command of all dharmas
features and not to be sought after無作無起，and that they neither act nor arise觀法如化。He thus realized that all dharmas are like magical creations遠離麤言，He avoided all wrong speech自害害彼，that would bring harm upon himself or others彼此俱害。or both修習善語，he
engaged in right speech自利利人，that would bring benefit to himself or others人我兼利。or both棄國捐王，He abandoned his kingdom and renounced the throne絕去財色，leaving behind wealth and sensuous pleasures自行六波羅密，Practicing the Six Paramitas himself教人令行。he taught others to do the same無央數劫，During innumerable kalpas積功累德。he accumulated merits and amassed virtues隨其生處，Wherever he was born在意所欲，無量寶藏自然發應。an immeasurable stock of treasure spontaneously appeared as he wished教化安立無數眾生，He taught countless sentient beings住於無上正真之道。and guided them on the path of the highest, true Enlightenment或為長者居士豪姓尊貴，He was reborn as a rich man, a lay devotee, a member of the highest caste or of a noble family或為剎利國君轉輪聖帝，a ksatriya king, a wheel-turning monarch或為六欲天主乃至梵王。a king of one of the six heavens in the world of desire, or even higher, as a Brahma-king常以四事供養恭敬一切諸佛，He revered and worshipped all Buddhas by making the four kinds of offering to them如是功德不可稱說。The merit he thus acquired was indescribably great口氣香潔如優缽羅華，Fragrance issued from his mouth as from a blue lotus-flower身諸毛孔出旃檀香，and every pore of his body emitted the scent of sandalwood其香普熏無量世界。which permeated innumerable worlds容色端正，His appearance was majestic相好殊妙；and his physical characteristics and marks were truly wonderful其手常出無盡之寶，From his hands, inexhaustible treasures衣服飲食、clothes, food and drink珍妙華香、rare and exquisite flowers and incense繒蓋幢幡莊嚴之具，silken canopies, banners, and other ornaments were produced如是等事，In such manifestations超諸人天，he was unrivaled among all heavenly and human beings於一切法，而得自在。」He thus attained the command of all dharmas
阿難白佛：Ananda asked the Buddha「法藏菩薩為已成佛而取滅度？Has the Bodhisattva
Dharmakara already attained Buddhahood and then passed into Nirvana為未成佛？Or has he not yet
attained Buddhahood為今現在？」Or is he dwelling somewhere at present佛告阿難：The Buddha replied to Ananda「法藏菩薩今已成佛，The Bodhisattva
Dharmakara has already
attained Buddhahood現在西方，and is now dwelling in a western Buddha-land去此十萬億剎，其佛世界名曰安樂。」called 'Peace and Bliss,' a hundred thousand kotis of lands away from here阿難又問：Ananda further asked the Buddha「其佛成道已來為經幾時？」How much time has passed since he attained Buddhahood
attained Buddhahood現在西方，and is now dwelling in a western Buddha-land去此十萬億剎，其佛世界名曰安樂。」called 'Peace and Bliss,' a hundred thousand kotis of lands away from here阿難又問：Ananda further asked the Buddha「其佛成道已來為經幾時？」How much time has passed since he attained Buddhahood
佛言：The Buddha replied「成佛已來，Since he attained Buddhahood凡歷十劫，about ten kalpas
have passed其佛國土，He continued,
"In that Buddha-land自然七寶，the earth is composed of seven jewels金、namely, gold銀、silver琉璃、beryl珊瑚、coral琥珀、amber硨磲、agate瑪瑙合成為地，and ruby, which have spontaneously
appeared恢廓曠蕩，The land itself is
so vast不可限極，spreading
boundlessly悉相雜廁，to the farthest extent轉相間人。that it is
impossible to know its limit光赫煜爍，All the rays of light from those jewels微妙奇麗，intermingle and create manifold reflections,
producing a dazzling illumination清淨莊嚴，Those pure, superb and exquisite adornments超踰十方一切世界眾寶中精，are unsurpassed in all the worlds of the
ten quarters其寶猶如第六天寶。They are the finest
of all gems, and are like those of the Sixth Heaven又其國土，In that land無須彌山，there are no
mountains, such as Mount Sumeru及金剛圍一切諸山，and the Encircling Adamantine Mountains亦無大海、Likewise, there are neither oceans小海、nor seas溪渠、valleys井谷，nor gorges佛神力故，But one can see those manifestations by the
Buddha's power欲見則見。if one so wishes亦無地獄、In that land there
is no hell餓鬼、neither are there realms of hungry
spirits畜生諸難之趣。and animals nor
other adverse conditions亦無四時春夏秋冬，Neither do the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter exist不寒不熱，」It is always
moderate and pleasant 常和調適。Never cold or hot
爾時，阿難白佛言：Then, Ananda asked the Buddha「世尊！若彼國土，無須彌山，If, World-Honored
One, there is no Mount Sumeru in
that land其四天王及忉利天，依何而住？」what sustains the
Heaven of the Four Kings and the Heaven of the Thirty-three Gods (Trayastriṃśa)佛語阿難：The Buddha said to
Ananda「第三炎天，What sustains Yama,
which is the Third
