佛說般舟三昧經
Buddha Pronounces the Sūtra of the Pratyutpanna Buddha Sammukhāvasthita Samādhi
Translated from Sanskrit into Chinese in the Eastern Han Dynasty
by
The Tripiṭaka Master Lokakṣema from the Yuezhi Land
Chapter 1
The Questions
Thus I have heard:
At one time the Bhagavān was in the Karaṇḍa Bamboo Garden of the city of Rājagṛha, together with an innumerable multitude of great Bodhisattvas, bhikṣus, bhikṣuṇīs,upāsakas, and upāsikās, as well as gods, dragons, asuras, yakṣas, garuḍas, kiṁnaras, and mahoragas. All were seated in the huge assembly.
At that time Bhadrapāla Bodhisattva1 rose from his seat, arranged his attire, and fell on his knees. He joined his palms and asked the Buddha, “I would like to ask some questions. May I have Your permission to ask them now?”
The Buddha replied, “Very good! Ask any questions as you wish. I will answer them to you.”
Bhadrapāla Bodhisattva asked the Buddha, “What dharmas should Bodhisattvas do in order to develop wisdom, like the immense ocean accepting myriad streams? What should they do in order to acquire broad knowledge and understand what they have heard without doubts? What should they do in order to know their past lives and whence they have come to reborn? What should they do in order to live a long life? What should they do in order to be reborn into a family with a great name and to be loved and respected by their parents, siblings, relatives, and friends? What should they do in order to be endowed with even, comely features? What should they do in order to acquire excellent talents, to be outstanding in the multitudes, and to develop superb, all-encompassing wisdom? What should they do in order to acquire the merit and wisdom required for Buddhahood, to achieve immeasurable awesome power, and to adorn their magnificent Buddha Lands? What should they do in order to subjugate hostile māras? What should they do in order to achieve command so that their vows will never fail? What should they do in order to enter the Door of Total Retention? What should they do in order to acquire the transcendental powers to travel to Buddha Lands everywhere? What should they do in order to acquire the bold valor of a lion, with nothing to fear, unmovable by māras? What should they do in order to realize their holy Buddha nature and to accept and uphold the Dharma in the sūtras with understanding, not forgetting anything? What should they do in order to achieve self-fulfillment, free from sycophancy and flattery and unattached to the Three Realms of Existence? What should they do in order to be free from hindrances and to acquire the overall wisdom-knowledge, never deviating from the Buddha’s intention? What should they do in order to win people’s trust? What should they do in order to acquire the eight tones [of a Buddha] and sound 10,000 koṭi tones? What should they do in order to acquire the sublime appearance [of a Buddha]? What should they do in order to acquire the power of all-hearing? What should they do in order to acquire the bodhi-eye to see into the future? What should they do in order to acquire the Ten Powers and true wisdom? What should they do in order to see, in a single thought, Buddhas from worlds in the ten directions all standing before them? What should they do in order to know that the four appearances of every dharma have no reality? What should they do in order to see in this world innumerable Buddha Lands in the ten directions and to know the good and evil life-journeys of the people, gods, dragons, spirits, and wriggly insects in those lands? These are my questions. I pray that the Buddha will explain to me and resolve all my doubts.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “Very good! Your questions are so comprehensive that they are beyond measure. You can ask these questions because you have acquired merit in your past lives under past Buddhas; because you have made offerings to Buddhas, delighted in the Dharma in the sūtras, observed your precepts, and lived in purity; because you have always begged for food, not accepting meal invitations, convened assemblies of Bodhisattvas, taught people to stop doing evil, and seen the equality of all; and because you have always had great lovingkindness and great compassion. Your merit is beyond measure.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “There is a samādhi called Buddhas from Worlds in the Ten Directions All Standing before One. If you can do this dharma, you will have the answers to all your questions.”
Bhadrapāla said to the Buddha, “I pray that You will pronounce it. What the Buddha will now pronounce is all-encompassing. It will give peace to [sentient beings in worlds in] the ten directions and provide great illumination to Bodhisattvas.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “There is a samādhi called Concentrated Mind. Bodhisattvas should constantly guard, learn, and uphold it, never to follow other ways. Of all virtuous ways, this is the foremost one.”
Chapter 2
The Training
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “If Bodhisattvas aspire to attain this samādhi quickly, they should stand in great faith. Those who train themselves in accordance with the Dharma can attain this samādhi. Do not raise any doubts, even as slight as a hair. This Dharma of Concentrated Mind is also called the Bodhisattva Way Surpassing All Other Ways.”
[Then the Buddha spoke in verse:]
With a single thought, believe in this Dharma.
Following the teachings heard, think only of one object.
Keep only one thought, ceasing all other thoughts.
Stand firm in your faith, without any doubts.
Progress energetically, never negligent or indolent.
Think of neither existence nor nonexistence, neither progress nor regress.
Think of neither front nor back, neither left nor right.
Think of neither nonexistence nor existence, neither far nor near.
Think of neither pain nor itch, neither hunger nor thirst.
Think of neither cold nor hot, neither pain nor pleasure.
Think of neither birth nor old age, neither illness nor death.
Think of neither body nor life, nor longevity.
Think of neither wealth nor poverty, neither nobility nor lowliness.
Think of neither sense objects nor desires.
Think of neither large nor small, neither long nor short.
Think of neither beauty nor ugliness.
Think of neither evil nor good, neither anger nor delight.
Think of neither rising nor sitting, neither proceeding nor stopping.
Think of neither the sūtras nor the Dharma.
Think of neither right nor wrong, neither grasping nor abandoning.
Think of neither perception nor consciousness.
Think of neither cessation nor continuation.
Think of neither emptiness nor true reality.
Think of neither heavy nor light, neither hard nor easy.
Think of neither deep nor shallow, neither broad nor narrow.
Think of neither father nor mother, neither wife nor children.
Think of neither friends nor acquaintances, neither love nor hatred.
Think of neither gain nor loss, neither success nor failure.
Think of neither clarity nor turbidity.
Cease all thoughts and be vigilant for a given period of time, never distracted.
Progress energetically, never negligent or indolent.
Do not count the years, nor feel tired in a single day.
Hold one thought, never losing it.
Avoid sleep and keep the mind alert.
Always live alone and avoid gatherings.
Shun evil ones but stay near beneficent friends.
Serve illuminated teachers, regarding them as Buddhas.
Hold firm your resolve, but always be gentle.
Meditate on the equality of all things.
Avoid your hometown and keep away from relatives.
Abandon love and desire and live in purity.
Meditate on that which is asaṁskṛta and cease desires.
Drop distracting thoughts and learn the way of concentration.
Gain wisdom from words in accord with dhyāna.
Remove the three afflictions and purify the six faculties.
Cease lustful pursuits and leave sensory pleasures behind.
Do not be greedy for wealth or accumulate things.
Know contentment in eating and do not covet flavors.
Take care never to eat any sentient being [dead or alive].
Dress in accordance with the Dharma, and do not be ornately adorned.
Do not tease others, nor be proud or arrogant.
Do not be conceited, nor elevate yourself.
Expound sūtras in accordance with the Dharma.
Understand that the body has always been like an illusion.
Do not be engrossed by the [five] aggregates, nor revel in the [twelve] sensory fields.
