《佛說無量壽經》 下※《淨土三經》中英翻譯、謹供參考。※

※《淨土三經》中英翻譯、謹供參考。※

《佛說無量壽經》 下

The Sutra on the Buddha of Infinite Life  (Part B)

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

佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「其有眾生，Sentient beings生彼國者，who are born in that Buddha-land皆悉住於正定之聚。all reside among those assured of Nirvana所以者何？The reason is that彼佛國中，in that land無諸邪聚，there are neither beings who are destined to adverse conditions及不定聚。nor those whose destinies are uncertain十方恆沙諸佛如來，All Buddhas, Tathagatas, in the ten quarters, as numerous as the sands of the River Ganges,皆共讚歎無量壽佛威神功德不可思議。together praise the inconceivable, supernal virtue of Amitayus諸有眾生，All sentient beings聞其名號，who, having heard his Name信心歡喜，rejoice in faith乃至一念，remember him even once至心迴向，and sincerely transfer the merit of virtuous 
practices to that land願生彼國，aspiring to be born there即得往生，will attain birth住不退轉。and dwell in the Stage of Non-retrogression(Avinivartaniya) 唯除五逆，But excluded are those who have committed the five gravest offenses誹謗正法。」and abused the right Dharma

佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「十方世界諸天人民，Devas and humans in the worlds of the ten quarters其有至心願生彼國，who sincerely aspire to be born in that land凡有三輩。can be classified into three grades其上輩者，The higher grade of aspirants捨家棄欲，are those who leave their homes and abandon worldly desires而作沙門，to become monks發菩提心，Having awakened aspiration for Enlightenment一向專念無量壽佛，they single-mindedly remember Amitayus修諸功德，and perform meritorious practices願生彼國。aspiring to be born in his land此等眾生，臨壽終時，When they are about to die無量壽佛，Amitayus與諸大眾，together with a host of sages現其人前，will appear before them即隨彼佛，Then they will follow him往生其國，and attain birth in his land便於七寶華中，自然化生，At once they will be born by transformation spontaneously from within seven-jewelled lotus-flowers住不退轉，They 
will dwell in the Stage of Non-retrogression(Avinivartaniya)智慧勇猛，attain steadfast wisdom神通自在。and be capable of freely exercising supernatural powers是故，For this reason阿難！Ananda其有眾生，sentient beings欲於今世見無量壽佛，who wish to see Amitayus while in this world應發無上菩提之心，should awaken aspiration for the highest Enlightenment修行功德，do meritorious deeds願生彼國！」and aspire to be born in his land

佛語阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「其中輩者，The middle grade of aspirants十方世界諸天人民，are the devas and humans in the worlds of the ten quarters其有至心，who sincerely願生彼國，desire to be born in that land雖不能行作沙門，Although unable to become monks大修功德，and cultivate much merit當發無上菩提之心，they awaken aspiration for the highest Enlightenment一向專念無量壽佛，single-mindedly think on Amitayus多少修善，perform some good deeds奉持齋戒，observe the precepts of abstinence起立塔像build stupas，飯食沙門，donate Buddhist statues懸繒然燈，give alms to mendicants, hang banners, light candles散華燒香，scatter flowers, burn incense, and so forth以此迴向，They transfer the merit of those practices願生彼國。to his land, aspiring to be born there其人臨終，When they are about to die無量壽佛，Amitayus化現其身，will manifest his transformed body光明相好，which is fully possessed of the same radiance and physical characteristics具如真佛，and marks as those of the real Buddha與諸大眾，現其人前。and make it appear before them, together with a host of sages即隨化佛往生其國，Then they will follow this transformed Buddha and be born in the Pure Land住不退轉，where they will dwell in the Stage of Non-retrogression(Avinivartaniya)功德智慧，Their virtue and wisdom次如上輩者也。」will be next to those of the higher grade of aspirants

佛語阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「其下輩者，"The lower grade of aspirants十方世界，諸天人民，are the devas and humans in the worlds of the ten quarters其有至心，who sincerely欲生彼國， desire to be born in that land假使不能作諸功德，Although unable to do many meritorious deeds當發無上菩提之心，they awaken aspiration for the highest Enlightenment一向專意，乃至十念，念無量壽佛，and single-mindedly concentrate on Amitayus, even ten times願生其國。desiring birth in his land若聞深法，When they hear the profound Dharma歡喜信樂，they joyfully accept it不生疑惑，and do not entertain any doubt乃至一念，念於彼佛，and so, remembering the Buddha even once以至誠心，they sincerely願生其國。aspire to be born in that land此人臨終，When they are about to die夢見彼佛，they will see the Buddha in a 
dream亦得往生，Those aspirants, too, will be born in the Pure Land功德智慧，Their merit and 
wisdom次如中輩者也。」will be next to those of the middle grade of aspirants

佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「無量壽佛，威神無極。The majestic virtue of Amitayus is boundless十方世界，無量無邊不可思議諸佛如來，All the innumerable, uncountable and inconceivable Buddhas, Tathagatas, in the worlds of the ten quarters莫不稱歎。praise him於彼東方恆河沙佛國，無量無數諸菩薩眾，Innumerable and uncountable bodhisattvas in the Buddha-lands of the eastern quarter, as numerous as the sands of the River Ganges皆悉往詣無量壽佛所，all without exception, visit Amitayus恭敬供養，in order to worship and make offerings to him及諸菩薩聲聞之眾，and to the assembly of bodhisattvas and shravakas聽受經法，Having heard the teaching宣布道化。they expound it to lead people into the Path of the Buddha南西北方，As in the eastern quarter, so it is in the southern, western and northern四維上下，亦復如是。」as well as in the four intermediate quarters, above and below

 

爾時世尊，而說頌曰：Then the World-Honored One spoke the following verses

東方諸佛國，In the eastern quarter there are Buddha-lands其數如恆沙，As numerous as the sands of the River Ganges彼土諸菩薩，Bodhisattvas dwelling in those lands往覲無量覺。Go to pay homage to Amitayus, the Enlightened One

南西北四維，So it is in the southern, western, and northern quarters上下亦復然，The intermediate quarters, above and below彼土菩薩眾，Bodhisattvas dwelling in those lands 往覲無量覺。Go to pay homage to Amitayus, the Enlightened One

一切諸菩薩，All those bodhisattvas各齎天妙華，taking with them 
Exquisite heavenly flowers寶香無價衣，Precious incense and priceless robes供養無量覺。Make offerings to Amitayus, the Enlightened One

咸然奏天樂，Playing heavenly music in concert暢發和雅音，Producing harmonious and delicate sounds歌歎最勝尊，They praise the Most Honored One with hymns供養無量覺。And make offerings to Amitayus, the Enlightened One

究達神通慧，You have perfected supernatural powers and wisdom遊入深法門，With which you freely enter the gates of the profound Dharma具足功德藏，You also possess stocks of merit and virtue妙智無等倫，And unparalleled supreme knowledge

慧日朗世間，Illumining the world with the sun of wisdom消除生死雲，You disperse the clouds of birth-and-death恭敬遶三匝，Having reverently walked round him three times稽首無上尊。They pay homage to the Unsurpassed One

見彼嚴淨土，Having seen the glorious Pure Land微妙難思議，Wonderfully resplendent因發無量心，They are led to awaken supernal aspiration願我國亦然。And wish their lands to be like his

應時無量尊，Then Amitayus, the Enlightened One動容發欣笑，Changes his countenance and smiles口出無數光，From his mouth come forth innumerable rays of light遍照十方國。Which illuminate the worlds in the ten quarters

迴光圍繞身，These rays of light return, encircle his body三匝從頂入，Three times, and enter the crown of his head一切天人眾，All devas and humans are delighted to see this踊躍皆歡喜。And are filled with great joy

大士觀世音，Avalokiteshvara, the Exalted Being 整服稽首問，having respectfully arranged his clothes and bowed his head. Asked the Buddha白佛何緣笑，Why are you smiling?唯然願說意。Reverently I enquire. Please tell me why 

梵聲猶雷震，The Buddha's majestic voice was like thunder八音暢妙響，Producing wonderful sounds in eight qualities of voice當授菩薩記，Because I am about to give predictions to the bodhisattvas今說仁諦聽。I now explain to you. Listen carefully!

十方來正士，吾悉知彼願，I am fully aware of the vows of the bodhisattvas Who come from the ten quarters志求嚴淨土，They seek to glorify their pure lands.受決當作佛。After receiving my predictions, they will become Buddhas

覺了一切法，While realizing that all dharmas are like a dream猶如夢幻響，An illusion or an echo滿足諸妙願，They will fulfill their excellent vows 必成如是剎。And surely establish pure lands such as this

知法如電影，Knowing that dharmas are like a flash of lightning or a shadow究竟菩薩道，They will pursue the Bodhisattva Path to its end其諸功德本，And amass a stock of merit受決當作佛。After receiving my predictions, they will become Buddhas

通達諸法性，While thoroughly knowing that the nature of all dharmas 一切空無我，Is empty and without substance惠求淨佛土，They will single-mindedly seek to produce their pure lands必成如是剎。And will surely establish lands such as this

諸佛告菩薩，The Buddhas tell the bodhisattvas to go and pay homage 今覲安養佛，To the Buddha of the Land of Peace and Provision聞法樂受行，Listen to his teaching, joyfully receive and practice it疾得清淨處。And then quickly reach the Realm of Purity

至彼嚴淨國，When you go to his glorious Pure Land便速得神通，You will instantly acquire supernatural powers必於無量尊，Having, without fail, received predictions from Amitayus受記成等覺。You will attain perfect Enlightenment

其佛本願力，By the power of that Buddha's Original Vows聞名欲往生，All who hear his Name and desire birth皆悉到彼國，Will, without exception, be born in his land 自致不退轉。And effortlessly enter the Stage of Non-retrogression(Avinivartaniya)

菩薩興至願，Bodhisattvas, if you make vows 願己國無異，That your lands will be like this普念度一切，While aspiring to save all beings everywhere名顯滿十方。Your name will be renowned throughout the ten quarters

奉事億如來，In order to serve millions of Tathagatas飛化遍諸剎，You can assume various forms and fly to those lands恭敬歡喜去，After worshipping them with joyful hearts還到安養國。You will return to the Land of Peace and Provision

若人無善心，Without a stock of goodness from past lives不得聞此經，One cannot hear this sutra清淨有戒者，But those who have strictly observed the precepts 乃獲聞正法。Can hear the right Dharma

曾更見世尊，One who has met a World-Honored One in the past 則能信此事，Can accept this teaching謙敬聞奉行，Such a person respectfully worships, hears and upholds it踊躍大歡喜。Rejoices so greatly as to dance

憍慢弊懈怠，Arrogant, corrupt and indolent people 難以信比法，Cannot readily accept this teaching宿世見諸佛，But those who have met Buddhas in their past lives 樂聽如是教。Rejoice to hear it

聲聞或菩薩，莫能究聖心，Neither shravakas nor bodhisattvas are able to know The Sage's Mind exhaustively譬如從生盲，They are like those who are born blind 欲行開導人。And yet wish to guide others

如來智慧海，The ocean of the Tathagata's wisdom 深廣無涯底，Is deep, vast and boundless二乘非所測，Even sages of the Hinayana cannot fathom it唯佛獨明了。Only the Buddha clearly knows it

假使一切人，Let us suppose that all human beings具足皆得道，Without exception, have attained Enlightenment淨慧如本空，And, with pure wisdom, realized original emptiness億劫思佛智。Even if they pondered on the Buddha's wisdom for myriads of kalpas

窮力極講說，And expounded it with the utmost effort盡壽猶不知，All through their lives. They would not come to exhaustive knowledge of it佛慧無邊際，The Buddha's wisdom is thus limitless如是致清淨。 And pure to its depths

壽命甚難得，To obtain human life is difficult in the extreme佛世亦難值，To meet a Buddha in this world is also difficult人有信慧難，It is difficult, too, for a man to attain faith and wisdom若聞精進求。 Once you have heard the Dharma, strive to reach its heart

聞法能不忘，If you have heard the Dharma and do not forget it見敬得大慶，But adore and revere it with great joy則我善親友，You are my good friend是故當發意。For this reason, you should awaken aspiration for Enlightenment

設滿世界火，Even if the whole world is on fire必過要聞法，Be sure to pass through it to hear the Dharma會當成佛道，Then you will surely attain the Buddha's Enlightenment廣濟生死流。And everywhere deliver beings from the river of birth-and-death. 

佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「彼國菩薩，All the bodhisattvas in the land of Amitayus皆當究竟一生補處，will ultimately attain the Stage of Becoming a Buddha After One More Life除其本願，Excepted are those who have made original vows為眾生故，for the sake of sentient beings以弘誓功德，而自莊嚴，普欲度脫一切眾生。resolving to cultivate the merit of realizing their great vows to save all sentient beings阿難！Ananda彼佛國中，諸聲聞眾，each shravaka in the Buddha-land of Amitayus身光一尋。emits light for one fathom around his body菩薩光明照百由旬。The light of a bodhisattva shines a hundred yojanas有二菩薩，There are two bodhisattvas最尊第一，who are the most dignified威神光明，their majestic light普照三千大千世界。」shines everywhere in the universe of a thousand million worlds

阿難白佛：Ananda asked「彼二菩薩，其號云何？」What are the names of those two bodhisattvas?佛言：The Buddha replied「一名觀世音，One is called Avalokiteshvara二名大勢至。and the other, Mahasthamaprapta此二菩薩，於此國土，修菩薩行，They had both performed Bodhisattva practices in this world命終轉化，and, at the end of their lives生彼佛國。were born by transformation in that Buddha-land阿難！Ananda其有眾生，the sentient beings生彼國者，born there皆悉具足三十二相，all fully possess the thirty-two physical characteristics of a Great Man智慧成滿，as well as perfect wisdom深入諸法，究暢要妙，with which they penetrate deeply into the nature of all dharmas, and reach their subtle essence神通無礙，Their supernatural powers know no obstruction諸根明利。and their physical senses are sharp and clear其鈍根者，The bodhisattvas of lesser capacities成就二忍。attain two insights其利根者，Those with superior capacities得不可計無生法忍。attain innumerable (merits by the) insights into the non-arising of all dharmas又彼菩薩，乃至成佛，不受惡趣，Those bodhisattvas will not be subject to rebirth in evil realms before they become Buddhas神通自在，They can freely exercise supernatural powers常識宿命。and always remember their past lives除生他方五濁惡世， Excepted are those who seek birth in the worlds of other quarters during the turbulent period of the five defilements, 示現同彼， manifesting their forms in the likeness of the beings there 如我國也。」as in this world.

佛語阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「彼國菩薩，承佛威神，By the Buddha's power, bodhisattvas of that land一食之頃，往詣十方無量世界，go to innumerable worlds of the ten quarters, in as short a time as it takes to eat a meal恭敬供養，in order to pay homage and make offerings to諸佛世尊。 The Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones隨心所念，If those bodhisattvas so wish華香、伎樂、衣蓋、幢幡，無數無量供養之具，uncountable and innumerable offerings, such as flowers, incense, music, silken canopies and banners自然化生，應念即至。spontaneously appear before them as soon as they are imagined珍妙殊特，, They are rare and marvelous非世所有，unlike anything in this world輒以奉散諸佛，及諸菩薩聲聞之眾。They are, accordingly, offered to the assemblies of Buddhas, bodhisattvas and shravakas在虛空中，化成華蓋，The flowers remain in the sky and gather into canopies光色昱爍，Their brilliance is dazzling香氣普熏。and their fragrance pervades everywhere其華周圓四百里者，如是轉倍，The flower-canopies range in size, from those of four hundred li in circumference up to乃覆三千大千世界，those large enough to cover the universe of a thousand million worlds隨其前後，以次化沒。As new flower-canopies appear, old ones disappear其諸菩薩僉然欣悅，These bodhisattvas all rejoice together於虛空中，and, while poised in mid-air共奏天樂，以微妙音，play heavenly music歌歎佛德，and praise the virtues of the Buddhas with hymns accompanied by wonderful sounds聽受經法，They listen to the Dharma歡喜無量。and attain immeasurable joy供養佛已，After thus worshipping the Buddhas未食之前，忽然輕舉，還其本國。」 they quickly return home to the Pure Land before their meal

佛語阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「無量壽佛，When Amitayus為諸聲聞菩薩天人頒宣法時，expounds the Dharma to shravakas and bodhisattvas都悉集會七寶講堂，they all assemble in the seven-jewelled lecture-hall廣宣道教，There he fully expounds the teachings of the Way演暢妙法，and proclaims the wonderful Dharma莫不歡喜，The whole audience rejoices心解得道。comprehends, and attains Enlightenment即時四方自然風起，At that time a breeze spontaneously arises in each of the four directions吹七寶樹，and wafts over the jewelled trees出五音聲。producing sounds of the pentatonic scales無量妙華，and causing innumerable exquisite flowers隨風四散，to fall like rain and scatter everywhere自然供養，Natural ways of glorification如是不絕。such as these are endlessly repeated一切諸天，All the devas皆齎天上百千華香，bring with them a hundred thousand flowers and pieces of aromatic wood萬種伎樂，and thousands of musical instruments供養其佛，to use as offerings to the Buddha及諸菩薩聲聞之眾。and the assembly of bodhisattvas and shravakas普散華香，they scatter flowers, diffuse perfumes everywhere奏諸音樂，and play various kinds of music前後來往，They come and go in succession更相開避，giving way to each other當斯之時，At such times熙怡快樂，their joy and happiness不可勝言。」 are beyond description

佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「生彼佛國諸菩薩等，The bodhisattvas born in that 
Buddha-land所可講說，常宣正法，expound the right Dharma whenever appropriate and隨順智慧，because they are in accord with the wisdom of enlightenment無違無失。their expositions are infallible and free of error於其國土，所有萬物，In regard to the myriads of things in that land無我所心，they have no thought of possession or attachment無染著心。去來進止，Whether going or coming, proceeding or remaining, their hearts are unattached情無所係。隨意自在，their acts are in accordance with their will and are unrestricted無所適莫，and they have no thought of 
discrimination無彼無我，In them there is no idea of self or others無競無訟。no idea of competition or dispute於諸眾生，得大慈悲饒益之心。With the heart of great compassion to benefit all living beings柔軟調伏，and with tenderness and self-control無岔恨心。they bear no enmity or grudge against anyone離蓋清淨，無厭怠心。Free of mental hindrances, they are pure in mind and without indolence.等心、Unbiased勝心、noble-minded深心、sincere定心、and tranquil愛法樂法喜法之心。Their hearts can revere, appreciate and enjoy the Dharma滅諸煩惱，Having extinguished all evil passions離惡趣心。they are free of those tendencies which cause one to fall into evil realms究竟一切菩薩所行，They have accomplished all the duties of a bodhisattva具足成就無量功德。and are fully endowed with immeasurable virtues得深禪定，Having reached deep meditation諸通明慧，and gained supernatural powers, transcendent knowledge and wisdom遊志七覺，they are established in the seven practices leading to Enlightenment修心佛法。and are devoted to the Buddha Dharma

「肉眼清徹，With the physical eye they see clearly靡不分了；discerning objects without error天眼通達，the sight of their heavenly eye reaches everywhere無量無限；without limit法眼觀察，with the Dharma-eye they observe究竟諸道；and know thoroughly the teachings of the Way慧眼見真，with the wisdom-eye they see truth能度彼岸；and attain the Other Shore佛眼具足，with the Buddha-eye覺了法性，they completely realize the nature of dharmas以無礙智為人演說。and with unhindered wisdom they expound the Dharma to others等觀三界，Although they observe with the eye of equality that the three worlds空無所有，are empty and non-existent志求佛法，they strive to learn the Buddha Dharma具諸辯才，and acquire varied eloquence除滅眾生煩惱之患。in order to rid living beings of affliction caused by evil passions從如來生，Since all dharmas have arisen解法如如，from Suchness善知集滅音聲方便。the bodhisattvas see them as they really are and know skillful means of speech that will develop good habits and destroy bad ones in living beings不欣世語，They dislike secular talk樂在正論。enjoying only right discourse on the Dharma修諸善本，They cultivate roots of virtue志崇佛道。revere the Path of the Buddha知一切法，and know that all dharmas are皆悉寂滅。completely tranquil and non-existent生身煩惱，Their samsaric bodies and evil passions二餘俱盡。have been extinguished together with their remaining karmic tendencies聞甚深法，When they hear the profound Dharma心不疑懼。their minds are free of doubt and fear常能修行其大悲者，They are always able to cultivate great compassion深遠微妙，which is deep and subtle靡不覆載。embracing everything like the sky and bearing all like the earth究竟一乘，Having reached the end of the Single Path至於彼岸，they have gone to the Other Shore決斷疑網，Having cut the net of doubt慧由心出。wisdom arises in their minds

「於佛教法，Within the Buddha Dharma該羅無外，there is nothing that they do not comprehend智慧如大海，Their wisdom is like the ocean三昧如山王。and their samadhi, like the king of mountains慧光明淨，The light of their wisdom超踰日月。being brilliant and pure, outshines the sun and the moon清白之法，具足圓滿。They are in complete possession of the pure, undefiled Dharma猶如雲山，They are like the Himalayas照諸功德等一淨故；because the brilliance of their virtues is reflected evenly and clearly猶如大地，They are like the great earth淨穢好惡無異心故；because they have no discriminative thoughts, such as pure or impure, beautiful or ugly猶如淨水，They are like pure water洗除塵勞諸垢染故；because they wash away afflictions and defilements猶如火王，They are like the king of fire燒滅一切煩惱薪故；because they burn the firewood of all evil passions猶如大風，They are like a great wind行諸世界無障礙故；because they travel throughout the worlds without hindrance猶如虛空，They are like the sky於一切有無所著故；because they have no attachments猶如蓮華，They are like lotuses於諸世間無染污故；because nothing in the world can defile them猶如大乘，They are like a great vehicle運載群萌出生死故；because they carry the multitude of beings out of birth-and-death猶如重雲，They are like a heavy cloud震大法雷覺未覺故；because they 
cause the great thunder of the Dharma to roar and awaken the unenlightened猶如大雨，They are like a great rain雨甘露法潤眾生故；because they cause the nectar of Dharma to fall like showers to nourish living beings如金剛山，They are like the Adamantine Mountains眾魔外道不能動故；because demons and non-Buddhists cannot move them如梵天王，They are like the king of the Brahma Heaven於諸善法最上首故；because they are foremost in the performance of various good deeds如尼拘類樹，They are like the nyagrodha tree普覆一切故；because they afford shelter to all beings如優曇缽華，They are like the udumbara flower希有難遇故；because they rarely appear in the world and are difficult to encounter如金翅鳥，They are like the gold-winged garuda威伏外道故；because they subdue non-Buddhists如眾遊禽，They are like a flock of playful birds無所藏積故；because they do not store things猶如牛王，They are like the king of bulls無能勝故；because they are invincible猶如象王，They are like the king of elephants善調伏故；because they conquer adversaries如師子王，They are like the king of lions無所畏故；because they fear nothing曠若虛空，They are like the vest sky大慈等故；because their great compassion reaches everywhere without discrimination摧滅嫉心，They have destroyed envy by not being jealous不忌勝故。of the superiority of others