Heaven of the world of desire乃至色究竟天，皆依何住？」and other heavens up to the Highest Heaven of the world of form阿難白佛：Ananda answered「行業果報，The consequences of karma不可思議。」are inconceivable佛語阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「行業果報不可思議，Inconceivable indeed are the consequences of karma諸佛世界亦不可思議，and so are the worlds of the Buddhas其諸眾生功德善力，By the power of meritorious deeds住行業之地，sentient beings in that land dwell on the ground of karmic reward故能爾耳。」That is why those heavens exist without Mount Sumeru阿難白佛：Ananda continued「我不疑比法，I do not doubt this myself但為將來眾生，欲除其疑惑，故問斯義。」but have asked you about it
simply because I wished to remove such doubts for the benefit of sentient beings in the future
Heaven of the world of desire乃至色究竟天，皆依何住？」and other heavens up to the Highest Heaven of the world of form阿難白佛：Ananda answered「行業果報，The consequences of karma不可思議。」are inconceivable佛語阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「行業果報不可思議，Inconceivable indeed are the consequences of karma諸佛世界亦不可思議，and so are the worlds of the Buddhas其諸眾生功德善力，By the power of meritorious deeds住行業之地，sentient beings in that land dwell on the ground of karmic reward故能爾耳。」That is why those heavens exist without Mount Sumeru阿難白佛：Ananda continued「我不疑比法，I do not doubt this myself但為將來眾生，欲除其疑惑，故問斯義。」but have asked you about it
simply because I wished to remove such doubts for the benefit of sentient beings in the future
佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「無量壽佛威神光明最尊第一，The majestic light
of the Buddha Amitayus is the most exalted諸佛光明所不能及。No other Buddha's light can match his或照百佛世界，The light of some Buddhas illuminates a
hundred Buddha-lands或千佛世界，and that of others, a thousand Buddha-lands取要言之，Briefly乃照東方恆沙佛剎，that of Amitayus
illuminates the eastern
Buddha-land, as numerous as the sands of the River Ganges南西北方，In the same way, it
illuminates the Buddha-lands in the south, west and north四維上下，in
each of the four intermediate quarters, above and below亦復如是；或有佛光照於七尺，Further, the light of some Buddhas extends seven feet或照一由旬，that of others, one yojana二三四五由旬，or two, three, four or five yojanas如是轉倍，and the distance covered increases in this way乃至照一佛剎，until the light of some Buddhas illuminates one Buddha-land是故無量壽佛號無量光佛、For this reason, Amitayus is called by the following names: the Buddha of Infinite Light無邊光佛、the Buddha of Boundless Light無礙光佛、the Buddha of Unhindered Light無對光佛、the Buddha of Incomparable Light炎王光佛、the Buddha of the Light of the King of Flame清淨光佛、the Buddha of Pure Light歡喜光佛、the Buddha of the Light of Joy智慧光佛、the Buddha of Light of Wisdom不斷光佛、the Buddha of Unceasing Light難思光佛、the Buddha of Inconceivable Light無稱光佛、the Buddha of Ineffable Light超日月光佛。and the Buddha of the Light Outshining the Sun and the Moon其有眾生遇斯光者，If, sentient beings encounter his light三垢消滅，their three defilements are removed身意柔軟，they feel tenderness歡喜踴躍，joy and pleasure善心生焉。and good thoughts arise若在三塗極苦之處，If sentient beings in the three realms of suffering見此光明，see his light皆得休息，they will all be relieved無復苦惱，and freed from affliction壽終之後，At the end of their lives皆蒙解脫。they all reach emancipation無量壽佛，The light of Amitayus光明顯赫，shines brilliantly照曜十方，illuminating all the Buddha-lands of the ten quarters諸佛國土，莫不聞焉。There is no place where it is not perceived不但我今稱其光明，I am not the only one who now praises his light.一切諸佛、All the Buddhas聲聞、shravakas緣覺、pratyekabuddhas諸菩薩眾咸共歎譽，亦復如是。and bodhisattvas praise and glorify it in the same way若有眾生，If sentient beings聞其光明威神功德，having heard of the majestic virtue of his light日夜稱說，glorify it continually, day and night至心不斷，with sincerity of heart隨意所願，得生其國。they will be able to attain
birth in his land, as they wish為諸菩薩、Then the multitudes of bodhisattvas聲聞之眾所共歎譽、稱其功德；and shravakas will praise their excellent virtue至其然後得佛道時，Later, when they attain Buddhahood普為十方諸佛菩薩歎其光明，all the Buddhas and bodhisattvas in the ten quarters will praise their light亦如今也。」just as I now praise the light of Amitayus