The five aggregates are like thieves, and the four domains are like snakes.
All are impermanent and all are unstable.
Recognize that there has never been an everlasting ruler in one,
Only convergence and divergence of causes and conditions.
Understand and know that nothing in existence is real.
Bestow lovingkindness and sympathy on all.
Give alms to the poor and relief to the unfortunate.
This is meditative concentration in the Bodhisattva Way, which
Will unfold the fundamental wisdom and elicit myriads of wisdom-knowledge.
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “One who trains in this way will attain the samādhi in which present Buddhas all stand before one. If, among bhikṣus, bhikṣuṇīs, upāsakas, and upāsikās, there are those who want to train according to this Dharma, they should fully observe their precepts and live alone in a place to think of Amitābha Buddha, who now is in the west. According to the teachings heard, one should also think of His land called Sukhāvatī, which is ten million koṭi Buddha Lands away from here. One should single-mindedly contemplate for one day and one night, or even seven days and seven nights. After the seventh day, one will see Him. By analogy, one sees things in a dream, not knowing whether it is day or night, indoors or outdoors, and one’s sight is impervious to darkness or obstructions.
“Bhadrapāla, Bodhisattvas should do this contemplation. Then huge mountains, Sumeru Mountains, and dark places in the intervening Buddha Lands will all fall away, not posing any obstruction. These Bodhisattvas will see across without having the God-eye, hear across without having the God-ear, and travel to that Buddha Land without possessing transcendental powers. It is not that they have died here and been reborn there, but that they can sit here and see everything there.
“As an analogy, a man hears that in the kingdom of Vaiśālī lives a prostitute named Sumanā; a second man hears of a prostitute called Āmrapālī; and a third man hears that Utpalavarṇā has become a prostitute. These three men have never seen those three women, but they have heard of them and their lust is ignited. They all live in Rājagṛha, and they have lustful thoughts concurrently. Each of them goes, in a dream, to the woman he thinks of and spends the night with her. When they wake up, they all remember their own dreams.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “The three women I have mentioned serve as an analogy. You may use this story to expound the sūtras, enabling others to unfold their wisdom so that they will arrive at the Ground of No Regress on the unsurpassed true Way. When they eventually attain Buddhahood, they all will be called Superb Enlightenment.”
The Buddha said, “Bodhisattvas in this land can see Amitābha Buddha by thinking intently only of Him. When they see Him, they can ask, ‘What Dharma should I uphold in order to be reborn in Your land?’ Amitābha Buddha will reply, ‘Those who wish to be reborn in my land should think of my name. If they can continue without rest, they will succeed in being reborn here.’”
The Buddha said, “Because of intent thinking, one will be reborn there. One should always think of Amitābha Buddha’s body with the thirty-two physical marks and the eighty excellent characteristics, unequaled in its majesty, radiating vast bright light to illuminate everywhere. He teaches, in the assembly of Bodhisattvas and bhikṣus, that dharmas [in true reality] are empty and, therefore, indestructible. Why? Because indestructible are all dharmas, such as form, pain, itch, thinking, perception, birth, death, consciousness, spirit, earth, water, fire, wind, the human world, and the heaven world, including Great Brahma Heaven. By thinking of a Buddha, one attains the Samādhi of Emptiness.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “Who have attained this Bodhisattva samādhi? My disciple Mahākāśyapa, Indraguṇa Bodhisattva, the god-son Good Virtue, and those who already know this samādhi, have attained it through training. Hence, Bhadrapāla, those who wish to see present Buddhas [in worlds] in the ten directions should think of their lands single-mindedly, without other thoughts. Then they will be able to see them. As an analogy, one travels to a distant land and thinks of family and kin in one’s hometown. In a dream, one returns home, sees one’s family and relatives, and enjoys talking to them. After waking, one tells one’s dream to friends.”
The Buddha said, “If Bodhisattvas hear of a Buddha’s name and wish to see Him, they will be able to see Him by constantly thinking of Him and His land. For example, a bhikṣu visualizes before him the bones of a corpse, turning blue, white, red, or black. The colors are not brought by anyone, but are imagined by his mind. Likewise, by virtue of Buddhas’ awesome spiritual power, Bodhisattvas who skillfully abide in this samādhi can see, as they wish, a Buddha of any land. Why? Because they are able to see Him by virtue of three powers: the power of Buddhas, the power of the samādhi, and the power of their own merit.
“As an analogy, a handsome young man dressed in fine clothes wants to see his own face. He can see his reflection by looking into a hand mirror, pure oil, clear water, or a crystal. Does his reflection come from the outside into the mirror, oil, water, or crystal?”
Bhadrapāla replied, “No, it does not. God of Gods, it is because of the clarity of the mirror, oil, water, or crystal, that the man can see his reflection. His reflection comes from neither the inside [of the medium] nor the outside.”
The Buddha said, “Very good, Bhadrapāla. Because the medium is clear, the reflection is clear. Likewise, if one wishes to see a Buddha, one with a pure mind will be able to see. When one sees Him, one can ask questions, and He will give a reply. Having heard the teachings, one will be exultant and think: ‘Where does this Buddha come from and where am I going? As I think of this Buddha, He comes from nowhere and I am going nowhere. As I think of the desire realm, the form realm, and the formless realm, thesethree realms are formed by my mind. I can see what I think of. The mind forms a Buddha for itself to see; the mind is the Buddha mind. As my mind forms a Buddha, my mind is the Buddha; my mind is the Tathāgata; my mind is my body.’
“Although the mind sees a Buddha, the mind neither knows itself nor sees itself. The mind with perceptions is saṁsāra; the mind without perceptions is nirvāṇa. Dharmas as perceived are not something pleasurable. They are empty thoughts, nothing real. This is what Bodhisattvas see as they abide in this samādhi.”
Then the Buddha spoke in verse:
The mind does not know itself; the mind does not see itself.
The mind that fabricates perceptions is false; the mind without perceptions is nirvāṇa.
Dharmas are not firm, only founded upon thinking.
Those who see emptiness with this understanding are free from perceptions and expectations.
Chapter 3
Four Things to Do
The Buddha continued, “There are four things through which Bodhisattvas can quickly attain this samādhi. First, have faith that no one can destroy. Second, make energetic progress that nothing can deter. Third, have wisdom-knowledge with which no one else’s can compare. Fourth, always work under a beneficent teacher. These are the four things.
There are another four things which will enable one to attain this samādhi quickly. First, do not engage in worldly thinking for three months, not even during a finger snap. Second, do not sleep for three months, not even during a finger snap. Third, do walking meditation for three months without any rest, except when eating and so forth. Fourth, expound sūtras to others, not expecting their offerings. These are the four things.
There are another four things which will enable one to attain this samādhi quickly. First, take people to the Buddha. Second, gather people to have them hear the teachings. Third, have no jealousy. Fourth, have people learn the Buddha Way. These are the four things.
There are another four things which will enable one to attain this samādhi quickly. First, construct Buddhas’ images. Second, copy this sūtra on fine fabric. Third, teach the conceited ones to enter the Buddha Way. Fourth, always protect and uphold the Buddha Dharma. These are the four things.”