 
「專樂求法，心無厭足。With singleness of heart they seek the Dharma tirelessly常欲廣說，Always desiring to expound the doctrine志無疲倦。they never grow weary擊法鼓，Striking Dharma-drums建法幢，and hoisting Dharma-banners曜慧日， they cause the sun of wisdom to shine forth除癡闇。And dissipate the darkness of ignorance修六和敬，They perform the six acts of accord and respect常行法施，and always provide others with the gift of the Dharma志勇精進，Strong-willed and diligent心不退弱。their determination never falters為世燈明，Thus they become lamps to the world最勝福田。and fields of supreme merit常為師導，they always become teachers等無憎愛，and harbor no thought of discrimination, aversion, or attachment唯樂正道，They seek only the right Path無餘欣戚。finding neither joy nor sorrow in other matters拔諸欲刺，They extract thorns of passion以安群生。and give peace of mind to multitudes of beings功德殊勝，Because of their supreme wisdom莫不尊敬。there is no one who does not revere them滅三垢障，They have destroyed the hindrances of the three defilements遊諸神通。and mastered the supernatural powers因力、They also possess the power of good karma from 
their past lives緣力、the power of guiding others意力、of the will願力、of vowing方便之力；of employing skillful means常力、of continuous practice善力、of doing good定力、of meditation慧力，of wisdom多聞之力；of hearing the Dharma widely施戒忍辱，They also possess the power of the Six Paramitas精進禪定、智慧之力；generosity, morality, patience, effort, meditation and wisdom正念止觀，and the power of right mindfulness, concentration, 
contemplation諸通明力；the supernatural faculties, transcendent knowledge如來調伏，and the power to tame諸眾生力。and train living beings in the right way如是等力，一切具足。as well as other powers身色相好， Fully possessed of all the physical characteristics and marks功德辯才，virtues, and eloquence具足莊嚴，無與等者。they have no equals恭敬供養無量諸佛，They revere and worship innumerable Buddhas and are常為諸佛所共稱歎。in turn, always praised by them究竟菩薩諸波羅蜜，They have completed the bodhisattva's course of Paramitas修空無相無願三昧，and practiced the samadhis of emptiness, non-form and non-desire不生不滅諸三昧門，the samadhi of non-arising and non-ceasing and many other samadhis遠離聲聞緣覺之地。they have gone far beyond the stages of shravakas and pratyekabuddhas阿難！Ananda彼諸菩薩，bodhisattvas of that land成就如是無量功德，have innumerable virtues such as these我但為汝略言之耳。of which I have given you only an outline若廣說者，If I were to expound them in full detail百千萬劫不能窮盡。」a thousand million kalpas would not be long enough to do so

佛告彌勒菩薩諸天人等：The Buddha said to the Bodhisattva Maitreya and to devas and humans「無量壽國，聲聞菩薩，功德智慧不可稱說。The virtue and wisdom of shravakas and bodhisattvas in the land of Amitayus are indescribable又其國土，That land is微妙安樂，sublime, blissful清淨若此，serene and pure何不力為善？Why do you not diligently practice good念道之自然。reflect on the naturalness of the Way著於無上下，and realize that it is above all discriminations洞達無邊際，and is boundlessly pervasive? 宜各勤精進，努力自求之。You should each make a great effort to attain it必得超絕去，Strive to escape from Samsara往生安樂國，and be born in the Land of Peace and Provision橫截五惡道。Then, the causes of the five evil realms having been destroyed道趣自然閉。they will naturally cease to be昇道無窮極，and so you will progress unhindered in your pursuit of the Way易往而無人，The Pure Land is easy to reach, but very few actually go there其國不逆違，It rejects nobody自然之所牽。but naturally and unfailingly attracts beings.何不棄世事？Why do you not abandon worldly matters and strive to enter the Way?勤行求道德；If you do可得極長生，you will obtain an infinitely long life壽樂無有極。and one of limitless bliss

「然世人薄俗，People of the world, being weak in virtue共諍不急之事，engage in strife over matters which are not urgent於此劇惡極苦之中，勤身營務，以自給濟。In the midst of abject wickedness and extreme afflictions they painstakingly toil for their living無尊無卑，Whether noble or corrupt無貧無富，rich or poor少長男女，young or old , male or female共憂錢財，all people worry about wealth and property有無同然，In this there is no difference between the rich and the poor憂思適等。both have their anxieties屏營愁苦，Groaning in dejection and sorrow累念積慮。they pile up thoughts of anguish為心走使，or, driven by inner urges, they run wildly in all directions無有安時；and they have no time for peace and rest有田憂田，For example, if they own fields, they are concerned about them有宅憂宅；If they have houses, they worry about them牛馬、六畜、They are also anxious about their six kinds of domestic animals, such as cows and horses奴婢、about their male and female servants錢財、money, wealth衣食什物，clothes, food and furnishings復共憂之。重思累息，With deepening troubles they sigh repeatedly憂念愁怖，and anxiety increasingly torments and terrifies them橫為非常水火、Sudden misfortune may befall them: all their possessions may be destroyed by fire, swept away by floods盜賊、plundered by robbers怨家、or seized by adversaries債主，or creditors焚漂劫奪，消散磨滅，憂毒忪忪，無有解時。Then gnawing grief afflicts them and incessantly troubles their hearts結憤心中，Anger seizes their minds不離憂惱。keeps them in constant agitation心堅意固，increasingly tightens its grip, hardens their hearts適無縱捨。and never leaves them或坐摧碎，身亡命終，When their lives end in such agonizing conditions棄捐之去，莫誰隨者，they must leave 
everybody and everything behind尊貴豪富，亦有斯患，Even nobles and men of wealth have these worries憂懼萬端，With much anxiety and fear勤苦若此，they endure such tribulations結眾寒熱，Breaking out in cold sweats or fevers與痛共居。they suffer unremitting pain貧窮下劣，The poor and the underprivileged困乏常無。are constantly destitute無田亦憂欲有田，If, for example, they have no fields, they are unhappy and want them無宅亦憂欲有宅，If they have no houses, they are unhappy and want them無牛、馬、六畜、If they have none of the six kinds of domestic animals, such as cows and horses奴婢、or if they have no male and female servants錢財、or lack money, wealth衣食什物，clothes, food, or furnishings亦憂欲有之。they are 
unhappy and want those as well適有一，If they possess some of them復少一，others may be 
lacking有是少是，If they have this, they do not have that思有齊等。and so they wish to possess all適欲具有，But, even if by some chance they come to possess everything便復糜散。it will soon be destroyed or lost如是憂苦，Then, dejected and sorrowful當復求索，they strive to obtain such things again不能時得，but it may be impossible思想無益。Brooding over this is to no avail身心俱勞，Exhausted in mind and body坐起不安，they become restless in all their doings憂念相隨，and anxieties follow on their heels勤苦若此，Such are the troubles they must endure亦結眾寒熱，Breaking out in cold sweats or fevers與痛共居，they suffer unremitting pain或時坐之，Such conditions may result in終身夭命，the sudden end of their lives or an early death不肯為善，Since they have not done any good in particular行道進德。nor followed the Way, nor acted virtuously壽終身死，when they die當獨遠去，they will depart alone有所趣向，to an inferior world善惡之道，Although they are destined to different states of existence莫能知者。none of them understands the law of karma that sends them there

「世間人民，People of the world父子兄弟，parents and children, brothers and sisters夫婦家室，husbands and wives中外親屬，and other family members and kinsmen當相敬愛，should respect and love each other無相憎嫉。refraining from hatred and envy有無相通，They should share things with others無得貪惜，and not be greedy and miserly言色常和，always speak friendly words with a pleasing smile莫相違戾。and not hurt each other或時心靜，If one disagrees with others有所恚怒，and grows angry今世恨意，微相憎嫉，however small one's grudge and enmity may be in this life後世轉劇，these will increase in the life to come至成大怨。until they grow into a mass of hostility所以者何？世間之事，更相患害，For, if people are engaged in tormenting and harming each other in this life雖不即時， such conflict may not immediately應急相破。end in mutual destruction然含毒畜怒，But persistent bitterness and raging fury結憤精神，are impressed upon the mind自然剋識，不得相離，and thus naturally leave indelible marks on consciousness皆當對生，so that those involved will be reborn about the same time更相報復。to take revenge on each other人在世間，Further, in the midst of worldly愛欲之中，desires and attachments獨生獨死，one comes and goes alone獨去獨來，is born alone and dies alone當行至趣苦樂之地，After death, one goes to a painful or to a pleasant state of existence身自當之，Each receives his karmic consequences無有代者。and nobody else can take his place善惡變化，In accordance with different acts of good and evil殃福異處，people are destined to realms of bliss or suffering宿豫嚴待，Unalterably bound by their karma當獨趣入，they depart for those realms all alone遠到他所，Having reached the other world莫能見者。they cannot see each other善惡自然，The law of good and evil naturally pursues them追行所生，and wherever they may be reborn窈窈冥冥，distance and darkness別離久長，always separate them道路不同，Since their paths of karma are different會見無期。it is impossible to tell the time of their reunion甚難甚難，and so difficult to meet again今得相值。Can they ever see each other once more? 何不棄眾事，Why do they not abandon all worldly involvements and strive各遇強健時，while they are strong and healthy努力勤修善，精進願度世，to pursue the good and diligently seek deliverance from Samsara?可得極長生。If they do, they will be able to attain infinite life如何不求道，Why do they not seek the Way?安所須待，What is there in this world that should be longed for?欲何樂乎？What pleasure is there that ought to be sought after? 如是世人，Thus people of the world不信作善得善，do not believe in pursuing good為道得道；and receiving reward or in practicing the Way and attaining Enlightenment不信人死更生，neither do they believe in transmigration惠施得福。善惡之事，and retribution for evil acts or reward for good ones, such as obtaining merit by helping others都不信之，Believing that these do not exist謂之不然，終無有是。they totally reject such a view但坐此故，Further, by so doing且自見之，they cling to their own views更相瞻視，more tenaciously先後同然。Later generations learn from previous ones to act likewise轉相承受，父餘教令，Fathers, perpetuating their wrong views pass them on to their children先人祖父，Since parents and grandparents素不為善，from the beginning did not do good deeds不識道德，were ignorant of the Way身愚神闇，committed foolish acts, and were benighted心塞意閉。insensitive and callous死生之趣，善惡之道，自不能見，their descendants are now unable to realize the truth of birth-and-death and the law of karma無有語者。吉凶禍福，There is no one to tell them about this Nobody seeks to know the cause of fortune and misfortune, happiness and misery競各作之，無一怪也。although these states result from such acts生死常道，The reality of birth-and-death is such that the sorrow of parting轉相嗣立，is mutually felt by all generations或父哭子，A father cries over the death of his children或子哭父，children cry over the death of their father兄弟夫婦，Brothers, sisters, husbands and wives更相哭泣。mourn each other's death顛倒上下，無常根本，According to the basic law of impermanence, whether death will occur in order of seniority or in the reverse is 
unpredictable皆當過去，All things must pass不可常保。Nothing stays forever教語開導，信之者少，Few believe this, even if someone teaches and exhorts them是以生死流轉，And so the stream of birth-and-death無有休止。continues everlastingly如此之人，蒙冥抵突，Because they are stupid and callous不信經法，such people do not accept the teachings of the Buddha心無遠慮，they lack forethought各欲快意，and only wish to satisfy their own desires癡惑愛欲，They are deluded by their passionate attachments不達於道德，unaware of the Way迷沒於瞋怒，misguided and trapped by anger and enmity貪狼於財色。and intent on gaining wealth and gratifying their carnal desires like wolves坐之不得道，And so, unable to follow the Way當更惡趣苦，they are again subject to suffering in evil realms生死無窮已，in an endless cycle of birth-and-death哀哉甚可傷！How miserable and pitiable this is! 