each of the four intermediate quarters, above and below亦復如是；或有佛光照於七尺，Further, the light of some Buddhas extends seven feet或照一由旬，that of others, one yojana二三四五由旬，or two, three, four or five yojanas如是轉倍，and the distance covered increases in this way乃至照一佛剎，until the light of some Buddhas illuminates one Buddha-land是故無量壽佛號無量光佛、For this reason, Amitayus is called by the following names: the Buddha of Infinite Light無邊光佛、the Buddha of Boundless Light無礙光佛、the Buddha of Unhindered Light無對光佛、the Buddha of Incomparable Light炎王光佛、the Buddha of the Light of the King of Flame清淨光佛、the Buddha of Pure Light歡喜光佛、the Buddha of the Light of Joy智慧光佛、the Buddha of Light of Wisdom不斷光佛、the Buddha of Unceasing Light難思光佛、the Buddha of Inconceivable Light無稱光佛、the Buddha of Ineffable Light超日月光佛。and the Buddha of the Light Outshining the Sun and the Moon其有眾生遇斯光者，If, sentient beings encounter his light三垢消滅，their three defilements are removed身意柔軟，they feel tenderness歡喜踴躍，joy and pleasure善心生焉。and good thoughts arise若在三塗極苦之處，If sentient beings in the three realms of suffering見此光明，see his light皆得休息，they will all be relieved無復苦惱，and freed from affliction壽終之後，At the end of their lives皆蒙解脫。they all reach emancipation無量壽佛，The light of Amitayus光明顯赫，shines brilliantly照曜十方，illuminating all the Buddha-lands of the ten quarters諸佛國土，莫不聞焉。There is no place where it is not perceived不但我今稱其光明，I am not the only one who now praises his light.一切諸佛、All the Buddhas聲聞、shravakas緣覺、pratyekabuddhas諸菩薩眾咸共歎譽，亦復如是。and bodhisattvas praise and glorify it in the same way若有眾生，If sentient beings聞其光明威神功德，having heard of the majestic virtue of his light日夜稱說，glorify it continually, day and night至心不斷，with sincerity of heart隨意所願，得生其國。they will be able to attain
birth in his land, as they wish為諸菩薩、Then the multitudes of bodhisattvas聲聞之眾所共歎譽、稱其功德；and shravakas will praise their excellent virtue至其然後得佛道時，Later, when they attain Buddhahood普為十方諸佛菩薩歎其光明，all the Buddhas and bodhisattvas in the ten quarters will praise their light亦如今也。」just as I now praise the light of Amitayus
佛言：The Buddha continued「我說無量壽佛光明威神，巍巍殊妙，晝夜一劫，尚未能盡！」The majestic glory
of the light of Amitayus could not be exhaustively described even if I praised
it continuously, day and night, for the period of one kalpa
佛語阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「又無量壽佛，The life of
Amitayus壽命長久，is so long不可稱計，汝寧知乎？that it is
impossible for anyone to calculate it.假使十方世界無量眾生皆得人身，To give an
illustration, let us suppose that all the innumerable sentient
beings in the worlds of the ten quarters were reborn in human form悉令成就聲聞、and that every one
became a shravaka緣覺，or pratyekabuddha都共集會禪思一心，Even if they
assembled in one place, concentrated their thoughts竭其智力，and exercised the
power of their wisdom於百千萬劫悉共推算，計其壽命長遠之數，不能窮盡，to the utmost to reckon the length of the Buddha's
life, even after a thousand million kalpas they could still not reach its limit知其限極。So it is with the
life-span聲聞菩薩、of shravakas,
bodhisattvas天人之眾，壽命長短亦復如是，heavenly beings and
human beings in his land非算數譬喻所能知也。Similarly, it is not to be encompassed by any means of reckoning or by
any metaphorical expression又聲聞菩薩其數難量不可稱說，Again, the number of the shravakas and bodhisattvas
living there is incalculable神智洞達威力自在，They are fully endowed with transcendent wisdom and free in their
exercise of majestic power能於掌中持一切世界。」they could hold the entire world in their hands
佛語阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「彼佛初會，聲聞眾數不可稱計，The number of
shravakas at the first teaching assembly of that Buddha was incalculable菩薩亦然。so was the number of
the bodhisattvas能如大目犍連，百千萬億無量無數，於阿僧祇那由他劫，Even if an
immeasurable and uncountable number of humans multiplied by millions of kotis
should all become like Mahamaudgalyayana乃至滅度，悉共計校，and together reckon their number during innumerable
nayutas of kalpas, or even until they attain Nirvana不能究了多少之數。they could still
not know that number譬如大海，Let us suppose that there is a great ocean深廣無量。infinitely deep and wide假使有人析其一毛，以為百分，以一分毛沾取一渧，於意云何？and that one takes a drop of water out of it, with a hundredth part of a split
hair其所渧者，於彼大海，何所為多？」How would you compare that drop of water
with the rest of the ocean阿難白佛：Ananda replied「彼所渧水比於大海，When the drop of water is compared with the great ocean多少之量，非巧歷算數言辭譬類所能知也。」it is impossible
even for one skilled in astronomy or mathematics to know the proportion, or for
anyone to describe it by any rhetorical or
metaphorical expressions佛語阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「如目連等，Even if people like Mahamaudgalyayana於百干萬億那由他劫，were to count for millions of kotis of kalpas計彼初會聲聞、菩薩，the number of the shravakas and bodhisattvas at the first teaching assembly所知數者獨如一渧，who could be counted would be like a drop of water其所不知如大海水。and the number of sages yet to be counted would be like the rest of the ocean
metaphorical expressions佛語阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「如目連等，Even if people like Mahamaudgalyayana於百干萬億那由他劫，were to count for millions of kotis of kalpas計彼初會聲聞、菩薩，the number of the shravakas and bodhisattvas at the first teaching assembly所知數者獨如一渧，who could be counted would be like a drop of water其所不知如大海水。and the number of sages yet to be counted would be like the rest of the ocean