Then the Buddha spoke in verse:
Always believe and delight in the Buddha Dharma.
Progress energetically to unfold profound wisdom.
Disseminate and pronounce the Dharma to others.
Guard against greed for offerings.
Discard desires with good understanding.
Always think of Buddhas, who have awesome virtue,
And see and know dharmas in limitless diversity.
Past Buddhas, future Buddhas,
And present Buddhas, revered among men,
With no more afflictions to discharge,
Are golden in color and have superb physical marks.
They give firm teachings with wisdom beyond the ultimate.
Listen to this Dharma with an undistracted mind.
Forever discard the way of negligence and indolence.
Never bear malice toward others.
Respect teachers as you do Buddhas.
Take care not to have doubts about this sūtra,
Which is praised by all Buddhas.
Always construct and enshrine Buddhas’ images.
Always persuade others to learn this Dharma
And practice it to attain this samādhi.
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “Those who want to learn this samādhi should respect their teachers, serve them, and make offerings to them, regarding them as Buddhas. Those who see their teachers as less than Buddhas will have difficulty attaining this samādhi. Bodhisattvas who respect beneficent teachers from whom they have learned this samādhi can advance. By virtue of Buddhas’ awesome spiritual power, when they face the east, they will see a billion koṭi Buddhas. In the same way, they will see Buddhas [in worlds] in the ten directions. By analogy, one observes the night sky and sees myriads of stars. Bodhisattvas who wish to see present Buddhas all standing before them should respect beneficent teachers, not looking for their faults. Never negligent or indolent, they should fully train in giving alms, observing precepts, enduring adversity, and making energetic progress single-mindedly.”
Chapter 4
The Analogies
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “Bodhisattvas who have attained this samādhi but do not progress energetically are like those who are shipwrecked midway while crossing an immense ocean on a ship fully loaded with treasures. People in Jambudvīpa will all be in tremendous anguish, concerned about the loss of their treasures. If Bodhisattvas have heard this samādhi but do not learn it, gods will all sadly say, ‘Our sūtra treasure is lost.’”
The Buddha said, “This samādhi is taught and praised by all Buddhas. Those who have heard this profound samādhi sūtra but do not copy, study, recite, or uphold it in accordance with the Dharma, are foolish. As an analogy, someone gives sandalwood incense to a fool, but he refuses to accept it, saying that the incense is impure. The giver says, ‘This is sandalwood incense. Do not say that it is impure. If you smell it, you will know that it is fragrant. If you look at it, you will know that it is pure.’ That fool closes his eyes, refusing to see or smell it.”
The Buddha said, “Those who have heard this samādhi sūtra but refuse to accept it are as ignorant as that fool. They defiantly argue that everything in the world exists. Not having realized emptiness, they do not know nonexistence. Alleging that their views accord with the Dharma, they say in mockery, ‘Does the Buddha have profound sūtras, as well as awesome spiritual powers?’ They say these contradictory words: ‘Are there bhikṣus in the world who are like Ānanda?’”
The Buddha said, “Those people walk away from the ones who uphold this samādhi sūtra. In twos and threes, they say to one another, ‘What do these words mean? Where did they get these words? They must have gathered together to forge this sūtra. It is not pronounced by the Buddha.’”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “As an analogy, a merchant shows a precious gem to a foolish farm boy. The boy asks, ‘How much is it worth?’ The merchant replies, ‘If you place this gem in the dark, its light shines on the treasures that fill up that area.’”
The Buddha said, “The foolish boy still does not know that this gem is precious. He asks, ‘Can its value be compared with that of a cow? I would rather trade it for a cow. If you agree, it is fine. If you disagree, forget it.’ Bhadrapāla, Bodhisattvas who, having heard this samādhi, do not believe it and make contradictory remarks are like that foolish boy.”
The Buddha said, “Bodhisattvas who, having heard this samādhi sūtra, believe, accept, and uphold it, and train accordingly, are supported by those around them, and have nothing to fear. Fully observing their precepts, they are brilliant, and their wisdom is profound. They disseminate the Dharma and tell people to teach others, who in turn teach others, enabling this samādhi sūtra to remain in the world for a long time.”
The Buddha said, “Those fools have not made offerings or acquired merits in their past lives. They have instead elevated themselves, carrying on their slanderous and jealous ways. Greedy for wealth and benefits, they seek fame and reputation. They only want to make noisy remarks because they do not believe in profound sūtras. Having heard this samādhi sūtra, they neither believe nor appreciate it, nor learn it. Instead, they malign this sūtra, alleging that it is not pronounced by the Buddha.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “Now I tell you this. If good men and good women give, as alms, treasures that fill up the Three-Thousand Large Thousandfold World, their merit is less than that of those who hear this samādhi sūtra and believe and delight in it. Their merit surpasses that of the almsgivers.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “I now say these words, which will never change. Setting aside those who in future lives will follow evil teachers, if there are those who now have doubts about this samādhi I have pronounced, their merit is not worth mentioning even if in future lives they follow good teachers. These people will nevertheless defect [from good teachers] to work under evil teachers. Why is that they, having heard this samādhi, neither believe nor appreciate it, and choose not to learn it? They disbelieve because they have seen few Buddhas in the past and have little wisdom.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “I have the foresight and foreknowledge of those who, having heard this samādhi sūtra, will not laugh in contempt, malign, doubt, or suddenly believe and suddenly disbelieve, but will delight in copying, learning, reciting, and upholding it. They not only have accumulated merit under one or two Buddhas, but have heard this samādhi sūtra from one hundred Buddhas. When they hear this samādhi sūtra in their future lives, if they copy, learn, recite, and uphold it even for only one day and one night, their merit will be beyond calculation. They will arrive at the spiritual level of avinivartanīya on their own as they wish.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “Hear this analogy. Suppose someone crushes a Buddha Land into dust, then further pulverizes each dust particle into more particles. Is the number of dust particles produced from a Buddha Land very huge?”
Bhadrapāla replied, “Very huge, God of Gods.”
The Buddha said, “Suppose a Bodhisattva takes all these dust particles and places each in a Buddha Land. He then takes treasures that fill up all these Buddha Lands to make an offering to Buddhas. His merit is very little in comparison with that of those who have heard this samādhi sūtra and have learned, copied, recited, and upheld it. Even if they explain this sūtra to others only for a short while, this merit is beyond calculation. Even greater is the merit of those who have fully attained this samādhi.”
Then the Buddha spoke in verse:
If there are Bodhisattvas who seek merit,
They should pronounce and train in this samādhi.
Those who believe, delight in, and recite [this sūtra] without doubts
Have immeasurable merit.
Crushing one Buddha Land
Into dust particles,
One can give, as alms, treasures filling Buddha Lands that are
As numerous as dust particles.
Those who have heard this samādhi
Have merit greater than that of the almsgiver.
Their merit is beyond analogy.
I entrust you all to teach others
To progress energetically without negligence or indolence.
Those who recite and uphold this samādhi sūtra
Have already beheld 100,000 Buddhas.
As for the huge dread at the final moment of life,
Those abiding in this samādhi will have no fear.
Bhikṣus who train in this way have already seen me.
They will always follow the Buddha, never far from Him.
As the Buddha’s words never change,
Bodhisattvas should always follow His teachings
To attain quickly samyak-saṁbodhi, the ocean of wisdom.