「或時室家父子，In the same family, when one of the parents, children兄弟夫婦，brothers, sisters, husband or wife dies一死一生，更相哀愍。those surviving mourn over the loss恩愛思慕，憂念結縛，and their attachment to the deceased persists心意痛著，Deep sorrow fills their hearts and迭相顧戀，grief-stricken, they mournfully think of the departed窮日卒歲，Days pass and years go by無有解已。but their distress goes on教語道德，Even if someone teaches them the Way心不開明，their minds are not awakened思想恩好，Brooding over fond memories of the dead不離情欲。they cannot rid themselves of attachment惛蒙闇塞，愚惑所覆，Being ignorant, inert, and illusion-bound不能深思熟計，they are unable to think deeply心自端正，to keep their self-composure專精行道，to practice the Way with diligence決斷世事。and to dissociate themselves from worldly matters便旋至竟，As they wander here and there年壽終盡，不能得道，they come to their end and die before entering on the Way無可奈何。Then what can be done for them?總猥憒擾，Because they are spiritually defiled, deeply troubled and confused皆貪愛欲。people indulge their passions惑道者眾，Hence, many are ignorant of the Way悟之者少，and few realize it世間匆匆，Everyone is restlessly busy無可聊賴。having nothing upon which to rely尊卑上下，Whether moral or corrupt, of high or low rank貧富貴賤，rich or poor, noble or base勤苦匆務，all are preoccupied with their own work各懷殺毒。They entertain venomous thoughts惡氣窈冥，creating a widespread and dismal atmosphere of malevolence為妄興事。Subversive activities are planned違逆天地，不從人心。contrary to the universal law and the wishes of the people自然非惡，Injustice and vice先隨與之，inevitably follow and are allowed to run their course 恣聽所為，unchecked待其罪極。until evil karma accumulates to the limit其壽未終，Before they expect their lives to end便頓奪之。people meet sudden death下人惡道，and fall into evil realms累世勤苦，展轉其中，where they will suffer excruciating torments for many lives數千億劫，無有出期They will not be able to escape for many thousands of kotis of kalpas。痛不可言，How indescribably painful!甚可哀愍！」How pitiable that is!

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佛告彌勒菩薩，The Buddha said to the Bodhisattva Maitreya諸天人等：and to devas and humans「我今語汝，世間之事，I have told you the truth about people of the world.人用是故，Such being their mode of life坐不得道。they are unable to enter on the Way當熟思計，Therefore, you should think deeply遠離眾惡。and try to avoid various evil acts擇其善者，choose the good勤而行之。and diligently practice it愛欲榮華，A life of addiction to desires, or a life of pomp and vainglory 不可常保，cannot last long皆當別離，All must part無可樂者。there is nothing you can truly enjoy遇佛在世，Since you have encountered a Buddha in this world當勤精進。you should assiduously practice the Way其有至願生安樂國者，Anyone who sincerely desires birth in the Land of Peace and Bliss可得智慧明達，is able to attain purity of wisdom功德殊勝。and supremacy in virtue勿得隨心所欲，You should not follow the urges of passions虧負經戒，break the precepts在人後也。or fall behind others in the practice of the Way儻有疑意不解經者，If you have doubts and are not clear about my teaching可具問佛，ask me, the Buddha, about anything當為說之。」and I shall explain it to you

彌勒菩薩長跪白言：The Bodhisattva Maitreya prostrated himself on the ground and said「佛威神尊重，Your majestic glory, Buddha, is awe-inspiring所說快善。and your exposition is most 
pleasing to me聽佛經語，Having heard your teaching貫心思之，I feel deeply世人實爾，that people of the world are just as如佛所言。you have described今佛慈愍，Your compassionate顯示大道，revelation of the Great Way耳目開明，has opened our eyes and ears長得度脫，awakening us to emancipation聞佛所說，Those who have heard your teachings莫不歡喜。are all filled with joy諸天人民蠕動之類，Devas, humans and lesser beings, including even those that crawl皆蒙慈恩，have all been blessed by your compassionate guidance解脫憂苦。and have thereby attained deliverance from suffering and affliction佛語教戒，The Buddha's admonition甚深甚善，is indeed profound and appropriate智慧明見，and his wisdom八方上下去來今事，莫不究暢。clearly surveys things in the eight quarters, above and below, penetrating all in the past, present and future今我眾等，所以蒙得度脫，Our emancipation in the present life皆佛前世求道之時，謙苦所致。is entirely due to the Buddha's perseverance and painstaking efforts in his former lives when he was seeking the Way恩德普覆，His benevolence covers the whole world福祿巍巍，光明徹照，and the extent of his merit is majestic and glorious達空無極，His light penetrates to the utmost ends of space開人泥洹。and guides people to Nirvana教授典攬，He reveals the sutras威制消化。destroys wrong views, and subdues demons感動十方，無窮無極。Thus his influence extends boundlessly in the ten quarters佛為法王，The Buddha is the King of the Dharma尊超眾聖，his virtue surpasses that of all the sages普為一切天人之師，He is the Teacher of all devas and humans隨心所願，皆令得道。and enables them to enter on the Way according to their wishes今得值佛，Having been able to meet you, Buddha復聞無量壽聲，and also to hear the Name of Amitayus靡不歡喜，we have all attained joy心得開明。」and illumination

佛告彌勒：The Buddha said to Maitreya「汝言是也。What you say is true若有慈敬於佛者，Those who adore and revere a Buddha實為大善。attain great merit天下久久，乃復有佛。Buddhas very rarely appear in the world今我於此世作佛，Having become a Buddha in this life演說經法，I have taught the Dharma宣布道教，expounded teachings of the Way斷諸疑網，cleared people's doubts拔愛欲之本，eradicated the causes of lust and desire杜眾惡之源。and blocked the source of all evils遊步三界，Visiting various places in the three worlds無所聖礙。I encounter no obstructions典攬智慧，The wisdom disclosed in the scriptures眾道之要，provides for all ways of life執持綱維，It keeps essential principles together昭然分明。and clearly reveals the truth開示五趣，I have explained the reality of the five realms度未度者，thereby freeing those who have not yet attained deliverance決正生死泥洹之道。and distinguishing between the paths of Samsara and Nirvana

「彌勒當知，Maitreya, you should know that汝從無數劫來，you have, for innumerable kalpas修菩薩行，been perfecting bodhisattva practices欲度眾生，其已久遠to save sentient beings。從汝得道，至於泥洹不可稱數。Incalculable indeed is the number of beings who under your guidance have attained the Way and reached Nirvana汝及十方諸天人民一切四眾，永劫已來，From time immemorial, you and all the devas and humans in the ten quarters and the four groups of followers展轉五道，have been floundering in the five realms of Samsara憂畏勤苦，不可具言，undergoing indescribable troubles and afflictions乃至今世，Until you were born in this life生死不絕，you, too, underwent endless cycles of birth-and-death.與佛相值，Now you have encountered a Buddha聽受經法，listened to his expositions of the Dharma,又復得聞無量壽佛，and been able to learn about Amitayus快哉甚善！What pleasure and joy this is for you吾助爾喜。 and for me to share. 

「汝今亦可自厭生死老病痛苦，It is time for all to seek deliverance from the pains of birth, death, old age, and sickness.惡露不淨，Outflows of depravity and defilement are everywhere無可樂者。and there is nothing in which you can find true joy宜自決斷，You should resolutely端身正行，do worthy deeds with decorum益作諸善。strive to do more good修己潔體，control and purify yourselves洗除心垢。wash off the mind's defilements言行忠信，be sincere in word and deed表裡相應。and allow no contradiction between what you think and what you do人能自度，Seek your own emancipation轉相拯濟，and then turn to saving others精明求願，積累善本。straightforwardly aspire to be born in the Pure Land and accumulate roots of virtue雖一世勤苦，However hard you may practice in this life須臾之間，it can only be for a short while後生無量壽國，In the life to come you will be born in the land of Amitayus快樂無極。and enjoy endless bliss there長與道德合明，Being forever in accord with the Way永拔生死根本，you will no longer be subject to birth-and-death無復貪恚愚癡苦惱之患，and be free of the afflictions caused by greed, anger and stupidity欲壽一劫百劫，If you wish your life to be as long as a kalpa, a hundred kalpas千億萬劫，or ten million kalpas自在隨意，it will be just as you please皆可得之。無為自然，次於泥洹之道。You will dwell in effortless spontaneity and attain Nirvana汝等宜各精進，求心所願，You should each diligently seek to realize your aspiration無得疑惑中悔，Do not entertain any doubt or give up your endeavor自為過咎。lest as a result of that fault生彼邊地七寶宮殿，you should be born into the seven-jewelled palace in the border region of the Pure Land五百歲中，受諸厄也。」and be subject to various disadvantages for five hundred years彌勒白言：Maitreya said to the Buddha「受佛重誨，Having received your considerate admonition專精修學，we will diligently practice the Way如教奉行，and follow your teaching不敢有疑。」We will not allow any doubt to arise

佛告彌勒：The Buddha said to Maitreya「汝等能於此世，If here in this world端心正意，you are upright in thought and will不作眾惡，and abstain from doing evil甚為至德，then you will attain the utmost virtue十方世界，最無倫匹。unsurpassed in all the lands throughout the ten quarters所以者何？Why is this  so?諸佛國土，天人之類，Devas and humans in the Buddha-lands自然作善，naturally do good不大為惡，and rarely commit evil易可開化。and so, it is easy to teach and train them今我於此世間作佛，Having become a Buddha in this world處於五惡五痛五燒之中，I now dwell in the midst of the five evils, the five sufferings, and the five burnings為最劇苦。This is extremely painful for me教化群生，I will teach multitudes of beings令捨五惡，making them abandon the five evils令去五痛，avoid the five sufferings令離五燒，and escape from the five burnings降化其意，I will train their minds令持五善，and lead them to practice the five good deeds獲其福德，so that they may acquire merit and virtue度世長壽泥洹之道。」and attain emancipation, long life, and Nirvana

佛言：The Buddha continued「何等五惡？What are the five evils?何等五痛？What are the five 
sufferings?何等五燒？What are the five burnings?何等消化五惡，What is the way to extinguish the five evils令持五善，and lead people to practice the five good deeds獲其福德度世長壽泥洹之道？so that they may acquire merit and virtue and attain emancipation, long life, and Nirvana?" 