「又其國土，七寶諸樹，Again, seven-jewelled trees completely
fill that land周滿世界，金樹、There are some made
of gold銀樹、some of silver琉璃樹、and others made of
beryl玻黎樹、crystal珊瑚樹、coral瑪瑙樹、ruby硨磲之樹；or agate或有二寶、三寶，乃至七寶，There are also
trees made of two to seven kinds of jewels轉共合成；或有金樹，There are gold trees銀葉華果；with leaves, flowers and fruits of silver或有銀樹，silver trees金葉華果；with leaves, flowers and fruits
of gold或琉璃樹，beryl trees玻黎為葉，華果亦然；with leaves, flowers and fruits of crystal或水精樹， crystal trees琉璃為葉，華果亦然；with leaves, flowers and fruits of beryl或珊瑚樹，coral trees瑪瑙為葉，華果亦然；with leaves, flowers and fruits
of ruby或瑪瑙樹，ruby trees琉璃為葉，華果亦然；with leaves,
flowers and fruits of beryl或硨磲樹，agate trees眾寶為葉，華果亦然。with leaves, flowers and fruits
made of various jewels
「或有寶樹，Again, there are jewelled trees紫金為本，with purple-gold
roots白銀為莖，white-silver trunks琉璃為枝，beryl branches水精為條，crystal twigs珊瑚為葉，coral leaves瑪瑙為華，ruby flowers硨磲為實；and agate fruits或有寶樹，There are jewelled
trees白銀為本，with white-silver
roots琉璃為莖，beryl trunks水精為枝，crystal branches珊瑚為條，coral twigs瑪瑙為葉，ruby leaves硨磲為華，agate flowers紫金為實；and purple-gold
fruits或有寶樹，There are jewelled trees琉璃為本，with beryl roots水精為莖，crystal trunks珊瑚為枝，coral branches瑪瑙為條，ruby twigs硨磲為葉，agate leaves紫金為華，purple-gold flowers白銀為實；and white-silver
fruits或有寶樹，There are jewelled
trees水精為本，with crystal roots珊瑚為莖，coral trunks瑪瑙為枝、ruby branches硨磲為條，agate twigs紫金為葉，purple-gold leaves白銀為華、white-silver
flowers琉璃為實；and beryl fruits或有寶樹，There are jewelled
trees珊瑚為本，with coral roots瑪瑙為莖，ruby trunks硨磲為枝，agate branches紫金為條，purple-gold twigs白銀為葉，white-silver leaves琉璃為華，beryl flowers水精為實；and crystal fruits或有寶樹，There are jewelled
trees瑪瑙為本，with ruby roots硨磲為莖，agate trunks紫金為枝，purple-gold
branches白銀為條，white-silver twigs琉璃為葉，beryl leaves水精為華，crystal flowers珊瑚為實；and coral fruits或有寶樹，There are jewelled
trees硨磲為本，with agate roots紫金為莖，purple-gold trunks白銀為枝，white-silver
branches琉璃為條，beryl twigs水精為葉，crystal leaves珊瑚為華，coral flowers瑪瑙為實。and ruby fruits行行相值，These jewelled
trees are in parallel rows莖莖相望，their trunks are evenly spaced枝枝相準，their branches are in level layers葉葉相向，their leaves are
symmetrical華華相順，their flowers harmonize實實相當，and their fruits
are well arranged紫色光曜不可勝視。The brilliant colors of these trees are so luxuriant that it is impossible to see them all清風時發出五音聲，When a pure breeze wafts through them, exquisite
sounds of the pentatonic scales微妙官商自然相和。such as kung and shang,
spontaneously arise and make symphonic music
「又無量壽佛，其道場樹，Again, the Bodhi-tree of the Buddha
Amitayus高四百萬里，is four million li
in height其本周圍五千由旬，and five thousand
yojanas in circumference at its base枝葉四布二十萬里，Its branches spread two hundred thousand li in each
of the four directions一切眾寶自然合成，It is a natural cluster of all kinds of precious stones以月光摩尼，持海輪寶，眾寶之王，而莊嚴之，and is adorned with
the kings of jewels, namely, moon-light
mani gems and ocean-supporting-wheel gems周匝條間，Everywhere between its twigs垂寶瓔珞，hang jewelled
ornaments百千萬色，with a thousand
million different colors種種異變，intermingling in various ways無量光炎，and their innumerable beams照曜無極。shine with the utmost brilliance珍妙寶網，羅覆其上，The Bodhi-tree
itself is covered with nets of rare, excellent gems一切莊嚴，隨應而現。and on it appear
all kinds of ornaments in accordance with one's wishes微風徐動，When a gentle
breeze吹諸寶樹，wafts through its
branches and leaves演出無量妙法音聲。Innumerable exquisite
Dharma-sounds arise其聲流布，偏諸佛國。which spread far and wide, pervading all the other Buddha-lands in the ten
quarters聞其音者，Those who hear the
sounds得深法忍，attain penetrating insight into dharmas住不退轉，and dwell in the
Stage of Non-retrogression(Avinivartaniya)至成佛道，Until they attain Buddhahood耳根清徹，their senses of hearing will remain clear and sharp不遭苦患。and they will not
suffer from any pain or sickness目睹其色，Whether they hear the sounds of the Bodhi-tree, see
its colors鼻知其香，smell its perfumes口嘗其味，taste its flavors身觸其光，perceive its lights心以法緣，or conceive of the
Dharma in their minds皆得甚深法忍，they all attain profoundly
penetrating insight into dharmas住不退轉至成佛道，and dwell in the Stage of Non-retrogression(Avinivartaniya). Until they attain
Buddhahood六根清徹，their six
sense-organs will remain sharp and clear無諸惱患。and they will not
suffer from any pain or disease阿難！Ananda若彼國土天人，when humans and