Chapter 5
The Four Groups of Disciples
Bhadrapāla asked the Buddha, “Unrivaled God of Gods, if there are those who, after abandoning loves and desires to become bhikṣus, have heard of this samādhi, how should they learn, uphold, and practice it?”
The Buddha replied, “Those who, having abandoned loves and desires and become bhikṣus, aspire to learn this samādhi should observe their precepts with purity, without any flaw even as slight as a hair. To remain pure, they should dread the suffering of hell and refrain from sycophancy.”
“What is a flaw in observing the precepts?”
The Buddha replied, “Seeking form.”
“What is meant by seeking form?”
The Buddha replied, “If a person’s motive of observing the precepts for self-restraint is to be reborn in the next life as a god or a Wheel-Turning King, such a wish for pleasures, loves, and desires is called a flaw in observing the precepts.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “Those who protect their purity, fully observe their precepts, and do not adulate others, are always praised by the wise. They should give alms and progress energetically in accordance with the sūtras. Their resolve should be strong, and they should have great faith and sympathetic joy. Those who serve their teachers as they do Buddhas will attain this samādhi quickly. Those who are disrespectful and readily deceitful to their teachers will quickly lose this samādhi, though they have been training for a long time.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “Bodhisattvas who have heard this samādhi from bhikṣus, bhikṣuṇīs, upāsakas, or upāsikās should regard them as Buddhas and respect them without intending sycophancy. Bodhisattvas should never be sycophantic but always be earnest. They should always delight in living alone. Though not begrudging even their lives, they should not hope for others to make requests of them. They should always beg for food, not accepting meal invitations. They should guard their moral integrity and be content with what they have. They should do walking meditation, not lying down to relax. Those who are learning this samādhi should abide by the teachings in the sūtras.”
Bhadrapāla said to the Buddha, “Unrivaled God of Gods, it cannot be helped that, in future times, there will be negligent and indolent Bodhisattvas who, after hearing this samādhi, will not learn it diligently. However, there will be Bodhisattvas who aspire to learn this samādhi and progress energetically, and we will teach them to follow the Dharma in this sūtra.”
The Buddha said, “Very good, Bhadrapāla, as I express my sympathetic joy,2 so too Buddhas of the past, future, and present all express their sympathetic joy.”
Then the Buddha spoke in verse:
Accept and uphold all that I say.
Always live alone and accumulate merit.
Guarding your moral integrity, do not join crowds.
Always beg for food, not accepting meal invitations.
Respect Dharma masters and regard them as Buddhas.
Avoid sleep and strengthen willpower.
Always progress energetically, without negligence or indolence.
Those who train in this way will attain this samādhi.
Bhadrapāla asked the Buddha, “If bhikṣuṇīs who seek the Bodhisattva Way aspire to learn this samādhi, what should they do?”
The Buddha replied, “Bhikṣuṇīs who seek this samādhi should not elevate themselves. They should be humble, neither self-dignifying nor self-aggrandizing. They should harbor neither jealousy nor anger, nor greed for wealth, benefits, or sense objects. They should protect their purity, even at the cost of their lives. They should always delight in the Dharma in the sūtras and learn as much as possible. They should discard greed, anger, and delusion, and they should not be greedy for fine clothing or adornments, such as necklaces of gems. Then they will be praised by the wise. They should respect beneficent teachers and regard them as Buddhas, without intending sycophancy.”
Then the Buddha spoke in verse:
If bhikṣuṇīs seek this samādhi,
They should progress energetically, never negligent or indolent.
Do not follow the mind of greed.
Remove anger and self-glorification.
Do not be arrogant, deceitful, or playful.
Always act in earnest, standing firm in the one faith.
Respect beneficent teachers and regard them as Buddhas.
Those who train in this way will attain this samādhi.
Bhadrapāla asked the Buddha, “If upāsakas who are training for bodhi have heard of this samādhi and aspire to learn it, what should they do?”
The Buddha replied, “Upāsakas who aspire to learn this samādhi should faithfully observe the five precepts. They should neither drink alcohol nor have others drink alcohol. They should not be intimate with women or advise others to be intimate with women. They should not be attached to their wives, nor to men or other women. They should not have greed for wealth. They should constantly think of renouncing family life to become śramaṇas. They should regularly observe the eight precepts in a Buddhist temple. They should always remember to give alms. Because alms are given to benefit others, after giving alms, they should not think: ‘I have gained merit.’ They should have great lovingkindness and respect for their beneficent teachers. When they see bhikṣus who observe their precepts, they should not readily talk about their faults. Having carried out these actions, they should learn to abide in this samādhi.”
Then the Buddha spoke in verse:
Upāsakas who aspire to learn this samādhi
Should observe the five precepts without breach or flaw.
They should always think of becoming śramaṇas,
Not greedy for wives, riches, or sense objects.
They should regularly observe the eight precepts in a Buddhist temple.
Neither conceited nor contemptuous of others,
Their minds do not expect glory, nor think of wants.
They should carry out the Dharma in the sūtras, without a sycophantic mind.
Abandoning stinginess and greed, they should give generous alms.
They should always respect bhikṣus and make offerings to them.
They should resolve to take the one training without being negligent or indolent.
Those who are learning this samādhi should act in this way.
Bhadrapāla asked the Buddha, “If upāsikās who have heard of this samādhi aspire to learn it, what should they do?”
The Buddha replied, “If upāsikās aspire to learn this samādhi, they should observe the five precepts and willingly take refuge in the Three Jewels. What are these three? They should take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Saṅgha, never to follow other paths. They should not make obeisance to gods, nor worship spirits. They should not select auspicious dates. They should not be playful or indulgent, or think of sensory pleasures. Subjugating the mind of greed, they should remember to give alms. Delighting in hearing the sūtras, they should remember to study hard and respect beneficent teachers. Their minds should be vigilant, never negligent or indolent. They should offer a sitting-down meal to bhikṣus or bhikṣuṇīs who pass by.”
Then the Buddha spoke in verse:
Upāsikās who aspire to learn this samādhi
Should observe the five precepts without breach or flaw.
They should serve beneficent teachers and regard them as Buddhas.
They should not worship gods, nor idolize spirits.
They should stop killing, stealing, and feeling jealous.
They should never say divisive words to incite conflict among people.
They should be neither stingy nor greedy, but always remember to give alms.
They should not publicize the evil, but always praise the good.
They should refrain from sycophancy and sexual misconduct.
They should be humble, not self-aggrandizing.
They should respectfully serve bhikṣus and bhikṣuṇīs.
Those who train in this way will attain this samādhi.
Chapter 6
Support and Protection
The eight Bodhisattvas—Bhadrapāla, Ralinnāga, Gaujata, Naradatta, Suṣama, Mahāsusaha, Indrada, and Harandha—having heard the Buddha’s words, greatly rejoiced. They offered the Buddha 500 fine cotton garments and precious gems, and joyfully served the Buddha.
The Buddha told Ānanda, “Bhadrapāla and seven others are teachers to the 500 people who are with them. They will uphold the true Dharma, and teach and transform these people accordingly. Then these people will all be joyful, and their minds will be free from desires.”