「其一惡者：The Buddha said, "The first evil is this諸天人民蠕動之類，Devas, humans and lesser beings, including even those that crawl欲為眾惡，are bent on doing evil莫不皆然。There is no being that is not強者伏弱，The strong subdue the weak轉相剋賊，殘害殺戮，all inflict serious injuries and kill each other迭相吞噬，all devour their prey不知修善，Not knowing how to do good惡逆無道。they commit evil and do outrageous and unruly deeds後受殃罰，Later, they receive retribution自然趣向。it is natural that they should be destined to evil realms神明記識，Demigods keep records of offenders' acts犯者不赦。and make sure that they are punished故有貧窮下賤，That is why some are poor and destitute, corrupt乞丐狐獨，beggarly, lonely聾盲瘖啞，deaf, dumb愚癡弊惡，blind, stupid至有尪狂不逮之屬。wicked, physically handicapped, deranged, or subnormal又有尊貴豪富，But others are honorable, noble, wealthy高才明達，intelligent, or clever皆由宿世慈孝，修善積德所致。This is the result of good and meritorious acts of benevolence and the performance of their duties to their parents in past lives世有常道，王法牢獄，In this world prisons are set up by the law不肯畏慎，and those who are unafraid of 
them為惡入罪，受其殃罰，and commit offenses are sent there for punishment求望解脫，However desperately they may wish to escape難得勉出。it is impossible to do so世間有此目前現事，Such is retribution in this world壽終後世，but in the lives to come尤深尤劇。punishment is longer and more severe for such evildoers入其幽冥，轉生受身。The suffering of transmigration through dark and dismal realms譬如王法，痛苦極刑。is comparable to the severest and most painful punishment ever enforced by law

「故有自然三塗，Thus, through the natural working of karma無量苦惱。they undergo immeasurable suffering in the three evil realms轉貿其身，In successive transmigrations改形易道，they are reborn into different forms所受壽命，their life-spans或長或短。are sometimes long and sometimes short魂神精識，Their transient selves, vital energy自然趣之。and consciousness transmigrate through the natural working of karma當獨值向，Although each individual is reborn alone相從共生。those bound by common karma come to be born together更相報復，and take revenge upon each other無有止已。So this condition persists endlessly殃惡未盡，and, until the effect of their evil karma is exhausted不得相離。展轉其中，there is no possibility of avoiding their enemies無有出期，難得解脫，Floundering in Samsara, they have no chance of escape or of attaining emancipation痛不可言。The pain that they must undergo is indescribable天地之間，自然有是，Since this law naturally obtains everywhere between heaven and earth雖不即時卒暴應至，善惡之道，even if good or evil acts do not immediately bring about reward or retribution會當歸之。they will certainly result sooner or later是為一大惡一痛一燒，This I call the first great evil, the first suffering, and the first burning勤苦如是。Those afflictions are such譬如大火焚燒人身，that they are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive人能於中一心制意，If in the midst of this, one controls one's thoughts with single-mindedness端身正行，does worthy deeds with proper demeanor獨作諸善，不為眾惡者，commits no evil, and performs only good身獨度脫，獲其福德度世上天泥洹之道，then with the merit and virtue acquired one reaches emancipation and is able to escape from this world, be reborn in heavenly realms, and finally reach Nirvana是為一大善也。」This is the first great good 

佛言：The Buddha continued「其二惡者，The second evil is that世間人民，people of the world父子兄弟，parents, children, brothers and sisters室家夫婦，members of a family, husbands and wives都無義理，all lack moral principles不順法度，break laws奢淫憍縱，conduct themselves arrogantly, commit licentious and unruly acts各欲快意。pursue their own pleasures任心自恣，enjoy themselves as they will更相欺惑。心口各異，What they think contradicts what they say, and deceive each other言念無實。they speak without sincerity佞諂不忠，flatter others with deceitful intention巧言諛媚。fawn upon others with artful words嫉賢謗善，envy the reputation of sages, abuse the virtuous陷入怨枉。and entrap people by dishonest means主上不明，Masters are unwise任用臣下；in appointing retainers臣下自在，機偽多端。who, exploiting the situation踐度能行，知其形勢。seek every opportunity for trickery and deceit在位不正，Rulers, being unrighteous為其所欺。are deceived by ministers妄損忠良，and foolishly remove loyal and faithful subjects不當天心。This is contrary to the will of Heaven臣欺其君，Ministers betray their rulers子欺其父，children deceive their parents兄弟夫婦，brothers, sisters, husbands, wives中外知識，更相欺誑。kinsmen and friends deceive 
each other各懷貪欲，They harbor greed瞋恚愚癡。anger, and stupidity欲自厚己，and, desiring many possessions欲貪多有。seek their own advantage尊卑上下，心俱同然。All people are the same at heart, whether they are men of high and honorable positions or of lower and 
despised classes破家亡身，不顧前後。They bring their homes and themselves to ruin and 
recklessly destroy their kindred親屬內外，Although there are family members坐之滅族。或時室家知識，鄉黨市里， friends, villagers, townspeople愚民野人，轉共從事。ignorant and vulgar groups working together更相利害，all seek to gain their own profit忿成怨結。thereby incurring the anger and enmity of others富有慳惜，不肯施與，When people grow rich, they become miserly and uncharitable愛保貪重，Greedily attached to their wealth心勞身苦。they toil with mind and body to retain it如是至竟，When their end comes無所恃怙，they find nothing to rely on獨來獨去，Ultimately they are born and depart alone無一隨者。with nobody to accompany them善惡禍福，Bliss or misery resulting from good or evil acts追命所生，follows them in their future lives或在樂處，Thus they are reborn in pleasant或入苦毒，or painful states然後乃悔，Even if they later show regret當復何及！what good will that do? 

「世間人民，People of the world心愚少智，being dark-hearted and lacking insight見善憎謗，hate and abuse good people不思慕及，and show them no respect但欲為惡，They are attached to wrongdoing妄作非法。and willfully commit unlawful acts常懷盜心，希望他利，They always covet the wealth of others and harbor intentions of stealing消散磨盡，After spending and squandering而復求索。what they have robbed from others, they seek to regain it邪心不正，Because of their own hidden motives and dishonesty懼人有色，they slyly study the reactions shown on the faces of others不豫思計，Since they are unable to think far ahead事至乃悔。when things go wrong, they become despondent with chagrin

「今世現有王法牢獄，In this world there are prisons established by the law隨罪趣向，where offenders are sent to receive punishment受其殃罰。according to their offenses因其前世，In their previous lives不信道德，they neither believed in the Way不修善本，nor cultivated roots of virtue今復為惡，In this life, too, if they commit evil天神剋識，demigods know別其名籍。and keep records of their acts壽終神逝，when they die下入惡道。they fall into evil realms故有自然三塗，Thus, because of the natural working of karma, there are the three evil realms無量苦惱。and innumerable sufferings展轉其中，through which evildoers must pass世世累劫，life after life, for many kalpas無有出期with no end in sight，難得解脫，It is indeed difficult for them to attain release痛不可言。The pain they must undergo is indescribable是為二大惡二痛二燒，This is called the second great evil, the second suffering, and the second burning勤苦如是。The afflictions are such that譬如大火焚燒人身，they are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive人能於中一心制意，If in the midst of this one controls one's thoughts with single-mindedness端身正行，does worthy deeds with proper demeanor獨作諸善，不為眾惡者，commits no evil, and performs only good身獨度脫，獲其福德度世上天泥洹之道，then with the merit and virtue acquired one reaches emancipation and is able to escape from this world, be reborn in heavenly realms and finally reach Nirvana是為二大善也。」This is the second great good

佛言：The Buddha continued「其三惡者，The third evil is this世間人民，People of the world相因寄生，live together共居天地之間。inhabiting this realm between heaven and earth處年壽命，無能幾何。with a limited life-span上有賢明長者尊貴豪富，On the one hand, among the higher levels there are wise, rich, honorable, noble, and wealthy people下有貧窮廝賤，On the other hand, among the lower levels there are people who are poor, debased尪劣愚夫，crude and foolish中有不善之人。Besides, there are evildoers常懷邪惡，who always harbor vicious thoughts但念淫泆，and think only of self-gratification煩滿胸中。they are full of worries愛欲交亂，sunk in lust and attachment坐起不安；are restless in their daily lives貪意守惜，greedy and miserly但欲唐得。and desirous of what they have no right to possess眄睞細色，They gloat over fair-skinned women邪態外逸。behave licentiously and commit obscene acts with them自妻厭憎，hate their own wives私妄出入，and secretly frequent brothels費損家財，Consequently, after squandering all their resources事為非法。they begin to break the law交結聚會，They form bands興師相伐，start riots, engage in fighting攻劫殺戮，unlawfully attack and kill people強奪無道。and plunder property惡心在外，Some have evil designs on the possessions of others不自修業。Without working at their own occupations盜竊趣得，they acquire things through theft欲擊成事。Driven by desire, they commit further offenses恐勢迫脅，Feverishly agitated, they intimidate and rob people歸給妻子，to support their own wives and children with the goods thus acquired恣心快意，Obeying only the dictates of their passions極身作樂。they become addicted to wanton pleasures或於親屬，不避尊卑，They also disregard seniority in kinship家室中外，患而苦之，causing sorrow and anguish to other family members and relatives亦復不畏王法禁令。furthermore, they take no account of the laws of the State如是之惡，But such evils著於人鬼。are known to others and also to demons日月照見，The Sun and the Moon recognize them神明記識。and demigods keep records of their doings故有自然三塗，Thus, because of the natural working of karma, there are three evil realms無量苦惱。展轉其中，and innumerable sufferings through which evildoers must pass世世累劫，life after life, for many kalpas無有出期，with no end in sight難得解脫，It is indeed difficult for them to gain release 痛不可言。 The pain they must undergo is indescribable是為三大惡三痛三燒，This is called the third great evil, the third suffering, and the third burning勤苦如是。The afflictions are such that 譬如大火焚燒人身，they are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive人能於中一心制意，If in the midst of this one controls one's thoughts with single-mindedness端身正行，does worthy deeds with proper demeanor獨作諸善，不為眾惡者，commits no evil, and performs only good身獨度脫，獲其福德度世上天泥洹之道，then with the merit and virtue acquired one reaches emancipation and is able to escape from this world, be reborn in heavenly realms and finally reach Nirvana是為三大善也。」This is the third great good

 