devas of that land見此樹者，see the Bodhi-tree得三法忍：they will attain three insights一者音響忍；first, insight into reality through hearing the
sacred sounds二者柔順忍；second, insight
into reality by being in accord with it三者無生法忍。and third, the insight into the non-arising of all
dharmas比皆無量壽佛威神力故，These benefits are
all bestowed by the majestic power of Amitayus本願力故，the power of his primal vow滿足願故，his perfectly fulfilled vow明了願故，his clear and
manifest vow堅固願故，his firm vow究竟願故。」and his
accomplished vow
佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「世間帝王有百千音樂，A king of this
world possesses a hundred thousand kinds of music自轉輪聖王，From the realm ruled by a
wheel-turning monarch乃至第六天上，up to the Sixth Heaven伎樂音聲，the sounds of the music展轉相勝千億萬倍。produced in each higher realm are ten million kotis of times superior to those of a lower one第六天上萬種樂音，The thousands of
varieties of musical sound produced in the Sixth Heaven不如無量壽國諸七寶樹一種音聲千億倍也！are a thousand
kotis of times inferior to one sound produced from the seven-jewelled trees in
the land of Amitayus亦有自然萬種伎樂。Again, in that land, there are thousands of varieties of natural music又其樂聲，which are all無非法音。without exception,
sounds of the Dharma清暢哀亮，They are clear and serene, full of depth and resonance微妙和雅，delicate and harmonious十方世界音聲之中，最為第一。they are the most
excellent of sounds in all the worlds of the ten quarters
「其講堂、Again, the halls精舍、monasteries宮殿、palaces樓觀，and pavilions皆七寶莊嚴，自然化成，are spontaneous apparitions, all
adorned with the seven jewels復以真珠明月摩尼眾寶以為交絡，覆蓋其上。and hung with curtains of various other jewels,
such as pearls and moon-bright mani gems內外左右，Inside and out, to right and left有諸浴池，are bathing pools或十由旬，Some of them are
ten yojanas in length或二十三十，breadth and depth; some are twenty yojanas, others, thirty, and so on乃至百千由旬；until we come to
those measuring a hundred thousand yojanas縱廣深淺，各皆一等。in length, breadth and depth八功德水，湛然盈滿，They are brimful of
the water of eight excellent qualities清淨香潔，clear, fragrant味如甘露。and tasting like nectar黃金池者，There are golden
pools底白銀沙；with beds of silver
sand白銀池者，silver pools底黃金沙；with beds of golden sand水精池者，crystal pools底琉璃沙；with beds of beryl
sand琉璃池者，beryl pools底水精沙；with beds of
crystal sand珊瑚池者，coral pools底琥珀沙；with beds of amber
sand琥珀池者，amber pools底珊瑚沙；with beds of coral
sand硨磲池者，agate pools底瑪瑙沙；with beds of ruby
sand瑪瑙池者，ruby pools底硨磲沙；with beds of agate sand白玉池者，white-jade pools底紫金沙；with beds of purple-gold sand紫金池者，purple-gold pools底白玉沙；with beds of white-jade sand或二寶三寶，乃至七寶，轉共合成。Others are composed
of two to seven jewels其池岸上，On the banks of these pools有旃檀樹，are sandalwood trees華葉垂布，whose flowers and leaves hang down香氣普熏。and diffuse
perfumes everywhere天優缽羅華、Heavenly lotuses of blue缽曇摩華、pink,拘牟頭華、yellow分陀利華，and white bloom雜色光茂，profusely in
various tints and tones彌覆水上。Completely covering the
surface of the water
「彼諸菩薩，If bodhisattvas及聲聞眾，and shravakas in
that land若入寶池，enter the
jewel-ponds意欲令水沒足，and wish the water
to rise to their ankles水即沒足；it rises to their ankles欲令至膝，If they wish it to rise to their knees,即至於膝；it rises to their knees欲令至腰，If they wish it to
rise to their waists水即至腰；it rises to their waists欲令至頸，If they wish it to rise to their necks水即至頸；it rises to their necks欲令灌身，If they wish it to
pour over their bodies自然灌身；it spontaneously pours over their bodies欲令還復，If they wish it to recede水輒還復。it recedes調和冷煖，Its temperature is
moderate cool or warm自然隨意，according to their wishes開神悅體，The water comforts the body and refreshes the mind蕩除心垢，washing away their
mental defilements清明澄潔，Clear and pure淨若無形。the water is so transparent that it seems formless寶沙映徹，The jewel-sand
shines so brightly that無深不照，even the depth of
the water cannot prevent its brilliance from being seen徹瀾迴流，The rippling water
forms meandering streams轉相灌注，which join and flow into each other安詳徐逝，Their movement is peaceful and quiet不遲不疾。neither too fast nor too slow波揚無量自然妙聲，and their ripples
spontaneously produce innumerable wonderful sounds隨其所應，莫不聞者。One can hear whatever sound one wishes或聞佛聲，For example, some hear the sound ‘Buddha’或聞法聲，some hear the sound 'Dharma'或聞僧聲、some 'Sangha'或寂靜聲、others hear
'tranquillity’空無我聲、'emptiness and
non-self'大慈悲聲、'great compassion'波羅蜜聲，’paramita’或十力無畏不共法聲、'ten powers,' 'fearlessness,'
'special qualities'諸通慧聲、'supernatural powers'無所作聲、'non-activity'不起滅聲、’neither arising nor
perishing’無生忍聲、’Insight into the non-arising of all
dharmas’ and so on乃至甘露灌頂，眾妙法聲。如是等聲，until the various