At that time these 500 people joined their palms, standing before the Buddha. Bhadrapāla asked the Buddha, “How many things should Bodhisattvas do in order to attain this samādhi quickly?”
The Buddha replied, “There are four things. First, do not believe in other paths. Second, cease love and desire. Third, carry out the pure ways. Fourth, have no greed. These are the four. Those who do them will acquire 500 benefits in their present lives. For example, bhikṣus with the mind of lovingkindness will never be killed or harmed by poison, knives or other weapons, fire, or water. Even when a kalpa is ending with the world in flames, if they fall into that fire, it will extinguish, just like a small fire put out by a massive amount of water. Whether kings, thieves, water, or fire, whether dragons, yakṣas, serpents, lions, tigers, or wolves, whether forest phantoms, hungry ghosts, orkumbhāṇḍas, those who, targeting Bodhisattvas abiding in this samādhi, desire to bewitch them, kill them, rob them of their robes and bowls, or destroy their meditation and mindfulness, will never succeed. Unless such misfortune is brought about by their past karmas, things will be as I say, not different.”
The Buddha said, “Those who uphold this samādhi will not have ailments of the eye, ear, nose, mouth, or body, nor will they have anxiety in their minds, except for misfortune in response to karmas in their past lives.”
The Buddha said, “All gods, dragons, asuras, yakṣas, garuḍas, kiṁnaras, and mahoragas, as well as humans and nonhumans, will acclaim these Bodhisattvas. They all will support, protect, and serve these Bodhisattvas, and make offering to them. As they regard these Bodhisattvas with respect and wish to see them, so too will Buddha-Bhagavāns. If there are sūtras that these Bodhisattvas did not hear or uphold before, they will obtain them because of the awesome power of this samādhi. If they do not obtain them during the day, they will receive them in a night dream.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “I can describe, for one kalpa after another, the merit of those who abide in this samādhi, but still cannot cover them all. I have only briefly mentioned a few essential ones.”
Chapter 7
Sympathetic Joy
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “Bodhisattvas can think four thoughts to kindle their sympathetic joy in order to attain this samādhi. First, past Buddhas [when they were Bodhisattvas] attained this samādhi because of their sympathetic joy, who then attained, through self-realization, anuttara-samyak-saṁbodhi, with full wisdom-knowledge. Second, innumerable present Buddhas [in worlds] in the ten directions [when they were Bodhisattvas] have attained this samādhi because of their sympathetic joy kindled by thinking these four thoughts. Third, future Buddhas [as present Bodhisattvas] will attain this samādhi because they also think these four thoughts to kindle their sympathetic joy. Fourth, I too have sympathetic joy.3”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “In regard to the four thoughts to kindle one’s sympathetic joy, I will use a few analogies. A person walks during his 100-year lifespan without rest, and he walks faster than the wind. Can you figure out the area he has covered?”
Bhadrapāla replied, “No one can calculate this. Only the Buddha’s disciple Śāriputra and Bodhisattvas at the spiritual level of avinivartanīya can figure this out.”
The Buddha said, “Therefore, as I say to Bodhisattvas, if there are good men and good women who give away, as alms, treasures that fill up the area traversed by that person, their merit is less than that from hearing this samādhi and thinking the four thoughts to kindle sympathetic joy. This merit is a billion koṭi times more than that from giving alms. Know that the merit acquired from having sympathetic joy is great.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “Far back, incalculable asaṁkhyeya kalpas ago, in a remote place lived a Buddha called Siṁhamati, the Tathāgata, Arhat, Samyak-Saṁbuddha, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher to Gods and Men, Buddha the World-Honored One. At that time the continent of Jambudvīpa was 180,000 koṭi lis in length and width. There were 6,400,000 kingdoms, prosperous and densely populated. There was a great kingdom called Bhadrakara, ruled by a Wheel-Turning King named Vaiścin. He went to that Buddha, made obeisance, and stepped back to sit on one side. That Buddha knew his intention and pronounced this samādhi sūtra to him. Having heard it, the king, with sympathetic joy, showered jewels upon that Buddha as he thought to himself: ‘I should transfer this merit to people [in worlds] in the ten directions to give them peace.’
“After Siṁhamati Buddha entered parinirvāṇa, the king Vaiścin died. He was reborn in his own family and became the crown prince called Brahmada. At that time there was a bhikṣu called Jewel, who was pronouncing this samādhi sūtra to his four groups of disciples. Brahmada heard of it, and sympathetic joy arose in him. Exuberantly he took jewels worth hundreds of koṭis of great price and showered them upon that bhikṣu, and also offered him fine clothing. Resolved to seek the Buddha Way, together with 1,000 people, Brahmada became a śramaṇa under that bhikṣu. To hear this samādhi sūtra, he and the 1,000 people served their teacher tirelessly for 8,000 years. Because of hearing this samādhi sūtra, though only once, and thinking the four thoughts that kindled his sympathetic joy, he acquired excellent knowledge. For this reason, he subsequently saw 68,000 Buddhas. From each of these Buddhas, he heard this samādhi sūtra again. Through self-realization, he has become a Buddha called Tilavida, the Samyak-Saṁbuddha, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher to Gods and Humans, Buddha the World-Honored One. Those 1,000 bhikṣus have also attained samyak-saṁbodhi, and all of them are called Tilajuṣa. They have taught innumerable people to seek Buddha bodhi.”
The Buddha asked Bhadrapāla, “After hearing this samādhi sūtra, who would not have sympathetic joy? Who would rather not learn, uphold, and recite it, and explain it to others?”
The Buddha said, “Those who abide in this samādhi will quickly attain Buddhahood. The merit acquired from only hearing it is incalculable. Much greater is the merit acquired from learning and upholding it. One should seek this samādhi teaching even if it is 100 or 1,000 lis away. How can one not seek to learn it when it is close by? Those who, having heard of this samādhi, aspire to learn and uphold it, should serve their teachers for ten years, paying visits and making offerings, which they dare not use for themselves. They should follow their teachers’ teachings and always remember their kindness.”
The Buddha said, “Therefore, I tell you this. If one travels 4,000 lis to hear this samādhi sūtra, one’s merit is incalculable even if one fails to hear it. Why? Because, with such motivation to make energetic progress, one will attain Buddhahood through self-realization.”
Chapter 8
Utmost Sincerity
The Buddha said, “In the distant past, there was a Buddha called Sacanama, the Samyak-Saṁbuddha, Unsurpassed One, Teacher to Gods and Men, Buddha the World-Honored One. At that time there lived a bhikṣu named Halan. After that Buddha entered parinirvāṇa, that bhikṣu upheld this samādhi sūtra. At that time I was a king, in the kṣatriyacaste, and I heard of this samādhi sūtra in a dream. Upon waking, I immediately went to that bhikṣu and became a śramaṇa under him. For the sake of hearing this samādhi sūtra, I served that teacher for 36,000 years. However, I was unable to hear it because time and again māra matters arose.”