佛言：The Buddha continued「其四惡者，The fourth evil is this世間人民，People of the world不念修善。do not think of doing good轉相教令，They incite each other共為眾惡。to commit various kinds of evil兩舌，uttering harsh惡口，and abusive words妄言，telling lies綺語。and engaging in idle talk讒賊鬥亂，They slander others and cause contention憎嫉善人，They hate and envy good men敗壞賢明。and ruin the wise於傍快喜。while they rejoice in watching this behind the scenes不孝二親，They are neglectful of their parents輕慢師長。make light of their teachers and elders朋友無信，fail to win the trust of their friends難得誠實。and lack sincerity尊貴自大，Holding themselves in high esteem謂己有道。they think that they are virtuous橫行威勢，but act waywardly in an overbearing manner侵易於人。and despise others不能自知，Unaware of their own evil為惡無恥。They never feel ashamed of themselves自以強健，Boastful of their physical strength欲人敬難。they demand respect and fear from others不畏天地神明日月，Taking no heed of Heaven, Earth, demigods, or the Sun and the Moon不肯作善，they disdain to do any good難可降化。So they are difficult to train and convert自用偃蹇，Holding themselves in high esteem謂可常爾，they demand their own way無所憂懼，Arrogant and afraid of nothing常懷憍慢。they always assume a haughty attitude如是眾惡，But demigods天神記識。keep record of their evils賴其前世頗作福德，Perhaps there was some meritorious act in their past lives小善扶接，營護助之。and they can count on the effect of that small amount of good今世為惡，But, since they commit evil again in this life福德盡滅，their stock of merit is soon exhausted諸善神鬼，各去離之，good divinities forsake them身獨空立，leaving them alone無所復依。and with no one on whom to depend壽命終盡，When their lives end諸惡所歸，all their evil recoils upon them自然迫促，and forces them, through the natural working of karma共趣奪之。to descend to the evil realms又其名籍，Again, as the exact record of their deeds記在神明。in the hands of the demigods dictates殃咎牽引，當往趣向。their karmic transgressions  and offenses condemn them to hellish realm罪報自然，Retribution for evil comes about naturally無從捨離。and nothing can stop it但得前行，They must go into入於火鑊。the red-hot cauldrons身心摧碎，where their bodies are melted down精神痛苦。with the utmost torment and anguish當斯之時，Even if at that time悔復何及？they repent of their evil deeds, what good will that do? 天道冏然，The Way of Heaven takes its inevitable course不得蹉跌。without mistake故有自然三塗，Thus, because of the natural working of karma, there are the three evil realms無量苦惱。and innumerable kinds of suffering展轉其中，through which evildoers must pass世世累劫，life after life, for many kalpas無有出期， with no end in sight難得解脫，It is indeed difficult for them to gain release痛不可言。and the pain they must undergo is indescribable是為四大惡四痛四燒，This is called the fourth great evil, the fourth suffering, and the fourth burning勤苦如是。The afflictions are such that譬如大火焚燒人身，they are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive人能於中一心制意，If, in the midst of this, one controls one's thoughts with single-mindedness端身正行，does worthy deeds with proper demeanor獨作諸善，不為眾惡，commits no evil, and performs only good身獨度脫，獲其福德度世上天泥洹之道，then with the merit and virtue acquired one reaches emancipation and is able to escape from this world, be reborn in heavenly realms, and finally reach Nirvana是為四大善也。」This is the fourth great good 

佛言：The Buddha continued「其五惡者，The fifth evil is this世間人民，People of the world徙倚懈惰，are indecisive and slothful不肯作善，reluctant to do good治身修業。lacking in self-discipline and not working hard at their occupations家室眷屬，so their families and dependents飢寒困苦，are left to suffer from hunger and cold父母教誨，When reproached by their parents 瞋目怒應。they retort angrily with scornful looks言令不和，With such conflicts they are far from 
peaceful違戾反逆，they can be as violent and frenzied譬如怨家，as enemies confronting each 
other不如無子。and, as a result, parents wish that they had no children取與無節，In dealing with others, they are licentious and wayward眾共患厭。causing trouble and annoyance to many負恩違義，Even when they are morally obliged to others, they neglect their duties無有報償之心。and have no intention of repaying their indebtedness貧窮困乏，Destitute and driven to the most desperate ends不能復得，they have no way of regaining their wealth辜較縱奪，Although eager to obtain much profit and appropriate the riches of others放恣遊散。they waste their money on wanton pleasures串數唐得，As this becomes a habit, they grow accustomed to acquiring property illegally用自賑給，and to spending their ill-gained profits耽酒嗜美，on personal luxuries; indulging in wine and sumptuous food飲食無度，they eat and drink to excess肆心蕩逸，Profligate and contentious as they are魯扈抵突。they engage in foolish quarrels不識人情，Unable to understand others強欲抑制。they forcibly impose their will upon them見人有善，When they come upon people who are good妒嫉惡之。they hate and abuse them無義無禮，Lacking ethics and decorum無所顧難，they do not reflect on their conduct自用識當，and so are presumptuous and insistent不可諫曉。refusing to take the advice and admonitions of others六親眷屬，所資有無，They are unconcerned if their kinsmen, from the closest to the sixth 
blood-relative不能憂念。have no means of livelihood不惟父母之恩，They disregard their parents' benevolence不存師友之義。and do not fulfill obligations to their teachers and friends心常念惡，They think only of doing evil口常言惡，their mouths continuously speak malice身常行惡，and with their bodies, they are forever committing evil曾無一善。In their whole lives they have not done even one good deed不信先聖諸佛經法，Furthermore, they do not believe in the ancient sages, nor the Buddhist teachings不信行道可得度世，nor the path of practice leading to emancipation不信死後神明更生。Neither do they believe that after death one is reborn into another state of existence不信作善得善，that good deeds bring about good rewards為惡得惡。or that evil acts bring about evil consequences欲殺真人，They plot to murder an arhat鬥亂眾僧。to cause disruption in the Sangha欲害父母兄弟眷屬。and even think of killing their parents, brothers, sisters or other relatives六親憎惡，For this reason, even their kinsmen, from the closest to the sixth blood-relative, hate them so much願令其死。as to wish them dead如是世人，Such people of the world心意俱然，are all of the same mind愚癡蒙昧，They are foolish and ignorant而自以智慧。lacking the wisdom不知生所從來，to know whence they have come into life死所趣向。nor whither they are going after death不仁不順，Neither humane toward others nor 
obedient to their elders惡逆天地。they revel against the whole world而於其中，希望僥倖，Nevertheless, they expect good fortune欲求長生，and seek long lives會當歸死。only to meet death in the end慈心教誨，Even if someone compassionately admonishes them今其念善。trying to lead them to thoughts of goodness開示生死，善惡之趣，自然有是，and teaches them that naturally there are good and evil realms of Samsara而不肯信之。they will not believe him苦心與語，However hard one may try to persuade them無益其人，it is useless心中閉塞，Their minds are closed意不開解，and they refuse to listen to others or understand their teachings大命將終，When their lives are about to end悔懼交至。fear and revulsion arise in turn不豫修善，Not having previously done any good臨窮方悔。they are filled with remorse悔之於後，when they come to their end將何及乎？But what good will that do then?

「天地之間，Between heaven and earth五道分明，the five realms are clearly distinguishable恢廓窈冥，They are vast and deep浩浩茫茫。extending boundlessly善惡報應，禍福相承，In return for good or evil deeds, bliss or misery ensues身自當之，The result of one's karma must be borne by oneself alone無誰代者。and no one else can take one's place數之自然，This is the natural law應其所行，殃咎追命，Misfortune follows evil deeds as their retribution無得縱捨。which is impossible to avoid善人行善，Good people do good deeds從樂入樂，and so enjoy pleasure after pleasure從明入明；and proceed from light to greater light惡人行惡，Evildoers commit crimes從苦入苦，and so suffer pain after pain從冥入冥。and wander from darkness to deeper darkness誰能知者？獨佛知耳。No one, except the Buddha, knows this completely教語開示，Even though someone admonishes and teaches them信用者少，very few believe生死不休，and so the cycles of birth-and-death never cease惡道不絕。and the evil paths continue endlessly如是世人，The karmic consequences for such worldly people難可具盡，are beyond description in detail故有自然三塗，無量苦惱。Thus, because of the natural working of karma, there are innumerable kinds of suffering in the three evil realms展轉其中，through which evil beings must pass世世累劫，life after life, for many kalpas無有出期，with no end in sight難得解脫，It is indeed difficult for them to gain release痛不可言。and the pain they must undergo is indescribable是為五大惡五痛五燒，This is called the fifth great evil, the fifth suffering, and the fifth burning勤苦如是。The afflictions are such譬如大火焚燒人身，that they are comparable to a huge fire burning people alive人能於中一心制意，端身正念，If in the midst of this, one controls one's thoughts with single-mindedness does worthy deeds with proper demeanor言行相副，mindfully recollects, harmonizes words and deeds所作至誠，acts with sincerity所語如語，utters true words心口不轉，speaks from the heart獨作諸善，不為眾惡，commits no evil, and performs only good身獨度脫，獲其福德度世上天泥洹之道，then with the merit and virtue 
acquired one reaches emancipation and is able to escape from this world, be reborn in heavenly realms, and finally reach Nirvana是為五大善也。」This is the fifth great good

佛告彌勒：The Buddha said to Maitreya「吾語汝等，I shall explain further是世五惡，勤苦若此。Such are the afflictions of the five evils in this world五痛五燒，展轉相生，The five sufferings and the five burnings continue to arise from them但作眾惡，People commit nothing but evil不修善本，and fail to cultivate roots of virtue皆悉自然入諸惡趣，and so it is natural that they all go to evil realms或其今世先被殃病，Even in this life they suffer from incurable illnesses求死不得，Longing for death, they cannot die求生不得，craving for life, they cannot live罪惡所招，示眾見之。Thus they are an example to others of what retribution for evil acts is like身死隨行，After death, driven by their karma入三惡道，they fall into the three evil realms苦毒無量，where they suffer countless tortures自相燋然，and are themselves consigned to the flames至其久後，After a long time共作怨結，they are reborn again in this world, only to foment hatred 
against each other從小微起，At first hatred is slight遂成大惡。but finally develops into a major 
evil皆由貪著財色，All this is because of their greedy attachment to wealth and sensuous 
pleasures不能施惠，and of their refusal to share with others癡欲所迫，隨心思想，Further, wayward thoughts arise from the desires born of stupidity煩惱結縛，Their bondage to evil 
passions無有解已。will never be severed厚己諍利，In the pursuit of selfish gain無所省錄。there is no chance for them to reflect on their evils and turn to good富貴榮華，When wealthy and 
prosperous當時快意。they are happy不能忍辱，and do not learn to be modest不務修善。and virtuous威勢無幾，Consequently, their pomp and power are short-lived隨以磨滅。when these are exhausted身坐勞苦，they must undergo further afflictions久後大劇。Their sufferings are bound to increase in time to come天道弛張，The law of karma operates like a net stretched everywhere自然糾舉，in its meshes, it inevitably catches all offenders綱維羅網，The net woven of large and small ropes covers the whole world上下相應，from top to bottom煢煢忪忪，富入其中。and those caught in it feel utterly helpless and tremble in fear古今有是，This net has been in existence from of old痛哉可傷！」How painful and heart-rending! 