sounds of the wonderful Dharma, such as 'the sprinkling of nectar upon the head
of a bodhisattva' are heard稱其所聞，歡喜無量。As one hears those sounds, one attains immeasurable joy
「隨順清淨離欲寂滅真實之義，and accords with the principles of
purity, absence of
desires, extinction, and reality隨順三寶力無所謂不共之法，One is in harmony with the Three Treasures, the Buddha's powers, fearlessness and special qualities,隨順通慧菩薩聲聞所行之道。and also with supernatural powers and other methods of practice for bodhisattvas and
shravakas無有三塗苦難之名，Not even the names of the three realms of suffering are heard
there但有自然快樂之音，but only Nirvanic sounds of bliss是故其國，For this reason名曰極樂。that land is called 'Peace and Bliss'
desires, extinction, and reality隨順三寶力無所謂不共之法，One is in harmony with the Three Treasures, the Buddha's powers, fearlessness and special qualities,隨順通慧菩薩聲聞所行之道。and also with supernatural powers and other methods of practice for bodhisattvas and
shravakas無有三塗苦難之名，Not even the names of the three realms of suffering are heard
there但有自然快樂之音，but only Nirvanic sounds of bliss是故其國，For this reason名曰極樂。that land is called 'Peace and Bliss'
「阿難！Ananda彼佛國土，諸往生者，those born in that Buddha-land具足如是清淨色身，are endowed with
such bodies of purity諸妙音聲，and provided with various exquisite sounds神通功德。supernatural powers and virtues所處宮殿，The palaces in
which they dwell衣服飲食，their clothing,
food and drink眾妙華香，the wonderful
flowers, and the various kinds of incense莊嚴之具，and adornments猶第六天自然之物。Are like those naturally provided in the Sixth Heaven of the world of desire若欲食時，At mealtimes七寶缽器，自然在前。plates made of the
seven jewels金、銀、琉璃、硨磲、瑪瑙、珊瑚、琥珀、明月、真珠，如是諸缽，--namely, gold, silver, beryl, agate,
ruby, coral, and amber, and also moon-bright pearl隨意而至。spontaneously
appear百味飲食，自然盈滿。filled with food
and drink of a hundred tastes, according to one's wishes雖有此食，Although the food is offered實無食者，no one actually
eats
it但見色聞香，Once it has been seen and smelt意以為食，one naturally feels that it has been eaten自然飽足。and so is satisfied身心柔軟，thus one feels relaxed in mind and body無所味著，free from attachment to the sense of taste事已化去，When the meal is over, everything disappears時至復現。but reappears at the next mealtime
it但見色聞香，Once it has been seen and smelt意以為食，one naturally feels that it has been eaten自然飽足。and so is satisfied身心柔軟，thus one feels relaxed in mind and body無所味著，free from attachment to the sense of taste事已化去，When the meal is over, everything disappears時至復現。but reappears at the next mealtime
「彼佛國土，That Buddha-land清淨安隱，is pure and serene微妙快樂，resplendent and blissful次於無為泥洹之道。like the realm of unconditioned
Nirvana其諸聲聞菩薩天人，The shravakas,
bodhisattvas, heavenly beings and humans there智慧高明，have lofty and brilliant wisdom神通洞達，and are masters of
the supernatural powers咸同一類，They are all of one form形無異狀，without any differences但因順餘方，故有天人之名。but are called 'heavenly beings' and 'humans' simply by analogy with the
states of existence in other worlds顏貌端正，They are of noble and majestic countenance超世希有，unequaled in all
the worlds容色微妙，and their
appearance is superb非天非人，unmatched by any being, heavenly or human皆受自然虛無之身，They are all endowed with bodies of
Naturalness, Emptiness無極之體。」and Infinity
佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「譬如世間貧窮乞人，If a beggar in
extreme poverty在帝王邊，sits by the side of a king形貌容狀，寧可類乎？」how can their
appearances be compared?阿難白佛：Ananda replied「假令此人在帝王邊，If such a man sits by the side of a king羸陋醜惡，his emaciated, mean and ragged appearance無以為喻，cannot be compared
with the king's百千萬億不可計倍。His appearance is a
thousand million kotis or even incalculable times inferior to the king's所以然者，What is the reason
for this?貧窮乞人，The conditions of a
beggar in extreme poverty底極斯下，being at the lowest social level衣不蔽形，with barely enough clothes to cover his body食趣支命，scarcely enough food to sustain his
life飢寒困苦，with hunger and
cold always tormenting him,人理殆盡。and having almost lost in human contact皆坐前世不植德本，are all the result of his misdeeds in
former lives. In the past he did
not cultivate
roots of virtue, instead積財不施， but, accumulated riches without giving anything to
others富有益慳， He became more miserly as his wealth increased但欲唐得，desired to obtain
more貪求無厭。insatiably hankered after further acquisitions不信修善，and gave no thought to good actions犯惡山積。Thus he piled up a mountain of evil karma如是壽終，When his life