The Buddha told the bhikṣus, bhikṣuṇīs, upāsakas, and upāsikās: “Hence I tell you all to learn this samādhi as soon as possible, never to lose it. You should properly serve your teacher and uphold this samādhi sūtra for one kalpa, 100 kalpas, or even 100,000 kalpas, never negligent or indolent. You should stay with a beneficent teacher and never leave him. Do not begrudge food, drink, life-supporting goods, clothing, bedding, beds, or precious jewels. If you do not have any, you should beg for food and offer it to your teacher. Work tirelessly to attain this samādhi. You should even cut off your own flesh to offer to your beneficent teacher, not to mention giving precious things. Serve your beneficent teacher, like a slave serving a great family. Those who seek this samādhi should act in this way.
“Having attained this samādhi, one should abide in it and always remember the kindness of one’s teacher. This samādhi sūtra is hard to encounter. There are those who seek for 100,000 kalpas but cannot even hear the name of this samādhi. How could anyone who has learned it not progress diligently? If there are those who give, as alms, treasures filling Buddha Lands as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, they cannot be compared with one who is learning this samādhi or one who has attained it, is progressing energetically, and is teaching it to others.”
The Buddha told Bhadrapāla, “If there are those who aspire to learn this samādhi, they need to have sympathetic joy in order to succeed. Students are enabled to learn it by virtue of Buddhas’ awesome spiritual power. They should copy this samādhi sūtra on fine fabric, consecrate the copies with the Buddha Seal, and make offerings. What is the Buddha Seal? It refers to freedom from deluded states—no greed, no quest, no perception, no attachment, no wish for rebirth, no intended life form for rebirth, no grasping, no concern, no abiding, no obstruction, no bondage, no existence, no desire, no birth, no death, no destruction, and no decay. This seal is the essence and the root of bodhi. It is beyond Arhats and Pratyekabuddhas, not to mention fools. This seal is the Buddha Seal.”
The Buddha said, “As I now pronounce this samādhi, 1,800 koṭi gods, asuras, spirits, dragons, and their retinues have entered the holy stream, becoming Srotāpannas, and 800 bhikṣus and 500 bhikṣuṇīs have become Arhats. Ten thousand Bodhisattvas have attained this samādhi, realizing that dharmas have no birth. Twelve thousand Bodhisattvas have attained the spiritual level of no regress.”
The Buddha told the bhikṣus Śāriputra and Maudgalyāyana, as well as Bhadrapāla Bodhisattva and others: “I sought bodhi for uncountable kalpas, and I now have attained Buddhahood. I uphold this sūtra and entrust it to you all. Study and recite it, uphold and guard it, and do not forget or lose it. If there are those who aspire to learn it, you should teach them completely in accordance with the Dharma. You should pronounce it fully to those who wish to hear it.”
After the Buddha pronounced this sūtra, Bhadrapāla Bodhisattva and the bhikṣus Śāriputra, Maudgalyāyana, and Ānanda, as well as gods, asuras, dragons, spirits, and their retinues, greatly rejoiced. They made obeisance to the Buddha and departed.
—Buddha Pronounces the Sūtra of the Pratyutpanna Buddha Sammukhāvasthita Samādhi
Translated from the digital Chinese Canon (T13n0417)
Notes
1. Bhadrapāla Bodhisattva, the interlocutor in this sūtra, is the first of the sixteen Upright Ones in Sūtra 25. He also appears in Sūtras 18 and 19, in which his Sanskrit name is translated by meaning as Worthy Protector. (Return to text)
2. Here, the Chinese phrase is actually “zhuqi huanxi” (助其歡喜), which means “aid them to rejoice.” This phrase is found in another version of this sūtra (T13n0418), also translated by Lokakṣema (支婁迦讖, or 支讖, 147–?). However, in the later version of this sūtra (T13n0416), translated by Jñānagupta (闍那崛多, 523–600), used instead is the phrase “suixi” (隨喜), which means “express sympathetic joy.” This is the fifth of the ten great actions taught by Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (Sūtra 21), and it appears in many other sūtras. For consistency, all cases of “aid them to rejoice” are translated as “express sympathetic joy.” (Return to text)
3. The corresponding passage in text 416, fascicle 5, chapter 15, better explains the fourth thought: “I now share the merit acquired from my sympathetic joy with all sentient beings so that we all have sympathetic joy and will acquire this samādhi, hear much of the Dharma, and attain anuttara-samyak-saṁbodhi” (T13n0416, 0894b22–24). (Return to text)
photo credit: Brother Chou of Bodhi Monastery
paranoia and fear, complete with racist 
understanding and acceptance of this principal of kamma and its fruit is an essential component of right view. Right view has two aspects, the world-bound or mundane aspect, which pertains to life within the world, and the supramundane or world-transcending aspect which pertains to the path to liberation. The world-transcending right view includes an understanding of the Four Noble Truths, dependent origination, and the three marks of impermanence, suffering and nonself. For Early Buddhism this world-transcending right view cannot be taken up in isolation from mundane right view. Rather, it presupposes and depends upon the sound support of mundane right view, which means a firm conviction in the validity of the law of kamma and its unfolding through the process of rebirths. “
we find that we are better able to open our hearts. The ancient practice of Noble Silence helps us begin the process of hearing in a new way; this is a timeless and wise practice that helps us be more sensitive and perceptive.” -Lama Surya Das
01 楊柳觀音. 大悲楊柳觀世音 哀愍淪溺拔苦疾普入諸趣恆示現 令脫流轉超出塵右手持楊柳枝，以楊柳枝替人消弭病災，誓言拔濟眾生病苦，故亦稱「藥王觀音」，為三十三觀音菩薩的首尊.1. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin who holds a willow branch. (This image represents Kuan Yin’s ability to dispel illness with her healing powers. It teaches us of healing and compassion gained through inner flexibility and non-judgment.) Wo Xiang Yang Liu Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG YANG LEE-OH GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
02 龍頭觀音 聖德龍頭觀世音 照現光華澤物種開眾蒙悋啟慧光 普願有情悟覺明乘雲中之龍，以龍譬喻觀音之威德，是三十三身觀音中的天、龍身。2. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Dragon-Head Kuan Yin. (This image speaks of Kuan Yin’s unlimited powers to free us from lack and unnecessary suffering. It also teaches us how abundance and good fortune can be gained through gratitude.) Wo Xiang Long Tou Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG LOHNG TOE GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
03持經觀音聲聞持經觀世音 覺照內明光嚴飾最勝境界微妙智 不循根塵歸元真坐於岩石上，右手持經卷，是三十三身觀音中的聲聞身. 3. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin who holds the sutras. (This image represents the deeper insights of spiritual teachings. It teaches understanding of both the impermanence and eternity of this world and practical application of true spiritual wisdom.) Wo Xiang Chi Jing Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG TCHE JING GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