佛語彌勒：「The Buddha said to Maitreya世間如是，People of this world are as I have described佛皆哀之。All the Buddhas pity them以威神力，and with divine powers摧滅眾惡，destroy their evils悉令就善。and lead them all to goodness棄捐所思。If you give up wrong views奉持經戒，hold fast to the scriptures and the precepts受行道法，and practice the Way無所違失，without committing any fault終得度世泥洹之道。」then you will finally be able to attain the path to emancipation and Nirvana

佛言：The Buddha continued「汝今諸天人民，You and other devas and humans of the present及後世人，and people of future generations得佛經語，having received the Buddha's teachings當熟思之，should reflect upon them能於其中，and, while following them端心正行。should remain upright in thought, and do virtuous deeds主上為善，Rulers should abide by morality, reign 
with beneficence率化其下，轉相敕令，各自端守。and decree that everyone should maintain proper conduct尊聖敬善，revere the sages, respect men of virtue仁慈博愛。be benevolent and kind to others佛語教誨，無敢虧負。and take care not to disregard the Buddha's teachings and admonitions當求度世，All should seek emancipation拔斷生死眾惡之本，cut the roots of Samsara and its various evils當離三塗無量憂怖苦痛之道。and so aspire to escape from the paths of immeasurable sorrow, fear and pain in the three evil realms汝等於是廣植德本，In this world, you should extensively plant roots of virtue布恩施惠，be benevolent, give generously勿犯道禁。abstain from breaking the precepts 忍辱精進，be patient and diligent一心智慧。轉相教化，teach people with sincerity and wisdom為德立善。do virtuous deeds正心正意，and 
practice good齋戒清淨，If you strictly observe the precepts of abstinence with upright 
thought and mindfulness一日一夜，even for a day and a night勝在無量壽國為善百歲。the merit acquired will surpass that of practicing good in the land of Amitayus for a hundred years所以者何？The reason is that彼佛國土，in that Buddha-land無為自然，of effortless spontaneity皆積眾善，all the inhabitants do good無毛髮之惡。without committing even a hair's breadth of evil於此修善，If in this world you do good十日十夜，for ten days and nights勝於他方諸佛國中為善千歲。the merit acquired will surpass that of practicing good in the Buddha-land of other quarters for a thousand years所以者何？The reason is that他方佛國，in the Buddha-land of other quarters為善者多，many practice good為惡者少，and very few commit evil福德自然，無造惡之地。They are lands where everything is naturally provided as a result of one's merit and virtue, and so no evil is done唯此間多惡，But in this world much evil is committed無有自然，and few are provided for naturally勤苦求欲，people must work hard to get what they want轉相欺殆，Since they intend to deceive each other心勞形困，their minds are troubled, their bodies exhausted飲苦食毒，and they drink bitterness and eat hardship如是惡務， In this way, they are preoccupied with their toil 未嘗寧息。have no time for rest

. 

「吾哀汝等天人之類，Out of pity for you and other devas and humans苦心誨喻，I have taken great pains in exhorting you教令修善。to do good deeds 隨宜開導，授與經法， I have given you instructions appropriate to your capacities莫不承用。You have, without fail, accepted my teachings and practiced them在意所願， 皆令得道。and so have all entered on the Way as you wished佛所遊履，Wherever the Buddha comes to stay國邑丘聚，靡不蒙化。there is no state, town or village which is not blessed by his virtues天下和順、The whole country reposes in peace and harmony日月清明。The sun and the moon shine with pure brilliance風雨以時，wind rises and rain falls at the right time災厲不起。There is no calamity or epidemic國豐民安，and so the 
country becomes wealthy, and its people enjoy peace兵戈無用。Soldiers and weapons become useless崇德興仁，and people esteem virtue, practice benevolence務修禮讓。」and diligently 
cultivate courteous modesty

佛言：The Buddha continued「我哀愍汝等諸天人民，My concern for you, devas and humans甚於父母念子。is greater than the care of parents for their children今我於此世作佛，I have become a Buddha in this world降化五惡，destroyed the five evils消除五痛，removed the five sufferings絕滅五燒，and extinguished the five burnings以善攻惡，I have countered evil with good拔生死之苦。eradicated the suffering of birth-and-death令獲五德，and enabled people to acquire the five virtues升無為之安。and attain the peace of unconditioned Nirvana吾去世後，But after I have departed from this world經道漸滅，my teaching will gradually decline人民諂偽，and people will fall prey to flattery復為眾惡。and deceit and commit various evils五燒五痛，resulting in the recurrence of the five sufferings and the five burnings還如前法。As time goes on久後轉劇，their sufferings will intensify不可悉說，As it is impossible to describe this in detail我但為汝略言之耳。」I have given you only a brief outline 

佛語彌勒：The Buddha said to Maitreya「汝等各善思之，You should each ponder on this well轉相教誡，teach and admonish each other如佛經法，無得犯也。」and be on guard against disobeying the Buddha's instruction於是彌勒菩薩，The Bodhisattva Maitreya合掌白言：with his palms together, said「佛所說甚善，Buddha, how sincere and earnest your admonition is!世人實爾。People of the world are just as you have described如來普慈哀怨，Tathagata, you take pity on and care for us without discrimination悉令度脫，and seek to deliver us all from suffering受佛重誨，Having accepted the Buddha's repeated exhortations不敢違失。」I will be careful not to disobey them

佛告阿難：The Buddha said to Ananda「汝起，Rise to your feet更整衣服，rearrange your robes合掌恭敬，put your palms together, and respectfully revere禮無量壽佛。and worship Amitayus十方國土諸佛如來，Buddhas and Tathagatas in the lands of the ten quarters常共稱揚讚歎彼佛，always praise with one accord that Buddha's virtues無著無礙。」of non-attachment and unimpeded activity

於是阿難起整衣服，Ananda stood up, rearranged his robes正身西面，assumed the correct posture, faced westward恭敬合掌，and, demonstrating his sincere reverence, joined his palms 
together五體投地，prostrated himself on the ground禮無量壽佛。and worshipped Amitayus白言：Then he said  to the Buddha Shakyamuni「世尊，World-Honored One願見彼佛安樂國土，I wish to see that Buddha, his Land of Peace and Bliss及諸菩薩聲聞大眾。」and its hosts of bodhisattvas and shravakas說是語已，As soon as he had said this即時無量壽佛，Amitayus放大光明，emitted a great light普照一切諸佛世界。which illuminated all the Buddha-lands金剛圍山、The Encircling Adamantine Mountains須彌山王、Mount Sumeru大小諸山，together with large and small mountains一切所有，and everything else皆同一色。shone with the same (golden) color譬如劫水彌滿世界，That light was like the flood at the end of the period of cosmic change that fills the whole world其中萬物沈沒不現，when myriads of things are submerged, and as far as the eye can see滉瀁浩汗，唯見大水，there is nothing but a vast expanse of water彼佛光明，亦復如是。Even so was the flood of light emanating from Amitayus聲聞菩薩，一切光明，All the lights of shravakas and bodhisattvas皆悉隱蔽，were outshone and surpassed唯見佛光，and only the Buddha's light明耀顯赫。remained shining bright and glorious爾時，At that time阿難即見無量壽佛，威德巍巍，Ananda saw the splendor and majesty of Amitayus如須彌山王，resembling Mount Sumeru高出一切諸世界上，which rises above the whole world相好光明，靡不照耀。」There was no place which was not illuminated by the light emanating from his body of glory此會四眾，The four groups of followers of the Buddha in the assembly一時悉見；saw all this at the same time彼見此土，Likewise, those of the Pure Land亦復如是。saw everything in this world 

爾時，Then佛告阿難及慈氏菩薩：the Buddha said to Ananda and the Bodhisattva Maitreya「汝見彼國，從地已上，至淨居天，其中所有微妙嚴淨自然之物，為悉見不？」Have 
you seen that land filled with excellent and glorious manifestations, all spontaneously produced, from the ground to the Heaven of Pure Abode?阿難對曰：Ananda replied「唯然己見。」Yes, I have

The Buddha asked「汝寧復聞無量壽佛大音宣布一切世界化眾生不？」Have you also heard the great voice of Amitayus expound the Dharma to all the worlds, guiding sentient beings to the Way of the Buddha? 阿難對曰：Ananda replied「唯然已聞。」Yes, I have

The Buddha further asked「彼國人民，乘百千由旬七寶宮殿，無所障礙，遍至十方供養諸佛，汝復見不？」Have you also seen the inhabitants of that land move freely, riding in seven-jewelled airborne palaces as large as a hundred thousand yojanas, to worship the Buddhas of the lands in the ten quarters?  對曰：「己見。」Yes, I have," replied Ananda

「彼國人民有胎生者，汝復見不？」Have you also seen that some of the inhabitants are in the embryonic state? 對曰：「己見。Yes, I have其胎生者，Those in the embryonic state所處宮殿，dwell in palaces或百由旬，as high as a hundred yojanas或五百由旬，or five hundred yojanas各於其中受諸快樂，where they spontaneously enjoy pleasures如忉利天，亦皆自然。」 as do those in Trayastrimsas

爾時慈氏菩薩白佛言：Then the Bodhisattva Maitreya said to the Buddha「世尊！World-Honored One何因何緣，for what reason are彼國人民，some of the inhabitants of that land胎生化生？」in the embryonic state and the others born by transformation?佛告慈氏：The Buddha replied「若有眾生，Maitreya, if there are sentient beings以疑惑心，修諸功德，who do various meritorious deeds願生彼國，aspiring for birth in that land, while still entertaining doubt不了佛智、such beings are unable to comprehend the Buddha-wisdom不思議智、inconceivable wisdom不可稱智、ineffable wisdom大乘廣智、boundless Mahayana wisdom無等無倫最上勝智。and incomparable, unequaled, and unsurpassed supreme wisdom於此諸智，疑惑不信Although they doubt these wisdoms；然猶信罪福，they still believe in retribution for evil and reward for virtue修習善本，and so cultivate a stock of merits願生其國。aspiring for birth in that land此諸眾生，Such beings生彼宮殿，are born in a palace壽五百歲，where they dwell for five hundred years常不見佛，without being able to behold the Buddha不聞經法，hear his exposition of the Dharma不見菩薩聲聞聖眾。or see the hosts of bodhisattvas and shravakas是故於彼國土，For this reason, that type of birth in the Pure Land謂之胎生。is called 'embryonic state' 若有眾生，If there are sentient beings明信佛智，who with resolute faith accept these kinds of wisdom乃至勝智，from the Buddha's wisdom to the supreme wisdom作諸功德，do meritorious deeds信心迴向，and sincerely transfer the merit acquired (to that land)此諸眾生，those beings於七寶華中，自然化生，跏趺而坐，will be born by transformation spontaneously,  seated with legs crossed, in the seven-jewelled lotus-flowers須臾之頃，and instantly身相光明，attain the same glorious forms智慧功德，wisdom and virtue如諸菩薩具足成就。as those of other bodhisattvas there復次，Further慈氏！Maitreya他方諸大菩薩，if great bodhisattvas in the Buddha-lands of other quarters發心欲見無量壽佛，desire to see Amitayus恭敬供養，and revere and make offerings to him及諸菩薩聲聞聖眾。彼菩薩等，and the hosts of bodhisattvas and shravakas命終得生無量壽國，they will, after death, be born in the land of Amitayus於七寶華中，自然化生。Spontaneously transformed they will be born from within the seven-jewelled lotus-flowers彌勒當知！Maitreya, you should know that彼化生者，those born by transformation智慧勝故；are possessed of supreme wisdom其胎生者，while those in the embryonic state皆無智慧，lack that wisdom於五百歲中，and must pass five hundred years常不見佛，without being able to see the Buddha不聞經法，hear his teaching of the Dharma不見菩薩諸聲聞眾，see the hosts of bodhisattvas and shravakas無由供養於佛，make offerings to the Buddha不知菩薩法式，learn the rules of conduct for bodhisattvas不得修習功德。or perform meritorious practices當知此人，You should know that this is because those beings宿世之時，無有智慧，疑惑所致。」harbored doubt and lacked wisdom in their previous lives 