ended財寶消散。all his wealth was gone苦身聚積，為之憂惱， and what he had accumulated with great toil and worry於己無益，was of no avail to him徒為他有。all passed in vain into the possession of others無善可怙，Having no stock of merit on which to depend無德可恃，and no virtue on which to rely是故死墮惡趣，after death he fell into one of the evil realms受此長苦；where he suffered pain for a long period罪畢得出，生為下賤，愚鄙斯極，示同人類。When his karmic retributions ended, he was able to escape, but was reborn into a lower class; being foolish, base and inferior, he barely maintains the appearance of a human being所以世間帝王，人中獨尊，The king of a country is the most Honored of all men皆由宿世積德所致。This is the reward for virtues accumulated in former lives慈惠博施，in which he, with a compassionate heart, gave generously to many仁愛兼濟，saved people from suffering through kindness and benevolence履信修善，performed good deeds with sincerity無所違爭。and never disputed with others是以壽終福應，When that life ended得升善道。he was rewarded by rebirth into a higher state上生天上，Born in a heavenly realm享茲福樂。he enjoyed bliss and happiness積善餘慶，His accumulated virtues produced such a surplus of goodness that今得為人，when he was reborn as a
man in this life乃生王家，his birth was, deservedly, into a royal family自然尊貴。Being naturally
noble儀容端正，his dignified and majestic demeanor眾所敬事。commands the respect of his
people妙衣珍膳，and superb clothes and sumptuous food隨心服御，are prepared and served to him as he pleases宿福所追，故能致此。」All this is a reward for virtues from his past lives
roots of virtue, instead積財不施， but, accumulated riches without giving anything to
others富有益慳， He became more miserly as his wealth increased但欲唐得，desired to obtain
more貪求無厭。insatiably hankered after further acquisitions不信修善，and gave no thought to good actions犯惡山積。Thus he piled up a mountain of evil karma如是壽終，When his life
ended財寶消散。all his wealth was gone苦身聚積，為之憂惱， and what he had accumulated with great toil and worry於己無益，was of no avail to him徒為他有。all passed in vain into the possession of others無善可怙，Having no stock of merit on which to depend無德可恃，and no virtue on which to rely是故死墮惡趣，after death he fell into one of the evil realms受此長苦；where he suffered pain for a long period罪畢得出，生為下賤，愚鄙斯極，示同人類。When his karmic retributions ended, he was able to escape, but was reborn into a lower class; being foolish, base and inferior, he barely maintains the appearance of a human being所以世間帝王，人中獨尊，The king of a country is the most Honored of all men皆由宿世積德所致。This is the reward for virtues accumulated in former lives慈惠博施，in which he, with a compassionate heart, gave generously to many仁愛兼濟，saved people from suffering through kindness and benevolence履信修善，performed good deeds with sincerity無所違爭。and never disputed with others是以壽終福應，When that life ended得升善道。he was rewarded by rebirth into a higher state上生天上，Born in a heavenly realm享茲福樂。he enjoyed bliss and happiness積善餘慶，His accumulated virtues produced such a surplus of goodness that今得為人，when he was reborn as a
man in this life乃生王家，his birth was, deservedly, into a royal family自然尊貴。Being naturally
noble儀容端正，his dignified and majestic demeanor眾所敬事。commands the respect of his
people妙衣珍膳，and superb clothes and sumptuous food隨心服御，are prepared and served to him as he pleases宿福所追，故能致此。」All this is a reward for virtues from his past lives
佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「汝言是也。What you say is
true計如帝王，Even though a king雖人中尊貴，is the noblest of
all men形色端正，and has a regal
countenance比之轉輪聖王，if he is compared
with a wheel-turning monarch甚為鄙陋，he will appear as base and inferior猶彼乞人在帝王邊。as a beggar beside a king轉輪聖王，威相殊妙，天下第一，Likewise, however
excellent and unrivaled the majestic appearance of such a monarch may be比之忉利天王，if he is compared with the lord of the Heaven of the Thirty-three(Trayastriṃśa)又Gods復醜惡，he will also appear
incomparably inferior不得相喻萬億倍也。even ten thousands
kotis of times more so假令天帝，Again, if this heavenly lord比第六天王，is compared with
the lord of the Sixth Heaven百千億倍不相類也。he will appear a hundred thousand kotis of times inferior設第六天王，If the lord of the
Sixth Heaven比無量壽佛國菩薩聲聞，is compared with a
bodhisattva or a shravaka dwelling in the land of Amitayus光顏容色，his countenance and
appearance不相及逮，will be far from
matching those of the bodhisattva or shravaka百千萬億不可計倍。」being a thousand million kotis of
times or even incalculable times inferior
佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「無量壽國，其諸天人，Devas and humans in
the land of Amitayus衣服、are each provided with robes飲食、food and drink華香、flowers perfume瓔珞、ornaments繒蓋幢幡、silken canopies and