04 圓光觀音. 無垢圓光觀世音 性淨明露常寂光能伏眾生災風火 普明圓照遍十方. 身放光明，合掌而坐。「圓光」表觀世音菩薩的福德圓滿無缺。4. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of complete light. (This image speaks of light dispelling all perceived darkness and misfortune. It teaches us to increase the light in our chakras and how intense fire can purge our lives and consciousness.) Wo Xiang Yuan Guang Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG YU-EN GWANG GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
05 遊戲觀音. 神通遊戲觀世音 自在幻化徧知海 千手千眼救倒懸 三十二應普現身 安坐雲端之上，表觀世音菩薩的教化圓通無礙，不拘時處，示現遊戲自在 5. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of enjoyment. (This image of the playful, lighthearted KuanYin speaks of her assistance of those on the path of enlightenment. It teaches us to be compassionate toward both our shortcomings and victories.) Wo Xiang You Xi Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG YO SHIH GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
06白衣觀音. 大慈白衣觀世音 隨緣赴感應群機 三昧辯才善誘誨 妙德圓成證菩提 身穿白衣，左手持蓮花，右手作與願印。 白色意指純淨，象徵菩提心，表示觀音胸懷菩提之心， 是三十三身觀音中的比丘、比丘尼身.6. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before White-Robed Kuan Yin. (This image represents the virtuous Kuan Yin, a perfect embodiment of purity. It teaches us fearlessness and helps us to see each other as Kuan Yin sees us.) Wo Xiang Bai Yi Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG BUY YEE GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
07 臥蓮觀音 合掌蓮臥觀世音 寂湛生光寶華開 悟心無際性常凝 圓明清淨大覺海 合掌坐在池中蓮花之上， 是三十三身觀音中的小王身。7. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin who sits on a lotus leaf. (This image shows Kuan Yin as having complete dominion over any perceived darkness. It teaches us what is real and what is not and how to rise above all suffering.) Wo Xiang Lian Wo Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG LEE-EN WHAO GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
08 瀧見觀音 莊嚴瀧見觀世音 妙香芬馥悅意常 般若真智施無畏 進趣真淨妙吉祥 倚於山崖，眺望瀑布。《普門品》云：「假使興害意，推落大火坑， 念彼觀音力，火坑變成池。」為其由來。8. In humble adoration, I bow and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin who views waterfalls. (This image protects us against fires and intense emotions. It teaches us to stay calm, not react to energies flung our way and to stay focused on the desired outcome.) Wo Xiang Long Jian Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG LOHNG JEN GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
09 施藥觀音 寂靜施藥觀世音 尋聲救苦難思議 諦觀圓照三千界 楊枝淨水洗凡塵 坐於池邊，右手托頰，倚於膝上，凝視著面前的蓮花。 施藥觀音因能施予良藥，除治眾生身心病苦而得名。9. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin who gives medicine. (This image helps to dispel disease and all other difficult circumstances. It teaches us about compassion and how to be free from anger.) Wo Xiang Shi Yao Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG SHUH YAO GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
10 魚籃觀音. 除障魚籃觀世音 慈無能勝演圓音 精真洞然眾業海 六道群迷蒙慈恩 乘於大魚背上，或一手提盛有大魚之籃。 表示排除羅剎、毒龍、惡鬼等障礙。 10. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of the fish basket. (This image speaks of saving lives and souls. It teaches us to be kind to all forms of life and when to sacrifice for the benefit of others.) Wo Xiang Yu Lan Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG YU LAHN GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
11德王觀音赴感德王觀世音 性淨妙常香光嚴慧啟群萌觀自在 梵王身相應現來趺坐於岩上，右手持綠葉一枝。是三十三身觀音中的梵王身。梵王為色界之王，因德性高超故名「德王」11. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin as King of Merit. (This image is about accomplishments and a sense of spiritual worthiness. It teaches us of true virtues and how to become a person of integrity and spiritual refinement.) Wo Xiang De Wang Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG DUH WAHNG GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
12 水月觀音吉祥水月觀世音 寶光常寂照三途解結怨瞋八難苦 周徧寂湛大悲母月下乘蓮瓣，飄蕩海面觀看映照水上之月。是三十三身觀音中的辟支佛身。12. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of moon and water. (This image speaks of cause and effect. It teaches us about reality, unreality and how our outer life is a reflection of some aspect of our own consciousness.) Wo Xiang Shui Yue Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG SHUE YEH GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
13 一葉觀音. 乘蓮一葉觀世音 解縈眾生煩惱結 法音常轉廣長舌 定慧等持契果覺13. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before One-Leaf Kuan Yin. (Floating upon a single leaf, Kuan Yin protects us from perishing in the astral sea. It teaches us to remain centered and how to master our subconscious energies.) Wo Xiang Yi Ye Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG YEE YEH GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
14青頸觀音 勇健青頸觀世音 大悲示現威猛相 晦闇長夜為燈燭 苦海波翻作舟航 坐於斷崖上，右膝立起，右手置於膝上， 左手扶著岩壁，旁置一有柳枝之瓶， 是三十三身觀音中的佛身。14. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Blue-Throat Kuan Yin. (This image protects us from various poisons. It teaches us to be mindful of our speech and to always be in a vibration of loving-kindness.) Wo Xiang Qing Jing Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG CHIN JING GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
15 威德觀音 攝眾威德觀世音 摧破邪妖鎮魍魎 天大將軍度滄海 普門示現降吉祥 岩上觀水，左手持蓮花，右手著地。 是三十三身觀音中的天大將軍身。15. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of power and virtue. (This image protects us from perceived oppressive authorities. It teaches us to focus our energies on expanding the good and pouring creative light into our goals.) Wo Xiang Wei De Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG WAY DUH GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
16 延命觀音 息災延命觀世音 滅諸咒詛毒怨害 懸示留礙輪迴種 紫金光照覺滄海 倚水邊岩上，悠然觀賞景物。 此尊能消除咒詛及毒藥，令眾生延命長壽故稱「延命」。 乘一葉蓮瓣浮於水面漂行。 是三十三身觀音中的宰官身。16. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin who extends life. (This image protects us from the fear of curses and poisons. It teaches us that light is our protection and that, by the law of attraction, harm always returns to its source.) Wo Xiang Yan Ming Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG YEN MING GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
17 眾寶觀音 妙嚴眾寶觀世音 般若光宣示真際 寂靜明心覺觀照 長者身相度群迷 坐在地上，右手向地，左手放在彎起的膝上， 是三十三身觀音中的長者身.17. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of various treasures. (This image offers spiritual seekers inner fortification and protection. It teaches us to seek help when we have gone off course and that one person’s prayer can make a difference for the many.)Wo Xiang Zhong Bao Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG DJUHNG BAO GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
18 岩戶觀音 寂然岩戶觀世音 淨眼普觀周沙界 息滅三毒貪愛苦 蚖蛇蝮蝎出窟穴 端坐於岩窟內。 《普門品》云：「蚖蛇及蝮蠍，氣毒煙火燃，念彼觀音力，尋聲自迴去。」 因這些毒蟲多盤踞洞穴內，為免其出洞危害眾生，觀音因此坐鎮岩窟中保護眾生。18. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of the rock cave. (This image offers protection from negative vibrations and negative perceptions. It teaches us how to properly care for our bodies and to guard the gate of consciousness.) Wo Xiang Yan Hu Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG YEN WHO GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
19 能靜觀音 安穩能靜觀世音 開示法藏戒定慧 三無漏學善護念 悲智雙運登覺岸 坐水邊岩上，雙手安置石上作靜寂相。 能靜觀音因能救護遭難者，使得平靜安穩而得名，為海路守護神。19. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin who calms. (This image helps us to be centered. It teaches us how to overcome anger and ignorance and not to be moved by any appearance or experience.) Wo Xiang Neng Jing Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG NUNG JING GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