佛告彌勒：The Buddha said to Maitreya「譬如轉輪聖王，Let us suppose that a wheel-turning 
monarch有七寶牢獄，has a special chamber which is adorned with seen jewels種種莊嚴，張設床帳，and provided with curtained couches懸諸繒蓋。and silken banners hanging from the ceiling若有諸小王子，If princes得罪於王，have committed offense against the king輒內彼獄中，they are taken to that chamber繫以金鎖。and fettered with gold chains供養飯食衣服床蓐，There they are served with food and drink, provided with clothes, couches and cushions華香伎樂，flowers and incense, and can enjoy music如轉輪王，Being treated just like the wheel-turning monarch himself無所乏少。they have no wants於意云何？Do you think that此諸王子，those princes寧樂彼處不？」would enjoy living there? 對曰：replied Maitreya「不也！No they do not但種種方便，They would seek various means of approach求諸大力，to ask a man of power欲自勉出。」to help them escape

佛告彌勒：The Buddha said to Maitreya「此諸眾生，Those beings亦復如是。born within the lotus-buds are like that 以疑惑佛智故，Because of their doubt in the Buddha's wisdom生彼七寶宮殿，they have been born in palaces無有刑罰，Although they receive no punishment乃至一念惡事。or ill treatment even for a single moment但於五百歲中，they must pass five hundred years there不見三寶，without being able to see the Three Treasures不得供養修諸善本，make offerings to the Buddha, or cultivate a stock of virtue以此為苦。This is distressing to them雖有餘樂，Though there are other pleasures猶不樂彼處。they do not enjoy living there若此眾生，If those beings識其本罪，become aware of the faults committed in their former lives 深自悔責，and deeply repent求離彼處，即得如意，they can, as they wish, leave and go往諸無量壽佛所，to where Amitayus dwells恭敬供養，can worship and make offerings to him亦得遍至無量無數諸餘佛所，Then they can also visit innumerable and countless other Buddhas修諸功德。to perform various meritorious practices彌勒當知！Maitreya, you should know that其有菩薩，the bodhisattvas生疑惑者，who allow doubt to arise為失大利，lose great benefits是故應當明信諸佛無上智慧。」For this reason, you should have resolute faith in the supreme wisdom of the Buddha

彌勒菩薩白佛言：The Bodhisattva Maitreya said to the Buddha「世尊！World-Honored One於此世界，有幾所不退菩薩，how many non-retrogressive bodhisattvas are there in this world生彼佛國？」who will be born in that Buddha-land?佛告彌勒：The Buddha replied「於此世界，有六十七億不退菩薩，Sixty-seven kotis of non-retrogressive bodhisattvas from this world往生彼國。will be born there一一菩薩，Each of these bodhisattvas已曾供養無數諸佛，has 
previously made offerings to innumerable Buddhas次如彌勒者也。with almost as much diligence as you did, Maitreya諸小行菩薩，Furthermore, bodhisattvas of lesser practices及修習少功德者，and those who have performed small acts of merit不可稱計，whose number is beyond 
calculation皆當往生。」will all be born there

佛告彌勒：The Buddha said to Maitreya「不但我剎諸菩薩等，Not only those bodhisattvas from this world 往生彼國。他方佛土，亦復如是。but also those from Buddha-lands in other quarters are born there其第一佛，First, in the land of the Buddha名曰遠照，named Far-reaching Illumination彼有百八十億菩薩，there are one hundred and eighty kotis of bodhisattvas皆當往生。who all visit there其第二佛，Second, in the land of the Buddha名曰寶藏，Jewel-storehouse彼有九十億菩薩，there are ninety kotis of bodhisattvas皆當往生。who all visit there其第三佛， Third, in the land of the Buddha名曰無量音，Immeasurable Sound 彼有二百二十億菩薩，there are two hundred and twenty kotis of bodhisattvas皆當往生。who all visit there其第四佛，Fourth, in the land of the Buddha名曰甘露味，Taste of Nectar彼有二百五十億菩薩，there are two hundred and fifty kotis of bodhisattvas皆當往生。who all visit there其第五佛，Fifth, in the land of the Buddha名曰龍勝，Dragon-subduing彼有十四億菩薩，there are fourteen kotis of bodhisattvas皆當往生。who all visit there其第六佛，Sixth, in the land of the Buddha名曰勝力，Superior Power彼有萬四千菩薩，there are fourteen thousand bodhisattvas皆當往生。who all visit there其第七佛，Seventh, in the land of the Buddha名曰師子，Lion彼有五百億菩薩，there are five hundred kotis of bodhisattvas皆當往生。who all visit there其第八佛，Eighth, in the land of the Buddha名曰離垢光，Undefiled Light彼有八十億菩薩，there are eighty kotis of bodhisattvas皆當往生。who all visit there其第九佛，Ninth, in the land of the Buddha 名曰德首，Peak of Virtue彼有六十億菩薩，there are sixty kotis of bodhisattvas皆當往生。who all visit there其第十佛，Tenth, in the land of the Buddha名曰妙德山，Mountain of Excellent Virtue彼有六十億菩薩，there are sixty kotis of bodhisattvas皆當往生。who all visit there其第十一佛，Eleventh, in the land of the Buddha 名曰人王，King of Men被有十億菩薩，there are ten kotis of bodhisattvas皆當往生。who all visit there其第十二佛，Twelfth, 
in the land of the Buddha名曰無上華，Splendid Flower彼有無數不可稱計諸菩薩眾，there are innumerable and incalculable bodhisattvas皆不退轉，who are all non-retrogressive智慧勇猛，and possessed of unrivaled wisdom已普供養無量諸佛，who have previously made offerings to countless Buddhas 於七日中，即能攝取百千億劫大士所修堅固之法。and are able to learn in seven days the adamantine teachings of the Dharma that can only be attained by mahasattvas after practicing for a hundred thousand kotis of kalpas 斯等菩薩皆當往生。Those bodhisattvas all visit there其第十三佛，Thirteenth, in the land of the Buddha名曰無畏，Fearlessness彼有七百九十億大菩薩眾，there are seven hundred and ninety kotis of great bodhisattvas諸小菩薩，及比丘等，不可稱計，and incalculable minor bodhisattvas and bhiksus皆當往生。」who all visit there 

佛語彌勒：The Buddha said to Maitreya「不但此十四佛國中諸菩薩等，Not only do the bodhisattvas from those fourteen Buddha-lands當往生也，visit that land十方世界無量佛國，but also bodhisattvas from innumerable Buddha-lands in the ten quarters其往生者，亦復如是，甚多無數。whose number is incalculable我但說十方諸佛名號，Even if I were to give you only the names of the Buddhas in the ten quarters及菩薩比丘生彼國者，and the number of the bodhisattvas and bhiksus who visit that land晝夜一劫，enumerating them continuously day and night for a kalpa尚未能盡，I would not be able to complete the list我今為汝略說之耳。」This is why I have given you only a brief description 

佛告彌勒：The Buddha said to Maitreya「其有得聞彼佛名號，If there are people who hear the Name of that Buddha歡喜踴躍，rejoice so greatly as to dance乃至一念，and remember him even once當知此人，then you should know that為得大利，they have gained great benefit則是具足無上功德。by receiving the unsurpassed virtue是故，For this reason彌勒！Maitreya設有大火，even if a great fire充滿三千大千世界，were to fill the universe of a thousand million worlds要當過此，you should pass through it聞是經法，to hear this sutra歡喜信樂，to arouse joyful faith受持讀誦，to uphold and chant it如說修行。and to practice in accordance with its teachings所以者何？This is because多有菩薩，there are many bodhisattvas欲聞此經，who wish to hear this teaching而不能得。but are still unable to do so若有眾生，If there are sentient beings聞此經者，who have heard it於無上道，終不退轉。they will attain the Stage of 
Non-retrogression for realizing the highest Enlightenment是故，This is why應當專心信受，you 
should single-heartedly accept in faith持誦說行。uphold and chant this sutra, and practice in accordance with its teaching吾今為諸眾生，The Buddha further said說此經法，I have expounded this teaching for the sake of sentient beings令見無量壽佛，and enabled you to see Amitayus及其國土一切所有。and all in his land所當為者，皆可求之，Strive to do what you should無得以我滅度之後，After I have passed into Nirvana復生疑惑。do not allow doubt to 
arise當來之世，In the future經道滅盡，the Buddhist scriptures and teachings will perish我以慈悲哀愍，But, out of pity and compassion特留此經，I will especially preserve this sutra止住百歲。and maintain it in the world for a hundred years more其有眾生，值斯經者，Those beings who encounter隨意所願，皆可得度。」it will attain deliverance in accord with their aspirations 

佛語彌勒：The Buddha said to Maitreya「如來興世，難值難見；It is difficult to encounter and behold Tathagata when he is in this world諸佛經道，Difficult of access難得難聞；difficult to hear are the Buddhas' teachings and scriptures菩薩勝法，諸波羅蜜，得聞亦難，It is also difficult to hear the excellent teachings for bodhisattvas, the Paramitas 遇善知識，Difficult too is it to meet a good teacher聞法能行，此亦為難。to hear the Dharma and perform the practices若聞斯經，信樂受持，難中之難，But most difficult of all difficulties is to hear this sutra, have faith in it with joy and hold fast to it無過此難。Nothing is more difficult than this是故我法，如是作，Thus have I formed my Dharma如是說，thus have I expounded my Dharma如是教。and thus have I taught my Dharma應當信順，You must receive it如法修行。」and practice it by the method prescribed 

爾時世尊，When the World-Honored One說此經法，had finished his exposition of this sutra無量眾生，皆發無上正覺之心。aspiration for the highest Enlightenment was awakened in innumerable sentient beings萬二千那由他人，Twelve thousand nayutas of human beings得清淨法眼。attained the pure Dharma-eye二十二億諸天人民，twenty-two kotis of devas and humans得阿那含果。attained the Stage of a Non-returner(Anagamin)八十萬比丘，eight hundred thousand bhiksus漏盡意解。realized the wisdom of destroying defilements四十億菩薩，forty kotis of bodhisattvas得不退轉。attained the Stage of Non-retrogression(Avinivartaniya)以弘誓功德而自莊嚴，and all, adorned with the virtue of the universal vows於將來世，當成正覺。will ultimately attain perfect Enlightenment爾時三千大千世界六種震動，At that time the entire universe of a thousand million worlds shook in six ways大光普照十方國土；and a great light illuminated all the lands in the ten quarters百千音樂，A hundred thousand kinds of music自然而作；played spontaneously無量妙華，and innumerable marvelous flowers紛紛而降。fell in profusion from the sky

佛說經已，When the Buddha finished delivering this sutra彌勒菩薩及十方來諸菩薩眾、the Bodhisattva Maitreya and bodhisattvas from the lands in the ten quarters長老阿難、together with the Elder Ananda諸大聲聞、other great shravakas一切大眾，and all those in the assembly聞佛所說，靡不歡喜。 without exception, rejoiced at the Buddha's discourse