banners微妙音聲、and are surrounded
by exquisite sounds所居舍宅宮殿樓閣，Their abodes, palaces, and pavilions稱其形色，高下大小，are exactly in accordance with the
size of their bodies或一寶二寶，乃至無量眾寶，One, two or even innumerable jewels appear before them隨意所欲，應念即至。as soon as they
wish又以眾寶妙衣，In addition,
beautiful jewelled fabric遍布其地，covers the ground一切天人踐之而行。where all the devas and humans walk無量寶網，彌覆佛土，In that Buddha-land there are innumerable jewelled
nets皆以金縷真珠百千雜寶奇妙珍異，莊嚴校飾，all adorned with
skeins of gold thread, pearls, and a hundred thousand kinds of rare and marvelous
treasures周匝四面，垂以寶鈴，All around the nets
hang jewelled bells of the utmost beauty光色晃曜，盡極嚴麗，which shine brilliantly自然德風，When a natural
breeze of virtue arises徐起微動。and gently blows其風調和，it is moderate in temperature不寒不暑，neither cold nor hot溫涼柔軟，refreshing and soft to the senses不遲不疾。and moves neither
too slowly nor too quickly吹諸羅網，over the nets及眾寶樹，When the breeze wafts and the various jewelled trees演發無量微妙法音，countless excellent
sounds of the Dharma are heard流布萬種溫雅德香。and ten thousand kinds of delicate fragrances of virtue are diffused其有聞者，If one smells those
fragrances塵勞垢習，one's impurities
and passions自然不起。spontaneously cease
to arise風觸其身，If touched by the
breeze itself皆得快樂，one enjoys the same
pleasure譬如比丘，as a monk得滅盡三昧。who has entered the
Samadhi of Extinction
「又風吹散華，Again, as the breeze blows, flowers
are scattered遍滿佛土，throughout the
Buddha-land隨色次第，they spontaneously divide into different colors而不雜亂，not mixed
together柔軟光澤，They are soft and pleasant to touch, glow brilliantly馨香芬烈。and diffuse
rich fragrances足履其上，When one's foot is placed on them蹈下四寸，they sink down four
inches隨舉足已，but when the foot is lifted還復如故。they rise to their former level華用已訖，When the flowers have served their purpose地輒開裂，the earth opens up以次化沒，and they vanish清淨無遺。leaving the ground clean and without trace of them隨其時節，At the right moment風吹散華，the breeze wafts, scattering the flowers如是六反。in this way, six times a day又眾寶蓮華，Moreover, lotus-flowers of various jewels周滿世界，fill the land一一寶華，each百千億葉，has a hundred thousand kotis of petals其華光明，with lights無量種色，of numerous colors青色青光、blue lotuses glow with a blue light白色白光，white ones with a white light玄黃朱紫，and, likewise, dark blue, yellow, red, and purple lotuses光色赫然，glow with lights of their respective colors煒燁煥爛，The brilliance of these lights is so magnificent明曜日月，that it outshines the sun and the moon一一華中，Each flower出三十六百千億光，emits thirty-six hundred thousand kotis of rays of light一一光中，each出三十六百千億佛，sending
forth thirty-six hundred thousand kotis of Buddhas身色紫金，The bodies of these Buddhas are purple-gold相好殊特；and their physical characteristics and marks are superb beyond compare一一諸佛，Each Buddha又放百千光明，emits a hundred thousand rays of light普為十方說微妙法。and expounds the wonderful Dharma to beings in the ten quarters如是諸佛，各各安立無量眾生於佛正道。」thus setting innumerable beings on the right Path of the Buddha
Buddha-land隨色次第，they spontaneously divide into different colors而不雜亂，not mixed
together柔軟光澤，They are soft and pleasant to touch, glow brilliantly馨香芬烈。and diffuse
rich fragrances足履其上，When one's foot is placed on them蹈下四寸，they sink down four
inches隨舉足已，but when the foot is lifted還復如故。they rise to their former level華用已訖，When the flowers have served their purpose地輒開裂，the earth opens up以次化沒，and they vanish清淨無遺。leaving the ground clean and without trace of them隨其時節，At the right moment風吹散華，the breeze wafts, scattering the flowers如是六反。in this way, six times a day又眾寶蓮華，Moreover, lotus-flowers of various jewels周滿世界，fill the land一一寶華，each百千億葉，has a hundred thousand kotis of petals其華光明，with lights無量種色，of numerous colors青色青光、blue lotuses glow with a blue light白色白光，white ones with a white light玄黃朱紫，and, likewise, dark blue, yellow, red, and purple lotuses光色赫然，glow with lights of their respective colors煒燁煥爛，The brilliance of these lights is so magnificent明曜日月，that it outshines the sun and the moon一一華中，Each flower出三十六百千億光，emits thirty-six hundred thousand kotis of rays of light一一光中，each出三十六百千億佛，sending
forth thirty-six hundred thousand kotis of Buddhas身色紫金，The bodies of these Buddhas are purple-gold相好殊特；and their physical characteristics and marks are superb beyond compare一一諸佛，Each Buddha又放百千光明，emits a hundred thousand rays of light普為十方說微妙法。and expounds the wonderful Dharma to beings in the ten quarters如是諸佛，各各安立無量眾生於佛正道。」thus setting innumerable beings on the right Path of the Buddha