20 阿耨觀音. 觀海阿耨觀世音 妙善圓明不思議 銷塵龍魚諸鬼難 度脫有情出淪溺立右膝坐於岩上，雙手抱膝觀望大海。20. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Anu Kuan Yin. (This image represents the sacred mountain lake Anu. The rivers flowing from the lake pour out heavenly blessings in every direction. It teaches us about the path of the Bodhisattva and bids us to spread the message of Kuan Yin’s transmuting powers of mercy and compassion to the world.) Wo Xiang Anu Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG AH-NOO GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
21阿摩提觀音 無畏觀音阿摩提 毘沙門天威神力 顧盼微塵目雄毅 智慧照見離苦際 雙手置膝上，遍身有光焰坐在岩上， 是三十三身觀音中的毘沙門身。21. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of fearlessness. (This image bestows fearlessness when in challenging circumstances. It teaches us to be filled with love and guard against judging reality by what is perceived through the five senses.) Wo Xiang A Mo Ti Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG AH-MO-TEE GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
22葉衣觀音 圓明葉衣觀世音 三千威儀妙慈容 神光內凝覺真澄 心光發宣帝釋身 坐於敷草的岩上，是三十三身觀音中的帝釋身22. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Leaves-Robe Kuan Yin. (This image protects against disease and ensures longevity. It teaches us how to work with the forces of nature and to gain wisdom through observing the manifestations of cosmic law.) Wo Xiang Ye Yi Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG YEH YEE GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
23 琉璃觀音. 淨妙琉璃觀世音 旋湛清瑩熙怡相 息諸災厄成虛淨 銷滅三毒證菩提 觀音雙手捧琉璃香爐（或缽），乘蓮瓣浮於水面， 是三十三身觀音中的自在天身。23. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Vaidurya Kuan Yin. (This image is for healing. It teaches us to use lapis lazuli for healing and to bless and pray for all suffering life.) Wo Xiang Liu Li Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG LEE-OH LEE GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
24 多羅觀音 救苦多羅觀世音 與樂拔苦現剎塵 甘露徧灑十方界 遍應六趣普現身 直立乘雲，合掌，手持青蓮花。 梵名「多羅」亦為救度，故又名「救度母觀音」。 《普門品》云：「或值怨賊繞，各執刀加害， 念彼觀音力，咸即起慈心。」為此尊由來。24. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Tara Kuan Yin. (This image is of the Mother of Salvation. It teaches us about the feminine aspect of God and how to always view others with healing compassion.) Wo Xiang Duo Luo Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG DOH LOE GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
25 蛤蜊觀音 啟悟蛤蜊觀世音 慈誨愛語殷玄示 無礙神變覺有情 歷劫熏修應微塵 自蛤蜊貝殼中示現，是三十三身觀音中的菩薩身 25. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of the clam. (This image protects us from perceived harm. It teaches us how to overcome certain states of consciousness and how to open closed, unmoving hearts and situations.) Wo Xiang Ge Li Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG GUH LEE GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
26 六時觀音. 淨光六時觀世音 晝夜開敷慈音揚 普願輪迴諸眾生 咸令安樂超出相 右手持梵篋的立像，此篋是六字章句陀羅尼， 誦之得脫六道苦果得六妙門，證六根相應。 為三十三身觀音中的居士身。 26. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of six hours. (This image reminds us of Kuan Yin’s omnipresence and omniscience. It teaches us mastery over time and about being present in the Now.)Wo Xiang Liu Shi Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG LEE-OH SHIH GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
27 普悲觀音. 寶光普悲觀世音 妙相慈顏淨端嚴 圓明照徹三有海 大自在天聖威神 雙手披衣，立於山嶽之上。 「普慈」意即普遍施給眾生慈悲。 是三十三身觀音中的大自在天身。27. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of universal compassion. (This image brings promises of an end to all suffering. It teaches us about compassion as the nexus between heaven and earth, and how to attain enlightenment by actively practicing compassion.) Wo Xiang Pu Bei Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG POO BAY GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
28 馬郎觀音. 善德觀音馬郎婦 寂妙湛然淨明露 夢幻泡影示出離 光照癡闇煩惱除 民間婦女形象。 即在「魚籃觀音」故事中化身為少女嫁給馬郎的觀音。 是三十三身觀音中的婦女身。28. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin, called the wife of Ma-Lang. (This image bids us to demonstrate the path to higher consciousness. It teaches discernment of spirits and prepares us to share our insights with others.) Wo Xiang Ma Lang Fu Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG MA LANG FOO GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
29 合掌觀音. 禮敬合掌觀世音 耳根圓通法門開 清淨寶覺徧含容 普令解脫越苦海 合掌立於蓮華臺上，乃三十三身觀音中的婆羅門身。29. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of prayer. (This image represents dedication of one’s life to a spiritual path. It teaches us about devotion and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.) Wo Xiang He Zhang Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG HERH JAHNG GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
30 一如觀音. 法性一如觀世音 大悲如海性圓澄 慈音無遮開沉惑 直趣覺海不二門 觀音坐在雲中蓮華座上立左膝，現征伏雷電之姿， 為《普門品》云：「雲雷鼓掣電，降雹澍大雨， 念彼觀音力，應時得消散。」之表徵。30. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of oneness. (This image represents harmony. It teaches us to rise above the vibrations of this world and to remain centered when experiencing the appearance of negative energy.) Wo Xiang Yi Ru Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG YEE ROO GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
31 不二觀音 圓融不二觀世音 普救眾生施無畏 金剛教化覺岸回 無上妙淨蓮池會 兩手低垂，乘一片蓮葉浮於水面， 是三十三身觀音中的執金剛神身。31. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin of non-duality. (This image promises protection from perceived negative energies. It teaches us how to suspend judgment and conquer our belief in any internal or external division.) Wo Xiang Bu Er Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG BOO-AHR GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
32 持蓮觀音. 妙哉持蓮觀世音 缽頭摩華淨妙香 十四無畏功德藏 六道眾生同悲仰 雙手執持一莖蓮華，是三十三身觀音中的童男童女身。32. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin holding a lotus. (This image represents the vow of the bodhisattva. It teaches us to correctly perceive the requirement of the hour and how to consciously work with the energies of our chakras.) Wo Xiang Chi Lian Hua Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG TCHE LEE-EN HWA GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
33 灑水觀音. 清淨灑水觀世音 妙湛慈母化閻浮 如海印現悉平等 普濟含識出三途 又名滴水觀音，左手持缽，右手執楊枝作灑水狀。33. In humble adoration, I kneel and touch my forehead to the ground before Kuan Yin who sprinkles pure water. (This image represents the many blessings of Kuan Yin. It teaches us about the healing, transforming powers of forgiveness, mercy and compassion.) Wo Xiang Sa Shui Guan Yin Kou Tou (WHA CHIANG SAH SHUE GWAN YIN KOE TOE) (3x) OM
This is what is meant by “always being disturbed by the Truth.” As we view the imperfections of our actions, we are allowed to see with the eyes of the Buddha: “That which understands error is not itself in error” So one of the merits of our training is to be aware of the places where we need to purify our heart, and if we view this with the eyes of compassion, we will also see that what we have done in the past was the best that we could have done for that time. And now in the present moment, we may be able to do a bit better by acting with greater compassion, love and wisdom.”
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